Nancy's News and Memories

Met a Friend for the First Time

2011-09-03T05:10:00.000-04:00

I know that sounds a little strange...but let me explain. Back in January, I took an online photography course taught by the amazing Karen Russell. Many of us in the class really spent some time together on the message boards, working hard to improve our photography, sharing tips, and supporting each other in many ways. Even though we never met face to face, we developed friendships. A couple of weeks ago, I got to meet one of my classmates, Kelley Wenzel. She flew into Philadelphia for the beadfest and she kindly gave a couple of hours to me. (Check out Kelley's beads when you check out her blog - she is truly an artist with flame!) I wanted Kelley and I to shoot some photos together and I also wanted her to get a little sample of our Philadelphia.

We only had a couple of hours and we had a little driving to do. Kelley definitely got a taste of Philadelphia traffic. We headed down to the Constitution Center. It is embarrassing to admit, I don't think I have been there since grammar school!

They have done such an amazing job with the visitors' center and independence hall. It is really beautiful and there is so much to see. In the visitors' center, we saw the Liberty Bell. We were taking all kinds of photos - different angles, different crops, you know - the way photographers do. The whole time I am thinking, "Funny, how when you are a kid, things seem much bigger - much grander."

So, that isn't the Liberty Bell. You probably knew that. Anyway, we did find the real liberty bell in a building on the grounds with a huge waiting line. We decided the replica would have to do so I had to post the photo.

Then, we walked across to Congress Hall.

Congress Hall is being renovated. There is scaffolding all around. I don't know if you can see it in the photos but there is an image of building to cover their work in progress. It wasn't what I wanted in the photo but it was well thought out by the park.

This is a statue of Commodore John Barry, located in Independence Mall.

Then we went into the Second National Bank. It is a beautiful Greek-inspired building modeled after the parthenon.

This is Kelley and I heading inside to see the portrait gallery.

Most of the portraits are painted by Charles Peale. There are portraits of signers of the Declaration of Independence, statesmen, military men, and many heroes of the revolution. The statue inside is Charles Peale.

Now, I have to go back and really spend some time. There is a lot to learn, a lot to see, and a lot of great photo ops! But, the treat of the day was spending some time with Kelley. Many times, the students from Snapshots of a Good Life photography class have talked about getting together. One group was able to coordinate it and get together in Florida. I hope we can get a group together in the northeast.

Thanks, Kelley, Continued success with your new ventures!!

And, to anyone was has read this, thanks!
See you soon!

Ocean City, 2011

2011-08-31T16:05:00.003-04:00

I was very, very fortunate this summer and had a week of vacation in Ocean City, New Jersey. Melissa rented a house for all of us. It was located about one block from where my parents always rented and we have so many wonderful family memories in that part of town. Jen and Jeffrey stayed all week. It was a mother's dream to have that kind of time with her children. We were relaxed and we just had fun. After the last year of pretty intense stress, it was just what this family needed.

We arrived on Saturday afternoon. We usually run late for things and I was pretty proud that we were able to achieve our goal of getting on the beach our first day. It might sound small to you...but, believe me, it was the first success of the week!

That night, we just settled in and Michael cooked a wonderful scallop meal.

Even though we were just relaxing, that first day on the beach really wore out Stephen. Aahh...the sleep of a child. Nothing like it!

The next day, Michael was heading home. (He isn't really a beach person!) He wanted a photo of the three rugby players together in their rugby shirts. So, here it is...Three Generations of Rugby!

Later, on the beach, Stephen lost one of his many (many) sand toys. He came over to explain to his mother that his watering can was washed away in the water.

Melissa asked, "You want me to search the whole ocean?" Yes, he did. It did give us a good giggle. He soon forgot and played a little more...

On the boardwalk that night...

I got to shoot a lot of photos and it was great practice. I have to work on cropping out body parts in candids. I think that means I have to get faster at shooting. All in all, I was pretty happy with most of my photos. The last night we were in Ocean City, the kids were awesome and let me takes lots of photos.

After the sunset, we went to the boardwalk. Check out the moon!

Then we played a little mini golf.

When did they start having bands on the boardwalk in Ocean City? We were singing about pina coladas and people were dancing.

Even though my family usually runs when I have my camera, Stephen was in such a good mood, he actually jumped into my photo!

Jen got feathers put in her hair.

Then we went on the big ferris wheel.

By the end of the week, Stephen was asking, "Mom, can we just stay home tonight, put on our pajamas, and watch a movie in bed?" We actually tired him out! He loved every minute of it!

The last day on the beach, Ellen joined us for the day. Ellen and Jen took a nice walk together.

I am already looking forward to next year! It is definitely times like this that make me so thankful for my wonderful family and so proud of them. They are each so different and so amazing in their own way. I am very, very blessed.

Thanks, Liss! You gave us the best week!!

A Photographer's Woes

2011-08-08T22:03:00.000-04:00

I have been working really hard on improving my photography. Photography is a fairly new skill for me and I take this hobby seriously. I enjoy every minute of it and I have progressed to the point where I can troubleshoot my photos. I am shooting on manual all the time. I really understand the exposure triangle. I am just beginning to understand photography as art. Mostly, I love this hobby because it provides a snapshot in time of my life. My life, which includes my family and my friends, is recorded for me. In years to come, these memories will be a source of great joy. I hope that I will also provide some joy, through our memories for my family.
But no matter how much I have studied, I still end up with photos that look like this:

From Nancy's News and Memories

Every time I pick up the camera, people hide. They either hide behind things, they cover their face with their hands, or they duck. Somehow, they make sure that their face isn't fully in the photo.

When I first started working as a nurse in a large downtown hospital, I saw my first cockroach. I learned that when I walk into a dark utility room and turn on the lights, cockroaches quickly scurry (as only they can) out to the periphery of the room and disappear. People can have a similar response when they see a camera. These chairs were vacated by friends of mine at our local knitting store:

Of course, my friends and family have learned from each other - we call this the Jen move:

Children don't see the need to hide. They allow their feelings to show. And, sometimes, you get priceless family photos that look like this:

I have tried to explain that I want to capture wonderful, candid moments. Moments that show real love and emotion, joy and happiness, family and friends. I have read articles dedicated to persuading people to allow their photo to be taken. Articles that describe ways to keep people from contorting their face or hiding their face when they see a camera. None of them have given me any insight. Do you have any insights that would work?

Leave a strategy in the comments - maybe we can help each other out!
See you soon!

A Week in the Life Day #6

2011-08-01T23:11:00.000-04:00

Even though Michael had a pretty crazy Thursday and we both had a pretty crazy Friday, we decided to make a trip to New York with one of the photography groups that I joined. We were planning to spend the day walking around Central Park. I had never been there and really, my only impression of the park is from police shows on TV. I had no idea what I was in for! The photography group planned to end the day taking some photos at Times Square.

We took the train...

which isn't exactly scenic

and then we took a subway

and we met the group at the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park

The fountain was right by the pond and the boathouse.

At this point, I changed my lens to my 70-200 2.8 and the manual focus ring was pushed the wrong way. I shoot on manual exposure but my focus (like most photographers) is automatic. Except for today. I don't know why I didn't notice but I didn't. The quality of my photos is not what I wanted. Well, that is why I am shooting so much - another lesson learned! These are some I could salvage from the day.

Central Park is so full of life! I absolutely loved it and hope to go back soon. There is something different happening at every turn.
Musicians

Afrobats - African American acrobats that gave their entire performance speaking in unison. I loved them!

In the last photo, the acrobat is jumping over four people.

Jokesters

Sunworshippers

There was even a place for beach volley ball.

Skating dancers

Castles

And then we went back on the subway and headed to Times Square. We had dinner together at Ruby Tuesdays and then went out for a few photos before the trip home.

My favorite photo is the last one - I used a long SS and a tripod. It was just the look I wanted.

We had a great day - dozed a little on the train ride home.
At home, we heard Jeffrey's account of his week with ASP. We are so glad he had this opportunity and that he is home. Not too many young people give a week of their summer every year they are in high school to reach a hand out to help others. We are so proud of him.
(I might have mentioned that before...)

See you soon!

A Week in the Life Day #5

2011-07-31T23:13:00.000-04:00

You might be wondering what happened to Day #4. I am just accepting that I don't have much of a life that anyone wants to talk about on the days I work. Don't get me wrong - some days it is almost a spiritual experience and I am reminded of what faith really is and I see God's hand in everything. Other days, we are just running. I might need to call this project #5daysoflifein7. Fortunately, Ali (who is the author of this project), is very laid back. I had the pleasure of meeting her a couple of years ago and she reminded us constantly to just go with the flow. Hobbies, like scrapbooking and photography should be fun...not stressful. So, I am a little behind and my week may not be complete and that is okay.

Friday started out a little strange.

Yep, that squirrel is on the wrong side of the screen. Somehow, he made it into our screened in porch. I think he discovered the big rubbermaid container of bird seed. When I went out on to the porch, he completely freaked out - and I should have changed my settings on my camera to shutter speed priority. Okay - lesson learned. He was doing triple axles in the air when he saw me.

I thought I was going to have these beautiful photos from the balloon festival but I didn't make it there. The weather wasn't great and Melissa's move had taken a bad turn. So, the balloon festival will have to be next year. No biggie - I have found so many opportunities to take photos - much to my family's chagrin.

Melissa moved from Yardley to Newtown - only a couple of miles away. The movers, Lenora's Moving Company from Philadelphia, was supposed to be at her house at 1 PM on Thursday to load the truck. She was packed and ready to go and started waiting until they finally showed up around 7 PM. (This can't be a legal document - I am only reporting what I was told about Thursday so my time may be a little off - it may have been later!) When they arrived in her new Newtown neighborhood a little after 10 PM, some of her new neighbors were less than pleased. Melissa decided to have her belongs (just about everything she owns in the world) delivered the next day. And that is when the waiting really started.

We had a little picnic in the master bedroom - Stephen, Melissa, Jenny, and me - watching the only TV in the house.
Fortunately, Stephen can be stay entertained by the computer or my ipad for hours and hours.

Jen hates my camera and she is excellent at hiding. I have many pictures of her looking very much like this:

I don't know why she hides - she is so pretty!

Melissa just gives in to me...

Now, was that so hard? She looks beautiful.

We are all trying to make the best of a difficult day. Many phones calls were made to the movers (Lenora's Moving Company in Philadelphia) and we listened to excuse after excuse. We even heard, "the shipment is on the truck." and we knew we were in big trouble. The stairs were really our only place to sit other than the floor. We finally gave in and ordered dinner.

Chloe was trying to adjust to the hardwood floors.

The waiting got harder and harder.

Finally, after two phone calls to the police, the movers finally appeared a little after 10 PM. They pulled the old "bait and switch" and wanted twice the money she agreed to pay. This company will be meeting my daughter in her attorney role - I can't wait for her to sweep the floor with them. We blocked their truck in the driveway with our cars so they couldn't leave and after the police threatened to lock them up for theft, they finally unloaded the truck. I am sure Michael moved more stuff than all of the movers put together. Jen moved a lot of stuff, too. There is a lot of damage and the ordeal isn't really over. But, Melissa and Stephen are moved in and life will begin in their new house.

Jeff was disappointed that he missed supporting all of us. He was still working hard in Tennessee with the ASP group. Here they are - they are all so wonderful and generous and hardworking. I remain so proud of all of them.

I am looking forward to sharing Saturday with you. Michael and I had a great day! I will post again, soon!

A Week in the Life Day #3

2011-07-28T06:30:00.001-04:00

I am happy that I could keep up with my commitment to blog my Week in the Life everyday - even though there wasn't much today to blog about. When you work 12 hour shifts, there isn't much day left. This is especially true when you are a little high maintenance and the morning and bedtime beauty routines take so long. I warned a couple of my coworkers that I was bringing my camera to work today. So, I have this picture:

Two of my colleagues collaborating and planning the day. I am not sure if they really didn't see me or if they are hoping that ignoring me will make me go away.
I have this picture:

Two more colleagues - both looking pretty surprised that I am standing there with a camera. If you are wondering about the little garland of leaves to the right of the door, I put them there to hide the identity of the patient in the room. I also hid the names on the computer. I blew them up and you really could tell what they said. So, that just shows how my photography skills have improved!

That was all the photography I had time for during work. That is the life of a nurse - not too much time for anything. I am not complaining. I do feel like I did a little good for some people today and that is what it is all about.

Every day I work, I walk through a hallway that connects two buildings. It is mostly huge windows. Usually, on the way in, there is a beautiful sunrise to my left. Then, on the way home, there is a beautiful sunset to my left. Tonight, when I needed one pretty picture, this was the sunset:

Tonight, the sunset was not such a great photo opportunity.
I took these two architectural photos - one in the lobby of the ceiling and one in the garage. I guess they are intersting...

And, I am getting ready to do it again tomorrow. Right now, I am home and no one wants or needs anything from me. I can just put my feet up.

Except Guinness - he always wants something.

Then, because there is so much beauty everywhere and I didn't share much of it tonight, I thought I would share this picture.

Obviously, I didn't take this today. I took this photo a week ago at the Garden of Sculptures in Hamilton, New Jersey. I just wanted to leave you with something beautiful. Tomorrow may be equally boring but Saturday's photos should be great!

See you tomorrow!

A Week in the Life Day #2

2011-07-27T06:30:00.003-04:00

I really appreciate the comments on yesterday's post and on facebook. It was so nice to have such positive feedback. Thank you!!

I am happy to report that the little bird is doing great! He had already flown out of his cage. The people at Aark said he probably just flew into the building and stunned himself. They plan to let him go in the next day or two.

I like to wake up to the perfect cup of coffee- don't you? I was given a Tassimo machine about three years ago for Mothers' Day from Melissa. I could brew Starbucks bold blends in the Tassimo and it made me so happy. Now, Tassimo and Starbucks are no longer a team and I am in search of the perfect cup of coffee from my Tassimo. It just might not be possible to find a bold enough blend. Anyone have anything??

What do you think he wants??

This morning, first thing, I sat in my chair with the laptop and wrote an article for the newsletter at church. It is just a little summary of what our church council is doing - I do like to try and keep people informed. After that, I read a little and relaxed.

The afternoon was very trying. I had one of those afternoons that test your faith. Michael came home a little early from work to help me and well, we will just keep trudging along, trusting that God knows what is best - being certain of what I can't see.

After dinner, I spent a little time with our pack in the backyard. The dogs always put a sile on my face. I love our yard. It is peaceful and I love the glow of the setting sun. It makes everything look so pretty. So, I feel a little better and a little more at peace.

Then, off to church for Rejoice! rehearsal. We had a low turnout for rehearsal but it was a good rehearsal anyway. The words to some of the songs we sang tonight had special meaning to me - words that deepen my faith and my love for the Lord. That's why I love that group so much - they mean so much more than they will ever know.

Well, the next two days I spend at the Bing (that's hospital talk for Abington hospital) and a term of endearment for work. I am taking my camera but I don't know how much I will be able to blog. So, I hope I can keep up with the spirit of "A Week in the Life" and that I will see you tomorrow.

A Week in the Life

2011-07-26T12:09:00.000-04:00

July 26, 2011

Once again, I am inspired by Ali Edwards and I am using her project, A Week in the Life as a springboard to restart blogging. Okay, I know, we will see how long this lasts. http://aliedwards.com/2010/01/week-in-the-life.html

This is a seven day recording of my life - the little moments that seem like nothing at the time but these are the moments that we all treasure. Right now, there are many stressors in my life. Sometimes there are more, sometimes there are less. At this moment, they are big. This is my way of appreciating what I have - my family and all the love that is here in our home. It is a way of recording my life - something for my children to look at in later years and hopefully, I will spark a few memories and they will remember how much they were loved.

So here I am on day #1 (July 25, 2011)

It is a self portrait - I would like to have at least one each day.

I ran into Margie at Starbucks. I am going to call her and set up some time together.
Then, on to meet Melissa and the Verizon guy. Melissa was at her new house and she and the Verizon guy were waiting for coffee. Melissa will move in this week. Her new house is so pretty and it will be perfect for her and my grandson.

and she will be a little closer...the closer the better for me!

I relaxed a little in the afternoon. Jen brought me more Starbucks - what a nice surprise! No, no palpitations - I am used to it.

Then, I decided I NEEDED to hear from Jeff. He is with a group from our church on a mission trip to Tennessee. Here is our text:

(excuse my punctuation mistake - after all this time with an iPhone, I still can't type on it!) That was all I needed - just to know Jeff was okay. Now, we could relax and watch a little TV.

And then it was raining so hard that it was coming through the screen and we couldn't hear the TV. We had just settled in when we heard from Jenny.

She wanted to know if I was bored. No, I wasn't bored. Well, she wanted to know if I would come and get a little bird she found outside of her work. He couldn't fly and she wanted us to rescue him. If you know me, you know what my answer was.

See how the other traffic has the green light? Michael was stopped at a red light when I took this photo. The sky was beautiful after the storm. The clouds were so low and the colors were beautiful.

So, Jen and her big heart were standing there waiting with the little bird. Michael said it was a barn swallow.

And, off we went to give the bird to people who know what to do with injured wildlife.

We will call tomorrow and see how the little bird does. That's it for day #1. See you tomorrow.

2010-12-14T12:27:00.001-05:00

Time for a little scrapbooking!

2008-05-31T10:39:00.004-04:00

Want to see something a little funny??

Yup..that was it. My desk. That is the actual space I work in. You know the eight foot tables we get at SAVE? This is what I work in at home.

So, I thought I would share a little mini album I made for a friend's birthday. Gerry, one of the nurses I work with turned 50 and we had a great surprise party for him last night at Michelle's house. I love getting together with the people I work with and being able to really get to know them. They are a great group of people. I made this mini album with pictures that were taken at a little celebration we had for him at work.

This mini album was made with a Maya Road tabbed album, lots of 7 Gypsies, Making Memories, Fancy Pants...all from http://www.thecornerstoreforsave.com/. Gerry said he loved it and that he really appreciated gifts that people spent time making. Yea!! That made me very happy.

Today, I am going to spend a little time on my neglected garden, take my walk, and then get a manicure and pedicure.

This is a big weekend for me. Tomorrow, we are saying goodbye to our Director of Rejoice! Joe is leaving after three years with us. After the party, we are heading to Bloomsburg for some time with family and for my adoption. I will post more about that when I get back.

Have a great weekend!

My Daily Walk

2008-05-26T21:07:00.004-04:00

I came home from my walk today to the perfect cup of coffee. Gotta love that new Tassimo machine. Thanks, Liss!

I see this sight every day on my walk and don't really see it. Today, I thought about all the men and women who lost their lives so that everyone would see this flag, that we would know freedom and peace. Recently, I was remembering my trip to the Philippines in 2002. I had no idea how blessed we were, how much we take for granted, and never appreciated my country so much until that trip. The poverty there is so completely sad. So many of the people there saw coming to the United States as their only means of survival. Their goal was to get here, to make enough money to send home to provide for their families. To save their families, they believed they had to leave their families.

Words to think about today come from Jimmy Carter. I saw this quote on Ali Edwards' blog http://aliedwards.typepad.com/

Peace is more then just the absence of war. People everywhere seek an inner peace that comes from the human rights to voice their views, choose their leaders, feed their families and raise healthy children. Jimmy Carter

This pretty sight on my walk was right in my front yard. I haven't really paid too much attention to my gardening this year. Despite my neglect, there are still some beautiful sights.

One other sight I want to remember from my walk was just the glimpse of a deer as he dashed into some high brush. To me, there is something almost spiritual about deers. I think they are magnificent. Graceful. Quiet. He made my walk even more special today.

I love my walk. I enjoy the sights and this time of the year, I enjoy the sounds. (Although today, it was Madonna that kept my pace on my walk.)

This was only my second attempt at blogging...please excuse my rambling. I will write again soon.

Happy Memorial Day!

Caution: Brand new blogger!!

2008-05-25T14:16:00.004-04:00

Stephen looked so cute as a tiger. He did a pretty good roar, too!

This plaque was outside the gorilla exhibit at the Philadelphia Zoo. In case you can't read it, Margaret Mead says, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world; Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." I love that. I just stood there and quietly thought about that statement. Think about the possibilities!

I thought I would start with some pictures from mother's day. I had a great day with my family. We started at church and then had a quick brunch at Einstein's. After a pretty long car ride, we finally ended up at the Philadelphia zoo. (Traffic was unbelievable.) We had so much fun watching Stephen and enjoying the day together. So, you ask, what was my best mothers' day gift? My family was with me and they all got along!! You know, the usual bantering and arguing that takes place just didn't happen. It was so peaceful and honestly, I couldn't love them more. I didn't ask them if it was planned because I would rather just go about happily thinking that my family can all get along for one day just naturally. What a gift! What a blessing!