I read these verses this morning and wanted to do something to impress them even more deeply on my soul.  I get way too wrapped up in the puny little details of my life and forget that there is a much bigger picture.  I especially love the reminder that on the inside (of each of us), "not a day goes by without God's unfolding grace".   May you experience that grace today and every day!

Depth of Field

A few weeks ago I was reading Twyla Tharp's The Creative Habit, which I had requested from the library.  It was one of the few books that, when I had to return it, I bought my own copy.  And began to read it again, marking it up with my own notes and observations.  Chapter 3 is called "Your Creative DNA", and Tharp talks about paying attention to the ways that we creatively see the world.  She mentions focal length, like that of a camera lens.  We can either focus best on the big picture -- landscapes and big, sweeping scenes, or small details. 

It didn't take much thought to realize that I like to zero in on the small details.  Like the photo above.  I'm taking an online class with Barb Phillips on how to do more than just point and shoot with my digital camera.  It's called Photo Basics Online Photography Course (click on it for more information).  I'm finally learning what all those settings on my camera mean, and what things like "aperature", "ISO" and "shutter speed" are all about.  And I got to play with depth of field, like in the picture above. 
I wonder if our creative DNA has anything to do with how we generally respond to life.  My husband likes to look at the big picture -- "Let's make a master plan, create a budget and plan accordingly."  I tend to focus on one part of the picture -- "Oh, look -- a sale on carpeting.  Let's redo the bedroom!"  Well, maybe I'm not that bad, but it's something to notice.

How about you?  Are you a "big picture" person, or do you like to hone in on the details? 

A Walk with my Camera

It was so beautiful today that I just couldn't stay inside.  So I took my camera (and dog) and headed out to find beautiful things.  It wasn't hard.  These back-lit leaves really glow.  This pic is not manipulated in any way.

The milkweed was ready to fly.  When I was little, we would catch the little seeds and make wishes on them.

And dear Skyler had a wonderful time pouncing on critters and terrorizing the geese at the lake.  I missed a great picture of him bounding into the water and the geese scattering.  I guess I was too busy with the milkweed.

If you are in the Chicago area, I hope you are enjoying the weather this week.  We all know what is going to follow shortly!