Lens and Lyrics

Caroling, Caroling, Now We Go

2012-01-16T08:30:00.001-06:00

http://www.iheartfaces.com/2012/01/photo-challenge-family-fun/#more-7422

Sometimes you just get lucky. I don't purposely take pictures of family groups except for when we're opening Christmas gifts or the new member pictures when a family joins our church. But this year, at church-wide caroling, I caught this whole family as they were coming in to pick up their books. I really like the picture, but the lighting and color in our multi-purpose building is really bad, so I converted this to something I was happier with. It's "Family Fun" week at I Heart Faces. Bet you've got some fun pictures you can share with us....C'mon---you know you want to!....

Favorite Face of 2011

2012-01-10T08:20:00.001-06:00

Picking one favorite photo out of a whole year is truly a difficult task, but I chose this one because I think a task of similar difficulty is getting a good picture of a singer during performance. The lighting might not be in your control, their mouth or eyes might be doing weird things, but I am happy with how this shot came out. I like the warm tones and the way the light shone on her face and in her eyes. This is "Favorite Face of 2011" week at I Heart Faces. We'd like to see what you chose as your favorite. I know it's hard, but you can do it!....

On the Wings of a Dove

2011-12-12T13:40:00.001-06:00

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I feed birds on my deck rail because I like to watch them and take pictures of them. I especially love to feed the cardinals, the blue jays, the titmice and the chickadees. Didn't see doves on that list, did you? I am not particularly fond of feeding them---they eat way too much and constantly chase all the other birds away---but they do make for some beautiful pictures. Their wings can be so lovely. The window I photograph them through is old and etched by the elements, so the pictures are nowhere near pristine, but I really liked the almost sculptural quality of this pose, so I'm sharing it with you. You probably have a furry face you love---or a photogenic pest around that you could share some pictures of. It's the perfect time since it's "Furry Faces" week at I Heart Faces!....

Two Shall Become One

2011-12-06T08:06:00.001-06:00

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"You're the mom." she said, "Just be the mom and let someone else take the pictures at the wedding. But you can take pictures at the rehearsal, if you want to." So I did and this is my entry for "On Your Feet" week at I Heart Faces. I have to say, I do like this picture of my daughter and son-in-law lighting the unity candle. I don't have that many pictures of feet, though I am starting to think of doing it more often, but I'll bet you have one you could share.....

Pass the Hat

2011-11-28T08:49:00.001-06:00

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I've always been a little skeptical of those people who say they knew which picture they wanted to enter the moment they saw what the theme was for that week---until now---it happened to me! I love this picture---it isn't perfect, but it captured the fun of that silly game. Each person had to hold the hat over her head, shake the maraca three times and pass it on before the music stopped. The person holding the hat was eliminated, of course.....It's "Bust A Gut" week at I Heart Faces. You know you've captured more than those pretty portrait smiles---you've captured some real laughter. Share it with us---it's contagious. It will make us laugh, too and we could all use more of that!....

A Real Snooze...

2011-10-24T05:47:00.001-05:00

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The tables were beautifully decorated, the fellowship was warm and the food and entertainment were both delightful. All in all, it was another successful Daughters of the King luncheon. But, as you can see, not everyone was impressed! It's "Let Them Be Little" week at I Heart Faces. I don't take that many pictures of children this young, but I know a lot of you do, so pick a favorite( if you can) and share it with us......Come on, you know you want to!

A Different Shade of Pink

2011-10-18T07:21:00.001-05:00

http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/10/photo-challenge-pink/#more-6506

There are many different shades of pink and I know there will be many lovely ladies and adorable children in the entries for "Tickled Pink" week at I Heart Faces. I like to throw in something a little different when I can, so this distinguished gentleman from one of our church pageants is my contribution to the mix this time. Bet you've got some pink moments you could share if you would.....

Aging "Hand"somely

2011-10-10T07:44:00.003-05:00

My friend is a very talented make-up artist---but you should know that her favorite thing is aging actors for the stage before you let her get hold of you! She does an amazing job, even down to the hands. So I'm glad that it's "Raise Your Hands" week at I Heart Faces, so that I can show off some of her wonderful work and technique. We'd like to see your "hand"some pictures, if you have one you want to share....

http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/10/photo-challenge-hands/#more-6446

Makin' 'Em Mime

2011-08-29T05:50:00.001-05:00

http://www.iheartfaces.com/

This is "White" week at I Heart Faces---white in a color photo, that is. No black and white photos allowed this week I expect a lot of lovely brides and pictures of snowy events would certainly be welcome in this 100+ degree Central Texas heat. I'm thinking that there might not be so many pictures of mimes, but I could be mistaken. We'd love to see your pictures featuring white in a color photo and a human face---come share!....

Fin-ship

2011-08-22T07:28:00.001-05:00

http://www.iheartfaces.com/

It's Pet Week at I Heart Faces---and I do like taking and sharing pictures of our cat---this is not a picture of our cat. We are in a drought here in Central Texas, so right now I find taking pictures of my father-in-law's pond and goldfish particularly appealing. The ring you see is where he sprinkles the food and these two were the last to leave the "table". They almost appeared to me to be doing the piscene equivalent of shaking hands before taking their leave....I'm sure you've got a favorite picture of your pet or some other creature that you could share with us, so come on over---and if they're in some place cool and green and shady, all the better for me!....

Hats Off to Friendship

2011-08-08T06:46:00.002-05:00

http://www.iheartfaces.com/

This is "Friendship" week at I Heart Faces. . I've always liked this picture of my husband (on the left) and his friend Larry. They certainly can be goofy guys, but they also share a nursing home music ministry, playing guitars and singing the old hymns. I t may not be the most polished photo, but it captures them for me. I'm sure you've got lots of photos of friends hanging out together---pick one and share it with us. We are a friendly bunch---really we are!....

Water Balloon....Explosion!

2011-07-25T07:05:00.001-05:00

He saw it coming, cupped his hands to catch it just at the level of his chin, but the water balloon exploded the moment he touched it and I got one of my favorite VBS pictures ever! This is "Water" week at I Heart Faces. Come on over and share your photos of the wet stuff. I plan on looking at as many of them as I possibly can here in drought-stricken Central Texas!....

http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/07/photo-challenge-water/#more-5689

Sliding Into the Picture

2011-06-13T05:45:00.001-05:00

I sat at the bottom of the castle slide taking picture after picture of the kids as they came down---many of them cute or fun---but this was one of my favorites. I think she and her slide surroundings both qualify for the "Bright and Vivid" challenge at I Heart Faces this week Head on over to see many more flashes of brightness and maybe share one of your own....

http://www.iheartfaces.com/

Slowpitch Softball

2011-06-07T12:35:00.001-05:00

http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/06/photo-challenge-from-a-distance/#more-5196

To me, this picture is the essence of church league softball----the small bleachers, the players with spouses and friends, the kids with their toys and snacks and the young boy with his equipment who can't wait until he's old enough to play like his dad....It's "From A Distance" week at I Heart Faces. We'd love to see what your "view" looks like!....

Ballboy

2011-05-23T13:58:00.001-05:00

I've said many times before that I love taking action pictures, which, of course, includes sports pictures. I also like to read advice and tips from sports photographers and one of the things I read said not to get so focused on the event that you miss what is happening around you. That piece of advice has been very helpful---especially when I'm photographing our church's slow-pitch softball games---you DO have time to notice things!....It's "Yellow" week at I Heart Faces. Come share a little of that sunshine you've found with us!
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Ready For My Closeup

2011-04-24T22:25:00.004-05:00

Snickerdoodle IS just another pretty face. She is certainly not the smartest cat we've ever had, but I think she is pretty photogenic. I'm sure that you've got a wonderful pet photo you'd like to share---and since this is "Pets" week at I Heart Faces, this is the perfect time to show it off!....

http://www.iheartfaces.com/

Deep in the Heart of Texas

2011-04-18T17:03:00.002-05:00

At my nephew's high school graduation, we were soooo pleased to have the gentle breeze that provided some small relief from the Texas heat! It's "Wind" week at I Heart Faces---we'd love to have you come "shoot the breeze" with us and show us your pictures...

Sunshine and Shadow

2011-04-11T16:31:00.002-05:00

It was a bright and very sunny day when my freshman niece made her varsity soccer debut. I was having a terrible time seeing what kind of pictures I was getting, but that bright sunlight did create some rather well-defined shadows. Got any shadowy pictures you'd care to share? It's "Shadows" week over at I Heart Faces---we'd love to see you and your shadows there!....

Open Mike for Jesus

2011-04-03T15:17:00.002-05:00

One of the local churches has an Open Mike for Jesus on the first Friday night of the month. I always enjoy taking pictures there---and though it was hard to pick just one favorite, I do love the way this one, taken at the March 4th gathering, came out.....This is Best Face Photo from March week at I Heart Faces. We'd love to see one of your favorite faces, if you can pick just one to share!

Hand Writing

2011-03-01T17:38:00.001-06:00

During Vacation Bible School, the recreation leaders sometimes have to divide the kids into teams. The team names follow the theme of the Bible School that year---and you gotta remember those names somehow! This is "Anything But A Face" week over at I Heart Faces. Head on over to see all the family-friendly body parts. And if you have a picture to share, it won't cost you an arm and a leg to enter---just a picture of one!....

Winter Wonderland?

2011-01-18T05:17:00.001-06:00

I live in one of those places that doesn't have much to show when it comes to "Winter Wonderland" which is the theme at I Heart Faces this week. We did have an ice storm a couple of years ago, so I was able to find this picture of my daughter and "The Bumblebee". I've always liked this shot for at least a couple of reasons---it's of my sweet girl and I like the bright pop of yellow and blue against the wintry background. For more wonderful winter photos, head on over to I Heart Faces. Maybe you have one you can share. I'd love to look at them as I sip my iced tea!....

Chasing a Smile

2011-01-11T07:58:00.001-06:00

Can you tell this is "Smiles" week at I Heart Faces? I knew I wanted to use this shot as soon as I came across it in my search for an entry. It isn't a close-up of his face, but you can definitely see his smile---and I love that the rolling ball was caught at just the right moment. There are lots more "Smiles" to see at I Heart Faces. I'll bet that you have one of your own that you could share!....

Snickerdoodle

2010-12-14T07:23:00.002-06:00

Classic cat pose, I know---I was wishing for something more creative, more illustrative of her personality---she's one of the least graceful cats I've met. She's also not a good jumper, which is a blessing to me---and to the birds I feed on my deck rail!.....Her name came from my pastry chef daughter and my husband and son love her. I think she can be pretty photogenic when she's not chasing shadows and bugs. I'll bet your pet is ready for his/her close-up.too. This is "Pets" week at I Heart Faces., so it's the perfect time to see lots of pet pictures and even share a photo of your own....

Now You See Me....

2010-12-07T07:05:00.001-06:00

You CAN see me, can't you? I'm here---reflected in the sunglasses of my beautiful sister! I didn't take this as a self-portrait originally. I was taking a picture of my sister at my nephew's final football game( they won, capturing the state championship) but my husband liked it so much that he thought I should use it for this week's challenge, so here it is....It's Self-Portrait Week at I Heart Faces. Come on over and see how other photographers put themselves into the picture. Put yourself in front of the camera and share it---we'd love to see you!...

Reflecting on the View

2010-11-30T13:26:00.002-06:00

The theme at I Heart Faces is actually black and white scenery---don't do much of that, but I did find this. Come on over and share your black and white scenic view with us. We'd love to see it!....

Putting My Face On Paper

2010-11-23T05:15:00.002-06:00

It's "Paper" week at I Heart Faces. Some of my favorite pieces of paper are those with pictures printed on them. I've always liked this behind-the-scenes picture, especially the contrast in expressions---and people wonder why I take as many pictures before the performance as I do of the performance!...Head on over to I Heart Faces and show us some of your favorite paper shots....

"Orange " You Proud?

2010-11-09T16:29:00.002-06:00

Sorry about the title for the post, but I just couldn't resist. This is "Orange" week at I Heart Faces. I thought about using something from the Harvest Festival, but I figure there will be a ton of adorable fall or Halloween pictures. I wanted something just a little different. Then I remembered this picture. Our ladies' group at church just had a meeting where we all wore special aprons and shared our apron stories. This woman had just created this apron with her grandson that morning, especially for the meeting, and she was truly a proud grandma! And I must confess that I was so intent on getting a good shot of the apron, that I didn't even notice that her left arm is in a truly odd position. Sometimes I just don't see what's right in front of me! Anyway, you can head on over to I Heart Faces and see lots more orange---maybe even toss an orange picture of your own into the mix....

Singing In The Pink

2010-10-25T11:23:00.006-05:00

The Children of the World International Children's Choir came to our church yesterday. They were energetic, inspirational and adorable. The children didn't wear ANY pink at all during their performance, but I always like to arrive at such events early to take some practice shots during the warm-ups. Lucky for me, the girls all had matching shirts that included pink during that early practice time! The theme at I Heart Faces this week is "Pink" in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Head over there to check out the rest of the world through "pink lenses" and maybe share your own pink picture...

HOP, SKIP AND A JUMP

2010-09-27T10:49:00.002-05:00

The theme at I Heart Faces this week is "Chalk". At first, I didn't think that I had any pictures that would qualify, but then I remembered this Bible School recreation from a few years ago. You already know I love action pictures, so I'm pleased to share this one. For more adventures in chalk, head on over and check out the other entries---join the fun and add your own!...

APOLOGIES TO MR HITCHCOCK

2010-09-14T19:57:00.003-05:00

I loved taking this picture! Yes, it's staged, but it was their idea and I thought they did a good job with it. The title, of course, is because the picture reminded me of a scene from a well-known Hitchcock movie. For more vehicular antics, head on over to I Heart Faces and maybe add in a little fun of your own!...

SAFE!!!

2010-08-30T08:29:00.001-05:00

I love taking pictures that tell a story--- maybe I'd like to be a photojournalist when I grow up. Thanks to the photojournalism challenge at I Heart Faces this week, I get to dabble in my dream a little bit and indulge my passion for all those pictures that lead up to "The Moment". These pictures are from our church softball league championship game---and yes, we did win!
For more pictures with stories to tell, head on over to I Heart Faces. Maybe you have your own story to tell in pictures you'd like to share...

Santa Incognito

2010-08-17T13:06:00.002-05:00

It isn't always the summer sun that makes those sunglasses necessary---sometimes the stage lights are just soooo bright! This is "Got to Wear Shades" week over at I Heart Faces. Stop by and see who else might be appearing incognito there. Maybe it's someone you know. Maybe you could add a picture into the mix, too....

The Man in the Mirror

2010-07-27T07:57:00.001-05:00

Mirror pictures can be so much fun to take. My make-up artist friend was creating beards for our church's Good Friday drama and she allowed me to take pictures of the process. I'm so glad that she used purple-handled scissors, so I could use this picture for "Purple" week over at I Heart Faces! To see more of life through purple-colored lenses, check them out. You probably have a photo that you could share, too....

Over My Head---Water Balloon Toss

2010-07-19T10:46:00.002-05:00

I LOVE to take action pictures! Every year our VBS Friday recreation is a water balloon toss, which provides many great opportunities---as long as I don't mind the sun, the sweat and a LOT of running around. I think it's worth the effort and a lot of fun.....To see what is over the heads of lots of other people and maybe show us what is over yours, check out I Heart Faces where the theme is, in case you didn't guess, "Over My Head"...

I Heart My Country and Patriotic Ties

2010-07-13T08:06:00.000-05:00

The choir and musicians have practiced and only the finishing touches, the patriotic ties, await the men....
This is I Heart My Country week over at I Heart Faces. It's a non-competition week, the perfect time to check out everyone's photos and put your own in, as well.

Wanna play?

2010-06-28T09:32:00.000-05:00

The theme at I Heart Faces this week is pets (or other animals)
We have two outside cats. One we have had since she was born and one is a stray that we are in the process of taking in. Our cat, Snickerdoodle, is almost always ready to play, but the stray, Killmouseky, wasn't interested on this particular day....
For many more animal photos and stories, head on over and take a look---maybe even jump in with one of your own!

Graduation

2010-06-22T10:47:00.000-05:00

This is my entry for this week's theme over at I Heart Faces. The focus is on teens. I no longer have any at my house, but I was pleased with this shot I took of my nephew as he was leaving for his high school graduation ceremony. To see many more snapshots of teen life, head on over to I Heart Faces---maybe even add one of your own!...

Playing Bass

2010-06-08T12:28:00.000-05:00

This is my entry for this week's theme "Play" over at I Heart Faces. My husband dearly loves to play his bass guitar,...Head on over to I Heart Faces to see the many wonderful ways the theme is interpreted and maybe even add your own !

Three Generations of Shoes

2010-06-01T14:07:00.000-05:00

Okay, I'm another newbie---getting her feet wet in the "Barefoot Week" pool. I don't have many pictures of feet, because I truly do heart faces, but I did see this juxtaposition of three generations of shoes in a family photo---mine, my daughter's and my mother-in-law's---so here we are to support Soles4Souls which gives shoes to needy people all over the world. To see many more shoes and feet, make tracks to www.iheartfaces.com

I'm only doing this because....

2010-06-01T08:03:00.000-05:00

...I need a blog to link to for submissions to some photo and poetry sites....I want to be able to participate---so here I am, a reluctant entrant into the blogosphere....