Katie's Musings clip_image001.jpg

Looking at the world through a camera lens

   

 
Thanksgiving 2007

Of course on Thanksgiving we try to recall all the things we are thankful for.  I have been blessed with being in a profession which has granted me the opportunity to constantly look at my life through grateful eyes.  Many years ago when I was a new graduate nurse, a patient touched my life by telling me to never take anything for granted.  He had lost his wife the year before to cancer, and he himself was now facing a terminal diagnosis.  He was only in his 50's.  Him and his wife had planned to retire at 55 and travel around the country.  Unfortunately, fate did not allow this to happen for them. He implored me to never put off my plans. and to enjoy life while I could.  Hi s words still touch me today.
pilgrim rooftop

Of course like most people, I do get caught up in the trivial worries of every day life.
When this happens I remember what that man, and so many other patients have taught me, to never take anything for granted.  I have watched people face the most treacherous illnesses and diagnoses with such will and grace.  How can anyone not appreciate life when you see people facing such insurmountable obstacles?  Yes, I have a lot of running around to do with the holidays approaching, and 3 school aged children with all of their needs and acitivities...but God has blessed me with a body that is able to do all this running around, 3 healthy and happy daughters, and a husband that loves me as much as I love him. 



I want to always have a feeling of gratitude in my heart.  I do not want to be faced with a life challenge in order to appreciate what I have.  For this reason, I have kept a gratitude journal for several years.  I also encourage my children each night to state one thing they are grateful for, and one way they have made the world a better place.  I  hope this makes them feel both grateful and empowered .

So to all a blessed and happy Thanksgiving.

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough"
~Meister Eckhart




November 16, 2007

Cold rainy day in New England

My youngest found the perfect place to warm-up .  Nothing like sitting by the fire on a damp rainy day.



November 12, 2007

I have always been intrigued by hands. From young to old, black and white, male and female, I have noted all their intricacies.

The nicest most moving thing was a hospice nurse who traced my friend's mother's hands after her death.  She presented the paper to my friend saying, "these were the hands that bathed you, cared for you, cooked for you ..."

I focus on the good that hands can do.  I think this says it best
Two Hands - 
                                        Reach Out for You
                                        Care for the Sick
                                        Hug
                                        Clean the Earth
                                       Make Peace
                  
 A child holding wonder in their hands; a butterfly, a frog, a flower, or another's hand.




November 3, 2007

Fall in New England provides the perfect photography excursion.  It awakens all of your senses.  The sweet smell of apples and chimney smoke fills the air.  The sound of leaves crunching underfoot.  The first cool breezes awaken us to the approach of winter but the sun still warms our faces.  And of course the foliage!

A fall photographic journey through New England must include the Green Mountains of Vermont, the coast of Maine, and Boston's Public Garden.

You have to allow at least three or four days in each area. I'd say that you could productively stay in Woodstock, Vermont for a whole week, straying no farther than 50 miles from your hotel.                                                  

It is a long 6-hour drive from Boston to Acadia National Park in Maine. Allow a week for the Maine Coast and Acadia or give up on the idea and come back another year.
 
A quicker trip may be to explore Cape Cod during the Fall.  Travel from the National Seashore to exploring a island can be completed in two or three days.

What I pack in my camera case:
  • Wide angle lens for all-around work. In the Canon systems, I'd choose a 20-35/2.8 zoom
  • Macro lens for leaf patterns and such. I'd choose a Canon 50.
  • Telephoto lens to isolate and compress elements. In 35mm, I'd use an 80-200/2.8 zoom.
  • Camera body. I stick with a Cannon Rebel.