tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87061972226007290102012-01-12T00:24:40.187-05:00Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.comBlogger2151100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-81763712500041283012012-01-09T21:08:00.083-05:002012-01-09T21:44:37.720-05:00

This photo of my grandmother is hands down, one of my favorite "face" photos of the year for 2011, which is why it is my entry for the I Heart Faces Photo Challenge this week.  It's just her. On a regular day, wearing typical clothes, gazing out the kitchen window at the birds she so lovingly feeds all winter long. Nothing contrived. No "imperfections" airbrushed away in Photoshop. It

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-68670398626182570352012-01-08T22:13:00.003-05:002012-01-09T02:49:38.289-05:00

Seeing as how I have failed not one, but two 365 projects, I thought a 52 weeks one might work better for my schedule. After all, I'm getting married in 3 months! And given that we are having a mostly do-it-yourself (read: poor people's) wedding, this girl is going to be B.U.S.Y. Part of why I want to do this project is that I want to force myself to create something with my camera even when

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-18225402722975373532012-01-01T22:19:00.506-05:002012-01-09T20:37:47.015-05:00

Words cannot begin to express how much my life has changed since I last posted on here. So I shall try to sum it up in a photo review. :-) January 1: I started the year with excitement, thankful that our God is a God of Second Chances.  Little did I know how much He would really prove that to me this year! January 3: I was quickly reminded at how empty the ring finger on my left hand is,

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-58014754968808736652011-02-07T22:29:00.004-05:002011-02-07T22:31:47.864-05:00

Joy seems to be a fragile flame these days. It is the light of our lives, but we so easily let it flicker with doubts and fade away. We must tend to it carefully. *   *   * The theme for the Collaboration group today was joy. I wasn't feeling very joyful, and I didn't feel like doing a picture today. But I'm glad I did. I suppose joy, like love, is more than an emotion.  It is a decision

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-83644113749305481182011-02-06T22:20:00.001-05:002011-02-07T22:24:49.675-05:00

The theme for the Collaboration group today was purple. I am sure that you, as am I, are fully aware that the purple is photoshopped in to this shot. I was actually wearing my yellow scarf. I wanted to learn how to replace the color of an object in a photo. I do not like the way this looks at all. I only like to use Photoshop when it can be done convincingly, but this is just distracting. What

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-89957307945781500062011-02-05T22:17:00.001-05:002011-02-07T22:19:16.708-05:00

The theme for the Collaboration group today was happiness. Things that made me happy today: * not setting the alarm and sleeping in* it snowed again* a mystery person shoveled the driveway for me (thank you!) because I was busy...* tromping around in the snow in these boots * watching a herd of deer sprint across a snow-covered field, their white tails fading into the woods :0)* eating the

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-84439957512289577652011-02-04T22:13:00.000-05:002011-02-07T22:16:35.585-05:00

The theme for the Collaboration group today was "brown". When I think of brown, I think of comfort. The earth slipping through my fingertips. Chocolate. Brown gravy on mashed potatoes. My favorite ballcap. My favorite sweatshirt. And yes, I am actually in this picture. That's blurry me in the background, and the focus is on the gorgeous icey branches... because some days you need to focus on

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-39488044524659744252011-02-03T21:34:00.001-05:002011-02-07T22:12:57.356-05:00

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.Psalm 43:5 * * * The theme for the Collaboration group today was sadness. I'm not sure how sad this looks. It's hard to be sad when you are surrounded by so much beauty! So... with that in mind, I am also using this for Our Daily Challenge, where the theme is

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-49192067392060605202011-02-02T21:46:00.000-05:002011-02-02T21:46:49.316-05:00

Day 02: How They Look My grandma loves to look out the window and watch the birds. Every day, she fills her birdhouses and feeders with food. She especially loves the cardinals. She does not, however, like it when the squirrels try to eat the birds' food. She yells and chases them away with a broom. Haha! :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-6566840581197896602011-02-02T21:13:00.035-05:002011-02-02T21:31:59.054-05:00

The theme today for the Collaboration group was teal. I learned today that teal is supposed to represent emotional healing and rich protection.I don't think this image really represents that very well.  But, all symbolism aside, I liked this one the best. Plus, you get a better view of my awesome teal bow headband. Hey, I can't be deep every day, ya'll.  :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-80930023786040182332011-02-01T22:54:00.015-05:002012-01-09T20:58:57.220-05:00

Day 01: What They Do My grandma has the heart of a servant. Even when she doesn't feel like it. Even when people don't deserve it. Even when it goes unnoticed. Her hands are always serving others.And for that, she will always have my greatest admiration. *   *   * My grandfather has been gone from us now for several years, but I love that my grandma still wears her wedding rings. Yes, she has

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-10533491804418355642011-02-01T19:38:00.005-05:002011-02-01T19:51:43.817-05:00

 Nothing makes me more angry than injustice. Especially when people close their eyes to it. Like this. I remember encountering that picture for the first time as a child, and it changed me. Forever. I felt a rage well up inside me like I had never experienced before. I didn't know what to do with it, so I just started reading everything I could about the Holocaust. While most little girls

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-78968565012901573522011-01-31T21:14:00.003-05:002011-01-31T21:52:52.752-05:00

The truest freedom we findis truly letting go of what we leave behind. *   *   * I am a collector. Mainly, I am a collector of sentimental things.  The last flower my grandfather smelled before he died. His binoculars and their worn leather case with the broken strap. Rocks from various mountain adventures across the United States and Canada. Sea glass from the coast of Maine.  Postcards I

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-55039580548979468082011-01-30T22:49:00.003-05:002011-01-30T23:05:08.988-05:00

And I guess that's why they call it the blues.Time on my hands could be time spent with you.Elton John * * * The theme for the Item Collaboration group today was a clock. I didn't really have this song in mind for it. I was in a rush and just snapped the shot as quickly as possible before my hands froze off. But when I got inside and saw all the blue tones due to the underexposure and sunset,

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-65015021867442847982011-01-29T22:43:00.007-05:002011-01-30T22:46:17.601-05:00

Fearfully and wonderfully made.Psalm 139:14 * * * The theme today for the Item Collaboration group is hands.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-42894182606262087102011-01-28T22:42:00.005-05:002011-01-30T22:43:45.997-05:00

Today's theme for the Item Collaboration group was origami. I was determined to do something other than a paper crane because I thought it would be the most popular. This required a trip to the library. But it was worth it, I think. I hope you like my first attempt at an origami lotus flower! I REALLY wanted to stand in the creek in a spot with still water and have the flowers floating all

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-67255607615581708562011-01-27T22:24:00.015-05:002011-01-30T22:38:43.709-05:00

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.Proverbs 4:23 *   *   * I didn't intend for this verse to initially be connected to this image, but after seeing it on my computer screen, it was the first thing that popped into my mind.  I love how bright the light is inside the box, and that only a glimmer of it reflects upon my face. To me this represents all of the love I

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-47328388973952658252011-01-26T22:21:00.006-05:002011-01-30T22:23:09.966-05:00

The theme for the Item Collaboration group was socks. So, where are the socks? Well, I wanted to attempt something different than a typical shot of my feet... since I have already done that several times this month! I took an out-of-focus picture of striped socks and applied it as a texture. Then I used a mask over the foreground so that my face did not show the stripes. I'm not a super

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-63341339804323751142011-01-25T22:17:00.000-05:002011-01-30T22:20:49.328-05:00

The theme for the Item Collaboration group was paper.I know it's cliche. I happen to like cliches, thankyouverymuch. :0) * * * I also made a stop-motion from this photo shoot today. But I'm going to save it until Valentine's Day to post it because I want to take some time to write about what it means to me. If I'm brave enough. I ♥ stop-motions.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-68607776335250816192011-01-24T23:54:00.010-05:002011-01-25T00:04:03.480-05:00

Winter's no excuse to hibernate. As Christians, we are all called to bear fruit in our lives no matter what "season" we are experiencing. Even when we feel like we are in the midst of the coldest, most barren winter we have ever known, God still wants our lives to serve as a testimony to others about His love.  His children are never meant to stagnate; we are always meant to grow. That isn't

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-46633009815705957672011-01-23T23:49:00.004-05:002011-01-24T23:51:48.220-05:00

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord,"plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."Jeremiah 29:11 * * * The theme for the Item Collaboration group today was technology. Where's the technology, you ask? Well, I made this nifty light painting with the display light of my cell phone! Want more insider information? I opened the browser up to

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-31225322990504278992011-01-22T23:46:00.005-05:002011-01-24T23:48:57.384-05:00

Take time to see. This is my ode to what I love about photography. It makes me slow down, open my eyes, and really see the world around me. The theme for the Item Collaboration group today was words. I learned how to use a texture today and to apply masks. This may sound like baby stuff to those of you who are Photoshop pros, but I am pretty clueless how to do anything besides adjust curves

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-61500564621490922992011-01-21T23:42:00.003-05:002011-01-24T23:46:16.797-05:00

The theme for the Item Collaboration group today was glass. This pendant is made from sea glass. I bought it when I visited Prince Edward Island in Canada this past summer.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-34571452725843574772011-01-20T21:22:00.014-05:002011-01-20T22:48:32.383-05:00

I love winter, the way snow falls like forgiveness from the sky, pure and white. I love that He washes me whiter than the purest white my eyes have ever seen. Innocence "Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool."(Isaiah 1:18) *   *   * The theme today for

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-86977554263379965082011-01-19T22:14:00.007-05:002011-01-20T00:18:17.746-05:00

Sometimes it's not the best idea to blend in. *   *   * The theme today for the Item Collaboration group was paint. Clearly I need someone else to paint my legs so they match the perspective. And maybe they could direct traffic around me. Or answer when they ask, "Excuse me, Miss, do you need help?" Perhaps, but probably not the kind you're offering. :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-20013817878389733222011-01-18T22:33:00.000-05:002011-01-18T22:33:17.339-05:00

Because some days you need to feel like the Queen of Something... even if it's just of your own backyard. :0) The theme for the Item Collaboration group today was lightbulbs.  I did have a totally different idea than this. But then my grandma invited me out for a steak dinner. Hmmm... time-consuming photo or a steak dinner? I think I'm going with the steak dinner! Peace out, girl scouts!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-75037561313012570412011-01-17T21:10:00.002-05:002011-01-17T21:15:02.875-05:00

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. James 3: 9-10 * * * String was the theme for today in the Item Collaboration group. Here's another shot I took just for fun. Hope it doesn't creep you out too much. I dedicate it

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-41448349367946875412011-01-16T21:30:00.001-05:002011-01-16T21:32:18.008-05:00

He is the vine; I am the branches. *   *   * Some days this passage really freaks me out.  I feel afraid of what type of branch I might be. He tells me again and again that my life bears fruit. So why am I so quick to doubt it?  

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-83823965389470612692011-01-15T21:36:00.000-05:002011-01-15T21:36:02.270-05:00

This house is not a home. But the story does not end here, for He is the God of Restoration. *   *   * “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-27203192870576765912011-01-14T20:46:00.072-05:002011-12-17T03:50:20.989-05:00

Photography has always been a passion of mine, but I used to be afraid to share my work with others. I would be so worried about what they thought or if they liked it. I guess I felt like if it didn’t meet their approval, then my work would be devalued. I have such a different perspective on it now. One of my friends from college urged me to do a 365 last year (still finishing it up because I

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-7299849536324506502011-01-13T20:44:00.000-05:002011-01-15T20:46:20.384-05:00

I had big ideas for today's picture. And they came crashing down at my feet. Literally.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-42742626735004905472011-01-12T21:16:00.000-05:002011-01-12T21:16:32.704-05:00

Blow, blow, thou winter wind.Thou art not so unkindAs man’s ingratitude.William Shakespeare * * * I am beginning to think I am the only person in the world that loves winter as much as I do. The rush of wind chills me to the bone and reminds me I am alive. Snow will always be magical to me. And trees are more lovely without their leaves to hide behind.  * * * The theme for Item Collaboration

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-7947324936547528352011-01-11T23:58:00.003-05:002011-01-12T00:37:58.054-05:00

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5: 14-16 *  *   * I have recently begun co-leading an adult

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-35309546913047608582011-01-10T22:39:00.004-05:002011-01-11T23:11:40.078-05:00

Water has no direction but its own bright grace. Pablo Neruda* * * I am drawn to water.  I always have been this way.  I once drove from Ohio to California on a whim just because I needed to dip my toes in a different ocean.  There is just something about water that calms my spirit and renews my mind. My most favorite places to play as a child were all along the creek near my house.  This

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-39469249721531839532011-01-09T22:34:00.000-05:002011-01-11T22:37:21.595-05:00

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.(Psalm 4:8) * * * Today's object for the Item Collaboration group was a pillow. I know this picture is really simple, but this pillow is very special to me. I wanted it to be the main focus of the picture, rather than letting some elaborate concept detract from it. The grandmother of one of my former students

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-17006778166494496312011-01-08T22:31:00.013-05:002011-01-09T00:38:35.995-05:00

My great-grandmother's parasol... I love old things. They always have a story to tell.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-82034200598141836712011-01-07T22:08:00.009-05:002011-01-09T00:43:03.284-05:00

Come and open up your folding chair next to me...Maybe one day you'll understandThat I want nothing from you but to sweetly hold your hand.Regina Spektor * * * I could tell you what this picture means to me.  But I won't. Because it means too much.  * * * This is Day 7/3 for the Item Collaboration group. Today, we were supposed to use a chair. I discovered that I don't own any interesting

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-18867515068778858362011-01-06T21:50:00.002-05:002011-01-12T21:27:41.758-05:00

Today's theme for the Item Collaboration group was to incorporate a personal item that is special to us. There are many of my favorite things in this picture... this scarf, this coat, these boots, this bridge, trees without leaves, the snow... and this deer skull. The deer skull doesn't belong to me, though. It belongs to one of my students, an endearing 10 year old boy with auburn hair and a

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-69609141826675802372011-01-05T21:24:00.002-05:002011-01-05T21:27:08.057-05:00

(and Day 349) Color outside the lines.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-22919225673122774152011-01-04T20:41:00.005-05:002011-01-05T21:24:54.797-05:00

(and Day 348) Sometimes ordinary is quite extraordinary after all. *     *     * All the colors of the rainbow hidden 'neath my skin Hearts have colors don't we all know--red runs through our veins Feel the fire burning up. Inspire me with blood of blue and greenI have hope. Inside is not a heart, but a kaleidoscope.(Sara Bareilles)     *    *    *  The theme was CANDY for Day 4/31 for the Item

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-67531350619534506382011-01-03T20:37:00.006-05:002011-01-03T22:29:50.583-05:00

(and Day 347) Good timber does not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees.J. Willard Marriott * * *I know this isn't the most amazing photo in the world. It isn't much at all like what I envisioned in my mind.  (My photos rarely are.)  But it's incredibly meaningful to me nonetheless. As the viewer, you are looking at my left hand, which is significant. I found out

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-65817143696024636852011-01-02T20:54:00.009-05:002011-01-02T21:04:28.156-05:00

This video is awesome! I absolutely love it when teachers innovatively use technology to get their students actively involved in the learning process. Too bad my 4th graders don't actually have to do quadratic equations.  :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-40635618964539715932011-01-02T19:02:00.006-05:002011-01-02T19:22:25.273-05:00

(and Day 346) Lay it down, all you who are weary and heavy burdened.He will give you rest.His yoke is easy.His burden is light. Lay it down.   Listen. *        *        * I'm not just saying this for your benefit.  I say it to remind myself, too.  I am so bad at laying down all my hopes and dreams and the feet of Jesus.  I am so bad at surrendering my life to His will and His purpose.  I

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-14769648710925486762011-01-01T21:29:00.005-05:002011-01-09T00:51:51.342-05:00

(and Day 345) Hello, 2011.Call me crazy, but I kinda dig trying to force myself to take a picture everyday. So here I go again. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Cor 5:17) I love that every day with Christ is a new day, a fresh start, a second chance to do better than before. I love that I serve a God of Second Chances.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-14709581064662980402010-12-31T20:54:00.000-05:002011-01-01T20:55:20.803-05:00

Happy New Year's Eve!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-14937032298970676872010-12-21T20:51:00.001-05:002011-01-01T20:53:32.832-05:00

I'm sick. So very sick.  :0(

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-48706034199285320622010-12-19T23:36:00.006-05:002011-01-20T22:07:22.691-05:00

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-89826250174183023962010-12-18T23:32:00.001-05:002010-12-19T23:35:47.201-05:00

This is the cardinal who likes to hang around in my backyard.  I've decided to name him Clyde. I hope he starts getting less camera shy so that I can actually get a picture of him that isn't obstructed by branches!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-45843549622221825132010-12-17T23:01:00.001-05:002010-12-18T12:04:19.769-05:00

I had to play hide and seek with this little fella.  He simply did NOT want his picture taken! :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-54539339010949216442010-12-16T15:44:00.002-05:002010-12-16T15:46:01.319-05:00

Snow Day again! I love how magical it feels to stand in the middle of a snowstorm. Maybe I should move to Alaska. :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-17840300837242457612010-12-15T15:47:00.000-05:002010-12-16T15:48:01.885-05:00

I love when the fields get covered in ice crystals! It makes the drive to work in the morning so sparkly. :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-52483306003839595112010-12-13T15:25:00.007-05:002010-12-17T16:54:31.758-05:00

Snow Day #1 The cat suggested that instead of being productive, I should consider reading and napping. I happily obliged. :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-70010105009464870612010-12-08T15:49:00.001-05:002010-12-16T15:50:38.067-05:00

Dear Starburst, Thank you for making candy canes that look like real candy canes, but taste like strawberries. They are the best!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-30157533218412614432010-12-07T15:51:00.001-05:002010-12-16T19:34:41.330-05:00

Dear husband (future tense, of course), I've decided that winter is too cold without you.  So I bought some fleece sheets.  They are pretty fabulous, don't get me wrong.  But I just think snuggling with you would be better. Yours,  Beth:0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-76284033877899788832010-12-06T16:20:00.001-05:002010-12-16T16:21:25.821-05:00

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-80813459415832972112010-12-05T16:21:00.001-05:002010-12-16T16:22:43.005-05:00

First snow this winter :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-6088411375620073742010-12-04T16:23:00.001-05:002010-12-16T20:00:56.482-05:00

The bump is now a baby. :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-43360528571399940542010-12-02T16:24:00.000-05:002010-12-16T16:25:32.043-05:00

I love this blanket so much. I love curling up inside it with my pjs on and watching tv. I love it when it's freshly washed and smells like fabric softener (Downy with the blue lid). I love that it was crocheted by my grandma. And I love that her name is Ethel. Isn't that just the quintessential grandma name?

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-30768205549150003642010-12-01T16:25:00.001-05:002010-12-17T00:05:52.862-05:00

On sale in a 4th grade classroom near you. Or more than likely NOT near you. ;0) Soooo... I got this idea to do something fun with all of the 4th grade. Each of our homerooms picked a product that they wanted to create and sell for profit. They also had to create their own marketing campaign to encourage people to buy their products. All profit will be donated to a charity of their choice. We

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-7834244621461780162010-11-27T16:27:00.000-05:002010-12-16T16:28:57.121-05:00

A little Christmas tree bokeh for you bokeh lovers out there.You know who you are. :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-84998675416190484922010-11-26T16:29:00.001-05:002010-12-16T16:31:44.184-05:00

Taken at what my friend Stephie referred to as "The Most Random Christmas Parade... Ever"

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-3598219005073790082010-11-20T16:32:00.000-05:002010-12-16T16:33:41.771-05:00

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-73577182322725808742010-11-17T23:30:00.000-05:002010-12-16T23:31:07.988-05:00

New pajamas for winter.  Love.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-72103994658783445132010-11-16T23:28:00.000-05:002010-12-16T23:29:35.754-05:00

Words cannot describe how much I love this book.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-42508812910068585762010-11-14T23:27:00.000-05:002010-12-16T23:28:30.964-05:00

Do you ever get the feeling you are walking out of the ordinary into something wonderful?

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-22386683385299631362010-11-13T23:25:00.000-05:002010-12-16T23:27:10.166-05:00

Walked barefoot through the crunchy November leaves today because it was so warm out. I'm not sure I have ever done that before! (My toes look funny in this. Haha!)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-38984714332801599182010-11-12T23:24:00.000-05:002010-12-16T23:25:17.843-05:00

This is old. But I like the steps. And the color of my toenail polish. :0) I actually didn't get to enjoy the light of day today at all. I worked until 9PM... and I didn't even have recess duty to enjoy the sunlight. Boo.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-15847384115786143772010-11-08T23:22:00.000-05:002010-12-16T23:23:28.970-05:00

The simplest things are often the most beautiful.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-43285140692850428542010-11-07T23:20:00.000-05:002010-12-16T23:22:10.626-05:00

(Lyrics from "Tiny Heart" by Flyleaf) I love that song. Relevant in ways I can't even describe.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-84720234084440219062010-10-29T23:16:00.001-04:002010-12-17T00:06:35.881-05:00

"Death" is checking out our flower experiment in Science class.  Hahaha!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-87849610036168892552010-10-26T23:14:00.000-04:002010-12-16T23:16:17.148-05:00

The kids get all snuggly at recess when it's cold outside. :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-72536952520308631962010-10-23T23:12:00.000-04:002010-12-16T23:14:02.486-05:00

My cousin got married today. :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-1868514887192062892010-08-15T23:10:00.001-04:002010-12-17T00:58:13.494-05:00

When I travel, I like to write postcards to my husband... But I'm single, and I don't even know his name yet.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-16069213195904695062010-08-14T23:08:00.001-04:002010-12-17T00:57:43.538-05:00

I often take pictures of souveniers instead of actually buying them... But in hindsight, I wish I would have bought this amazing pair of E.T. glasses!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-37890830121385091452010-08-12T23:06:00.000-04:002010-12-16T23:07:34.652-05:00

I wish I knew how to play the piano.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-68184686317277810362010-08-10T23:03:00.000-04:002010-12-16T23:04:55.421-05:00

New Brunswick, Canada There's just something about this that I love. I think the light looks almost magical. I love the little hints of unexpected purple and yellow in the background mixed with the green. So, Day 200 was TECHNICALLY the day that I arrived home from my trip. Spent a lovely afternoon in Pittsburgh with my cousin, was introduced to San Pellegrino Limonata beverage (which is to

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-76081885240224641312010-08-09T23:01:00.000-04:002010-12-16T23:02:50.974-05:00

NYC Skyline So... I went to see the Statue of Liberty today, but due to the horrendous traffic, I was unable to get to the park in time to purchase tickets for the ferry to Ellis Island. :0( So all I saw was her behind. And I'm not too impressed with the pictures, so instead of the Statue of Liberty, you get lamps!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-31823952390801686642010-08-08T22:59:00.000-04:002010-12-16T23:00:49.855-05:00

Acadia National Park, Maine I spent most of today driving and hiking along the coast of Schoodic Point, which is a lesser known portion of Acadia National Park. So beautiful! One of my favorite parts was seeing all the stones worn smooth by the sea. I couldn't believe how huge some of them were! Just to give you perspective, that green stone was bigger than my hand. Isn't it lovely?

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-38164411671605151342010-08-07T22:58:00.000-04:002010-12-16T22:59:28.458-05:00

New Brunswick, Canada I left the island today and spent the rest of the day driving through New Brunswick on my way back to the states. New Brunswick is so beautiful! This is the reflection of a covered bridge that I found when I ventured off the highway for a bit. I ended up along the northern coast of Maine right around bedtime, found a cozy spot to park, then passed out in my car! :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-51895031019740376672010-08-06T22:57:00.000-04:002010-12-16T22:58:07.852-05:00

Prince Edward Island, Canada What I love about this picture is that it looks like it could be taken somewhere in the midwest where I live, until you peek a little closer... because that's the Atlantic Ocean in the background! :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-21304944862951123092010-08-05T22:53:00.000-04:002010-12-16T22:56:31.247-05:00

Prince Edward Island, Canada This is the fence on the site of L.M. Montgomery's homestead, just a short walk through the Haunted Woods over to the real Green Gables farm. I can't even begin to describe how amazing it was to walk where she walked and gaze at the world that inspired her writing. Such a fantastic day! Can you guess which character from Anne of Green Gables I am giving tribute to

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-15768500699912846872010-08-04T22:52:00.000-04:002010-12-16T22:53:29.734-05:00

Prince Edward Island, CanadaI made it to PEI tonight before the sunset. How cute were they?!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-49639501689379016312010-08-03T22:50:00.000-04:002010-12-16T22:51:35.674-05:00

Quebec, Canada I took a ferry from the city of Levis over to old Quebec City. It was amazing! (And I'll definitely have to return someday when it ISN'T pouring down rain so I can get better pictures!)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-23426299503737627212010-08-02T22:45:00.001-04:002010-12-16T22:52:15.834-05:00

Ontario, Canada Look what I found. And yes, I kept it. :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-74553877249661653662010-08-01T21:59:00.000-04:002010-12-16T22:27:08.585-05:00

Lake HuronOntario, Canada I wanted to swim in Lake Huron before I left. So I did. In my dress. Don't worry, I took my camera back to shore before I dove in. :0)

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-4689230322091285202010-07-31T21:56:00.000-04:002010-12-16T21:58:36.312-05:00

Ontario, Canada Meet Chance. He thinks he is a dog. And I love him.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-70447090737200057622010-07-30T21:53:00.000-04:002010-12-16T21:54:32.968-05:00

Canadians have some strange names for candy.  Everyone knows these are Smarties!!!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-57235028816432556482010-07-29T21:39:00.000-04:002010-12-16T21:40:56.601-05:00

Sunset in Kincardine, Ontario over Lake Huron... followed up by ice cream along the boardwalk.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-90855216782633280392010-07-28T21:37:00.000-04:002010-12-16T21:39:04.572-05:00

The American Falls at Niagara... from the Maid of the Mist boat tour. Don't worry, my camera was in a waterproof bag. :0) Aside from the incredibly bad blisters I got on my feet, this was a great day!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-42775621155180884662010-07-27T21:33:00.000-04:002010-12-16T21:35:03.862-05:00

Ok, so my 30th birthday. Not as awesome as I thought it would be. I should mention I ate carrots for dinner this night because there was literally nowhere around I could eat and that was what I had in my car... while sitting on the sheets of this bed with the door open so I could air the room out and cool it off... the sheets which did not contain a fitted sheet, so when I sat in the middle of

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-55671291952592619592010-07-22T21:31:00.000-04:002010-12-16T21:32:58.987-05:00

See the heart? This is what I call a "love note from the Lord".I ♥ the little ways God reminds me how much He loves me exactly when I need it.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-54691603995394048122010-07-22T18:07:00.002-04:002010-07-22T18:09:33.659-04:00

...to check out my photography website!  Click on the tabs at the top to explore the different styles of photography I enjoy.  The site is still in the early stages, but please follow it if you like what you see. Thank you!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-4350473915126858882010-07-21T21:30:00.000-04:002010-12-16T22:49:19.695-05:00

Grandpa's wrenches Some days I miss you more than others... and on those days, it's nice to trace my fingers over the places you have been. You were here. Your life mattered. And I will never forget.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-20886699446622688312010-07-18T21:28:00.000-04:002010-12-16T21:29:31.824-05:00

Sold my first prints today!!! Okay, so technically they were auctioned off piece by piece to the highest bidder... and technically I'm related by blood to all the bidders since it was an auction at my family reunion... and technically I benefited in no way from this... But technically, cash was exchanged for my prints, so... I sold my first prints! This was one of them.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-55290719984872592542010-07-17T21:27:00.000-04:002010-12-16T22:48:23.470-05:00

Air Show 2010Dayton, Ohio The AeroShell Aerobatic Team flying North American AT-6G Texan warbird aircrafts... They put on quite a show! The Blue Angels were my favorite featured act today, but their pictures didn't turn out quite as cool as this one. These guys were my second favorite. They were so exciting to watch! I hope you like this picture because it also cost me $500 to take... as I got

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-43128110282221302452010-07-16T21:23:00.000-04:002010-12-16T21:25:03.776-05:00

I can now legally travel anywhere in the world that I wish for the next 10 years. :0) First stop... Canada... in a little over a week!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-76466811555852163532010-07-14T21:20:00.001-04:002010-12-16T21:22:47.982-05:00

Ah, this is the life... Some friends and I floated down the river today on inner tubes. So fun!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-6918123175485126242010-07-12T19:57:00.001-04:002010-12-16T19:59:23.673-05:00

Prattville, Alabama Hotel sheets... while it was a lovely stay, I was glad to come home to my own sheets tonight.

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-69849167159524633722010-07-11T19:55:00.001-04:002010-12-16T19:57:35.536-05:00

Montgomery, Alabama Grandma didn't know I was taking her picture. She thought she was watching me adjust the manual settings to account for the bright sunlight. I'm so sneaky. ;0) She will probably hate this picture for the same exact reason that I love it: her wrinkles. Today we drove to Montgomery in hopes of visiting different historical museums. Unfortunately, we didn't think about the

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8706197222600729010.post-24645305372357646292010-07-10T19:54:00.000-04:002010-12-16T19:55:34.422-05:00

Prattville, Alabama Today we toured the city of Prattville, bargain shopping for clothes and checking out unique places. I had so much fun photographing in the antique store downstairs, as well as the historical artifacts upstairs where this skull was found. Too many pictures from today to choose from!

Bethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03697049154659061382noreply@blogger.com0