One thing about blogging every day is that I get a little comment from WordPress telling me how long my streak has been. It keeps me aware of how many days we are into the new year.
I have been thinking about as I move into my 50’s is the development of hobbies. I love my work, and I know that there will come a day when my work no longer fills my days. I often wonder what my hobbies will be when that time comes?
I have so enjoyed taking photos of my friends and family. My sister-in-law paved the way for showing me all that is possible in photography. I believe that when my brother died suddenly in 2012, photos became soothing to my soul. There is something about capturing life as we know it today because tomorrow is not promised. We are coming up on the anniversary of my Dad’s diagnosis and the 7 weeks he lived before his death in 2018. I am so grateful for the many pictures we took even in those 7 weeks. They are precious and dear to our hearts even when the ache remains and life continues.
With the amazing development of cameras in phones, taking pictures becomes almost foolproof. But this year, I decided to rechallenge myself with a good old-fashioned camera. Well, not so old-fashioned as it is digital and not 35 mm film. The amazing number of options in taking a picture when your settings are not all on auto assures me that I will be learning this hobby likely until I retire. And that is at least 20 years or so.
I have a great friend who is an amazing photographer and teaching me about the fine art of photography, including how to use the settings, lighting, and photo editing. I am sure it will take many more sessions of Gayla’s teaching before I can say I am even mediocre at this new hobby, but tonight I will tell you that the color wheel really was important in elementary art class.
I will share a few photos from my weekend with you with two great girls who are willing to pose as often as I need practice.
This weekend was a big step in being true to one of my 2021 goals to identify, practice, and commit to something that I can enjoy long term.
