Accomplishing my Mission... little by little

I just have to share my gratitude and excitement. Those who you who have read my profile (especially my Etsy profile) or saw the Auburn Journal interview know my greatest mission/motivation... to inspire a greater appreciation of the beauty of nature all around us. I have a photography book (developing very slowly) dedicated to helping people "see the beauty" everywhere. In high school, I was a complete "science nerd" and I *was* absolutely going to help "save the world!" While my path branched off of biology along the way, that desire in me to help demonstrate and preserve nature's beauty remains as real and passionate as ever. I'm always the one stopping those around me with an enthusiastic "Look at THAT!" Often, they seem somewhat less impressed by the view in question than I... After a "yeah, nice" there is inevitably a follow-up "No... LooOOoK." Hence the photography. It gets right to the point, showing exactly what it is in the whole scene that I find so amazing. And still, of course, some folks find those views more inspiring and beautiful than others. So it goes.

Fast forward to last night... I had just finished happily whipping up this healthy little yoghurt and fruit dessert and decided to check messages n' such before calling it quits on the computer for the day...


What a pleasant surprise. A message from Tins and Treasures said she had been inspired by my nature photos and the results of that inspiration were shown on her latest blog post. You really have to go to her blog and see the post to understand my excitement. I was soooo pleased to see how my photos had influenced a positive change for her... shifting from being sick of the snow to seeing the beauty in it, and even taking time out to capture that beauty. I get these sort of compliments from time to time, and they are, I think, the most touching.

I'm *always* grateful for anyone who takes time out of their day to compliment my work, always!!! And to hear that my work inspired positive action is... just so uplifting and encouraging... not only did her post show me that I'm actually helping inspire a greater appreciation of nature (even in the end of a loonnng winter!) , but at the same time I was able to help someone FEEL GOOD because of the process.

Life... is... good. I hope YOU have a wonderful day, inspired by the beauty around and within you!

Surfin', Beachn' & Train Travelin'

Wooooo WOOOOoooooo....

No that's not the sound of the train whistle, that's me cheering that I got my More Pics Monday post done-- not just on time, but early!


When the opportunity abruptly arose this week for me to mix a little business with pleasure, I jumped-- on a train that is (no, for the 100th time, my car was not broken... I needed a break from my norm-- missed backpacking overseas & traveling by train). My short little adventure to the coast (Moss Beach, Pacifica-- a bit south of SF Bay area) still left me time to marvel at the beauty of waves...



feel the sand beneath my feet (gotta watch out for the jellies when getting this up-close-and-personal with the sand)...

take in an ocean sunset...

get a little "surf" session in with a couple of friends (more of a nasal irrigation/getting-spanked-by-the-ocean session for me really, but envigorating all the same)...

and stop and smell a couple flowers along the way.

When it was time I caught the train home, seeing some interesting sites on the journey.

(Is THIS what an economic recession looks like?)

Paradoxically exhausted, yet re-charged, I finished by trekking home across town from the train station and called it a day!

Change of Pace

Abandon Theory

Blue Turtle Seduction

TrAiNwReCk ReViVaL

While I am Beholden to Nature, apparently I am not beholden to Mondays! Does anyone actually come here on Mondays looking for "More Pics Monday" , or just come whenever you see a new post? Curious to know. :) At any rate, I'm wondering if I'll be able to keep up the theme or maybe have to abandon it for something less... regimented.

This week I thought I'd give you a change of pace from flowers and spring... how's Bands and Gigs sound? (Pretty loud, most often, but since I did the shooting you're spared that)! ;) However, you CAN catch any of their great tunes by clicking on their links below their photos! Four different sounds-- check 'em all out to add some new life to your electronic jukebox!

Sir Jhon

"More Pics Monday" Spring Tribute (2)

Hello friends,

%~%~%~%~%~%~% HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY! ~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%~%


Sorry this is so late today-- but good news... I was off tootling about selling my photos today. :) The meeting with the bookstore went well-- they are purchasing 10 of my photos to carry for sale in the store. Woo Hoo! :D Must be a bit o' my Irish Luck kickin' in! ;)

Well... You expressed so much enthusiasm over last week's spring colors that I thought perhaps I'd indulge you with MORE SPRING (especially for those of you awaiting the arrival of its color and energy).

Hope these will bring a touch of the joy of spring to your day (and a warm smile to your face)!

More Pics Monday... Let's see those spring colors!!

So, I apologize that the "More Pics, Less Talk Monday" posts took a little hiatus with visitors, meetings with local art sales venues (one of which I have today-- wish me luck!), and just that whole "real life" off the web thing! But... they're back now! In explosive color!


I love the vibrant energy and life of spring and, though all the trees have not *quite* donned their summer dress of leaves yet, spring is here!


I've been drinking coffee to singing birds. The flowers are sweetening the air, beckoning us to come pay tribute to the rejuvination of life and its most splendid colors!



























Ahhh spring... May I remember always to marvel in your magnificence, whilst I look forward to the summer morsels your flowers will yield.

And a "Kreativ Blogger" award? Wow. :)

After I posted the previous "Lemonade Award" post, I found out that Celtic Cat Photos, Julie Magers Soulen, and Rare Image Photography have honored me with a "Kreative Blogger" award! Well, they say "What goes around, comes around," I guess sometimes it comes really fast! heh heh Thank you to Cathy, Julie, and Rhonda-- I'm honored you thought of my little blog.

Here are the rules:List 7 things that you love and then pass the award on to 7 people...tagging them and letting them know they won! You can copy the picture of the award and put it on your sideboard letting the whole wide world know you are KReATIV!

Wow--only 7 huh? Ok, here goes, first 7 that come to mind tonight...
1. Good, kind-hearted people trying to make a positive difference in our world and the lives of those around them!!!!
2. The *phenominal* natural beauty of our world-- an amazing gift we get to enjoy EVERY day!!
3. Sunrises (especially over the ocean or after a good hike to a tall place)!
4. Sunsets (a glass of wine sometimes compliments these well).
4. Sitting by a river at night, listening to the "water-music," and watching the moonlight play in the waves.
6. Music!!!
7. The precious time I get to spend with loved ones, doing what I love, or both! :D

And now for the tagging...
Bliss
Half-Pint Creations
Provocation of Mind
Quiet City
Dilly Dallas
Matt Allen Photography
An Urban Plot

Congratulations! Your blogs have inspired me in one way or another! :D

Nominated for a... what award? ;)

I was nominated for a "Lemonade Award"!!!!! Awarded for great attitude, I guess it goes along with that whole "given lemons, make lemonade" saying. :) And Pocketful of Sunshine graciously bestowed upon me a "Lemonade Award"!

How sweet--Big thank you!

The rules are quite simple...

1. Put the logo on your blog or post.
2. Nominate at least 5 - 10 blogs that show great Gratitude and/or Attitude.
3. Be sure to list and link your nominees within your post.
4. Tell them they have received this award by leaving a comment on their blog.
5. Nominate your favorites and link to your post.

Here are my lovely nominees:
Eva's House
Nature Nut
2smilinggirls--Branda
Celtic Cat Photos
Julie Magers Soulen
Urban Junkies Artist Lounge/zuppaartista
allieart4children
Four Dog Day
Catherine Sherman

Congrats to my "gr-Attidude" (funny how "great attitude" almost seamlessly blends into "gratitude!") nominees! I can think of a whole bunch of my blog friends that really deserve this award as well! I'm lucky to be associated with such wonderful people! :)