Counting my blessings...

I have to say that the best present I have ever received was a graduation present from my parents.

I remember how it all started a few years ago.... I had finished classes early and had gone to a book shop to browse.... I went in and saw the most beautiful framed photograph I had ever seen. It was massive.... Beautifully framed.... Matted in a way that made the one photograph look like three.... I stood there for a while looking at the rocky coastline with crashing waves... Rolling hillside... It was beautiful... It really looked as if the photo was taken in Ireland.... And I stood there for a long time admiring it and wishing that I had enough money to buy the photo... I of course had to leave empty handed..... There was no way that I could pay several hundred dollars for a photograph............ I think that it was on the walk home that the light bulb first appeared over my head...... "I could make my own photos!". I began thinking... "...In stead of spending all my money on one photo I could get my own camera and take as many photos as I want.... After all I am going to be living in the most beautiful place on earth...." It was not long after that that we both graduated and my parents gave us a new camera and lens. I have to really say that having this camera has been the the biggest blessing over the past few years. It is much more than a hobby.... But rather, taking photographs keeps me seeing the beauty that is all around me. Instead of hurrying around and through life, I have learned to take my camera with me everywhere and to see the beauty in every day and in every field. It keeps me looking for a new photo in places I have taken hundreds before... And I really don't think that there is a day that passes that I do not take a photo.... And I don't plan on stopping..........