Crowning HodgePodge

1. How many students were in your high school graduating class? Did you know most, if not all of them?

 

There were 35 people in my graduating class. You could say we kind of knew each other. lol

2. What was the last thing you photographed? Though she is technically not a "thing" I photographed a precious four year old girl Saturday. Can't wait to get her pics edited.

3. Pickles-love 'em or loathe 'em? If its love what's something you eat that needs a pickle? I love a good pickle. Especially, the refrigerator pickles I make every year. They are scrumptious alone, as a side, or on a sandwich.

4. What's a stereotype you seem to perpetuate without meaning to? Harley riders. And I am one!

5. Ever been horse back riding? If so is it something you enjoy? If not, do you have any interest? Did you watch the Kentucky Derby? Will you be watching the last leg of the Triple Crown this weekend? I have owned several horses over my lifetime. I'm over that. They are too much work. I traded in my four-legged beast for a steel-wheeled machine. I'll be out on it this weekend, so there won't be much TV on my schedule.

6. What's your favorite 'wedding' movie? I'd have to say "27 Dresses."

7. What is one 'tourist attraction' in the USA that you'd like to see in person? New York City. I absolutely want to go. The hubs? Not so much.

8. Insert your own random thought here. I am absolutely retiring at the end of this month. I'm counting down the days on my calendar. Marking them off with a big black 'X'. I cannot wait!!!

 

Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Be sure to visit our lovely host Joyce and the other HodgePodgers. 

Peace and Joy,

Susan

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV) Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Holy Heart Failure Batman!

It looks like the Joker has been up to his old tricks. What shenanigans are these? I stop in to see how my neglected blog is holding up and everything is changed. YIPPEEEEE! More things to learn. I think my poor little brain is on cognitive overload.

In the meantime, I am busy preparing to retire from my job of 30 years and do something I totally love: taking pictures. It is pure joy. That's what photography brings me each and every time a capture the pure essence of someone. Whether it is a newborn or a grandmother.

Hope you all are well. I think of you often and pray for you as God leads. Oh, and I'm working on my summer gottado list. I'll have it posted soon. Happy summer.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

James 1:2 (NKJV) ² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,

You Are Known By Your Fruit

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with hole s in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college.

He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not
sure how to go about it.

One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill
starts down the aisle looking for a seat.

The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.

Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet.

By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick.

About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill.

Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this
boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do.

How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor?

It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy.

The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do.

And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says,

'What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget.'

'Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read!'

 

I received this in my email today and wanted to share it with you. I pray for a servant's heart to reach out as this elderly man did to this young man.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) ²¹ For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Some Days Life

I feel so disconnected from this space lately. I haven't checked in with all my blog peeps in so long. I miss you all! Some days life has a way of sucking all your time and getting all up in your face.

I know I've mentioned to you before that I'm struggling to get my photography business off the ground. Oh my word! There are just not enough hours in the day for me right now. I'm burning the candle at both ends and searching for more wax. Not.even.kidding.

I would that I could stop by to visit each and every one of you. Give you a big hug. Chat for a few minutes. Pray together. So we could get all caught up. Instead......here's a big hug from me to you ((((((HUG)))))) and a prayer.

Until such time as He allows, I am trusting that His plan for me and my family is perfect.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Numbers 6:24-26 (NKJV) ²⁴ “The Lord bless you and keep you; ²⁵ The Lord make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; ²⁶ The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’

It's Spring Y'all!!!

You might be wondering where I have been. I've been many places, but I've never been in Cahoots. Apparently, you can't go alone. You have to be in Cahoots with someone.
 
I've also never been in Cognito. I hear no one recognizes you there. 
 
I have, however, been in Sane. They don't have an airport; you have to be driven there. I have made several trips there, thanks to my friends, family and work.
 
I would like to go to Conclusions, but you have to jump, and I'm not too much on physical activity anymore.
 
I have also been in Doubt. That is a sad place to go, and I try not to visit there too often.
 
I've been in Flexible, but only when it was very important to stand firm.
 
Sometimes I'm in Capable, and I go there more often as I'm getting older.
 
One of my favorite places to be is in Suspense! It really gets the adrenalin flowing and pumps up the old heart! At my age I need all the stimuli I can get!


I personally live in the state of Confusion. It's a fun place to be and there are a lot of other people here.

Life is too short for negative drama & petty things. So laugh insanely, love truly and forgive quickly! From one unstable person to another ... I hope everyone is happy in your head - we're all doing pretty well in mine.
 
Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Have a wonderful and blessed day.


Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 126:2 (NKJV) ² Then our mouth was filled with laughter, And our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”

Leapin' HodgePodge

1. The Hodgepodge falls on the last day of February this year, a leap year. How will you spend that extra day? This morning I am at work. I'm hoping the storms blow through, the streets dry up, and it's warm enough to get on my motorcycle. I should be out splittin' the wind by 2. 

2. What has recently required a leap of faith on your part? Retiring. Maybe. Probably. Scary.  

3. We're one week into the season of Lent...are you marking these 40 days in some way? Giving something up or adding something extra to normal life? How's it going so far? Yes, I am doing both. It's going pretty well so far. You?

4. When was the last time you sat beside a fire? Too long ago. I love sitting by a fire. I would build one in my back yard, but my husband doesn't think that would be prudent. We live in town. Our neighbors are close. There are city ordinances. Blah, blah, blah.

5. Surf and Turf is on the menu. Do you order as is or do you ask for just the surf (lobster), just the turf (steak), or a menu so you can select another option? Steak and lobster. Steak and shrimp. Steak and Mahi Mahi. Or just steak. I'm a carnivore. What can I say.

6. If you could have any television program back, not in reruns but in new episodes, what program would you choose? Mork and Mindy. Robin Williams was hysterical in this show. At the time this program aired, I was actually living in the town portrayed in the show, Boulder, Colorado. Ah, those were good times. Here's a short clip:

7. They say an elephant never forgets. These days would you say your memory is more like an elephant or a gnat? It depends. I know, you're surprised by that. lol. When it comes to numbers, I'm a whiz. If you asked me what I said two minutes ago, I probably wouldn't be able to tell you. Ugh!

8. Insert your own random thought here. This morning we had tornado warnings. Severe thunderstorms. It's February, right?

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 120:1 (NKJV) In my distress I cried to the Lord, And He heard me.

Oh the Joy

Do you remember this couple?

I took their engagement pictures last June. In a wheat field. The photo session was a lot of fun. They married in October. I did not take their wedding pictures. I turned down that assignment. I'm much more interested in photographing babies and children and families, and women. Weddings? Not so much.

I've known for a while that they are pregnant. It's very exciting. I am taking maternity progression pictures right now. We've done two sessions. This past week, they were able to find out the gender. So, we took some gender reveal pictures today. Several weeks ago, we discussed using small chalkboards for this shoot. It would be cute. I already had the idea pictured in my mind. But, someone was going to be disappointed. Can you tell who?

Eventually, the joy of having a little brother will replace the disappointment of not getting a little sister. Of course, there is always next time.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Have a fabulous week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

1 John 4:9 (NKJV) ⁹ In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

The Birthday Girl

This past Thursday, February 16, was my daughter's birthday. I generally take her to dinner for her special day. She likes a good steak dinner. This year, I chose to do something a little different. I kidnapped her. Took her against her will. Ok. That's an exaggeration. She went willingly. lol.

Anyway, a day in the city awaited her. A little shopping. Some dining. And a new look. She has been wanting to cut her hair. She has a lot of it. Very long hair. Beautiful hair. Lots and lots of curls. Here, take a look for yourself. (Pssst, I'm sorry the color is off. The lighting in the store was terrible and no matter what I did, this is the best I could get it.) But seriously....look at all that hair!

Anyway, after lunch and a hair cut, it was time to head to Sephora for a little make up. Just enough on the eyes and lips to brighten her face a little. Here's the finished look. I just love it. What say you?

 
Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. I miss you all and will post again soon. Have a fabulous week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Thought Provoking Thursday - Groundhog Day 2012

So as tradition goes, a bunch of people stand around a hole and wait for a rodent (actually a member of the squirrel family) to come out. They then throw a big party and all is forgotten for another year.

The Groundhog Day tradition stems back many centuries but it wasn't until February 02 1887 in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania that the tradition matured and official records were kept.

On this day, with some prodding, Puxatawny Pete or Puxatawny Phil, (depends on which is alive), climbs out of his hole and predicts whether winter is over or not.

Groundhog day rules:

• If the rodent sees his shadow: 6 more weeks of winter.
• If the rodent doesn't see his shadow: spring is at hand.

Groundhog day is based on Candlemas Day, an ancient tradition of early Christians in Europe and the groundhog replaced the badger of German tradition.

 

Just for the record, in 1887 the varmint saw his shadow and 6 more weeks of winter were forecast. But don't be despaired, the squirrel has an accuracy record of under 40%.

But for me, my focus will be on the One who created the rodent. He is the one who decides how much longer or shorter winter will last. We are to look not to the stars, but to the One who created the stars. What about you? Do you take stock in the rodent's forecast? 

Happy Thursday. May God so shine in you today, This Day, that others see Him.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)  ⁸ This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Hearty HodgePodge

1. It's that most wonderful time of the year...tax season! Do you complete your own returns or farm that job out to the professionals? I do not complete my own returns. I hire a professional. It's the only way to go for me. :)

2. This next question comes from Kansas Bob...he posed it in his response to something I asked in an earlier Wednesday post and I asked him if I could add it to the Hodgepodge some day. Today's the day....

Which do you think has changed you more-love or pain? My initial gut, knee jerk response was pain. I've had my share of it. Who hasn't? There are specific painful incidents in my life that I can say changed me. But really, it's the love that healed my pain that made the true change. God's love has endless healing power.

3. Tangerine Tango has been named color of the year for 2012. Your thoughts? Would I find this color anywhere in your house? How about in your closet? If not, will you be adding this color to your life in some way in 2012? If you're not sure what tangerine tango looks like click here. In my home? Probably not. In my closet? Probably yes. A blouse or scarf or accessory will show up in my wardrobe.

4. Are you a collector? What do you collect and does it get admired, used, and/or dusted regularly? We have collected a few things but not any one type of thing. They are admired by us, but most of it is just sentimental.

5. February is National Heart Month...besides a green salad what is one tasty heart healthy dish you like to prepare? I honestly didn't know how to answer this question. So I googled "heart healthy recipes." The Mayo Clinic website had a whole list of recipes under this category. I was surprised by the items on the list.

6. When was the last time you had car trouble? The last time I got in my truck after the hubs drove it but didn't fill the gas tank. There was some serious trouble....let me just tell you!

7. Have you been more demanding on yourself lately or less? Is that a good trend? I can honestly say I am much more demanding on myself. The vow I made with the grand-boy about watching less TV is definitely working for me. If you missed that post, you can read about it here. Almost every single minute of every single day of every single week is scheduled with something. Work. Exercise. Cook. Eat. Edit. Study. Homework. Photography. Blog.

8. Insert your own random thought here. My word has changed. Ever since I picked my word for 2012, it just hasn't felt right. I had an unsettled feeling about it. Couldn't find words to go with the theme. Yet, there has been another word that keeps popping up. It's at every turn. I see it all the time. Hear it mentioned over and over. I can relate it to so many things in my life right now. So I'm changing my word for 2012 to: (drum roll, please) Focus. 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 86:5 (NKJV) ⁵ For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.

Vacation 2011 - Part 4 Biketoberfest

Ha! I bet y'all thought I forgot about vacation pictures. Nope. It has just taken me a while to get back to them. Vacation posts were interrupted by Thanksgiving, a week-long conference, my annual Cookie Exchange, Christmas, New Years, and two online workshops for my photog business. Whew! Are you tired yet? Cause I'm about exhausted. lol.

Biketoberfest. Daytona Beach, Florida. This was the main event for my husband. We spent several days at this event. He likes to look at all the motorcycles. See the different customizing. Get ideas to add parts to his or figure out how to do something a little different. For me? These types of events are photo opportunities. I love watching people. I am always amazed at the attire people wear in public. What's even crazier to me is the things people do to get attention.

Here are some of my favorite shots:

Traffic: from street level and from above.

I

It was crowded. Difficult to walk from one end of the strip to another. Can you imagine driving in this? Me either. But as time passed, I got more brave by walking out into the middle of the street to get the photo. Lots of people. Stop and go traffic. Plus there were hundreds of motorcycles parked in lots on the side streets adding to the traffic; and all added to the traffic on the sidewalk.

Then there were the people on bikes and spectators wearing masks, hats, birds, whatever.

Ha! You thought I was joking about the bird! Check out this guy in the above picture. See the camera attached to his hat. We noticed a lot of people were video recording the event.

We had a great time. We did not go to any of the places where live music was playing and alcohol was being served. There was enough craziness. No need for all that.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. Hope you have a fabulous week.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Ephesians 6:13 (NKJV) ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Creating Belle

Rather an odd title, yes? My recent photo assignment was to step out of the box. Create the look from start to finish. Select the outfits and props. Show the model. Find a NEW location that fit the session. Then, voila! The finished product.

A couple weekends ago, my niece and I went to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D. It was so much fun. We love Belle. She is smart, and pretty, and adventurous, and fearless, and LOVES to read! This got my little brain working in overtime. Not gonna lie. The cogs were turning. I began looking for inspiration. A way to create a Belle look for a 12 year old. Something that would be true to the movie but a good style for my niece. Here's how it went:

The inspiration:

The location: The university's library. Lots of books and huge windows for lots of natural light.

The model:

Voila! Belle!:

This was such a fun adventure for both of us. It really got my creative juices flowing. So much so that I'm going to do another shoot. My daughter is the victim this time. She even agreed. :) It has to do with an upcoming holiday. That's all the teaser you get for now.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting. Have a fabulous weekend.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) ⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Are You Ready for Some HodgePodge?

1. The NFL playoffs were held this past weekend and this year's Superbowl lineup will feature The New York Giants versus The New England Patriots. How do you define 'patriot'? A person who loves and defends their country. AKA: My husband.

2. What's something in your life right now that feels like a 'giant'? Getting this photography business going and learning Photoshop. Learning at least enough of Photoshop to make editing a little faster.

3. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think back to being 18? How painfully thin I was. Some of that metabolism would be really nice right about now.

4. Coconut-mashed potatoes-vanilla ice cream-mayonnaise...which white food would be the hardest to give up? Mayonnaise. I love Hellman's.

5. Describe an incident or a day you remember as the coldest you've ever experienced? I remember walking home from high school in Northern Iowa in the dead of winter. It was so cold the snow crunched beneath my feet when I walked. It was a squeaky kind of crunch. Cold. Very, very cold.

6. You're hosting a brunch...what's your favorite dish to prepare and serve? An egg and sausage casserole.

7. How do you combat negative thinking? Praise God.

8. Insert your own random thought here. One class down. Two to go. Name finalized. Buying domain. Logo, branding, and colors next. Thought I had my colors picked out, but nope. It was just practice. Oi! 

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)⁴ Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

A Sneak Peak

I am diligently working on my new business endeavor. Nearly every spare second of each and every day is spent on developing my photography business. I think I've finally settled on a name. Now, on to the next step.

Here are a couple photos I took of a group of friends. These sweet gals were so much fun to work with. We had a great time. The problem with photographing multiple people is synchronizing their eyes. There is definitely a trick to doing it. I did manage to get several good shots where each of them had open eyes. ahahaha.

I'm also learning some new post processing techniques. Though I prefer pictures that are not so tweaked that they look fake. There are definitely some enhancements that clearly draw your attention towards the subject rather than detract from it.

Thank you so much for stopping by and visiting. Have a wonderful weekend. I'll be back soon for another update.

Peace and Joy,
Susan 

Matthew 7:12 (NKJV) Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

New Year HodgePodge

1. What are three words you would use to describe your 2011? Thankful it's over. ahaha. Not really. I enjoy every single day. 2011 was adventurous, full, and  blessed.

2. Do you like shrimp? What's your favorite way to have it prepared? I do like shrimp, but I don't eat it often. There are three ways I like it prepared: 1) Shrimp cocktail with a good horseradish sauce; 2) throw some Cajun seasoning on them, toss them in a skillet till they turn pink, devour; and, 3) grilled.

3. Is your house de-Christmased? If so when did you tackle that job? If not, when will the decorations come down? Yes, the decorations are down. The grand-boy and I packed everything away New Year's day.

4. Do you like to watch scary movies? Scary movies, yes. Bloody, gory movies that claim to be scary but are just bloody, gory, no. The hubs on the other hand, is the king of cut-your-arm-off-and-beat-yourself-with-it movies. 

5. ice skating~sledding~skiing~snowboarding~of the four listed which wintertime activity do you most enjoy? Skiing. Accelerating down the mountain with the wind rushing past is .....well.....exhilarating. You're surprised, yes?

6. Did you have a childhood hideout? Describe it. I can't say I had a specific hideout. There was a place not far from my home where I used to spend hours playing in and along a creek.

7. What's a place or space that motivates you? Not really sure on this one, Joyce.

8. Insert your own random thought here. God is doing some marvelous things, every single day. Are you watching? Are you listening? I am so excited to be on this journey. You can look to the sky to see His handiwork. Check it out! This was taken near Birmingham, Alabama on December 22, 2011. You can read about it here.

Photo: alabamawx.com

Thank you for stopping by and visiting. Please hop on over to Joyce's to read other participants answers or better yet, link up with your own.

Peace and Joy,

Susan

Titus 2:11-12 (NKJV) ¹¹ For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, ¹² teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age,

Throne Trip Tuesdays - My Word!

Lots of people make resolutions for the new year. Healthier eating. More exercise. Less of this. More of that. Stop doing this. Start doing that. Blah, blah, blah. How many of us actually stick with any of those? Really? I mean past the one month mark. By March those good intentions are long gone. Some of us are guilt ridden because we didn't stick with it.

Now don't get me wrong. I think purposing to make changes for the better is fabulous. Deems commendation. I do it. I was at the gym today. It's something that is part of my routine. I just changed my routine for a few weeks by not going. lol. One year I quit smoking. It wasn't a new year's resolution. I kicked the habit in July. Fourteen years ago this year. I'm a firm believer in making changes for the better any ole' time. Why wait?

One thing I've seen in the blog world the last couple years is a single word. Posts that are developed around the central theme of that one word. There have been many words I thought I would use for this year. Some of the options were: cherish, simplicity, joy, create, and grace. But one word kept repeating. Showing up. I tossed it around quite a bit. The word? Treasure.

I'm going to see how God reveals Himself as I dig for Treasure; how I can bless others with that Treasure; and how I can incorporate that Treasure in my daily life. Do you have a word for 2012?

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Matthew 6:19-20 (NKJV) ¹⁹ “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰ but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Contemplating 2011; Pondering 2012

The grand-boy and I were enjoying our traditional beans. They were a tiny bit on the spicy side. That's how we roll. I had on my heart to do some lighthearted reflecting on 2011. Some goal setting for 2012 would also be in order. He was entirely agreeable. Nice. From a list of 20 questions, we each picked three. Both of us had to answer all of the questions. Mine are the odd numbered questions. The grand-boy chose the even numbered questions. Here's how it went.

Question #1: What was the single best thing that happened this past year?
The grand-boy: I went from being 9 to turning 10. Yep. The best thing that happened to me was turning 10.
Me: Really? Out of everything that happened this past year, turning 10 was the best thing?
The grand-boy: Yeah! Double digits!
Me: You are so a ten year old boy. We both laugh.

I can't even compete with that kind of answer. But for me it was when the hubs traded in that white bike (it's a long sordid tale) for his shiny new black one.

Question #2: What were the best books you read this year?
Me: Outside of reading the Bible everything I read was either work or photography related. I vaguely remember reading a book earlier in the year, but can't recall it's name or what it was about. Guess it wasn't that great.
The grand-boy: War Horse. I'm reading it now, and I really like it. But there was a book at the book fair I wanted and didn't get. Pearl Harbor. I'm going to read that one next.

Question #3: What was your biggest single time waster in your life this past year?
The grand-boy: TV
Me: TV

Question #4: What was an unexpected joy this past year?
Me: Our vacation time together. (Which, by the way, I have not forgotten about. I still have pictures to post from that excursion.)
The grand-boy: My step-dad getting to come home for Christmas. (Background: The SD is working at a construction site out of state.)

Question #5: What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?
The grand-boy: That you could use math to figure out how many miles you had gone on the number of gallons in your car. I knew how to do it. I just didn't know you could use it for that.
Me: Did you know you can use that same math skill to figure out how long it will take you to get some where?
The grand-boy: Really? No I didn't. I'm going to try that.
We both laugh.

Me: That God gives each of us gifts and talents. It's up to us to study and learn how to hone those gifts and talents so we can use them to be a gift to others.

Questions #6: What was an unexpected obstacle?
Me: The learning curve on Photoshop. (He gave me a very puzzled look, so I explained.) It has always been easy for me to learn new software. But Photoshop? There is so much it can do. It is overwhelming at times. I haven't been able to understand it as quickly as I thought I would.
The grand-boy: Being able to read a map and get us to where we were supposed to be. We took a wrong turn and I couldn't figure out how to get us back on the right road.

That was our looking back. We also decided to look ahead to 2012 with the same questions. I promise this is shorter.

For question #1 the grand-boy decided that the best thing that could happen to him in 2012 is that he would turn 13. Since that is not even possible he would settle for not getting out at dodge ball. Again, we both laugh. I have a debt I want to pay off.

We both agreed on less TV and more reading.

If we could have one thing that would bring us unexpected joy, what would it be?
The grand-boy: A new house with a new bedroom. (This is such a sad thing. It's a whole post and prayer request in itself.)
Me: Tickets to Europe.

That's our reflection on 2011 and some goals for 2012. What about you? Did you have something that brought you unexpected joy? What are you looking forward to in 2012? Just give me a shout-out.

I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who stop by my little spot. Your comments, encouragement, and friendship blesses me more than you know. May 2012 be prosperous, healthful, and adventurous for you.

Peace and Joy,
Susan

Psalm 90:12 (NKJV)¹² So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.

A Lens Giveaway

You read that right. Crave Photography is giving away a lens. Isn't that a fabulous way to start out 2012?

Go check it out....CRAVE photography’s AWESOME giveaway! Win a Nikon 85mm 1.4 lens OR a Canon 85 mm 1.2 lens. YOU CHOOSE. Or you might win one of the other prizes being given away. Go here for details: 25,000 FANS { GIVEAWAY } OVER $3,000 in prizes Crave Photography.

I'm sharing this valuable information cause I'm that kind of girl. Don't wait. Get signed up to win!

Peace and Joy,
Susan

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.