What is it that grabs your attention? We all have different things we’re interested in. Some of us like food photography, others floras, people, landscapes, still life … the list really can go on and on. I’ve always loved photographing pretty much anything that was in front of me.

Just picking up your camera is what I want to encourage today. There are so many things we can capture and we all have a different eye. What looks good to me may not look good to you and vice versa.

Still Life is my current favorite but I'll never stop loving taking pictures of people! Capturing those special moments in life is something I really treasure … and it’s the way I make a living. 

I've got some of the best pictures of my grandchildren ... why is that? Because I'm a great photographer? No ... because I always have my camera ready. It's kept close by so whenever something adorable starts happening ... really, when does it not happen with grandchildren ... I'm ready to snap a shot ... or two or three! The pictures may not be perfect and the kind you'd want to hang in your home, but they do capture moments ... and those are the treasures. Those are some of the things that can spark a memory and bring a smile to your face. 

It was kind of dreary and looking like rain as the day first began. That quickly changed to sunshine and blue skies though. Two of my granddaughters were staying with me that morning so Mom and Dad could get some things done in town. Today was moving day! They're moving out to the country to live next door to us. What an exciting day for all of us! I love having family near by. 

Walking to the well or the power pole are kind of a tradition I have with the grandchildren. Today one of the girls wanted to walk to the well. As we headed out the door, I suggested that we might walk down the driveway to pick some wildflowers. That idea overrode the 'well' idea and so off we went. 

It's quite a driveway that we have ... not the typical that fits one or two cars. The familiar walk was a fun one for all three of us. The sun was kind of in and out as it hid behind the big clouds overhead. That warmth of the sun and the spectacular view of pink and purple wildflowers made it a perfectly enjoyable walk.

We each picked our own bouquet ... it was hard not to pick more! If only our hands were bigger! 

We combined our efforts and ended up with this gorgeous display of flowers. It was perfect for my day's offering on Instagram. :) Little did the girls know but they really helped me out in gathering some gorgeous color for this photograph I share with you today.

Carolyn

What an interesting journey this has been. My first knowledge of still life was when I was doing watercolor painting. Not that watercolor is the best medium for still life, but that is when I had some interest in it. Still Life Photography never occurred to me as something people would be interested in. A former co-worker at Pier 1 ... yes I worked at that incredibly beautiful store! ... suggested at one point that I set up little displays in the store and take pictures of them. It just didn't make any sense to me. 

Little did I know that years later I would not only get interested in Still Life Photography, but I would love it! This has become a beautiful place in my life. Sometimes I'm hurried when I begin to gather my items, but it becomes this relaxing and peaceful place. Sometimes just looking at and editing the photos makes me feel relaxed. I often have a cup of tea after photographing my set ups and that's because I often have that as one of my props. 

A few tips I would have for you if you want to get started or even just work on your own Still Life Photography are.

• Look for the light ... do you want side light, back light, overhead light?
• Plan out the number of items in your photograph (sometimes more is good, but others less is good)
• Placement ... there are so many rules to keep and break. You really have to just look at what looks and feels good to you. 
• Color ... be sure to match your colors or keep it neutral
• Focus ... decide what will be your main point of focus and keep it sharp!
• Editing ... keep it simple ... overworked images look just like that ... overworked!

This journey has taken me up and down. Overall, I feel like I've grown in my skill. It is a creative outlet for me. We all need that and probably get it in many ways. If you'd like to see more of my Still Life work, I have a sampling here in my galleries and a whole lot in my Instagram account here. I'd love it if you followed me along in this journey either by following me here or on my Instagram.

Thanks for stopping in ... Carolyn

With Still Life, I have to have the right surface, the right lighting and the right items to be in the photograph. And it really does take some creativity to get the items set up just right. I've learned so much about Still Life in the last year it's just crazy! Today my photo is a simple one with a small vase of flowers ... and you can't even see the vase! I laid a couple of pieces of linen across the back of the chair just to give something smooth and flowing to the photo, but I'm really not sure how 'flowy' it is. I'd love it if you wandered through my Instagram by clicking here. You'll get a good look at my growth in this area of photography.

Once you get your items all set up you then have to do the editing. That is a whole process in itself ... you can create many different photographs with the same image just with different processing. I've learned to create Lightroom presets that I can use over and over, but I've also bought so many from Kim Klassen. If you aren't familiar with her work I encourage you to check her out. She has been a great influence for me, along with many other ladies, in this still life journey.

Camera Settings: 50mm, 1/45, f/2.8, ISO 500

Thank you again for stopping!

Carolyn

The weather was absolutely perfect! We've been having so much rain here on the Central Coast that this sunny day was eagerly welcomed!

Creston provides such great settings, from the wispy branches of these trees, to the great little buildings you'll see when you click on one of the images below. I've done many sessions out here over the years. 

I appreciate all of my customers who come out to get their photos done. 

Thank you for stopping by. Maybe I can photograph you and your family one day. :)

Carolyn

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The GINGRAS Family	.
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I'm super excited to announce that I have cards for sale! 

The art of letter writing or sending special little notes through 'snail mail' is something that has been lost with texting, and all the social media out there. I believe it is a tradition to continue. Some of my favorite things are hand written notes from my Grandma or my Dad who have both passed on. When was the last time you hand wrote a note to someone you love? 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/CarolynVPhotog

My schedule has been full capturing moments in the lives of my clients. I thought I'd share some of the photos with you today. 

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	Thank you to all of my wonderful clients! I've loved either meeting you for the first time or having the opportunity to take your picture once again. May you each have a blessed and peaceful holiday season. Carolyn

First in Photoshop, you want to go to File and New - a box will open. If you want to save it, you can rename it at the top where it says 'Name'. Choose the size you want it to be. Mine is a 10 x 10 square.

Choose the Resolution and background contents. I like mine to be at a resolution of 400 and white as the background. 

Click Ok.

Select the Shape tool. I start with the Rectangle, but you can use any shape. When you are creating the shape, you can see the measurements near where the mouse is moving. That will tell you the dimensions you are creating. You can change what the background of the shape is filled with. I use black. You can also change the weight of the border or have no border at all. I generally choose no border. 

Once you've created your first shape, you can make as many as you like in as many different shapes as you like.

I like to keep a little bit of the white background showing to keep some space between each picture, but you can have them touching or even leave some white space for words.

If you make a mistake and don't get them the exact size you want, you can use the Transform tool to get the little handles and adjust it.

I now have five layers on mine. I also like to reorder the layers so I know easily which is which. When you create a new layer, they stack from the bottom to the top. 

The difference on this one would be the heart shape. It has to be on top so that the picture will be on top. (if you have overlapping layers, whatever you want on top has to be on top of that layer in the layers menu.

Next you want to save this file as a psd. That will be the default since you have not flattened your image. Choose the name. I'm choosing to name mine Square. Then choose the location you want it to be on your computer. Say 'okay' on the next window that opens and your file is saved for you to use over and over. 

And now select your photos you want to have in each shape. 

Click on the Layer you want your first picture to be in, then go to File and then Place Embedded. Select the folder you want your pictures to come from. Select your picture and select Place. The picture is now on your PS desktop with the transform handles. Holding down the shift key, resize your image so that it is just slightly bigger than the shape you're putting it in. (You can resize it again once its there and/or move it around within the shape. Click the checkmark at the top menu to get rid of the handles.

With your mouse placed over the picture in the Layers menu, click option (a downward pointing arrow will appear) and click the picture layer with your mouse. Your picture will now be inside the shape. (If you change your mind on which layer you want your picture to be in you can always just drag the picture to above another layer.

In my picture, I decided I wanted a border around the heart so that it would stand out from the other photos and because it matches. So I just went to that layer in the layers menu and clicked on the shape. Then in the menu at the top of the PS desktop I changed the stroke color by clicking on Stroke and just next to that I adjusted the size until I felt like it matched the spaces between my photos.

Then you want to flatten your layers and SAVE AS ... if you choose SAVE, it will save it as the PSD file and will override your template. You'll likely want this to be a jpg.

You now have a beautiful photo to do whatever you want with! :) 

I hope this was helpful. Please leave a comment if you have questions or just something you want to say.

If you'd like a copy of the PSD file that I created, please comment below and I would love to give it to you! :) 

Thank you!

Carolyn

My journey into still life photography isn't starting out that way, although I do believe it can get there. 

Yesterday, I went out into my outdoor space with clippers in hand ready to find some special treasures that would become parts of my next 'still life' shot. One that would bring a sense of peace.  

Here is what happened instead. Once I gathered my items, I laid them out nicely on my 

whiteboard, placing them just so. The setting was perfect. I climbed up on my dining room chair to get above the display I had just created. Just as I was about to take the shot, the wind blew and my lightweight display of twigs and flowers and so it was destroyed. A couple of red ants crawled out of my sunflower. I quickly killed them trying not to make a kill spots on my white board ... 😕 This was not a peaceful moment. This was not the 'still life' that I long for. 

In the end though a couple of nice photographs came out of that not so still and peaceful moment.

Be still and know that I am God. 
Psalm 46:10

I hope this was encouraging to you as you venture into your world of creative photography. 

Have an amazing day!

Carolyn

I am having a fantastic time doing this challenge. It's really making me think. One of the things I like about this is I'm free to take pictures of whatever I want ... I don't feel like it has to be people or beautiful landscapes. 

You're invited to join in. All you have to do is sign up for the mailing list on the Bethadilly link and you'll get the prompts sent to you too. Be sure to check out my Instagram. :)

You will want to do all of your editing and save the image in it's original size before resizing. 

The first thing you want to do in resizing is go to Image and then Image Size. 

When the little window opens up you'll see lots of numbers. The ones that are important for resizing your image are the Width, Height and Resolution. To the right of those numbers it should say Pixels, Pixels and Pixels/Inch.

The next thing you do is change the resolution (the lowest one of the three we're looking at). I change mine to 100 pixels/inch. Once you change the resolution, you'll notice that the height and width both change automatically. I usually change those as well. I make the height at 1000 and the width automatically changes. 

You can now hit the OK button and save as usual. 

[On your images that are portrait rather than landscape, you change the width first. It's always the smaller number that you change first. If your image is a square, it doesn't matter which is changed first.] 

I hope you've learned something new from this little mini lesson. If you have any questions be sure to put them in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by and reading. :)

Carolyn

p.s. I'm doing a 365 Day Project over on Instagram. If you'd like to see some of my images or follow me, click here.

I want to say right off the bat that the gear you have doesn't make your photography better. You can have the best equipment and take bad photos or have the worst equipment and take great photos. A good camera set on auto mode though can produce some pretty awesome pictures!

So, here's what I use.

My camera I use daily is my 6d. I have a 50d as a backup {it actually is in need of some repair at this moment}

My favorite lens is my Canon 85mm f1.8 I use it so much! It is a perfect portrait lens and for low light situations.

I also have a ...

Canon 50mm f1.8 - great also for portraits and low light. I use it for many other things as well.

Tamron 70-300mm 5.6 - this lens takes great photos. You can zoom in and get a real nice blur in the background.

Canon 28-135mm - this was the lens that came with my 50d and it is a great all purpose lens. I use it often for landscape shots or for group photos.

Rokinon 8mm f2.8 Fisheye - this is a fun lens. It's not something I use often but it fun to pull out for certain occasions.

Canon Flash

Yongnuo Wireless Transmitters for Flash - I love these! They are what enable me to get off camera flash.

I also have various other supplies - tripods {a full length and a desk tripod}, reflectors, light stands, and more ... :) 

... I'm excited to hear which is more pleasing to your eye. The funny thing is that both pictures were taken within minutes of each other of the exact same tree. 

Do you have your own cherry blossom pictures? I'd love to see yours.

Carolyn

I thoght I'd do something a little different today and tell you all how I got started in photography. Taking pictures, capturing moments in my families life, has been something I've done for as long as I can remember. It's always been super important to me to have those moments saved because I'm such a family person. I love pictures! I got my first DSLR when my girls were young. And my first zoom lens didn't come too far after.  I wanted to be able to capture them playing and having fun without them noticing when I was there taking their picture. 

Friends and family started noticing my photos and really liked what they were seeing and I started being encouraged to take my photography to the next level and do it as a business. I thought about it for a long time before I actually moved forward with it. I actually didn't do anything about it until my girls were grown and had their own children. I started my business in 2009 doing freebies for friends and family to get my portfolio going.  And then business started to come my way and I've been doing photography since then. 

This creative business always has something to learn. I look back on my work I've done before and see changes and improvements and I'm really looking forward to more of that.  And here I am today wanting to go deeper wanting to learn more wanting to do better. I trust that will happen as I continue to pick up my camera and use it as I observe the world around me  

Carolyn

Gorgeous day at Spanish Oaks Ranch in Santa Margarita, California

Alyssa

&

Charlie

August 15, 2015

when you search for Me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:13

A verse couldn't be more true. Sometimes we feel like we're so far away from God when He's just a prayer away. When we take that time to talk to Him, He truly is there to listen and to respond. I love my times with Him, whether it be first thing in the morning or at some point during my day. 

My encouragement to you today is to spend a few moments with Him and see where it takes you. 

Live in peace with one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:13

No pictures to show the day ... 

A meet in Shell Beach ... 

Beautiful love to share ...

Zephaniah 3:17

Love one another as I have loved you

John 13:34

What we have once enjoyed we can never lose,

All that we love deeply

becomes a part of us.

Helen Keller

The wildflowers are beautiful this year! We've had a pretty good amount of rain and now get to enjoy some of the beauty rain brings. 

God's Word is my anchor. I live on it. It gets me through the day. I hope these verses add a little to your day.

Your ears will hear a word behind you,

"this is the way, walk in it",

Whenever you turn to the right or to the left.

Isaiah 30:21

Isaiah 40:8

Rest your

hope on

grace

1 Peter 1:13

In Your presence is fullness of joy.

Psalm 16:11

Do not let your heart be troubled. Believe in God, Believe also in Me.

John 14:1

photography ... I love ...

Thank you for joining me on this 28 day journey!

Miranda ~ Mercedes ~ Marina
Three incredible blessings God gave to me. I am so thankful for my girls. They each have the sweetest hearts. They're loving and kind, full of fun and laughter and so much more! 

these girls I love ...

light

this I love ...

And I want to take pictures of it!
different things I love ...

Atascadero - San Luis Obispo - Shandon - Paso Robles
California

these I love ...

On Kaiser Pass

Farewell Canyonat Mineral King

Florence Lake California

Need I say more ...

these mountains I love ...

Summer Days

summer I love ...

 I say crafts I love ...

in complete silence

enjoying the fresh air

the view Morning Light Point Sal Looking South Westward View

peaceful places I love ...

Cozy days at home I love ...

Clouds in the sky I love ... 

This sweet little tree had captured my eye so many times before I actually pulled over to the side of the road (thankfully there was a small spot my Jeep would fit) and snapped this picture. I love the winter look of this tree more than when it's full of leaves. The bare branches show the delicate frame so well. Winter's Touch

With fall being my most favorite season I really love the look of this tree ... a bit barren too but still beautiful! One foggy morning my friend and I went out, cameras in hand. I couldn't leave the scene before capturing this incredible tree leaning on the hillside in Atascadero California.
The Hillside Oak

Nylorac is what I call this tree. If you know me, maybe you'll be able to figure out how I came up with the name. :) This one seemed to require art ... I'm not sure why ... I just loved it with this artsy editing. 

Thank you for taking a look at a few of my favorite trees ... 

these trees I love ...

Atascadero California

this city I love ...

Happy Valentines Day!

Hearts

this I love ...

I've shown you the seasons ...
Each has it's beauty ...
These views I love ...
 

Some of my miniatures represent things I enjoy and some represent things Jim, my husband, enjoys. 

Miniatures I really do love ...

These are just a few of the types of flowers I love ...

California Coast

A walk on the beach,

the sound of the waves,

sand under my feet,

a cool ocean breeze,

the wonder of God's creation.

this coast I love ...

and up the side of a hill

is this place I call home

Around My Home - Outside

See you on another day

where you'll see the long views I see

from this humble place

I call home.

this home I love ...

Mang Jung hi is the birth name for this Korean woman. When she met the man she married, he gave her the name Cindy Lee.

She is an incredible woman. She is strong, she is smart, she is beautiful. She is my Mom. 

this I love ...

Tea

A cup of hot tea on a rainy day ... 

Just as simple at that ...

This I love ...

Smooth Waters at Dinkey Creek

Dinkey Creek

Dinkey CreekSierra Nevada Mountains

Up in the Shaver Lake area if you take a 30 minute drive out Dinkey Creek Road at the end of that road you'll find this beautiful creek. We've been camping there every year since our girls were little and it's our favorite spot to camp with the family. Our group has expanded over the years with the additions of son in laws and the grandchildren. 

Jim like to fish early in the morning and I like to take photos of the creek at that time of day.  

The creek isn't dinkey as it's called. While the water hasn't filled it side to side, or covered the rocks like it use to it still roars down the creek bed and makes that beautiful sound as it hits the rocks along the way.

This creek I love ...

Grandchildren

These seven I love ...

Orange. 

It's bright.

It's happy. 

It makes me feel like summer.

This color I love ...

I love the colors.

I love this quote. I collect moments.

This sunset I love!

Jim Watson

If you know me, then you know this my husband. We've been married for 36 years ... crazy! And a miracle. I thank God for working on each of us and helping us to work on this thing called marriage. 

Jim is a very special man. He loves the Lord! I catch him on his knees in the early morning hours talking to God or sitting on the couch reading his Bible ... what a great thing to 'catch' him doing! He's a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He's a hard worker and loves to take a nice trip up to the mountains any chance he gets. I'm so thankful for this man!

This man I love ...

My Bible

Today on my first day I'm sharing my love for the Word of God. I love His Word because I love Him and the Bible tells me more about Jesus.

To see more photos of Vicky and her family click the links here. 

The Lord is with you when you are with Him.

And if you seek Him, He will let you find Him ...

2 Chronicles 15:2

Here is a set of beautiful black and white notecards that I would love for you to own. I have three sets.

They are perfect for a special little note.

Handwriting cards seems to be something of the past but is a very special thing to get in your mail. 

Black & White Daisy Cards

Beautiful 3 x 5 Black and White Daisy Notecards

$5 for a set of 4 cards with envelopes

Overlooking Fresno Valley

Fresno Valley

A beautiful pine tree framed by the incredibly blue sky.

Pine Tree

The dam at Shaver Lake

Shaver Lake California

South Fork San Joaquin River at Mono Hot Springs

South Fork San Joaquin River at Mono Hot Springs

White Bark Vista Kaiser Pass

White Bark Vista Kaiser Pass

White Bark Vista Kaiser Pass Kaiser Pass White Bark Vista

This was quite an incredible spot. At about 10,000 feet the views were amazing! The stack of rocks in the background looked like it could topple over. Check back for more photos of this great trip into the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

1 Corinthians 10:26

Looking Back Towards Mineral King Wildflowers at Mineral King Farewell Canyonat Mineral King Wet Rocks at the Kaweah River East Fork Kaweah River at Mineral King

  Lexi  

Listen to Yourself

Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God. 

Maya Angelou

Landscape photography by Carolyn V

Dinkey Creek 2014 by Carolyn VSierra Nevada Mountains

Shaver Lake Road 2 Access

Shaver Lake Near the DamSierra Nevada Mountains Dinkey Creek

Dinkey Shaver_0883Sierra Nevada Mountains Dinkey Shaver_0872Sierra Nevada Mountains Dinkey Creek California by Carolyn VSierra Nevada Mountains One of my most favorite places on this earth.

"The Lord will

fight for you, and

you have only

to be silent."

Exodus 14:4

We do not remember days,

we remember moments.

Cesare Parese

The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls. 

Pablo Picasso

The Road to Montana de Oro

I decided to take a walk to see if I could get a shot from above the beach this time. It was a short hike but I knew I'd just go out far enough to get the shots I was looking for and then head back. It was looking to be a very pretty trail.

  Walking Path at Montana de Oro

The view of the coast was beautiful. I got as close as I could ... I possibly could have gone closer but the warning sign was holding me back. :)

Montana de Oro California

On my way out my focus was getting to the coastline. But on my way back I was focusing more on the details of what was on the path.

There were so many other pretty things to see ...

And then ... I was so glad that I was focusing on the path ... I never expected to see a rattlesnake!

I took a couple of quick shots {with my camera of course!}. Waited a bit until I got up the courage to quickly walk past the area it crossed my path ... and then I was safe on the road again.

Do not fear, for I am with you; 

Do not anxiously look about you,

for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, surely

I will help you,

Surely I will uphold you with

My righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

It's Lavendara black and white view of lavendar

In the Garden

Sunflower

My backyard is becoming a garden.

My kind of garden.

Paths take me through so I can go barefoot to water the rugged plants that are there.

The hot sun on the stones scorch my feet until I spray the water on them and the stones beneath.

Color is beginning to be spread throughout the yard with the gernaniums, sunflowers, lavendar, carnations and more.

It's not plush and green like yours might be but it is a garden none the less. 

I've always loved it in it's bright yellow state with the beautiful brown center

but the early stages can be just as beautiful. Sunflower

If you've followed my blog during this past year you know that sunflowers are a favorite of mine. This one captured me this morning as I captured it. The sunrise pushing through the background was something I simply couldn't pass up!

Outdoors at six a.m. the sun just peaking over the horizon brings a glow to everything in sight.

And then at just the right angle a silhouette is waiting to be snapped.

Today is Memorial Day, a federal holiday in the United States for remembering men and women who died while serving in the country's armed forces. 

Today I want to celebrate the memory of all of those who fought battles serving in different wars. All wars for the lives of others or for their own lives whether it be physical or spiritual.

We have each fought in our own battles, battles for freedom in our country or another’s. Battles for health. Battles for freedom in our own personal lives.

There is always something to be learned. Something to be gained. 

You may be in the midst of a battle right now and so I just want to encourage you to push ahead and continue to fight. Listen to that inner voice and it will guide you to the next step you must take. Win the battle that has already been won for you and walk in victory!

For those of you who have fought and completed the battle, I offer congratulations to you! Battles are not easy. Wounds come from battles. Growth comes from battles. You’ve done well!

Psalm 23:3

                   City Hall Atascadero California      

Standing at the corner of El Camino Real and West Mall, right at Sunken Gardens there are a few old buildings you can see. It's a unique little spot and not the most beautiful things to see but the buildings are old and interesting to look at. You can get your morning coffee, get your hair done, have a little lunch and then sit and enjoy the little park setting at Sunken Gardens. 

I shall delight in Your commandments, which I love.

and I shall lift up my hands to your commandments,

Which I love; And I will

meditate on Your statutes.

Psalm 119:47, 48

One of my favorite verses or chapters in the Bible. I love reading about loving God's Word. I truly love reading the Bible. It inspires me, guides me, helps me make it through the day. It's full of great stories and so much instruction. It leads me to Jesus and shows me how much He cares about people. 

I delight in God's Word. I love it!

Highway 41 To Yosemite Place On Highway 41 Looking North Open Fields on Highway 41 Almost at Yosemite View on 41

All photos taken on Highway 41 between Creston and Shandon California.

If you have a close friend, you understand ...

If you don't, I pray you find one. :)

We didn't have alot of rain and we don't have alot of flowers ... but here are some I found out on Shell Creek Road.

Wildflowers Wildflowers Wildflowers Wildflowers

For it is God who is at work in you, both to work and to will for His good pleasure.

Philippians 2:13

• do a little talking with God
• call your husband
• call AAA
• pull out your camera and start shooting

Proverbs 15:1

Robert Hall Robert Hall Winery Robert Hall Vineyard

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.

Isaiah 40:8

It's spring! ... and I have this beautiful flower growing in my yard. Almost a miracle. It's dry where I live and flowers are really lacking in the landscape. I was pretty happy when this pretty purple flower popped out yesterday. 

The one who knows me the best loves me the most.

Tom Gaddis

Heading to Town

What an incredible day too ...

Hills and Valleys Creston Westward View

Susan Howard

My photography job takes me in so many different directions sometimes. For the past two months I've been helping out a friend of mine as her assistant. She does all of the hard work and I just do what she needs to have done.  Susan Howard

It's been a fun experience for me and great to spend some time with this great lady.

Susan Howard

Wisteriaa lavendar look at Spring 2014

Wisteria ... a favorite flower of mine. This beautiful plant is not blooming in my yard although there was a time that I owned an incredible wisteria plant. It grew wild at the corner of my deck, starting out at about ten inches tall when I first received it and then wrapping it's way around three sides of the deck. 

A beautiful thing to enjoy.

Daffodilsspring time flowers

Standing tall in all of their glory.

Daffodilspring time flowers

As they get older ...

they begin to droop and get a little crinkly on their edges ...

It's the same with us ... we get wrinkles and some gray hair.

We're not as desired as we were in our younger days ...

and often passed by for someone or something younger and in a more fit stage of life.

We are still a valued part of society ...

after all, what would life be if there were only the young and beautiful ... 

Never bend your head. Always hold it high.

Look the world straight in the eye.

Helen Keller

New Season Grape Vine

Grapes Will Be Coming

The Grape Vine

Vineyard Rows

Grape Vineyard Post

One of my favorite things here on the Central Coast are the vineyards. I love them in every season.

This is the Pomar Junction Vineyard at the junction of El Pomar and South El Pomar in Templeton California. 

Check back later on in the year for some grape filled vines.

Field of Oaksa black and white landscape by Carolyn V Photography

Driving down the road headed towards town my eyes go back and forth across the landscape, always scanning ...  not really for anything in particular, yet looking for something. A fresh new landscape photograph is always at the back of my mind. With that search also comes the hope that I'll have the ability to pull over in a safe spot and get the shot I see.

On this particular morning everything was just perfect. Not only did my eyes see this scene ... a scene that I've noticed many times ... but stopping worked out perfectly. The road was wide and there wasn't a car barrelling down behind me.

I stopped the car, looked out the window, backed the car up about another twenty feet and got out of my car. I looked out at the scene taking in every tree, paying attention to what the shot would be like once taken. I then walked a little further down the road ... just another ten to fifteen steps and this was the spot. Pulling my camera up to my eye I took the shot. Now to get home and hopefully once on the computer screen it truly is the shot I was looking for. 

Such a process ... but one I love. Thanks for taking the time to look and read. :)

... be imitators of God,

as beloved children.

Ephesians 5:1

Last year I had the most beautiful sunflowers. I let them dry and saved the seeds.

Some of the seeds I planted last fall and was very happy to see they popped up this year.

About two weeks ago I planted more seeds and was so excited today to see them coming out of the ground!

This is a great group of women who are a 'Crisis Management Team'. They have been trained and are here to help in any crisis situation. 

For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.

Hebrews 13:14

We live in a beautiful place. It's quiet and peaceful. A good place to ponder life and all of what it involves.  

Beside the window in the sunshine is one of my favorite spots in the house. I wish I had a bench seat here.

Life isn't exactly what I'd hoped it would be ... don't get me wrong ... I have a good life and have been blessed in so many ways.  

So, to encourage you, I have a God who has given me many promises .... so many already fulfilled. I continue to live for Him and hope in Him. If you know Him, then praise God! If you don't yet ... He is there for you. 

... seek and you shall find

So, today has absolutely nothing to do with photography but it does have to do with my 365. In trying to live a healthier lifestyle I choose to drink more water . . . something I have been better at at different times in life. Today I decided to make myself a water drinking chart. I'm going to print it out and put on the refrigerator to help me remember to drink. If you'd like a copy of this chart you can click on the picture and it will take you to a place where you can download and print it out for yourself too. :) 

Why drink water?

• it helps flush toxins and waste 
• helps our digestion
• helps to prevent dehydration
• aids in weightloss
• helps in slowing down the look of aging in our skin

So ... off I go on my water drinking venture. Hopefully this chart will help keep me on track!

**The downloaded file will have two copies of this chart so you can print it out on an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper and then cut it in half.

A recent trip to the Tenderloin in San Francisco and then a walk through the park in Paso Robles. The homeless are everywhere. What is it that has made them homeless? Will they always live this way? Do they have family? Why don't they work? So many questions and no answers ... at least not for me. 

Regardless of the way they live, they are people and they do deserve a chance. What is your role when it comes to the homeless you see? Do you say hello? Give them a dollar or two? Buy them some food? Tell them about Jesus? 

Jim and I have always loved traveling the backroads. This was a trip with the whole family ... just a weekend one at that ... but we managed to sneak away first thing in the morning so I could take some pictures of the river. Once we did that we took this little side road we had spotted the day before.

The sign that caught our eye said there was a cemetary up the road. Old cemetaries are always very interesting. We've stopped at many over the years.

You can find so many interesting little scenes as you drive a little slower and look a little longer. Three Rivers is full of little roads that we haven't set out tires on yet ... one day we'll get to see more. Jim's a pro at driving a little slower ... ;)

No one has ever seen God;

but if we love one another,

God lives in us and His love

is made complete in us. 

1 John 4:12

East Mall View of Atascadero City HallAtascadero City Hall

It's Thursday.  I'm sick. A new book just arrived in my mailbox today. What better thing to do than relax and read.

Wet roads, shimmery lights ... we finally had a good rain! 

Rain in Atown

All praise goes to God for opening up the heavens for us and watering our land!

Out of the corner of my eye in the dark morning I could see a shimmer of light. The dark sky is a welcome sight on this February morning as it gives the hope of a storm. We need the rain so badly here on the Central Coast ... and especially out here where I live in the middle brown rolling hills. 

Besides the hope of a storm I love the oranges and deep dark blues in the morning sky. It's getting lighter now and the beautiful dark sky has faded ... I'm glad I raced out to catch this early morning shot. Hoping you enjoy it too!

Peace is always beautiful.

… Walt Whitman

Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved.

I was born into a family of artists. My Uncle Milford Zornes was a watercolor artist who taught this art form all over the world and has had his art hung in some very prestigious locations. Click the link ... it's worth reading if you're an art lover. He was the only brother of my Grandma, Virginia Zornes Tognazzini. Grandma taught me to love art. I don't think I can really say how she did it ... one thing she said to me on one of the many occassions I visited her has always stuck in my head and that is that you can never be bored. With that statement was the idea that there were so many things you could do, so fill your time doing, learning, practicing, observing. Grandma was an artist in her own rights. My Aunt Irene is an artist as well. Watercolor is the main art form she has done. 

When my second daughter was a newborn I thought I'd try my hand at drawing and discovered that I could draw ... not the best, but I saw hope. I continued to practice and observe, do and learn as my Grandma had taught me. I filled many art books with sketches before I moved on to painting. Watercolor is also the main art form I enjoyed most. 

The Atascadero Lake & Creek Photos taken in 2010 and the winter of 2011-2012

The Battery Spencer was a point of great interest. The old buildings, the areas where canons or other large guns were one day long ago and so many other things.

The San Francisco - Oakland Bridge

A view of the city from Treasure Island

They begin to surround us. First we have light. Then thick gray. No light, no blue, no brightness anywhere. Just thick gray all around us.

And then the land. Green. Buildings everywhere. And then the ocean.

I can see the runway now in the distance as the small plane tilts and shifts it's way across the bay.

We're getting lower and lower. So close to the water. And then we touch the ground. 

A little information on the mission taken from Wikipedia

Father Serra sent an expedition down south to San Luis Obispo to start building the mission. On September 1, 1772 a cross was erected near San Luis Obispo Creek and Father Junípero Serra celebrated the first mass, marking the site as the destination for yet another mission. However, briefly following the first mass, Father Junípero Serra returned toSan Diego and left the responsibility of the mission's construction to Father Jose Cavaller. Father Cavaller, five soldiers and two neophytes began building what is now Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Father Cavaller received help in the building of the Mission from the local friendly tribe, the Chumash Indians. The Chumash helped construct palisades, which would serve as temporary buildings for the Mission. However due to several Indian tribes which were determined to get rid of European settlers, they set these buildings ablaze Because of this, Father Cavaller was forced to rebuild the buildings using adobe and tile structures.

What can I say. They interest me.

Well, I've had the opportunity to take all of the older granddaughters out for a fun day in town but this is the first time I've gotten to take the one and only grandson out. We had quite the time in San Luis Obispo. He's ten today and a great guy!

Some of the oddest things in this world capture my attention. They're always worth a picture to me. I had gone to this footbridge and path to do a photo shoot. Walking around and looking for shots I'd want to take I took a few myself ... just because. It was a wet day. The path was muddy and partially covered with slippery leaves ... something you don't feel too good about with a baby in the photo shoot. It all went well though ... Soon I'll post some of those pictures. :) Thanks for stopping by.

You sent abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary land.

Psalm 68:9

Just as God sends rain to refresh our land and bring new growth He sends His rain on us to refresh our weary spirits and give us hope and new life. It is my prayer that you receive the rain that He brings in your life.

Andre

Every Gramma needs an Andre. The sweetest grandson a Gramma could ever ask for.

Faithful is He who calls you ...

1 Thessalonians 5:24

James Taylor's music has always been a favorite of mine ... and my husbands. He's got that kind of music that you can have going on in the background and it's just so soothing and enjoyable. If you've listened to much of his music you know what I mean. Here's a song for you to enjoy ... 

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.

Deuteronomy 32:2

We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.
Helen Keller 

Looking South on Yosemite Place

Stormy mornings.

Cloudy skies.

Cold outside.

I took a walk through San Luis Obispo   the other day and had some fun capturing a couple of street scenes.

Each shot is shown twice (as you can see ... :) ) I was hoping to get your opinion on which you prefer ... the original, in the first column, or the 'paint' version, in the second column.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years.

Audrey Hepburn

Just a couple of January scenes ... all three taken in 2013.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Winter Berries

Winter Berries

The drive from Atascadero to home is one I do pretty much daily and as you can guess I've taken pictures all along the way ..... for the past nine years. Feeling the need to look somewhere different, I drove all the way to SLO to find something 'wintery' to use today and then I found it on that daily drive.

There is always something beautiful around you. All you have to do is keep your eyes wide open and you will find it.

Harmony is one of my favorite little spots here on the Central Coast. It's near the ocean, quiet and just a great little place to wander through. If you've never been there I highly suggest you stop in. Three Windows and Two Doors Harmony

Highway 41 between Creston and Atascadero

City Hall in Atascadero

Oak on Highway 46 between Paso Robles and Highway 1

Montana de Oro

House in Paso Robles

Lily

Here's a little peek at some of the fun we had.

Rolling Hills in Creston California

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,
And do not return there without watering the earth
And making it bear and sprout,
And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;
So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth;
It will not return to Me empty,
Without accomplishing what I desire,
And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it."

Isaiah 55:10-11

Winter is far from dead but what a treasure to see on this summer like winter day!

Carolyn V

They lived in Betteravia (I don't know if it was a town back then or just a place but it is east of Santa Maria California).

Mom had only been in the states for a year when their second child ... me ... came along. Her and Daddy met in Korea.

Yes, I'm 55 and still call my Dad 'Daddy'.

He was killed in Vietnam when I was a kid and that's what we called him ... it never changed.

Joan was born in Korea before they came to the states.

Marie came along two years after me  in Ft. Leonardwood Missouri.

Daddy was in the army so we traveled around a bit.

By the time James was born we were in Flagstaff Arizona. 

I was terribly shy as a child. In my late teen years I was given my first camera ... a Kodak Instamatic. :)

Taking pictures is something I've loved since then. 

Habakkuk 3:18,19 

Life is full of choices. We make them every day. The scripture here talks about a very important choice we make ... in fact, the most important one. 

It is one that I made almost 27 years ago. One that I am ever thankful for.

Who do you serve?

Atascadero California

There's something about the look of the vineyards in the middle of winter. I like it. The dry branches. Some with a few leaves still on them, others still full of the autumn colored leaves. The vineyards give you something to look at year round. 

Vineyard on Creston Road

Slow down. Take a look. Enjoy.

And with or without the existence of physical life you have the beauty that only our God can create. Incredible blues in the skies. Clouds rolling across the blue. A golden glow from the sun setting in the west and the wash of light and color across the landscape. Yes. Life does exist.

Jim is a fan of power poles and large pieces of wood. This one is intended to be a bench ... someday ...

And then there's the power pole. We run to it, walk to it, see it out the front window. It's one of those special points on the property that the grandkids always hear me mention ... 'Who wants to walk to the power pole?'  ... it's become a tradition. ;)

Every home has a little graveyard, right? We seem to have ... this is where Blackie is buried, and next to him is Cody and Reggie ... Jim's beloved and faithful canine friends. The bench hasn't been here too long. It's a place to sit. To think. To talk to God. To feel the breeze on your skin. To enjoy the sun as it sets off in the distance. And here we are on the other side of the house. Growing things is difficult out here. The ground is hard and dry. Our pine trees are struggling to survive ... but, they do continue to grow. I had an amazing lavendar bush in my backyard. It was two plants combined and seemed as though it was going to take over my backyard. I finally cut it back this year ... way back! And planted another out by the well ... another one of those special destination points for the many walks I have the pleasure of taking with my seven ... grandchildren that is! :)

Thanks for joining me on this little walk around the property ... well, the center of it. We'll take another one day ... as long as you're up for it! 

In December I had the opportunity to go to San Francisco and do a photobooth at the YWAM base in the midst of the Tenderloin. It was such a blessing to me and quite an experience. Here are a few photos from that three day venture.

I just ask that as you glance through this post that you do it prayerfully. These are a beautiful group of people who need Jesus. 

Adorable little buildings scattered throughout ...

... interesting things like trucks and bicycles and other little treasures as you wander.

... blossom where you're planted!

Happy Day to you!

The Educated Gardener, Santa Margarita California by Carolyn V Photography

To see some of these shots in a larger view click here.

This first barn is located on Los Osos Valley Road in San Luis Obispo California.

This second barn is on Cripple Creek Road in Creston California.

This barn and these buildings are on Webster Crossing in Creston California. You'll find this barn near Geneseo Road in Paso Robles California 

As you head out on Creston Road in Paso Robles towards Geneseo Road you'll find this set of red barns as the base of the rolling hills and a beautiful vineyard.

Right past the curve at Geneseo Road on Creston Road headed towards Creston is this old barn. 

So, a few of what I've photographed so far. Maybe you'll see more of this in the months ahead.

This is my prayer Lord ... Lead me in your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation, for You I wait all the day. Psalm 25:5

And the evening can do just the same.

We have a 360 degree view at our place. The sunset is definitely the most captured.

Tonight the moon was quite a bit further north than normal. This is my neighbor's house off in the distance.

This peaceful location is just calling for someone to take a shot or two.

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given, And the government will be upon His shoulder, And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

1. Plan ahead of time which photos you'd like to come away with. 
2. Think about what you want in the background of your family shots so you can clearly see the subject of your photos.
3. Consider the lighting of the area you've chosen.
4. Remember that whoever is closest to the camera will look the largest and sometime the brightest if you're using your flash.
5. Take the family pictures early enough so everyone doesn't have the 'after turkey heavies'.
6. Get pictures of some of the smaller details like specific dishes or decor.         

The night before - well, really afternoon - was beautiful. The sunset came so early with just having had the time change.

The wind creates the most interesting movement in the sand.