tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91526359821845953892024-03-18T21:29:38.740-07:00Captivating WomanDianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-8065345766155136032011-05-30T15:33:00.000-07:002011-05-30T15:33:49.139-07:00Trillium<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeohYtpA5gr6VO3A3Zk2YOULYGHcvEXf9AEikmgJs1pejpjWS3qkWSn5TSuMHC7DvQNBhSAIZx94zzbeiuGEtfv-qTw9PygvkSifCbZJEjgVunqgceWz_b6nP8ivvqq9VO7LSpWxOKy74/s1600/IMG_0314-ed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeohYtpA5gr6VO3A3Zk2YOULYGHcvEXf9AEikmgJs1pejpjWS3qkWSn5TSuMHC7DvQNBhSAIZx94zzbeiuGEtfv-qTw9PygvkSifCbZJEjgVunqgceWz_b6nP8ivvqq9VO7LSpWxOKy74/s320/IMG_0314-ed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-83357230617076098702010-08-07T11:17:00.000-07:002010-08-07T11:19:28.286-07:00Called to Question - by Joan Chittister<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJqylPY6qX4p6xRl57Y4eCZiGvIfyJicE_8uJ5BF8jCcAi6aRwZJyAWcqetYKsdjTNLkJmT4ad-5XcqsLgsf-1zkODnXwtLkVRp0MVEPZvTyUvvZijTCPiUchyphenhyphenb0wl7WuELrAGsIQXyg/s1600/bridge-ed-IMG_0192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJqylPY6qX4p6xRl57Y4eCZiGvIfyJicE_8uJ5BF8jCcAi6aRwZJyAWcqetYKsdjTNLkJmT4ad-5XcqsLgsf-1zkODnXwtLkVRp0MVEPZvTyUvvZijTCPiUchyphenhyphenb0wl7WuELrAGsIQXyg/s400/bridge-ed-IMG_0192.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">Let me recommend Joan Chittister's book, </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;">"<b>Called to Question</b>." </div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Here is an excerpt: </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">"It's possible, of course, to wend our way through life superficially, questioning nothing and calling it faith. Or we can choose to look ourselves in the center of our souls, admit the worst, whatever the pain of that, and pursue the best, even when we are totally unsure where that pursuit will take us. This book is an attempt to be true to the struggle to create for ourselves a spirituality that comes out of both the essentials and the uncertainties of life rather than the pieties."</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo taken 07-2010, Canon Xsi 1.4 lens)</span> </span></div></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-51366496539290307532010-07-29T08:47:00.000-07:002010-07-29T08:47:24.505-07:00Silence and Words<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">I have been receiving emails from "<b>The Center for Action and Contemplation</b>" for a number of months. On a daily basis they send a short, thought provoking message (usually no more than a couple of small paragraphs) from the writings of Richard Rohr. Whether I agree with everything he says or not, I am still prodded to think again about the things I believe. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Today's meditation was on the relationship between silence and words. I was struck with these words:</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b>" Silence and words are related. Words that don’t come out of silence probably don’t say much. They probably are more an unloading than a communicating....If I had to advise one thing for spiritual growth, it would be silence."</b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">It is so true. Many times I have found myself "unloading" words instead of really "communicating" something meaningful, birthed from time spent in silence. </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Enough said.... </div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">If you would like to subscribe to Rohr's daily emails, this link will take you there: </span></div><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103582737593&s=26000&e=0013mq4bVIemEBzGvffN8aUTHxI2zFrYrUyzB6MuAuvCSK-1zDDUjwRJfFJZC4V-0geOZd3xRDN47YG9eCfDwakfenQ7EeKcDXVWYn31FonGIxHOPfZmua9qPE6ReXbn_ZXUo6KHcX7acspGB8tLCBTODZ_wsELFDae" target="_blank">Subscribe to CAC email lists</a>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-81948160945911335412010-07-19T21:03:00.000-07:002010-07-19T21:03:27.088-07:00Elizabeth Francis Caldwell<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEK67kxfU1VQgwn2-oEvVuXC00auQfcaIpDVvkt9LQShASD9MGgQwnR70H_tlVchyKUpcGqt3mgzG7hpAmR2s3DaRwtBM_IHVXwPAC5vmXNS8GnBQ_euHdYFEhjVakXWUP22ugDGzZuM/s1600/new-growth-edit-IMG_0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKEK67kxfU1VQgwn2-oEvVuXC00auQfcaIpDVvkt9LQShASD9MGgQwnR70H_tlVchyKUpcGqt3mgzG7hpAmR2s3DaRwtBM_IHVXwPAC5vmXNS8GnBQ_euHdYFEhjVakXWUP22ugDGzZuM/s400/new-growth-edit-IMG_0011.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Canon Rebel Xsi, 250mm lens - 07/15/2010)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"In the intensity, </span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">diversity and rapid pace of our daily lives, </span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">we must remember to reconnect </span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">the holy and sacred </span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">with the daily and the ordinary." </span></em></strong></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia;">~ Elizabeth Francis Caldwell</span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-3938347425300606442010-06-10T19:58:00.000-07:002010-06-10T19:59:42.293-07:00~ Wonder ~<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRuViPbHJ41hjzVjgQffCVpUPvD3OZzhailMw7gk2e5_GsJC6KoxMENWSjqb8kiI-cxYUPNkto4Zt7J3EBV0polG9dEqnxjN624YlQSb0SeQPtV0UNsGeYilu4t_RAJT4NQvfPdzCwuI/s1600/Leaves-IMG_0165-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbRuViPbHJ41hjzVjgQffCVpUPvD3OZzhailMw7gk2e5_GsJC6KoxMENWSjqb8kiI-cxYUPNkto4Zt7J3EBV0polG9dEqnxjN624YlQSb0SeQPtV0UNsGeYilu4t_RAJT4NQvfPdzCwuI/s400/Leaves-IMG_0165-b.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>The wonder </em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>is that we can see these trees </em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>and not wonder more</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Canon Rebel Xsi, 250mm lens, cropped 06-05-2010)</span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-87030488608842844092010-06-09T19:36:00.000-07:002010-06-09T19:36:13.926-07:00The Individual<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp-eUTz2YZPa-4Y7PLlBYt223YUvB0nzYi8nfllqYCcVlvr57xKcJwIa8enUYta689XD_jJzCvtF6cxSjxFO39LFz1PUxEQqRulqiUtQeGfcj0udgAx3rclIwZ-j3NpwV2E4A5igwArs/s1600/edit---IMG_0141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZp-eUTz2YZPa-4Y7PLlBYt223YUvB0nzYi8nfllqYCcVlvr57xKcJwIa8enUYta689XD_jJzCvtF6cxSjxFO39LFz1PUxEQqRulqiUtQeGfcj0udgAx3rclIwZ-j3NpwV2E4A5igwArs/s400/edit---IMG_0141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The majority of flowers in this photo are bright orange California Poppies. They are all facing the same direction. There is one Shirley Poppy, and ironically, it is not only a different color, but it is facing the opposite direction! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Does that say anything to you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Canon Rebel Xsi, 250mm lens, cropped - 06-03-2010)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-63233254990921746762010-06-08T18:55:00.000-07:002010-06-08T18:55:48.764-07:00Guidance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqGUIA543BdQhp31DVA9hrW1DEODP9RDJtFk182pX82tL0qQOCKUKBFS_gc6r0tLQtCs6nFxLQ7q7GjLPRRk3EyQ1qMsknA5g5rcKUeE1HlmepObdDGsQgFpBtXfJqW0z3-QxmhRCuj0/s1600/edit-IMG_2762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" qu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqGUIA543BdQhp31DVA9hrW1DEODP9RDJtFk182pX82tL0qQOCKUKBFS_gc6r0tLQtCs6nFxLQ7q7GjLPRRk3EyQ1qMsknA5g5rcKUeE1HlmepObdDGsQgFpBtXfJqW0z3-QxmhRCuj0/s400/edit-IMG_2762.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Howbeit when he, </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>Spirit of truth, </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>is come, </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>he shall guide you </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>into all truth</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>John 16:13</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Savior, </span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">l</span></em><em><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">ike a shepherd lead us...</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Canon Rebel Xsi, 18-55mm lens, +4 close-up: cropped)</span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-77882818448574098432010-06-06T14:36:00.000-07:002010-06-06T14:37:21.278-07:00Congratulations!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg5gg2A1HuF6rDrBLv5SAhnbSdaDcxlkdxP6Gx3tQACl6vhXeSPkAIyviIoDHx-kl3VTOQ9hI-QjTY9PQHRzSPL7u7Dc5EqNn9plEi3oxUGcAAK7OHuiDkNYEfOOtk9fPn_kR24YozK8/s1600/Charisa-and-David-6-6-2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg5gg2A1HuF6rDrBLv5SAhnbSdaDcxlkdxP6Gx3tQACl6vhXeSPkAIyviIoDHx-kl3VTOQ9hI-QjTY9PQHRzSPL7u7Dc5EqNn9plEi3oxUGcAAK7OHuiDkNYEfOOtk9fPn_kR24YozK8/s400/Charisa-and-David-6-6-2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>David and Charisa</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>just completed their first </em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>10K marathon! </em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>Finish time - 1hour 12 min.</em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><em>Congratulations! ! !</em></span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-76408247159871524602010-06-05T20:37:00.000-07:002010-06-05T20:41:48.529-07:00Abuse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdkJiObw_DwZ-g87bDL10NHyd5_ptMB6Y7e_Ipn0HKdA_2FsECz1rIJiMMVfqz5EVD8niHyWsVwLioOHWgoTTkvlUe72mi5l46ZmBWjJRT3vJ7C94cHlYreVkg1aJLld0xidCO8ByVn8/s1600/Wild+Rose+IMG_0128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFdkJiObw_DwZ-g87bDL10NHyd5_ptMB6Y7e_Ipn0HKdA_2FsECz1rIJiMMVfqz5EVD8niHyWsVwLioOHWgoTTkvlUe72mi5l46ZmBWjJRT3vJ7C94cHlYreVkg1aJLld0xidCO8ByVn8/s400/Wild+Rose+IMG_0128.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;">In the past, I've written about abuse. In this day and age, it is prevalent. On the site called, "<b>The Safe Place</b>," I found a list describing behavior associated with verbal and emotional abuse. Though the site is geared toward helping youth, wrong and hurtful behavior is no different for adults. If you or anyone you know is experiencing this behavior in a relationship, it is not OK. Nobody needs to remain in a relationship where they are the recipient of this kind of violence.</div><div class="im" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><div>Following the list, I've written a letter to "my abuser." Abusers just don't "go away." They are tenacious because they are certain they are right. Sadly, the more right they think they are, the more mistaken, foolish and dangerous they become. </div><div>For more information about abuse, you can visit "The Safe Place" at <a href="http://www.thesafespace.org/the-basics/relationships-101/types-of-abuse/" target="_blank">http://www.thesafespace.org/<wbr></wbr>the-basics/relationships-101/<wbr></wbr>types-of-abuse/<br />
</a></div><div><b>Verbal/Emotional Abuse</b> is anything that the abuser says or does that causes you to be afraid, lowers your self-esteem, or manipulates or controls your feelings or behavior. It includes:</div><ul><li>Name-calling and put-downs</li>
<li>Yelling and screaming</li>
<li>Intentionally embarrassing you in front of other people</li>
<li>Keeping you from seeing or talking with friends and family</li>
<li>Telling you what to do</li>
<li>Using online communities or cell phones to control, intimidate, or humiliate you</li>
<li>Making you feel responsible for the abuse</li>
<li>Stalking</li>
<li>Threatening to commit suicide in order to manipulate you</li>
<li>Threats of violence and harm to you or people you care about</li>
<li>Threats to expose your secrets (such as sexual orientation or immigration status), start rumors, or to take away your children <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>To my abuser,<br />
<br />
I am at a time in my life when I have had to reconsider just about everything and everyone that I allow to touch my life. I have made mistakes in relationships over the years for which I take responsibility. I have given more of myself, at times in the past, than I should have. <br />
<br />
Because I haven't always known how to handle abuse, I've enabled it. I've given, forgiven, and hoped beyond the point of what is reasonable, only to be disappointed, over and over again. Humanly speaking, I feel empty of anything more to give to anyone - especially in a one-sided relationship that only wants to hurt and take. I've felt empty for a very long time. </div><br />
The trust I thought I could place in you has been hammered to nothing by your self-centeredness, your vain assumptions, your lectures, your verbal lashings, your empty promises and your immaturity. Abuse is more than broken bones or bleeding, and anyone who has any self respect will get themselves out of abusive relationships and on to healthier ones in the future. This is the course I am on.<br />
<br />
You wonder how you've abused me? I ask, "Where were you when I needed a friend? Where was the help, the consideration, the understanding, I expected and needed? Why did you treat me carelessly and viciously, and then, accuse me of wronging you? Why do you promise me your "love" forever, and then hurt me, harass me, stalk me, try to beat me down, and lie to me? Why do you make promises to repay money and then never do it? Why do you thank me for all I did for you, and then spin around in the next moment and accuse me of making your life a mess?"<br />
<br />
You live in your pious airs with no knowledge of what life is really like for me. In your judgment you curse my present, my future, my family and my friends. In your bitterness you hurl Bible verses at me, and you come to conclusions, which are so far from reality. You assume to know what I think or what I will choose and why. You question everything I do with suspicion. You conjure up foul scenarios because of your jealousy and repeat them over and over again.<br />
<br />
When I seem to be doing "well," you take the credit for having prayed for me. When I don't live as you think I should, you condemn me and make accusations that have little or no legitimate basis. That's the way it's always been.<br />
<br />
You built an image of me in your own mind of who you wanted me to be. You've also destroyed that image and blamed that destruction on me. Your manipulation and control would keep me in a box of your own making. In your eyes I am only free when I do what you think is right. There is no room for me to change and try new things in life like everybody else. There is no place in this relationship for me to be me. <br />
<br />
You wonder why I can't forgive you and then things be as you want them to be. I have forgiven you, but there comes a time, when the bruises and lacerations - especially the mental and emotional ones - don't heal because of the constant battering. I have removed myself from the place of abuse and I'm not going back.<br />
<br />
My hope is in God, my Savior, who alone is the Friend of Sinners. You are not my judge in this world or the next. If I am as bad as you make me out to be, then leave me alone. If you have any self respect, get some help for the abusive behavior you demonstrate and stop making promises to me that are filled with hidden daggers. They have no value to me. Nothing you communicate to me entices or persuades me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="im"> <br />
<div class="im"><br />
</div></div></li>
</ul></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-50010619821487607912010-06-03T20:42:00.000-07:002010-06-03T20:44:42.610-07:00Peace in the Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXpNCM5WEAI3dwnzgWKWO7vWLWcquc7srHIDYgYFz_gTGKd0jkLE8Kb9RksgcZw4YBIr8opw8XLX6jCdBFsIkaDR6XpeeAt2Gn0nYOiQMdsGlQQmMkjek2ZSmHLUKLzesCThs9NFjaYQ/s1600/edit---IMG_0295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXpNCM5WEAI3dwnzgWKWO7vWLWcquc7srHIDYgYFz_gTGKd0jkLE8Kb9RksgcZw4YBIr8opw8XLX6jCdBFsIkaDR6XpeeAt2Gn0nYOiQMdsGlQQmMkjek2ZSmHLUKLzesCThs9NFjaYQ/s400/edit---IMG_0295.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>When peace like a river, attendeth my way,</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em> When sorrows like sea billows roll;</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>It is well, it is well, with my soul.</em></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>It is well </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>It is well</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>With my soul</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>With my soul</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>It is well, it is well, </em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>with my soul.</em></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">by: Horatio Spafford</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Canon Rebel Xsi, 250mm lens, cropped, 06-03-2010)</span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-20026566960175335602010-06-02T20:21:00.000-07:002010-06-02T20:21:21.423-07:00Light and Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny7y1rrEESmt3RHayy1jqpc74AiHOE5pV7T7YEA431PVTrNTiZgDVLNmnzQnl1N4_VVg-5u0fx-NveWb7-9WqDdzGgwRpMKygXFlCQDSqBKmUxXyda8Hu7J1Hv67-7x994HhwuX9uOiI/s1600/edit-IMG_2136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny7y1rrEESmt3RHayy1jqpc74AiHOE5pV7T7YEA431PVTrNTiZgDVLNmnzQnl1N4_VVg-5u0fx-NveWb7-9WqDdzGgwRpMKygXFlCQDSqBKmUxXyda8Hu7J1Hv67-7x994HhwuX9uOiI/s400/edit-IMG_2136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Canon Rebel Xsi - 05-09-2010)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lord, help me see Your light,</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">even when </span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">the multitude of details</span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">in this life </span></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana;">threaten to obscure the path. </span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-10795593854918840512010-06-01T13:02:00.000-07:002010-06-01T13:02:17.915-07:00Raindrops on Daisies<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Just before sunset...</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3ojWG9ZQWEk44Quqs3qTWm_Ury2L4zOsWHjYKQsiVCym10bIV15n_fx5tOqOuPvq96ixtHubdAS8eH-JushcmsnYFUFgBvFO-grfkp-hYByZzIshzj3MwhMvw6lUlH0SgemB4_Jds38/s1600/edit-IMG_0029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3ojWG9ZQWEk44Quqs3qTWm_Ury2L4zOsWHjYKQsiVCym10bIV15n_fx5tOqOuPvq96ixtHubdAS8eH-JushcmsnYFUFgBvFO-grfkp-hYByZzIshzj3MwhMvw6lUlH0SgemB4_Jds38/s400/edit-IMG_0029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">...it was still raining...</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBtxVpEzn3HrZkRCGedsEjNqw5tKFiKmFCsvV24dKVBk00Ha04OjtPb2-AFQ0e0C1Pplvbxpc0Q6zND6N2I1IHMu30QycvHPMFAYWx4pSelQq2vyxygENKf4lP-vnn-nMc8raU0LBxjI/s1600/edit-IMG_0020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBtxVpEzn3HrZkRCGedsEjNqw5tKFiKmFCsvV24dKVBk00Ha04OjtPb2-AFQ0e0C1Pplvbxpc0Q6zND6N2I1IHMu30QycvHPMFAYWx4pSelQq2vyxygENKf4lP-vnn-nMc8raU0LBxjI/s400/edit-IMG_0020.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">...unbelievable beauty...</span></span></span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-11665880168466885442010-05-31T17:27:00.000-07:002010-05-31T17:27:33.395-07:00God Provides<div align="center"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"They all depend on You </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>to give them their food</em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>as they need it." </em></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Psalm 104:27</span></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtUaVdL5dM-x-Mr2BkXyKqup5OVglV7fEHV8WJKNNaIeu7ynKCu_fgPsEO97uWpAZ5hVrNcDHSeNimmDEx8fDzZ-wMA5YpVK15eNzj-m2mx4qKvwbqy5uomcdJK_w4X6NFVIa7JngAZQ/s1600/edit-IMG_2710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtUaVdL5dM-x-Mr2BkXyKqup5OVglV7fEHV8WJKNNaIeu7ynKCu_fgPsEO97uWpAZ5hVrNcDHSeNimmDEx8fDzZ-wMA5YpVK15eNzj-m2mx4qKvwbqy5uomcdJK_w4X6NFVIa7JngAZQ/s400/edit-IMG_2710.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Canon Rebel Xsi; 250mm lens, +4 close-up, cropped)</span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-59345067278351540182010-05-21T22:08:00.000-07:002010-05-21T22:25:43.310-07:00Accepting the Storms and Expecting the Sun<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyCSjcLko2TC2J_whI09BaimxTFsmv84rjRXtrXeCEpTXSREv5l5aZlJIi1tba8x8NgpUIt5vfJDpaMrk4jHSPlIWa_6nmpQQ2KjBLD7UQ4OHzAWNYzoE68Oo6oWTxrgXqimXt_rnkyc/s1600/edit-IMG_2388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyCSjcLko2TC2J_whI09BaimxTFsmv84rjRXtrXeCEpTXSREv5l5aZlJIi1tba8x8NgpUIt5vfJDpaMrk4jHSPlIWa_6nmpQQ2KjBLD7UQ4OHzAWNYzoE68Oo6oWTxrgXqimXt_rnkyc/s400/edit-IMG_2388.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">The sunsets after rain are extraordinary. This evening, I am sure it must have resembled heaven. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa8WlN4S30CZn7kecNTXAnIxx_ptWQsHurCt26LRFMssHi5VxlrdiNDvDUqcwk7mykpK2nKOIwwdxTLnzFWsNly2SZkP_hyByxMDlnN3IoTWQH_hyphenhyphenLhyOa1luds6CEB_ZnFgTjKfv008/s1600/edit-IMG_2391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDa8WlN4S30CZn7kecNTXAnIxx_ptWQsHurCt26LRFMssHi5VxlrdiNDvDUqcwk7mykpK2nKOIwwdxTLnzFWsNly2SZkP_hyByxMDlnN3IoTWQH_hyphenhyphenLhyOa1luds6CEB_ZnFgTjKfv008/s400/edit-IMG_2391.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">The turmoil of rains and wind for several days, or even hours, with the added darkened gray color of light, makes the world around me, and even my own soul, feel weary. I have experienced much loss because of or during rain and wind storms. However, when it stops...and it always does stop...there is a relief and a definite sense of quiet sure lifting, of new beginnings, of life coming out from under cover to spread its wings.</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4wnvmOoenUiMVzeZ0CVD2D6ozxAJC8TguCnPJa1faU3G8oW8tPUHppQOmJe8CwvZ_DfzWZdK-Nj5DcVEfduIGXoWTwMZl733nxezc_TdVccXug7VT4ZscFwdKNF3qUycEtirJreprn8/s1600/edit-IMG_2392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU4wnvmOoenUiMVzeZ0CVD2D6ozxAJC8TguCnPJa1faU3G8oW8tPUHppQOmJe8CwvZ_DfzWZdK-Nj5DcVEfduIGXoWTwMZl733nxezc_TdVccXug7VT4ZscFwdKNF3qUycEtirJreprn8/s400/edit-IMG_2392.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">The sun bathes the rain soaked, the wind beaten with a warm, reviving golden glow. Peace fills the misty air and soaks beneath the surface of every living thing that was exposed to the harassment of the storm, transforming what was chilling and shunned into something which is readily drunk - deeply. No matter how long the storm endures; no matter how weary I may be; no matter how late in the evening before the sun triumphs, when it does, I am energized, encouraged, infused with the peace it lavishes on me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMmYAB3EIyWXY5VDJm21n_2oBdAQO7sAC1YwBeG_ZzAwbCEOW_gu-_RRBudPg1G42AOPxcmDniNpZHbiGmk_PnxpK9V6C5CiWpk5LAsTnzb1-QJYbR1q4fgqV4iih9w4I_ViRzC1ikpY/s1600/edit-IMG_2397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMmYAB3EIyWXY5VDJm21n_2oBdAQO7sAC1YwBeG_ZzAwbCEOW_gu-_RRBudPg1G42AOPxcmDniNpZHbiGmk_PnxpK9V6C5CiWpk5LAsTnzb1-QJYbR1q4fgqV4iih9w4I_ViRzC1ikpY/s400/edit-IMG_2397.jpg" width="355" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;">I have come to accept the storms. That doesn't make them any more pleasant than before. They are not less damaging or less wet because I accept them. But, I have come to <strong>accept</strong> them because I have learned to <strong>expect </strong>that, after the storm, the sun will come out. After the soaking and the beating of the wind, the mist, which is left on the heels of the storm, will fill me with the peace it is made of. Peace that can only come from the One who created it. Those peace-filled moments surpass everything that happened during the storm. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photos taken 05-2010; Canon Rebel Xsi; 250mm lens, f 8.0; ISO 1600; -1 exposure) </span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Thanks to Michael Nelson who photographed the mountains from the roof! I photographed the sunset and blossoms)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(As always, click each photo for enlarged view ;) </span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-70705587304322636052010-05-19T21:22:00.000-07:002010-05-19T22:22:47.187-07:00Passwords for Progress<div style="text-align: justify;">I came up with an idea a couple of months ago. I needed to change some passwords and it can be difficult to come up with things that are memorable. I've used the common choices, i.e., a family member's name, birth dates in part or whole, street addresses, etc. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">But, a couple of months ago, I thought of a phrase - just a two-word phrase - and every time I log into my email account, it's like a little pick-me-up! It reminds me of my direction in life! It has been an incredible source of encouragement at the moment I'm typing it in, and also in the cumulative - reminding me of where I was, where I am, and where I want to be! </div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you would like some ideas, here are a few (no, I'm not going to tell you what mine is!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">-getting better</div>-be happy<br />
-moving forward<br />
-choosing hope<br />
-getting out of debt<br />
-smiling daily<br />
-joy 101<br />
-dream big<br />
-God can do it<br />
-all will be well<br />
I've written these as separate words to make them understandable, but in your password it would be written as a single word - Godcandoit.<br />
Go ahead and try it! Think about how many times you log into an account everyday! I think you'll be surprised the difference it will make in your daily perspective and in your overall attitude - Cheers!Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-6848256515233712792010-05-18T21:56:00.000-07:002010-05-18T21:56:04.761-07:00Tomorrow is a New Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdLJw1RQDLb7Et915l-9pZYhijsbC9knCsicS0hbDuXzGKr5B0Ftyfr17UYe3nHCZt45rONyH2cOVDsA29cslsMVkurDMcM2ZyV3Cwd1MQ4RibS3ZyMv1iML2iau2ee93lEDCml6omMw/s1600/edit-Festival-004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdLJw1RQDLb7Et915l-9pZYhijsbC9knCsicS0hbDuXzGKr5B0Ftyfr17UYe3nHCZt45rONyH2cOVDsA29cslsMVkurDMcM2ZyV3Cwd1MQ4RibS3ZyMv1iML2iau2ee93lEDCml6omMw/s400/edit-Festival-004.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
As the sun has set, bringing the end of another day, I think about what I have done. <br />
Could I have done more? Probably. <br />
I will try again tomorrow.<br />
I will awake with anticipation of filling the day with <br />
focused thinking, <br />
productive actions, <br />
faith, <br />
love, <br />
and hope.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Please excuse the electrical pole in the center of this photo. The photo was taken in 2006 - a long time ago. I wasn't thinking about things like that back then! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Anyway, this is an unedited photo - except for minor cropping)</span>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-69922981241665653932010-05-17T14:34:00.000-07:002010-05-17T14:37:32.919-07:00The Olympics After the Rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpV123fOIkaFHYFHTUHqDD8RrSr7f-8EsEouA2rtUoShWdtHHcOOAc7Ph67XEyLCaEArbkFhQ-TQtXyqzKnfaw0J64n-M_3Mf1vU_CnFbXa6Be1FzU21wUNSTAXQdzsdYHehxgmsM4MQ/s1600/edit-IMG_2273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpV123fOIkaFHYFHTUHqDD8RrSr7f-8EsEouA2rtUoShWdtHHcOOAc7Ph67XEyLCaEArbkFhQ-TQtXyqzKnfaw0J64n-M_3Mf1vU_CnFbXa6Be1FzU21wUNSTAXQdzsdYHehxgmsM4MQ/s400/edit-IMG_2273.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">May 17th, 2010 Canon Rebel Xsi </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">250mm lens, f 11, ISO 400</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cropped and lightened</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-45925059123439794432010-05-17T12:01:00.000-07:002010-05-17T12:04:09.350-07:00Thought for Today<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today - </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will focus intently on each task I am doing. It takes self control to keep the mind from wandering from the present, to thoughts of the past or the future. Focusing on the moment also helps to keep myself in motion and from getting overwhelmed. I will pay attention to what I am doing right now - the laundry, taking a photo, cleaning the kitchen, job interview, cooking a meal, writing a post, painting, or visiting with someone. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I pay attention to the present moment, all of my senses and intellect will be ready to give and to gain from whatever I am doing. I will experience the moment fully. I will be conscious of doing the best I can. All of my energy is there for the task at hand, so, I will exert a little more - go one step farther - to better myself and to keep moving toward the goal. </span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-3346050311837694372010-05-15T22:45:00.000-07:002010-05-15T22:46:10.846-07:00Where There Is Life...<div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #741b47;">...there is hope</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx0R9PzRwR6G3PW2860eBzNWwkN0owLA_tFiKbIs0NPFoDIFSNnIJTJlBiuMn77dTx-xPdeamyTdYMsjsJzxM9qWaFwayGQKO0tbf2Qkmd-sIShiVEyIAcwDoacCDKhxblFyp1QEEY1w/s1600/edit-IMG_1574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMx0R9PzRwR6G3PW2860eBzNWwkN0owLA_tFiKbIs0NPFoDIFSNnIJTJlBiuMn77dTx-xPdeamyTdYMsjsJzxM9qWaFwayGQKO0tbf2Qkmd-sIShiVEyIAcwDoacCDKhxblFyp1QEEY1w/s400/edit-IMG_1574.jpg" width="327" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(04/2010 Canon Rebel Xsi, 1.4 lens, cropped and contrast adjusted)</span></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-81292133857943787902010-05-14T20:55:00.000-07:002010-05-14T23:04:29.416-07:00Sweetness in the Shadows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMCxjmph9Kio-rGUocUg8a7oNO3h3zTE1Y66VxP0QVGFReny9T5a7ehOdYvSAbi97smBsDb8Owp9TbVkVgSPcm1TDaEWk967TKOOBhBZEWeKgUtiUBif1if980L3LbZva4YvbV4gs9dI/s1600/x-edit-IMG_2242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMCxjmph9Kio-rGUocUg8a7oNO3h3zTE1Y66VxP0QVGFReny9T5a7ehOdYvSAbi97smBsDb8Owp9TbVkVgSPcm1TDaEWk967TKOOBhBZEWeKgUtiUBif1if980L3LbZva4YvbV4gs9dI/s400/x-edit-IMG_2242.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">No matter how stressful, hurtful or ugly things may be at any given moment, I've been blessed so many times to catch even a glimpse of something beautiful, peaceful, or enriching. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lately, I've been taking my camera everywhere - making and taking the opportunity to practice my photography skills. One of the bonuses is that I can capture some of those special moments, also. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">This morning was a bit grueling. I didn't get much sleep last night and I had some major errands to do in Port Angeles. There is so much in bloom and I appreciate all of the color this time of year, but today it was a bit of a blur, until...</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was famished and pulled in to a drive-through for some lunch. Car sounds and exhaust, buildings, metal, concrete and glass seemed to exaggerate the weariness I was feeling. Have you ever noticed there is no comfort in things that are not alive? </div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I went to place my order, I looked just past the speaker post, and there, tucked in the shadows was this sweet little blooming rhododendron. It may as well have been an entire forest of rhododendrons, because it was so refreshing for me, at that moment. I grabbed my camera and took a few shots. In a way, I was able to freeze that moment - keep it as a reminder to look in the shadows for the spot of life that will refresh my body and soul. </div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-67485735650763155052010-05-13T17:41:00.000-07:002010-05-13T17:42:12.587-07:00Mother's Day and Mother Bird<div style="text-align: justify;">Sunday afternoon - Mother's Day </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Two of my kids and I headed to Port Townsend. The first stop was for coffee and with the Arts & Crafts Fair in town, it was a miracle we found a parking space right away! </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Spirits were high as I parked the van. We had been listening to happy music and chattered most of the way there. The sunshine made Water Street look like it had been splattered with fresh primary colored paint. Balloons, flags, t-shirts, and flower planters danced in place. The kids were excited - giddy - and I was ready for a great afternoon of taking photos. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">As soon as I stepped into the street, with my camera bag over my shoulder, I could hear the familiar and nostalgic sound of "city sparrows" - as I had come to name them from childhood. I associate their song with happy times when we would visit my mother's relatives in the city. (I've learned since that they are called "house sparrows." )</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I looked up in search of them, and there in the dark corner of the second story window, I saw a hole in the brick wall and there was a house sparrow trying to satisfy the noisy, demanding hatchlings. I raised my camera, but missed the "perfect shot." She was done in a second and had sat down to rest a while. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxy87-MAPYj_KJeQT0cE-TFgsvKWgGTS1uW_PdtiBw7TUESdxhqW77jX9d5qRzaKkplUowsHG1cCpvn9BxwQAdbOg7zDCXGPlZncqbVOKaZ7uM1L1MnrB98qNCX0MGq9tihH9H93f42A/s1600/edit-IMG_2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxy87-MAPYj_KJeQT0cE-TFgsvKWgGTS1uW_PdtiBw7TUESdxhqW77jX9d5qRzaKkplUowsHG1cCpvn9BxwQAdbOg7zDCXGPlZncqbVOKaZ7uM1L1MnrB98qNCX0MGq9tihH9H93f42A/s400/edit-IMG_2003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At first glance, you wouldn't guess that a bird's nest was there. I am impressed with the bird's determination and ability to chip away at the mortar long enough to make a hole just big enough to get in and out of. It is so well hidden, safe from enemies and weather. There is even had a ledge where the mother bird can rest in the sun, for a second or two, before heading out again for another mouthful of nourishment for her babies.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I thought of myself in the nest and God as my Rock (as the psalmist refers to Him) - a high, safe, huge rock that keeps me hidden, safe and protected. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I thought of myself as the mother bird and God, my Rock, as a strong place to hide, defend and provide for my children. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I thought of myself finding the moments of rest I need to carry on, as this mother sparrow did, on the ledge, in the sun. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-29313172195523328422010-05-04T22:26:00.001-07:002010-05-04T22:33:14.948-07:00New Snow on the Mountains in May<div align="justify"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lcdiqnfyX21EURpDFuNG6Yr1ME4j51fV08p9JP3ZT9GRFRKc8E_dONYZu8fdvbuICzR7eeIDnT2RNYRrOGNw3E9krvluaYw1KQcG_l6jfzePmC1Scd_jOH6Z001VUqnJQsXiaIjfox4/s1600/New-Snow-5-4-IMG_1945.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467653207478212498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 304px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lcdiqnfyX21EURpDFuNG6Yr1ME4j51fV08p9JP3ZT9GRFRKc8E_dONYZu8fdvbuICzR7eeIDnT2RNYRrOGNw3E9krvluaYw1KQcG_l6jfzePmC1Scd_jOH6Z001VUqnJQsXiaIjfox4/s400/New-Snow-5-4-IMG_1945.jpg" border="0" /></a> One foot of new snow yesterday on the mountains - another 8 inches forecast for tonight. </div><div align="justify">Morning minutes are a valuable commodity these days. I looked at the mountains and could not resist getting the camera in spite of my time frame. Two shots was all I had time for this morning - and thankfully, when I checked them this evening, I found they came out ok. </div><div align="justify">I am registered in the CNA Training Program at Peninsula college -8 intensive weeks and employment almost guaranteed after graduation. </div><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(photo taken 5-4-2010: Canon Rebel Xsi 250mm lens, ISO 400, F 5.6)<br /></span><div></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-50400857379906529462010-05-02T13:13:00.001-07:002010-05-02T13:29:36.353-07:00Sunday Thoughts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCnUxgWxOtmyWd8HMBC8KQ9-MS1X7ALkeZ4zoI7ceTerMnNuaAAdV78RDL-Kc16H4M0SN1p7b91Qz-bpne5R4w0q4FOBAuExkHm3TIS5UWVt6GQChQmMUxrTbOwT4dOWeghsxDdAtEE4/s1600/Halleleyah.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCnUxgWxOtmyWd8HMBC8KQ9-MS1X7ALkeZ4zoI7ceTerMnNuaAAdV78RDL-Kc16H4M0SN1p7b91Qz-bpne5R4w0q4FOBAuExkHm3TIS5UWVt6GQChQmMUxrTbOwT4dOWeghsxDdAtEE4/s400/Halleleyah.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466770585116733538" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"What a waste it is to be surrounded by heaven,<br />by a sky 'made white by angels' wings'<br />and to be unaware of it.<br />Perhaps the first step<br />is that we really should want<br />to unearth God<br />in our midst...<br />[to] let the mundane<br />become the edge of glory,<br />and find the extraordinary<br />in the ordinary."<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Esther de Waal</span><br /><br />"To find not perfection,<br />but<br />possibility."<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Nora Gallagher</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">(Self-portrait photo taken, edited and designed by my daughter - an ordinary girl (?) filled with the extraordinary - not perfect, but loaded with possibility - writer, music composer, lyricist, deep thinker, pianist, horse whisperer, eyes open, heart beating, feet running, growing and changing faster than I can keep up with. I love you Leyah. )<br /></div></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-31985635230699288672010-05-01T11:53:00.001-07:002010-05-01T12:51:08.488-07:00Random Raindrops Reflection<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxm_9MNqdbEKIt1nns-khNvI_66GB6m_gS3c5yc6u0yWKnNqSV925IGp12p2D15hGVm6ptKeN4_S9VE6Rvoc1v00nQeBYYOFh6DjW0iozHEUdTEp-lJUe0bxnqio4f-hc9SiG93nb4Lw/s1600/raindrops-IMG_1914.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466377415528615266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 383px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTxm_9MNqdbEKIt1nns-khNvI_66GB6m_gS3c5yc6u0yWKnNqSV925IGp12p2D15hGVm6ptKeN4_S9VE6Rvoc1v00nQeBYYOFh6DjW0iozHEUdTEp-lJUe0bxnqio4f-hc9SiG93nb4Lw/s400/raindrops-IMG_1914.jpg" border="0" /></a> The perfection in the "happenstance of nature" amazes me. For instance, how and where raindrops settle, and, even more so, what they end up reflecting. The three raindrops, above, look like cut gems in their settings at the base of these leaves.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6ggCjOgTR_mr13lC2Mwc7rGxEkgT0q6zgPVtzmfMjaG1H3dbbny8Y8fWPtHCQLOU-kUEJdGXPhivFkEeZfkcuUGMROhqIytzPImxiVoNfzshIBB1a_S5BflGmmNF_5fY4TUVYC8opEk/s1600/raindrops-3-IMG_1905.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466377149621919826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6ggCjOgTR_mr13lC2Mwc7rGxEkgT0q6zgPVtzmfMjaG1H3dbbny8Y8fWPtHCQLOU-kUEJdGXPhivFkEeZfkcuUGMROhqIytzPImxiVoNfzshIBB1a_S5BflGmmNF_5fY4TUVYC8opEk/s400/raindrops-3-IMG_1905.jpg" border="0" /></a> In the reflection of this raindrop, you can see the sun, but the other images are distorted. I can't tell what they are. And while it reflects white objects, the other two raindrops reflect blues. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466377016916557490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 328px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFQXLLD7q8tAbQ7C5w2G15T8RlGnaMh_xMx2FG-VCV0RvhCcFst542ukPCuyCuzj8w42olJVFMkBP79SZHvULy_Jfast1dP2DQIyYO1rB-qkGTE06B6iVULc8DSpQRMcOB8XKkx3IMbo/s400/raindrops-3--IMG_1923.jpg" border="0" />In this pool of raindrops, there is a refection of a raindrop (actually two single raindrops) and it is very difficult to tell where that raindrop actually is. I think it is on the petal (which I cropped), to the right of the pool.<br />I have to wonder, "Is it sometimes challenging to find the source or the reality of what I'm reflecting when the random raindrops pool together in my life?"<br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:78%;color:#000099;">(05-01-2010: Canon Rebel Xsi, 1.4 lens, cropped only)<br /></span><br /><br /></div><br /></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9152635982184595389.post-8191187379077221532010-04-27T20:41:00.000-07:002010-04-27T20:42:25.671-07:00Today...<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7SQyN7-oVzFHLwigGqnUErHTYPyyVL-SQCrzgvQsMCfWCYpNrOGm7lCR0U3iobJdp1-EZGuLzdB3m63apeFKCFxbT0DU5nZul1l7kFb_61u2GtCkm0r4GHkIWrtk9fV4jdYMVSL_HOk/s1600/sunset-IMG_1814.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465028426347117938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7SQyN7-oVzFHLwigGqnUErHTYPyyVL-SQCrzgvQsMCfWCYpNrOGm7lCR0U3iobJdp1-EZGuLzdB3m63apeFKCFxbT0DU5nZul1l7kFb_61u2GtCkm0r4GHkIWrtk9fV4jdYMVSL_HOk/s400/sunset-IMG_1814.jpg" border="0" /></a> Today...<br />sunrise against dark gray skies<br />rain and rainbows<br />mulch rows and crows<br />eagles and emotions<br />apple blossoms and applications<br />coffee and conversation<br />tears and laughter<br />photography and writing<br />discouragement and hope<br />fear and faith<br />sunset against storm clouds<br />the end...<br /></div>Dianehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16085619568210006654noreply@blogger.com2