week thirty-one

This week I focused on my photography skills. And yes, I am in need of some assistance... can anyone show me how to use my camera? The booklet it came with didn't explain anything! Oh well, it looks like trial and error is going to be my teacher.



This weekend we were able to go camping in the Anza-Borego Desert. IT WAS COLD!! Oh my gosh! We woke up one morning to the baby wipes being a solid ice brick! By the time I got up and out of bed it was close to 16 degrees Fahrenheit. Whew!



We took many hikes while out there and I [of course] took a gazillion photos. I love being out in nature and capturing it on film is the best thing ! I love looking at the pictures I took later and not only remembering the amazing time I had but admiring the amazing beauty that is around us.



If you are an avid hiker you will be familiar with the subject of this week's blog entry. It is a trail marker. In some regions, piles of rocks are called "ducks" or "duckies". These are typically smaller cairns, so named because they would typically have a "beak" pointing the way of the path. An expression "to rocks don't make a duck" reminds hikers that just one rock resting upon another could be an accident or nature rather than an intentional trail marker.



I have seen so many of the cairns throughout my hiking/backpacking/rock climbing adventures. The sight of these, no matter how big or small, are a source of comfort for me. I'm not sure why except I know that I'm on the right path and I have nothing to worry about. Whenever we're out hiking I always look for them and if it is a hike we've done before I look for familiar cairns- especially the ones I have either started or added to. It's really fun to see new ones and be welcomed back by old friends.

If you haven't seen one, added to one, or started one..... go out on a hike! Your body and mind will thank you!



week 31: complete
# projects: 1
weeks to go: 5
cumulative project count: 46

week eighteen

More photography. maybe these aren't the best pictures in the world but I loved the lighting and of course I love the subjects. Cameron has been wanting to have Xander swim better, so we've been swimming every day since we saw a couple of little kids [toddler] swimming by them self and doing such a great job.
Xander is doing such an amazing job! I think he might be a fish :) Here are a few pics from a day at the pool.

Week eighteen: complete

# projects: 1

Weeks to go: 15
Cumulative # of projects: 26

week sixteen

I've been experimenting with our new camera and took some more shots with it this week. This one is by far my favorite this week. Xander fell asleep while we were swimming. I love it! We ended up putting him in the shade while he napped. Talk about a water bed!! :)

Week sixteen: complete

# projects: 1

Weeks to go: 17

Cumulative # of Projects: 24

week seven

i was on a girlfriend trip this weekend and shot a few cool shots while we took a 'detour'. actually, we got lost and had to find a different way to get to our destination. it ended up being a very very long drive, but the scenery was beautiful! these back country roads are what i was meant to drive!


week seven: complete
# of projects: 1
weeks to go: 26
cumulative project count: 11

week six

since acquiring a new camera.. thank you honey!! ..... i have been photographing any and everything i possibly can. photography is one of my passions [even though i am not very good or experienced with it]. one of may favorite things to photograph is plants. i love to grow them and preserve the feelings they invoke on 'film'. i can smell and feel each flower as i look at the pictures, remembering what was going on when i took them. they are a sense of calm and relaxation for me. nothing beats sitting in a garden, relaxing.


week six: complete
# projects: 1
weeks to go: 27
cumulative project count:10