Two Girls and A Horse

So now you know that I search and look and look and search for mesages in my photos. I often try to connect with what the people are possibly thinking or feeling. I also look for what might be going on in the horse's mind.

Of course, it is all for your interpretation because you are the one buying the note card, and you will have a very personal, specific message you want to convey.

This photo is one of my absolute favorites. It's two girls loving a horse, plain and simple. But then it gets even more interesting because it's about a horse loving two girls.

Just think if you used this photo as an inspiration for a short story or a poem. That could be fun. I used to love to take a picture from a magazine and do just that. Sparks your creative juices. Sometimes the results are pretty amazing. Now think about the message you might want to tuck inside this card.

The horse's name by the way is Bailey.

Victory Celebration

This is a bit of a celebration because I sold my first three cards! Really. I did. I did. I did. Can you tell I'm jumping up and down!!!???

The first card was my photo of Harry. It's a neat picture, the kind where you wonder what Harry is thinking. Anyway, Harry is #1 in every way. I'm so glad someone out there in Etsy Land fell in love with him. He is a pretty special guy.

The second and third cards I sold were of flowers. One was the Color Splash photo that everyone seems to like. It has such a soft tone and it's so filled with spring energy.

The other card shows off black-eyed susans from my garden last summer. I love this particular photo because it feels as though the newest flower is unfolding with support from the 'older' flower.

Isn't there a life lesson here? I'm forever looking for the message. Loving a photo after all is about finding a connection.

For me, this photo is about encouragement, nurturing, protection, and support. It's about being a role model and setting an example. Could be about older and wiser. I'm not sure.

Photos like this one speak to me. Best part about this blog is that I can share such things with you, and you'll quickly realize I'm a softy for photos that talk to me.

So now - after a long, cold day at the barn in 7 degree temperatures - I'm going to retire to a hot bath while you reflect on what I'm trying to say. When you figure it out, let me know and we'll both be richer for your insight.

Color Splash

Something I would like to do on my blog is tell you a bit about the different photos I have chosen for my note cards. This photo was taken at the Botanical Gardens in Buffalo, New York.

Last March I journeyed into Buffalo to see whether the flowers of the gardens might pick up my spirits. The weather had been dark and grey and snowy for quite some time. I needed to see color. Both radio and TV announced that the tulips were in bloom. So I was hopeful.

Well...when I walked into the greenhouses that Saturday afternoon, I could hardly believe the spread before me. Spring blooms were everywhere, and then the sun came out to highlight the vibrant colors. I of course spent several hours snapping photos of tulips, lilies, primrose, and even orchids. One shot after another. I couldn't get enough. Ah, the joys of being a photographer!

This particular shot is soft and lovely. This in fact is the card I send out most often, even in the winter. The flowers say "hello", "you're special", "you put color in my life", "flowers make us smile", "not too long till we can be gardening again," all messages that connect kindred spirits with hope, the hope that spring isn't all that far away.

New Beginnings

Oh my gosh! This is such a new undertaking for me. To open a 'store' and invite you in is so awesome. This is a dream come true.

I have dreamed many dreams. I wanted to raise a family and raise a family I did. I wanted to own and direct my very own summer horse camp for kids, and in fact this next summer will be my 30th year. Wonderful kids. Wonderful program. It's Sprucelands Camp and it's motto: "Anything is Possible."

For years I've wondered what it would be like to share my photography with folks like you. I started taking pictures as a kid using a Brownie camera that my parents gave me for a birthday. Eventually, I graduated from film to digital. I make DVD's. They are fun, but I love reproducing my still photos so others may enjoy them as I do.

I'm opening my 'store' with a first project: 5" x 7" note cards. They are truly lovely. I hope you'll buy a few if only to test them out. When you get positive feedback from your friends and family, I know you'll return for more.

So welcome! Grow with me. If you have ideas or suggestions for my little store, please let me know because such ideas get me thinking and add to my creativity.

Remember: stay connected. That's what this is all about.