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Hello out there! Again, it’s been a while since I last posted. I’d like to say I’ve been busy creating new things left and right, but I have not. Instead, I chopped off my hair, got some housework done and have been enjoying some leisure time to an almost annoying degree. There’s only so much relaxation I can take! I need to dig back into projects, so that’s what I’m doing. But, I must say, I have been in waiting mode as well. Waiting to get started on a second draft pending editor notes, and waiting for my lens to come in. But still. I haven’t been as creative as I’d like. There’s no real excuse for that.

So, the day started with a “Dexter Breakfast” of fried-egg, “bacon” and wonderfully rich coffee made in a French Press Pot (my favorite way to make it!). The crema (the thick, luscious foamy layer on top) on this coffee was so beautiful that I just had to take a picture. I loved this shot immediately. Makes me want more coffee now!

Then, I went into the Library (which is also my “office”, I suppose) and spent some time with the boys basking in the morning sunlight. I got this fabulously cute picture of Peanut looking only a little sad. He knew I was leaving for the day. It was my camera bag he was laying on.

Yesterday (August 12th) was also a great and important day. I met with my novel editor downtown in Cincinnati and he has already given back some fabulous notes on my first two chapters! His words make the story flow better. I really need those professional eyes. More so than I thought! I was overwhelmed at first, but as I read the notes, I realized how much better it could be. I believe the second draft will be far more readable than the first. At least, that’s the hope. I only met him yesterday, but he’s one of those people I felt I’ve known for years. I couldn’t have been happier about that. The similarities between he and Freddie (one of the main characters in the book) are a little too coincidental! Funny that. It only makes this process that much more fun and exciting.

Luckily, War-N works in the very same building as my editor, so we, that is War-N and I, went to lunch and Starbucks together. A nice treat after such a wonderful meeting! I was in such a good mood. That hasn’t happened it a long time. I want more of that, please!

Post-downtown, I went to pick up my new wide-angle lens (10-24mm) from my photo pal Pete at Cord Camera. I also picked up some B&W film (yes, FILM!) to play with. I had mentioned in my last post that there was a 1.5% differentiation from lens-to-camera for the Tamron lens I now have. But, with my N90, there is none. So, I want to get the full 10mm angle on some film. I’ve already had a blast with the lens on my D300 and am excited to shoot more!

First, I went to Spring Grove cemetery post-lens pick-up! I drove straight there and just started shooting. Unfortunately, I was wearing flip-flops. I will NEVER do that again at the cemetery! Not only did I get a gnarly cut from the flip-flop strap on my foot, but the ground felt even softer than usual and unstable in flip-flops. It was a little unsettling. The fact that I felt that way actually surprised me. I have never felt ill at ease at a cemetery in my life. Weird.

So, I shot picture after picture and I came to a little section surrounded by trees. I started shooting a taller monument-type stone and, after two shots, realized the bird on top of the stone was real! It was a large, beautiful Hawk and he was admiring me from afar! Well, perhaps he wasn’t “admiring” me, but he certainly had his keen eyes on me all the time. I spoke to him telling him what a pretty boy he was, and then, I got too close and he flew away silently. Really. I heard NOTHING! I was amazed. He just lifted his wings, jumped and he was gone. No noise. No flutter of wings. Nothing. It was a magickal moment. Unfortunately, the picture doesn’t do it justice. But, I’ll never forget it. That’s what counts. Oh, he was gorgeous!

I drove around, getting lost as I always do in Spring Grove, shooting this and that. I came to the Lady & the Lions again by total accident. It seems the once glorious Lady has fallen even farther into disrepair. More limbs had fallen off. An arm, to be exact. But, her beauty still lives on. For the first time, I got her full lengthy stance in one shot as I stood right in front of her. That was such a treat! As War-N said, “You can really get a sense of the perspective.”. I agree. It’s wonderful!

After a couple of hours, I grew tired, and sore-footed, and decided to head home. The beauty was that I got to be a part of regular rush-hour traffic once again. Oh joy! How I missed the days of “parking lot” traffic on I-75… NOT!!! I took the good old Ronald Regan Highway and made it home pretty quickly. For you locals, you know what I mean. Whenever you can avoid 75 and/or 275, the better off you’ll be! I got home, sat down, and didn’t get up again until dinner prep time. It was a good afternoon out, and I liked being tired from doing something creative. I LOVE that feeling!

Upon War-N’s arrival home, dinner was had (which was yummy veggie-fried brown rice!). Then, War-N and Sebastian (the black blob of fur on War-N’s lap) were settling into the evening nicely at the kitchen table. The room was filled with the light of the setting sun, so I used no flash. I love the feel of this shot. Not only is it wide and spacious, but it really tells an intimate story. It seemed to me, at the time, that my Grandfather’s picture had been deliberately lit to stand out. It was only the sun shining on that one spot on the wall. So cool! And the red of the curtain on the window above the kitchen sink. That just added a certain something to the whole shot. All in all, I just love this one! I guess the subject matter plays a big role in that as well

Lastly, dishes were done, pajamas were put onto tired bodies and America’s Next Top Model was watched happily by two well-fed non-models. It was a glorious day.

So, I decided that I’m going to be more active in the coming weeks. The only projects on my plate are my own projects. I have only myself to disappoint if I don’t do them. Who wants that? Not me! The HL album is gradually coming to an end, the novel is on its way to a second draft and so many pictures are to be taken! Not a bad to-do list. Not bad at all!

I hope everyone out there is enjoying life to the fullest. You never know what day will be your last. Enjoy every moment! Do something fun! Live and love fiercely!

Much Love,

Christa Belle