Jen Squared: March 2011

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

750 Words

So I read a comment on a blog I follow daily - the topic was Writing Therapy. Very interesting read in itself, however the comment that drew my attention contained information on a site called 750words.com - I tried signing up for it but will have to try at home. (My work computer is a bit on the elderly side...sigh.) It seems like a brilliant idea (and one I have come across before), but an idea that I haven't really given much thought to. Until today. I wax and wane on my writing, as I do with my photography and any other creative outlet in my life. I can honestly blame a portion of my slacking on my work schedule. And my six animals that need attention, and the house that I now live in (as opposed to a small apartment - two story houses and six animals require some daily maintenance!!). Soon the outdoor chores will really impose on my time - but if I can churn out 750 words per day, I can really feel a sense of accomplishment. As well as purge some of those nasty self destructive thoughts that float around in my head. Just exploring that many thoughts daily might really be the answer to quite a few things that plague me daily. I mean, it's been said many times to me to 'get out of my head'. I used to believe it was because I am an only child that my brain worked in overdrive. Or perhaps it's my Type A personality (so I've been told) or any number of ridiculous solutions to a problem that only seems to perplex others. Why else would they need a label for me & my 'problems'. Regardless, I used to spend hours writing. It was creative, it was an outlet for pain and stress in my life, and it was just part of who I am. I have no idea how many words are scattered across this piece of cyber paper, but for now, it will suffice for a daily purging of mind ghouls. I've got to figure out how to get logged into this 750words blog so I can really let some things outta my head, but in a private setting. After all, isn't that purpose of a diary?

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

A Little Inspiration

I found this quote while checking out a website that piqued my interest. When I was a child, I would be asked what I wanted to be when I became an adult. I had a different answer every time I was asked. Why? Simply because I have always been intrigued by so many different avenues of career choices out there to explore. And I've had quite a few different jobs throughout my time of being a 'worker bee'. I suppose if I really thought hard back to the days of youth, the majority of my answers were geared toward careers that would allow me to express my creativity. I've always been a creative soul, yet one who can't be stuffed into a box & defined by my job. So, today I was researching the possibility of where to head on my next big journey in the world of financial endeavors, and I found this delightful little quote that I thought was appropriate to share.

It's never too late to be what you might have been. ~George Eliot

PS ~ In case you were wondering, the top two career aspirations I've always been drawn to are:

Writing and Photograhpy......

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Getting To Know You

It almost sounds romantic, 'getting to know you'. And, I suppose to a degree, it is. Because I'm falling in love. Yes, in LOVE. With my camera. And my lenses. And all of the wonderful ways I can take photos! I know, I know. I should have made my acquaintance with my camera when I first got it. Last year. Ahem, forgive me my hastiness. I just never really took the time to learn all the delightful things my Canon could do. And, because of the advice of a good couples counselor; aka my good friend (who knows his Canon a LOT better than I know mine :), I have begun getting to know all about my Rebel. He's quite a gifted guy!

Translation - I'm learning all about the 'exposure triangle'. Here are some photos I took while fussing with my ISO and aperture. I have much to learn - but my time tonight was limited. So enjoy my first 'lesson'!

PS-I'm only showing the ones I thought turned out pretty decent. And, I did not edit any of these photos - I thought showing them in raw form (not RAW - that's on my list o' things to tackle later on) would be more appealing. Besides, when you get to know someone, don't you always see the good first? ;)

Reflection

Jaspy

Fruit

Archie

Dish

Water bottle

Harold (my favorite of the group!)

Monday, March 14, 2011

My Gratitude!

I've been looking at my audience and my traffic report for my blog.....I'm pleased to see that I have international views and have surpassed the 1,000 views mark! I'd like to take a moment to emphasize that I am not a professional photographer, nor do I have any formal training. For the time being my photography is strictly for my own joy. I have compliments and encouragement to do more, but I'm not sure what direction I may go. Posting a few prints to my etsy store is really about the furthest I plan to pursue anything at this time. I'm certainly very flattered that I have 'fans'!

So for the moment, I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who has checked in with my blog thus far, and for all the flattering words! Perhaps one day in the near future, I will see just where this path may take me...