Finding Appreciation

 

I recently had a garage sale to get rid of some of the stuff I've accumulated over the years so that I don't have to carry it all with me when I move next month. I'm moving because I can no longer afford my rent. 

When I first realized I would have to move, I was despondent. Why didn't I get as many opportunities as my friends, I wondered? Why did I continue to struggle while others had it so easy?

But as I looked around the garage sale, I realized that almost everything I had was given to me (either by friends, family or the side-of-the-road gods). I had been given furniture, TVs, books, dishes, clothing, everything I really needed.

I was suddenly overwhelmed with gratitude. I realized that there have been so many times that I've been the recipient of good fortune and generosity.

My focus shifted from depression and indignation to thankfulness and appreciation. Now, I am grateful that I have another home to go to and that it has turned out to be even better than the last.

Are there things in your life that need a second look? Can you find appreciation where and when you might need it most?

Image and words courtesy of Gennifer Carragher. You can find her on her blog or on Facebook, where she created a community for other Gratituders in The Year of Gratitude.

Update on Friday, December 14, 2012 by Kim Klassen

The winner of a spot in Kim's Lightroom class, Round Trip is, Becs! Congrats!

black

I love how a black and white photo can convey so much when what you may be seeing in the photo isn't actually as it appears.  A simple, everyday color photo can tell a whole different story in black and white, like this photo. 

My husband and I had just finished our lunch and as we were heading back to our car, I quickly turned and shot this photo with my iPhone.  Even though the day had been warm and mostly sunny, making this a black and white photo gives it a whole different feel, giving the impression that it might be a cold day with a storm rolling in off of the ocean.  I definitely like this version much better.

Today, share your B&W photos with us.  And don't forget to share your images in our Shutter Sisters OWP pool on Flickr.  Tag all your color shots this month #sscolormonth to be entered in the drawing at the end of June.

Life in Black and White

Rain earlier in the week made way for a beautiful, warm Southern California weekend for a volunteer beach cleanup that my husband, son and myself participated in.  Well, actually, I just followed along with my camera, but atleast I was there!  The sun was high and bright in a gorgeous blue sky but when I saw this picture I knew it would tell the story so much better in black and white.  With no color to distract,  it was just my husband and son walking side-by-side as if they were the only two on that beach. 

Today, show us your black and white photos and let them tell us their stories. 

Day Off

This weekend, we ran away from home, if only for a day.  It was not a day to worry about what we were missing online, on television or what was still lingering on our to-do lists.  Rather, it was a day to give ourselves a break from responsibilities, spend time together as a family and indulge in our favorite activities.

Without the distractions, we focused on the simple joys of life.  And for our family, nothing soothes our tired spirits like visiting the ranch, playing with farm animals and walking the docks of the local fish camp.  We returned home relaxed and refocused.

Today, I invite you to share some images of your favorite activities. What do you like to do when you need to escape the day?

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We are giving away one $100 Paper Coterie gift card EVERY SINGLE DAY of September to one of YOU!  All you have to do is share a comment each day before midnight EST for your chance to Win that day's random drawing.  Be sure to leave links to your story shots.  

Emotion in Motion

I love capturing motion shots.  To me, nothing shows emotion better than an act or movement caught in the moment.  The kids at my son's school put on huge dance performance every year and my 'job' is to put together a slideshow for their friends and family of the photos I've taken to show just prior to the kids taking stage.  Seeing the kids in motion, the pure joy on their faces, shows everyone just how much fun they had getting ready for the big night. 

Capturing motion shots of all kinds can show an array of emotions from the element of surpise to pure delight to simple childhood fun.  How about you? Show us your motion shots.  Let us see the emotion you've captured.