Clearly, Out of Focus

Photography deals exquisitely with appearances,
but nothing is what it appears to be.
~Duane Michals~

I am extremely honored to announce that Wonder Collides was an
Award Winner in this years Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition!
I probably don't really have to admit that I was plum tickled to find out the wonderful news, but I WAS :)

This year, we really enjoyed the photographer's reception, and spent much of our time schmoozing with other attendees. Last year, I didn't talk to anyone, really. It just goes to show how much has changed during this time. I definitely felt a whole lot more confident this go round. And maybe having been through it last year lessened any anxiety I would have experienced. I'm sure that it was a combination of many things. Either way, we had a great time, and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to participate.

After the reception, we headed over to the Banff Mountain Film Festival since they awarded free tickets to all photographers in the competition. I really like that these events coincide with one another. We saw some really great films. Lucky for me, I didn't have an emotional breakdown like last year! However, they did have some very touching and awe-inspiring movies, but none that made me cry like a baby.

I'll let you in on a little secret:
I knew I was going to win all along :o)

Hope you all had a terrific weekend!

Brighter Days Ahead

guided by stewards
inspiration evokes change
I see brighter days


I see brighter days for two reasons. 1.) I simply wish that the rain would cease.
and 2.) Because of people like Joel Salatin.



Cody and I attended "An Evening with Joel Salatin" tonight. It was a great presentation that entertained and inspired. Joel owns and operates Polyface, Inc., a farm in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. The virtual tour he gave us during the talk had some wonderful photos, and along the way, he revealed mind blowing revelations. Joel is a true visionary. Really. I hope to share more about Polyface, Inc in the future, and maybe even head that way for a long weekend as the weather begins to warm. We have been dying to go camping in the Shenandoah Valley for awhile now :)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Posted in Haiku Friday, Photostory Friday, & Hooked On

Current Project: Newsletter for PACT

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Here is a sneak peak of the newsletter I am working on for PACT. I'm only sharing the second page since I am not completely done with it and because it's only fair that I distribute it to the group before showing everyone else. Recognize those photos? If not, maybe you missed the post I did on the bluebird box building event.

PACT is an organization here in the High Country that I have become involved with just recently.Upon joining, I had a desire to have an actual role within the group, so I signed up to be a board member as the communication & media chair. Although PACT is still in the growing stages and remains somewhat small, I think that once established, it will become so much more.

Our next project is to adopt and develop a wetland on the Greenway Trail which is right near our home. I am definitely looking forward to participating in that effort by taking photos AND getting my hands dirty!

Posted in Wordful Wednesday