Day 190: Hiking Through the Hills

Best Moments:
1. Having friends to share the journey with
2. Getting up early to go for a hike
3. Being kissed on the lips by an old Italian man walking by and wondering what just happened
4. Realizing that the hike was more than I anticipated, but so happy that I went
5. Getting done with the most challenging part of the hike in the beginning, and then going downhill afterwards
6. Listening to other travelers on the trail
7. Photographing the colorful villages
8. Enjoying pesto in the best place for it
9. Seeing a pug and getting to pet him even though the owner didn't speak English, I think there was an understanding
10. Taking the train and boat to see the villages
11. Gazing into the unreal, blue Mediterranean
12. Meeting on the beach with friends to have wine, focaccia, and an amazing pesto lasagna
13. Making the most of the evening by going to a concert in the old town
13. Watching people in their windows as they looked down on the concert

Flickr Set of Images

Day 174: Travel Pic

Here is my Kendra picture for this trip.  I mentioned this the last time that I left, but I always take a picture of Kendra with me.  She looks so peaceful in this one.  I will miss her.

Day 109: One Ear Open

This is what I came home to tonight.  Somebody had a busy day.  I think I'd like to do the same.

One highlight of the day was a visit from a student I had four years ago.  We used to have lunch together everyday and then after the year was over, we lost touch.  It was so amazing to see how much she has grown and matured.  Once a student that was hating school and had kind of given up, now a student with straight A's and ambition to help others by selecting a career like pediatrician or social worker.  Visits like this are definitely one of the perks of the job.

Day 54: Visual Cues

Today is a Kendra picture day, but I thought I'd get a different angle.  Happiness can often be seen without any words necessary.  In fact, there is a distinct look to those that are happy; it cannot be hidden. 

Kendra has several ways to show her emotions, but her tail is a clear sign of her mood.  Tonight you can tell that she is upbeat.  When she is not feeling well, her tail hangs low and does not resemble the tight curl that is known with pugs.  Although humans don't have tails, I think the signs are just as easily visible.

On a side note, it is strange how I got on this topic.  I find myself discussing topics that were not planned.  I guess that is the fun of just letting the thoughts spill out on the keyboard with the picture being the centerpiece.

Day 39: Girl's Best Friend

When I walked through the apartment door today, I was in desperate need of some lovin from my sugar dumplin.  Today was probably one of my roughest days of teaching and I really wish that I could get a redo.

As I lie in bed finishing this blog so I can go to bed, I am so thankful to have Kendra by my side through the night.  Although I am worried about what tomorrow may bring, at least I don't have to lie in bed with this anxiety by myself.  There have been many emotional nights where not being alone has made all the difference.  Thanks for being there Kendra Francine Reece. 

Day 26: Hungry Eyes

After a tiring day I came home to a pup that was ready to go outside, eat, and sleep.  I was ready to do the last item on the list.  I don't like getting into the habit of taking naps, but I've been sooooooo tired.  It's nice to have someone that wants the same thing.

The last time I went to the vet he said that I need to keep an eye out for cataracts.  I think my camera is picking up on them.   

That's all I've got for tonight.  Hopefully the weekend with be fun-filled and action packed.

Day 5: Flow

The idea of flow comes from a text I am reading for a graduate class.  The author's name is pronounced chicks-send-me-high.  His name is interesting, but the content he writes about is even more interesting.  

We have all experienced flow.  It is  when you have lost track of time, when you have become completely devoted to whatever it is that catches your attention.  

Last night in class we were asked what has ignited that feeling in us before.  I had a hard time thinking of what did it.  At first, the only thing I could think of is when I get one of my "I'm going to try this" ideas.  I've always felt such engagement in a new idea that captivates me and requires that I delve into research and learn more.  Most recent ideas include: "I want to be a photographer," "I want to be a travel writer," "I want to move to Indianapolis," and planning for a trip.  I think I find most excitement in the idea of something else, which I know is not good, but it possesses me.  I'm not saying that these interests are not valid, but I need to be aware of the lure of potential.


In this picture you see some solid items that have given me the moment of flow.  I'll explain below.  On a side note, I wonder how many times Kendra is going to sneak into these photos throughout the year.


Poster: I love searching for posters and using them as art.  I also really enjoy that moment when I get to frame a poster and hang it up.
Harry Potter: These books were some of the first that showed me how engaging a book could be.  When I was younger, I didn't really enjoy reading, but these books showed me the value.
Venice DVD: I LOVE watching our video recordings of travel.  There is something about drinking a glass of wine and reminiscing about fun times.
Camera: This is not my good camera, but it represents the same idea.  Photography definitely holds happiness for me.  The entire process is exciting, which brings me to my next point.
Epson Cartridge: I really enjoy printing my photos and seeing what I have captured on a tangible piece of paper.  Of course I love framing them too.
Sand: There is just something about walking in sand on a beach by the ocean.
A Moveable Feast: Reading this book while is Paris really brought the descriptions to reality.
Venice Map: Venice has been one of my all time favorite trips.  I never used this map, but it still makes me think about the navigation around the city through landmarks.
Greenery: I easily lose time while working with plants, especially when I get a fun potting idea.
Kendra: Our walks force me to take time everyday to look up.  I saw one of the clearest skies the other night; Orion was stunning.

Day 1: Beginnings

There are several days I wished I could start this project because I felt I had a story to tell for the day.  Of course, the first day of this project left me wondering what to photograph.  It is supposed to be exhilarating and a chance to begin anew.  Instead I find that today is not so different from yesterday.  But then I think about what is constant, and that is the subject of today's photo.  My daily walks with Kendra are a highlight of my day, even if I must dress like one of the Inuit in my puff coat with the fake fur hood up and my purposeful, yet not fashionable boots.  I enjoy watching ears bounce in her shadow from the artificial light.