Sun flare 121/366

Your beliefs don't make you a better person, your behavior does.

Friendship 120/366

After dropping off my daughter at her prom, my BFF and I spent the evening trying to find a place for dinner. We were both hungry but neither had a specific taste for anything. After searching our iPhone app for possibilities, we were sure we had to turn the car around and head the direction we just came. My how we laughed when we realized our incorrect directions took us deep into a neighborhood. On the upside, we crossed a really cool wooden bridge. Since we had already played Chinese fire drill and my BFF was driving, I hopped out to take some pictures.

Much to my dismay, the bridge shook and shimmied when a car crossed. There were also loose boards that popped into the air when I stepped on the opposite end. I didn't hang out long but loved the light at the top of the bridge.

We finally made it to the town square where we were surprised with horses. Yep. Greeting us in the town square was the Horsey Affair. Twenty-five fiberglass horses, painted by sponsors, were on each corner and dispersed around the courthouse for the public to see but not sit on. The NCHS is raising money for a planned interactive children's museum.

Poser 119/366

We went to the vet today. While he loved the ride, he was rather frustrated at having to hang out waiting with other four legged creatures.
No, seriously. He thinks he's a person. 
After I parked, he jumped out full of excitement. As soon as he saw the other dogs, he came to an abrupt stop. I had to push/pull him in to the lobby to sign in. Sniffing, wagging and general friendly dog stuff was not happening. Pressed against my leg, he kept looking to the door. As soon as I told him it was time to go outside to wait, he took off. He was happy lying on the sidewalk 20 feet down from the closest dog.
Later, at home, I pulled out my camera and he sat there posing for me.
Seriously.

Furious 118/366

I spent the afternoon taking photos, playing around trying to capture the sunset, and my memory card won't upload the pictures. After purchasing an Eye-Fi card a few months ago with the grand expectation it would effortlessly transfer from my Nikon to my laptop, I have been woefully disappointed. Sadly, it's not the first time.

Timeless thought 117/366

Summer job opportunity 116/366

My eldest has her first real job starting June 1st. She'll be coaching the summer swim rec league. Excitement is abounding. My wallet will also be lighter due to the massive quantities of sunscreen I'll be purchasing. I can't wait for the summer to begin.

Fabulous forties 115/366

I have a friend who was not happy about turning 40. Partying, celebrating, even acknowledging it was out of the question.Her sweet husband, however, knew better and invited 25 or so friends over to help ease her transition.She even pulled out photo albums from high school and we laughed at how ridiculous everyone dressed and how BIG the hair styles were.

We talked about our families, our summer plans, and how the birthday cake was TO DIE FOR! Listening to 80's rock, we laughed and shared and ate until she was ready to leave the thirties behind and embrace her fabulous-ness.

I am happy to say,"She's going to rock the forties!"  

Evoking memories 114/366

“Painting is just another way of keeping a diary.”
Pablo Picasso

Early morning 113/366

Three hour practices followed by Chick-fil-A is pretty standard in our world. Today I am grateful for chicken, Truett Cathy, and friends I see in the drive through.

Downy 112/366

Noticing a baby bird in the blueberry bush, my girls called for me to take a look. I, of course, grabbed my camera. Poor thing was shaking like a leaf while its mama squalled a terrifying noise warning us to back away from her baby. Before leaving it to gather its strength to flap away, I took to the prone position. I captured around ten shots and the ball of fluff never moved. I don't think it even blinked.

Checking back later, the bird was gone, as was the screeching mama.

I'm sure she was glad to have her baby back in the nest.

Recognition 111/366

Standards. Benchmark. Criterion. Measure. Touchstone. All these words equal motivation in our house.

I am a swim parent. That is all I will say about that.

So, my daughter achieved times that were at or faster than the times set forth by our state to be acknowledged at a banquet at the Georgia Aquarium.Not only did she get a 'Great Job!' from her family, she got to eat at a table next to the tiger shark tank. Across the room was the beluga whale tank, where we watched a momma-to-be swim round and round.

I was secretly hoping she'd go in to labor while I was eating my salad. No such luck.

I did, however, get some great pictures with my iPhone at the shark tank.  I could have stood there forever but my Wolfgang Puck chicken dish was waiting for me.

Nature triptych 110/366

There is beauty is the smallest of places. You just have to look, not only with your eyes but with your heart. It's there just waiting to say hello.

Visions of yesteryear 109/366

I have a fascination with the past. I often wonder, daydream about what it would have been like to live during the depression. Or maybe while Lincoln was president.

Traveling west as the wife of a pioneer following their dream of farming property of their own is a possibility. What would it have been like to leave your parents and siblings and follow the dreams of a new life in a land untouched.

Maybe Mrs. Cleaver. Nah, more like Bonnie of the Bonnie and Clyde duo. Ok, maybe not. I'm not the outlaw type.

How about a Dorothea Lange photographer? As she traversed her city capturing mundane moments, Dorothea left a visual timeline for others to view.

Really I just like being me.

But it is fun to daydream.

Willingness 108/366

Adopt the pace of nature:  her secret is patience.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

I think a gnome lives here 107/366

A look back in time 106/366

After traveling into the city to meet a friend for lunch, I decided to tack on a side trip to check out a place I read about. The Goat Farm. Very cool cotton gin factory turned artists' space.

Apple blossoms 105/366

Our apple tree is starting to blossom. Everyday I slip out to peek at the pink buds, so tiny and delicate. I have high hopes for deliciousness picked right off the tree.

Psalm 104/366

Ice cream bliss 103/366

We all love ice cream on a nice spring day.

Selfie 102/366

I've recently committed to learning more about the workings of my Nikon. I love my camera and know a fair amount but pulled out the manual and found a great class at Creative Live called Fundamentals of Digital Photography with John Greengo. This guy rocks, and it's free when watched live and $99 to purchase for download. I can't wait for tomorrow's class on composition.

Dianthus 101/366

Memories 100/366

I built great memories this past weekend with my husband's family. They all came over to celebrate Easter. Eating, playing games in the backyard, and sitting around the table talking and laughing was exactly what everyone needed. We even ate from paper plates because our dishwasher is broke and the repair man won't arrive until Wednesday to fix it. So there were NO dishes to do. How does this scenario get any better?

Dangling 99/366

Do you ever have days where you feel like you're dangling by a thread?

Yep, me too.

Happy Easter 98/366

Family, friends, food and laughter. That is how my day will be spent. I will be grateful and thankful. I will acknowledge My Savior. I will pray for those who cannot be with the ones they love.

Spring beauty 97/366

Count the legs 96/366

This gal jumped off a bag in my garage and made me leap back. Not that I'm scared, per say. It wasn't what I was expecting when I was lifting it.

Once on the driveway, she huddled up tight and sat through the photo shoot without moving. Not a hair. And I say she because her belly was H-U-G-E. Like 9 months pregnant and ready to drop huge. Not that I know all about spiders, only these because they're around every spring.

After a few shots, back into the woods she went where she belongs.

First born 95/366

In my teens and early twenty's, I was unflinching regarding the idea of marriage and children. I WAS NOT PARTAKING. I wasn't against marriage and I loved children. I just didn't grow up dreaming of my wedding day and enjoyed going home alone after a night of babysitting.

Then I met my husband. I knew from the moment I laid eyes on him. (Truth be told, I actually asked him out.) We met and married 6 months later. (He asked me.) A bit later came my first born. I didn't realize how much I was going to love this tiny human being. From the moment she looked at me, I fell hard. One false move would have you feeling around on the floor for your detached eyeballs. 

How's that grab ya?

Someone once told me that having a child was like watching your heart walk around outside your body. Boy howdy, they weren't kidding.

I love her more than my own life and am so glad I asked my husband out on that very first date so many years ago.

Simplicity 94/366

jeans
t-shirts
sneakers
flip-flops
music
camera
Bible
Moleskin and pen
laptop

Other than my family, if these were the only things I had daily access to, I'd be happy as a clam.

My grill master 93/366

I love spring. The warm air, slight breeze, and noticeable lack of pollen makes for a wonderful evening. On this night, my guy decided to put some meat on the grill. I, who am a lover of all things cooked over charcoal, would never refuse this idea. He is the grill master. My grill master. Meat, seafood, vegetables, even dessert are scrumptious when cooked over Kingsford Original charcoal. Rub on some Sweet Baby Ray's Sweet & Spicy BBQ sauce and I'm on cloud nine. Sitting with a glass of wine (or beer, in his case) and smelling dinner cook is the perfect way to end the day.

Layout reconstruction

Please pardon the dust. I am changing the blog from Dynamic View to something more user and reader friendly. Let me know what you think. I love constructive criticism.

For your viewing pleasure...

March Mosaic 92/366

I discovered BigHugeLabs, a site that allows you to make collages from the photos you've taken. It's so easy. You can upload from your computer, Flickr, Facebook, or any other online site. 

Begin by choosing the layout you like. Decide on the number of column and rows (you can change it after you've loaded photos if you want without losing any of your work). Follow by clicking on the button that shows where you'd like pull your photos from and commence loading. Once you have everything the way you'd like, save it and it's yours for keeps. 

I see so many things I can do with this: an end of the month collage, favorites from a trip, greats from a birthday, or a black and white fun sheet.

Have fun!

Thoughts 91/366