once upon a time... we went for a picnic

During the week of our VBS, Cindi invited Em and me over to her lovely country house. And this is what happened...

                        

freelensing . . .

Adventuring through woods. Taking hundreds of photos. Practicing modeling. Eating our most delicious dinner on some hay bales. Throwing everything in the picnic basket and on our backs as we run away from the owner of the hay bales as he drives by at 5 miles per hour. Laughing tons. Jumping from the trampoline into the pool (I excluded those photos to preserve our dignity :) Making memories.

That's what happened, and I'm so thankful for that day. I came home infinitely encouraged by these lovely ladies. Sometimes golden sunlight, laughter and scrumptious food show God's graciousness to me more than anything else.

hug, hug.

Lindsey

guess who won the giveaway

And the winner is...

Lindsey Madison!

Congrats, Lindsey! What a lovely name you have! ;) If you'd just email me with your address, I'll get your goodies in the mail a.s.a.p. My email is everestnicole103[at]gmail[dot]com.

And because I haven't had time to write a full post, here's a little preview of what's to come... :)

xx.
Lou

That Long-Awaited Giveaway Post

Well, here it is: That giveaway you thought I was lying about. This consists of an adventure journal I made and a 'go adventure' necklace that I also made. I'm sorry it took me so terribly long, but live has been beyond crazy. I suppose I learned a lesson, though: don't say you're going to do a giveaway unless you have the giveaway ready at the time.

To enter, just comment with a tidbit about your favorite adventure-- however big or small.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xx.

Lindsey

Taking The Next Step

I don't know when it was that I first picked up a camera. I guess I can recall shooting with my parents' Rebel around age 10 or 11, and I suppose I just went from there. Now here I am: sixteen, shooting with my very own Rebel, and getting asked to do legit photo shoots for friends-- and even some acquaintances. So what happens now?

This is something I've been praying a lot about lately. What should I do now that more doors are opening and I'm wanting to learn more and more about photography? Is this where God wants me to be? Should I pursue photography as a career?

I suppose my prayers were answered with my birthday present: a four-hour mentoring session with a professional wedding photographer! Needless to say, for someone who loves to learn as much as I do, this was one of the greatest gifts ever. He taught me what seemed like everything I need to know about manual mode, details on light metering, composition, f-stop/ shutter speed/ ISO proportions, and about seventeen earfuls more.

So what is the next step? For me, I think it will mean putting into practice what I'm learning, creating a domain name for my photography, and maybe starting a Facebook page. Not to mention getting in as many photo shoots as possible to practice skill with my camera and  with people. I'm planning on then using money made from shoots to save for more equipment (more lenses and someday a full-frame. :)

I can't wait to serve the Lord with my gift and I'm hoping and praying that someday I will be able to use it for international missions work, perhaps with some kind of missions photography team.


In conclusion, here are photos from the Florida trip:

I got to ride bikes along the beach with Nina. It was something like a scene from a picture book.

our epic sand "modern art"

at a French cafe! 

Daddy graduated!! Hip! Hip! Hooray! 

Love and a hug,

Lindsey