Life Lesson

Yesterday I taught my primary class a lesson about Josiah, the boy king. He is the one that had the temple repaired and the workers found the lost book of the law. (the scriptures) Josiah was distressed when it was read to him because the people had strayed so far from the truth. The lesson plan suggested that I bring a book that was a personal record of some type to show that we need written records to remember the past. When I opened the cupboard above my computer that contains genealogy and photo albums I did a quick scan and then grabbed a binder that was simply labeled with a piece of tape, Dad's letters. I knew that would work.
During the class I shared the book. Dad would combine a memory from his past with current events. Of course he would add humor. They are well written and a treasure since my dad's short term memory is struggling at this time. I'm so very grateful to have his writings.
I randomly opened the binder and my eyes fell upon the opening of one of his letters. I laughed and shared the following story with the kids. The letter was dated November 24, 1984.


"There was this farmer, see, and he and his teen-age grandson had just finish loading a wagon load of hay and were going to cross the highway to unload it on the part of their farm which was on the other side.
Well, they no sooner got to the middle of the highway when the horses decided to balk, leaving them blocking both lanes.
Naturally, a sports car came over the crest of the hill doing 130 mph. When the driver saw the wagon full of hay, and the team of horses in the middle of the road he locked his brakes, spun around a half dozen times, skidded through the fence into the farmer's hay field, jumped a couple of ditches, crossed behind the wagon, broke through the fence in another place, bounced back up on the highway again, and, recovering his control "put the peddle to the metal" and went on his merry way.
"Wow! We sure are lucky, huh, grandpa?" exclaimed the grandson.
"I'll say," said the grandfather, "we got out of the hayfield just in time."



The girls laughed. Most of them got it. I got it on another level. It is something I've been pondering lately. Perspective and mistakes. My dear friend, Paula, is an amazing photographer up in Alaska. (www.paulapettijohnphotography.com) She shared, on facebook, some photos from a flight in a small plane over Wasilla not too long ago. In all the years I lived there I never saw Wasilla from Heaven's view. I saw it with my earthly eyes with all it's trials and struggles. (there were bright spots too) Her pictures made me cry. If only I could have had a different perspective back then. I would have seen more joy, appreciated the bigger picture.
I've come to look at mistakes differently too. I've made my share. Now I see that mistakes can be an opportunity to overcome and grow. When I'm taking photos I don't spend much time editing the photos that work perfectly. Now and then I come across one that missed the mark. Maybe my white balance was set wrong or something. I've learned to shoot in 'raw'. That gives me the greatest opportunity to correct. Still there are times the mistakes allows me to throw all caution to the wind and explore the vast palate of options that photoshop offers. Here is an example. The pictures are of my dear niece, Sidse, at a recent photo shoot. A before and after. I saw that there was something good in the picture even though it was so....wrong in so many ways. Still there were great lines and her beautiful eyes. I'm grateful for the mistakes. I love the results. Life lesson.

Jim goes 55

It has been a busy week.  Two birthdays and a visit from our 'Arizona' daughter.  Andria was the one who grabbed my camera last night and took pictures of my hubby's birthday party.  Okay, it was dinner, and a few presents but hopefully he felt loved.

The old man hinted that he needed a new belt, so he got two. 

Check out Walker trying to get into the picture.  Silly boy. Rose, I love your smile. 

Andria noticed that the net on our hoop was pretty sad (a few pieces of string). 

This is the card that Tess made for Papa.  She is quite the artist and becoming an excellent reader.

Tess still remembers how to be 'cute'.  

Andria told Walker to smile normally.  This is about as close as he gets. 

Isn't Eli getting big?  He has been changing so much lately.  Not a baby anymore.

A big girl picture.

Sad, but Andria leaves tonight to go back to Arizona.  I'm glad she was able to come up and enjoy some beautiful fall weather and help us celebrate the birthdays.   (Brenna had one too, but I have no photo proof.  You'll  just have to take my word for it.)
Thanks, Andria for taking most of these photos.  Thanks for coming.  We love and will miss you tons.  Walker was sad on the way to school  this morning.  He doesn't want you to leave.  Hurry back.

Changes

Have you noticed the change in the air?  Fall is one of my favorite seasons.  Beautiful  warm colors, sweaters, school supplies and new hairdos.   The best!!

One day last week I had some visitors.  Three grand kids came to play while their mom went to a doctor's appointment.  Out came grandma's bucket of clips and hairbrush and grandma's hair became a canvas for their creative minds and hands.    Eli looks a bit concerned but look at the proud expression on little Tess.  Big sister, Rose, was the photographer.
When it was Roses turn I could tell something special was in the making.  She used every clip in the  bucket.  It was a good thing I had Tess take a picture or I never would have known the spectacular hairdo I was getting.

Can you believe it? I feel so blessed.    Hope you are enjoying the changes in your life.

I wanna go back

May 2009 has a special place in my photographic mind.  It was the time when Maisie fell under the same spell the rest of us suffer from.  She learned to love the beach.    That May brought beautiful clear skies and nice enough weather that we took Maisie's shoes off.   When those first grains of cold sand got on her feet she screamed.   She was dirty!!!  Oh, NO!! 

After adjusting to being barefoot her mom tried to introduce her to the ocean and it's waves.  She was....reluctant.
 

She was very, very reluctant.

An introduction was made.   Waves meet Maisie,  Maisie meet the Pacific Ocean.   

 

 

Completely content with the world.  Everything makes sense now. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you ready for random?

Are you ready for random?  I've taken a few days off from writing and my inner third grader seems to be winning the writing battle tonight.    I'm going to push forward and see what happens.

My goal is to get some control over my digital photos.  Use them or lose them.   Okay, I admit it was a weak threat.  I doubt I'm ready to push the delete button and flush everything but I do need to 'refine' what I have.  What all these photos  have in common is that they were taken in 2009, I took them and I like them for some reason.    That handsome guy in photo number one is my number one guy.   (now do you believe me about my inner third grader?  Let's hope it gets better from here)   We were at the Portland temple for a wedding. You will see a couple photos of that later.  It was a beautiful day, after it stopped raining, and the garden was in full bloom.  All wonderful elements and memories.

When it comes to photos of Rachel dancing I get into real trouble.  I mean we are talking thousands of photos.  I kid you  not.  I've traveled several times to Rexburg over the last few years  to watch her performances.  Loved it.   She is beautiful on stage and off.   Here is one humble shot of her doing an  80's number. 

 My monkeys.  This photo was their idea which makes it even more special.  They wanted something fun for their dad so they ran around for a second and found some of his favorite things.  A football I understand but guitar hero?  The upside down sunglasses are the best.   I can't look at this without smiling. 

 My sweet Rose.  A girl who likes to model and grandma who loves to photograph.  A good combo. 

My Tess.  Can you see the look in her eyes?  Yes, she is a character.   And 100% girl.  Favorite color?  Pink, of course.  She loves unicorns and ponies and giving me spectacular hairdos when she visits. 

Might as well keep along the Yetter  train of thought.   This was my girl not too long before  her little man was born.  I like it, kinda different.

Time sure does fly.  This little guy is now emptying my spice cupboard when he comes over.  They don't stay little long enough.  

Sorry but that is all I have for tonight. Except for this thought I've had this week about being a parent.   I am amazed at my kids.  They each have a little of me in them, but they have taken that small tidbit and have done amazing things.  They are more than I ever was or could be.  This gives me such joy and to confess, it is a little annoying.  Take photography,  I read, study, practice to improve.  They grab my camera and outdo me, just like that.  It comes so natural to them.  Arrrggg.  That said, it's back to the joy.  We'll just keep that little rant to ourselves, shall we?

bestest text message

 I got the bestest text message today.   It melted my heart. 

                        I.         LkOVE.            NAna
 The message came from these cute little fingers.

They were covered with sand from Kalaloch beach.  I wonder, at times, if Maisie thinks NAna lives at the beach.   Guess that's okay, to think your grandparents live in  the most beautiful place on the earth.   Here is Maisie getting a warm-up cuddle from her mommy.  My baby is holding her baby.  Maybe the most beautiful place on the earth could be a little warmer.

Thanks, for the text message, little girl. 

 I.   LkOVE.         YOu.   Tkoo. 

Family, Friends and Fotos

I love days like today.  Weddings.  Two people crazy in love.  Family and  friends gather to celebrate and we get to take the fotos to help them capture the moments.    I'm very fortunate that Angie, an amazing photographer, let's me tag along on some of her bigger events.  She takes the pictures, I do the assistant stuff.   Like today, when Angie's tummy growled during the wedding , my tummy answered back.  That's what a good assistant does.  Right?   Angie takes 99% of the photos but I carry my camera around with me anyway. It makes me look more official and now and then I even take a photo.     Here are a couple of  my wedding  photos of J & R from today.  I, of course, played around with photoshop.  (love those  filters)

  

I wish J & R  a very happy life together.  It was a privileged to be a part of their special day.  

Better than brain dribble in the rubbish bin

Anyone who really knows me has to be flabbergasted that I am writing a blog.  Some of my bestest friends in the world can tell you that they can count the number of letters I've written  to them on one or two fingers.  Longhand and I  have never been able to get along.  I start writing on paper and it comes out like a third graders rough draft and looks like it too.  (No offense meant to all the brilliant third graders out there)
Then came a little miracle.  McGregor, one of my baby brothers, told me about a book he was reading (The Artist's Way)  and even went so far as to buy a copy for me and drive it over to my house.  Everyone needs a little brother like that.  He has been like a little bulldozer on my behind most of our adult lives.  He wants me to do more, be more.  Or he just wants me to become rich and famous and leave all my money to him.   
Anyway, McGregor ended up disappointed in the book and it was very helpful to me.  Funny how that works.  It is a book about becoming more creative and McGregor is already a gifted writer.  Don't know what magic he was looking for.    The main challenge in the book  was to write everyday for thirty minutes.  Just let your mind dribble on and on about whatever.  Kind of like emptying the lint from the dryer.  (Yes, children, dryers have lint traps)    Can you imagine?   Now, I'm not going to say that I wrote everyday or even close to thirty minutes but that writers block cracked open a little.  My attempt at blogging is to keep that momentum going.  To keep my brain lint free.  So, thank you, all my dear friends and family, for  taking the time to read and/or comment. You are awesome and it makes this more fun than tossing my brain dribble  into the rubbish bin.

Change of subject.  I have a billion and two photos on my computer.  Now and then I will revisit some of my favorite oldies.    Today I ran across some  of Walker holding his brand new nephew.  I love the light in these pictures.  I love the tenderness of Walker.  I love that baby. 

Okay, this looks like a sweet picture but the truth is  Walker is saying, "why are you hitting yourself?" over and over.   Boys!!  I tell you.   Thanks again, McGregor.  Love ya.   

I sure miss Andria

 Have you ever noticed when the newspaper prints a correction?  Well, apparently I made a statement on facebook that needs correcting.  Here is the original status.

There are times I really miss Alaska. The people, not the dark.

Andria responded with:  At first I thought this said, " There are times I really miss Andria." I felt special for a moment. ha ha

Sorry for all the typos, Andria.  Here is the correct version of that status:

I sure miss Andria, the person, with her dark.....hair, and fabulous smile, her infectious laugh and the joyful spirit that surrounds her. 

Okay, I added a little extra.  Andria, you are special, loved and missed.  Hurry back.  

goodbye american gothic

Brenna and I had a garage sale on Saturday.  We sold the basic stuff,  clothes, bike, toys, books and so forth.  For most of the day people would walk up to our sale and laugh.  I had the American Gothic picture  with the faces cut out for sale.  I  painted it for a Ward activity a couple of years ago .  In a bold move I put a sticker price of five dollars on it.  To say that Jim was an unbeliever is an understatement.  
In a moment of personal satisfaction a woman walked up and without even trying to barter bought it and walked away.  Just like that. Gone.   What in the world did she want with it?   Jim was dumbfounded but grateful to get it out of the garage.  

Miss Maisie and Maren

 

You have to practice to be cute

Rachel is only home for a few more days before she heads back to her last semester of school.  She asked me to do a photo shoot of her wearing some of the outfits she designed and made. No problem.    Little Tess tagged along for part of it and wanted  to get into the action.  She told Rachel how to pose and said, "You have to practice to be cute."   I chuckled the rest of the afternoon.  Here are some of the pictures she made it into while teaching Rachel how to be cute.   Well, I have to admit.  She is cute. 

Never dull pictures when Tess is around.  She must practice a lot.

My favorite dress too.

This has to be one of my all time favorites. 

I love how their smiles match.

Swing me!! 

Phew, that was fun.

Ever had one of those days?

Sometimes you have to just hang in there. 

my name

Many years ago when email was a new thing it came time for me to choose an email address.  My kids told me to be creative so  I went back to my childhood and pulled out a couple of nicknames my kind and loving brothers bestowed upon me.  Growing up in a large family and having a name that was easily manipulated I had plenty of them.  First, I couldn't say my own name.  Think about it, Sylvia doesn't easily roll off a toddlers tongue.  I called myself Sobia for quite a while.  Then being surrounded my creative siblings  I ended up being called Slivers.  It wasn't meant as a complement.     Later, Silver was given.  Little did I know how much I would live up to that name.  Of course, Sylv, Sylvie and Sly are just a few more.   No one calls me by a nickname anymore unless mom,  grandma or nana counts.  I like those names the best.     What is your nick name? 

What do you do when your kids go back to school?

The day was warming up and my sweet Rayray invited me to go on a walk.   Sorry, but that wasn't enough motivation for me.  After batting around a few locations we came up with a walk around Deep Lake.  Sunshine, fresh air and an amazing daughter, perfect combination.  Of course I brought my camera (get used to it) 

How fun is she?

Rayray likes to climb things, shoot things, jump off of thing, bake things and design things.  Today looks like a climbing day.  Yesterday was a baking day.  Yummy brownies. 

Nature provides a health snack half way around the lake.

I blew this one out because I was messing  with photoshop.  I love the way it makes her eyes pop. 

Gotta add a little nature shot.

Nice day, I would say.  What did you do when the kids went back to school? 

Don't be fooled

Yes, the address of this blog is silversliversdaily.  Don't be fooled.  Most likely I will not be posting daily.  How often will depend on how this goes and my learning curve. 

Fourth grade

Today was the first day of fourth grade for Walker.  I just happen to glance at facebook just moments before we got into the car and saw a few first day of school photos.  I grabbed my camera and got a quick photo of my manchild.  Phew, that was close.  Love that boy.   A little disclaimer, that is not the outfit I laid out for him this morning.  Guess it is okay since we have been working on being more independent.   He did well this morning too. 

Also notice that I still have flowers.  Not dead, worn out flowers, but real, full of life flowers.  I bought them, planted them and my sweet working man watered them faithfully.  Guess we make a good team.   The fuchsia right behind Walker's head is my favorite.  Think I'll try to keep that one over the winter.