Staying Young

"There is a fountain of youth.  It is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of the people you love.  When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age."     
                                                       Sophia Loren

I was going to write something but I think this quote speaks for itself.  Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Sunday's Quote and Reflection

                  Believe and act as if it was impossible to fail.
                                                         Charles Kettering, Inventor

I think this is such great quote.  I believe that there is nothing we can't accomplish if we set our minds to it and try.  Things may turn out a little differently than we originally planned but the only way we can completely fail is to never try.  Is there something you would like to do or try this week?   I hope that you will take that first step or steps to make all of your dreams come true. 

Friday's Special Moment of Gratitude

I have been taking a wonderful photography class which will end this week.  Several of our assignments have had us refer to our inspiration file of pictures in order to complete the assignment.  I have learned so much about myself and my photography that have decided to create an inspiration file for my paintings as well.  The above painting will be the first to be a part of my file.  When I look at it I remember where I was and what I was doing when I painted it.  I remember how relaxed I felt as I painted and how proud I was when I completed it.  It felt special to me and still does.  It inspires me to continue painting and to push myself to get better.  I think that is what an inspiration file is supposed to do.
This week my list of things that I grateful for could go on and on.  I am especially grateful for the incredible sunny and breezy day we had today.  It was perfect convertible weather so the top came down and the music was turned up.  Tomorrow it is going to rain again but at least we had today to remind us that spring is just around the corner.  I am also grateful for all of the support I get from my online friends both new and old.  I am so excited every time I read a comment or get an email from someone I have never met but consider a friend.  I have learned so much from so many people and I want to thank all of you.  And last but not least I am so excited that a Panera Bread opened five minutes from my house.  It will be a great place to meet friends for coffee or maybe even go and draw a little!
                                             What are you grateful for this week?

             This post  has been linked to Paint Party Friday something I look forward to each week!

Intuitive Photojournaling

 

 

 

 

Since I began my love of photography, I have resisted learning a lot about the techniques involved in taking pictures.  This is very unusual for me because teaching and learning are as much a part of me as is my name.  But I knew that at least for awhile I just wanted to enjoy the process and learn by doing rather than by reading or being taught what to do.  Last December I finally decided it was time to take a class on how to correctly take a picture.  Let me be sure to say the teacher was excellent and very kind when discussing our pictures.  Before the class I really liked the above picture.  I liked the way the water  sparkled and the way the waves curled.  When I brought my picture to class to share, I learned that the sparkles were really blown out spots and that there was probably a better way to take this picture.  Because I tend to be a perfectionist, this definitely changed the way I viewed the picture. 
This Sunday I was asked to choose a picture from my file for Kat's Intuitive Photojournaling assignment.   As I was looking through my pictures, I was again drawn to the above picture and to the sparkles on the water. That was when I was reminded once again that beauty is in the eye of the beholder  What may be a blown out spot to one person can be a sparkle to me.  And that's ok!  So no more worrying about techniques.  For now it is enough to be outside with my camera, taking pictures, and enjoying each and every special moment! 

Taking Pictures In A New Light

I am taking a great online photography class from Kat Sloma called Finding Your Eye The Journey of Recognition.  This week we were to take pictures using light that we do not normally use.  Since I almost always take pictures during the day I decided to take some night shots.  My husband and I went out Saturday night and took pictures in the rain.  I love lights and I liked how the colors bounced off of the road in the rain in this picture.  This was a great experience for me!  I want to continue to grow as a creative person and Kat's classes definitely encourage me to do just that.

Sunday's Quote and Reflection

              Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.
                                                                                                                         T.S. Elliot
When I look at the picture above I always wonder what it is like behind the gates.  I love long paths, gates, and beautiful flowers.  Is there a world full of possibilities behind these gates or just a life like any other?
I am at the point with both my photography and painting where I need to take the next step or steps to see how far I can go.  The above quote was a reminder that it is time to get started.  What would you like to take to the next level this week?

A New Beginning

Blogging is an important part of what I do each day. I love to write, I love to take pictures, and I love to paint. Blogging is a way to share these interests with others. It is a way to meet people who have the same interests and to learn from them as well as to share what I know. I have had a blog on another site for two years but recently have had problems so I am hoping that people will be able to find me and follow me as I start on this new journey. It is not easy starting over again, even if it is writing a blog, but I think in time I will be happy with the change.
On my blog you will find pictures that I take, watercolors that I create, and hopefully some inspirational pieces.  I am not a professional artist, writer, or photographer but I take great joy in creating something every day.  I have found the blogging community to be so inspiring  and supportive and my greatest wish is that I can pass on some of that support to others.   I hope that you will visit often! 


If you are visiting from PPF my post for today's party can be found on http://www.ginnylennox.weebly.com/