1.23.12

Winter Branches

While I would much rather see trees full of green leaves, I do love to look up through the empty branches in the winter.  Nature has an interesting way of using lines.  This picture is almost like an optical illusion to me.  Although I know they are tree branches, I can also see how it looks like the veins on a leaf or even arteries on some sort of biological picture.  I say this and then see my own irony.  The branches are like arteries carrying nutrients to the rest of the tree.  

This is definitely an image I would like to revisit every season.  Just to see the dramatic change that takes place throughout the year.  I love images of nature.  I love seeing how different things change with each season and how they adopt different textures, colors, and lines without any human interference.  It's amazing to think that this tree that is currently dormant and bare will soon wake up, grow leaves that will beautifully provide shade for so many, and then turn a beautiful red-orange before completing the cycle all over again.  It just seems so hopeful and beautiful. 

1.12.12

Diamonds

I know I'm not the only one in the area who feels that this has been a crazy winter.  Two days ago it was 50 degrees outside....today I was able to take a picture of fresh snow.  As much as I may dislike snow because it hinders my travel, there is something special about it.  I remember this on the first snow fall of the year when I see no less than 6-8 kids spontaneously run from their seats and look outside to see the snow.  Their faces are so sweet as they turn and yell, "It's snowing!!" This causes at least one or two more to run over to make sure it really is snowing. It's pretty adorable.  

I think I love this winter event so much because it reminds me to stop and be fascinated by the beauty falling from the sky.  It makes me remember to stop once and a while and view the world from a child's point of view.  When I was little I loved going out to the shop with my dad.  There were always so many interesting things to see.  I remember walking to the shop with dad one afternoon after it snowed and noticing how glittery the new snow was.  It was so bright it hurt my eyes, but that didn't stop me from pretending that I was walking on a carpet of diamonds.  I felt like the richest little girl in the world.

1.5.12

Holly Berries

I was walking Bella today and saw these beautiful planters of red and green.  I know Christmas is over but I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of them.  I love photography apps.  It's pretty crazy to me that I can take and edit pictures on my phone.  You also have to realize this is coming from the person who has distinct memories of using their mom's cell phone in a bag...yep a bag.  Oh, and my dad totally had the grey Zac Morris phone.  You know the one.

Lately, I've been using Instagram.  I love it because it's part photo editor and part social media.  The only down fall is that I wish it had more editing options.  That being said, I have been pairing it with other photo apps such as Color Splash and Photoshop Express and getting some interesting results.  My next goal is to try and get to know Hipstamatic a little more.  There are so many film, flash, and lens options that is seems a little daunting.  However, I have seen some pretty awesome pictures that others have taken and I'm pretty excited to give it a try!