{Has Anyone Seen My Camera}

When I started blogging, I promised myself I would never be one of those people who got too busy.  I've enjoyed this blog immensely and it has been such a great creative outlet for me.  I've enjoyed all my followers and readers <3... but sadly.... I got too busy :(

I started working part-time in my degree field of Counseling back in August.  Juggling work and family life has been harder than I thought it would.  I held on to maintaining and updating the blog until the holidays hit... then I just gave up.  Something had to give and the blog was put on the back burner.

Since my last post (all the way in November) I've accepted a full time position at my same job (so I've gone from 24 hrs a week to 40+).  I am also preparing for my licensing exam later in February.  I have SO many blogs I've written in my head and even shot photos for, but they are still stuck in my cobweb filled brain right now.

Long story short... I'm not going to make promises as to how often I will post, because that is setting myself up for failure, but I am going to try to post more than I have.

I went looking for my camera to upload my photos from the past few months (there aren't many) and couldn't find it.  I had to literally hunt around the house to locate my forlorn camera.  This is the first time that has ever happened.  I am grateful for my job and the experience it is offering, but I am also looking forward to plugging back into photography.  I need that outlet for my sanity and I also kinda love it <3

Here is a photo I took on New Years Eve at the Zoo Lights in Jacksonville, FL.  (Full blog post to come on that.)  I am a sucker for night-time photography and bokeh.. you combine the two and I am in heaven!

 Jacksonville Zoo Lights

ISO 640 ~ 117mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/20 sec

© Corrie M. Avila

Capturing the Moment <3

Corrie

Staying Sane is Overrated

I now have a bit of time to go and shoot (with my camera of course), but I can't seem to find my internal motivation.  If I do go out, the weather doesn't cooperate, the mosquitos are biting me, my flip flops are getting muddy, my camera bag is too heavy, or I just can't seem to tune into my creative side.  I know these are all excuses, but at the bottom of it all, I am just frustrated.  My brain is going a  million miles a minute, trying to juggle and balance my life, which currently feels like a pile of thirty plates, stacked precariously one on top of the other.  Just today I went to my son's school to ask for another copy of the field trip form, because I had lost the first one.  Come to find out, there was never a first one, so essentially I lost a field trip form that I never got.  I'm not sure if that should make me relieved that I really didn't misplace something or worried that I am creating imaginary things to lose.

Sunrise

Instagram

© Corrie M Avila

 Sunset

Instagram

© Corrie M Avila

Today is a rainy and windy day here in Northern Florida, so shooting was not a possibility.  Instead, I packed up my computer, my books, and went to Starbucks to study.  I have a licensing exam that I need to prepare for and I have gotten very good at coming up with alternate things to fill my time.  Instead of studying right now, I am people watching, blogging, and drinking coffee.  I also wanted to share a blog I follow that spoke to me today.  I've talked about her blog before, but it is one of my favorites.  Read it, it's a good one.

So on that note, I will continue losing forms I never got, forgetting to go to activities that weren't real, and pretending to study for things that I really should be studying for.  But when all things seem overwhelming and out of control, remember that the sun always rises... and the sun always sets... and each new dawn brings a new day. 

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

Behind the Facade

We all judge books by their covers whether we want to admit it or not.

I am a bookworm, a bibliophile, and a lover of libraries.  I could spent hours (okay who am I kidding, days) walking up and down the aisles and running my hands across the spines of countless rows of books.  Sometimes I am there with a purpose, but most of the time I just look around and see what I find.  What is it about a book cover that draws you to a book or turns you away?  I am sure there are many good books that I've bypassed just because the front cover didn't peak my interest.

Column of Books

© Corrie M Avila

Instagram

I think we do this with people as well.  We look at someone and already come to predetermined ideas of who they are or what they are like.  Sometimes when we have forced continued contact with them, we find out they are not like that first impression at all.  Or...... their personality may just be confirmation of our original perception.

My job is to read, analyze, and interpret people and what is going on inside of them.  I do this in the counseling office, I do this when I am on a photography shoot, and I also do this at home with my family (although, I don't think they are too crazy about it :).  But I am never 100% right.  There are also usually layers to go through on the journey to the heart of the matter.

Today I began a restoration of a hand me down desk my mom gave to my son.  It is in relatively good shape, but needs to be stripped down, some minor repair work, and then painted.  As I was using the sander and going through the layers of paint, it had me thinking about this.  If I had looked at this desk for what it was, I wouldn't of given it a second look.  However, I looked at the desk and saw potential.  I saw what it could be.  And sanding down through the layers brought it all into perspective for me.

Layers 

© Corrie M Avila

Instagram

Just as we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, we also shouldn't judge people by their exterior.  We never know what is going on inside them to give off that initial impression.

Be patient, be loving, and be willing... and go ahead and give that book a try...

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

Take a step back

Last month I wrote a post titled, "Are you a Man or a Muppet?"  In it, I spoke about my internal struggle between two fields, photography and social work.  After writing this, I had a counseling position literally FALL IN MY LAP.  If I was looking for an open door, this was that door.

I've been doing all the "fun" training and computer stuff over the past few weeks, but tomorrow will be my first day seeing clients.  It is a bittersweet day as it is also the 12th anniversary of 9/11.  Reflecting back to September 11, 2001, brings me to my first week of Social Work classes at FSU.  I can remember sitting in my morning class and listening to the chatter about an explosion at the World Trade Center.  We didn't have a television in class and it was too early for anyone to really know what was going on.  Fast forward to later in the day as I stared at my television and watched LIVE with HORROR as the second plane flew into the second WTC Tower.

When I decided to pursue social work, it was to help people.  I know it sounds "cliche-ish" but it's true. I wanted nothing more to hop on a place and go to NYC and do whatever I could to provide support, trauma relief, and counseling.  The only problem was I was not educated, not trained, and not licensed. That was a call I could not answer.

I grieve deeply for the tragedy that befell our nation twelve years ago.  We are still picking up the pieces.  There are some who will never fully be put back together and my heart breaks for them... Tomorrow starts my post graduate road to finally working on my license.  I can only hope and pray that I can answer the next call.

I had the honor of visiting the 9-11 Memorial in NYC last December and it is something every American should experience.

One of the Two Reflecting Pools

ISO 400 ~ 11mm ~ f/6.3 ~ 1/80 sec

© Corrie M Avila

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

(and don't worry ~ the photographer in me isn't going anywhere ;)

Look a Little Closer

One of the most fabulous things about photography is that your photographs are a reflection of who you are as an artist.  The camera is a tool that you can use and manipulate to show others your perspective.

ISO 500 ~ 300mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/320 sec

© Corrie M Avila

Upon first glance, this may look like a bubble.  But when I look at it I see a reflection of myself taking a photo.  I also see some magnificent and wondrous clouds behind me as the sun was setting.  And then there is a weed next to me that looks as tall as a tree.  

I also can close my eyes and remember my son blowing the bubbles and the elation pouring out of him as the bubbles stayed in form for so long.  I can feel the wind blowing across my face and remembering how I had to keep brushing my hair out of the way of the camera.  If I close my eyes I can be transported back to this exact moment.  

This is why I take photos.

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

My First Gallery Photograph and a Chance to Snag a FREE 5x7

Back in May, you may remember I spoke about one of my photographs being chosen as part of an Underground Gallery in Washington, DC.  If you missed it, you can check out the posting here.

I was completely FLOORED when I got the email that my photograph was chosen.  It is the first time I've had any photo requested for a gallery.  I went to see it on Mothers Day, but they did not have the gallery up yet.  Due to all the craziness of preparations for our move, we did not make it back until Fathers Day in June.

I honestly can't put into words how it felt to be walking down a corridor filled with beautiful captures of the Cherry Blossoms in our Nation's City, and to come across my very own perspective, my very own photograph.

My Photo and I <3

ISO 3200 ~ 28mm ~ f/5.0 ~ 1/30 sec

© Corrie M Avila

The lighting was awful, I forgot to bring my tripod, the ISO had to be jacked all the way up, my hair was a mess, it was a very long day... just days before our move... but I couldn't have been happier <3

My Name!! In Print!!

ISO 3200 ~ 53mm ~ f/5.0 ~ 1/50 sec

© Corrie M Avila

If you are in the Washington DC/ Northern VA area, you must check out the Underground Gallery.  There are some beautiful and amazing photographs.  You can get there by metro (probably the easiest way) or you can drive and park in one of the parking garages (they are free on the weekends and after 4pm on weekdays).

ISO 3200 ~ 38mm ~ f/5.0 ~ 1/30 sec

© Corrie M Avila

Here is a map of the area that has the Gallery.  The red arrow is pointing to where my photograph is.  There is a really cool funky striped wall just opposite my photo.  The website of Fotowalk Underground is here.

My Photo is Featured near the Bottom Left

The Gallery will be on display until November 4th, 2013.  So even though I am no longer in Washington DC, a little piece of me is <3  

Sharing the Love

As a thank you to those who venture out to see all 150 of the beautiful photographs displayed, I will give the first FIVE people a free 5x7 of your choice (shipping included).  All you have to do is post a photograph of yourself with my Cherry Blossom Photo.  You can reply with a link to your photo below in the comments or you can post it directly onto Traveling Hearts Photography's Facebook Page.

The Chosen Photograph

ISO 100 ~ 50mm ~ f/11 ~ 1/200 sec

© Corrie M Avila

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

Am I a man or a muppet?

Have you seen The Muppets?  It's a favorite in our home... (If you are on a mobile device, the video clip won't show up.... just google "Man or a Muppet"or look at the blog post on a desktop and the video clip should be there)

Lately I've been going through a lot of personal things.  Something I don't talk about very often is that I went to school for social work.  While I have worked in the field, I have not been able to attain my license due to our family relocating every few years with the military.  Our last tour I was working part-time and eventually had to leave my job completely because of our family situation.  My family always comes first and I needed to step away from my career and give my family 200%.

This was quite the blessing in disguise.  I needed something to keep me busy and that is when I picked up my camera and started to get serious about photography.  I was able to be with my family, give my youngest the special attention he needed, make all the additional appointments and yet still have a creative and fun outlet for myself.

Now it seems I am at a crossroad.  The boys are older, the previous pressing issues aren't there anymore, and we will be in one place for three years (translation ~ long enough to get licensed).

My heart is torn.  I want to do both.  I want to continue to pursue photography and get established in the area.... but I still have the heart of a social worker.  Is it possible to do both?  Yes, of course... but the way I handle tasks is to give my all.  I won't be able to divide my all three ways (photography, social work & family).  Something will have to give... something will sacrifice...

So am I a man (ahem ~ woman) or a muppet... I'm still not sure... but time will tell

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

moving, loving, and cherishing

Military transfers are hard in many ways.  I've talked about some of that in my previous blogs here and here anddddd here....

But I wanted to change it up and talk about one of the positive aspects of a military move.

Fernandina Beach, FL

(iPhone photo)

© Corrie M Avila

A typical military family endures many separations due to deployments, duty shifts, or just the regular demands of the job.  But during a military move (PCS) there is often the ability to take some time off in between jobs.  It sort of recharges the military member as well as the family.

my two littles

Instagram Photo

© Corrie M Avila

Yes there is the normal moving stuff that goes on.. unpacking, reorganizing, traveling, ect.... but there is also time just spent with the family.  Sort of like hitting the pause button on life for a bit.

one of our "waiting days" in the new house

ISO 800 ~ 33mm ~ f/5.0 ~ 1/40 sec

© Corrie M Avila

We are settling in nicely to our home... watching for lizards, listening to the rain, walking on the beach, searching for shark teeth and most importantly just being together.

magnolia bloom from my front yard

Instagram Photo

© Corrie M Avila

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

Ten Reasons why Moving is like Being Pregnant

1. you experience a mix of emotions ranging from excitement to fear
2. there is so much preparation; however much of the prep work is the idea of the future and not anything specific
3. there is most definitely a "nesting" phase
4. the uncertainty of the future
5. awkwardness from friends who don't know how to react with the news
6. needing new clothes (change of seasons/climate)
7. hormonal emotions
8. after you move, everyone wants to come visit to see the new "house"
9. there is a time period before, during, and after ~> where you just don't sleep
10. the feeling towards the end can be likened to being 9 months pregnant... even if you know how bad it's going to hurt when that baby comes out, you just want it done and over with

Pregnant with Hope of the Future

ISO 100 ~ 60mm ~ f/5.6 ~1/50 sec

© Corrie M Avila

but in the end, you always adjust to the new normal ~ 
it just takes a bit of time...

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

Simply Stated {CICADAS}

I didn't mind these guys when they first started to play their love song in my backyard.  I actually thought it was kind of cute the way they were calling to one another.  I laughed at the people who put netting over their trees... thinking to myself "silly people, what are a few bugs going to do to your tree?" HA!! Was I wrong!!  These things are NUTS!  They are EVERYWHERE.  They are huge, the size of a florida palmetto bug AND THEY FLY!!  So take cover if you see one coming, because it will land on whatever body part is in it's path (yes, even your FACE!!).

Cicada

ISO 400 ~ 60mm ~ f/3.5 ~ 1/400 sec

© Corrie M Avila

I was having a discussion with my husband while we were driving and watching a cicada hang on for dear life on the windshield wiper.  He was asking if they do any damage... I'm like, "hmmm, I don't know ~ let me google it."  So I find out that yes, indeed they do cause damage, to trees to be exact.  (Notice I am no longer laughing at the people who put netting over their trees).  Apparently, after the cicadas mate, the female drills a hole into the tip of the branch and inserts her eggs (400 of them!!).  Several months later, the nymphs crawl down the tree and burrow into the ground to then hang out until the next cicada takeover seventeen years from now.

Supposedly, older trees can handle this and they bounce back... but I gotta tell you, my tree is looking pretty sad.  The leaves on the branch tips are all changing color and starting to die.  The branches are sagging and looking like they've been, well, infested by locusts (which is not far from the truth).

Tree Branch after Cicadas

ISO 400 ~ 300mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/640 sec

© Corrie M Avila

I saw this video on the life of a cicada... and I kind of feel bad for them.  They wait underground for seventeen years to live for about six weeks and then die.  It is kind of melodramatic don't you think?

I held off on photographing these guys because they are just plain creepy.  They have eyes like tomatoes (my son's opinion), bodies bigger than palmetto bugs, they fly in a kamikaze fashion, and they are EVERYWHERE.  But today, I decided that I wanted to document a bit of history.  I mean, these guys are only around every seventeen years and all.

Cicada

ISO 400 ~ 60mm ~ f/3.5 ~ 1/250 sec

© Corrie M Avila

After getting bomb rushed by a cicada, and having one on our windshield wiper, and having one fly into the car (that was a fun one)... we started hearing the word cicada in our conversations.  It went something like this.... Hey honey, did you pick up the cicada? (while I really said "cheese").  Or, "Can you cicada?" (while he really said "catch up").  I'm not kidding, these cicadas have TAKEN OVER in more ways than one.  I'm hoping that we are at the tale end of their six week lifespan.  While I never want to wish for one's demise, this is a little more than I can handle.

Capturing the Moment (literally)

Corrie <3

Washington DC Photo Exhibition featuring a Photograph by Yours Truly

In the wake of a very difficult start to May, I got some VERY exciting news!  I was informed that one of my Cherry Blossom photos was chosen to be displayed in an exhibition called Photowalk Underground.  My photo will be one of 150 photos capturing the Cherry Blossom festival in Washington DC.  The exhibit started yesterday (5/10/13) and runs for six months.  Our Mother's Day plans tomorrow include going and seeing it in person.

Oldest section of Cherry Blossom Trees

Tidal Basin ~ Washington, DC

ISO 100 ~ 50mm ~ F/11 ~ 1/200 sec

© Corrie M Avila

This exhibition is part of the Art Underground initiative in Crystal City, VA.  Here is a map of where the photos will be displayed.  If you go, please let me know!!  I'll follow up after we make our trip there tomorrow.

Getting closer and closer to our move date  has been very bittersweet for me, but knowing I am leaving a piece of me in DC is a nice gift <3

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

Never Lose A Single Moment with the People you Care About the Most

This past week was the hardest week of my adult life (except giving birth of course).  My youngest son and I were recovering from the crud the week before and were finally starting to feel better towards the end of the weekend.  But on Monday my other son, Gabriel, started to get sick.  It was the high fever, stomach bug, couldn't keep anything down sort of sickness.  By Thursday I knew something was really wrong so I brought him to the military clinic.  After three hours there it was evident I needed to take him to the ER.  It was very obvious he had severe dehydration, but with the addition of other presenting symptoms, they were also considering appendicitis.

This was a VERY scary time for me.  This is the first time that either of my kids have needed more medical attention than for bronchitis or a bumped head.  I watched as he got his first IV and had blood taken.  Held his hand as he cried with a painful ultrasound on his abdomen and reassured him as they prepped him for a CT scan.  But thankfully, his other symptoms were all stemming from the dehydration and whatever bug he originally got ~ and it was not something more serious (like appendicitis) that would have required surgery.  Had he needed surgery, I know we would have gotten through it, but I thank God he didn't.

In the midst of our hardships this week, we also had many positive things happen to be thankful for.  Our house is now rented (woohoo), my husband finished his last assignment for his Masters Degree (DOUBLE WOOHOO), and we have our living situation for our move to Florida finalized.  But more important than all of that, is my family is all back home safe, sound, and on the road to recovery.

Don't every get caught up in all the things that "must" get done or too busy to do the things that matter the most with the people who are everything to you <3

So this brings me to what is okay and what is not okay to take photos of?  While my little guy was in pain, I was 100% not thinking about taking photos.  But while he was resting and I was just staring at him, I wanted to capture that moment in time.

These photos were all taken with my iPhone with some minor edits in Photoshop.  The photos are not good quality, there is quite a bit of noise in some of them, and the composition is lacking... but they accomplish their purpose.  Maybe my son will want to see them when he get's older, maybe not.  But I have them in case.

And here he is feeling much better <3

While we were waiting for many of the tests and results, I kept telling Gabriel how brave he was being.  I told him it was okay to be scared and it was even okay to cry.... that I would be there right next to him holding his hand.  We made it through this, our most difficult challenge yet and our family is stronger for it.

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3