this crazy weather

What more would you expect on a warm January day like today? 

How about feeling a little spring fever, a little teaser of what's to come.

and,

I had to capture our sun setting over yonder Pennsylvania hills as well as my favorite subjects, my girls.

Is it really the end of January already? It's hard to believe that today's high was 63 (!!) It was a welcomed change. Now, I'm off to do some laundry ;) 

I hope your day brought you welcomed change and fun!

Barb

the quiet darkness seeks wisdom

All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; 

the old that is strong does not wither, 

deep roots are not reached by the frost. 

 From the ashes a fire shall be woken, a light from the shadows shall spring; 

renenwed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king.

There is nothing like looking, if you want to find something. 

You certainly usually find something, if you look, 

but it is not always quite the something you were after.

Remember what Bilbo used to say: It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. 

You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, 

there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All quotes are courtesy of the ever profound author, J.R.R. Tolkien 

And images are of my oldest daughter, Chelsea. (Thanks, Chels!)

Thank you for viewing my *dark* submission for a fun photography group I am honored to be a part of on Facebook.  Each and every week our fearless leader gives us a new theme to creatively shoot and then share.  I'd also like to share these inspirations with you, too! 

Have a great week, friends! 

Barb 

Focus on Local | Berks County PA Photographer

I've been contemplating for a while now on how to give something back to my community. If you know me, than you know I'm usually a little cheerleader in support of local economies. I get frustrated with myself because so many times I want to reach out and purchase something from my neighbors, my local small businesses, and reinvest in whatever way I am capable. But, … there's that "but" that I wish I didn't have to use at all, but … finances being what they are, well, I'm not always able to meet my lofty goals. I realize how important goals are though. Let's just put it this way, I feel sorry for my husband because he has to live with me and all my visions of grandeur. ;) (poor guy). 

I believe I found a very interesting photography project for myself, and any other photographer that needs a little inspiration as well. Okay, so here's my intention. As my way of giving myself some creative stimulation as well as highlighting local *mom & pop* businesses, I plan to visit, observe, and photograph local establishments. After my visit, I will eagerly upload my work and publish a handful of photos along with a few highlights, offerings, and a general idea regarding my experience (with permission, of course!). 

After my browsing fun at the Mill Property in Morgantown, PA this past Sunday, an establishment that I was once affiliated with, I began to think that this could be a great project for myself and it might prove worthy to local businesses. I'm going to give it a go, at least. I don't have anything to lose, only to gain in perspective, creative energy and the possibility of reinvigorating my neighbors' and friends' businesses. 

I am really looking forward to Focus on Local projects. 

Won't you join me? I'd love to follow your reflections and artwork, as well.

Of course, I will continue to pursue other areas of photography, namely children & families, as well. I am looking forward to seeing your shining faces, too!! :) 

Your comments are always appreciated. I'd love to hear your reactions regarding Focus on Local from y'all!

If you have a local business in mind, and live in the Berks County area, please pass your suggestion onto me! Thanks kindly, friends.  

Here's to new endeavors! Happy projecting. 

and thank you for stopping by :)

Best wishes,
Barb

snowy Sunday afternoon

Ever get the urge to go antiquing, browsing, reminiscing over past treasures at the local antique shops? I had a free hour today and that's exactly what I did. 

Thanks to The Mill Property in Morgantown, PA for letting me poke around while also snapping pixels. All the photos you viewed were created completely with natural, available light, my Sony a35 dSLT with a 50mm lens. What fun!! I'm thinking of doing more photo shoots like this. Project ideas are piling up in my mind. It's time to put them to work. :)

Good day to you, friends.

Barb 

P.s. to view the entire set, please visit my Flickr account:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/42952831@N05/sets/72157628986909611/