ThoughtfulEscapes

...it's life.

  • Captivating
  • 31 Days
    • 31 Days of Reflection [2016]
    • 31 Days [2014]
    • 31 Days of Life [2012]
  • Gluten Free
  • Homeschool
  • About Me
  • Copyright Info
  • 31 Days of One Word Journeys | 2017

31 Days {Decisions}

October 18, 2012 by April

AAAAGGGHHHH!  I hate making decisions! I’m just a couple weeks away from being able to start the process of returning my Nikon D3100.  While this excites me, I dread trying to figure out if I should just get another D3100 or switch to a different model.  I love to research, in particular researching something I’m going to buy — but I don’t like the actual moment of decision/purchase. What have I learned?

  • Canon & Nikon are nearly equal. It basically comes down to personal opinion/experience with the brand. I’m not coming from this perspective. I’ve had positive experience with several brands.

My first memories of a camera are my dad having a Nikon, and him selling it to pay for life. Shortly after (or part of the exchange) he gave me a Brownie, with black & white film. I had other 110 & 35mm’s with color film throughout high school.

I had an Olympus 21 years ago. I loved it.  I wore it out.

I had a Canon 12 years ago. I loved it.  I wore it out.

I had a Sony 7 years ago. I loved it. I wore it out.

The Olympus was my high school graduation gift from my parents. It was a 35mm film camera. I loved everything about that camera, it was never very far from me, but it developed a leak in a seal allowing light it. At that point digital had come on the scene (or at least at a price for more public to own them) & it would have cost more to fix than to buy a new camera. The Canon was my first digital point-and-shoot, again from my parents – but for Christmas. It was a great camera. I used it up too. The Sony was the first camera I bought for myself. I knew I wanted to learn more about photography. I didn’t learn anything – but I had an awesome camera! :-D. I absolutely LOVED the 18x zoom and the macro I could set on a piece of material and it would focus & take an amazing picture. I love the pictures from that camera, any pictures I’m posting from last year are most likely from the Sony.

Now, I’ve determined I want to learn photography to take “real photos”, with a “real” camera. I’ve been so disappointed with the Nikon, but everything I read I have to believe I got the fluke bad camera and all will be good next time. For sure, I will be trying it out hard & testing to make sure I like it. If I don’t, then it’ll go back. It won’t sit in the box for over 30 days before I try it….

  • Supposedly Nikon’s glass is a touch better, but it isn’t by much.
  • Canon & Nikon alternate one best feature for another. It really comes to how it feels in your hand – which is going to be different for each person. For me personally, the Canon makes my thumb/wrist hurt to hold it & try to push the button – I went and tried again today. It’s a pretty much obvious – I can’t expect to take lots of pictures if it hurts to take one. That hand cramp is why I bought the Nikon over the Canon last year. 
  • So… do any of you have any suggestions or recommendations on whether to get another D3100 or move up to a D5100? I have felt a D7000 in my hands, but from what I read there isn’t much different between the D5000 & D7100 — except the feel in my hand. Is it worth the couple extra hundred? Ugh – decisions!

Decision on Nikon vs Canon

[Source]

So – what does that have to do with my lateness on posting today? I spent the time I planned to write listening to my daughter spill her heart’s burdens. Being 12 is so hard. I thought it was over 20 years ago; I can’t imagine now, in today’s society. I remember the insecurity, the struggle to figure who is really your friend. I am so hoping and praying she has a better understanding of this than I did. It’s taken me until the last few years to learn how to stand up for myself and I still don’t do it well. I figured you wouldn’t mind. You would forgive me :-).

Scenery…

August 10, 2012 by April

I LOVE scenery pictures.  It is what makes me happiest in taking pictures.  I’m so excited to make a post of just a few of my favorite scenic photos.  Over at Funky Junk Interiors, there is a scenery picture link up.

So here’s a post of all pretty pictures! From several camera sources, all mine, but from two different cameras and my iPhone.  :-D

From just last week — Nikon camera & a friend’s lens.

At the cabin — iPhone & Nikon camera with my lens

Sony point-and-shoot camera:  For the upcoming seasons.Notice the lake is frozen – those are rocks sitting on top.  …and here are a couple photos at -30*, since there are so many of you having record heat this summer {read: we are NOT, we had record snow last winter and have had a record cold summer}.

Linking up to Donna @ Funky Junk‘s “pretty scenery pictures” link party.

 

Cherry blossoms!

April 25, 2012 by April

God gave me a gift on Monday!!!  I went into the grocery store on the way home from picking mom up at the airport – I was getting her flowers for her welcome home. … They had cherry blossoms – let me clarify, they had branches cut off from cherry blossom trees!  I saw cherry blossoms in real life – for the very first time in my life!  I couldn’t believe it…I didn’t even have to think twice – I bought them for myself.  You see, I have always wanted to see cherry blossoms in real life.  In my recollection these were the first real cherry blossoms I have ever seen.

Yes, I paid $7.99 for three branches of an outdoor tree.
Yes, you can call me a crazy Alaskan.
BUT, guess what – I don’t care :-D!!!!

I’m still holding out for my dream … Someday, Lord willing, I will get to see Washington DC in April {& again in fall, whenever that is, and in winter too}.  April is my birthday month, maybe someday I will see real cherry trees and cherry tree blossoms for my birthday :-D.

Keep reading for a more explanatory version :-D!

For a very long time I have loved cherry blossoms.  I don’t recall ever having seen cherry blossoms in real life. When, as a young adult, I lived out of Alaska for a couple years – I thought the flowering trees I was seeing then were cherry blossoms.  About five years ago, when looking at a friend’s photo of cherry blossoms, I realized they weren’t the same.  I learned then, the ones I thought in Oct ’95-Feb ’98 were actually dogwood trees.  I was pretty disappointed, don’t get me wrong – I think flowering trees are beautiful {no matter what they are} and I really wish we had flowering trees in Alaska!  I wished growing up we had such things in either northern Wisconsin or Alaska…the two states I have spent the bulk of my life in.  The disappointing knowledge I hadn’t in fact actually seen a real cherry tree blossom caused me to even more GREATLY desire to see real cherry blossoms.  Someday.

I have always equated spring, Washington DC, and cherry blossoms … someday.  As excited as I was to have the opportunity to travel to Washington DC last year, it was in October.  I have always wanted to see the East Coast in the fall.  What I discovered was October is the end of fall in Alaska, but fall hadn’t even started in Washington DC. So, while I got to see Washington DC, I got to see the Capitol and the Washington Monument for real, with my own eyeballs, not just a picture – I didn’t get to see cherry blossoms and I didn’t get to see it in the fall.  For that matter, the Reflection Pool was under construction and was actually a hole – the bottom was dug up, with no water in it, not even a mud puddle.  No reflecting.  I know I promised pictures of our trip in October, but my camera was tired and it really didn’t focus that great or take the pictures I expected/anticipated.  I will work on finding some of the best, but it was pretty disappointing {to say the least} to have my first trip to DC not be well documented with photos.

Enough rambling….but I do have to say, I am really disillusioned with my Nikon right now.  It won’t take pictures.  I had to dig out my old camera to take the above photos.  It’s a Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H7.  I bought the new camera {Nikon D3100} because I have worn the Sony one out.  It is tired and has a hard time focusing; I’ve had it 5+ years and have taken 15,000+ pictures on it.  Also, I really wanted to learn how to take “real” photo’s.  As in using Manual.All the time.  At this point Nikon’s advice has been to not use the camera in Manual, but to only use it on Auto……ya, not real impressed.  Working on this.  In the mean time I pulled out the Sony and will have to see which camera works for taking pictures until I get it all sorted out.  Have a blessed day.
{ps: I am in the process of figuring out how to move my blog to my own domain.  If [or more accurately when] weird things are happening with the blog, please bear with me.  Feel free to comment and let me know I’ve messed something up.  Right now, blogger is telling me there isn’t anything to even back-up. no blog, no files, no posts…..ummm?  Any advice, anyone?}
Jeremiah 29:11

Affiliate Links

Please note: links on this blog are probably affiliate links (unless it's to another post or another blog). Please see my About Me page for a full listing of sites for which I am an affiliate.
My promise to you - I will only link to what I like because I like it, not because anyone is paying me. If you shop from these links, I will earn a small percentage and will be very grateful :-D. Thank you.

Recent Posts

  • Once Again
  • Redemption in Separation
  • Speak Out
  • 31 Days of Redemption | 2018
  • One Word | Eager

Archives

Tags

2011 Alaska State Fair being a mom birthday blessings blogs boat brothers campaign Captivating choices Choose Joy Christmas encouragement eternally thankful fall family flowers friendship giveaway gluten free grandparents homeschool house projects it's life it's the little things linky party missions my boy my girl Nikon camera organization parenting school sewing simple joys single parent Sony camera spring thankful thoughts verses Washington DC women |365:oneword|
I know I don't do social media well, so I do not have separate accounts for business & personal. This is my business Instagram feed. It's still me posting. Just not me strung out trying to keep up with two accounts. #limitsofanintrovert Thanks for being gracious & understanding! :-)

april.c.keller

Visual Communication = Graphic Design | Layout for Print & Web; Document Formatting; Copywriting.

April C Keller
The power is out. Now is when it’s REALLY conven The power is out. Now is when it’s REALLY convenient to read eBooks (& you have fully charged devices). The orange glow to the right is from the collection of candles I had handy. 
Super duper thankful for the gas fireplace!!! The temp was 43° earlier today, has dropped to 15° & supposed to continue dropping thru the night.
#thankfultonotreadbycandlelight
#gasfireplacesareawesome
#eveofchristmaseve2020 #decemberinwi
Dec 22, 2020 at 7:39am😍😍😍 No need to say Dec 22, 2020 at 7:39am😍😍😍
No need to say more.
#decembersunrise #wisconsin #wearegaininglightnow
December 21st is the shortest day of the year. As December 21st is the shortest day of the year. As a lifelong Alaskan my body & mind are very tuned to this date - we now gain daylight each day. Living WI has had many benefits & blessings - the least of which isn’t even how I will see the daylight before I get to work. 😍😍😍 I am not sad about this in the least!

I’m so thankful for this morning’s living/dining/kitchen views. I love the glow of Christmas lights & the way they immediately stop my thoughts in their tracks and cause me to remember to be thankful.
#christmas2020 #ak2co2wi #mondaymornings #thankful #blessed #christmaslights
😍😍😍 Como Park Conservatory = eye candy ev 😍😍😍 Como Park Conservatory = eye candy every time. {{sigh}}
We caught the sun low in the sky & it was simply beautiful! When we walked out it was the setting sun on the glass building & the flag blowing in a lazy breeze. #coldbutbeautiful #perfect 
#comoparkconservatory #midnovember #eyecandy #soulfilling #breathtaking #thankfulfortheopportunity #americanflaginthebreeze
Just a tiny note to share how much I am absolutely Just a tiny note to share how much I am absolutely LOVING the sunrise pink at 7am in mid-November! 😍😍😍
It’s a whole 25° & supposed to start snowing within the hour. (Do you see the neighbor’s pink window reflections?)
#happymonday #blessings #itsanewweek #wintersunrisebefore8
Hi guys! April’s daughter here. Due to an unkind Hi guys! April’s daughter here. Due to an unkind comment and a hard week behind the social media wall she deleted the post. After a good talk and encouragement I am here re-posting with permission. Remember that what’s seen on social media does not reflect what goes on behind the scenes. The intention of the post was to share a personal struggle and encourage others who may feel the same. A difference of opinion does not require a comment. 

The repost:

Are you an American? If so, voting is your civic duty. 
🇺🇸To not vote is the same as voting against your freedom.
🇺🇸To not vote is the same as voting against your right of citizenship. 
🇺🇸To not vote is the same as disregarding every American soldier and his/her family’s sacrifice for you. 
I promise – no matter what you think – YOU ARE NOT TOO BUSY to vote! This year especially, they have made it so easy (not interested in debating the right/wrongness of this, just stating fact) and it’s not as if the deadline has been a surprise date. If you choose to not vote, there is no excuse other than being lulled into apathy by the privilege you take for granted. Don’t be lazy.

For those who think I’m being too harsh – these are the things I had to remind myself of in the not so distant past as I was overwhelmed by figuring out the simple-yet-not-so-simple-process of how to register as a new resident, where to vote, and who to vote for. And then again today as anxiety joined me when I’d parked at my polling place & it was time to actually stand in line with all the others.

Side note, 2020 brought yet another first for me: I’ve never voted on a non-Alaskan ballot. Instead of boroughs & districts, I navigated counties & wards. 
Even so, the ballot looked the same. 😊 

And then I went for a beautiful country drive through harvested fields and looked at barns. Feeling thankful & blessed for the freedom and ability to do so.
A little crisp & foggy outside, but perfectly cozy A little crisp & foggy outside, but perfectly cozy inside.🍂🍁

#september2020 #fall #thankful
So...not exactly a surprise!😊 Take your own qu So...not exactly a surprise!😊

Take your own quiz at holleygerth.com/introvertquiz
 
You definitely should go check out more about The Powerful Purpose if Introverts by @holleygerth 
#introvertpurpose #introvert #godmadeuseachunique
🍂Fall is coming! 🍂 This change of the season 🍂Fall is coming! 🍂
This change of the seasons is the first one I’ve felt alert for since moving here 🍁🍂 & it’s all so pretty (the 5 trees I’ve seen starting to change)! But I’m not in the least ready for it, it’s the 1st time in 18 years I haven’t needed school supplies of some sort - for either of the kids (homeschooling) or myself (college). Now, I just get to enjoy all the school supplies simply because I love them!😊

The first pic is just for enjoyment because I know the majority if you can’t possibly understand what the 2nd & 3rd photos mean to me. 😊

As an introvert who has been transitioning from work-from-home to working-at-the-office-everyday, on a team & working on a variety of projects, I often feel as if I’m majorly failing at simply being nice. 

I’m too often in my head, processing all I’m trying to remember to do/get done & short of smiling in passing, there isn’t a ton of other interaction. BUT the 2nd photo is evidence of while not having more than a handful of non-work related conversations, I have a co-worker who knows me incredible well! On Tues, she brought me one Pantone color book & yesterday she brought me SEVEN more!😍 
I never dreamed I’d get to touch one of these little color charts in real-life, let alone have a set of them living at my desk!!! 

2020 will never be forgotten, for so many reasons. Big & small.
#seen&known #itsthelittlethings #littlethingsadduptobigthings #blessed #thankful
It’s no small secret I’m a hard-core introvert It’s no small secret I’m a hard-core introvert & not by just a little bit. Social distancing has always been my norm. I can’t say I’ve seen this as a blessing in life 🥴. 

Ironically, while 2020 has required so many social appreciators (extroverts) to stay at/work from home, life in 2020 has required me to learn how to work out of the home full-time. After working from home for the last 20 years, this has not been a small adjustment!

I have lived in WI for 8 months now, and I’m just starting to feel semi-human in daily life. I totally & completely underestimated the toll an unexpected 2nd large move, traveling over Christmas, wrapping up my senior year of college/degree, having my oldest graduate college, and working on a team of people out of the house full-time would have on me. #notenoughhourstorecovereachday

You will likely see me in this space more as I’m on the book launch team for The Powerful Purpose of Introverts, the latest book by @holleygerth. I’m really looking forward to learning how being an introvert can be a blessing & strength.

 #introvertpurpose #createdinhisimage #lovedasiam #nothingtoprove #introvert
Load More... Follow

Copyright © 2021 · Beautiful Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in