03.06.09
Posted in A Tiny Spot at 7:20 pm by Shutterbug
Hello Everyone! It has been awhile. My reason for this post is because I came across something about a month ago that caught my attention. I saw it as a type of ad on Facebook, but it was photography related so it intrigued me. It’s a contest that gets you to think about what your dream assignment would be as a photographer or photojournalist. For a month I pondered this idea, toying with several different interests I’ve had since I took a sincere interest in photography. Then the week before the contest actually began, I decided on the one assigment that would be the most beneficial to the world, to me and most importantly, to God. Not that God needs benefits! But I want to be pleasing to Him at the same time.
My idea is to visit the country of Jordan where there is a long lost city made of stone called Petra. Every building was carved into the rose-colored limestone cliffs. It has been around since Biblical times, and used in ancient times for many different things, yet there is very little known about this place. In fact, archeologists from four countries are still unearthing the treasures that have been buried due to an earthquake, yearly floods and wind. The buildings and artifacts are in danger of deteriation again, because of weather and the added burden of tourism.
This stone city in the middle of the desert is now considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and should be documented in photographs for the world to see and appreciate for generations to come. I would be honored to be a part of that history.
In order for me to even have a change at winning this contest, I have to be in the top 20 at the end of the contest on April 3, 2009. Then the contest judges will make the decision as to which person wins. All you have to do to place your vote and help me achieve my dream, is to click on the link below, register and vote.
Thanks to all of you who have already supported me!
http://www.nameyourdreamassignment.com/the-ideas/Fotoe_op/its-not-just-a-rock/
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10.12.08
Posted in A Tiny Spot at 4:11 pm by Shutterbug
The rings we wear on our hands can have very diverse and tradition-enriched meanings. Take a look at the rings you own and wear. You may have one that was passed down from a great-grandmother or maybe one that displays an accomplishment such as a graduation or a championship victory. There are rings to show purity, status or birth month, and of course, the most common, the wedding ring.
Some cultures don’t use a ring of metal worn on the “ring” finger of the left hand, but typical American culture does. In a traditional man/woman relationship, the woman wears a ring of gold or some other type of metal with a solitary diamond throughout the engagement period. Then during the wedding ceremony, the man and woman exchange rings of (typically) gold bands.. Nowadays, there are so many more choices with wedding rings.
My wedding ring was traditional. My husband and I both had plain gold bands. No diamonds, no engravings, just very simple gold rings. I was very proud to wear my ring and so was Rod, my husband, who passed away about eleven years ago now. We never took them off. They were on our hands for almost thirteen years with the exception of my last pregnancy. I had retained so much water that my hands became bloated and the doctor was afraid I would have to have my ring cut off. So I asked Rod to remove it and he gave me a necklace of his to wear with the ring so I would still have it with me. As soon as I was able, the ring went back to it’s rightful spot. The next time one of us removed our wedding band was when my husband was in the hospital dying. He asked me to take it off and put it in a safe place so that it wouldn’t get taken off by a nurse, doctor or mortician.
When we had been married for seven years, Rod bought me a nice ring for Christmas that was made from Black Hills gold and very similar to his mother’s ring which I had always admired. My ornate ring was worn with my simple gold band as an addition to my wedding ring, not in place of.
When Rod died, all of these rings were placed on a necklace along with a locket which had his picture in it. I wore it every day for several months until I had a scare. The clasp suddenly let go and the rings fell. I didn’t want to risk losing them, so I put them in my jewelry box.
About six years later, I was preparing to sell my house and move into a smaller one. During this time, I down-sized much of belongings, including some things of Rod’s that I was hanging on to. I also went through that last step of grieving that I kept telling myself I didn’t need..anger. I distributed several objects of importance to our children. If none of them wanted it, I decided whether or not to keep it for them to have in the future or to just get rid of it. When it came to the rings, none of the kids wanted them and I really didn’t want to just throw them away.
Also at this time, I was engaged to a man that I had known since high school and he was very uncomfortable with anything of Rod’s around. He said he felt like he was in competition with him. I realize that it was something he had imposed on himself, but I wanted to help him through this and if it meant getting rid of a few rings, then I could do that. So, I took the rings to a pawn shop, including the one made of Black Hills gold.
Four years later, I am thankfully, no longer engaged. I was talking to a co-worker about her wedding ring and told her about my act of stupidity and how I wished I hadn’t pawned the rings. After work that day, I decided to go to the pawn shop just to see if, by chance, the rings might be there. I stepped in and immediately felt overwhelmed. There were so many pieces of jewelry. How was I ever going to find something so small that was pawned four years ago? I convinced myself a quick look wouldn’t hurt anything. Time seemed to stop as I moved slowly in front of the glass cases. One after another with nothing looking familiar. Then, with a gasp and a feeling of warm tears in my eyes, I leaned down in front of a case with my Black Hills gold ring sitting in a black velvet holder! Barely able to get the words out, I turned to a guy in the back cleaning and he asked if I need to look at something in the case.
I quietly spoke, “No, I would just like to purchase the Black Hills gold ring with the two leaves in this case here,” as I pointed to the general area.
He asked if I wanted to try it on and I explained that I knew it fit because it’s mine. Those words sounded good to my ears and to my heart. I didn’t even bother looking at the price tag, because I was prepared to pay whatever it cost.
He said, “You’re lucky it’s still here. It’s been here for about four years.”
I told him I wasn’t lucky, I was blessed.
I thanked him and walked out to my car. As soon as the door was shut, I sobbed. I was in awe. With this ring made from Black Hills gold, I have a tradition of promises, love, grace and forgiveness. The stories attached with this ring will be passed down for generations, whether the ring remains or not. God is present even in what we consider to be the little things. His tradition will be passed on and will ever remain a presence in my life.
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07.12.08
Posted in A Tiny Spot at 10:55 am by Shutterbug
It saddened me this morning to check the headlines and discover that Tony Snow, former White House Press Secretary, went home to be with his Savior, his God…his Father. The following is link to an article he wrote about this time last year for Christianity Today. Hope it inspires you as much as it did me.
www.ctlibrary.com/ct/2007/july/25.30.html
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06.30.08
Posted in A Tiny Spot at 6:23 am by Shutterbug
I can’t believe it’s been since February that I’ve posted. And at that time our city was experiencing record snowfalls and now, this Spring we have surpassed all previous flood records set in 1929 and 1993.
I took several photos of before, when I didn’t think the water would get much higher….then the next day when it did…and then following the crest of river at just under 32 feet, which is 20 feet over flood stage. I put them all together and made videos of the best ones.
Our house was not directly affected, but the whole city was told to conserve water since we had only 25% capacity left. Most people cared about the future of our water supply and complied. But of course there were some who thought they were better than everyone else and didn’t need to. Some people were caught on camera washing their car or spraying off their driveway after mowing while the rest of us were having to go without showers and flushing our toilets.
Most of the city seems to be back to our new normal, but the downtown and several neighborhoods are severly damaged. In fact, there is a long list of buildings to be bulldozed. Our public library had water in it over my head. They brought in freezer trucks to try to save the books and documents, but no word yet as to if it worked.
If you’d like to see the videos, go to my web site www.visionofgrandeur.com and click on the Video button.
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02.17.08
Posted in A Tiny Spot at 2:49 pm by Shutterbug
I thought I would share some images of our blizzard. Church was cancelled and the driveway is covered again, so we can’t go anywhere…unless we walk.
This is a Lilac bush in our backyard. It was completely bare this morning. No snow, no ice…nothing.
This is our neighbor’s roof.
Looking out from our front door.
And it’s still coming down just as heavy as it was this morning when I got up at 7:30am.
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Posted in A Tiny Spot at 10:15 am by Shutterbug
I know, I know. Why write so melancholy? It is because I woke this morning with my cat, Adagio, coughing up a hairball…on my bed! And as I’m trying to get my feet on the floor, I look out my windows and see snow. More snow. It just doesn’t want to stop. I’ve seen my driveway cleared once this winter. We were suppose to get rain today and snow tomorrow, but the snow is here, in full force.
I have a neighbor who is diligent about shoveling the snow off his roof and it does make a difference with the snow melting and causing ice. But he has had to get up there so many times this winter and now his roof is being covered…again.
Then, to add salt to a wound, I had to write an email to a friend that was difficult. Wow. I’ve only been up for an hour. What will the rest of my day bring?
Oh! And I neglected to tell you that I had to have my cell phone number changed. Do you know how much of a pain that is? When you stop and think of all the places that we give out our phone numbers? Schools, video stores, web sites, churches, friends & family. It adds up quickly which is why I put it off for so long. But my ex-fiance decided to call me at 3:00am! Then he would continue to call every half hour after that. Knowing full well that I had to work. He did this not once, but two times. He only cared about himself and what he had to say to try to hurt me. Does that sound like love to you? If you loved someone with your whole heart, would you call them @ 3 in the morning? Just to aggravate them? I think not.
In any case, I got my cell phone number changed and blocked his home phone number from my home phone. Then he calls my home phone with his cell phone which is a long distance number, so I can’t block it. This time I went straight to his boss and told him what was going on. The cell phone he’s using is a company phone. He said he’d take care of it. But it’s really too bad that he had to get involved anyway.
I’ve been going through my things and sorting what needs to be put somewhere else and what needs to just be thrown away. I came across some letters I had written to my ex and it made me realize just how awful he really was to me. Why did I stick around as long as I did??? Maybe because I kept hoping things would get better. Well they didn’t, they got worse.
So there ya have it. That’s the beginning of my dreary day. Not much sunshine outside or in. I’ll have to do something about that…..
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02.13.08
Posted in A Tiny Spot at 8:54 pm by Shutterbug
I found out something wonderful! I’m not the only woman in the world that doesn’t like getting flowers! I’m not talking about just Valentine’s Day, I’m talking about any time. They just die. I was having a conversation with two other women at work and they brought it up. My ex told me that I had to be the only woman who didn’t enjoy receiving flowers. It made me feel somewhat guilty; like I was just suppose to like them because he liked to give them.
I don’t like getting flowers as a gift. Now, maybe a couple of roses or a bouquet of spring flowers for no particular reason would be enjoyable, but definately not for Valentine’s Day!
And since I’m on the subject, what is up with the women getting all the attention? “V” Day is not a holiday for guys to shower their gals with cards, candy, flowers, bubble baths and dinner. It’s for couples to show each other how very special they are. Both should give and get.
Ok, now that I’m done with my tantrum, hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. It’s a day worth celebrating and if you have a chance, find out the history of why we even have this holiday. You may look at it differently.
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02.12.08
Posted in A Tiny Spot at 6:19 am by Shutterbug
Another year has hit a milestone. Yesterday was my birhday and I’m now 44. One of my children told me that I may be 44, but I have the heart of an eight year old. She tells me this right after I let her listen to my new ringtone for my alarm which really isn’t a “ringtone”, it’s Buzz Lightyear talking. He says, “This is B.L. Time to get up Space Ranger. The evil Emporer Surg waits for nobody”….and on and on. And then another child tells me I’m a “cool mom”. Those words meant more than any of the gifts they gave. I’m not normally a “words of affirmation” type person, but it did reaffirm that I’m doing something right. Of course some kids would call their parents cool if they were daredevils like Evel Kenieval or could down a six-pack of Bud Light and then belch the alphabet. But the comment was given in love and I’ll take it!
At work I got various fellow workers wishing me a happy birthday which was nice (but somewhat embarrassing) and then at the end of the day, my supervisor and the owner of the company surprised me by saying happy birthday. I didn’t know it, but they were standing a few feet away watching. Not sure what they were watching…whether it was me, my daughter or something totally different, but I’m just glad I was hard at work. Then they tried to embarrass me by saying it louder so others around could hear. And it worked. But I loved it at the same time. Not for the attention, but because I love my job that much. I have bosses that are good people. I like what I do. I feel a part of a group…a family if you will. it’s a nice feeling.
After work I checked my phone and there was a picture message from two of my kids. They blew me kisses. It was the cutest thing. I’ll probably show it to people today at work. Those are the kind of gifts I really, really like. Then we went out to eat which we haven’t done in a very long time. It was really nice. I had a “marg” and let everyone try it. Even Tammany wanted to try it and she’s not an alcohol fan.
Then I stopped at a grocery store because my son wanted to make me a cake. I suggested that they get something already made and make sure there is enough for five people. They got me cupcakes and a whole LOT of my favorite candies; Rolos, Junior Mints, York Peppermint Patties, Peanut M & M’s and Maple Nut Goodies. Wow, it will take me a long time to eat it all…I’m guessing it will take me two days! *grin*
Well, I’m off to work. Dont’want to be late. Have a perfect record so far. Yah, it’s only been a month, so what? I gotta start somewhere!
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02.10.08
Posted in A Tiny Spot at 10:21 am by Shutterbug
There haven’t been any new posts for awhile because I was told by my ex-fiance not to write anything about him. I didn’t feel I had written anything specifically about him and I hadn’t mentioned his name, but nonetheless, I began to question why I even have a blog. So, during the past couple of weeks, I’ve thought long and hard about this subject and came to the conclusion that I write in this blog because:
1. I’ve always thought that keeping a journal is a good idea and I have off and on, but since I spend so much time online, it only made sense to keep my journal online as well. I actually find myself looking forward to what I’m going to share.
2. It gives my visitors (and hopefully customers) a little peek into who I am.
3. I simply want to!
So, my repsonse to anyone who doesn’t approve of me writing in the blog is that if you don’t like it, don’t visit my site and don’t read my blog. I don’t include specific names outside of my family anyway, so there’s nothing to be concerned about.
I do want to add a special note to my ex. I find it quite ironic that you don’t approve of me writing about you online, but you didn’t have any problem coming up with ideas to use against your ex wife. And that was ok??? Maybe you just don’t like the truth when it’s tossed in your direction but here it is anyway…when you get upset or angry, you turn into a different person and I don’t like the person you become. Like I’ve told you, it’s a Jekyl & Hyde mentality and I don’t want to live my life wondering when you’re going to turn into the bad guy again.
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01.11.08
Posted in A Tiny Spot at 10:39 pm by Shutterbug
I got a job. It’s not the ideal job, but it pays more than my last one. God is good…all the time. And all the time…God is good. I didn’t have to go without a paycheck this month.
Today I felt lonely. I know that special guy will come along eventually. I’ve waited ten years, I suppose I can keep right on waiting.
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