I Am The Turtle

Writing a blog is SO much more intimidating than I ever expected it to be...

I've always been an avid reader since the moment I could sound out my first words. My entire high school and college years were spent with my nose behind a book. In fact, when I'm not tending to matters of higher demand you can still find me snuggled up in one of our big chairs reading something. Secretly it's been a fantasy of mine to become an author of some sort one day. However, I've always thought of it as more of a fairytale dream than an actual credible career for myself.

One day J, (my husband) asked so matter of factly, "why don't you write a blog?". "A Blog,....me?", I said. J, "yeah....why not?" Well, I had honestly never thought of it before. I didn't even know how to start one, and I certainly had no idea what I would write about. My fantasy instantly became tangible (to an extent) and now all I had to do was reach out and grasp it. So I figured I'd give it a try....I mean how hard could it be? I always have something to say (as J tells me all the time) so this should be easy as pie, right?  Uh...wrong. Imagine my shock when I discovered my loss for words and an apparent lack of wit.  In my fantasy, I always dreamt of the words just flowing through me as if they were coming from some higher source and I was merely the conduit for them to be articulated. Well, I must have lost my mojo cause I can't seem to tap into this higher source I envisioned. In fact, it's just me and my laptop here and we are presumably bogged down with a case of writer's boulder. That's right; not block, but an actual boulder!

Getting past this boulder will prove to only be a part of the problem I'm faced with. The other, more fearful part, is the fact that many may read what I have actually written. THAT, my friends is the scariest part of all. (Of course that is a gratifying thought compared to meditating on the fact that no one will read it because I'm so dull and unwitty.)

 So in the end here I am realizing that writing a blog is quite obviously just what I need. It's adventure; fantasy; and fear all rolled into one...and the craziest part: I don't even have to leave my living room! Opening up to people is terrifying to me,but....I think this is going to change my life.

"Behold the turtle. He only makes progress when he sticks his neck out. " ~James Bryant Conant

Hunger

Have you ever wanted something so bad you could taste it? That is how I feel about photography. I am more than eager to put myself out there to experience as much as possible in order to learn and get better. My concern is that with the holidays and J's finals, I've found myself a bit stretched (actually, kneaded dough is more accurate). My photography journey is officially set to begin at the beginning of next year and I'm glad for this quick test to show me that I need to create a healthy limit in which to extend myself each month. It doesn't matter how much you love something, if you let it overwhelm you, the passion will fizzle out as quickly as it ignited. Besides, a good balance will ensure my appetite is only slightly assuaged. After all, there's nothing wrong with a little bit of hunger..

Light the Night

  

This past Saturday was so windy and cold I almost forgot I was in Southern California. I took part as a photographer in Eastvale’s Light the Night festivities and about halfway through I could no longer feel my toes. It was all worth it to see the little faces light up as they got to meet Santa and take a picture with him.

The day started out a little crazy with our sleigh snapping off it’s runners during the first picture, but all ended well with our sleigh firmly planted on the ground (runners omitted). We also had some fly by presents, which was really a sight to see. So all in all I think the event was quite extraordinary and a wonderful memory for all.

Here are just a few of the photos taken…

These girls had a great idea when they asked the elves to get in their picture. It's the only one I have of the them from the whole night. Apparently, they spend most of their time indoors up there in the North Pole because they couldn't handle the cold weather.

 I love the look on this little girls face. She looks like she's trying to tough it out, but she didn't last too long.

 This little girl just looked so cute as she sat there. I really enjoyed watching all of their excitement.

 The classic first "real" encounter with Santa (it doesn't count when they're tiny).

And last, but not least Me! I couldn't resist getting in on the action myself after a long cold night. I sure hope he remembers to bring me the cute pair of boots I asked for.