VBS, Photo Contests, and Other Randomness :)

Well, I'm back to the normal, slightly-less-hectic schedule. :)  Sorry I didn't pop in before this.  The weekend was spent recovering from last week. ;)

VBS was really wonderful.  As always, I learned a lot and felt blessed to be a part of things. I think my main lesson this year was humility.  

I'll admit it...I'm pretty much a spotlight type of person.  I rather enjoy being the center of attention (in some circumstances...unless you're asking me the answer to an algebraic equation or something). ;)  For several years, I was in charge of the opening and closing programs, as I've already mentioned.  When that got to be a bit too much with Hubby's busy summer schedule, I passed the responsibility on to another, but I still have been involved.

At the beginning of this week, I was feeling as though there was really no need for me to be there.  I wasn't in charge, I wasn't in the skits, I was basically just another singing voice.  Maybe they didn't need me anymore.  Throughout the course of the week, though, I realized that this insecurity was basically because I wasn't the center of attention.  "A" is a great leader and has a magnetic personality, especially when he's around children, so the kiddos flocked to him.  Our other helper up front was young and pretty and helping in the classroom. so she was adored.  I felt like an old, boring background voice that no one cared about.  Not that I would have admitted this highly unspiritual attitude to anyone!! :}  It was honestly how I felt, though.  And then, I was convicted of my selfish attitude.  I wanted more attention while still having less responsibility.  And good grief, VBS is never about the person up front anyway, or at least it shouldn't be!  It's always about God, about glorifying Him, sharing His message of salvation, and pointing others to His truth.  

I felt a bit sheepish about my inner attitude, especially when I thought about the theme of this year's VBS:  choosing "God's way" instead of "my way".  Hmm, which way was I choosing?  Apparently you're never too old to learn. ;)  I think that's one disadvantage of being involved in a ministry that is more visible (such as singing or public speaking).  It's very easy to make it all about you, even when you tell yourself you're doing things "for the Lord".  

Once I got over this silly and immature mindset, I was able to focus more on why I was there and Who it was all about.  And when I moved the focus away from myself, I was able to really enjoy the week.  

One of the major blessings from this year's VBS was being able to see so many of the young people I'd watched grow up taking part in VBS as helpers or leaders.  Many of them were children I'd taught in Sunday School or VBS when they were little.  One of them was a boy I used to babysit.  Now they are all young men and women, and it was so encouraging to me to see how they have grown and matured.  I saw their genuine love for the kids, their willing servant's hearts, and their eagerness to please the Lord with their lives. 

There were even a couple of times during the week when the Lord very graciously helped me through my insecurities, even though they were based on a selfish need to be noticed.  Once was when I was able to add an ad lib at the end of one of the skits to bring out the spiritual application of what the boys were saying a little more clearly.  And once was at the end of the week when another young man I've watched grow up specifically thanked me for singing up front.  

All of us have a part to play in serving the Lord.  We may not think what we're doing makes a difference, but  no matter where we serve, we can be used by Him.  And when we keep our focus in the right place (on Him and not ourselves), the "size" or "importance" of our job won't even matter to us.    

I know I probably seem really shallow, but I like to keep it real here on the blog.  I think as Christians we're often afraid to show our faults and failings.  But the truth is, we make the same mistakes everyone else does.  We're no better than anyone else, and the more we remind ourselves of that, the better.  Nothing we do has any merit in itself.  It's only by God's grace and through His power that we can accomplish anything worthwhile.

But I digress.  You probably didn't stop by for a sermon. ;)

I thought I'd share a few pics from the stage where I spent the last week.  Several of our church members did a fantastic job decorating it.  We were supposed to be on a tropical island this year.  (Next year, we'll be in outer space!)

As you can see,  Mermalade came along one day to capture a few photos. ;)  This was the "God's Way", "My Way" sign that we used to remind the kiddos of the theme of the week.

Cuddling with one of the many monkeys that graced the stage.

Here's the music stand I used all week.  (For those of you who are curious, the microwave in the background was used for one of our skits.) ;)

Mermalade testing out the music stand.

All of the workers were given this cute little card wrapped around some candy. :)

And in another complete bit of randomness, I present to you:  TARDIS bread!!  Mimi made this for me, and it made a great snack during VBS week when I was low on time. :)

In other news, I've joined the Miss AGPT photo contest on AGPT.  I've really missed being involved on the forums there.  Somehow, time keeps getting away from me and the forums I've been a part of have had to go by the wayside.  (I lurk more than anything.) :}  I thought that being involved in the photo contest would be a fun way to plunge back in.

I decided to use Emma as a contestant this time around.  It's been a while since I've done photos with her. :)

The first round was "Patriotic".  I actually completely spaced the deadline and didn't realize it until about twenty minutes before I had to have the picture in!!  I grabbed Emma and a few things I had lying around, did a quick setup, took a few photos, added some edits, and sent it off...with three minutes to spare! ;)

This photo was for Round 2, due yesterday.  The theme was "Forever".  I couldn't help but think of the new "BeForever" title for the Historical line and the new "choose your own adventure" books where characters from our time will get to meet the AG historical characters.  I added some softness and faded the color a bit on Felicity to make it look like she was traveling through time...or something. ;)  Unfortunately, this may end up counting as too much image-alteration (which is mentioned in one of the rules), so I have a message in to the moderator of the contest to see if this one needs to be disqualified.  Moral of the story:  Reread the rules before each round of a photo contest. :}  Come to think of it, my first photo had a vignette around it, so maybe that one shouldn't have been used either.  All I know is that I'll be sure to cool it on the editing with my last two rounds. :}

I think that's about it on the updates.  I have quite a few comments to publish and respond to (on ALL the blogs), but I probably won't get to those until tomorrow.  We're meeting my sister-in-law and her daughters this afternoon for some swimming, and then I have my writers group meeting tonight.  Plus, it's supposed to be 110 degrees today, and it's already unbearably hot in our little swamp cooler-cooled house. :}

I have more to share and more to post (and yes, Maggie will be posting on her blog by the end of the week...I promise!), but I'll save that for another time.  My daughters are chomping at the bit to leave, and I still need to take my shower. :}

Until next time!!  Hope you all have a wonderful week. :)

Almost There...

Okay, so how many of you thought of Tiana when you saw my post title? ;)  I actually was not referring to "The Princess and the Frog", but to the fact that we're almost done with the school year.  Even though I know within a couple of weeks I'll be going bonkers with all three kiddos in the house all day, I'm still looking forward to the end of the school year.  The thought of not having to get three girls and myself up, ready and out the door by 8:00 in the morning is quite appealing at the moment. ;)

I know my posting has been rather flaky lately, and I apologize for that.  There have been so many school activities and last minute projects that it's been difficult to set aside the time I'd like for the blogs.  I'll also be cancelling Netflix this week which will *ahem* help tremendously with my time management. :}

My final photo for The Doll Wardrobe's photo contest is due tomorrow.  Right now I'm deciding between two photos but having a hard time coming to a conclusion.  Once all the entries are in, I'll do a post on my entry photo and some of the others that didn't make it.

I guess that's about all for now...just wanted to let you know I was still alive and everything. ;)  I hope you all have a wonderful day. :)

Pictures and Other Randomness

Hi everyone!  Hope you're all enjoying a wonderful week.  We've been blessed with a couple of overcast days and cooler weather, so my week has been fantastic!  Anything to escape the already overly-hot, summery weather. ;)

Because overcast days are so perfect for pictures, I took Charlie and Rontu a few places for some photo shoots.  I'm still working on my final entry for The Doll Wardrobe's photo contest, and I think yesterday I may have nailed it. :)

I thought I'd share a couple of the "just because" pictures I took, too: 

These are not entry photos, but it gives you an idea of the beautiful lighting I had to work with. :)  I'm very pleased with the results of the day.  I also discovered that it's much easier to do a doll photo shoot in public when you have your 5 year old daughter with you. :}  You don't get the same crazy looks. ;)

I am determined to get back on a better schedule with my blogging, and now that I'm officially caught up with Doctor Who, I think I will find it a lot easier to manage my time. ;)  Yes, I did watch all seven seasons in the space of a month, and yes, I do realize that's slightly obsessive. :}  Apparently, I'm not the only one, though. Exhibit A:

Anyway, I plan on getting back into the swing of things this week.  Posts to look forward to include a Doctor Who review (as requested), a post sharing some of my latest thrift store finds, several doll reviews, and more.  I'll be back soon! :)

Doll Photo Shoot :)

Hi everyone!  Thanks for all of the entries for the BFC Ink blouse giveaway so far.  Remember, you only have until this Friday to enter!

This Wednesday, March 6th, is the deadline for the latest photo contest from The Doll Wardrobe blog.  I always enjoy taking part in their photo contests.  It's great taking the time to capture my dolls on film.  I'm always reminded of why I enjoy my vinyl gals so much, and I find that it keeps me satisfied with the dolls I have. ;)

I thought I'd have to sit the contest out this time around.  Between the girls getting sick, previous commitments, and other obligations, I was having issues finding the time to get the pictures I needed (although I've had several ideas since the contest was announced in December).  But today, the beautiful spring weather beckoned and I couldn't resist grabbing my camera and a few dolls. :)

These are not my most spectacular pictures ever, but I'm still happy with them.  It was so great to do a photo shoot again after such a long time.  I enjoyed playing around on ribbet.com (my go-to photo editing site since picnik.com shut down), editing the pictures and making them look just right.  I thought you might enjoy seeing them as well.

So first off, these are the three entries that made the cut. ;)  For this particular photo contest, you had to choose from a list of themes, pick three, and take pictures to illustrate those themes.  (If you want to read all the rules or even enter yourself, you can get more info HERE.  Better hurry, though.  The contest ends on Wednesday!)

Jenna represents "Portrait".  This is an outdoor portrait of her.  (Yeah, I'm not all that great with thinking outside of the box when it comes to this sort of thing.  I'm way too literal. :}  I suppose there are worse faults, though.) ;)

Tess represents "Romantic".  I kind of thought of Snow White waiting for Prince Charming's kiss when I saw how this one turned out.  What do you think? ;)

Maggie represents "Allegory".  Every time I hear that word I instantly think of "The Chronicles of Narnia", which contains many allegorical references to Christianity.  I was kind of experimenting with this photo, and I'm still not sure I'm 100% pleased with the results.  I was trying to capture Maggie reading while surrounding by her Narnian toys and collectibles.

Here are some of the photos I thought about using:

Hayden represents "Sketch" in this picture.  I took several photos of her sketching in her sketchpad, but was not completely satisfied with the way any of them turned out.

Another take on "Sketch".

I'm not really sure what Jenna was representing here (which is one of the reasons I decided not to use this photo).  It could have worked for "Portrait", "Close Up", "Romantic", or "Mood", I suppose.  

Same with this one.  :)

Here are two other "Allegory" shots I tried: 

It might have been better for me to use this one since the lion is not quite as out of focus.  Oh well. :}

This one focused on the lion and had the other things in the background.  I didn't use this one because I felt that since the book was my focus, it needed to be clear in the photo.

Another angle of "Romantic" (I liked the one I used better).

This was yet another take on "Romantic".  I really liked this picture, but decided to use the other one because it felt more "artsy", if you know what I mean. ;)

This one could have been "Romantic" or "Color", I suppose.  I liked this one too, but in the end I wanted something a little more unique.

There were several other attempts, but these were the main ones.  I really enjoyed myself, although my neighbors might think I'm a little nuts. ;)  That's the downside to having all the best photo spots in the front yard, I suppose. ;)  Of course, who am I kidding?  It's not like they haven't seen me trudging out there with a box full of dolls before. :}

Hope you're all having a wonderful week.  Talk to you soon! :)

I Won the AGPlaythings Doll Dossiers Photo Contest!! :)

Hey guys!! I'm super excited!  I just heard the news yesterday.  Now, before you're totally impressed by my accomplishment, let me put it in perspective.  There were only 7 total entries, so it's not like I won a landslide victory or something. ;)  Still, though, I'm really happy.  Especially considering that in high school my photography skills were pretty sad.  All you have to do is look at my pics from my Washington DC trip to confirm that! :} 

My doll photography has been a completely unexpected blessing that I gained by starting this blog.  I love taking pics of my dolls and trying to make it look like they're really alive.  One of my greatest inspirations is Dare Wright, author of the "Lonely Doll" books.  Have any of you read those?  When I was younger, one of the teachers at my school had a copy of "A Gift from the Lonely Doll" and "The Doll and the Kitten".  I loved the way Ms. Wright used photography to illustrate the story.  I think I always have those books in the back of my mind when I try to create a photo story. :)

Anyway, enough rambling.  I thought you all might like to see the prize-winning, er...recognition-winning photo (no prizes on this contest). :)  The contest was called "My Special Place".  We were supposed to submit a pic of one of our dolls in their favorite spot, and then describe why it was so special.  Here's the pic I came up with:

And here is the description I included with it:

"Tess loves nothing more than cuddling up with a good book on a rainy day. Her favorite place to do that is in her special chair. It may be old and worn, but it's also soft and cozy. On stormy days, she can be seen heading to her chair with a pile of books, a pile that usually includes at least one Jane Austen novel. :)

Next to her chair is her special dresser. It was a thrift store find from "Mama" (aka beastsbelle) and is just right for holding all of her special treasures. She has a few framed pictures, including a Bible verse, a small picture of Tess with her best friend, Maggie, and a picture of Tess and Emma in their regency dresses. You can also see an old cameo and a long, antique necklace. Tess loves to find old-fashioned things to add to her collection. She often dreams of the old days and wishes she could live in a different time period. Next to the antique necklace is a little ceramic dog. Tess loves collecting tiny figurines, and this one is one of her favorites. And of course, she also has her American Girl Rebecca doll on display! The Felicity doll belongs to Tess's little sister, Hailey.

Now, the only problem is remembering to read instead of gazing out the window and dreaming! But that's okay...daydreaming can be a great pasttime for stormy days, too. :)"

I just had to share with all of you.  I had a lot of fun entering...I didn't expect to win! :) 

More posts will be coming soonish.  I have my weekend trip this Saturday (duh, when else would I have a weekend trip?), and I'm meeting with some writing friends tomorrow to work on my novel, so it depends on how much I can get done before then.

Talk to all of you soon! :)