Life in Focus

They saw wonders

Last Friday, I had the awesome opportunity to spend time with 19 young shutterbugs, connecting with nature through photography.  I asked for 12 but 19 eager kids toting cameras and wearing big smiles arrived...and it was the most wonderful and profound afternoon I have spent in a long time.

We talked about composition and how to see through their lenses. We talked about how they are all artists and that their digital screen is their canvas.

We talked about their one unique and beautiful perspective on the world and how to capture and record it with their cameras and their hearts.

For a moment, I got concerned that they might look upon a landscape of mostly browns and dried bits of what once was alive and vibrant...and not be able to see.

But from the moment we stepped outside and I heard their squeals of excitement and saw their eyes open wide, I knew they could see.

They saw pinecones lined up like soldiers, the tops of trees against a never ending blue sky, and the dew dripping from a red, ripe berry.

They saw a leaf in the shape of a heart, a squirrel's discarded acorn caps, and tiny dried flowers with beautiful shades of pink against a backdrop of evergreens.

They zoomed in close on pattern, color, and texture. They zoomed out and saw an exciting landscape full of adventure.

They got down low and looked up. They stood on the highest hill and looked down. They saw moving clouds, the tips of whispy grasses, tiny spiders, and a rock covered with moss.

 They got quiet and stood still, carefully studying the face of a dried and drooping sunflower that towered over them.

They made pictures with their eyes and their hearts and each time they snapped the shutter, they ran over in a flurry of excitement to show me what they had created. At one point, I stood back to look up, take a breath, and watch the whole scene around me. As I saw them all connecting with themselves and with the world around them, smiles of pride on their faces and encouraging each other, I was moved. I quietly watched one little boy as he carefully reviewed a series of images he took of a tiny pinecone and then tears of joy filled my eyes when I heard him exclaim, "I love this one...it's going on my wall!"

Of all that I was hoping to inspire in them that day, I never imagined all that they would inspire in me. They saw beauty in a barren garden of summer's remnants and they found  joy in every little detail. They saw wonders and it was magic.

Welcome to Life in Focus Studio!

I'm so excited to announce the very humble beginnings of a dream...

Welcome to Life In Focus Studio!

In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks. ~John Muir

 

Link for the Life in Focus Studio shop

Link for the Life in Focus Studio Facebook page

Thank you so much for stopping by! :)

 

 

 

Today

Today I'm grateful to feel good after a weekend of being sick and in bed. Not fun at all! 

Today I remembered to look up and saw the most beautiful sunrise sky full of reds and pinks.

Today I traded my running shoes for my hiking boots and went out for a brisk 3 mile hike through the fallen leaves.

Today I'm thinking about the holidays that are quickly approaching and getting so excited for a season of celebrating with family and friends, making and sharing good food, and being so grateful for every minute.

Today I'm planning our Thanksgiving menu and can't wait to make (and eat) Aunt Sarah's sweet potato casserole...my favorite!!

Today I'm preparing for new items to be added to the shop.

Today I believe that anything is possible.

Happy Monday! :)

 

Kids With Cameras :: Learning to See

A few days ago, I took the opportunity to go on a photo walk with my beautiful teenage daughter. She has a natural eye, a sincere love for nature, and a growing passion for learning to see through a lens. Getting the chance to teach her and be her cheerleader is an amazing gift! This day was extra special, however, because it was the day that my very first DSLR went to a new home in her creative hands.

I've been waiting for the right time to give her this camera and I knew that this was the day that she was ready. We went to our favorite park and headed down the most inspiring trail full of trees, wild flowers, and life all around.

Watching her stare up at the tall trees with camera in hand, I could see her heart and soul flourish.

I did some teaching and guiding along the way, but mostly this day I just watched her and was so excited to be on the sidelines to see what she saw. It was thrilling!

There is something very powerful about looking through a lens and learning to see. It transforms our perspective and creates a new appreciation for the world around us.  It helps us focus on the beauty that could easily go unnoticed in our busy, hurry-to-the-next-thing lives. It teaches us to slow down, be aware, and find joy in simplicity...a butterfly's wings, the petal of a flower, or even the great big awe inspiring sky!

To hold a camera is not just a medium to create images, but it's a powerful tool for a happy life. What an awesome thing it is to give that tool to a kid. After watching my daughter on this day, I'm pretty sure she will never see the world the same way again.

 

 

Summer Goal #1 :: 100 Mile Nature Connection

Happy Thursday, everyone! I've been thinking  a lot about what I want to accomplish this summer while our pace is somewhat slower (sort of slower) and one of my big goals is to use some time to get more consistent exercise. For whatever reason, I seem to do much better with goals when I have a timeline or a challenge in place. It motivates me and kicks me in the butt when I need it most. I also love numbers, so knowing that my goal is measurable is really important to me. Not to mention the fact that I LOVE to celebrate when it's completed!

When it comes to exercise, I'm usually a runner. But, I find that as much as I still love to get a good sweaty run in, I sometimes grow bored with doing the same thing all the time. This summer, I long to put in some mileage in different ways.  I also want to take FULL advantage of our summer weather (after the very long and cold winter we had this year) with the opportunity to "get out there" and connect with nature as often as possible.

Insert Summer Goal #1: The 100 Mile Nature Connection

To me, challenges are so much more fun and motivating when they're with a group, so I thought I would open it up to anyone that wants to play along. You do not have to be a runner to participate. Anything that you think is fun, gets you moving and enjoying being outside counts! If you take your kids with you to move and connect, you will get extra cheers! The more the merrier!

Want to join in the fun? Just follow this link for more info and get started! Hope to see you there!

Backyard Spaces

Have you started planning for or working on your backyard spaces yet?

In the midst of our very unpredictable Spring that we're having, I'm doing a lot of day dreaming and planning for our backyard spaces. As I write this, I can hear the birds singing outside my window while snow and sleet are raining down on them. Seriously. So, while we wait..and wait..and wait...I'm coming up with a plan for backyard beauty...and to fight the Springtime blahs.

Last weekend, we got out to my favorite local nursery and just enjoyed the color and fragrant air of the beautiful flowers and plants. It was so inspiring and although we didn't plan on buying anything that day, we just couldn't resist the cold weather tolerant (and very vibrant) pansies along with a couple of lettuce and broccoli plants for our veggie garden. So, now they sit and wait with me on a temporary potting bench that I set up in the garage.

In addition to our butterfly/hummingbird and veggie gardens that we established last year, I'm planning a lavender garden that I'm so excited about! I would love to have enough lavender to dry and use for gifts, so we'll see if I can make that happen.

I enjoy having lots of different spaces in the yard that pull us out to explore, relax, and appreciate...places that literally give a reason to step outside. I found this as a great resource to get super cool ideas for creative backyard spaces. I love so many of the ideas and can't wait to get started!

For now, I'll keep day dreaming, planning, collecting ideas, and...oh yeah...wearing my winter coat!

Wishing you an inspired (and warm) Wednesday!

Once Upon a Walk :: The Snow White Edition

One of the wonderful things about our beautiful state of Michigan is it's four distinct seasons. They each offer us a different perspective and the opportunity to begin again with fresh eyes. However, this particular Winter has been sooooooo long! As in, one of the longest and coldest and grayest that I can remember. Or maybe it's just that I'm getting older and can't seem to keep warm - we're talking socks to bed, people! Anyway, Spring is on it's way and it is my favorite of the four because of the way we get to witness the world around us literally come alive after a very long and peaceful slumber.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a surprisingly Spring-like day where the sun came out and the temperatures rose past freezing. It was so beautiful and very much appreciated! As soon as my husband got home from work, we jumped in the car and headed out for a walk in the woods. As we walked, I couldn't believe how the forest started moving with activity. The animals came out of their hiding places as if to step out on stage and perform the "Spring is Finally Here" dance. The birds sang and followed us, almost like they were playing peek-a-boo as we moved down the path. It was so thrilling and I remember thinking that this must be what Snow White feels like! And I do believe that these sweet creatures were just as excited as we were.

Every walk with nature tells a story and I love to listen. Spring is finally on it's way and we are ALL very happy about that!

Inspired Spaces :: The Garden

I've been thinking a lot about my word for this year and how it has helped me consciously live a happier, more energetic and creative life.  I now look for this inspiration in my daily routine and have been working on surrounding myself with those things that speak to me, fill me up, and make me happy. Ultimately, I want to come home to inspiration every time I walk in the door...even when the laundry is piled high and the dishes are dirty. All of this has translated to different areas of my home that I call "Inspired Spaces".  Periodically, I'll be sharing glimpses of these spaces that I've created on my blog and would love to hear about your inspired spaces too!

Our 1st summer vacation weekend was spent watching fireworks, eating ice cream, and digging in the dirt creating our very special inspiration garden. 

We wait all year through changing seasons including very cold, stark winters to see this space come alive again with vibrant colors, sweet smells, and singing birds.  I love to see how it changes from year to year and also how it remains the same. At the end of an active summer day, it's where I usually find myself sitting with a cold drink while I soak up the inspiration and energy this little garden provides.

It doesn't take a lot of space to enjoy this touchstone to nature.  A simple pot with colorful flowers and a special adornment that you find at a flea market will do.  To sit by it daily and feel grateful is good for the soul and highly recommended!

I hope you enjoy an inspired Tuesday!

Birthday week :: adventuring

I could not have asked for more beautiful weather for my adventuring day.  It was the perfect 62 degrees with a brilliant blue sky (check out that sky!) and sun...lots and lots of sun! 

The day included a picnic by the river...

a hike through the woods...

and time spent with these two very special people. (love you mom & dad!)

Oh yeah..and ice cream..a birthday week MUST include an adequate amount of ice cream!

It was a really happy day. :)

Birthday week :: creating

I'm still having fun creating with graphic 45 papers and especially love the Botanicabella collection! It's filled with so many inspiring designs and speaks to my nature loving heart.  With all of the time that my family spends outdoors adventuring (and the stacks of photos that I've collected), I'm sure to get a lot of mileage out of these beautiful papers. :)

This week is all about celebrating for me!  My birthday is on Sunday (the first full day of spring) and my family has a tradition of making the entire week special!  So, each day this week I'll be doing something fun to celebrate.  Today I'm happy to be breaking in my brand new running shoes with a long run, browsing the book store for inspiration, and then I'm off to meet a good friend for a yummy lunch! 

Birthday weeks are highly recommended and so good for the soul!