5 June 2012
On a beautiful, warm evening last month I had the opportunity to photograph this dear family. As the sun set low in the sky, it filled the landscape with golden light.
It is precious to see these five together – they love each other very much and it’s contagious.
(Thank you for letting me photograph your sweet family – I can hardly wait to see you all together again!)
24 May 2012
This is Juliet. You might remember her from this post over a year ago.
She is a very good little friend of ours who is teaching us sign language (she’s still learning to speak in full sentences). Just last evening she was so happy that I learned the sign for “flower”, as she pointed at a flower and signed the word. She even congratulated me by giving me a hug and pat on the back when I correctly guessed what she was signing.
There’s nothing like her little girl squeals. Especially when it comes to asking her if she likes strawberries.
In the photo above, the breeze through the open window blew a small tuft of hair up. She, Breezy, and I had just been looking out the window to see what we could find.
“Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty heavens!
Praise Him for His mighty deeds;
Praise Him according to His excellent greatness!”
—Psalm 150:1-2
22 May 2012
I had just dropped off to sleep when I felt the ship bump as if scraping the side of a tree.
I sat up straight in bed, trying to make out what had happened. It seemed completely silent for a minute or two. The engines were cut off. The corridors were quiet until one began to hear doors open and voices speaking. The first voice I heard was a woman asking the steward what had happened. He replied calmly, “Everything will be all right.”
Those were the words of Miss Helen R. Østby, survivor, recalling the night when the Titanic had struck an iceberg which would lead to the ship’s sinking and the death of 1,500+ passengers and crew.
I can only imagine what it would have been like – just over one hundred years ago – to be on the grand, arrogantly acclaimed “unsinkable” Titanic.
The anticipation leading up to her maiden voyage, the excitement of all those boarding such an extravagant vessel, the luxury and grandeur of her various decks and the first class dining hall.
With this being the 100th year anniversary of Titanic’s sinking, we have been studying her passengers, the events surrounding her maiden and fatal voyage, and those who survived. The event becomes more and more real with each new fact learned and each new story read.
I am left speechless by the heroism of the men who gave their lives so that women and children could live. Not a single act of chivalry, heroism, or sacrifice was performed by accident. With great intention the men placed the women and children on lifeboats as the Titanic took on water.
The sinking was tragic because of the many lives lost at sea. But with gratefulness we can look back and give thanks for those who were spared and lived to tell the stories of manhood, womanhood, humility, servanthood, and especially sacrifice.
“For I know that the Lord is great,
and that our Lord is above all gods.
Whatever the Lord pleases, He does,
in heaven and on earth,
in the seas and all deeps.
He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth,
Who makes lightnings for the rain
and brings forth the wind from His storehouses.”
—Psalm 135:5-7
1 May 2012
Last evening’s downpour left the plants refreshed and ready for a new day. The skies were golden as the sun set, giving the face of the earth a warm glow.
“This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
—Psalm 118:24
12 April 2012
Every spring I look forward to snipping lilac bunches from our bush for an overflowing bouquet of purple lovelies. It’s amazing to see how much beauty God puts into a single lilac with its breathtaking aroma.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.
—Isaiah 40:8
P.S. Six Angles is back!
26 March 2012
Have you ever planted seeds in eggshells? This spring we’re trying a new-to-us way of starting seeds inside. We’ve tried other ways in the past, all to no avail – this time we’re hoping the story will end with a “happily ever after” (plants growing strong, maturing, and bearing fruit in season).
The process of planting was most enjoyable. (Excepting, of course, for the centipede squirming around in the bucket of dirt.) A few easy-to-come-by “ingredients” were needed:
- Eggshells & Egg-trays
- Bucket of dirt
- Seeds
- Water
We filled the shells in the kitchen – and even our dog Bently seemed to enjoy the process by sneaking a few bites of dirt. (Perhaps he’s low on some minerals?)
Following is a pictorial version of the seed-planting process…
A hole was poked into the bottom of each one so that any excess water could drain. When it comes time to transplant them to the garden, we will simply crunch the shell so that the roots can exit and plant the whole thing.
It’s fascinating to think that something as small as a seed will grow into many meals come summertime. God works wonders!
Have you started planting your garden? Do you start your seeds inside or outside?
7 March 2012
A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of visiting friends for a time of delightful fellowship. While we were there, we met their farm’s latest additions: lambs.
The mothers ate while the babies watched us in their own cautiously inquisitive way.
I became fast friends with this wee one. He was most charming
and enjoyed a good, long rub on the noggin.
Mrs. Mendenhall petting my new friend.
Spring is here with new life – beautiful new life!
P.S. Did I mention that the owner of these darling lambs has an Etsy shop & blog? I think you will like them.
27 February 2012
I remember first delving into the world of photography and wondering what “aperture” was and how could a “wide aperture” be f/1.4 and a “narrow aperture” be f/16 – when the numbers seem to contradict their name?
Or why would I shoot manual – I’d just be adjusting the settings all the time, right?
If you’re in that spot, do not fear. Enter…
“The Beginner’s Guide to Portrait Photography”, an eBook by Lauren Hope which offers wonderfully helpful information which you can apply to improve and excel in photography.
Although this book was not available when I started learning about photography (as much as I wish it was), it is available now as a most valuable tool for all of you who are interested in portrait photography (even if it’s just a hobby!).
A snippet from the foreword, which Lauren so graciously gave me the opportunity to write:
[Lauren] covers the basics from the technical side of camera functions, to helping your subjects feel comfortable and relaxed, to making the most of your surroundings for captivating and engaging portraits… read more.
Click here to learn more about this tip- and technique-filled book! Save 25% through February 29th and purchase this eBook for only $6 – just a couple days left to save!
Keep smiling and keep practicing,
20 February 2012
…you know someone put him there.”
This is a handmade turtle. Breezy created it using reference photos of Painted turtles, foil, paper maché, gesso, and acrylic paint.
The main purpose of the turtle was to be a prop for a talk Dad gave at work, focusing on the sovereignty of God and His Providential hand. “If you see a turtle on a fencepost, you know someone put him there”, was the concluding remark as he placed the handmade turtle on a fencepost.
Now we get to have Mr. Turtle stick around longer than any of our previous wild “pet” turtles who needed to find new homes… he currently sits atop one of our bookshelves. (And, as much as I like turtles, when I forget he’s up there – or find him somewhere else – he takes me by surprise.)
