PPA's Contest

I switched blogs, but thought this was something fun to post in case you meander on through the old blog. And here’s the link to the new blog too – pick me!

A couple years back, Professional Photographers of America started an annual competition that allows members to submit a photo for the chance to get on the cover of the magazine. I think it is such a great idea for so many reasons and love seeing the results of the competition and what images were entered, why they were chosen, etc. As scary as submitting work to various competitions is, it actually is a great thing for photographers. You get incredible feedback that will help you improve your craft as well as the chance to win. There’s only one sure fire way to make sure you don’t succeed and that’s by not trying. How many times have I heard that? And let’s see, how long did it take me to actually practice that? Let’s just say a long time.

The rating doesn't effect the official judging, but I would love feedback, so please take a couple of seconds and rate it here! Plus you can win a Canon G11 (this is the very camera I use to capture Photo of the Week and other such randomness. He also goes by Bolt).

Here's the link and here's a look at the image I entered. Thanks for rating!

New Blog Address

I know. I did this last year and said I wouldn't change my blog address again. Forgive me. But I did.

The address is now www.lifephotographylove.blogspot.com.

I like life. I like photography and I like love - so why not put three of my favorite things together? And I promise there is some logic to the madness and hopefully in time I won't be the only one who sees it :)

If you are into readers (google reader is one of my favorite things), then here is the rss feed.

Thanks for joining me in this crazy adventure called life!

And in case you are curious about my sea life stats, here's the embarrassing numbers:
Number of snails that died - 0, but I think he is a narcoleptic.
Number of Bettas (the very ones they say are impossible to kill) that have died - 2
Number of frogs that have died - 2 (in approx a two day span)

But no fear, as of Monday at 7:00 a.m., there's The Unsub, and the two frogs: Dr. Spencer Reid #3 and Morgan. We'll pick up a Hotch #3 later today. Unless Petsmart looks at our record.

Photo of the Week #58

I love finding something beautiful in something ordinary. Like after the rain. Any guesses to where/what this is from?

One goal it looks like I'm going to fail at

Last year for my birthday I came up with 30 things that I wanted to accomplish before I hit the big 3-0. I still have some time (but da-ang does it go by fast) and recently I was reminded of one goal that might be a little harder than I thought to accomplish. Finishing my Masters? Nope. Learning a whole new language? Nein. Those are of course hard, but nah, those aren’t the goals I'm referring to. I’m talking about the one involving a garden.

I’m actually rather embarrassed to post the following images, but there comes a time in one’s life where they realize that they need to ask for advice because what they are trying is clearly not working. The pot is supposed to contain white daisies. The small skeletal figure in dried up dirt? A Bonsai tree. If that doesn't scream Green Thumb, then really, I don't know what does. Skillz!

But I will not quit!

Just feel free to leave lots and lots of gardening advice :)

A little Wednesday Wisdom

"Refuse to be average. Let your heart soar as high as it will."
A.W. Tozer

Newest editions to 1028

This weekend I decided I wanted to get a fish. Not quite a puppy or kitten, but something to make my apartment rad. I came out of Petsmart with a fish, frog and snail. Awesome.

I think I was most excited about naming the little creatures. If you can guess where the names come from, you earn 20 stars in my book.

Meet Hotch, the Betta - he comes across standoff-ish, but in reality, he keeps it real.

Dr. Spencer Reid #2, the African Dwarf Frog. What's with the number 2 you ask? Well, there was a #1 and when I first saw him laying upside down at the bottom of the tank I thought he was hanging out. But I should have known I didn't pick a winner when he got himself stuck in the water filter within hours of being at his new home. So I went back to Petsmart and it turns out that he wasn't lazy, but was DYING. Neat. It only took two days for that to happen. Good thing there's a 14 day return policy on that sucker. So this is the newest Dr. Reid. He has a gimp leg, but what's a pet without a little mishap?

Last, but certainly not least - The Unsub, a snail.

Umm...

So as cool as it has been seeing these creeptastic leaf-less, unhappy trees everyday, I'm ready for Spring! Who's with me?

Booknerds Unite

I like to read. A lot. Like I-give-up-my-Saturdays-because-this-book-is-freakishly-awesome lot. And re-reading an 8 book series? Totally normal. Yep, I’m one of those. I hate finding a really good book series to read though. Why? Because then it has to go and end.

Guys, its rough being a book nerd.

Anyway, here are some recent and old timers that I love:

Chronicles of Narnia – Who doesn’t love a big fuzzy lion named Aslan?

Mark of the Lion Series – This is legit. And you should read things that are legit.

Harry Potter – A story of love overcoming evil. And I’m a fan of love.

Lord of the Rings – It has Hobbits in it. I think I’ve made my point.

And my newest fav: Percy Jackson and the Olympians. I’ve had a soft spot for Ancient Greek history and mythology since some of the history courses I took at CSUF, so this one was perfect. I’m excited that it is hitting the big screen on February 12th.

And finding an old used copy of my favorites books?? It's like Christmas all over again.

Photo of the Week #57

I was talking with my dad recently and I said something that I never, I mean never ever, thought I would say:

“Oh good, it’s gonna be in the fifties next week!” I was referring to the weather.

This came from someone who thinks 72 is a little too chilly. But Texas decided to throw a wickedly cold winter at me and I’ve had no choice but to suck it up. And while pouring water on my windshield at 7:15 in the morning only to watch it freeze again is never on my Favorite Things list, I’ll give cold weather this – it makes for some beautiful things to see.

Making it count

Today we celebrate the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. When I think of the work people like Martin and so many others did – I am inspired. They stood against the majority because they knew in their hearts what was right. Instead of hate, they chose love.

It’s amazing when people live out love the change that can happen. Especially with the earthquake in Haiti, now more than ever, we need people to stand up and make a change. So let’s.

Here’s some of my favorite MLK quotes:

“Our lives began to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”

“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

“A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.”

I’ve mentioned this before, but sunrises are some of my favorite things to watch because it reminds me that however dark it may seem, the light will come. Please don’t forget to pray for and give to Haiti.