Brat

294 N9, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 400 11-30-09

Plain and simple question? Do you keep a journal? I've had several over the years and only one even came close to being filled up? It was while attending a church college and writing in a journal was like brushing your teeth. In other words, you just did it.

I still have that almost filled up journal tucked away and every once in a while I will bring it out, blow the dust off the top and look through the writings. Beyond the few savored photos, letters/cards and little scraps of things I glued within the pages, I'm not impressed. Honestly, it's horrific at how little trust I had in my roommates, friends, family, college attendees and basically the world that I refused to write anything remotely close to what was really happening. Always afraid someone one would peek or find out some morsel of me that would deem me "inadequate".

A friend described the inability to be honest in writing as a way of 'masking'. Wearing a mask allows a person to reveal what they have 'put on'. If people don't like you, it's really just a mask, not you. Thereby you solidify the risk of someone not liking your true self. Sounds very calculating...:) I can't say for sure, but I do know that writing negative things in a little blank paged book only, in my mind, perpetuated negative...So, I don't, can't and won't. Call me Brat.

Plain and simple answer...Yes, I keep a journal/many journals...Do they ever speak ill will or of spouting anger...No. What about you?

Grinch Me

295 Christmas Ornament, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 3.3, 1/60, ISO 200, 11-30-09

It's tradition! Every year, the day after Thanksgiving, they pull out their Christmas decorations, videos and music and begin the holiday season with unbridled joy and excitement. It feels very much like the "Whoville" from Dr. Suess's book, The Grinch who stole Christmas.

Inspired by their example, we too are trying to follow their enthusiasm and bedeck our halls quicker than we usually do which is, I promise no later than Christmas Eve. Huh? Is that late?

Anyway, if they are the Lou Who's, then you can only imagine who I am at this very moment...My heart is very little indeed. Grumpy with too much stuff after years of collecting items and sad because the usual 4 person team that decorates house and tree has been reduced to 3. Alexa headed back to college in Tucson and the boys and I are shouldering the work load as if we were in a retail business and only doing our job because there is a paycheck at the end of the day. Bah hum bug I say...

Happy holidays to all you Whoville, holly high, (Mackay Family) Christmas lovin' peeps!

Heart Happy

296 Cassidy M., Evergreen, CO, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 400, Niks Efx, Pinhole Black and White, 11-28-09*

Why is it that travel time away makes coming home so beautiful? Even though our Thanksgiving with the Mackays was awesome and beyond fun, getting back to our home, our dog and our friends feels like warm caramel sauce on vanilla ice cream. Ooey, gooey and yummy!

My heart is happy today! It's nice...nice indeed.

Top 5

297 Sadie & Lorelei, Evergreen, CO, Nikon D-80, f 4.5, 1/60, ISO 400

Where are you when it comes to the topic of making a relationship work? How do you take two people from two different walks of life, velcro them together and assume they will flourish? Whether it be a significant other, a marriage partner or roommate, the task of staying true to a committed vow of being respectful, loving and kind to one another is sometimes as difficult as putting a man on the moon.

I said difficult, not impossible and definitely not without it's rewards when it is in sync. Finding that rhythm is genuinely a flashback to the beginning. Creating your "list". You know that top 5 must be/must haves/must not do list? Mine was simple, 1)Must believe in God 2) Must not smoke 3)Must have drive/initiative/confidence 4)Must be athletic & (call me shallow) 5)Must be handsome (to me). Seems easy enough, right? Yet, you would be surprised by the people I talk to who have no list? Why?

Alexander Hamilton is quoted as saying, "If you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything". If you are reading this and haven't sincerely thought out a top 5 list for what ever you are looking for, do it now. Put it out there in the universe. Know what you want and you'll get what you want. That's just the beginning...the rest will be more blogs for other days. Goodnight committed, respectful and loving people...

Gobble Gobble

298 Denver,Co, Nikon D-80, f 3.6, 1/60, ISO 400, Macro Lens, Borrowed My Camera & Picture Taken by Kelvin Tomes

Oh fatness be thy name! Why does this day mean, eat as much as your hand to mouth ratio can stand? Seriously, I needed an oxygen tank to open up my squished and closed off breathing tubes from gorging my face and stuffing my belly!

Scott's toast for the table as we held our overflowing cups of wine in the air was, "To new friends, old friends and to best friends"! Perfectly expressing the connections of our circle gathered for Thanksgiving. Hoping your feast was as grossly filling and emotionally fulfilling...Goodnight friends.

Beyond Delayed

299 Alexa V, Sky Harbor Airport, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.3, 1/30, ISO 400, Extreme Saturation

Oh my...It was the delay one would expect on their way to a friends house for a Thanksgiving feast. Especially, via air travel. Who was the crazy, funny clown that thought day before travel would work for non-revenue passengers?

Another day, another blog topic for sure...But, all the time at an airport gave way for the most incredible people watching, psycho analyzing of those around us. Computers, cell phones and Ipods were toys of the day while children (likely carries of the H1N1 virus) ran rampant around waiting area. Blessings of the holidays were not discussed as angry faces and snotty noses were spouting frustrations with airline travel in general. Listening into phone conversations was even better than watching body language as apologetic, syrup sweet voices belied the evidence of clenched fists and stomping of feet.

Don't you love when friends and families can gather and remember the gifts of flying tubes that take us across states, of opportunities to reenact the dysfunction of family circles and most especially, the gifts of remembering how perfect and normal each one of us are all by ourselves! God bless us all! Hee hee.

Birthday Love

300 Kate S., Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.0, 1/60, ISO 400, PhotoShop Poster Edges, 11-24-09

Remember when you were a child and the only day of the year that was better than Christmas was your birthday? How each candle on the cake was a true sign of your getting to be a big person?

How is it that after the age of 30, the candles represent some dark hole of depression. Further down the tunnel you travel with each wax piece affixed to your only source of escape from the turning of the chronological clock, your cake.

Alright, alright...I'm a brat today because the girl in this picture is light years away from hating "her special day" and actually enjoys the years that accumulate on her not so ancient frame! She truly is the oldest teenager on the face of the earth! I have made note of said attitude and am going to strap on a new one when it's my time. Um, and by the way, that is like...way, way far away! :) Big peoples unite and enjoy the gifts of being smarter, wiser and better!

It is not the years in your life but the life your years that counts. ~Adlai Stevenson

Burning Desire

301 Firewall, Montelucia, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6 1/500, ISO 200

When you are following your energy and doing what you want all the time, the distinction between work and play dissolves. ~~Shakti Gawain

Talk Pretty

302 Cordial Stemware, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 3.3, 1/60, ISO 200, Curved, 11-22-09

It's that time of year...you know when the glitter lights come out and even before Thanksgiving is done, every house, store and building is trimmed in Christmas decor...and more importantly, it's when all the yummy food you've denied yourself forever is seemingly, at every meal and snack. Oh, my dear friends, it is indeed the time of year when belt buckles begin to sing as they stretch and seams of clothing are tested for thread strength.

All the while, moods that are supposed to be jubilant with the seasonal tidings, are given to the undeniable and unanimous cranky Evil Twins within. (See Blog Twin Within) :)

This is what I'm proposing as I toast another in celebration of this or that and I eat yet again for this event or that...That I let go of the usual self hate talk of yore. This month and next, it's my biggest challenge to date, an experiment of sorts, but I promise to love me more!!!

On my skin, I will write in permanent marker that I am beautiful no matter what. That my husband adores me and it's good to be me, but this is the trickiest self help I will attempt...That I WILL lie to my brain and tell myself, "I'm so skinny...my clothes are just falling off my puny and gaunt like body". Hee hee.

I've heard that you can convince yourself THIN. Huh? Why the hell not? I convince myself of every other ludicrous thing in the world? Why not body image as well? Hello, everyone reading this...It's that time of year. Deck the halls and be merry, talk pretty to yourself and let the power of your brain control the size of your clothes! It's good to be you...eat, live and love!

Light Within

303 Montelucia Resort & Spa, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 3.3, 1/8, ISO 200, Curved, 11-21-09

It's like you enter another world when you walk through the almost hidden entrance to the Montelucia Resort. A courtyard that makes you feel like you've been welcomed to a dear friends home. Free of the oversized and overly stupid proof directions to hotel lobby or restaurant of choice.

The collection of guests either staying at the resort or dining at the restaurant is as eclectic as some of the art displayed around. But, no worries, as it wasn't about meeting new people, rather a chance to breath in and reconnect with those we came with.

It's a honor to know people who are as pretty on the outside as they are on the inside. Just like the mosaic chandelier pictured here, our friends have a light within that extends far beyond the simple area they are positioned in. Makes me feel safe, comforted and warm. I just love the glowing countenance that is so very present in the people I know. Thank you everyone. :)

B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l

304 Kathleen T., Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 3.8, 1/60, ISO 200, Macro Lens, 11-20-09

Speak clearly if you speak at all; Carve every word before you let it fall.

~~Oliver Wendell Holmes

Finding your footing with your words is as powerful and meaningful as first walking. Understanding your path is forever changed because you opened up your journey by learning the coordination of the step.

So is your future guided by the language you speak and choice of words you use. Tonight we played a spontaneous game, "Spelling Bee" with a boy who has learned through much effort how to speak and communicate. He is 12, has autism and was the host to a game show for all in the room.

Understanding his pronunciation was a slight task, but marveling at his genius with the spelling was inspiring. Feeling his joy with each and every word was a reminder to us all the importance of our language, which is all too often taken for granted and its value under appreciated for the gift of communication it brings. Thank you to Matthew for allowing us to remember the power of a word and how to spell the gosh darn thing!

Macro Moments

305 Jester Headband, St. B's Kitchen Cupboard Find, Nikon D-80, Rented Macro Lens :), f 3.3, 1/60, ISO 200, 11-19-09

It's all about answering the call...About grabbing the goods...about rising up and finally seizing the moment!!!

Have you ever felt stifled and held back on something you wanted because of time, family or finances? Me too! I'm here to tell you...It's horrible! To hold back on what is supposed to be is like clipping the wings of a bird who is supposed to fly. But, hear me loud and clear...Not today and not this weekend. I am out of my cage and fully winged.

Flying full speed ahead...(At least until Monday when the 'rental' reason for my flight pattern has to be returned to Tempe Camera)! Shhhhh, not thinking about that now and putting sad into my blog because I'm sequin sparkling, it's a macro lens friends!!! I'm a freak...so giddy with pictures captured that allow me to focus in on the tiniest of details.

It's the little things that make a big difference. What is your micro reasoning for not releasing your birdcage door, even for just the weekend? Come fly with me...

Not Obvious

306 Road Runner, Scottsdale, AZ, Sony Cybershot, Photoshopped, Niks Silver Efx, Solarization, 11-18-09

Here's a life lesson for you...Just like in nature, it's okay to be a chameleon. Matching your environment and/or the people you surround yourself with. Especially, if you are wandering in a land or walk with a circle of people you strive to be like and exemplify.

Just remember one thing...In order to be a chameleon, you need to know yourself. Staying true to you is key to success of conforming to situations of learning. Always love you being you first and foremost. :)

No hiding the obvious uniqueness of your brilliance no matter how good the chameleon skills. You are perfect! I see you....

Macro Envy

307 Girls Night, Dee's House, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 200, Photoshopped Curved, 11-17-09

Another girls night, another gallon of wine drank and another countless calories consumed in the awesome appetizers brought by the group!

We had a guest visitor tonight who by all accounts and purposes is not one of us...It was a boy! Huh? What you say? It's true, every once in awhile, we allow the other team to join in on our festivities, (Especially, if he's married to the hostess...which was indeed the case tonight).

Here is what I rarely will admit...it was nice. Boys are good sometimes and he happens to be a keeper. Why? Because he is incredibly creative and gifted with his artistic abilities. He and I sat and discussed a school project he is doing...He brought out 2 cameras he's using and I immediately opened up my Nikon. We both attempted the shot you see pictured here, but I must be honest and tell you his picture was better! He has a macro lens...Grrrrr, the terrible green with envy within me. I just love the imagery gathered by this type of a lens. My photo is okay, but trust me, the guest visitor and his very awesome macro lens was the winner of the fork!

Isn't it awesome that this is my blog and proof of said victory will never show itself! Hee hee. Goodnight followers...sending positive macro (close and finely tuned) thoughts your way!

The Teacher

308 St. Barnabas Confirmation Class, Nikon D-80, f 5.3, 1/60, ISO 200, PhotoShopped, Glow Edges, 11-16-09

He came into the room and immediately took command. Was it his confidence, the white band tucked within his collar or his natural ability to be in front of an audience?

After establishing eye contact with all those in attendance, he asked us to bow our heads in prayer. As a couple of minutes passed without him speaking, I wonder if anyone opened their eyes and peeked as he was leading us in 'silent' prayer? Not a single word was uttered until he said, "Amen".

The power of silence is overwhelming, but difficult for me. My mind travels at an alarming rate of speed that I actually have to concentrate on just being focused on one thought. But, once the detachment of forcing my thoughts into a select column of prayer, I'm able to let go and just be present. Feeling my breathing and opening my mind to what is out there for me to receive.

Don't we all get so caught up in what we are supposed to do, supposed to say, supposed to feel that we forget how to be still and allow ourselves to open our arms and absorb? The teacher came into the room and without a word, taught.

Holy Indeed

309 St. Barnabas on the Desert, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/80, ISO 800, 11-15-09

Have you ever been asked to do something that is a bit awkward and you know it will be accepted by some, but not by all? Today was that day for me...I was asked to photograph our church service with specific instructions to, "Just capture people and what ever you think would be interesting". In the past, I've had the honor to take pictures within our house of worship and to be honest, it's not easy.

Most of the pictures that were taken admittedly were spotty on the 'perfect' capture. A lot of blur or just missed moments because of hesitation to draw the camera up and shoot fast. Also, the lighting is absolutely minimal for a no flash situation and you never want to be obvious with the camera and tripod. So I decided that today would be different...I came prepared...Monopod (Single pole for easy maneuvering) and a tripod. Extra batteries for the camera and a determination to finally be at ease and confident with my being present and shooting the entire service from beginning to end.

During communion, however, someone sputtered the words I knew some were thinking, "That is not appropriate to take pictures now"...Saddened by my apparent personal failure to be inconspicuous, I quickly took a couple of more shots and then without hesitation, I reacted exactly as a 7 year old would. Especially, when they feel guilty...I spat back, "I was asked to do this by Father Clark". Hmmmph, I thought, that'll show him. Slightly miffed and obviously internally agitated, I picked up me, myself and I, as well as my camera and tripod and marched to the front of the church and in front of EVERYONE I snapped off at least 15 more pictures. :) Obviously, I have much to learn with being a humble and quiet, turn the other cheek, servant of My Lord.

And look at this blog? Instead of discussing all the positives in this day, which there were many, I have chosen to highlight the one negative for the entire day? My bad!!! Honestly, this was a holy day filled with holy messages. I love St. Baranabas on the Desert, the faithful Priests and the always amazing, incredibly adored, Bishop Thorton, the congregation that I call family and especially, I love God. I know He would be well pleased with photographing (during the service) all of the above as that and they are truly, holy indeed.

Supper Club

310 Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.0, 1/60, ISO 125, Cropped Only, 11-14-09

Tonight, we were treated to an incredible array of yummy food, great wine, new friends and the most beautiful fine china!

The only thing that could have topped this evening off and made it complete is if we had cleared the dishes, put the food away, sipped some more coffee and played good old fashioned board or card games.

No, not poker, you brats...:)

The Right Choice

311 Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.8, 1/60, Niks Silver Efx, 11-13-09

There are many times when each of us has to choose right from wrong. Lots of opportunities in life to exercise your power of discernment and be on the right path or not.

But, even the best of intentions can still lead to the worst of situations. So, the question is asked, how do you recover from the wrong choice or the horrible case scenario? What and how do you make amends?

My house keeper says it best, "I CUT IT" as she makes a slicing mark in the air with her hand. "Thank you Jesus" she says right after her mark has been made with the emphatic signal. When I watch her, I wonder...Is it really that easy? Should we all be able to simply take our hand and make a zorro mark towards our target and eliminate the wrong doings each of us commit on a daily basis?

Deciding to change doesn't erase the error, but it certainly points the vane arrow in the right direction. So today, as I struggle with good choices and bad...I'm slicing my hand through the open space before me and declaring, "I CUT IT". I am deciding to change, to stand anew and to be what I intend to be.

The right choice is and always will be, quite effectively, unbelievable easy given the fact, that it is the right choice.

Twin Within

312 Spencer S., Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.5, 1/125, ISO 125, Photo Shopped for Double Effect, 11-12-09*

I'm a twin! No, trust me...I have a twin...well, not in the physical sense of the word, but another me -- living inside me?

I don't know if there is a diagnosis or a name for it, other than schizophrenia, but I really believe each of us has a dormant twin within our being? Am I alone here? You, out there, reading this...agree or disagree? I've called my twin within, EVIL (Hereto forward to be referred to as ET). She has a personality that is just darn right nasty. A little case of Tourettes and definitely locked and loaded on the Aspergers, 'say it LITERALLY like you mean it' syndrome.

Albeit, ET tends to stay at bay unless I haven't been fed, not getting my way, in crowded places, stuck in traffic, being scolded by our Mentor in Toastmasters or just when I damn well want her to come out and fight my fights. Yes, as I type this, I am simultaneously looking in the phone book for a psychologist, but really...Be honest, we all have a twin within, right?

Faithful followers, I know who you are and if you deny the existence of your own personal inner being, I will tap into my rolodex of memories and give you a rap sheet of your own twin within. I'm sorry to play hard ball with you, but as you can gather by now...It's not Misty-me! It's ET!!!:) Oh no, I need to eat!!!

As Michael Jackson says so beautifully in his movie, 'This Is It'..."All love"!

Remember

313 Flower Centerpiece, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.2, 1/125, ISO 125, 11-11-09

It's Veterans Day today and everywhere you turn there is someone or something that stands in reminder of those that have fought or are fighting for our country.

For me, it's honoring my older brother who served in the military and my Dad who fought in World War II and The Korean War. By their service I've been given the gift of freedom.

When you think about it...Isn't it amazing and humbling that we can be going to work, running errands, eating lunch, playing golf, having drinks with friends, going to movies or basically doing what ever we want because we are living in a free country where WE CAN!

Thank you to all the men and women of our armed forces! God bless America!

Laugh More

314 Girls Night, Michelle's House, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.5, 1/125, ISO 125, Photo Shop, Skin Even, 11-10-09

I'm not going to lie, this picture was initially set up, positioned so the faces would be visible to the camera and close enough to form a bit of a circle...But, c'mon, there is no faking the authentic and original belly laugh!

Think of the people in your life and those that are naturally funny or those that truly laugh from their toes? I have a friend (not pictured here) not naming any names, Kathleen, who honestly laughs so hard and so loud that I swear people 3 states over could hear her. When we first started hanging out, I used to quietly without too much of a scene try to shush her. You know the little hand signals that say, "Wow, take it down". :) But, she would never acknowledge my mother instructional hands or if she did, she would ignore me completely and continue with her God given DNA of being completely immersed in the moment. Open mouthed laughing at anything and everything that was even a hint of being funny...

I love that about Kath and on occasion, I too, will join her in the, omg...fall to the floor laughing fest. It is exhilarating and freeing and lets the world know you are totally ALIVE. If after you read this and are open to it...look for your belly laugh and let er' rip. Give into the whole movement of it from the bottom of your toes and jiggling the rolls of your tummy! Laughing is good food...eat up people!

Shared laughter creates a bond of friendship. When people laugh together, they cease to be young and old, master and pupils, worker and driver. They have become a single group of human beings, enjoying their existence. ~W. Grant Lee

Strengthen Us

315 Hilary C., Taken 01/09, Nikon D-80, f 5.3, 1/60, ISO 200, Epiphanized by Manny Fimbres: Saint 'Femi9 Series', 11-09-09

Stepping into the presence of God, the weight of the world clinging to me as a heavy garment in June. My heart says let God free me, my mind says, not worthy. Finally, unleashing control of the mind giving over to the heart, I toss it on the cross, as Christ lifts the burdens of my heart.

~Kate Steider

It doesn't matter what the burden or hardship you might feel, you must know you are not alone? Right? I hope you know and can feel that God strengthens us and through that strength it is important that we support and uphold each other.

Prayers for inner peace...Goodnight my friends.

Reflections

316 McCormick Golf Course, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/200, ISO 125, Slight Saturation, 11-08-09

I set out on a photo excursion today. Ready with my camera on hand, enough time to hunt and seek and then I opened my heart and mind to what my camera would want to take a picture of.

Magically, one of the first shots out was this...A reminder about life. Look at your reflection to reveal and review the journey...Isn't it about taking it full circle?

Learning, earning and returning...Life is good.

From Me2You

317 Alexa & Me, Taken by Scott, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.0 1/60, ISO 125, Cropped, Niks Silver Efx Black & White, 11-07-09

Please comment and let me know something? I've been worried about my baby girl lately and the reason for my concerns are simple; Did I prepare her enough for college? Or honestly, did I prepare her enough for life without the bubble of Mommy & Daddy?

When she was younger, it was lessons on morales and values, social etiquette, physical health. It was guidance on relationships with friends and boys, it was self confidence talks and success/failures support. But my friends and awesome 'followers' :) I fear I have forgot the life skills of adulthood. How could I have let slip through my adoring eyes and gentle hugs the absolute keys to success for school?

When I asked her what I could have helped her more with for the transition to school, this is what she listed: Independence, cleanliness & organization, financial stability and how to drink with responsibility. (She didn't drink in high school and college life is apparently all about the alcohol, hang overs and classes with headaches)?

I don't understand and I feel out of my comfort zone with being the good teacher? Is this where I stand back and say, "What I've taught is from me to you and what you glean in college will be from you to me"? This is what I do know, regardless of the lack of lessons...I love her more than life itself!!!

Wine Me Up

318 Wine Styles, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 125, Photoshopped Curved, 11-06-09

Two things that go together like peanut butter and jelly are friends and wine! Seriously...it's the most delicious of evenings when you can open a bottle of red, sit back with some appetizers and discuss the world with good buddies.

Scott, Holly, Kate and I enjoyed the wine tasting at Wine Styles in Scottsdale and it never ceases to amaze me the conversations that are effortless and without awkward stints of silence. Isn't that what good friends are...Easy? Doesn't matter how much time in between visits because when the gathering takes place, it's as if we never missed a minute in each others lives.

Drink up your good friends, soak in the love and enjoy the moments!

Teardrop Determination

319 Rachel S., Taken 07-09, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 125, Epiphanized by Manny Fimbres: Venus 'Femi9 Series', 11-05-09

Achieving goals by themselves will never make us happy in the long term: it's who you become, as you overcome the obstacles necessary to achieve your goals, that can give you the deepest sense and most long-lasting sense of fulfillment. ~Tony Robbins

If I'm using this quote to identify the day, you would understand, right? But, a blog for quotes is not what I set out to complete, it is supposed to be a picture with accompanied words to journal the moments. Today I heard two separate stories of families who are hurting because of their children's physical ailments and it reminded me of a speech I gave on being thankful; In the good times and the bad.

The power of prayer combined with the positive movement of giving thanks can change the weakest of circumstances into a path of made of steel. But, until the attempt is made to practice the technique of saying thank you, it's just words being typed on my computer.

What are your struggles or obstacles? We all have them...We all fight with teardrop determination to understand. The packages of troubles come in different shapes and sizes and I honestly don't know the right answer for making them go away. But, maybe that is the answer, they are not to go away, but to be a message...

My friend, I don't know what you're going through, but look and see if God is trying to direct you, inspect you, correct you, protect you or perfect you. ~Anonymous

Blue Skies

320 The Indian Bend Pavillions, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 7.1, 1/200, ISO 125, Saturated, 11-04-09

As stressful and scary as the previous day's events, the aspect of seeing the "new beginning" with fresh eyes is much like seeing the blue sky hidden amongst the clouds overhead. Feels hopeful and clean.

I thought it ironic in all the pictures captured today that the one posted with two trees standing side by side, blue heaven poking its purity through the puffed up pillow like clouds made for a meaningful, relatable ending to the resolution of yesterday.

My office has been restored, (cringe as I type this) and better. Grrrr that Scott for smashing my comfortable, functioning existence to make me snap and start anew with a clean slate. I like it! He better never do it again...But, it is a good and joyful thing.

Sometimes things which at the moment may be perceived as obstacles -- and actually be obstacles, difficulties, or drawbacks -- can in the long run result in some good end which would not have occurred if it had not been for the obstacle. ~Steve Allen

Blue skies people! :)

Just Thinkin'

321 James, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.0, 1/60, ISO 125, Photoshopped Cleaned, 11-03-09

If you had a chance to go back to a beginning and start fresh, would you? Imagining yourself as a newborn, ready to learn what hasn't yet been taught...

Today my husband tapped into his infinite wisdom and decided FOR ME that I needed to clean out my office, start fresh with a new beginning and a clean slate. Meaning, taking everything off my desk and off the shelves and piling sky scraper columns of books, frames, files, cd's, binders and papers across our room and on top of our bed. (My office is in my master bedroom).

When I balked and freaked out, he picked up one book on interval travel and said, "See, this book did not belong here". Omg...I'm going to kill myself. Not only am I a raging peri-menopausal psychotic, hot flashing, emotional basket case, but now I feel like my entire control center has been exploded and I'm ready to check out.

Red alert to all my friends and family, please help!!! I need to call United Airlines to take my husband back to work with his pretty good, I'm sure he can fly a damn 777 airplane, rotator cuff recovered arm. For the love of God, is 6 weeks really necessary to prove that he can move his arm? For true evidence of said arm rehabilitation, come check out my frickin' office!

Vicodin, Valium, Wine, Vodka...Colgon take me away. That's what I'm thinking...

Tapestry

322 Tapestry at St. Barnabas on the Desert, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.2, 1/60, ISO 125, Curved & Saturated, 11-2-09

There are no little events in life, those we think of no consequence may be full of fate, and it is at our own risk if we neglect the acquaintances and opportunities that seem to be casually offered, and of small importance. ~Amelia Barr

Where do you stand on the emotional vs. logical scale? Do you tilt a little more in one direction than the other or are you smack dab in the middle giddy with the gifts of being what people call, "level headed"? I'm completely on the left side of the page, hyper sensitive and without a logical bone in my body. I thank God everyday for the friends & family who are placed on my path that help logically guide and steer my passage way through life.

Sometimes though, I love to wallow in my emotional brain waves and zero in on the people in my life and try to grasp their overall meaning in our connections. It is my belief that everyone and everything has a reason for the chance encounters and fluke experiences. Sometimes I even give deep thought as to my being on their path and what I am to bring to the table of our meeting, or are they on my path to teach me something.

Interwoven like the tapestry pictured, I am keenly appreciative and acutely emotional as to the impact of each person who happens in my life. Are you? Be aware of who is on your path and the reason they are there. Are they there for you or you for them?

Life is so very short, it's important to gather the little pieces of material, stitch them together and learn to understand and appreciate the art of the tapestry.

Walk Now

323 Water Cups, Autism Walk, Tempe Town Lakes, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 7.1, 1/800, ISO 125, Cropped, Chalk and Charcoal Photoshop, 11-01-09

It was just a simple act of service...Really, hardly any effort at all to hand a glass of water to the thirsty participants in the Walk Now for Autism event today. Close to 11,000 people attended, showing support for a cause that has no cure and affects 1 out of 150 children.

As Scott, Bo and I walked to a designated water station about 1 1/2 in on a 3 mile track, we talked about the disease which is devastating to families as they live with the hopeless feeling of not being able to control an outcome of "cured". Bo, diagnosed with Aspergers at the age of 11 announced that he, too, had Autism.

While in the jelly bean jar of all the labeled diseases that fall under the title of Autism, he is right. His flavor and color of the jelly bean is possibly more desired as he is pretty functioning and will live a relatively "normal" life. Choosing a career that will be molded for his literal personality and rigid adherence to rules and regulations, he will zip through society with hardly a noticeable stare. But those with the lesser desired flavors will struggle to mainstream themselves and will have to have family or friends find ways to keep them a part of the human interaction.

Volunteering to give just a simple glass of water...