THIS 'N THAT Archives - Keeping With The Times

After a While … The Poem

February 5, 2017 by Barb 4 Comments

Recently I was reminded of this poem and thought I’d share it here again … I hope you don’t mind.

After a While

After a while you learn the subtle difference

Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,

And you learn that love doesn’t mean leaning

And company doesn’t mean security,

And you begin to learn that kisses aren’t contracts

And presents aren’t promises,

And you begin to accept your defeats

With your head up and your eyes open

With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child,

And you learn to build all your roads on today,

Because tomorrow’s ground is too uncertain for plans,

And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.

After a while you learn

That even sunshine burns if you get too much.

So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,

Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.

And you learn that you really can endure…

That you really are strong,

And you really do have worth.

And you learn and learn…

With every goodbye you learn.

Veronica A Shoffstall

Have a peace-filled Sunday my friends.
xo

Month in Review at Keeping With the Times

January 31, 2017 by Barb 28 Comments

Instead of stressing and lamenting over everything I didn’t do this month, I decided to sit down and write down what I did do … a little month in review as it were. And I’m not going to make any apologies for my seemingly easy life … I’ve paid my dues … I’m retired. But I still have dreams, goals, and ambitions.

It was a busy month and it blasted by, and it seems all I could do was berate myself for not doing this and not doing that … I was completely down on myself.

You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked.
Try approving of yourself and see what happens
~Louise L. Hay~

So, to start with, I run a household: I shop, plan meals, cook, clean, etc. etc. with no outside help (yes I know, many of us do ;) and we should pat ourselves on the back, right?

All my meals are homemade. I also baked a cake, and tried to make Valentine cookies which was an epic fail, and into the garbage they went (can’t remember that last time that happened … but in my defence I was running up and down stairs doing laundry and at the same time trying to help the hubs with some plans we’re making ;)

As well, I:

accompanied the hubs on a 4 day business trip (which was fab by the way)
attended a book binding class in real life and created my very own journal
hosted 2 separate family weekends
hosted a friend for 2 days: visiting, shooting still life, and doing a little junque shopping
attended two webinars and various classes (online)
created and gave away 2 word art images
styled, shot, and/or edited 22 images which I posted on Instagram
wrote 11 blog posts, drafted several more
spent at least an hour a day in the back end of my blog: cleaning, sorting, and organizing old posts
spent a few hours researching ideas for new posts (I’m constantly trying to figure things out)
followed up on several leads for sponsored posts
prepared and sent out a newsletter
started on a project that I’ve been wanting to do for a long time … it’s not going great, but I’m making progress

All in all I think it was a very successful month and I’m full to the brim with gratitude.

Thank you January, I approve!!

Daylight Was Fading

January 6, 2017 by Barb 3 Comments

Daylight was fading fast when I captured this scene, and a certain little something stopped me in my tracks.

Although I wanted to get a better image, this was the one that had to be shared because #isawhearts in my tea :) and those tiny bubbles didn’t last long. In fact, this was the only photo that captured them!

Today we have 7 hours 43 minutes and 23 seconds of daylight, and are gaining over a minute a day.

A cause for celebration, wouldn’t you agree?!

The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February, at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day, until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour
Vita Sackville-West

Lightroom Preset by Kim Klassen

Thank You!

December 31, 2016 by Barb 4 Comments

As 2016 draws to a close I want to say a huge thank you for visiting my blog in the past year(s).

Whether you left a comment, clicked the “like” button, or simply passed on through … I appreciate each and every visit!

My blog continues to evolve and I hope you’ll bear with me through some of the changes I have coming this year.

One of my intentions (in fact my main intention) is to provide authentic, helpful, and timely content to my readers.

As someone who is committed to lifelong learning, my blog is the place where I show up to prove it.

Lifelong learning” is a common term used in education today. Lifelong learning is the concept that “It’s never too soon or too late for learning”, a philosophy that has taken root in a whole host of different organizations. Lifelong learning is attitudinal; that one can and should be open to new ideas, decisions, skills or behaviours. Lifelong learning sees citizens provided with learning opportunities at all ages and in numerous contexts: at work, at home and through leisure activities, not just through formal channels such as school and higher education. Wikipedia

It is my hope that something I do may inspire you. Check my new and improved About page to learn more.

Have a fun, happy, and safe New Year’s Eve my friends, and see you in 2017!

Welcome 2016 and Happy New Year!

January 1, 2016 by Barb 10 Comments

Welcome 2016!

Well, here it is … and I’m still trying to get my head around it … 2016 has arrived.

It’s too early for me to talk about resolutions or plans for the new year.

But I can dream, and so can you … Happy New Year everyone!

Sunday Sundries returns January 3rd – hope to see you there!

Bird Nest in Rose Bush

November 21, 2015 by Barb 5 Comments

I found this bird nest in a rose bush …
… it wasn’t easy to retrieve … but what a gift …

Hope your day is filled with gifts! Happy Saturday!

Day 21 #nablopomo

Artful Blogging Magazine Winner

November 10, 2015 by Barb 3 Comments

Hello! I’m excited to announce the winner of the Artful Blogging Magazine—it’s Libby Wilke! Congratulations Libby, I’ll have it in the mail tomorrow (thank you so much for getting back to me so promptly!)

A million thanks to all who entered the draw, and for your kind and supportive comments. Wow, I so appreciate each and every one of you!

I wanted to thank you with a gift of the word art I made and used on one of the photos published in the magazine … enjoy!

Click on the image and you will be taken to Box.com where you can download it:

**for personal use only**

Day 10 #nablopomo

Winter Vegetables

December 2, 2014 by Barb 16 Comments

Winter vegetables … what would I do without you? You last forever, you don’t cost much, and you’re delicious!

I had an image in my head when I was photographing these, but it just didn’t happen … However, I decided to post anyway because the real story here is that I was able to get this posted from my new computer. When I jump into something, I do it with both feet. I spent almost the whole day yesterday setting up a new catalog in Lightroom. I’ve figured out a new file structure and import system using what I’ve learned in Kim’s classes, from Round Trip, LR Begin, 31 Days, and Start to Finish. A veritable gold mine of information!

I’ve set up top level, and sub-keywords, which keeps my list so neat and tidy … my other attempts in keywording have ended in a disastrous mess, but truthfully, that’s not hard to do because it is tricky, and it’s confusing if you’re not paying attention.
winter vegetables

Anyway, I guess I just described a geek’s happy and productive day (I say that with complete respect for geeks.)

I must say these veggies were delish but I ended up with a stomach ache … not sure why but I think I ate too many … it was all I had for dinner and I’m still not hungry 12 hours later.

One last thing, I’ve been working without a mouse since I’m still setting up my computer and haven’t got all the accessories. I’m courting disaster because I’m a fumble fingers with track pads and could drag things out of sight and out of mind in a second … Kim suggested I get a tablet … hmmm… going to have to look into that.

Anyway, that’s it for today. I have a special guest poster tomorrow for “app” happy wednesday and I’m so excited! She does incredibly beautiful work with apps and I’ve never seen an image of hers that I haven’t loved. I bet you can guess who it is …

See you then!

Good Monday Morning!

November 3, 2014 by Barb 5 Comments

bare branches back home

Good Monday morning! I’m just popping in to say hi! and ramble on a bit.

I just sent out my newsletter, and oops … embarrassed face here … I neglected to check all the links and regrettably a couple don’t work (argh). If I was hiring myself, I may very well have gotten myself fired. My apologies to all my readers! What good is the test email I send to myself if I don’t check it thoroughly? Well, now I have a checklist written down, and am not relying on my memory.

Hubby and I are on a bit of a vacation in Arizona right now, in an effort to extend our autumn? summer? We spent the whole day yesterday at the Champions Tour. Not only watching great golf, but enjoying the warmer temperatures and just getting out and about.

Both of us were so tired last night we fell into bed before 9:00 pm. It’s going to be a busy couple of weeks, golfing, shopping, and sight-seeing. I’ll be making a side trip to California for a few days … so excited to be attending Gather California, but more on that later.

If you are an iPhoneographer, please remember that “app” happy wednesday is on November 5th. Come link up your art and share some tips and techniques. I’m so hoping to see you!

Thanks for stopping by!

Gather California Preparations

October 20, 2014 by Barb 13 Comments

Good Monday morning! Only 21 sleeps …

Today I start preparing for Gather California. I don’t mean packing, or buying new clothes, or anything like that. As a matter of fact, one of the lovely notes I received in my inbox went like this …

How to prepare for GATHER…a soul guide (what to bring):

it is requested that you bring only clothing that you feel beautiful wearing, should that mean you only bring one outfit then so be it (we won’t judge)
camera – could be your phone camera or a fancy state of the art new model, everyone is welcome ( advanced lenses etc. are welcome but not required)
warm embraces to share with others
an extra bag to carry home encouragement, awe and compliments
any burdens you would like to lay at the Pacific shoreline

… sigh …

I also need to bring a photo of myself (one that I love) … hmmmm, this is going to be the hardest item to find … but it will be the first thing I put in my journal.

After that, a list of questions, ideas, and dreams … I get to pick the brains of some of the most talented, artistic, creative souls on the planet. I’m at once excited, and terrified. Seriously. I can.not.wait.

Autumn Leaves

October 6, 2014 by Barb 8 Comments

Just popping in to share some autumn leaves and forest floor treasures! I also found a sweet wreath made by Mother Nature herself!

We had a bit of a windy day yesterday and a lot more leaves were flying around … I’m pretty amazed at what’s left … these are from our Amur maple:

autumn leaves

DSC_2214-copy

DSC_2223-copy

… and here are a few of my forest floor finds for Be Still 52 … coming to you #fromthepottingbench:

forest floor finds

Lastly, I was headed out for a walk one morning and spied an old, hollow tree stump.

Leaves had fallen all around the edges and I thought it looked like a wreath (yes, I did add a few extra) but how fun! Can you see the mushrooms inside?

natures welcome wreath

Just enjoying autumn. Thanks for dropping by, and have a wonderful Monday!

Ink Cap Mushroom

September 25, 2014 by Barb 4 Comments

It’s a sure sign of autumn around here with the appearance of the quirky and fun Shaggy Ink Cap mushroom! Now, you may not think mushrooms are fun, but wait … they’re having a convention on our lawn!

shaggy ink cap mushroom {keeping with the times dot com}

It seems to be a good year for these guys. It must be all the moisture we had this past summer combined with a mild autumn (other than that freak snowstorm we had a few weeks ago).

shaggy ink cap mushroom {keeping with the times dot com}

shaggy ink cap mushroom_02

shaggy ink cap mushroom_04

shaggy ink cap mushroom_05

They start out as a white tube-like shape, then sprout up and literally melt into a black puddle.

shaggy-ink-cap-10-copy

shaggy ink cap mushroom {keeping with the times dot com}

shaggy ink cap mushroom_09

shaggy ink cap mushroom_07

So, apparently, you can eat this mushroom if you pick it very early before it starts to sprout up, and of course before it starts to melt … I personally do not recommend it … yuck is an understatement. You might want to check it out at Wikipedia.

Again, I’m so thankful for everyone who has signed up for my newsletter! It’s inspiring me!!

Have a wonderful Thursday, and I hope to see you here tomorrow for Friday Finds, where I’ll share my Superstore parking lot adventures …

Junque Hunting

September 13, 2014 by Barb 5 Comments

Today I’m going hunting for junque. This is not big news … I hunt for junque all the time. But dang it! I woke up at 4:30 just thinking about it. Today is the town-wide junque/garage sale in our little town! Woot! Can’t wait to see what’s out there calling my name!

This little scene is a sneak peek at a treasure I found last week and its something that’s been on my wish list for quite some time … hmmm … what do you suppose it is?

Well, I’m saving that little reveal for another post, probably next Friday …

hunting for junque

So, truth be told I wasn’t just thinking about junque … a few things transpired to wake me up at 4:30 and they all happened yesterday. But wait! It was actually a great day for me!

I went for lunch with friends.

I went shopping at West Edmonton Mall where I found some great clothes for autumn.

I had a nice dinner with hubby when I got home, and then we watched some episodes of House of Cards (which we’ve both become addicted to).

But when I go shopping all day, talk too much, eat a big lunch, and then indulge in a delicious latte that was so good it had to be bad, I know I’m in for a restless night.

So by now I’ve had 4 cups of coffee on an empty stomach and written a blog post … and its only 7:00 … oh yeah … first world problems …

I expect I’ll be crashing on the sofa in about 5 hours from now … hopefully dreaming about my terrific new finds …

Thank You for Asking, WordPress

August 21, 2014 by Barb 7 Comments

Mid August Light, lightroom, photoshop, keeping with the times

When I go into WordPress to start a post, the draft box says “What’s on your mind?”

I wish I could say. But I think I should just go to bed and have a good sleep.

Does that ever happen to you? At the end of the day everything seems 10 times worse than it really is? In fact it might not be bad at all … it’s just your state of mind?

Mid August Light, lightroom, photoshop, keeping with the times

Thank goodness I realize this about myself … just. go. to. bed.

Maybe that’s my Mom “talking” to me. If it is, thank you Mom …

Mid August Light, lightroom, photoshop, keeping with the times

… and thank you for asking, WordPress. I feel better now.

keeping with the times

Good Morning! What to Do?

July 14, 2014 by Barb 5 Comments

It’s another perfect summer day here! Total Bliss!
golden summer grass, instagram, keeping with the times

Full of possibility. Full of potential. What shall I do? I’ve already gone for a walk and I now have a whole day spreading out before me.

Shall I:

go for a drive and take summer-filled photos?
pick wildflowers?
create wildflower bouquets?
take a nap?

OK. I’ve talked myself into it. I’ll see you tomorrow.

Have a wonderful day.

Where’s the Colour?!

January 15, 2014 by Barb 6 Comments

Every morning on my walk I notice that the landscape never looks the same, even though we take almost the same route. I’m quite fascinated by the scenes where the colour of the sky and the land are almost identical.

Yesterday was so cloudy it seemed like we were walking in some kind of bubble, surrounded by varying shades of grey and black. It was quite early and I took this with my phone using a black filter to emphasize what I saw – because what I saw wasn’t much different than this. There may have been a bit more brown, but not much. We can take liberties because we are photographers, right? curvy-snowscape

Only one day earlier, this was my view (no filters whatsoever). Simply amazing.

colourful-horizon1

I’m afraid I won’t be taking a walk this morning. Our temperatures rose so much overnight that it was raining, and now we have 80-100 km/hour winds. Yikes! I’m cowering in the house hoping no trees come down.

Now it’s time for me to get to work! Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!

Simple Things Sunday

December 15, 2013 by Barb 11 Comments

Blue Jay in Winter

I feel pretty fortunate that I am able to stand in my dining room, look out the window, and see these beautiful birds.

On the day I took this photo, it was close to -30C, which would explain why this fella is so puffed up. He’s also keeping a close eye on the suet balls, patiently waiting for his turn to eat. I took this shot through the window with my D3000, on a tripod, and using my 200mm lens.

I think I’ve mentioned before that my new D7100 was in the hospital… well I finally have it back and I couldn’t be happier. But I can also tell you that I was pretty thankful that I had kept my D3000 – I’ve had it for four years and it has never let me down – it certainly saved my bacon this month!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

From The Potting Bench

October 26, 2013 by Barb 9 Comments

Pumpkins-From-Above

Here’s a little celebration of autumn from the potting bench today. Tomorrow our forecast calls for 5 – 10 cm of a rain/snow mix. It won’t stick around, but it’s a little warning… hope our flight south isn’t delayed…

Have a wonderful weekend!

Whoa! What Can Happen in One Second!

September 26, 2013 by Barb 9 Comments

I felt compelled to drop in and say hi… since I’m finally back on my feet.

Not five minutes after I published my last post about being scared, I stood up at the kitchen table and somehow put my back out. It was like a bolt of lightning hit and it literally took my breath away.

I mumbled something to hubby that “I did something to my back” and that “I was going to lay down for a bit”. How I got into bed, I’m not too sure, but I did have my phone with me…

in-bed-with-back-pain

Once I got positioned, I wasn’t in pain, but one small move would send my back into spasms and it was unbearable. So there I lay for an hour and a half until hubby (who had gone outside to do some work) wandered into the bedroom looking for me.

I’m like “where were you?” I can’t move!”

Judging by the look on his face, I’m quite sure he didn’t know what to make of it, “what do you mean, you can’t move?”

“I hurt my back, waaa...” (I was being quite the baby).

So, to make a long story short, I was bedridden for 24 hours, and seriously out of commission until now. Oh, yes… painkillers = bliss…I’m still not 100% but every day it gets a little better.

The first morning that I was able to get up and walk around I went out onto the deck for some fresh air. I do not remember taking this photo of the marigold pot, truly I do not. But there it was on my camera roll…

Marigold-and-Light

This morning as I checked out my Feedly feed, I see that the world turns without me… so many interesting posts that I’ve missed! I’m also really behind on my projects, so I feel a bit panicked. But I am not forgetting to be thankful for the fact that I’m sitting upright in a chair, writing this post. I am truly thankful. Life is good. It’s all good, and it will all work out.

I want to say a big “thank you” to everyone for the encouraging words on my last post. Your comments really helped me, and gave me some great ideas on how to not only cope with, but enjoy, the journey!

I’m Scared

September 22, 2013 by Barb 30 Comments

blissdom

There are only 10 sleeps until I board a plane all by myself and head to Mississauga, Ontario to attend Blissdom; a Canadian blogging conference. I don’t travel alone… ever. I get flustered, and have been known to get lost even in my own territory. OK, I’m not scared… I’m terrified.

It was months ago that I bought the ticket, booked my room, and made the flight arrangements.

Since then, I’ve been getting ready; working hard to make sure that my blog is running smoothly, and that all my content is easily accessible through menus and links. I’ve been posting regularly, both to my blog and to all my social media sites.

I’ve had my hair cut, purchased a few new clothes, a purse, a small suitcase, and even a pair of boots… seriously… I’ve never owned a pair of boots in my life (I also stocked up on corn pads and cushiony socks…).

And now the doubt is setting in. What was I thinking? I’ve spent more than one restless night with that bouncing around in my head. Last night was particularly hard, so this morning I walked around the yard, and tried to focus on the beauty and wonder around me. I felt compelled to write about my fears in the hopes that I can just get it out and move on. I have a lot to do in the next few days and I can’t be getting all paralyzed like I quite often do.

What do I hope to gain from the conference? I keep seeing that question on the Blissdom fb page, and they advise that you should have an answer. I can’t just say “oh, I thought it would be an interesting experience…”

As I was lying down on the grass staring at this leaf, my simple answer came to me “I want to post meaningful content, grow my blog, and see where it takes me”.

So, I guess going to this conference was part of that plan, or I wouldn’t have committed to it.

Leap, and the net will appear.

John Burroughs

I so appreciate you dropping by and lending me an ear…

Have a wonderful, peaceful, and relaxing Sunday.

Helloooo, out there!

January 24, 2013 by Barb 7 Comments

This is just a test post – wondering if anyone can see me in their reader?

Creating is a mystery

January 4, 2013 by Barb 12 Comments

Today I started WORK (my word for 2013) at 6:00 a.m. I plan to keep going until noon which will mean I’ll have put in 7 hours (minus this little bloggy break).

I couldn’t wait to get started. Ideas were filling my head and pouring out onto my notebook.

I literally felt overtaken by some mysterious force. I don’t know if it was the coffee but I felt shaky and impulsive. Weird. I wish I knew what brings this on. I’ve had it before so it’s no stranger to me but I do know that I can’t make it happen – it just does. Most times I can brainstorm all day and not come up with a single thing. I guess I won’t try to figure it out – I just have to go with it.

I better go… I just thought of something…

Have a wonderful day!

“Trust the Process” brush by Kim Klassen

My word for 2013

January 1, 2013 by Barb 11 Comments

I have new and exciting opportunities brewing in my world and it’s going to take a lot of discipline and hard work if I want to succeed.

That is why I’ve chosen the word “WORK”. Just having that in my head has sent me to my computer every morning this year with the intention of getting down to business. No Pinterest, no reading blogs, no fun, until I have put in several hours of work.

For me, this is the best word for 2013.

Thank You, Dear Readers!

December 31, 2012 by Barb 13 Comments

Well, I’ve blogged another year away, and I want to say thank you to anyone who visited, left a comment, subscribed, followed (here and on fb and google), pinned, tweeted, and/or +1’d me! I appreciate every single one of you!

I started this blog in December of 2010 and I didn’t even know exactly why… until the name ‘Keeping up with the times’ popped into my head. That seemed like a good enough reason – I basically wanted to keep up with the times. I didn’t know the first thing about social media and felt quite out of touch. I’ve certainly come a long way but it’s always changing! however, over the past two years I’ve learned to not be afraid to learn something new or try something different . . . (and my tagline was born).

I’m excited about 2013 and look forward to new adventures – both in cyberspace and in my personal life. Some new opportunities are already brewing – I think I’m going to have a busy year.

I’ve chosen my word for 2013 – it’s not pretty or idealistic, in fact I’m kind of scared of it… I’m going to reveal it tomorrow.

A Happy New Year to all!

5 reasons to take a hike

October 4, 2012 by Barb 18 Comments

1. It clears the head and makes room for some good stuff to get in.

2. It can cause creativity.

3. It reduces stress.

4. It’s great exercise and will help you sleep at night.

5. You will see amazing things.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.

~John Muir~

The ink cap strikes again . . . and various musings . . .

September 19, 2012 by Barb 9 Comments

It must be September.

Our lawn is covered in these crazy mushrooms. I know they’re Ink Caps since I did all the research on them last year.

They make a colossal mess . . .

. . . dripping black ink everywhere . . .

. . . so that’s what I’m going to tell hubby when he sees that I haven’t cut the grass (it’s too yucky) . . .

. . . and I just haven’t felt like it . . .

. . . I’m feeling tired today since I woke up at 4:00am which seems to be becoming a pattern. Ugh . . . if I could only sleep till 5:00 . . .

Tonight we’re going to an annual autumn dinner in the city. (Now that seems to have woken me up a bit!) It’s called the “Feastival of Fine Chefs”. All the great restaurants in our fine city get together in one large building and proceed to cook up a storm. Each person gets tickets (randomly) for an appetizer, soup, salad, entree, and dessert – each one from a different restaurant. It’s really quite fun and the food is always outstanding.

I think I had better go and get ready (I have to find my black, stretchy pants).

Salsa! the homemade kind!

July 20, 2012 by Barb 10 Comments

This salsa is affectionately known as ‘Garnet’s Salsa’ in our home. He (my brother) gave me the recipe years ago and it quickly became a family favourite and a staple in my refrigerator.

I have another name for it: ‘Grown Up Ketchup’. Aside from using it with tacos I like it as a sort of relish that is particularly excellent with fried eggs and/or sausages.

You will have to set aside a whole morning or an afternoon to prepare this. Take your time. Select the best tomatoes you can find. Measure out your spices and other ingredients to have ready as needed.

Turn on some music (or not) and start to chop, chop, chop. Enjoy the process of preparing your ingredients and focus completely on what you are doing. You can turn it into a meditation. A meditation on how you are preparing something for your family and friends that comes from the heart.

Think about setting aside a few jars as hostess gifts – nothing will be more appreciated – I assure you.

This recipe has moved to Spicy, Tangy, Mouthwatering Salsa

Endless inspiration

June 13, 2012 by Barb 10 Comments

Is it not amazing what we can learn from our blog friends? A few days ago I posted a macro of a bug. I was practicing with my new lens, my Nikon 40mm fixed focal length with a maximum aperture of f/2.8. Here it is again (I was practically touching the bug with the edge of the lens):

I thank everyone for their awesome comments, btw. But Lisa Gordon from ‘Lisa Gordon Photography’ wrote, and I quote:

“The first one is my favorite too Barb.It really is a wonderful shot.
The 40mm is a wonderful lens, and I love the fact that it’s so light, yet works so beautifully as a macro. it’s also a great portrait lens.
Have fun with it!!

“it’s also a great portrait lens” say wha…??? I thought to myself – I must have referred to the wrong lens – this lens is only for real close up shots, isn’t it? For a few days I kept thinking, I have got to try that lens again to see if it truly can do what Lisa said.

I didn’t have anyone to take a portrait of at that moment so I set up a small vase of flowers and proceeded to take a ‘portrait’ shot. I was dumbfounded when I looked at the result . . . I had NO idea that this lens would do this!

Thank you Lisa! People just don’t realize what a kind word and a bit of advice can do. One small comment opened up a whole new world for me . . . I can’t wait to get a human subject . . . look out my darling grandchildren . . .