Our baby graduated with honours.

Our fifth, and final, High School Graduation.

Each graduation  brings a lot of memories because my five children graduated from the same High School that I graduated from 32 years ago. They were raised here in Belfast, but attended High School in the little town of Montague where I grew up - a  20 minute drive away.

It was a memorable evening. The teachers and staff of Sarah’s school, as well as the whole community, know how to honour their graduating class.

The evening begins with a procession leading from the High School to a little Presbyterian church where a  service is held. Only the grads and staff can attend as the church is just large enough to seat the class of over 200 students.

 
I wish I could have been there, especially this year, as my preacher husband gave the message and my daughter sang. It was bittersweet, as the song was sung in memory of one of her dearest friends who died last Sept. The whole evening was shining with memories of Martha with her winsome smile and contagious laughter.

After the church service, the RCMP block off Main Street and the whole town lines up to take pictures and cheer the graduating class.

A piper and two RCMP officers, in dress uniform, lead the way.

The procession marches through the town to  the community rink - the only building large enough to hold the class and all the family members, friends and neighbours who turn out to celebrate.

A little wave and a grin for us! 

Best friends since Kindergarten!

So proud of you sweetie! 

 was shining this afternoon so I had to slip back to the woods and see if I could shoot some of the Lady Slippers in better light. The blossoms won’t last much longer.

please click to enlarge

I’m so happy with the way this shot turned out…

Bokeh - Japanese for blur. Basically the subject is focused and the background is blurry.

I discovered that you have to

• stand around 3 feet away from the subject
  
• use your zoom
• make sure that there is space between the subject and the background
• Set the camera to a low aperture setting
• click away
  

Apparently there is good bokeh and not so good bokeh. It can be quite complicated.

I don’t understand much. For example in the Bokeh test the following elements are evaluated.

• Edge - I don’t understand
  
• Double-line - haven’t a clue
  
• Aperture shape - beats me
  
• Overall effect - pleasing or distracting?
  

Yes! I can answer that one.

I am pleased - very pleased.

Now - I have to run. The sun is setting and I need to go out and play with my camera. The light is shining in my window all lovely and golden.

Apparently this is one of the best moments to take pictures.

I don’t want to miss it! Catch you later 

I discovered these yesterday. It’s the first time I’ve ever found them growing in our  woods. They’re a rare find.

click to enlargeLady’s Slipper

(Cypripedium acaule)

Prince Edward Island adopted the lady’s slipper as its floral emblem in 1947. The flower gets its name from its petals, which are shaped like a woman’s shoe. It grows in the cool shade of the forest and it blooms in the springtime.

What is the floral emblem of your province or state? 

I’m off to town today. The library is calling my name!

Have a wonderful day my friends.   

 We live on Polly Hill. The hill was named after one of the three ships that brought the original Scottish settlers to this community in 1803. There is a monument and small park across the road from our home.

 

The boys wrote a song about growing up here - on Polly Hill. It’s one of my favourites. This is a video of a live performance - recorded by a fan.

You may want to turn it down a bit in the “singalong” section - it gets a trifle out of tune enthusiastic!

but don’t miss the last note sung by the boys - it’s sweet!

 More endless gifts…
7.my children
8.growing up in a small town beneath an eastern rural sky
9.harmony
10.happy childhood memories for my children  

I am joining my good friend Ann V. at Holy Experience

She writes:

I am seeing things I have never seen before, atuned and aware of this constant, endless stream of gifts from His hand. I am one waking from slumber….from the stupor of indifference and ignorance. I have sight, fresh and keen—-the world is new and full of His gifts.

Too often I miss Him, oblivious, blind. I don’t see all the good things that He is giving me, gracing me with, brushing my life with. True, He is everywhere, always. But maybe, before The Gift List, I thought of Him as further off, not so close. When I started to see all the things that I love bestowed upon me, I started to see Him as near, present, everywhere, showering me with good things. Seeing the things I love all around me gives me eyes to see that I am loved, that He loves me…

1. eyes to see

2. mind to be aware

3. heart to be atuned

4. a life to live awake

5. a Father who is near

6. who showers endless gifts

7. who loves

A good beginning …

Consider joining. You will be blessed!