Up with the Chickens
Ohio River/foggy morning/Lensbaby Composer/Double Glass f/4- natural lighting/5.19.13
I awoke this morning to find our home enshrouded in thick fog. How could I not go out and grab a few shots? I drove down to the local marina with a fresh cup of coffee. I have plans today to do one lesson in each course: Public Speaking, Earth Science, and Health Psychology (no small feat), but when I put my mind to something, I don’t let go.
Mornings like these are my favourites: the world is so still- everybody’s sleeping and completely unaware of the fog. For the past several days, I’ve been getting up early and hitting my PC and BS- that’s not short for computer and “BS” – it’s short for “prayer closet and Bible study”. When I start my days with these things and in this order, everything falls into the right places in my day. My mind is renewed, as is my faith, strength, and hope- challenges become “doable” and I have a promise of success already- I just need to do the work.
When I was praying this morning, I felt the Lord wrap his arms around me and give me a big hug. I know that I’m loved, terrifically; I don’t worry about things.
So I’m off to put a huge dent in my schoolwork.
It’s going to be a beautiful day. :0)
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
m o n o c h r o m e j u n k i e † 
I love early mornings like that…especially foggy ones. Everything seems so beautiful and peaceful 🙂 Love your “PC” and “BS” time, too. I used to have a similar morning routine, but have fallen out of it lately…ACK! I definitely slipped, but steadily coming back. Thank you for reminding me about the beauty of early morning routines 🙂
Love you!
P.S. Amazingly beautiful picture
May 19, 2013 at 6:36 pm
Well I’ll tell you, I’m noticing a pattern. If I don’t stick to that routine, I turn into the biggest bitch in the world. Ha..no kidding- I wish I could tell you that I do it because I get “Zen-like peace” (etc. etc.) but really, it’s my best anti-bitch policy. 🙂 (It does bring a sense of peace to me though that nothing else does.) I just feel better overall when I do it and definitely notice a difference in my day. And hey, I slip too, bigtime (and do slip all the time) but I love what my pastor and friend said to me once in an encouraging letter; she said that falling down isn’t the sin- staying down IS. I love that. Lots of love back atcha, Amy! I hope things are going well for you. You’ve got an incredibly good heart. Know that you make a BIG difference in others’ lives. xoxo
Did I call you Jen earlier, Amy? Oh dear. I’m sure I did about 3 times? Good grief…
Can I blame it on the schoolwork? :0) (So sorry!)
May 19, 2013 at 7:31 pm
Hey girl it’s good to see you post! I was thinking of ya the other day and wondering where you went. I see that you just posted something knew on your page with a fabulous explosive title hahahah so I must go read it ❤
May 20, 2013 at 8:19 pm
Thanks. :0) I’ve been soooo busy with the schoolwork lately. 100 calculus problems in 24 hours- it’s a lot. Although I’m super busy, I’ve been thinking about making a very basic “pointers and tips” starter post for you. There are tons of “how-to’s” out there about photography but what I’d be interested in sharing with you is my personal quick-tips and tricks that would cut out a lot of the jargon and technical babble so you could get right to the heart of it. (I’d also focus more on mood than technical accuracy.) I’ll do that when I come up for air! xo
May 21, 2013 at 9:27 pm
Birgitta, I kid you not, I can hear the water against the dock in this photo. LOVE. I must get up early or go out late to take a few shots. My neighborhood is a bit sketch so I will try to pry my husband away from his video games to come with me. Do you recommend using the night setting on a point and shoot camera or no? I know you said to focus on window light as my light. I responded to your last commend on my page about continuing with photography. I was not sure if you saw it? def had a few questions regarding what you said and appreciate your advice as always ❤ LISTENING as well as looking before I take a photo is one of the best peices of advice I think I've ever gotten. I will do this and see how things improve! Also, BS being Bible Study hahahahahahah brilliant.
May 20, 2013 at 8:18 pm
Hey, M&M, give me the model and type of your camera so I can research your settings and I’ll get back with you on that, ok? I prefer all-manual, but some cameras don’t allow you to shoot in manual (especially point and shoots) but don’t ever underestimate the power of a point and shoot camera. Most of my best work over the years has been with a 4 MP (four!) point and shoot Canon. I recommend shooting in manual if your camera allows it though. Let me know what you shoot with. 😉
May 21, 2013 at 9:24 pm
Hey ! thanks! I have a Lumix Panasonic DMC-FP3. It’s a good little digital camera! I don’t think I can shoot in manual though 😦 It’s dead right now. Lost my last charger so have ordered a new one that should be here in a few days. Until then I just have to wait and let good pictures pass me buy hahaha. Thanks for complimenting on my moon pics. You know whats funny and I don’t know if you noticed this but both of those pics are upside down. I decided to trunt hem that way so that the branches could kind of lead a persons eye to the moon if that makes sense. I saw the upside down trick I think in aphotograph on Etsy but have never tried it until now. If you find out any good tips let me know! 🙂 ❤ thanks for all the help!
May 21, 2013 at 10:05 pm
unsure if you saw my question about picmonkey. I do use it! but not the payed for version. Do you think it’s worth it to pay the $30 for a year to get the other editing devices they have on there? I would love a post on quick tips and tricks. The mannuals for cameras really stress me out because I have no idea what the heck they are talking about and I always push the wrong buttons lol!
May 21, 2013 at 10:07 pm
I definitely wouldn’t pay $30 for Picmonkey. There’re some great filters there but with just a few tricks under your belt, you could do everything those filters do MANUALLY. I’m going to show you how, but again, I’ll need a few weeks to get caught up in my studies. (I’m criminally behind.) And yeah, you’re actually better off without the manuals- trial and error is the best teacher! But YouTube videos are good too..heheh..
May 24, 2013 at 12:50 am
I was wondering if you go to a certain church or do more self-study? After being a night person most of my artistic life…I’m appreciating the early morning more and more.
May 22, 2013 at 11:58 am
Well, I haven’t been to church in more than a year, but when I do go, I’m a member of Christ Gospel on 10th street. It’s the best church I’ve ever been to- very fiery and alive.
Everything I do though is from having a close, personal relationship with Jesus- He’s my teacher, best friend- everything. And yeah, I’m more of a night person (have been most of my life) but I do love to get up early and start my day like this. (It centers and grounds me.)
May 22, 2013 at 12:30 pm
what filter do you use to make it look black like that around the edges? I can get picmonkey to do black but it’s like an even black shadow. I like yours better!
May 22, 2013 at 2:04 pm
Sorry about the delay in getting back to you, M&M- much schoolwork! I used a textured layer for the dark edges. If you Google “textures” and look at the Google Images, you’ll see examples of what I use to blend into my photos. it’s a semi-complicated process but once you get the hang of it, it’s a breeze. That’s also something that I’d like to work with you on (eventually) but it’s going to be a few weeks. On to Health Psychology. Talk to you soon. 😉
May 23, 2013 at 9:15 pm