Happy New Year 2023

 

I literally forgot about this blog.  Maybe I'll continue it.  It's been five years. I think I'm going to expand my lens a little beyond just the camera and phone.  

Eight Months That Changed Our Lives: Welcome, Nolan

Our grandson, Nolan, was born two months premature at only 2.1lbs. He spent nearly four months in the hospital, but finally came home in August. It's been a life changing experience. I marvel at his resiliency, at how his own very particular personality is shining through. He's going to be one interesting and challenging kid. 

Looking Back: A Year of Photography

I took a LOT of pictures in 2017. I don't know how many of them I will actually print, but it was fun. Here is a sample of some of my favorites. It's HARD to choose a favorite. Who is your favorite child? That's what my photos are to me in a lot of ways. 

Happy New Year

2017! Are we really saying goodbye? It was a momentous year. Donald Trump became President. Ugh. Not sorry to say that either. Once upon a time protesters crashed the Democratic Convention in 1968 shouting "The whole world is watching." They were right. The world is watching again. It's not a pretty sight. 

On the other hand, 2017 was momentous for me in two very significant ways. I turned 70 and my grandson, Nolan, was born. I wished for a grandchild for a long time. I had given up until I opened a coffee mug that said "Grandma" Christmas Day 2016. 

Nolan was born April 19, 2017 weighing only 2.1lbs. His development had been slowed. Despite the setbacks he is a healthy happy baby boy. He is a little behind in his physical development, but seems right there mentally. I hope so. He is certainly a gregarious little guy who loves new things and people. I couldn't ask for two better parents for him either. They have been amazing. 

I had ignored this blog for a long time, but it's back. I hope someone's reading. If nothing else, I'll be reading it. 

Color Power

I love black and white. I admit it. I think it brings out the details. However, some things just beg for color. I converted a color photo of a carousel with a mother and child to black and white and gave it a soft look. One critique I got was that it would have been better in color. It WAS lovely in color, but for me that black and white conversion seemed to zero in on the love between the mother and child. So here's to color. Whether dainty pastels or full saturated color (my personal choice) color is all around us. This is a selection of color from a year of photos - one from every month. What colors get you excited? 

One Little Word: Laugh

I enrolled in a class called One Little Word. You pick a word and express it in writing, photography, collage, etc. Of course I've chosen photography. There is an option to buy a journal and do a lot of writing in that journal and cutting and pasting of words, etc, but I know myself. That's not going to happen. 

For me 2017 is starting out in two directions - one good, one horrible. I'm hoping that the good will drown out the horrible as much as possible. I've also decided to read more of everything - the newspaper, online stuff, and above all books, books, books. In the meantime, I'm looking to keep that one little word Laugh in the back of my mind. Here I get political - wait for it - Because with this new incoming administration, if I don't laugh, I'll cry. Crying too much won't do any good at all. 

Happy New Year: Looking Back

“To go wrong in one's own way is better than to go right in someone else's.” 

― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment

I admit it. My worldview can be a little skewed. The things that attract or interest me aren't always the ones that others like. I see beautiful landscapes and, I admit, I am a little jealous. I don't have the equipment or the expertise to do what these people do. However, I've discovered I like my own smaller viewpoint just fine. So here are a few of my favorites this year. You may or may not agree. There are probably some that you like better. Or you may not like any of my pictures. I've put them all in square format to keep it simple. Your comments are welcome.