The Shoot and Share Contest wrapped up the middle of March after an astounding 27 million votes were cast over the entire duration of the photo contest. Through the contest I witnessed incredible talent . . .images that literally stopped my little world on its axis. I only ever saw 2 of my photographs, so as the 6 weeks of voting was winding down, I was more interested in seeing how far the photographers that I had connected with were going to place. On the day awards were finally announced I was beyond shocked when I earned TWO awards for placing in the top 30%!
Being part of this contest was what I needed - it was a good yard stick...giving me something to measure myself against. Finding areas where I can certainly adjust my photography, and even discovering other areas where I was stronger than I thought. Perhaps if there was only one thing I got out of this experience it was to have the confidence to compare myself in a friendly contest! Never would have I have thought I'd even have a meaningful placement within 27 million votes - so to come out as Top 30% in two images...very humbling.
Want to be moved by beauty of the human race? Check out the contest winners from 2016 (and prior years too)...by clicking here.
Have a great week!
Tennessee seasons seem to change as quickly as the redirected wind. A world covered in a frozen crust quickly thaws, sprouts hundreds of green shoots which quickly spew a thick yellow pollen potent enough to take down a fully grown horse.
This is where we are.
Alongside the new fresh warmth comes the determination to spring clean. . .rid the house of the air that has seemed to re-bake through the heating units all winter. Windows thrown open, the cupboards cleaned out - and the warm clothes packed away for next winter.
I took this photo during the peak week of the budding Bradford pear. Since then the flowers have been replaced with small green leaves, the red buds are in their last few days, and the dogwood trees has started their bloom. Spring sees the most change - seasons within a season. I see our current life chapter as that too - a season within a season. The season began with a newborn. The incredible introduction of life and the adjustment as a bigger family. The season where I learned the depth of love. Days filled with extra smiles and extra diapers. Like the tree blossoming in Spring, I have to be mindful of its quick transformation - holds true for babies too. What was my newborn, with the lingering scent of heaven, soon became my walking toddler who tackles mama for big slobbery kisses! I pay attention, because I've already seen one child turn 3 in what felt like a fast forward of time.
Declan is on the brink of taking more than 3 independent steps. In his mind he sees himself as running and walking like his big sister - so finds himself frustrated with his body that won't cooperate! This spring we've already skipped a few naps for extra playtime and pushed bedtime back so we can swing outside, beneath the sunset. The season we're in has less limitations as far as the children go. They play together - laugh and romp and tear the living room apart. Its fun to watch them both giggle, completely oblivious to us watching them. Almost every evening we load them both onto their tricycles and we peddle them down the road. We're teaching them to find happiness in each moment, as well as the observation of beauty around us. We are our children's guides and mentors - and we are doing our best to teach and lead by example. A few days ago I read this, and it hit home because of its truth:
"Adults are always telling teenagers that these are the best years of your life. But they're not. They are good years. But not the best. The best are the ones after you've found your bride and created a family. The ones you're living right now. Don't forget that."
We're living our best days. Enjoying every life around us, every breath, every sunset. Our contentment comes from appreciating.
This is where we are.
Alongside the new fresh warmth comes the determination to spring clean. . .rid the house of the air that has seemed to re-bake through the heating units all winter. Windows thrown open, the cupboards cleaned out - and the warm clothes packed away for next winter.
I took this photo during the peak week of the budding Bradford pear. Since then the flowers have been replaced with small green leaves, the red buds are in their last few days, and the dogwood trees has started their bloom. Spring sees the most change - seasons within a season. I see our current life chapter as that too - a season within a season. The season began with a newborn. The incredible introduction of life and the adjustment as a bigger family. The season where I learned the depth of love. Days filled with extra smiles and extra diapers. Like the tree blossoming in Spring, I have to be mindful of its quick transformation - holds true for babies too. What was my newborn, with the lingering scent of heaven, soon became my walking toddler who tackles mama for big slobbery kisses! I pay attention, because I've already seen one child turn 3 in what felt like a fast forward of time.
Declan is on the brink of taking more than 3 independent steps. In his mind he sees himself as running and walking like his big sister - so finds himself frustrated with his body that won't cooperate! This spring we've already skipped a few naps for extra playtime and pushed bedtime back so we can swing outside, beneath the sunset. The season we're in has less limitations as far as the children go. They play together - laugh and romp and tear the living room apart. Its fun to watch them both giggle, completely oblivious to us watching them. Almost every evening we load them both onto their tricycles and we peddle them down the road. We're teaching them to find happiness in each moment, as well as the observation of beauty around us. We are our children's guides and mentors - and we are doing our best to teach and lead by example. A few days ago I read this, and it hit home because of its truth:
"Adults are always telling teenagers that these are the best years of your life. But they're not. They are good years. But not the best. The best are the ones after you've found your bride and created a family. The ones you're living right now. Don't forget that."
We're living our best days. Enjoying every life around us, every breath, every sunset. Our contentment comes from appreciating.
