Small Town Living – Relationships

Listening to a client who came into the store, I heard this statement, “I just don’t have time to waste on things I don’t care about. I only spend time on activities I really enjoy.”

Interesting. So I assume you are a recluse then? You don’t have many friends? You don’t find it easy to foster relationships with people? Are you happy being alone with your passions? If that’s true, more power to you! I know there are introverts who need time away from others to recharge. But does that really mean they want to be alone and without friends? FOREVER?! ALL THE TIME?! I doubt it.

If you only spend time on activites/passions that are important to YOU, you will rarely, if ever find it easy to foster relationships with people around you. How many yous are there out there? How many people are going to connect with you on every activity that you find important?

Fun With Sparklers…

For our Saturday night fun I had the girls play with some Sparklers, which were  leftover from the 4th. I was able to take some Long Exposure shots of them spinning and twirling around. I even jumped in on the fun. We had such a great time!!! Hope you enjoy!!!

This one was me wanting to get in on the action!!!

I like the ghostly effect of the girls in some of the pictures.

Skiing Time

Before getting in the car for the drive up

Looking a little nervous....a little pre-lesson snack

Green Light, Yellow Light, Red Light

The final touches

The almost 6 year old on the lift.

Daddy enjoying the slopes

The almost four year old was very nervous at first. She didn’t want me to leave her side. But once she started outside, I snuck away. I’m about to check in on her this afternoon. I hope she is having a good time.

Walking Through A Japanese Garden

While in PDX a few weeks ago, I had the privilege to check out the Japanese Gardens. It was so peaceful and serene, that it was pleasing to my soul. I will post a few more later on today. Hope you enjoy!!!

Golf this morning!!!!

Spent the morning golfing with a good.buddy of mine. Even though our golf game was poor we still had a great time enjoying the weather and each others company. As the saying goes “A bad day of golf is better than any day in the office”.
S

Fallen Log

Three variations of the same fallen log.

Fallen Log with a Warming filter

Fallen Log in HDR

Fallen Log in Black and White

Milky Stream

Here are a couple of images from my Photo Excursion That Almost Wasn’t. This was the first time I was using my Cokin filter system. I was given a tip by one of my friends, Tim Floyd, that a ND 8 filter really helps with capturing running water, and give it a milky look to it. I think it works pretty well!!!

Zapata Falls Stream

Zapata Falls Stream

Portland Head Lighthouse

Just a few more of the Portland Head Lighthouse this time in color.

Summer of Swim

This has been the summer of swimming for our five year old. She started off in Blow Fish (Level 1) which is the very beginning level. The kids are being introduced to the water and learning how to breath in the water. This was easy for her, but it was good to have the confidence going forward  into Sting Ray (Level 2). Here the kids were learning how to float frontwards and backwards, and developing their kicking skills. Our kiddo did pretty well at this level, she probably could have finished out the summer in that level, but she has moved onto Manatee (Level 3).The five year old is learning how to glide through the water, refine her kicking skills, and start the arm motions for the Front Crawl. 

Its been tough to get her going in the mornings, because she likes to sleep in. We are often rushed to get out of the house. There have also been times were she likes to be a clown in her class. I have had to tell her to pay attention to her swim instructor. But she is 5, so I expect a small attention span. SQUIRREL!!! However, despite the struggles to get going and the attention span of a gnat at times,  its been well worth the investment to see her develop these vital skills. The confidence she is gaining is so much fun to watch.

Nature Walk

Girls enjoying our nature walk. Of course I had to keep reminding them that nothing was coming to get them, and they didn’t have to scared of the woods.

Pine Cone & Frost

Purple Aster