What utterly changed my life this past year was carrying my camera everywhere with me. That Canon PowerShot A710 IS has truly made me see things in a whole new way. And in the past year I've practiced and tried new things and occasionally turned out a few interesting pictures.
What I've found is that I use the camera to tell a story. Often its not the whole story, but just a small part of it, the part that is the most important and worthy of remembering. To put it another way "I'm not going to tell the story the way it happened. I'm going to tell it the way I remember it." This quote from one of my favorite movies just about sums up my feelings.
The slice of world that I show through my camera lens is the one that's somehow significant to me and my world. I've been walking by this flowering tree every morning for the past week at work. Each day I've admired its beauty and marveled at the colors and textures. That twelve seconds of beauty before I start a long and challenging work day has sometimes been the best thing I have to hold onto and remember from the entire day. So that is the part that I choose to capture and remember.
Mr. Slashables looking oh so irresistible
So I totally get that blogs are small microcosms of our worlds. Often they're not the whole story. But rather, they're the parts that we want to hold onto and remember for a long time to come.
A couple of weeks ago, I started carrying my camera with me all the time. You're right, it has been life altering.
Posted by: Kerry | March 28, 2008 at 06:11 AM
Really enjoying your spring photos:) Take Care, Rachael
Posted by: Rachael | March 28, 2008 at 06:37 AM
I need to get in this habit--such wonderful photos and reflections. Our true spring is at least three or four weeks away. Sigh.
Posted by: Susan | March 28, 2008 at 06:39 AM
I think you hit the nail on the head there Felicia.
In fact, I've JUST finished sewing a little zippered pouch for my Canon point and shoot so that I can keep it in my purse at all times for photo emergencies!
Unfortunately, I just got off the phone with Joe and he has both of my memory cards with him right now so I won't be able to start taking photos today. he he he
Posted by: Karyn | March 28, 2008 at 07:09 AM
The blossoms are beautiful..Your cat is charming..Tell me, is it the picture or is his little nose shaped like a heart?
Posted by: ctmott | March 28, 2008 at 07:36 AM
very well put!
Posted by: Miss Dot | March 28, 2008 at 08:08 AM
slashables nose is too cute!
Posted by: girlville | March 28, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Oh my, that tree is gorgeous! Any idea of the species? I'm keeping a mental list of the trees and plants I'd like to have some day, when I get to choose these things.
Posted by: Crisanne | March 28, 2008 at 09:01 AM
I started photographing more after blogging as well. Before that I just shot the typical family photos, and now I notice so much more around that needs to be remembered. I also found out that I really enjoy taking pics!
Your kitty is a cutie!
Posted by: randi | March 28, 2008 at 10:40 AM
Well put, and your kitty is lovely :) I've also started carrying my camera around more often, but I sometimes have to remind myself to just enjoy the moment without snapping a bunch of pics!
Posted by: tatsuko | March 28, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Your photo's are beautiful. I love the kitty pictures. Thanks for stopping by my blog...I truely enjoy hearing from new people. I'll be back soon.
Posted by: Alice | March 28, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Your pictures are beautiful Felicia! And I love that quote -- thanks for sharing it!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | March 28, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I just started trying to capture the world around me more, and it is so gratifying! It causes me to appreciate little things... little bits of beauty. I love your shot of the flowering tree. It won't last forever, but there it is. :)
Posted by: kristena | March 28, 2008 at 12:31 PM
you kitty is so darn sweet, and those flowers and blossoms! I am jealous! we still have a ton of snow!
Posted by: katie | March 28, 2008 at 01:18 PM
Your photo's are beautiful and what a sweet cat. I am so ready for spring but it's still not really here in New York. Having a blog really does change the way you look at things. I find that I apreciate small things in my life a lot more. I love your blog and your "Wendy shirts" a really cute! Patterns are your friend.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 28, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Oh my exactly, my camera is my best friend. I have recently realized I need to have it with me at all times! I have too often kicked myself for not bringing it!
Posted by: Tara | March 28, 2008 at 03:07 PM
It certainly is amazing how different the world looks through a camera.
Karla
Posted by: Karla | March 28, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Just wanted you to know, had to send your link so my girls could see your cat and his cute nose..
Posted by: ctmott | March 28, 2008 at 04:25 PM
You got it! And don't you know...it's all in the details...that's what makes a life.
Posted by: sadira | March 28, 2008 at 04:44 PM
Great pics..theyre so clear! Love the kitty!
Posted by: Terri | March 28, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Those pics really are great. This is the one thing I've not mastered! Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: daisy janie | March 28, 2008 at 09:34 PM
Beautifully written! And Slashables is such a cutie.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 28, 2008 at 09:41 PM
Great post, Felicia! I really like that quote too. Sometimes I'll do a quick sketch if I don't have time to catch an image on camera, and before I can forget it.
I'm glad you have something beautiful to look at each morning on your way to work. That's why I walk past my favorite fountain in Philly, that just was refilled with water this week :)
Have a great weekend!
Posted by: Mariss | March 28, 2008 at 10:20 PM
Wonderfully put. I completely agree. It has definitely given me a different perspective on life to keep a camera with me wherever I go too. There are so many moments in life that I want to hold onto and the camera helps me capture some of the most visually significant to me.
Those flowers are so beautiful! I have the same attraction to the salmon-coloured flowers starting to bloom near my home.
Posted by: Marie | March 29, 2008 at 02:26 AM
Felicia, that is a beautiful post and just right !
Posted by: jodie | March 29, 2008 at 05:04 AM
Gorgeous! Especially the cat! Love your blog! Awesome pics
Posted by: Modern Crush (Georgia) | March 29, 2008 at 05:39 AM
Cuuute cat!
I have carried my camera with me for a whole year too, and I learned so much about photography!
Posted by: Tizzalicious | March 29, 2008 at 08:04 AM
What a lovely post...very pretty photos, keep snapping!
Posted by: betzie | March 29, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Those look like apple blossoms to me, could it be? We had snow yesterday and light flurries tomorrow. . . no spring in New England just yet means I'm having to live vicariously through the spring flowers others so beautifully capture.
Posted by: Susan | March 29, 2008 at 02:25 PM
how true! beautiful flowers... even if it's just the "little things," noticing the beauty around us IS important.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 29, 2008 at 03:30 PM
AWWWWWWWW PRETTY KIT-KAT :)
Posted by: London Southern Belle | March 29, 2008 at 05:36 PM
Wow I understand what you say about that tree , there's so little things in our day that can make them special , I should do that , take my camera with me and capture some beautiful moments ^^
Posted by: dicope | March 29, 2008 at 08:45 PM
Beautiful pictures. The flower picture really welcomes Spring.
Posted by: Sara | March 29, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Felica, you are so right. I just love your kitties little nose.
Karen
Posted by: Karen Young | March 29, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Hi Felicia,
I love the colours of the flowering tree, what a wonderful way to start the day. Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Cheers Linda
Posted by: linda | March 30, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Hurray for the beauty of the small moment...
Posted by: Jennifer | March 30, 2008 at 07:49 AM
Wow,looks like Spring is in full force in Georgia. The flowers are beautiful. How I long for Spring here in NYC. Our temperature was below zero last night.
Happy Sunday!
Posted by: Sonya | March 30, 2008 at 01:49 PM
Oh my goodness - I love your kitty. Very handsome.
Love your pictures. Your post has inspired me to take more photos than I do.
Posted by: Sarah | March 30, 2008 at 04:26 PM
i carry my camera at all times...because i never know when that moment i want to capture will come by. yes blogs are just a small part of this huge universe, but this is been a life changing experience for me. it is fantastic to see what goes on in people's lives around the world, without having to be there. yet some of the images we see ae so unique and amazing that it makes you feel like you are there! have a wonderful week!!!!!!
Posted by: nathalie | March 30, 2008 at 04:44 PM
What a nice post, thanks! Your pictures are lovely, I am eagerly anticipating flowers around here.
Posted by: breanna | March 31, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Oh I love this post, especially that last little bit... Such great insight Felicia! Oh and of course Slashables is looking oh so handsome in that last photo :)
Posted by: Chara Michele | March 31, 2008 at 07:09 PM
That first cat photo is purrrfect. (Yes, I could not resist.) But it IS perfect and looking at it makes a little something happen in my heart. I love it.
Posted by: Colleen | March 31, 2008 at 07:55 PM
Pretty shots! I got a new Canon this year and I LOVE it! I've snapped so many cat pics...it's sad really! LOL.
c
Posted by: Cindy | April 02, 2008 at 07:18 PM
Your cat looks like the twin of my Tom! That camera is fabulous, wonderful pictures.
Posted by: Peta | April 02, 2008 at 08:02 PM
what a beautiful face your cat has.....
the story telling is what makes us different from others....
it is how we embroider the truth as somebody once said....or as I often say... make it more interesting in the telling...
some folks just say...I went to work..... we would see birds, sunrise, cats.. flowers...and tell about all of them before we even get to the part about arriving at the office..I am so glad I don't miss half of MY day like a lot of folks seem to do.
Posted by: Vee | April 03, 2008 at 07:17 PM