gobble gobble

happy thanksgiving!!!

i really have been reflecting the last couple of weeks on the many things i am grateful for.

lloyd newell say it best:

"A thankful heart recognizes greatness. And goodness. It’s a partner to humility, and a close friend of forgiveness, peace, respect, and love. Even in moments of sorrow, danger, failure, or frustration, we can give thanks for what we have and what we’re learning. Such an attitude lifts others, and prompts us to see the hand of God in our lives. A giving heart is a simple gift. It asks that we reach inside and give of ourselves. Appreciation acknowledges our connection one to another; “thank you” honors that bond. It costs nothing but time and attention, yet such a thoughtful gesture may make someone’s day!"

this day let us give thanks for all that we have been given.

my faith, family, country, and friends top my list.

but in so many ways the tiny things are so important to me and have made me a better person. i am SO thankful for my camera that has changed my life. it has made me see things differently. it has made me see and appreciate the leaf, water droplet, the tiny baby and the glorious mountains. i am at a loss for words when i try to express the love and gratitude i have for the earth we live on. there truly is beauty all around. i strive to thank my heavenly father every day for all that we have.

there have been many days that i fail at remembering to be thankful. days of frustration, anger, selfishness, and just plain ornery do happen. but we have many things around us that pull us out of those slumps and help us remember to be thankful.

back

i am back from my anniversary get.a.way. we had a fun time in the big apple. it had been 16 year since i was there and the husband had never been.

we crammed a lot in and i am a little exhausted. but thanks husband for a great time.

i will be posting more pictures this week over on the photoblog.

cone flower crazy

i was just thinking how glad i am that i challenged myself to take pictures everyday for a year. i have posted 50 days in my photo blog i shoot 365. i have definitely learned a lot. i have tried to teach myself new things and not be afraid to push different buttons and try different things. i have had my eyes opened a bit to how beautiful a world we live in. i have always appreciated the beauty around but i guess i have a deeper level of appreciation or a new perspective. when i capture a good one of the kidlets its like i fall in love with their faces and expressions. it seems that i have fallen in love with these cone flowers in my parents backyard. they lure me in.

it started when they were first blooming. they were so lime green and it was intriguing.

then the bees started buzzin around. (apparently they lure in more than me)

my mom has always loved flowers maybe i learned to love flowers from her.

the spiky little dainty cones on the top are so perfectly groomed.

and their placement in the yard is always in great lighting.

so i hope to keep taking photos, keep learning and keep wishing for a new lenses. (they are not cheap)