A couple things.
"A full life is painted with broad brush strokes. Many paths can lead to understanding and wisdom. Each of us has different needs to address and things worth pursuing over the course of a lifetime. Each of us has to chart our own course, and it has to fit what we are ready for." (Jon Kabat-Zinn from Wherever You Go There You Are)
Picked up this book last weekend at Powell's in Portland. Added it to a growing collection on my nightstand. Needing to carve out some quality reading time. This grabbing-the-book-as-I-fall-into-bed routine is just not working.
Thanks for all the nice comments about the photos from the party. The camera I am using right now is a digital SLR: Canon EOS Digital Rebel. I bought mine last year - there is a newer version available now (the XT) with 8 megapixels (compared with 6.3 megapixels on mine). Love the camera. The photos I shot at the party were with a Canon 50mm lens. It is a lens that was recommended to me by Lisa Russo and Tara Whitney back when I was figuring out what in the heck to get as an accessory lens. At $75 it is pretty inexpensive in the world of all the additional things you can get for your camera.
I really don't know much about cameras or photography. Here is what I do know:
• I know that to get the shot, I have to have my camera with me.
• I try my best to always keep the flash off if at all possible. I will keep manipulating the settings until I get to one that will let me take it without the flash. Shooting without the flash inside gives that interesting warm glow.
• I shoot automatic almost all the time. I like photography, but not enough at this time to learn more about shooting manually.
• I am becoming more aware of light. How much. How little. Where it is coming from, etc.
• I take a LOT of photos. The more I take, the more I have to choose from.
I just got my July issue of HOW magazine in the mail yesterday (July 2005) and there appears to be quite a few cool photography articles - including a preview of a new book by Jim Krause (author of Color Index, Design Basics Index, Idea Index, and Layout Index) called Photo Index that will be coming out in December I think. All of his books are GREAT design resources.
•••
In other news, we were up and out of here bright and early at 6am this morning to make an 8am appointment for Simon in Oregon City. Everything went smooth - we can home with a couple test kits that will be sent to specific labs. He had all his trains with him, and they had Thomas videos so he was satisfied for the most part - except when his blood was drawn of course.
lol...love the "have camera with me" rule. true...so very very true
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May I ask a really silly question about cameras? I purchased a super nice film camera a little over a year ago to compliment my digital camera (I admit it...I'm phobic about not having negatives!) and ever since I replaced the batteries it came with for the first time, I have been finding that camera with dead batteries in NO TIME. Am I doing something wrong??? Or, is this just how it is with these cameras? Thanks in advance for any insight.
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"Wherever You Go There You Are" is such a fantastic book! I picked it up about 8 years ago, and really loved it. At the same time, I had been having trouble with a gal I was working with, she was a bit on the "hard to work with" side. She had grown up with a terrible childhood and was very bitter. As I read this book, my patience and compassion with myself and everybody around me grew. It really helped me to let go and just be. My patience and lack of fighting back with her was just what was needed to get through the day pleasantly. She has grown a lot too and now we are great friends :)
Here is another book I bought at the same time and have loved "A Guide For The Advanced Soul" http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=557gSGbBGL&isbn=0957702515&itm=1 It has really come in handy, it can be fun.. .AND it is PERFECT for reading in those last few minutes before your eyes close and you fall asleep, as each page stands alone.
Have a fun day, we are enjoying a thunder, lightning and rain storm :)
niki
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Hi Ali...HUGE fan of yours here! I have a question for you, or anyone else out there, who follows this "have the camera with you at all times" rule. We just bought a nice, digital slr (Nikon d70), and I really want to have the camera with me at all times, but I find that it is so bulky and heavy to lug around town. Do you find this as well? We bought a camera bag that could serve as a camera/purse/diaper bag all in one, but even still I find it hard to lug around. Any suggestions from anyone???
I love checking out your blog (daily). it is on my "must check out websites" every morning. Thank you for inspiring all of us with your talent and your stories. Simon is one super cute little guy! Thanks for sharing!!!
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I like the one the more pictures you take the more you have to choose from. Hugs Wanda
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I always love your pictures Ali! you have such a great eye.
One of the best things I learned about the Rebel was the WB and ISO. By adjusting that I was able to open up a realm of new possibilities. Do you shoot primarily in P?
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One question, Ali. I try to keep the flash off as well, for the most part... but do you have many problems with blurry photos when you take them inside?
Thanks,
Amber
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Thanks for the info, Ali. And thanks for sharing those photos. I keep going back to them over and over. Your dh is a cutie!
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after more than 1000 blood tests Ali, I gotta tell you, I still dont like having them done either - and I have 22 years experience on Simon!! He's such a trooper!!
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That is nice to know- I would like a digital slr. I have my 35mm Canon Rebel and love it. I hope to get a digital slr for Christmas this year!
Hope all is well...
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Thanks for sharing your photo tips Ali. I was interested to know that you try not to use the flash, as I am a "use the flash whenever indoors" kind of girl :) I will have to go and experiment without the flash now.
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Will check out that newest issue of the mag. Sounds interesting. Congrats on the appt for Simon going so smoothly.
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Hey, we have the same camera! The XT came out about 3 months after I'd hemmed and hawed for months and finally purchased mine. Doh! Love this camera, though. Like you, I know just enough to realize all I don't know, but I'm learning.
I usually have a 28-300mm compact telephoto on my camera, which allows me to get up close and personal without actually being in people's faces. I love closely cropped shots. It is heavy, though. Thanks for the details about the 50mm. I've heard it mentioned a couple of times, and have been curious about it.
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I'm a fan of Jon Kabat-Zinn myself. Actually took a whole class on Mindfulness in college, (Yea for liberal arts!).
Thanks for talking about your camera and for the reminder to always have it on hand. I'm a film girl, (since I just bought a fancy, expensive SLR last year and feel I have to commit to it for at least another year before going digital!), but I have pretty much the same method of shooting - auto all the time and try to get the best shot I can without the flash. Unfortunately, mistakes cost more with film so I don't take as many risks as I'd like to. Need to give that up and just go for it!
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Just wanted to say thanks...we had a Go Spurs Go party and I took pictures because I saw your great party pictures! I posted them on my blog and my friends are so excited...
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hi ali...
was at my friend inga's today and she showed me a book she's reading called "a real boy" by christina adams. it's about a family whose son is diagnosed w/ autism just before he turns 3 and covers their triumphs as a family and successful management of their son's autism thru diet & therapy. true story too. anyway, thought you might be interested if you haven't already heard of it.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0425202437/qid=1119472141/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/002-0804354-4025628?v=glance&s=books&n=507846
cheers,
melissa
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Thanks for talking more about your camera and how you take photos Ali! I love your pics!
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Hi Ali -- I have to tell ya that I love your blog and the daily insights into your life. You have such a great outlook on life and it is very inspiring -- it makes me wonder sometimes "what is wrong with me" b/c I don't always have such a positive outlook. Good for you & your family!
Also -- your husband is such a CUTIE! Great photo of him at the party.
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Jon Kabat-Zinn's book has had a huge impact on me, I read it about 8-9 years ago.. I remember little chores that I do not enjoy at all (like ironing - and cleaning) changed from plain boring into challenges and real enjoyable, useful moments! What a GREAT book that must be, hey! I'm currently reading a book by Sarah Napthali, Buddhism for Mothers which has been very interesting and helpful so far. www.allen-unwin.com.au/Shopping/ProductDetails.aspx?ISBN=1741140102
Enjoy your day!
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that's about where I am camera-wise- I figure if I keep figuring out little bits every time I use it- eventually I'll be great lol!
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