Blue Skies, Flowers, Self-portraits and Friendship makes for a good day

Today was one of those days where it begins way too early and once it's time to go to bed you can't sleep...which is where I am at now as I blab away...

I was up at 6am to get out on the road by 6:30am to make a 2 1/2 hour drive down to Peoria for a meeting. Needless to say, I did not leave on time as planned because as I was getting ready the weather was going nuts outside and the end of it seemed nowhere in sight. If you know me well enough you know that I FEAR driving in the rain. In fact, I'm pefectly fine driving in snow blizzard condition, but rain?..yes...rain freaks me out. Even a drizzle and semi's moving at extreme speeds on the highway...make for a very stressful driving situation in my car. I had the camera and knew I would get a bit of free time after the meeting and hoped to find places for pictures. Well, the tiredness and hunger set in and I said forget it! I just looked up above and was happy that at least my ride back home would be blessed with clear skies.....

Then when I returned to Rockford, Dan and I needed to run a few errands. On one of the stops he just needed to run in so I stayed in the car...and to pass the time...

definitely got some passerby "WHAT IS THAT WOMAN DOING?" stares for this one ;)

Then a little bit of downtime and I walked around our neighborhood and stopped at this super cute wooden fence....yes I called a fence "super cute"...I need sleep.

Downtime over...and I am off to meet a group of WONDERFUL ladies from church for our Tuesday Bible study group. BUT before I get there I had to stop for this.....there's just something about the random colors of the sky that I just fall in love with.

Tonight's study group was such a good time. It's interesting to hear about everyone's personal experience and their spiritual journey. I feel very blessed to have these women in my life. We get together and study from a series of books as we study the Bible. Right now, the topic is "How could God allow Suffering and Evil?".....a lot of good discussion.

Without sounding all "preachy" I will say that had it not been for this group I would have found it difficult to really connect with the Bible.  This is a completely different experience from having grown up reading from the Bible for Sunday school versus actually studying, having one on one devotional time with God and applying His word to your life. This is a constant eye opening experience.

 Thank you ladies for being inspirational, supportive, and all around amazing!

This song was on as I was typing and loading the pics..I appreciate that the sky, flowers, even that nasty rain this morning were created for a reason.  Could you imagine if none of this were here???

Back to Nature...

Today started out as a yucky overcast rainy morning. Then about mid day blue skies made it's lovely way through the clouds and I jumped in the car and headed to Rock Cut State Park. I love this place. I came out here during the winter to get some 'snow' shots, as I call them! Funny that the last time I was at the park it was eerie and  quiet. The crunching of the snow as I walked along the trail made me feel as though somewhere in the distance I was being watched! Seriously, I would stop every few steps and look around  "just to check". HOWEVER, today was a much more relaxed experience! It was very windy and a bit on the chilly side compared to the last couple of days..yet this place was busy. Boats on the water, people fishing, walking the trail, riding bikes. I think the winter blues got everyone saying who cares if it's still cold out...the snow is gone! I too jumped at the opportunity to get back to nature. I can't wait until it gets warmer. Dan and I like to rent a bass boat and spend a few hours on the lake. Summer..I miss you and can't wait for your return! : )

can't wait to get out on the water.....

**What I love about photographing nature is that you can keep it natural or in post processing you have the ability to have some fun a get a bit creative and turn an image into anything you want.**

After the lake I went on one of the trails....

These next three I like...There was a large Limestone rock (I think that's what it is) and it's covered in moss. Unfortunately, the entire area is fenced in because you now those lovely teens like to come out and cause trouble and ruin it for the rest of us....at least that's the rumor I've been told :) Thank you telephoto lens to get close enough..though now I really want to invest in a macro lens...

I saw this bridge just all by it's lonesome...I have some good ideas for future portrait sessions should they be at this park :)

Hope everyone enjoyed their Saturday! Today's trip brought peacefulness to me. Amidst all of the negative that can fill this world, reflecting back on these pictures..this day..reminds me that there is good and there is beauty. I am grateful for this life.  If you celebrate Easter I hope it is a special one for you and yours.

Love & Blessings,

Laura