51- that I don't have to work full-time to put food on the table
52 -my favorite perfume
53- that dentists ask me to sub
54- I get to wear scrubs to work
55- coffee to go
56- that I have a job where I get to have one-on-one relationships
57- that I know how to be healthy and when I mess up, I get a do-over every day
58- my alone time in the car
59- our dishwasher
60- our nice, cozy home

Listing a thousand Gifts by the end of November

1- a house big enough to have a guest suite
2- friends and family who want to stay with us

3- people who inspire me

4- someone who only speaks highly of others

5- long walks on cold, crisp mornings

6- the time change, for lighter walks in the morning

7- a healthy body to be able to exercise

8- puppies and the happiness they bring to lonely neighbors

9- a warm house

10- frost on windshields

11- the contrast of colors of the leaves 

12- bright red leaves 

13- Fall candles

14- pumpkin cake and pie with whip cream

15- my very smart, creative, loving and generous cousin, Lynn who is helping me with photography

16- how she encourages me to never quit when I'm frustrated

17- FaceTime with Meghan in Santa Monica

18- anticipation of a vacation to visit her later this month

19- early morning coffee and breakfast with John

20- my job being close to home

21- up north Michigan

22- group texts

23- games

24- every single person in our euchre group

25- strong family bonds that never change

26- photo opportunities right here at home and near town

27- coats, hats and mittens

28- good walking shoes

29- indoor exercise equipment
30- that I enjoy fruits and vegetables

31- my digital camera and new flash

32- music, music, music, music, music

33- bubble baths

34- the ability to know how to pamper myself

35- being able to read and type

36- my computer and cell phone
37- the scary fact that although I gave away several bags of clothes recently, I don't miss a thing

38- the ability to forgive

39- people in my life with a sense of humor

40- my car and how it starts every single time I get in it

41- being able to afford gas when it costs $3.69/gallon

42- that I don't need to take any prescription medications

43- my shoulder being back to normal

44- I'm going to say that one again... my shoulder feeling so much better

45- Ken, the physical therapist

46- my life-long friendship with Jan

47- hot coffee with almond milk

48- hot showers with nice smelling shampoo/conditioner

49- toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss :)

50- our newly painted garage floor

Whatever it takes, Lord.

I heard this song this morning while I was working out and it immediately resonated with me. I am so guilty of only going to God when I need Him and tend to put Him on a shelf until I'm totally desperate (Forgive me, Lord!). I write this post today when I'm not desperate, but filled with gratitude that He is always there to pick me up. I'm grateful for the times when things aren't going so great, when I'm forced to go to the only one who can really give me comfort anyway. I'm even grateful for the losses in my life.

He promises He will never let me go; it's me who lets Him go.

"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 4:19

I love when God speaks to me through a song. Have you heard this one? It gives me comfort and it makes me stop and appreciate all He has done for me.

"Let Her Go."



Are you like me?

Appreciating God's Beauty at The Detroit Zoo

Photo Shoot End of Week #1

I'm excited about all I learned this first week. I took all of these photos in manual mode. Thanks to my sweet cousin, Lynn for the many hours she spent teaching me!















Linc took this next one of me in "automatic" mode. He thinks I should just snap and shoot photos this way. Personally, I like doing it my way! ;)

Assignment #2

A lesson on ISO today... Always start at lowest number for lowest amount of "noise." Outside start at 100 and inside start at 400.

Assignment #1

My first homework assignment taken in manual mode with available light.

Speed: To start, don't go any lower than 60. Adjust something else. Get meter to Zero.