SabbaticalScapes

Photography, or at least taking pictures, has always been one of my favorite things to do.  I love my Nikon!!  But generally, after all the photos I have taken on all my journeys, I basically just use the point and shoot capabilities.  So, when I saw the groupon offering a great deal on a Val Westover photo workshop, I didn’t hesitate to purchase.  

The hotel venue was packed!!  Honestly, I wasn’t expecting that at all.  The workshop started off with a lecture that well covered the essentials of camera operations and capturing true emotion.  Then, after a break, most participants met up in Uptown Park for a hands-on shooting “safari”.  As an extra bonus,  I actually got a chance to meet and talk a bit with Val when I ran into him and his team at Pot Belly’s during the lunch break.  I really had a lot of questions, but couldn’t think of any one of them at that particular point…go figure LOL!!

I must say that the hands-on safari portion nailed it for me and several others.  It made all the difference to have the lecture coupled with the practical application of trying out what we learned.  Otherwise, I would still be in point and shoot mode.

Today was a beautiful day and a real treat in getting to use my camera in a fuller capacity. Val and Stephanie were great, very personable, and extremely helpful.  They know their stuff!!   Oh yeah, afterwards I rewarded myself with Walnut pecan apple pie from McCormick’s and Schmick’s!!

Inspiration – If there is a good thing about photography, it is that it can be easily enjoyed. – Lord Snowdon

Happy Snappin’!!

Blessings!

~A

Hi Everyone!

Hearing wonderful things about a destination makes me curious.  Are the reports true?  What if my experience is different?  What makes this locale special?  One place I always wanted to visit was Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It is located on the eastern side of the island of Hispaniola, with Haiti on the other side.  I heard that Punta Cana had beautiful beaches.  And you know me, I love azure beaches!  Punta Cana did not disappoint.

As soon as we landed, I knew the trip started off right. We were greeted by islanders playing music and kicking their tip basket toward tourists.  Kerri kicked it back and we ran!! LOL!!  We just wanted to find our shuttle and get settled for fun.

Mud everywhere!

The first night was nice, but the next day was better.  First, we loaded into the truck that shuttled us to the dune buggies.  They told us not to wear white…we later found out why. The dune buggies were actually mud buggies!  We rode through Punta Cana’s back roads and country side, hitting every muddy pothole in sight.  Thanks to Kerri’s driving, we were covered in red mud from the rooter to the tooter!!

Horses & Cave “diving”

Now, we were off to ride the horses on the beach. That horse was out of control.  He started to gallop and throw me all over the place. What fun!! The next stop was at some cave.  As we descended into the bowels of D. R., we realized why everyone was in line. One look at each other and we decided, “we are only here once – let’s do it”!  One at a time, we jumped into the deep dark cold waters of this cave.  What a thrill!!

After we climbed back to the mud buggy to strap in, a sweet little girl helped me put my helmet back on and asked me what time it was.  I told her and gave her my watch as a thank you.  She happily ran off and then, another little girl asked me the same thing.  Unfortunately, I didn’t have anything else to give her.   

Step off

We had so much fun that day! We were so tired the next morning that Kerri screamed at the maid to “Step Off” as she knocked on our door to clean the room late that morning.  Apparently, the maid understood that!

The following days were filled with water sports – parasailing and kayaking.  Plus, we got some guy to take us out on the catamaran while we soaked up the sun.  The beaches of Punta Cana are indeed beautiful.  It definitely lived up to the hype. On this trip, we didn’t get to explore the surrounding area or go to Santo Domingo. But that’s ok – one day I will go back!

Take a look at our adventure in pictures…enjoy!

Inspiration – It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not. ~Author Unknown

Peace & Blessings!

~A

Hi All!

Ziplining in Cabo - Woo Hoo!!

A life list can also be a wake-up call or an “aha” moment.  It is that moment that we realize life is indeed short and tomorrow is definitely not promised.  It is that moment which calls us into the deeper more meaningful life that God wants for His children.

I think I have always had a life list per se. I can see how different things and events in my life are like snapshots of the big picture journey that I am pursuing currently.  Some great things happened, and some not so great.

I believe we must take every day as an opportunity and gift from God to responsibly step out into what is buried deep in our hearts.  We can try something new, do something different, or just step out of our comfort zone. This can be scary, but also very rewarding. So, be inspired and launch out into the deep…for that is where your treasure will be found!

Inspiration – It’s not really about being career-focused , it’s more about being LIFE-focused.

Success to You!

~A