The BAY - Skate for Change

This week one of our photo forum challenges was something that scares us but I planned on playing it safe and photograph something with the scripture verse in mind.  I had all intentions of going to the Capitol and finding the scales of justice and photographing them but when taking my shower something kept telling me to go to The BAY.  This is NOT something I would do and I didn't even know where it was but knew of it from them talking at our church.  Sometimes you just have to do it afraid, so I headed down there and what a blessing.  They have such a heart for kids and want to give them a safe place. Their vision is "Our desire is to mentor and empower the skate culture through a positive environment. We are creating a space where skaters of all ages can creatively develop individual skills while cultivating an atmosphere of growth, love, and community."  Mike Smith the founder of The BAY has started a nationwide program called Skate for Change where they take the kids twice a month downtown on their boards to deliver food, socks, water and conversation to the homeless. Their motto is "We are a group of worldwide individuals committed to speaking for the silent, standing for the broken, and empowering the youth of America."  If this isn't the scripture verse in action I don't know what is.  I am so glad that I did something that scares me this week.

Squirrel

I took the new lens for a test run today, wasn't sure how it would respond on the 7D but not too bad.  I was hand holding and was not very steady so will have to try it on the tripod next time.

Floyd & Judy

  I was blessed to have the opportunity to take some photos for a couple at church who will celebrate their 50th anniversary.  We went to the Sunken Gardens and had a great time.

Think Spring!

Wow, I can't believe I took these photos on Monday and here it is Wednesday and we have snow and sleet for May 1st!   Oh well, we need the moisture so will just have to live Spring through my photos for awhile.

State Capitol

Door to the library

  A group of 5 of us gals from the photo forum went to the capitol for a photo day and had a blast.  I have been having problems with my shoulder and had to rely on my G12 point and shoot which I have not used but a few times but was very pleased with how it worked.  I think this will have to be the camera I use until my shoulder gets better and think that will be fine for right now.  These were all processed from my iPad, the first two I added some textures and overlays.

I went to the Sunken Garden with Kris early this morning before the heat and humidity was too unbearable. I am always amazed how every year they change the plantings and design and it is always so beautiful, it seems much brighter this year and I think it was the contrast of a lot of purples and oranges.

Focused

He was trying to get the grass out of his pocket to entice his pony

Making sure his feet are in the right position

Perfect stance

It's great having a partner you can lean on

  The 8 and under age group was called to the practice ring and this little guy just caught my heart.  He was a "cowboy" through and through.  The love and trust they had for each other was evident in both.  This is a series of photos from the practice ring and then to their event.



This little guy didn't want to walk so his handler just picked hime up a put him
 where he was suppose to be!



Looks like Colonel Sanders is the the hair business now!

He was bigger than some of the horses!!!

    I spent most of the afternoon at the Event Center watching the horses and the different events.  I learned a lot from talking with the owners, handlers and kids, I am so glad I went.  They have two categories, the over which are 34"-38" and the unders which are under 34".  One of the Mom's I was talking with said they had 50 minis!  There was the halter class and performance (pulling the carts), I missed the obstacle and jumpers which was on Friday night!  It is such a family atmosphere and a lot more laid back than the show I went to a couple weeks ago.  All ages of competitors were there and lots of families that were competing with each other rather than againest each other.