Fall Finds- A Time to Reminisce...

I love fall...and I LOVE spring. Since it's currently neither, I have been thinking about them both and have been working on creating something interesting out of my old pics from my favorite seasons last year...

 

My new favorite textures...

from the Historic Sam Davis Home, 2011

a fall surprise

A few days ago, I woke up...looked out....and was so happy: Fog everywhere!

I love fog. It's like a little surprise that you never know when you are going to get. But every now and then, it comes to visit and shows up at your door.

I was so happy I actually was able to capture it this time...and fall's beautiful colors made it even more picturesque!

Keeping Focus

I wanted to share some more pictures of moments I captured during my time in New Mexico over the Christmas holiday. Even more so, however, I want to share them in light of the truth they so purely display. 

I have been very pressed to focus on that more lately. So...I've been making a more intentional effort to dwell upon what is good, true, and life-giving. 

These images remind me of the ultimate Truth- that the heavens and all the beauty on earth tell of the loving, creative, and wonderful God....and He deserves praise! Below is a passage that I love-poetic and beautiful-stating just that.

Breathtaking scene...the view from our hike near my old home. I miss those mountains!

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God;

And their expanse is declaring the works of His hands.

Day to day pours forth speech,

And night to night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are their words; their voice is not heard.

Their line has gone out through all the earth,

And their utterance to the end of the world.

In them He has placed a tent for the sun,

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;

It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.

It's rising is from one end of the heavens,

And its circuit to the other end of them;

And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;

The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;

The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.

They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;

Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;

In keeping them there is great reward."

Psalm 19:1-11

So delicate...so beautiful, this little flower (or pod- I'm not sure what it is..?)

Winter Wonderland at the Lake

Combine snow and Tennessee and you get lots of days off from school. As my husband is a teacher, that means no work for him. Well, multiply that times FIVE and you get what we deemed our very cold but glorious week together. One afternoon, instead of staying inside where it was all warm and cozy, we ventured out to the lake instead. Not to swim of course, but to enjoy the serene stillness and winter wonderland. We set up a hammock over a rock ledge and even made a fire out there. Our dog took off in the woods and got some of his energy out, while we enjoyed a completely unusual but wonderful day at the lake. 

Some of my renditions of the winter sights....

 And our happy dog...this made his day!

Fall Creek Falls- waterfalls, canyons, farms....and pods!

We went to Fall Creek Falls a month or two ago. I felt kind of ridiculous because I was on the ground taking photos of pods and small flowers most of the time while my husband and our good friend were taking in all the more obvious and spectacular views (...like HUGE waterfalls!) all around us...? I am totally weird! Nonetheless, I was really happy with my pod pictures...and when I was able to focus on everything else, it really was breathtaking! Here is a sample of some of the highlights of the day. 

The drive from our house to Fall Creek is my husband's favorite...and with good reason. It is so beautiful, with valleys, rolling hills, ridges and views of good ol' country life. We also witnessed this while we were driving! This dog had incredible balance. He would stay up on this top ledge even during turns...and we were driving at a pretty fast speed. We could hardly believe it! 

Standing up on a ledge, looking over the tops of these trees was simply awesome!

Our "Summery" Christmas

We got to spend Christmas this year in Florida and as a result, I got some very "summery" Christmas photographs...odd subjects for such a traditionally wintry holiday. I, nonetheless, couldn't help but treasure the warmth and flourishing life. I was drawn to the trees more than anything (surprise, surprise). There is something mysterious about the trees in Florida. The Spanish moss draping so many of their ancient limbs creates such an austere, somber mood. Yet, as I dwelt in their midst, I felt compelled to regard them with reverence...like I would a wise historical figure or grandparent. Magnificent creations. Here are some of my favorite photos.

In addition, there were so many other great trees and all kinds of little beauties peaking out from every corner.

 

 

 

 

Layers and Layers

I have been experimenting with combining multiple elements in photographs as well as hand-made art to create a whole new expression. These are few of some recent layered photographs that I love. I will likely use them as a layer itself in a final art piece, either as a background or base, or just as an element in the collage.