The above are a handful of shots from my latest roll of film. I dusted off the macrolens and put the tripod to work for some of these, while I teetered the camera on a chair back or laid prone on the sidewalk in front of our house for the others. Most of these shots are extended exposure anywhere from 5 seconds to 20. Enjoy!

Geocaching Proof

I have mentioned geocaching before, so I wanted to share some photos of our latest treasure hunt. We went to Chattanooga last weekend and while traveling there and back, we found four caches in different locations. It is a fun way to learn about an area, therapize your visual-perceptual skills (an OT would say that) and break up the trip so you don't get so fidgety. Those are my reasons anyway AND it is fun!

Nothin' Like It

Mexican Train Dominoes is more fun than a barrel full of monkeys. Hands down! My Grandma taught me how to play about four or five years ago. Growing up, whenever we would go visit my grandparents, the card table was always pulled out to the center of the room. Three different generations of family would crowd around to spend time with each other as well as offer up some friendly competition. Playing games is part of my past. It opens up time to bond with loved ones and have a good time, while getting us away from our cell phones and other everyday items that are generally overstimulating. I hope to keep the fun and family bond together through games. It is important and special.

Growth!

Here is the first tomato plant to emerge for the gardening season of 2012! We are up and running! This photo was taken about a week ago, so even now the tomato is sharing true leaves with the world. I have said it before and I will say it again...I love gardening!

Geocaching is awesome! Check it out!

The 2012 garden has been officially started! Oh, I love gardening. It gets me outside in the sunshine with dirt under my nails and I get to nurture something. Oh, and check out the shadows in the photo...the sun is out! We haven't seen the sun in about a week. Today was beautiful and I am thankful I was able to enjoy it. The above plants will be part of our garden, but I am prepping even more for a charity garage sale come late March or early April at my brother's house. I will give more information closer to the event. Come on out!

Acting on 2012

These photos are not incredibly "wow" but it is the first roll I have had developed since the New Year. To me, it means that I am actively pursuing some of the things I wanted to achieve in 2012. The photos were actually taken back in Summer of 2010 at a fish fry in Augusta, GA and the flower was taken in Highlands, NC.

I am continuing to make good on my desires for this year, which it a true accomplishment for me. I tend to have great ideas but difficulty with the follow through aspect of the mission. I have learned the basic stitch for knitting, actively pursuing photography, have read more, possibly found a new church home, etc. I am thankful for these opportunities and truly blessed!

2012 Desires

Desire List for 2012:

1. Have another child
2. Laugh more
3. Love more
4. Read more
5. Breathe deeply and move my body
6. Experience the joy I find in photography, again
7. Grow a garden
8. Destroy my craft room through creativity
9. Be part of a flash mob
10. Learn to knit
11. Pray and seek God
12. Find a church home
13. Fall more in love with my husband (than I already am)
14. Travel to visit with friends that have moved away
15. Welcome and cuddle friend's babies that are expected in 2012
16. Ride my bike more
17. Learn more about the relationship between food and how it effects my body/emotional health
18. Discover amazing cheeses ( I tend to stare at specialty cheeses from afar)

First Craft Project of 2012

Accidentally spilled Limoncello is what created the pretty but random teal-colored spots on the above shirt. While I was disgruntled when it happened, I ended up liking the added touch.

What better way for me to start off the 2012 than with a new craft! Matt and I have been talking about exploring screen printing, but lacking the time and finances to get it off the ground. Fortunately, my cousin mentioned using blue craft glue, letting it dry and then following through with the regular cloth dyeing process. I am thrilled! They came out better than I could have imagined. This project has opened up quite the can of positive worms! Try it yourself!

Happy New Year 2012!

Oh, wow! A new year...now that is exciting! So much hope comes with the turn of a new year and having a new hope is something that 2011 left behind in me. We have had quite the year, my husband and I. But if I think about it, which I am, every year is 'quite the year'. Every year has its ups and downs whether you welcome them, embrace or celebrate them (or not).

The above photo is the first photo I took in 2012...Buckley, a sweet pup. It was actually one of only two photos I took the entire evening celebrating with people that are so dear to us. I failed to take more but I do have the sweet memories, along with the hope, for our friends and ourselves, that comes with bringing in a new year. Happy 2012!