A Church Home

We had the blessing of taking both my inlaws in to church this morning. Due to ill health and the natural concerns about getting out in cold weather, they had not been going as regularly as they did in the past. But what a greeting they received this morning. As people saw them, they came from all over the auditorium to greet them literally with hugs and kisses. As she visited with her friends, my mother-in-law's face was the brightest and happiest I've seen it in a long time.

Having lived a long life, we've had several church homes, but I have permanent friends from all of them. These are people that you can go years without seeing and pick up right where you left off. These are people who are there for you when times are rough. And it is reciprocal, we are there for them when life's storm clouds hit.

Most of my closest friends come from the congregations we've been apart of. They are priceless in my life.

Contest Entries

I spent the last two days finishing up my entry for the Windland Smith Rice International Awards sponsored by Nature's Best Magazine. I took a look at the entries I made two years ago. It is gratifying to know that whether I place or not this year, my work seems to have improved over time.

Click here to check them out. My entries for the Shell BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year are at the bottom of this webpage.

Hope you like them!

Turkey Gobbles

When you travel in an RV, you wake up in the same bed every morning. However, the sounds around you are different for each location. I know I'm at Lake Tanglewood when I wake up to the sound of turkey gobbles right outside the RV. Wild turkeys roost in the trees of a ravine by my sister-in-law's house. They pass right behind the RV on their way to forage each morning.

I do my "morning time" in the front seat of the RV. I enjoyed a new set of morning bird visitors yesterday. There is a pair of western kingbirds. After having been in the valley, I had to double check and make sure which kingbirds I was seeing - there are such subtle differences. But I'm pretty sure I'm seeing western kingbirds.

I was delighted to see a Bullocks Oriole - so much brighter orange than the photos in the book. A couple of hermit thrush bounce along the ground in the brush and grass in front of the RV. And I was delighted to see a blue gray gnatcatcher working the cedar tree in front of me.

As I went to the jeep to go over to my mother-in-laws, I could hear a Carolina wren.

And my scripture for the day: Psalm 96

Sing to the Lord a new song
sing to the Lord all the earth
Sing to the Lord, praise His name . . .

Let the heavens rejoice,
Let the earth be glad:
Let the sea resound,
and all that is in it;
Let the fields be jubiliant,
and everything in them.
Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy . . .

One of my goals before heading off on our next trip was to have a usable copy of my book - including a cover. I have a preliminary copy. The books I'm putting together now are probably not in the final format - I'd rather have a normal book size rather than a 8 1/2 by 11 size book. But I have succeeded in putting together a book that I could get printed out at a local copy store should someone want to use it for a Ladies' Bible Class.

I don't know whether it will be appropriate for "show and tell" when I'm talking to the publisher's next month - but it will please me to be able to hand out a few of these to friends who are interested in getting a copy of my book.

While I did not get the printing done for these samples before I left, there are Kinkos here in Amarillo. Hopefully, I can get some copies ready.

The County Mowers

Although I never got around to photographing the bluebonnets that are growing along the road in front of my pasture, I have been very proud of them. A number of years back, we threw out the seeds. The first few years we got a few here . . . a few there . . . The ones by the house never really took off - I saw one here and there this year. A couple of years ago we added a lot of bluebonnet seed as well as some other wildflower seeds right by the fence. Lesson . . . the horse can reach over or through the fence to eat the fresh green leaves of baby wildlflowers.

But last year the bluebonnets had really taken off. They went to seed and this year the display was beautiful.

I knew that before too long, the county would send the mowers by. I was hoping we would not see them until after the bluebonnets had fully seeded out.

As I sat on my porch yesterday morning, I heard something . . . it sounded like heavy equipment . . . hum . . . could it be the mowers . . . I was only dressed in my at home house dress. I ran in the house and called Henry in the RV - I think I hear the mowers coming, can you run up there and make sure they don't mow the bluebonnets?

Well, by the time Henry got there, they had mowed a strip right by the road - when they got past the bluebonnets they moved further in closer to the fence. I had jumped in the car and was sitting by the mail box. But they had left a strip of the pretty yellow flowers. Oh no . . . he's turning around . . . there went the yellow flowers . . . Henry stood guard and they did not mow any more of "my" bluebonnets . . . but the few bluebonnets that had migrated across the road won't go to seed this year. And they mowed a few of mine in that swath by the road. I don't normally give people ugly looks . . . but my facial expression must have conveyed my frustration. That's sad, because during other parts of the year, I appreciate the nicely manicured roads. But during wildflower season?

Now I know that there are places that need to be mowed for safety reasons. I had a friend die out on a country road partly because of high vegetation that obscured her view of the dump truck coming around the corner. Tall weeds and corners don't go together. But I live on a straight-away. Bluebonnets and the yellow flowers are not tall enough to obscure any driver's visibility. Yes, we've had a lot of rain this year and grass is tall (my yard is a jungle, but I don't want to mow until any and all flowers have a chance to seed - then we can go for the "manicured" look.)

I live out in the country - Texans are proud of their wildflowers . . . why do we have to mow them down prematurely?

Wrens

I've known for a while that we have wrens. Several years back I had noticed a small bird that would fly out from underneath my garage door when I would enter the garage. At that time, I did not get a good enough glance to know for sure which bird was frequenting the garage.

One year we had some boxes that stayed too long on the back porch. I noticed that I had a small bird that would take a very circuitous route that would end by him darting into the box. The frequency of the trips told me that there had to be a nest - so naturally the boxes stayed through the summer. Definitely a wren, it was so much fun to watch it land on the table, then the chair, then the top of the box. Very wary, it waited until it thought no one was looking before entering the box.

A couple of years ago, I put out a series of wren nesting boxes. I'm not sure the wrens are using them. But I have a glass bird feeder with a small area of broken glass - they are nesting there. This is the second year for that nest.

With my suet feeder in the front yard, I have a pair of wrens that sneak in to eat. They never stay long and seem much more nervous than the white crowned sparrows. I tried to put out a mealy worm feeder near the front porch, but they never found it.

For a small bird, they have an amazingly strong call. Very sharp, very sweet and distinctive . . . ter radio radio radio tweet . . . .ter radio radio radio tweet

I've trying to learn my bird calls. I can now pick out the Carolina wren's distinctive call. I can't always seem them - but I hear them every morning.

The Hawk

Birdsong fills the air in the mornings at my house. From the "ter radio radio radio" of the wren, the "pa-tewter pa-tewter pa-tewter" of the cardinals, the redwing blackbirds harsh cry, and the white wing doves coo, I hear a beautiful symphony to start my day. While I was enjoying the tranquilty of the morning and the birds visiting the feeders, I saw a bird coming in fast from the treeline across the road. I could tell it was a bigger bird than the doves and the sparrows, but it was coming in much faster . . . I realized it was a small hawk and it was certainly on a mission. It came in low only slightly above the grassline flying through the barbed wire fence -the destination - the hanging feeder on the other side of my front porch. I had moved my sitting spot toward the north end of my long porch to have better viewing of my bluebirds so I did not see whether he was successful in his stealth raid. I only saw him come in, I did not see his departure. But all the little birds disappeared. The air was eerily silent. From the woodpile in the pasture, I would occasionally hear a very small, very timid "Peep" . . . . "Peep" . . . . . . . . . . . . "Peep" My realm was very silent for a very long time as the birds fled to their hiding places. Thirty to forty five minutes later, my "regulars" slowly began to return.

Since I had a sharp shinned hawk during the winter, my best guess is that my raptor was either a sharp shinned or a cooper's hawk. While I have had northern harriers in the area recently, this bird's behavior and appearance did not match.

Having seen this quick and unexpected attack . . . I can't help but wonder if my missing bluebird has been a meal for this hawk.

The Bluebird Saga

Since I found the dead babies, I had not been seeing the bluebirds. Last year I had them a brief while and when they left they did not return. So I was resigned that perhaps next year would be the year for a successful nest.










As with everyone, my life has its ups and downs. On Monday and Tuesday, I was disturbed by some things. It is never fun to be angry with God . . . but I was a little. On one level, I know that God is faithful and in the long run "all things work for the good of those who love the Lord (Romans 8:28). But I was in a blue mood. I had memories from events in my childhood where things had not worked out well in the long term. I was struggling with faith issues. I even finished all the tax returns and had them mailed on time. That should have had me leaping for joy, but instead I was in a blue, weary, grumpy, state. Even the weather did not help, Tuesday was overcast, dreary, with some occasional rain.

But Wednesday came and with it sunshine and . . . . BLUEBIRDS!!!!! It was like a ray of sunshine or a rainbow for me. I got news that the situation I was worried about had resolved in ways better than I could have ever hoped for. Relationships were restored and taken to a higher level. I could not help but consider my bluebirds in the role of the "Bluebird of Happiness."
























They even seemed to be finding the mealy worms that I had placed on the fence posts. Both the male and the female were going in and out of the nesting box. I was glad that I had cleaned it out. My entire day was filled with the good things in my life - a wonderful day!


My time at home is growing short and I'm making sure I have time on the porch. But since Wednesday I have only seen the male bluebird. I pulled out my camera Thursday and finally have photos of "my" bluebird." I have been delighted to finally see him eat the mealy worms that I set out every day. But that joy is tinged with some grief. He is alone. I am not seeing the female.













I see him go in and out of the birdhouse. I see him eat mealy worms. And I watch him stand on the birdhouse and call.












He will sing and























then tilt his head as though trying hard to hear a reply.

I've checked the box . . . no new nesting material. He is definitely hanging around. But it takes two to tango. I can't help but wonder if this is a different male. Is he singing to reunite with his mate? Is he trying to say "I've found home, it’s a great place, lots of mealy worms . . . I'm attractive . . . I'll sing to you . . . I've got this great place to welcome you . . . come live with me . . . "

We leave next week. I won't be around to put out the mealy worms. I'm trying to see if my neighbor would put out suet treats along that fence line in hopes of keeping the bluebird in our area. I'll gladly move the nesting box that the house sparrows are trying to steal to make it easy for my neighbors to enjoy the bluebirds.

But on the long term, I'm still hopeful that some day I'll need to buy more bluebird homes to accommodate all the bluebirds that will be in my yard. Years and years ago, I planted bluebonnet seeds in my yard - some along the roadway some in the yard. A couple of years ago I added to the ones on the road. Through the years they have grown, bloomed, and multiplied. Last year they were thick going along the road about halfway down my propery line. This year they were the thickest and prettiest ever. But it took several years. I will be patient.

Planning an Adventure

I tend to "sneak up" on big trips. Some of that has to do with big trips we've planned in the past that had life events take them away. The first time we were planning a trip to California, we had a death in the family, I think it was my dad's death that made it impossible to take that trip. We had planned a spring break trip to Big Bend when my grandmother died. Our life the last couple of years has been only roughly structured. When people ask when are we heading out again, often my reply is: "I'm not sure exactly, but I think we'll be leaving in ____ weeks. I know we'll be ________at this date, and ________ at that date, but in between . . . I'm not sure what the schedule is.

And so it is now. I think we'll be home another 10-14 days with perhaps a couple of days heading out to try to photograph wildflowers. We'll probably be in Amarillo for a week or so. We'll be in Colorado May 19th for that writer's conference. Then there is a "dead" space for a couple of months. Will we go home . . . will we try to go to Yellowstone . . . will we go to a wildlife refuge in northern Colorado I discovered last year . . . unknown right this minute. We will be in Amarillo at the end of July for a wedding. We'll be in St. Louis the first weekend in August for NASFIC where Henry is one of the guests. We have a wedding in Austin at the end of August.

But then . . . . then . . . the adventure I'm sneaking up on . . . a trip to Africa. It has almost not seemed real, rather something fragile that I might chicken out of doing due to expense or that might have to be postponed for other family reasons. But, if we are going, it is time to start picking out what we are going to do and get reservations in place.

We have friends living in Africa and it has been my goal to visit them while they are there. To me the most important part of the trip is spending time with them, helping in some way with their mission work. But it is also a photography trip. I already knew some of the things I would want to do - Chobe in Botswana, Victoria Falls, etc. I've been struggling with whether to do things on our own which has been our habit - which is often cheaper than trying to do tours. But I've been convinced that at least on our first visit to Africa, it is probably wise to go with guides who are knowledgeable not only about their area, but who also know how to protect their guests. I've heard from other people who have gone on safaris about the armed guards at the camps. Now before you get alarmed, these armed guards are not there to protect against human marauders . . . no, it is the lepeoards in the trees, the lions in the bush, and perhaps the elephant that decides that his bed for the night is right next to the door of your tent.

What is beginning to take shape: time at Chobe, time at the Luangwa River, and time in Namibia. On the radar as well is time in Livingston and Cape Town.

Shhh! I'm sneaking, I'm sneaking . . . we got our first shots this week, and there are typhoid pills in the refrigerator. It is beginning to feel real.

Planning an Adventure

I tend to "sneak up" on big trips. Some of that has to do with big trips we've planned in the past that had life events take them away. The first time we were planning a trip to California, we had a death in the family, I think it was my dad's death that made it impossible to take that trip. We had planned a spring break trip to Big Bend when my grandmother died. Our life the last couple of years has been only roughly structured. When people ask when are we heading out again, often my reply is: "I'm not sure exactly, but I think we'll be leaving in ____ weeks. I know we'll be ________at this date, and ________ at that date, but in between . . . I'm not sure what the schedule is.

And so it is now. I think we'll be home another 10-14 days with perhaps a couple of days heading out to try to photograph wildflowers. We'll probably be in Amarillo for a week or so. We'll be in Colorado May 19th for that writer's conference. Then there is a "dead" space for a couple of months. Will we go home . . . will we try to go to Yellowstone . . . will we go to a wildlife refuge in northern Colorado I discovered last year . . . unknown right this minute. We will be in Amarillo at the end of July for a wedding. We'll be in St. Louis the first weekend in August for NASFIC where Henry is one of the guests. We have a wedding in Austin at the end of August.

But then . . . . then . . . the adventure I'm sneaking up on . . . a trip to Africa. It has almost not seemed real, rather something fragile that I might chicken out of doing due to expense or that might have to be postponed for other family reason. But, if we are going, it is time to start picking out what we are going to do and get reservations in place.

We have friends living in Africa and it has been my goal to visit them while they are there. I already knew some of the things I would want to do - Chobe in Botswana, Victoria Falls. I've been struggling with whether to do things on our own which has been our habit - which is often cheaper than trying to do tours. But I've been convinced that at least on our first visit to Africa, it is probably wise to go with guides who are knowledgeable not only about their area, but who also know how to protect their guests. I've heard from other people who have gone on safaris about the armed guards at the camps. Now before you get alarmed, these armed guards are not there to protect against human marauders . . . no, it is the lepeoards in the trees, the lions in the bush, and perhaps the elephant that decides that his bed for the night is right next to the door of your tent.

What is beginning to take shape: time at Chobe, time at the Luangwa River, and time in Namibia. On the radar as well is time in Livingston and Cape Town.

Shhh! I'm sneaking, I'm sneaking . . . we got our first shots this week, and there are typhoid pills in the refrigerator. It is beginning to feel real.

Junk Birds????

I find myself valuing one set of birds over another set. In human terms that would be a form of discrimination or racism, I suppose. I find myself thoroughly enchanted by the bluebirds, cardinals, chickadees. I am less thrilled that the redwing blackbird flocks and the cowbirds have found my ground feeders. But I am pleased to see a flock of white winged doves at the feeder. I've also seen an occasional grackle - I'm not real happy about that, but then with the neighborhoods that are being built from the farmland and pasture around us, grackles will be inevitable. I enjoy my white crowned sparrows and field sparrows. And when I get the occasional blue gray gnatcatcher and yellow rumped warbler, I'm especially pleased.

I've looked at sparrow traps for my bluebird houses. But I've been told that even if I try to relocate the sparrows 35 miles away that they can return. If you are trying to have bluebirds, you are supposed to kill the house sparrows. I'm going to order the traps, but I wonder if I can bring myself to kill the sparrow. For those that want to know, the only birds not protected are house sparrows and starlings. I can legally kill either one. But . . . do I really want to? I do want bluebirds. And house sparrows are vicious. Stay tuned for updates. I did not see the bluebirds yesterday.

I've been asking myself why do I appreciate some birds more than others. I think that some of it has to do with the bird's tempermant and habits. And some birds are more naturally beautiful than others. And some birds can become nuisances. I know that when my son lived in a condo, the pigeons that roosted above his porch have given him a permanent distaste for birds. I find that sad. But I can understand why he did not appreciate the pigeons. So much pigeon poop making his porch an unpleasant place to be. Grackles are loud and live in large flocks, filling trees. On the Texbirds list serve recently, I read about a grackle getting into a hummingbird nest to kill and eat the hummingbirds. (Boo, boo, hiss hiss - we LIKE hummingbirds!) Cowbirds and blackbirds also live in large flocks. Plus cowbirds are known for putting their eggs in other bird's nests. The baby cowbird gets the food and the other babies die. Even the pretty blue jay does this trick. Right now I don't mind the blackbirds, but I'm getting mostly females. I can't help but wonder . . . where are the males? When My friend and I visited High Island, all we saw were the males and I wondered then: where are the girls?

I like the chicadees because they are such fiesty little birds - and they are cute! I like the barn swallows because I've enjoyed their nests in the eaves of my house and because they eat mosquitoes. Who doesn't like the beauty of a bright red cardinal? I keep hoping that goldfinches will discover my feeders some day. So many of the birds at my feeder are drab brown in color.

When we first moved to Hutto I planted Rose of Sharon and a few other perennials to attract hummingbirds. That has worked very well. I don't have to put out feeders and I get to enjoy the hummingbirds each summer. I've even seen them feed from my rose bushes. Everyone likes hummingbirds!

I guess I need to post at Texbirds and find out if I need to discourage the blackbirds and cowbirds. They can go through my seeds at the ground feeder very quickly. But I also suspect that many of them will migrate north shortly.

Bluebird babies

Well, we had bluebird babies. After opening up the nesting box to see what was going on, we found 2 dead babies and 2 small eggs. The babies were pretty young (although MUCH larger than the eggs). They were still downy and undeveloped. I did not see signs of injury, so I have to assume that the bitter unseasonable cold weather was too much for them.

I debated with myself, but decided to remove the nesting materials. The babies were beginning to smell and I thought that might make the adults reluctant to enter.

I still have mealy worms. Since the bluebirds are still hanging around, maybe they'll try again.

P.S. I've heard back from one of the people I've questioned about this situation. In case you were feeling sorry for those house sparrows . . . house sparrows have been known to kill a bluebird mother sitting on her nest. They've been known to kill the babies and build their nest on top of the dead bodies. Pretty vicious, huh?

P.P.S. I just checked one of the bluebird websites . . . sounds like removing the nest might stimulate them to rebuild. I'm glad my instinct was good. I really was hesitant as to whether to remove the old nest.

Bluebird Update

Well, I have still have bluebirds. I saw them today on the fence on the opposite side of the pasture. Disturbing though was that they never came over to the birdhouse - not even when the starlings and sparrows checked out their active box. I suspect that I'm going to have to open up that nesting box to see if there are dead birds or if I can determine that sparrows have chased out the bluebirds. I suspect that is what happened last year. My best guess: The bluebirds nested early . . . the sparrows came later and successfully invaded the bluebird's nest. My other theory was that wasps came and built their nest in the box and the bluebirds abandoned the site. I'm watching closely this year to see if I can make sense of what happens.

Now the starlings are another matter entirely . . . they are one of the bird species that will lay their eggs in someone else's nest. The other bird "raises" the starling - and the other babies may not survive.

I'm daily removing the sparrow's nesting material in the 2nd nesting box. But I also fear that will cause them to move to the other box.

Sigh . . . I so want the bluebirds to be successful with their nest and stay for the summer!

Bluebird Wars & Other backyard birds

Since the unusually cold weather this weekend, I have not seen my bluebirds. I have not had as much time outside in the mornings, but . . . this happened last year as well. So I'm a little concerned.

Last week I had fun watching the bluebirds defend their territory. There were some house sparrows on the other bird house and the blue bird engaged in mid-air combat to drive it away.

When I saw the house sparrow coming in and out of the other bird house I went over and cleaned out the nesting materials and turned it so the entrance hole faced a different direction. A little while later, I saw a perturbed sparrow singing what sounded like a forlorn little song. And while I might have felt a little bad . . . the reality is that house sparrows were imported from England back in the 1800's. They are quite agressive and have taken over many nesting cavities of native birds like my bluebirds. Last year, my bluebirds had their nest and disappeared after I saw song sparrows near their box.

I provide plenty of food for the various sparrows, a great woodpile for nesting and hiding. My bluebird boxes are for BLUEBIRDS, NOT SPARROWS.

I've also got Carolina wrens. I got to hear its sweet song. For a small bird, it has a penetrating call. When I looked up which wren, I was pleased that I had gotten the call correct as well as the identifying white marking above the eyes. I've put out a feeder with mealy worms for the wrens. I put it up first hidden near the porch. But when I saw a wren in the back, I moved it to a visible location. I can't tell yet whether the wrens have found the worms. I've also put mealy worms near the blue bird houses along with some insect suet. I've seen other birds feeding there, but so far the bluebirds have not shown any interest.

The white wing doves have returned in numbers to both my ground feeder and my feeders under the eaves. I love their soft coos.

I've still got white crowned sparrows, at least one Harris sparrow, mockingbirds, cardinals, scissortailed flycatchers, and blue gray gnat catchers.

I'll keep you posted as to whether I've "lost" my bluebirds again.

Science & Prayer

Having a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas and having attended science fiction conventions all these year, I am well aware of the conflicts between science and religion. After writing and posting last night, I did a google search to find the reference I remembered reading about the scientific studies of prayer and sick patients. I found myself "correcting" my post, because I could not find the study I thought I remembered. Instead, I found hostile articles from atheistic and agnostic scientists.

Christians often leap onto studies that support their beliefs - much to the chagrin and irritation of more empirical researchers. However, I find that these pure scientists also work under assumptions that require faith in their methodology as well. Sometimes I see "science" substituted for faith in God. Scientific theories change over time as new things are learned or found.

As Christians, I think we need to be very careful that we respect the role of science in our world. We need to be accurate when using science in our Christian lessons. Everytime a Christian misuses a scientific study or ridicules science, we put a barrier between scientists and Christ. I do not want to be a stumbling block that prevents someone from meeting Christ. If I am talking with a science oriented person, I need to be careful and talk their "language." I need to be respectful.

I believe that God created the earth. Whether he did it in 6 literal (24 hour) days - or 6 days in God's reckoning is not an issue for me. 2 Peter 3:8 "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." I believe that God created the natural forces that scientists study. I believe fossil records.

But I also believe that humans are spiritual beings as well as physical. Many of our illnesses occur when we are stressed over the events that happen around us. I like the medical practices that seek to treat the whole person. I think there is much science still has to learn about how the spirit and physical are connected. Many of our alternative medical treatments come from Eastern thinking.

I also found mention of a study on MIT - music, imagery, and touch therapy. Once again this fits in with the Biblical concept of the laying on of hands. And, it is also something that science has a hard time quantifying and measuring.

Both scientists and Christians need to overcome their prejudices so we can learn more about how God set up this glorious world - and how we can live happier, more productive lives in harmony with his plan.

Henry found one study for me - it is unique because it went out and evaluated 17 other scientific studies. I think it interesting as well that it comes from a social work perspective. Anyone who studies psychiatric and social work knows that different people respond very differently to psychological stimulus and treatment.

Our universe is a complex place. Humans are one of the most complex species. I think we need both science and religion.

Intercessory Prayer

While I'm at home, I like to get together with my friends, catch up on what they are doing, and just enjoy spending time with them. Over the last few days, I've gotten to spend some extended time with friends I don't always get to spend much time with in my short time frames at home. My friends are diverse - some from my current church family, some who have been part of my church family in the past, some from school days, some from Girl Scouts. But in my get togethers over the last few days, there has been a common thread. As I visit with each friend, I found that I could better pray for them after our visit. I knew more what is going on in their life now. And unfailingly, there were issues that need God's special touch. I found myself repeating the phrase: "Hum, now I know better how to pray for you."

I've read two books, Maxie Dunham's Workbook of Intercessory Prayer, and The Workbook of Living Prayer that have helped me in my prayer life. One I did as part of my devotional time, the other I taught at Ladies' Bible Class several years back. The study on intercessory prayer was powerful and compelling. I even got compulsive . . . if I don't pray about it, God can't answer. I've rejected that theme inpart because it puts too much pressure on me, and it gives me the possibility of taking credit for what is really God's work. I learned to pray regularly for people, but I don't feel called right now to pray for anyone every single day. Sometimes as part of my meditation and prayer time, some one's name comes up in my mind, and I do take time to pray for them. I also regularly make a written list of people around me - family, friends, neighbors, etc and pray specifically for the needs that I know about. The written list helps me focus my thoughts about what I want to pray for each one. It also gives me a history to look back through later and see how God has worked in their lives to answer those prayers.

But the people I've been around the last few days have not been on that list. I will take time this week to pray specifically for each of the needs that I could see.

I looked up the word intercessory at Dictionary.com.

Intercessory: Entreaty in favor of another, especially a prayer or petition to God in behalf of another.

Intercede: to act or interpose in behalf of someone in difficulty or trouble, as by pleading or petition: to intercede with the governor for a condemned man.

I think intercessory prayer does a number of things. First of all, when you take time to talk to people, asking about what is going on in their lives right now, they know that you care about them. When they share things that are concerning them with you, it takes some of their burden and allows you to share it with them - making it lighter. Sometimes, God uses those times so that you can share an insight or another way of looking at the problem. Sometimes, all you need to say may be: "Wow, that sounds like a painful thing to be going through." Or perhaps, "that is a difficult thing . . . anyone would be having problems with that."

But human problems don't always have immediate solutions. Human illnesses may stump doctors or have no permanent cures. I believe that God exists, that he cares what happens to us, and that he is still active here on earth. Therefore, prayer is important. Yes, God knows everything before we ask, but Jesus tells us: "Ask and ye shall receive, knock and the door shall be opened, seek and ye shall find." Medical science cannot explain it and is divided over the studies, but there are scientific studies that have shown that patients that are prayed for have statistically better outcomes than those who were not prayed for. (Correction: "Surveys have shown that millions of Americans routinely pray when they are ill or when someone they know is. A growing body of evidence has found that religious people tend to be healthier than average, and that people who pray when they are ill are likely to fare better than those who do not. Many researchers think religious belief and practice can help people by providing social support and fostering positive emotions, which may produce beneficial responses by the body." Rob Stein - Washington Post ) I can't explain it, but I've had difficult times in my life when people were praying for me. As the crisis ended, I could feel it somehow when the prayers tapered off, and it was time for me to walk less assisted.

Will I know and actually see the answers to the prayers I will make this week? Possibly not. But I know that in some mysterious way, my prayers will make a difference in the lives of these friends.

Colorado Christian Writer's Conference

As some of you may know, I wrote a Christian woman's 13 week Bible study several years ago. I sent it to several of my friends for them to give me feedback and catch obvious errors. But in the meantime, the photography interest was also growing . . . so my attention was divided. Knowing I had neglected my book, I submitted it to a Christian Manuscript Service last summer (see my "The Difficult First Step" and my "Mission Accomplished Blog." )

Several things have brought this back to my attention. I was asked to be part of a committee at church to help select curriculum for women. Henry is working at self-publishing one of his books. I have received a few emails from the Christian Manuscript Service posting from companies that do self publishing for Christian books. And while I was at the NANPA Summit, this book came up in one of my portfolio interviews. The concept of self publishing has some appeal - I could go ahead and get the book out there, but there is a lot of upfront cost. Plus, you still have to make sure it gets into distribution channels so it will make it to the shelves at the Christian bookstores.

So . . . after my meditation time this morning, I got on my computer. Henry had evaluated the two emails I had gotten. He thought one of them looked OK, but he did not like the look of the other one. In my heart, I knew that I had not done all of the things on my side that should be done before self publishing - primarily submitting books directly to the publishing houses. So I started looking up the publishers that I was familiar with, hoping to find the submission guidelines. And, yes, an inner part of me is going, "You're crazy . . . you're only home a short period of time, and you're adding another major project????"

Back when I had been checking things several years ago, I had seen references to the benefits of attending Christian Writer's Conferences. I had even gone so far as to check out the websites. But we were busy doing other things at the time, schedules were already busy. But as I was checking out the publishing websites and looking at the submission information, one of the ways to submit your work is at Christian Writer Conferences. Being a web junky, (er . . um . . web researcher), I found several. There was one in Marshall, Texas, but it did not have the events I was looking for. Hum . . . there's one in Colorado, Colorado Christian Writer's Conference. One of my favorite places . . . let's check that one out. The date was convenient. Location: Estes Park-great, but the first thing that caught my eye: four free one-on-one appointments for full time attendees. I've done this kind of thing at the North American Nature Photographer's Summit three times now. I looked at who would be attending. YES! The publishers that I am interested in will be there as well as literary agents that specialize in Christian books. I'll get an email with a form of some sort to list my choices and they included wonderful instructions to be in prayer as to which ones to choose. Best of all, you get an hour with each one - much easier than the 10 minute pitch Henry made a year or so ago.

Needless to say, I could not sign up fast enough. I've chosen workshops that match the kind of Christian writing that I want to do:

Writing for a Woman's Heart - Linda Evans Shepherd
Practice Your Pitch - Kathy Pickel
Writing for the Women's Ministry Market - Amy Nappa
Great Expectations (how to create a professional proposal) - Bill Jensen
Marketing Your Speaking Ministry (one of my goals is to be a motivational Christian speaker - this one looks right on
target) - Linda Evans Shepherd
First Impressions Count - Greg Johnson
Ready (or Not) - How to know when you are ready for an agent? Judy Mikalonis

Heart to Heart Writing - Susan Osborn - will be a continuing session meeting 5 times.

As I got my photography work started with the NANPA summits and other training I attended, I was amazed and humbled how God seemed to lead me to the events at the right time and in the right order. Each event seemed to build on what I had already learned to move me to the next level on the road to being a professional nature photographer. I have all along believed that my book "Life Lessons from the Desert" was God's. If he wanted it published, then it would be . . . in His time.

I've already had some practice presenting my work to professionals in the photography world. This will be my chance to present my work to professionals in the writing field. I have the advantage of having been around the science fiction world. My husband is a published writer. I know how hard it is to break in and get a book published. But I also know a little bit about ways to present my writing work professionally. And, I do have a history of working in Women's Ministries at our congregation.

I would ask my blog readers to join me in prayer . . . I want my life and my work to glorify God. I would like to ask God's blessing and guidance on this new effort on my part to serve him as a Christian writer and photographer.

More thoughts for the day

I ran across this quote today. I would love to live this ideal life. I would love it if everyone that came into contact with me left better and happier. Will that always be possible . . . perhaps not. But I think that finding quotes like this . . . and using them to inspire us to live our lives on a higher plane - brings a richness to our lives. While I am human, and often fail to reach my lofty ambitions, I still think it is better to strive for growth in my spiritual nature, even when I fall short due to my human frailties.

Another quote from Mother Teresa:

Spread love everywhere you go: first of all in your own house. Give love to your children, to your wife or husband, to a next door neighbor... Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness; kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting.

Death and Dying

A visitation last night, a funeral today, another church family death last night, and one of my photography friends tragically lost a young adult daughter.

I've lost both my parents and my mother and father-in-law are in their "elderly" years. Those years where health declines - and while it may get "better," better may mean better than the worst, but not as good as before.

The thought crossed my mind that there is a difference between suffering and sorrow.
Suffering occurs when you are ill, feeling pain, hurt. Suffering can be both physical and mental - and sorrow and grief are subsets of suffering.
Sorrow is more mental . . . sadness, grief, a sense of loss - which can be from losing a person in your life, losing a job, changing from one part of life to another - we grieve over many things.

We hate to watch our loved ones suffer - whether from illness or the consequences of poor choices. We grieve when our loved ones pass from this plane of existence to the next. Since it is a one way door, we don't know where they go or what happens next. We only have our faith structure to give us comfort.

I'm Christian . . . so it is of great comfort to me to visualize my loved ones in heaven in the presence of God. I've heard that Christian nurses say that the death of a Christian is so much easier than the death of a non believer. I can believe that because a Christian would not have the fear that death is THE END. Christians have confidence that death is just a transition from the earthly existence to a heavenly one.

But all human spiritual thought - regardless of faith - concludes that humans are more than flesh and blood - that there is a spirit within. While I want to preach Christ and his resurection - I also want to fulfill the exhortation to comfort those who are mourning.

God is bigger than I - God can see with much more clarity than I. While I don't understand why some people die young and others live richly through their old age, I believe that God has a plan for each one of us. And that plan includes our birth, our parents, our genetics, the chance events, the joys, the sorrows, the suffering, and finally our deaths. I believe that God is faithful - and that he will provide a beautiful existence for those that go on before us to the heavenly realms and that He will also provide comfort and peace to those of us left mourning here on earth.

Photographing Wildflowers

Living in Central Texas, spring is the most beautiful season of the year. Even before I got serious about photography, I would go out and enjoy the beautiful fields of bluebonnets, the primroses in the corners and the prickly poppy towering over the field. I've had flower identification books since the kids were little.

When I got serious about photography, that meant trying to capture the beauty of the wildlflowers both in Texas and as we travelled. And some years we have not been home long during the wildflower season. And income tax also falls during tax season. Another time conflict. Last year I did all of two sets of shots with the wildflowers - one on the way home from Amarillo when I was so tired and the skies were gray and wet. The other - the bluebonnets along the road in front of my house. The home bluebonnets were the best of the lot, but were . . . simply bluebonnets . . . nothing special. And, although I sent them to Texas Highways for the wildflower edition, they did not make the magazine. I was not really surprised.

So, as we headed home, I had on my to do list: Take time out and go shoot the wildflowers. After all, you travel thousands of miles to get seal pictures, and you don't even take time for the bluebonnets?????

Henry was thoughtful Sunday . . . and said without prompting - Let's go to Willow City Loop. I said, "Sure, but I've got to finish paying the bills." I thought we'd get out Sunday night and spend the night in Fredericksburg. I was also still filing papers from the mail (I still am). By Sunday evening I had at least the most important checks written and we planned to leave early Monday morning.

I've found wildflowers to be "tricky." I live in Texas . . . the wind ALWAYS blows in Texas. So issue #1. - you want to shoot ISO 100 so that you get the least amount of noise, you want to shoot a high f/stop for greater depth of field, that means even the slightest breeze gives you blurred flowers.

Issue #2. Wildflowers are WILD. That means they grow where they want to grow - sometimes the background and surrounds are beautiful. There are tall dry grasses surrounding them or growing through them. Dead grasses or weeds lurk around the edges or the center of your framing efforts. Bare trees, dead branches, fence posts or ugly brush thwarts the effort for a flawless shot.



Issue #3 - Lighting The colors of wildflowers photograph better on cloudy days, but if the day is too cloudy, everything takes on a gray cast. If the sun is out, there is more color, but the sun washes out the color. Gray days, less light, slower shutterspeed - see issue #1 - more blurred flowers.


Plus, if you want the sky in your shot, there needs to be some blue - solid cloudy days give the sky in your photos a dead white zone. (The trick with gray sky . . . frame your photo where the sky does not show) So - blue sky=sun . . . sun equals harsh light, washed out colors . . .

But sometimes you luck out . . . a friendly cloud shades your bluebonnets and you still get the blue sky background . . .



Issue #4 - Chimping outside. Chimping is slang for when you check the photo in the back of the camera. If you like what you see you go OOHH OOOHHH OOHHH. Part of that process is important - checking histograms for exposure, checking framing trying to find those things that are going to be distractions immediatetly so you can reshoot while on location. But it is bright outside - hard to see that little screen. Hard to know if you are really capturing that beauty.

Hum . . . I said wildflowers were tricky!

But none the less, I started the day hopefully. By the middle of the afternoon, I was hot, tired, thirsty. While the photos on the little screen on the camera looked sorta OK. I was at the low point of the day. I had waited for cooperative clouds to come shade my flowers and leave the sky with blue. I had sat on the ground to photograph the flowers at their level. Everynow and then I felt little "bites" and wondered if I was going to go home with chiggers - I didn't. II had "weeded' a few areas for a more pleasing end result. (yes . . . some people think that is cheating . . . but some contests don't let you clone . . . and some judges want a pristine, beautiful final product.) Remembering all the times I had gone out and shot disappointing wildflowers shots weighed on my mind.

We bailed on spending the night out. I knew I was tired. I had made three runs at Willow City Loop. Until the next group of flowers (more yellow ones) comes out . . . I was satisfied that I had done my best, but I doubted.

When we did get home, I began the download . . . I started looking at the photos. Yes, there were some blurred ones, some over exosed ones, distracting elements, compositions that just did not quite work. And I was too tired to finish the process until this morning . . .

After the initial sort to get rid of the unusable ones and find the hopefuls . . .


there were a few that just may have that "magic."

Outdoor Photographer Vanishing Treasures

You can vote for two of my images (or other images - whichever you think are the best ones - vote for the image in the gallery you think is the best - whether mine or not!) at the Outdoor Photographer's Vanishing Treasure Contest. One vote per person/email address. And you can vote once in the landscape and once for wildlife. There are many beautiful and deserving photos - if you have time wander through the galleries - you are in for a treat!

Here are the URL's for my images:

Wildlife Gallery

The Challenge

Newborn

Bonding

Baby's First Swim

Mortality

Landscape Gallery

Redwood Path

Sonoran Sunset

Misty Redwoods