Wednesday, January 15, 2014

The Gifts of Today


What would we do without our grocery store flowers in the midst of the dreary, cold, no color days. Just looking at this pop of color brightens my thoughts and enhances the spot where they sit.  A trip to Trader Joe's wouldn't be complete without flowers.

Went to my Wednesday morning Bible study today where we began Beth Moore's study of James. She presented a very thought-provoking premise that James was the actual brother as in "family" of Jesus Christ. Being a member of the Catholic Church since I was in my early 20's we have always believed that Jesus had no other siblings, and that "brother" referred to his disciples, his followers, his cousins, but not a true brother as in sibling.  I mean after all, doesn't Paul write his letters and always address them to "my brothers and sisters in Christ?  Doesn't the minister, or preacher, or priest address his congregation as brothers & sisters?  In our group collaborative blog we refer to ourselves as "life sisters", so the word brother and sister has many implications.  I am twisting this thought around and around in my mind.  And another thought that has me puzzled is in reading the book of James, which is very brief, there is never a reference anywhere to Jesus Christ.  So, right now, I am mystified as to their relationship.  And may remain that way this entire study.  But that is what Bible study is all about, to make us think, to make us ponder and sometimes question and certainly to grow in our own spirituality.

Afterward I met my "writing teacher" for lunch at the arboretum.  Sharon and I became friends after I took her class at our local college, "Writing With Spice" last winter and then followed it with a 2nd class this past fall.  It's always a pleasure to be in her company and while I was telling her about my current Bible study she talked about the bible study that she is enjoying.  Sharon is Jewish so it's always interesting to talk a little "religion" while we are together.  Currently she is in the midst of a study on the book of Jonah with the instructor being an expert in the translations surrounding the book of Jonah.  They are quite literally inching thru this book, and asked me to join her one day.  I would enjoy that.  A different perspective, a different mindset.

I mentioned earlier in the week that our assignment in our 50 mm class is "street photography"  Street photography is an art photography that features the human condition within public places and does not necessitate the presence of a street or even the urban environment. According to Wikipedia 
Others say it is taking pictures of people in public places without their knowledge.  I am finding that a difficult concept this week since 1) it is so dang cold resulting in not many people wandering around in public places and 2) if I am going to snap someone's picture without their knowledge I feel more comfortable using a zoom lens so I am not right on top of them (too obvious).  So, I have done "street photography" Wikipedia's definition twice.  Once in Trader Joe's, I approached an elderly woman that had a delightful face and explained to her what I was doing....she most graciously gave me permission to take her photo, and said I made her day, then proceeded to tell me she did not want to be posted on my blog.  So I have to respect that....dang it.

And the 2nd time at the Arboretum's restaurant. Again I explained to the man (see below) what I was doing, this time didn't mention my blog, so he didn't have a chance to say no posting (oh was that wrong??) so here is my "street photography".


I am now down to less than 2 weeks before leaving for Arizona for some sun and warmth, and I have found someone to stay with my "kids" while I am gone....yippee!!

"Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons".  ~ Ruth Ann Schabacker

Until next time.....

21 comments:

  1. Very nice portrait.

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  2. I love seeing your grocery store flowers. Beautiful! We have a Trader Joe's opening soon here in Tampa. Can't wait.

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  3. Oh, I am green with envy over that bouquet! :) and I doubt I will ever "do" street photography since I am a coward!

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  4. Love to read you . . . and really liked that face of man . . . happy you have the kids all set . . . yay for arizona . . .

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  5. I'm starting to envy you a little about AZ! The snow banks (mountains of snow) in front of my house are starting to slide back into the street. Soon, the town will have to come and load the snow to take it to another location. I think up-close street photography is difficult. I always feel as though I'm invading someone's privacy.

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  6. You are sneaky with this guy but then again he is a guy so he probably didn't even know what a blog was. My bad!. Looking forward to our get together and hoping my back will behave itself while you are here if not i maybe sitting down a lot.

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  7. he has a kind face. yes, i'd think street photos of folks would be tough.

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  8. Your street photography assignment sounds hard. You did a great job with the photo of the man though.

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  9. I'm hoping to be out on Thursday to find some street photography subjects...twice I was out and no one was around. May have to go to Galveston! I'm going to be signing up for a Beth Moore bible study too, loved the last one I did (I also did a James - Mercy Truimphs Beth Moore Study).

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  10. I am no good at street photography. I have tried and tried again and again, with not much luck.. We will be leaving Washington in two weeks and headed down to Arizona as well. I am looking forward to the warmth also. But its not as cold here as it is in your neck of the woods. Great photos once again my friend.

    Hugs~

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  11. Wow, what a great portrait! This is up close and personal for sure. For the assignment I had to overcome my fear and step out of my comfort zone, it took me a few hours, but at the end I could go home with 3 images :) Beautiful flowers, Deanna, there's no Traders Joe here but living close to the border of Belgium I'm lucky to be 10 minutes away from a lovely flowershop. Flowers always do brighten up my day.

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  12. Your bible studies sound very interesting - there are so many ways to interpret this lovely book. I have never heard of Jesus having a brother - that is something to think about! I would think it a difficult assignment to take street photos of people without their knowledge - I think it is good for you to ask. The portrait is wonderful. I suppose if you were shooting in a crowd and not doing a photo of one particular person.....I hope you have a wonderful vacation in Arizona. I just love it there. The scent of the orange trees in bloom....pure heaven! Have fun and get lots of sun. Hugs xoxo

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  13. your intro photo is totally charming Deanna. Goodness, so your local arboretum (lucky girl), not only trees but a restaurant in there too; you struck it lucky to live nearby. Lovely photo of the man in the restaurant too.

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  14. Great photos! I agree, I love walking into the market and seeing the flowers in the midst of a dreary cold season!

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  15. Can I come to Arizona in your suitcase ? lol I still struggle with street photography ..

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  16. You are taking us along with you to Arizona, right? :-)

    He has a nice face--a kind, wise face. I have a hard time with street photography, too, though I do a lot of it for the paper.

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  17. Well he won't see your blog anyway if you don't tell him about it :) Good for you to go up to people and ask, I must work on that. We are going to Traverse City for the weekend, so hoping to get some shots up there. We are doing the inside tour of the former Asylum tomorrow, can you hear my EXCITEMENT!! Not sure how pictures will turn out on it but I will give it a shot.

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  18. How interesting ... I learned as a child in Sunday School that Jesus likely had siblings and that John was thought to be one, a someone named John at any rate. And, oh yes!!! Store bought flowers in winter. What would we do without them? I just came home with a bunch of white tulips.

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  19. i really love beth moore and her passion for the bible. like you, a cradle catholic, the idea of Jesus have a 'real' brother is new. will be interesting to see how that plays out in your study. and yay for bright flowers and a 50mm lens. i love 50mm...been using mine almost exclusively since i got one a couple of years ago. lovey to catch up with you today my friend. {{hugs}} xoxo

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  20. A really wonderful portrait of this gentleman, Deanna!
    So much character in that face.

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