Just when I thought it was all about perspective with the dying sunflowers last month, I sure was in for a surprise when we arrived at the farm a few weeks later. I pondered whether or not to take my camera that weekend. After all, it was just an overnight trip. I was a tired mommy, a needed mommy and a frazzled-minded teacher. My better judgement prevailed. I packed my camera (which by the way is in an awesome camera bag thanks to my friend Jeni Hand!). I was in no way prepared for the beauty that was about to unfold as I pulled into the driveway. My father-in-law had just told me the night before about the sunflower field. I was not absorbing the information, obviously. I assumed he was talking about the dead sunflower field. I was thinking to myself "didn't you see me out there taking pictures last time?" Boy was I wrong! He sure wasn't talking about the dead sunflowers. He was referring to the catfish pond full of freshly bloomed sunflowers. I spent two sessions in that field, eyeing every angle, examining every perspective. My heart healed that day and my mind calmed. Ok. So that is a bit of an exaggeration, but my point is it was heavenly! I even put on my husbands waders just so I could explore a bit closer into the pond of sunflowers. Stunning. Unforgettable. Enjoy the Moments.
It's All About Perspective
I can't say enough about a long weekend and it's benefit to the mind and soul. Once again, we spent Labor Day weekend at the farm. A few words to describe it: relaxing, exhausting, calming, full-filling. For the first time since Olivia's birth, I was able to venture out and explore nature for the next series of 'swoon' images. In some prior conversation, Mo told me how he cut some rows in the sunflower field (to prepare for bird hunting season). I mulled over the thought a few times and pondered their existence in the post-photosynthesis stage. I made a decision. The sunflower field would be my priority subject matter. When I arrived, the fields were overgrown with pigtail weeds and the sunflower stalks soaked with rain water. I wasn't prepared for the beauty I saw. The beauty in the horizon. The beauty in the weeds. The beauty in the sunflowers. It's about perspective you see because the sunflowers were dead. Dead as dead can die, but the beauty of their descent back to mother earth was immeasurable.
An Ode to Fall..
The weather here today in the beautiful south whispered bits of fall in a multitude of ways. The subtle humidity blended with grey cloud cover provided welcoming temperatures that enticed the soul to explore the outdoors. Laughter has been in the neighborhood air the past week. It sure does stir memories of my own childhood. The nostalgic fall. The favored season. The longing for the crisp night air to dance across your skin. Sweaters coupled with flip flops and faded jeans.
I have come to appreciate the meaning of weekends now that I have two little loves to squeeze, giggle with, spend time with, coo at and chase. My heart feels so full of love and happiness as I enjoy the greatest gifts Mo and I could ever receive. Especially on this weekend. The weekend that is sending messages. Messages of fall….
Back to School
It's that time of year again - school begins again! As usual, I expend energy stewing over the end of summer and worrying about the unknown. I should know the importance of enjoying each precious moment and letting the future unfold with each tick of the clock hand. This summer was special as I spent almost FIVE months with the newest Gordy addition, Olivia. Intermingle the joys of rearing the kid in all his toddler glory and you have yourself one fine summer!
Anyway, back to the task at hand. During early summer every year, my good friend Vicki appoints my talents for some new art pieces. There isn't much that I enjoy more than browsing all my untouched images to find the perfect composition, the perfect lighting, the right angle. I absolutely treasure all moments involving photography. It's my sacred place, my peace, my serenity. Enter Millet Fields. The epiphany of fall in God's country. Rustic. Relaxing.
As I sit at my school computer desk creating the one-millionth post-it-note to-do-list, I find myself escaping summer and dodging reality as I envision the fall air surrounding my senses, encouraging peace. I look forward to Bartow fall, the pitter patter of little feet and porch time. Enjoy the Moments.
Spring Break
Our spring break was a little later than usual this year AND everyone was on pins-and-needles waiting for that glorious week. I know we had some 'snow' time off due to TWO weather storms between January and February, but storm PAX sure did a number on our souls. Needless to say, it has been much appreciated time away from work. In the first two days of spring break, I took over 250 pictures! Many of them I deleted instantly; others I kept around and some were delicious!! Although I have several favorites from these sessions, I am posting the old farm truck. It just captured my soul like the trucks around the farm I had been photographing for several years. What sets this one apart from the others is I JUST discovered it for the first time (even though i have pillaged through this area multiple times. It must be thanks to storm PAX as he seemed to clear the area a bit for me to see (not to mention the golf cart ride back a bit further than foot could explore). I am posting an edit of one of the shots, but may very well venture back to the folder and edit some more. I also have an old International truck that I photographed as well. Be on the lookout! Much love, Carol :)
Spring Baptism
The Kid's Sweet Outfit
I have been patiently waiting for spring to arrive so I could take photos of the kid's christening gown. His baptism took place last April (2013-I believe the 20th). I bought his outfit as a 9-12 month fitting to ensure i had plenty of time to schedule the sacred event. Well….. the morning of the event I attempted to dress the little one (he was 5ish months old). IT BARELY FIT!!! I was in a slight panic to say the least. Luckily, the outfit JUST fit. We went to church, christened and had fellowship. It was time to change the diaper. I knew once the outfit came off, it would never return to his cute little chubby body. At this point, I had not taken any worthwhile photos of the kid in his adorable attire. So, I vowed to wait until next spring (because I knew i wouldn't find the time then) to take some photos of his outfit. I washed, ironed and hung that precious little outfit in my closet. I have looked at it every day for nearly a year. Last Sunday, I had the fateful opportunity to take some snapshots. Pure bliss!!!