The Best Laid Plans...

Oh hello Dearest, how are you? I hope this day finds you well.

I am enjoying a peaceful and happy transition into May. Birds are building nests, the first flowers of the season are in bloom and trees are slowly but surely starting to unfurl their leaves. The scent of the white magnolia tree down the street has hit its intoxicating peak.

I am grateful.

The latter part of my April was waylaid not only by a spring cold, but by a bout of food poisoning, both of which prompted me to enter into pretty intense self-care mode these past few weeks. But I am ready to move on and the spring air makes it that much sweeter.

My moving on means that I am BACK in the game and ready to resume my Birthday List Love. You didn't think I'd leave you hanging, did you?

I'll be back shortly with List #5. In the meantime I leave you with a few snapshots from an impromptu hike D. and I took last week in a new-to-us conservation area. My first real outing after being sick, the combination of sunshine and scenery made it a blissful afternoon spent with my Love. I may have discovered a new happy place.

Back soon with List #5, stay tuned...

Big Camera 101

It's not easy being a beginner.

Yesterday I took a "Camera 101" workshop at a local camera store to learn how to use D.'s DSLR. Today D. suggested we get out & about so I could practice what I learned.

Ouf.

The hardest thing was adapting my search for composition to the lens that was on D.'s camera vs. what I'm used to with my point & shoot. I usually go straight for the macro shot: tree bark, pine cones, spruce needles, etc., but I couldn't with D.'s DSLR because his lens doesn't work that way.

Since I couldn't resort to my usual go-to I decided to forgo the search for "keeper" photos and simply experiment with different shots at different depths and different settings. It was tedious and trying at times, but it was good practice.

It was also a glorious day to be out there and D. brought his camera too, so it was double the fun!

Despite my lowered expectations about end results I did come up with a few shots that I liked out of the 241 taken. Voici:

How could I not include a shot of my favourite photographer?

I included this one because I am very proud of it. It's my first ever attempt at capturing flowing water against a (semi) sharp background with the "big" camera and though it's overexposed, I am thrilled at the softness of the water against those rocks. I can't wait to try it again - next time with a tripod!

I'm eager to see how this new tool could become a means to my creative ends. I foresee a local Photography 101 workshop in my near future, and I foresee a lot more play. Stay tuned...