His Creations Via Me

Veteran's Memorial - Fairbanks, Alaska

2010-11-11T16:18:00.000-09:00

In honor of Veteran's Day today, I took pictures of the Veteran's Memorial in Fairbanks.

To every Veteran that has served in the past and is serving our Country in the Military, there are not enough words to express our gratitude. Thank you for fighting to keep our Freedoms intact so we may continue to have the right to speak freely, to assemble freely, to carry a gun for protection, to worship how we wish and for many other freedoms - THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

(BTW - this next shot brings back some good memories - that building behind the Memorial is the City Hall - BUT - it used to be OLD MAIN JR. HIGH SCHOOL where my father taught. His room was on the basement floor and the window for his classroom was behind those trucks parked over there. That window opened right into his classroom and it was a swinging window so when opened we could just use it for a door to get into his room. We'd walk over after we got out of Barnette Elementary School and come in that downstairs window to stay with him till it was time to go pick Mom up at the University of Alaska where she worked. Good memories.)

The above sign says: Alaska Territorial Guard 1942-1947 -- During World War II under the leadership of Major "Mukluk" Martson and 21 paid staff, 6,368 Volunteers from 7 native ethnic groups and European Americans, whose collective ages ranged from 12 to 80 years of age, including some 30 women, watched the northern shores of Alaska for enemy movement and were instrumental in the Battle for Attu, a foreign war battle fought on domestic soil. In commeration of their personal sacrifices for our "Freedom".

Sponsored by - Alaska Native Veterans Association

Special Appreciation to Alaska State Representative Scott Kawasaki, Artist James Grant, Lynden Family of Transportation, Laborers' International Union of North America, Laborers' Local #942, Marble Cast Inc.

Wildflowers at Creamer's Field Last July

2010-10-29T01:56:00.000-08:00

A Walk at Creamer's Field - July 2010

2010-10-29T01:40:00.000-08:00

Now that winter has arrived, I've had a few minutes to go back into last summer's folders and look at pictures. This one reminds me of the nice warm weather that we had.

This Saturday, October 30 - Creamer's Field - Wolves

2010-10-26T20:43:00.000-08:00

I'm THINKING and HOPING this is just going to teach people about wolves - but being THIS close to Halloween - you might want to call the office before going over. I might have gone over to see what it was all about if I wasn't working. My daughter-in-law loves wolves so she may go check it out for me.

I thought it was an interesting sign any ways.

Sign at Creamer's Field tonight - shot with Sony A700 and edited in Elements 8.

2010-10-24T16:07:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking about coming back over to Blogger - Smug Mug was fun, but things are changing around here and I just think it's time to make some other changes also. :) "It's all good."

2010-07-12T00:12:00.001-08:00

Just messing around with the dog's kennel. :)

Paving Baranof

2010-07-11T00:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, being one of the hottest days of the summer in Fairbanks, Alaska, so far this year - and these poor guys have to be out there paving Hamilton Acres. Yesterday was our day to see the work being done. I thought you might like to see what we saw.

They are coming up the street.

The truck lays the asphalt down in front of "The Eater".

The Eater approaches the asphalt.

The Eater processes the asphalt (I have no idea what it does - it just shoots it out the back after it goes through this machine.)

The Eater shoots asphalt into this machine that lays it out flat on the road behind it.

This is very hot work. You can feel the heat hitting you in the face if you get very close to the road at all. Can you imagine doing this on days like yesterday when it was over 80 degrees?

I see their coolers on this machine and I think they probably drink a lot of cold water all day long.

It is sort of pretty - so rich and black.

Then the roller/compactor comes by and pushes all the foot prints out of the road. Then they turn around and do the other side - but we didn't stick around for that - we went for a very long drive, enjoying the beautiful weather that the Lord had blessed us with. :)

Remembering Mom

2010-05-09T22:30:00.003-08:00

May 9, 2010 - Today is Mother's Day, and so, I am remembering Mom. Mom was the virtuous woman mentioned in Proverbs 31. Her price was far, far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusted in her and that is what made him the man, and wonderful father that he was. They were a wonderful team and a great match for each other. She did him good and not evil all the days of her life. She greatly loved him.

She worked willingly with her hands in making wonderful meals and keeping her house clean and in order, even when she worked outside the home. She rose up early and prepared for her family. She was always ready, willing and able to feed anyone who entered her home - and she did it joyfully without complaining or murmuring. She worked hard in everything she set her mind to do, and wanted to do all things well.

She helped anyone she could help with kind words and deeds. She thought of others before herself and was concerned about others' well being.

Strength and honor were her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She did open her mouth with wisdom and in her tongue was the law of kindness; I never heard her say a negative thing about anyone.

She was a good woman and though she has been gone for 14 years, I will never forget her. I miss you Mom, and I love you forever; forever and a day.

(This tea pot was mom's - it's been around for many years and I am not sure exactly where it came from but I THINK it was a wedding gift.)

Shot with Sony A700 camera.

Creamer's Field - and - A Second Home

2010-03-05T16:19:00.006-09:00

This is a picture of Creamer's Field, Fairbanks, Alaska - Fall 2009.

I wanted to let you know that I have another picture posting home. It is:

http://hiscreationsviame.smugmug.com/

I hope you will come visit me there also.

God bless.

-Kathy-

Rose - Class Assignment

2009-03-08T14:35:00.002-08:00

I'm taking a Photoshop Elements 7 class from Sara Froehlich ( http://www.eclecticacademy.com/ ) and just this first class was well worth the $30 that I paid!!! I have learned so much just in this first week and can't wait to see what else I will learn in the following weeks. Thank you, Sara!!

Champ - Two

2009-03-07T23:40:00.004-09:00

I was afraid that he would run away. I know he wasn't here for long - I just ran into the house to get my camera. He was very patient with me.

Champ - Pemberton, B.C. 1968

2009-03-07T23:08:00.002-09:00

One from the past. I found my photograph albums of years ago. This little guy was the love of my life for a long time. He and I spent many hours together. I was 12 and had loved horses for as long as I could remember. When we moved to Pemberton I finally had a chance to have a horse and though Champ was not a horse, but a pony, he and I became close friends.

Our neighbors owned him but the children were all grown and when my Dad offered to buy their pony they were happy to sell him to us. I think Dad paid $75 for him, which I am sure was probably too much in that day, but it was worth everything to me and worth so much more than than.

Champ had an interesting story. Pemberton is (or was) a farming community and in one of the cattle shipments one year, in the back of the cattle car was this little pony. He was the same color as the cows and it is not known if he accidently was shipped or if someone just wanted to get rid of him. I do not know how many owners he had in his lifetime.

When we moved back to Alaska we had to part and my heart was broken but in those days you just did what you had to do and you were brave about it.

Thank you, Dad, for making a little girl's dreams come true in a pony named Champ. You were the best father a girl could have and I appreciate all you did for us. I love you and I miss you.

(Dad gave me my first camera on my 10th birthday and do not remember which camera took this photo but at least some memories are still intact.)

Taken with unknown camera, scanned with Epson V500; Edited in Lightroom2 & PSE7.

Denali Park - August 08

2009-02-09T23:03:00.002-09:00

August 2008 - My son and I drove into Denali park as far as they would let us drive and we got some wonderful photos. The Lord gave us a beautiful day! We saw some moose and a bear also.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in Lightroom2 & PSE7

October 08 - Parks Hwy

2009-02-03T22:29:00.003-09:00

That trip home from Anchorage sure was pretty when we got near Cantwell. I do not think I have ever seen these mountains so beautiful. The Lord lit them perfectly - just for us. :) Now I get to share them with you.

Have a wonderful day.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in Lightroom2 & PSE7

Moose - Fairbanks, Alaska

2009-01-24T23:29:00.004-09:00

Yesterday I drove out to visit with my sister and on the way I had a very strong feeling that I needed to have my camera out of its bag. (Thank you, Lord, for the prompting!) I'm very glad I took it out because just around the next corner this fellow was having lunch. It was a quick shot so not real sharp, but I'm happy with it.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A700; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in Lightroom2 & PSE7.

Church on the Ruins

2009-01-23T19:24:00.003-09:00

When we were in Mexico, we drove to Puebla, to see some ancient ruins. The ruins had been covered up with dirt over many years of sitting, and because of that nobody new the ruins were there. Thinking this was just a hill, this church was built on top of the ruins a long time ago. Since that time some of the ruins were discovered and have been uncovered but they will not disturb this church to uncover any more of them.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in Lightroom2 & PSE7

Mexico City Zoo - Wolf

2009-01-20T22:14:00.002-09:00

There was really only one wolf - but I used this really cool plug-in for Elements. This is the link if you want to get it for yourself: http://tinyurl.com/z8rq6

I can have lots of fun with that plug-in and it is very addicting!

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in Lightroom2 & PSE7

Mexican Flowers

2009-01-20T21:32:00.002-09:00

While in Mexico City we went to Templo Mayor where you can see some ancient ruins that existed way before Mexico City ever came about. Part of Mexico is built right on top of these ruins. They just never knew they were there.

When we walked around one corner of the building these flowers just screamed at us. They really were this bright. I saw them all over Mexico City but this was the first time we could actually get close enough to get a picture of them. People have these kinds of trees in their yards all over in Mexico City. Very pretty! Wouldn't it be something if we could grow them in Fairbanks, Alaska?

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in Lightroom2; PSE7

A Taste of Spring

2009-01-20T18:53:00.005-09:00

With 45 degrees BELOW zero two weeks ago and 45 degrees ABOVE zero this week - I was ready for some spring colors. I ran to the store and found these bright little guys. I thought you might like to have a small taste of spring! Enjoy.

I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High. Psalm 9:1&2

Taken with Sony/Minolta A700; Sony 50mm f2.8; Edited in Lightroom2 & PSE7.

2009-01-18T16:42:00.002-09:00

I thought this looked like something you might see at a wedding. I found it at Safeway today and I wanted to practice using my new flash - but didn't need it on this one. The light from the window was enough light to make it work.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A700; Sony 50mm f2.8 macro lens; edited in Lightroom2 & PSE6

Puebla, Mexico - Rose

2009-01-13T21:30:00.003-09:00

Yes, my sons and I went to Mexico City over the Christmas season. It was a nice, warm 77 degrees there while everyone here had to endure -45 below zero just about the whole time we were gone.

While in Mexico City we drove to Puebla, Mexico. It is about 2 hours away. We saw a lot of ruins and churches. This rose was outside the ruins in Puebla.

I enjoyed the warmth and the company, but I sure am glad to be home where I can drink the water. :)

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in LR2, PSE6

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-19T23:03:00.003-09:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Let's take this time to remember what it's really all about: "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to ALL people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2: 10 & 11

The Saviour came to save ALL people, not just a few - and He IS coming back. Some say, "Where is He? He promised to come back and He hasn't yet." This is one reason why He has not come back:

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is LONGSUFFERING to us-ward, not willing that ANY should perish, but that ALL should come to repentance. BUT the day of the Lord WILL come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up." 11 Peter 3: 9 & 10

You see, He has promised to come back and He keeps His promises! This is what will happen on that day:

"For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, EVERY knee shall bow to me, and EVERY tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God." Romans 14:11 & 12

I just heard a preacher say, "The question is not "WHEN" will you bow the knee to the Lord, but "WHERE will you be when you bow your knee to Him?" You see, one day we are all going to bow our knee to the Lord and confess that He is Lord. If you do not do it here on earth before He returns it will be too late.

Why will it be too late?

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23

"If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us." 1 John 1:10

And because we have sinned, we have to die. "For the wages of sin is death; BUT the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23

"But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

"For God so loved the world (you, me), that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

"And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." 1 John 5:11 & 12

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20

At this time of the year we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. We take time out to remember all that He did for us when He took our sin upon Himself and died in our place on the cross. He took our punishment so that we would never have to see or experience the fires of eternal damnation, separated forever from the love of God.

What is very exciting though is not only that He died for us - but that HE ROSE AGAIN! He IS alive!! We do not serve a dead King. After He died on the cross he was buried and after 3 days he rose again and over 500 people saw Him after His resurrection. He IS alive!!! We serve a RISEN SAVIOUR today!!

Remember, whosoever shall call upon Him shall be saved. If you have not trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, please do so today, before it is too late. He IS coming back, and it could be today. You will never regret that you trusted Him and Him alone, as your Saviour!

God bless you and please have very Merry CHRISTmas!!

June 08 Rose

2008-12-14T21:37:00.001-09:00

Taken in June 2008, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Remembering...

2008-12-12T21:52:00.004-09:00

Just taking a break from editing Christmas portraits. It's nice to have these older photos to help us remember what it was like last summer. Right now as the temps are falling again and it feels like it's getting colder - we can remember the sunshine and warmth of last summer. Hope you are having a very nice Christmas season!!

May the Lord bless you!

Eastern Star

2008-12-06T21:39:00.003-09:00

This one had a name. :) Too bad they didn't put a gold light on it. It would have been really cool then.

Santa Angel - Ice Alaska - North Pole, AK

2008-12-06T19:38:00.003-09:00

I'm not sure what this ice sculpture is called so I called it Santa/Angel. I hope that isn't too far from the truth. This was my first time to go to Ice Alaska and the first time I ever tried to capture them with my camera. I was very excited to see that they came out so well.

I hope you will enjoy them.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm, Edited in PSE6 & Lightroom2.

Santa's Reindeer - Ice Alaska - North Pole

2008-12-06T17:22:00.003-09:00

A little more color in this one.

Sony/Minolta A100; SS=4 Sec; F13.0, ISO=100; Tri-pod; Edited in PSE6; Lightroom2.

Christmas In Ice - North Pole, Alaska

2008-12-06T16:20:00.002-09:00

Last night I was blessed to be able to go see "Christmas in Ice" in North Pole, Alaska. This was my favorite sculpture. If you want to see more about "Christmas in Ice" you can go to this link: http://www.christmasinice.org/

Taken with my Sony/Minolta A100, Tamron 18-250mm, SS=1 Second, F9.0, ISO 100, manual exposure mode, RAW, Bulb setting, edited in PSE6 & Lightroom2.

June Irises - Fairbanks, Alaska

2008-11-26T00:19:00.004-09:00

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!! Enjoy the world and the life that the Lord has blessed us with. He sure is good to us!

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100. I sure like this camera!!

From Angel Rock Trail 9/13/08

2008-11-14T20:29:00.001-09:00

I've been busy trying to finish up a friend's photos that I took at Angel Rocks. Today I finished them and found this one. I thought you might enjoy it.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in Lightroom2 & PSE6

Northern Lights

2008-11-01T00:57:00.002-08:00

An e-mail was sent out to tell us that the Northern Lights were out - I ran to grab my camera, set it up to shoot the lights, ran outside with my coat open - no time to zip it - about 10 below zero - and started shooting as many as I could before my fingers were too cold to shoot any more and the lights started to fade. I was so excited to see that I had actually captured them - even though I forgot to take the lens filter off as you can tell by seeing the rings in the center of the photo.

I hope I can remember to remove that filter next time! :)

Taken October 28 about 10:30 PM with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 28-200mm, Focal Length: 18mm; Manual Mode; Shutter Speed: 13 seconds; F3.5; ISO 100; edited in Lightroom2 & PSE6.

Fall 2008

2008-10-26T16:44:00.003-08:00

Just editing some photos from September 13, 2008. Fairbanks had a very beautiful Fall this year!

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in PSE6 & Lightroom2

Parks Hwy Mountains 10/5/08

2008-10-06T21:56:00.003-08:00

Driving back from Anchorage on Sunday we saw these mountains. With the new snow they sure were pretty! I love Alaska!!

Taken with Sony A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in Lightroom2 & PSE6

Fall 2008

2008-09-24T23:48:00.002-08:00

Well, we had a big wind these past few days and the leaves are all but gone. Now we await the winter snows and colder weather. Hopefully I'll be able to post more Fall photos soon. It was a beautiful, long Fall this year which was a true blessing.

---------

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250; Edited in PSE6

America - The Land That I Love!

2008-09-13T00:44:00.002-08:00

For many years school children started their morning lessons by reciting and pledging their loyalty to their Country and to the flag for which it stands. It wasn't a bad thing. People knew right from wrong and we had common sense. The people of America need to stand up once again and pledge their allegiance to the best Country in the world and then fight for what is right and what is good - before we lose it all!

It all begins with your prayers and acknowledging that we are here only by the grace of God. We need to thank Him for all He has done for us and then we need to live our lives in such a way as to honor and please Him. THEN we will see America grow stronger and THEN we will be blessed beyond measure!

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD." Psalm 33:12
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Flag captured with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250; Edited in PSE6

The Next Vice-President of the United States of America!

2008-09-12T00:08:00.002-08:00

I was blessed with the opportunity to see and hear Sarah Palin when she returned home to Alaska after being in the Lower 48. What a woman! She is going to rock this world!!! And you will absolutely love her!

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250

June Bluebells

2008-09-09T23:13:00.002-08:00

It's interesting to me to see the different color combinations that the Lord uses. Sometimes I look at a combination knowing that I would never put those colors together and yet, He does it all the time - and it looks good when He does it.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100.

Pink Rose

2008-09-09T20:56:00.004-08:00

When someone gets beautiful flowers I just have to capture them and make them last longer. It's fun trying to figure out how to frame them and when it all comes together I just have to share them with you!

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Sony 50mm Macro; Edited in PSE6

Fall Cat Tails

2008-09-09T19:00:00.001-08:00

Someone told me there were swans in this pond - but I have not seen them yet. BUT, I did find these beautiful cat tails and they made the trip worth it!

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in PSE6

Remembering Summer

2008-09-08T23:00:00.002-08:00

These little Johnny-Jump-Ups are volunteers from years gone by. They sure have determination! They have spread themselves all over the rock garden. More gifts from the Lord!

Hunting Season in Fairbanks, Alaska 2008

2008-09-08T19:49:00.002-08:00

These colors sure bring back memories. My dad and I used to go "road hunting" together when I was a teenager. Many hours we spent driving up and down a dusty Alaskan back road looking for a moose. We never found one that way but we did share a lot of hours together. I think these Fall colors will always remind me of him and those times we had together. I miss you Dad! I look forward to when we can be together again. I love you!

Thank you, Lord, for the promise of eternal life. It makes death's sting easier to take.

"And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life." 1 John 2:25

"In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began." Titus 1:2

Taken with Sony A100; Tamron 18-250mm; edited in PSE6.

Denali Park, Alaska - August 29, 2008

2008-08-29T23:27:00.002-08:00

Well, it was cloudy and it was rainy - but it was beautiful!! The Fall colors are there and will be here soon enough.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in LR2 & PSE6

June Iris

2008-08-25T21:35:00.002-08:00

(I'm finally getting a chance to look as some photos I took last June.) We just happened to come upon these irses when we were walking around Fairbanks, Alaska last June.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100

August 24 - Sandhill Crane

2008-08-24T17:27:00.002-08:00

What beautiful weather we are having right now!! My friend and I went for a nice, warm walk at Creamer's Field this afternoon and saw many of these unusual creatures. They almost look prehistoric. This guy wanted his picture taken. :)

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in LR2 & PSE6

His Creation!

2008-08-22T23:38:00.003-08:00

Another creation by Him!! This bush is in my front yard and I thought it wasn't doing very well but it seems to be "on fire" now. It's beautiful!!

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Edited in LR2 & PSE6.

June Rosebud

2008-08-22T21:17:00.002-08:00

Maybe this page should be called "Study in Roses" or something like that. I just thought this was a geat example of what the Sony/Minolta A100 can do!! This was a small little rosebud and it looks so clear and sharp!

I think Sony should give me the A700 just for all the advertising I do for them. :) Or better yet, the new Flagship, possibly called the A900. It wouldn't hurt my feelings at all. :)

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Edited in Lightroom2 & PSE6

Playing with filters

2008-08-22T18:13:00.002-08:00

I was just playing around with different color filters in Photoshop Elements 6. I thought you'd like to see what happened. I like it and hope you do too.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100

From One End Of Summer To The Other

2008-08-21T23:07:00.002-08:00

And then today I find this late bloomer. Yesterday we had memories of June and today we make new memories for tomorrow. Let's choose to make them just as sweet and lovely.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100

Memories from June

2008-08-21T00:31:00.001-08:00

It just doesn't seem possible that it is August 21st. Where did the summer go? I hope you had a nice summer - full of laughter and love.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100

Denali Too from Jim Weed

2008-08-18T23:08:00.003-08:00

Jim told me that this is Wonder Lake in the foreground. I've never been there but it sure is beautiful and I thought you might like to see it. He sure has an eye!

Thank you for sharing with the world, Jim. :)

Ermine Test

2008-08-17T12:11:00.003-08:00

This is a test photo and is the same photo as the one just below.

I couldn't figure out why my last two photos were so dull looking when I posted them here. Lightroom helper, Andrew, said I needed to save as sRGB before posting on the web. This looks a whole lot better!! Thank you so very much, Andrew!!!!

Now if I can only remember to do that each time. :(

Ermine

2008-08-16T22:45:00.003-08:00

This little guy was spying on us when we visited the Botanical Gardens in Fairbanks, Alaska yesterday. He was so fast that I'm surprised that I got any shot of him at all.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in LR2 & PSE6

Fair Horse

2008-08-16T16:31:00.002-08:00

This horse was being shown at the Tanana Valley Fair in Fairbanks and I thought it was very pretty.

"All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful,

The Lord God made them all."

Cecil Francis Alexander

A Duck's Smile

2008-08-02T20:59:00.003-08:00

You probably didn't know that a duck could smile, did you? :) Ducks seem to like the rain and surely aren't concerned about the river rising. Just enjoying life.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100 on 8/2/08; Tamron 18/250mm lens; Edited in PSE6

Late Bloomer

2008-08-01T00:05:00.003-08:00

On my left was the Chena River threatening to overflow its banks and when I turned to my right there was this late bloomer in all its glory. I guess it just goes to show us that we have choices to make. We can either focus on the frightening/scary that may NEVER happen OR we can turn our focus to something hopeful and beautiful. We can't bury our heads in the sand and we need to be careful, cautious and prepared, but we don't have to dwell on it. What do they say, 85% (or more) of what we worry about never happens. Why waste that energy?

Any ways, I pray that you will have a wonderfully peaceful day today - focusing on what really is important and leave your cares and concerns in His capable hands. He'll let you know when you need to act or move.

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250mm lens; Edited in PSE6

Chena River - July 31, 2008

2008-07-31T22:21:00.003-08:00

The Chena River is about ready to overflow the banks tonight. The next few days may be pretty interesting in Fairbanks.

Alaska Tundra Rose

2008-07-26T22:08:00.003-08:00

Tromp, tromp, tromp... how many times have I tromped through the woods never noticing these little droplets of sunlight scattered all around? They are as yellow as egg yokes and remind me of the buttercups that live in Washington State.

Thank you, Lord, for the little things you put in our paths to enjoy. Please open our eyes so we don't overlook them and let us remember to thank you for them!

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100 in June 2008.

June Blue Bells

2008-07-26T19:48:00.002-08:00

June morning sunshine on blue bells. It was a nice spring day.

Fairbanks, Alaska - USA!!

2008-07-20T13:57:00.003-08:00

What more can I say? Fairbanks, Alaska, isn't always beautiful and it isn't always warm - but it is home and it is part of the United States of America which is the VERY best country in the whole world!! Nope - it isn't perfect - and it has its problems - but it is the best! May God bless America!! And may God bless you!!

Sony/Minolta A100

June's Rose

2008-07-19T23:39:00.003-08:00

It was a very pretty rose but almost too bright - it makes a great poster!

Taken with Sony/Minolta A100.

Roses in Rain

2008-07-19T18:37:00.003-08:00

Doesn't it look like they are chatting with one another? I caught them after a gentle rain this past spring.

Sony/Minolta A100

His Goodness

2008-07-17T22:23:00.003-08:00

These pansies are volunteers from past years. Isn't it just like the Lord to give us such beautiful blessings that we don't even have to work for?

Thank you, Lord, for the flowers we see and for the air we breathe - but - more importantly for the Salvation you have freely given us through your Son, Jesus Christ!

And to think, if we'll only accept His free gift of salvation we can enjoy things like this for all eternity in Heaven - with Him beside us. How can we not sing unto Him; has He not dealt bountifully with us all?

My heart shall forever rejoice in Thee, oh Lord!!

Office Bells

2008-07-12T22:06:00.002-08:00

...and for those who like lavendar...

I do not know what these big bells are called but they sure were pretty.

Office Flower

2008-07-12T20:06:00.003-08:00

A swirl of flowers.

Sony A100

Alaskan Wild Iris

2008-07-10T11:55:00.003-08:00

This morning my friend and I walked on the path at Creamer's Field in Fairbanks, Alaska and we saw some beautiful irises. It was a very pretty morning in the field. We shared the field with a couple of Sandhill cranes also.

Sony A100; Tamron 18-250mm; Edited in PSE6.

May God Bless America!

2008-07-04T11:15:00.002-08:00

Our Father in Heaven, please open the eyes, hearts and minds of the American people. Let us embrace Your truth, Your understanding and Your wisdom before it is too late. Please give us a desire to know You better, to study Your Word (King James Bible) so that we can know Your ways and then help us to walk in them.

Thank you Lord, for loving us and for giving Your Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Please find a way for those who do not know Your Son to be brought to the saving knowledge of Him, before it is too late. May we never forget all that You have done for us! We do love you so!! - Amen -

My prayer for America is that the people living here would be saved and serving the GREAT God of Creation. One day He will return in those clouds, (and it will be soon) - let us live in such a way that we will not be ashamed to see Him.

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Sony A100; Tamron 18-250mm, Edited in PSE6

Nordale Road - North Pole - Flora

2008-06-26T18:48:00.002-08:00

Parts of the Fairbanks/North Pole area look like this. It can be covered with marshy, wet ground and tiny scraggly trees. Not a good idea to build anything on this land.

Sony A100; Tamron 18-250mm lens; framed in PSE6.

A Butterfly's World

2008-06-23T22:27:00.003-08:00

I was walking into my house when a butterfly landed on my lilac bush and since I had my camera with me I pulled it out and shot about 10 pictures of it. It was an unexpected gift from above in that I had never been able to capture a butterfly before. Then the bonus was when I looked at the photos on my computer later - I could even see its tongue! What a gift indeed! I had never seen a butterfly's tongue before and thought it was very special that the Lord would give me a butterfly first of all, but then to be able to see its tongue as it sucked up the nectar was just so special!

Taken with the GREAT Sony/Minolta A100; FANTASTIC Tamron 18-250mm lens; edited in CAPABLE PSE6.

June 20, 2008

2008-06-21T23:29:00.002-08:00

This is the pond on Nordale Road, North Pole, Alaska.

Well, it's here - the "longest day of the year" and now the days will begin to get shorter. Are we ready for that? Probably not - but at least we still have quite a few nice days ahead of us before it gets dark enough to notice.

This was taken with my Sony/Minolta A100; Tamron 18-250 Lens and a polarizing filter. I wanted to see how the polarizing filter would work on clouds on a very bight day. I'm pleased.

It was 80 degrees yesterday. Nice!

A Moment Stopped

2008-06-16T21:28:00.003-08:00

In Fairbanks sometimes it is difficult to know when spring has ended and when summer has begun. So much has to happen in the short warm season that one day the buds are there and the next the flower has bloomed and soon the rose hips will be ready to harvest. It all happens so quickly - take time to enjoy each step along the way. You will be glad you did.

Take with Sony A100; Sony f2.8-50MM macro lens; edited in Photoshop Elements 6.

A Sunday Afternoon Walk in North Pole, Alaska

2008-06-14T00:26:00.002-08:00

We went to Chena Lakes on Sunday, June 8th. It was a beautiful day for a walk!

Taken with Sony A100; Tamron 18-250MM lens.

Sprinkled In The Backyard

2008-06-06T12:28:00.002-08:00

I really like this Sony f2.8 50mm lens!

Today's Blessing

2008-06-06T10:01:00.001-08:00

The sun is shining once again and the buds are popping.

Outside My Office Window

2008-06-06T00:37:00.003-08:00

Today His might and power are seen in the heavens and the heavens declare His handiwork! He is always with us, even in these storms of life!

Sony A100; Sony f2.8-50MM; PSE6

The Wild Roses Are Budding

2008-06-05T20:43:00.002-08:00

If you live in Fairbanks, Alaska - get out doors soon because the wild roses are budding and you will not want to miss it. They are so beautiful!! Enjoy His creation! He did create it for His pleasure but He wants to share it with you.

God bless you!

(Taken with Sony A100 in Aperture Mode-RAW, F2.8, 1/320 sec, EC -0.7; Sony F2.8-50MM Lens; framed in PSE6)

More Office Flowers

2008-06-04T22:53:00.000-08:00

Sony A100; Sony F2.8/50mm lens; edited in PSE6.

Flowers In Watercolor

2008-06-03T22:21:00.001-08:00

Taken with Sony A100; Lens: Sony F2.8/50mm Macro; edited in PSE6

Summer Garden

2008-05-17T00:02:00.003-08:00

Blue skies and green plants - summer has almost arrived in Fairbanks, Alaska.
Taken with Sony A100; Edited in Photoshop Elements 6

Goose in Water Color

2008-05-09T09:20:00.003-08:00

It was snowing this day and it was cold. I had to quit taking pictures because my hands got too cold.

Taken with Sony A100; Sony 18/200 Lens; Edited in PSE6

Blue Vase Face Lift

2008-05-07T20:55:00.003-08:00

My son brought back a blue and white vase from Korea. I took a picture of it and then ran the photo through Photshop Elements 6. I think it is very pretty and hope you do too.

Taken with Sony A100 with macro lens; edited in PSE6

April Geese B/W

2008-05-01T00:40:00.001-08:00

Creamer's Field Geese -April 2008.

Signs of Spring

2008-04-29T23:16:00.002-08:00

I went out on a cloudy, rainy/snowy day and got a few pictures of the Canada geese as they landed at Creamer's Field. My settings were off for this shot but I liked it enough to try to recover something from it.

This is one of the first signs of spring in Fairbanks - the Canada geese return, stop off at Creamer's Field to rest and eat before they fly further north. It is always a welcome sight to see them, especially this April as it seems we may have received more snow this April than in years past.

Taken with Sony A100; edited with PSE6.

May This Ever Be Her Focus

2008-04-24T00:39:00.003-08:00

If we choose to keep our focus on what the Lord did for us on the cross, nothing shall offend us. What joy, hope and peace that will give us. It is our choice.

Taken with Sony A100; Edited in PSE6.

A Heritage of the LORD

2008-04-22T06:29:00.002-08:00

Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is His reward.

Psalm 127:3

Taken with Sony A100; edited in PSE6

Office Jungle

2008-04-19T21:25:00.002-08:00

Because it has been snowing so much in Fairbanks this April, I thought your eyes might need to feast on something green for awhile. I'm go happy plants can live indoors.
Taken with Sony A100; edited in PSE6.

This Too Shall Pass - Redone

2008-04-11T11:42:00.003-08:00

I worked with this just a bit more and think it looks a little better. It's "whiter".
Sorry to say this one was taken with the Canon XTi. Good camera but it's not my A100. :)

This Too Shall Pass

2008-04-08T22:18:00.003-08:00

With His help... even when adversity strikes we can stand strong, rejoice evermore and remember that "This Too Shall Pass". God is so good!

Where, Oh Where, Did You Get Those Peepers?

2008-03-30T14:27:00.001-08:00

Isn't she just beautiful??!!

Taken with Sony A100; edited in Photoshop Elements 6.

Little Miss Blue Eyes

2008-03-29T23:03:00.003-08:00

She was missing her mommy.
Taken with Sony A100. Edited in Photoshop Elements 6.

Blue Gift

2008-03-23T13:28:00.001-08:00

I was messing around with my new macro lens.

Camera: Sony A100 (the best!!)

Lens: Sony Macro 2.8/50

Evening Reflections

2008-03-22T14:10:00.000-08:00

Red Roses

2008-03-21T10:51:00.003-08:00

It almost can't get any better than this... makes me wonder just how beautiful Heaven will be. It's a good thing that the Lord is going to give us new eyes - eyes that will be able to see all the beauty and not explode. :)

Pretty Purple

2008-03-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

All I can say is... The Lord is so good to us!! :)

Spring is Coming

2008-03-21T00:50:00.003-08:00

Spring Flowers of years past.

Never Alone

2008-03-18T19:25:00.003-08:00

"But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.

And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, Master, Master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm.

And he said utno them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this? for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

Luke 8:23-25

We need never fear. He is always with us; in the calm times and in the storms of life. He is still in control. As his children we we are safe and secure no matter what is happening in this world. No matter what the economy is doing. No matter what our political leaders are doing. No matter what!

Thank you, Lord!

Seward Docks

2008-03-18T16:05:00.001-08:00

It was a nice evening.

Seward Beauty

2008-03-18T14:19:00.001-08:00

Coming from Fairbanks, Alaska, I just couldn't get enough of the mountains in Seward! :)

Resurrection Bay - Seward, Alaska

2008-03-18T11:17:00.002-08:00

Yes, I regret the fact that I did not know about exposure settings and filters - but I cannot dump the photos - they record a moment in time that will never be duplicated. Thank you, Steve, for teaching us to appreciate them, even if they are not "perfect". I am indebted to you for that!

Thank you, Lord, for loving and accepting me even though I am FAR from perfect!! :)

Seward Canopy

2008-03-18T10:06:00.001-08:00

On the path up the mountain we were covered with huge leaves.

Seward, Alaska Mountain

2008-03-17T22:54:00.000-08:00

Mountain across the Bay - Seward, Alaska.