pullingmymaskoff

favorite photo from february.

2012-03-02T15:50:00.000-06:00

A frozen birdbath. It is now piled high in snow.

-Bethany

ice on needles.

2012-03-01T20:47:00.001-06:00

sooc

edited

-Bethany

please pray for my friend's family.

2012-03-01T18:53:00.000-06:00

My friend's step dad just commited suicide. She has three younger siblings who are all still children...

Please keep them in your prayers.

-Bethany

nothing prettier.

2012-02-29T19:54:00.002-06:00

In my opinion, there is nothing prettier than a fresh Spring blossom. I am thankful for our indoor peach tree, because if it were not for it, I wouldn't be experiences blossoms quite yet.

Linking up to Wordless Wednesday, Wordless Wednesday and This or That Thursday.

It snowed last night and this morning, amounting to over a foot. Ugh. I guess it won't be an early Spring for me after all.

-Bethany

p.s. Happy leap day!

Observing Beauty {Week Eleven}

2012-02-26T19:16:00.001-06:00

To Link up: Take a beautiful photo. Put a link to my blog in your post (button on sidebar), tell me which photo you are linking (if there is more than one photo in your post), then link up using a direct link to your post. That is all!

-Bethany

scavenger hunt sunday.

2012-02-26T00:30:00.001-06:00

Crossed. The branches are crossed across each other.

A Glimpse. A glimpse of the sun.

Linking the above photo to Your Sunday Best.

Handwritten.

Bliss. Nothing describes bliss better than a chocolate caramel brownie...

Gray. Pipe cleaners... I love the bokeh that they make.

Linking up to Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

Have a great Sunday everyone!
I am going to be watching the Daytona 500... Anyone else watching it? Who are you rooting for?

-Bethany

frozen.

2012-02-25T15:19:00.001-06:00

I live in the cold, northern United States, where Winter lasts over half the year, snow falls in large clumps onto the evergreens and birds go without baths because the water is frozen.

But Spring is coming.

Linking up to Macro Monday.

And I can't wait until the birds start chirping, the flowers and blossoms bloom and the sun shines brightly through the windows every day. Oh Spring, I love you...

-Bethany

the smell of spring and a snowstorm.

2012-02-24T16:03:00.002-06:00

My absolute favorite time of the year is Spring.

I was very surprised and happy to find buds on some of the trees in the yard, the other day. I breathed in the fresh Springy air, and relished in the joy that Spring brings- if only for a moment.

Linking the above photo to Shoot. Edit. Submit, Fabulous Friday and OH Snap!

A few days later snow was falling down in clumps, covering the fresh buds and everything else in white.

Flurries of snow are falling from the sky as I write this post, much better than clumps, but still, I wish that the snow would melt and Spring would alight itself upon us for good.

Just looking at the bud photos makes me long for a warm, Spring day. Anyone else have Spring fever yet? Or is the weather already warm by you?

-Bethany

happiness.

2012-02-22T22:17:00.001-06:00

(Photo taken by my brother, edited by me. Please ignore my messy, wind blown hair and horrible posture.)

Things that make me happy lately:

My family. From my nephew saying "Love you," to spending time laughing and talking with my siblings, I love my family. Sure, there are challenging moments, but I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Iced Coffee In fact, I'm drinking some right now.

The Word Happiness Happiness: good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.

Blogging What's not to love about it?

What makes you happy?
-Bethany

love is all you need.

2012-02-20T18:08:00.002-06:00

I read 1 Corinthians 13 today, and it hit me as if for the first time- love is all you need.

I have dreams, goals and aspirations. There are things that I want to do in my life, things that I want to accomplish, but even if every dream came true, and I didn't have love, I would have nothing.

Today I resolved to spend more time with those who are important to me, to look past the small things and to cherish every moment, to make memories full of love.

My day was wonderful. I spent time with my younger brother playing wii and ~~making~~ letting him take photos of me. I enjoyed every moment of this day, because it was spent with someone that I love. I wish I could see plainly how much I need to take a moment to love, every day, but I must admit that sometimes it gets hard. But I will be trying harder.

Nothing is more important in life than those we love. Sometimes I spend hours on Pinterest, or reading or just plain wasting my time, when I could be spending time with family instead. I want to change that and love- because none of us know how long we have with those special people, or how long we ourselves have left to live.

Linking up to Tuesdays around the World.

Now faith, hope, and love remain -these three things- and the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13

Live every day full of joy, forgive those who hurt you, look beyond your pain, ignore the little indiferences that would usually set you off- and love. Always love.

-Bethany

Observing Beauty {Week Ten}

2012-02-19T16:55:00.003-06:00

Beautiful dessert.

Find the recipe HERE.

To Enter: Take a beautiful photo. Put a link to my blog in your post (button on sidebar), tell me which photo you are entering (if there is more than one photo in your post), then link up using a direct link to your post. That is all!

-Bethany

scavenger hunt sunday.

2012-02-19T09:04:00.000-06:00

Love.
This photo represents love for me in two ways. One, the obvious, Christ's love. And two, my brother's love for me. My oldest brother had given me a necklace for my Birthday many years ago, and I had cried when I'd lost it, so he bought me a new one, this one.

Duplicated.

Trending.
Yesterday morning I went on Twitter to see what was trending, and I was very surprised and happy to find that Psalms 23 was. The below is verse 4 of Psalm 23.

Linking up to Scriptures and a Snapshot.

Paper.

Plastic.
A reflection in a disc.

Linking up to Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

-Bethany

accomplishment.

2012-02-18T18:50:00.001-06:00

Nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment. When you know that you did something good, when you know that you will always remember this day, when you have done something to remember it by.

The other day I finished my second novella- definitely a day to remember. I love writing.

I love the feeling of putting together words, creating characters and stories that have never been invented before. And I love the feeling of accomplishment of getting a page, chapter or story finished.

Linking up to Food Photography Weekly Photo Challenge.

I guess that part of my love for baking might stem from my love of getting things done, too. Seeing a muffin or cookie or cake finished, after you were the one to sift the flour, pour the oil and snitch a few chocolate chips or raspberries, is a great feeling.

Here's to accomplishing something today- and every day.

-Bethany

there is a time for everything.

2012-02-16T15:39:00.001-06:00

There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity under the heavens:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot...

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance...

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 and 4

As Spring approaches, the weather is started to warm up a bit, and the snow is beginning to melt. Knowing that buds and blossoms, the sound of snow melting as it creates its own river on the driveway, the fresh smells that could only belong to Spring- are all right around the corner is the best feeling.

But with Spring also comes my birthday. It's not a milestone year, but I will be another year older none the less. Its hard to see the years slip away, see my nieces and nephew growing up way too fast. It seems like only yesterday that I became an Auntie, and now my little nephew is going to be older brother to two. Yes, I am going to be an Auntie again! :)

When this year started I knew that it was going to be like no other. Every year you grow so much without even realizing it. You learn so much, hurt so much, laugh so much. I wish that I could capture the good moments and keep them with me forever- and in my heart I do. I want to cherish every beautiful memory that I make. I don't want to pass up the opportunity to spend time with those that I love, because after all, they are what's most important.

Linking up to This or That Thursday

I hope to grow from the new things that I will be experiencing this year.

I hope to grow as a Christian, photographer, blogger, baker and as a sister, auntie, daughter and friend.

I want to cherish every blessing that I receive, because every moment is worth living to the fullest.

-Bethany

cinnamon.

2012-02-14T19:02:00.000-06:00

Linking up to Wordless Wednesday.

-Bethany

happy love day.

2012-02-14T17:48:00.003-06:00

Joining in on Tuesdays around the World.

-Bethany

Observing Beauty {Week Nine}

2012-02-12T15:31:00.001-06:00

Psalm 34:21

2012-02-12T15:29:00.000-06:00

-Bethany

scavenger hunt sunday.

2012-02-12T09:05:00.000-06:00

Facial Feature. A little Duplo man.

Shadow. Dripping nail polish.

Spicy. Paprika.

Gold. A ring on an elephants trunk... I know, I'm weird. ;)

Fabric. A headband that my sister made for our etsy shop.

Linking up to Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

I hope you are all having an amazing Sunday!
-Bethany

candy cane.

2012-02-11T14:23:00.000-06:00

-Bethany

a cinnamon roll.

2012-02-09T16:24:00.000-06:00

I took the advice in the tutorial and used a wooden cutting board and a fork in the shot. Usually when I photograph food I just use a white background and sometimes a white plate... it was fun doing it differently and learning some new tips.

-Bethany

perspective.

2012-02-09T15:28:00.001-06:00

Despite everything that may be going on in life at the moment, there is still beauty. There are wonderful moments of bliss while ~~warm~~ hot water beats down you in the shower, and moments of laughter with a sister while baking my brother's birthday cake.

There are times when I am struck with the beauty and far awayness of the moon, and how small our world really is. It put life into perspective for me- I'm only a small part of the world, others have lived before me and more people will live after me, others have gone through the same pain and happiness that I have, and they've survived- so I can, too.

Linking up to This or That Thursday, Texture Thursday Sweet Violet and Show off your Shot.

That being said, I'd still appreciate continued prayers for my grandma and family.
Thanks,
-Bethany

break.

2012-02-04T19:21:00.000-06:00

Because of all that is going on with my grandma and my siblings visiting, I am going to take a few days off of blogging... so no Observing Beauty this week, but hopefully next.

Thanks everyone for the support and prayers!

-Bethany

my grandma could really use your prayers right now.

2012-02-02T18:43:00.000-06:00

My grandma's health has being going through a roller coaster ride ever since 2 days before Christmas.
There were a few days when we thought that she was completely healed... then the doctors kept going back and forth about her health, some saying she was fine some saying she wasn't.
Today though, we found out that she isn't going to be getting better. They don't know how long she has to live yet... it might be months or it might be just a few days...

It's so unreal. I don't want to think about losing her.

Tomorrow my mom and her siblings and grandpa are going to be talking about what to do now...

Please keep my grandma in your prayers.

Thanks,
-Bethany

snowy trees.

2012-02-02T08:59:00.000-06:00

Linking up to This or That Thursday and Show off Your Shot.

Today is my one year vegetarian anniversary. In some ways I can't believe that it has been that long, but mostly I can't believe that it was that recent that I gave up meat... Any other vegetarian bloggers out there? If so, how long have you been one?

-Bethany

winter shots.

2012-01-31T18:39:00.000-06:00

I am hoping that the snow will melt in these next few days- today it was so warm and beautiful outside!
I hope you are all having an amazing Tuesday.

-Bethany

Observing Beauty {Week Eight}

2012-01-30T12:56:00.001-06:00

Beautiful Sprinkles.

Psalm 1:2-3

2012-01-29T15:10:00.000-06:00

Linking up to Scripture and a Snapshot.

I hope that everyone is having a great Sunday!
-Bethany

2011 [part four]

2012-01-28T19:46:00.000-06:00

I finished my first novel in November.

And in December found out that I am going to be Auntie to another nephew, in May.

Last year was amazing. I have so many great memories, so many photos... 2011 contained so much happiness. And so far 2012 has, too.

(October)

(November)

(December)

I hope you are all enjoying your new year thus far!
-Bethany

heart.

2012-01-26T21:02:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I like to experiment and create. Sometimes I like to make something ordinary into something spectacular. Sometimes I like to take some simple ingredients and turn them into something delicious. Sometimes I like to make my baked goods look pretty. Sometimes I like to photograph them, so I can blog them and share them.

Linking up to Macro Friday.

To find the recipe for these "love"ly peanut butter bars, visit my baking blog Happiness is Sweet.

-Bethany

2011 [part three]

2012-01-25T15:37:00.000-06:00

(July)

(August)

(September)

Finally got around to doing this again... yes, I can be a procrastinator...

-Bethany

Observing Beauty {Week Seven}

2012-01-22T19:01:00.001-06:00

Beautiful Green Thread.

-Bethany

happiness is sweet.

2012-01-22T18:34:00.002-06:00

If you think this cookie looks delicious (and oh boy, is it ever!) then come visit my new food blog Happiness is Sweet, to find this recipe and others!

Joining in on Macro Monday at Lisa's Chaos.

-Bethany

scavenger hunt sunday.

2012-01-22T08:59:00.000-06:00

Sunset.

Black and White.

A day in the life.

Most days you will find me in the kitchen baking something... that's why I just started a food blog Happiness is Sweet.

Four.

Colorful.

Joining in on Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

I hope you all have an amazing day!
-Bethany

dried flowers in black and white.

2012-01-21T17:21:00.000-06:00

Linking up to Flowers on Saturday with the above photo.

-Bethany

dried flowers.

2012-01-19T16:09:00.000-06:00

Linking up to This or That Thursday and Macro Friday.

I hope you are all having a fantastic day!

-Bethany

sunrise to sunset.

2012-01-19T15:22:00.000-06:00

-Bethany

snowflakes.

2012-01-17T17:03:00.000-06:00

Snow flakes swirled and spun, dancing their way down to the earth, this morning when I looked out my window. Whilst everyone else complains of having no snow, here in the northwest I am tempted to complain about having too much.

Although it makes for beautiful photographs, I have to admit that I haven't taken my camera outside too much lately. The cold weather combined with the sun setting so early have been my excuses, but I know I should try harder.

Right now the sun is setting, and the house is getting chilly, and I am thinking a cup of coffee would be just about right, but I think I will pass and instead snap a few shots of the gorgeous sunset from the comfort of my bedroom window.

Linking up to Communal Global.

Hope you are staying warm,

-Bethany

(these photos were taken a few days ago.)

outfit: new year's eve.

2012-01-16T21:39:00.027-06:00

Doesn't it feel like New Year's eve was forever ago?

January has been a long, productive month for me... I love the feeling of getting things accomplished!

This is the outfit that I wore on New Year's Eve.

Sweater- Target// Shirt- Kohls//Jeans- Mudd// Necklace- from a shop which sells items from all across the globe.

Thought I'd try an outfit post once... not sure if it will become a regular feature or not. What do you think?

-Bethany

Observing Beauty {Week Six}

2012-01-15T19:35:00.002-06:00

Beautiful jewelry.

2 Corinthians 12:9

2012-01-15T16:08:00.000-06:00

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

2 Corinthians 12:9

My grandma is in the hospital again... if you would, please keep her in your prayers.
Thanks,-Bethany

covered in snow.

2012-01-12T19:49:00.000-06:00

After a few gorgeous, sunny days, snow fell from the sky today.

I am not a fan of snow, but it does make things that would otherwise appear plain look pretty. It makes photographing Winter a bit more fun... as long as it's not a blizzard and you can't take your camera out, that is.

Linking up to This or That Thursday and Macro Friday.

Please keep my grandma in your prayers.

Thanks,
-Bethany

once again, please pray for my grandma.

2012-01-12T15:58:00.000-06:00

My grandma is once again not doing good, and my parents might be taking back to the hospital tonight.

Your prayers would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
-Bethany

red thread.

2012-01-11T16:21:00.000-06:00

-Bethany

scavenger hunt sunday on monday.

2012-01-09T18:18:00.001-06:00

One Color.

Laundry. (a sock through a hole in the basket)

Empty.

One Dozen.

Soft.

Linking up to Scavenger Hunt Sunday and Macro Monday.
-Bethany

Observing Beauty {Week Five}

2012-01-08T19:18:00.000-06:00

Beautiful Bokeh.

To Enter: Take a beautiful photo. Put a link to my blog in your post (button), tell me which photo you are entering (if there is more than one photo in your post), then link up using a direct link to your post. That is all!

-Bethany

Matthew 9:42

2012-01-08T10:46:00.002-06:00

If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.

Matthew 9:42

Linking up to Scriptures and a Snapshot.

I took this photo of my nephew almost a year ago... but I still love it. :)

-Bethany

this girl's christmas.

2012-01-06T20:17:00.001-06:00

I hope that your Christmas was also beautiful.

-Bethany

(I know that Christmas was a while ago... but I couldn't resist doing some typography on this picture. :))

blue sky and sunshine.

2012-01-05T15:17:00.000-06:00

I love being greeted with sunshine when I wake up, and seeing a pretty blue sky when I gaze out the window. The last two days have been full of sunshine and gorgeous blue skies... it makes me so happy. :)

Another thing that makes me happy lately is typography. I did this photo and a couple of others on Picasa... what do you think?

-Bethany

2011 [part two].

2012-01-03T20:25:00.000-06:00

As evidence by how many photos I am putting in this post, I love Spring photography. Just looking at these pictures gives me Spring fever.

(April)

(May)

(June)

I became an Auntie for the third time to my beautiful niece, T, in June. She is so precious and happy and adorable.
I love being an Auntie. :)

-Bethany

Observing Beauty {Week Four}

2012-01-02T13:28:00.005-06:00

Beautiful Birds.

Happy new year everyone!

-Bethany

end of 2011.

2011-12-31T21:47:00.000-06:00

Is is just me, or does everyone feel a bit of sadness when you face the final few hours of a year.
Two thousand eleven was a wonderful, magical year and I am sad to see it go... yet I know that next year will be filled with it's own joys.
Sometimes it's just hard to let go of the past and move on. It's hard knowing that in a few short hours this year will be gone and we will never be able to go back to it, all we'll be left with is memories.
But I am happy to say that I have some great memories from this year- like when my little niece was born, and watching my older niece and nephew learn to walk and talk. I am also happy to say that this was my favorite year of life... maybe that is why it is so hard to let go of this year, two thousand eleven.
But life is like that... carrying you on. Sometimes it can be so hard to let go of the day, with the realization that tomorrow everything could change. Especially now that I am an Auntie- I see my nieces and nephew changing all of the time. Sometimes I wish that I could pause time for a moment so that I could take it all in.
Yet I know that this next year will be a great year, because it's another year to spend with my family. I will meet my newest nephew this year. I will become a better writer, photographer, blogger and baker. I will try my hardest to love others more and grow in my relationship with my Savior, Jesus.

So I will say goodbye to this year, not with sadness, but with the hope of another great year.

Thank you everyone for all the encouragement and photography tips this year- I look forward to another great year of blogging.

Happy new year!

-Bethany

2011 [part one].

2011-12-29T13:31:00.000-06:00

(January)

(February)

(March)

PullingMyMaskOff reached it's one year blogiversary in March.

More from 2011 later.
-Bethany

best christmas.

2011-12-28T16:46:00.000-06:00

While my grandma was sick, when I heard that the doctors said she had 20% chance of survival, when I thought that she would have to undergo a risky surgery, when I visited her at the hospital on Christmas eve, when we thought that she was having a heart attack and dying, I thought that I would always remember this as the worst Christmas ever.
I thought that my grandma was going to die, just like my other grandma died last year. I thought that I was going to have to go through the pain of another loss. I was so scared.
I prayed and prayed, hoping that God would give my grandma healing.
And He did.
My grandma surviving is a miracle.
I am so amazed and thankful and grateful.
Having my grandma go through this has made me realize how much I love her. She is so special.

Instead of the worst Christmas ever, this might have to go on record as the best. Not because of the presents or Christmas day itself, but because of the miracle that God gave to our family. I am so happy that my grandma is healed, it is the best Christmas present.

Everyone who has prayed for her- thank you so much.

Please continue to pray for her, my grandpa and my mom, as my mom and her siblings discuss whether or not to put her in a nursing home. My mom is totally against it, but some of her siblings are for it, and my mom is getting really stressed by this.

-Bethany

rudolph.

2011-12-28T16:35:00.000-06:00

He's a bit late for Christmas, but better late than never, right? I drew him while bored the other day. I like how the paper looks on the small clip board.

I hope that everyone had a very merry Christmas!

-Bethany

i believe in miracles.

2011-12-27T13:02:00.000-06:00

When you witness one, you have to believe in it, right?
My grandma is healed. She moved out of the ICU today. I am so amazed.
Thank you so much for your prayers! Our God is so awesome.

I can't stop smiling. Guess I better get on those sugar cookies that she requested. :)

-Bethany

update.

2011-12-26T17:01:00.000-06:00

Thank you everyone who is praying for my grandma. She is in the ICU, but seems to be doing somewhat better. I was able to visit her on Christmas eve, and hearing her voice made me so happy. She even asked us to save some sugar cookies for her in her freezer!
Tomorrow my mom and her siblings are meeting with my grandma's doctor to talk. Please pray that it goes good and that my grandma heals completely!

Thanks again for the prayers,
-Bethany

please pray for my grandma.

2011-12-23T13:54:00.000-06:00

Please pray for my grandma, she is going into emergancy surgery in a few minutes. I don't know all the details, but it sounds serious. I am so, so scared, especially after losing my other grandma just last year.
Please pray for healing, and that the surgery goes good. She's not at the best hospital, so that is another worry...

Please keep my grandma in your prayers.
Thanks,
-Bethany

merry christmas.

2011-12-22T18:34:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

-Bethany

Linking to Mckmama's Christmas tree post.

fog.

2011-12-21T20:24:00.000-06:00

Taken when from the car a few days ago... the fog made everything so gorgeous.

-Bethany

macro lights.

2011-12-18T18:38:00.001-06:00

Linking up to Macro Monday at Lisa's Chaos.

I am going to take a break from Observing Beauty this week and next to relax for Christmas. I hope that you'll all join in again in the new year!
-Bethany

I'm dreaming of a... snow free christmas.

2011-12-15T20:26:00.000-06:00

I'm dreaming of a ~~white~~ snow free Christmas.

If only...

A girl can dream, right? Although living in Wisconsin it isn't very likely...

-Bethany

a tradition.

2011-12-13T14:48:00.003-06:00

Some Christmas traditions are meant to be kept, like cutting down a big green tree from the woods and placing it in the living room and decorating it with lights, colorful ornaments and or course a star up on top, and listening to classic carols like Silent Night while wrapping Christmas gifts, and baking.

I have been a lover of baking for as long as I can remember- so to say that I am happy when the Christmas baking season comes along is an understatement.

Holly Leaf Sugar Cookies
1 Cup butter
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 1/2 Cups sugar
3 1/2 Cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cream of tarter

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla. Add eggs and beat. Blend dry ingredients into creamed mixture. Chill 1 hour. On floured surface roll 1/8 inch thick and cut into shapes. Bake at 375 degrees for about 8 minutes.

My family has been making sugar cookies for Christmas every year for my whole life. A photo of me rolling them out when I was about two is evidence of that. Everyone seems to love these sugar cookies and I thought that maybe you would too.

My grandma gave us this recipe... not sure where she got it from, though.
-Bethany

i wish it could be christmas everyday.

2011-12-12T17:29:00.000-06:00

-Bethany

Observing Beauty {Week Three}

2011-12-11T20:53:00.005-06:00

To Enter: Take a beautiful photo. Put a link to my blog in your post (button below), tell me which photo you are entering (if there is more than one photo in your post), then link up using a direct link to your post. That is all!
For the button please visit this page.

-Bethany

ice.

2011-12-08T18:58:00.000-06:00

-Bethany

please pray.

2011-12-07T20:37:00.001-06:00

Please pray for a friend of my family's B, who is having surgery in a few days and having tests to see if she has cancer.... I am so scared for her... she is only ten.

-Bethany

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:29

dead, before the snow.

2011-12-06T19:53:00.001-06:00

Wordless Wednesday at NapTimeMomTog.

The other day I took these photos, actually anticipating the snow that was to come because it would bring some light and life to the dead fall colors. And now that the snow is on the ground I am getting all the more excited for Christmas.

I haven't had a chance to photograph the snow yet through, because yesterday I had a fever and sore throat, and today a sore throat and cough. At least there is one good thing about being sick-- it makes you appreciate the moments when you are feeling well.

I hope you are all enjoying preparing for Christmas. Today I started my Christmas baking and sorted through my presents, I only have one person left to buy for and a few things left to receive via UPS, then I am done. How about you, are you done shopping yet?

-Bethany

green.

2011-12-04T19:57:00.001-06:00

Linking up to Macro Monday at Lisa's Chaos.

-Bethany

gratitude.

2011-12-04T19:14:00.000-06:00

I am filled with gratitude today. For so many, many reasons. But to name one, I am so happy and thankful to the three new followers that I got while I was away for the weekend. Wow, I wasn't expecting that... thank you for following, and welcome!

I had an awesome weekend spent with my almost six month old niece, who is the sweetest most content baby that I have ever known, and my eighteen month old nephew who, every time I went into the bathroom would say, "Bethany," and wait for me, or "Bethany shower." It was so sweet.

I couldn't ask for a better family. I love being an auntie more than anything, and when I reflect on the blessing that God has given me of two beautiful nieces and an adorable nephew I about cry. I love them all so much, and am waiting in excited anticipation for the arrival of my fourth niece or nephew, this Spring.

And I am so thankful for photography. It has helped me to connect with so many amazing bloggers. It has shown me beauty that I never would have realized was there if not for a camera. It has made me happy and it has inspired me.

Last but definitely not least, I am thankful for life. I love living everyday, appreciating every little moment, every breath is a gift, every day is something to cherish and make memorable. I want to live my life to the fullest and follow my God's plan for me. Sometimes it's hard to know exactly what that is, but I will try.

I know this post is a little late for Thanksgiving, but better late than never, right?
-Bethany

Observing Beauty {Week Two}

2011-12-04T18:52:00.002-06:00

Beautiful blade of grass.

To Enter: Take a beautiful photo. Put a link to my blog in your post (button below), tell me which photo you are entering (if there is more than one photo in your post), then link up using a direct link to your post. That is all!

I hope that this challenge will give us all a glimpse at what a beautiful world we are living in.

-Bethany

christmas lights.

2011-12-01T21:17:00.001-06:00

I am spending the weekend at my sister and brother-in-law's house, with no internet. So goodbye until Sunday evening and a new Observing Beauty.
Now I must go grab some toothpaste and finish packing! :)
-Bethany

rain drops.

2011-11-28T20:31:00.000-06:00

Linking up to Shoot. Edit. Submit. (for the above photo) and Communal Global.

-Bethany

leaves.

2011-11-27T19:17:00.000-06:00

Linking up to Macro Monday at Lisa's Chaos.

-Bethany

Check out my new Photo Challenge!

Observing Beauty {Week One}

2011-11-27T16:31:00.003-06:00

Life is full of beauty. And as a photographer, I think we notice it even more than everyone else. I see it in the snow covered branches, in water drops about to fall from a crab apple, in the wind blown wheat and a bright orange sunset. Beauty is everywhere, and I love capturing it through photography.

I am starting this photo challenge to inspire us all to appreciate the beauty around us. We need to stop and observe it more often, to really realize what a wonderful gift God has given us. If you look anywhere around you I assure you that you will find some kind of beauty. Maybe in the least expected place, like a dying flower, but it is still there.

Find it, capture it, and link up.

To Enter:
Take a photo. Put a link to my blog in your post (button below), tell me which photo you are entering (if there is more than one photo in your post), then link up using a direct link to your post. That is all!

I hope that this challenge will give us all a glimpse at what a beautiful world we are living in.

-Bethany

water drop.

2011-11-25T17:01:00.004-06:00

Linking up to Macro Friday.

-Bethany

the end.

2011-11-20T18:39:00.000-06:00

The second snow fall of the month came yesterday. I think this one is going to stay. So I will say goodbye to fall and what a wonderful season it has been, and welcome Winter.

On the way to Church I found myself thinking of the song "Winter Wonderland". The scenery covered in snow was so gorgeous I was wishing that I could snap some photos.

Linking up to Macro Monday.

This next week is going to be a busy one, but an absolutely fun one full of time with family.
I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving week!
-Bethany

muffins.

2011-11-18T17:43:00.001-06:00

Honestly, muffins aren't my favorite food. But, I do like a few kinds of them. Like these two recipes that I recently made for the first time.

Blueberry/Raspberry Corn Muffins.

(you can find the recipe HERE)

I used both raspberries and blueberries in mine. They were light and tasty, and if you look at the nutrition facts on Food.com you will see that they are pretty healthy, too.

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

(you can find the recipe HERE)

(for the above photo)

The cream cheese is inside, I just didn't get a great picture of it. These muffins are even better than the ones above, but of course, they are less healthy. The cream cheese inside is so delicious. I believe that they are my new favorite muffin.

-Bethany

Go enter the GIVEAWAY that is going on over at Misty's blog for $10 credit to my etsy shop!

thankful.

2011-11-17T21:35:00.000-06:00

I started writing a list of five things that I am thankful for everyday, a little over a month ago after being prompted to do so from this book.

This is what I wrote down a couple of days ago.

Today's list is:

1. My Siblings.

2. That I can go shopping. (and get some good deals)

3. That I can bake.

4. For the upcoming Christmas season

5. That I get to see both of my nieces and my nephew tomorrow.

-Bethany

christmas song {my edit}.

2011-11-16T21:35:00.001-06:00

The Original.

My Edit.

I had written everything that I had done to edit it down in order, but I accidentally deleted it. oops. what I remember (I think that this is all that I did) is that I used PhotoScape, applied vignetting, slightly cropped it, applied the text, velva low and provia low.

*I did not take this gorgeous photo. Only the edit is by me.

-Bethany

monkey.

2011-11-15T21:27:00.001-06:00

Lately I haven't been using my camera as much as I'd like to. My excuse? The days are too short. And I'm lazy.

The other day I was bored, looking around my room for something to photograph. I saw the little plastic monkey that my sister gave me a while ago. Perfect.

I love capturing tiny details. I love macro photography. I really really love macro photography. So much so that sometimes I find it hard to take any other kinds of photos.

Sometimes it is hard to get into new habits though. Like with flossing. I hate flossing but my dentist told me that I should start. Ugh.

Today my nephew turned eighteen months old. I can't believe that he is getting so old, yet I also can't believe that I have only been an Auntie that long.

On Monday I got to babysit him all day. He is so cute and growing up so quick. He was playing with some toy dishes and he says "Cool" when picking one of them up! Ha! I'm always amazed at how much he talks. He even knows how to say "Spatula". :)

And speaking of being an Auntie, my oldest niece is coming up this weekend. I'm so excited to see her again!

So, that's what I have been up to. How about you?

-Bethany

Linking up to Wordless Wednesday @ Naptime MomTog

this is me.

2011-11-15T19:46:00.000-06:00

This is the first time that I have shared a picture of myself on my blog. Ever since I finally shared my real name I had been wanting to share a photo of myself, but since I am way more comfortable behind the camera I never got around to taking a photo of myself.
Until Sunday morning (with hair still wet from my shower) I quickly snapped some photos of myself before Church.

This is me.

-Bethany

favorite.

2011-11-15T16:11:00.000-06:00

-Bethany

macro leaf.

2011-11-13T20:28:00.000-06:00

(for the above photo)

Linking up the above photo to Macro Monday.

-Bethany

scavenger hunt sunday.

2011-11-13T13:38:00.002-06:00

Opposing Lines.

Before.

After.

Which Pair of Shoes Should I Wear? Clown feet.

I didn't get the chance to take a custom bokeh shot... but since I had all the rest of the shots I decided to put my Scavenger Hunt up anyway.
This is a "normal" bokeh shot in place of Custom Bokeh.

Little Features. Humpty Dumpty.

(for the above photo)

Linking up to Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

-Bethany

first snow.

2011-11-11T14:49:00.001-06:00

I hope you are all having a great Friday!

Now I am off to sew! :)

-Bethany

a little more fall.

2011-11-09T18:09:00.000-06:00

Here are the last of my Fall photos. Why? Because it snowed last night.

Even though I knew it was supposed to snow, I was shocked when I looked out my window this morning. The ground was covered and heavy flakes continued to fall. Overnight it had changed from Autumn to Winter.

I spent the day baking chocolate chip cookies, drawing and listening to Christmas music. The snow put my in the mood. ;)

And now I am going to write part of my new novel. I am so excited about it!

-Bethany

scavenger hunt.

2011-11-06T20:32:00.002-06:00

Food.

Purple.

In Disguise. It's the crab apple tree.

Shapes. Circles and Stars.

Photographer's Choice. What the crab apple tree really looked like.

Joining in on Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

-Bethany

purple pansy.

2011-11-04T20:02:00.000-05:00

-Bethany

beauty.

2011-11-04T10:41:00.001-05:00

I am reading through the whole Bible this year, and I am up to John now. Today I read John 11 and these verses that I love.

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:25-26

-Bethany

i showered with a giraffe.

2011-11-02T16:51:00.001-05:00

Otherwise known as life as an auntie.

Yes, I really did shower with a giraffe. A whole Noah's ark, actually.

I spent the night at my sister and brother-in-law's house last night. Yesterday my niece and nephew both had Doctor appointments and both got shots.

Last night my nephew woke up every few hours with a fever, screaming crying.

He seemed like he was doing better this morning, but by mid after noon his fever reached 104.4. My sister gave him ibuprofen, put him in a bath and then held him in just a diaper for a few hours. Thankfully he was doing a lot better before he went home, about an hour ago.

Today seeing my nephew hurting from a fever just about broke my heart. I love him and my nieces so much.

Being an auntie is such a wonderful thing. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

-Bethany

an autumn tree.

2011-11-01T13:04:00.000-05:00

-Bethany

hair bows.

2011-10-31T20:36:00.000-05:00

Guess what is new to our etsy shop???

(Yes, that is a doll not a person)

If you love these hair bows that my sister made or are curious as to what else is in our shop, click the above button.

-Bethany

one year ago today.

2011-10-30T22:09:00.000-05:00

I saw my Grandma for the last time one year ago today.
She was over for supper. It was just a normal night, or so I thought.
When I saw her and talked to her, when I gave her a goodbye hug, I had no idea it was for the last time.
Two days later, on the second of November last year I lost my Grandma.
The week following her death was the hardest week I have ever gone through in my life.
Looking back on it still makes my heart ache.
But it also makes me grateful.
I am thankful that that week is over.
I am thankful that I still have two loving grandparents.
I am thankful that I had my Grandma for as long as I did.
But I'm not saying that I don't miss her.
Because I do.
I miss her laughter, her home made cookies and muffins, her hugs, her love.
I miss walking up to her house and getting her mail for her.
I miss her asking me if I have been baking, or her looking at my pictures and talking about her amazement with digital photography.
I miss my Grandma.
She was kind, sweet, beautiful, loving.
It hurts looking back on the past and thinking of memories of her.
But I don't ever want to forget her.
One year ago today I saw the person who I inherited my love from baking from, the person who could scold my Dad when he got grumpy, who gave us Nutty Bars for every Birthday and Christmas, who I loved so much, for the last time.
I miss my Grandma.

-Bethany

a frosty scavenger hunt sunday.

2011-10-30T09:00:00.001-05:00

Macro.

Found Texture. I love the texture in these leaves.

Home. The frost made itself at home on the crab apples.

Cover. The frost covers the rose.

Tree.

Linking up to Scavenger Hunt Sunday.

-Bethany

edit me.

2011-10-29T20:13:00.002-05:00

Original.

My Edit.

I used PhotoScape for the edit.
First I cropped it, then applied auto contrast, cinema middle, portra middle and added texture and vignetting.

-Bethany

*I did not take this photo. Only the edit is by me.

frosty pink roses.

2011-10-29T13:31:00.000-05:00

Linking up to Flowers on Saturday and with the above photo.

-Bethany

magical.

2011-10-28T19:33:00.001-05:00

I was freezing this morning when I went out to take these photos.

And the chill came back to me when I was editing them.

But I guess it was worth the cold.

(for the above photo)

I love frost, don't you?
-Bethany

green leaves.

2011-10-28T10:15:00.000-05:00

Linking up to Macro Friday!

Have a great Friday, everyone!
-Bethany

absolutely delicious.

2011-10-26T18:49:00.001-05:00

A while back I discovered this recipe. And I went weeks without trying it.

A few days ago I made it for the first time. And I loved it.

Banana, Ice, Milk, Vanilla and Peanut Butter, and some hot cocoa mix... oh boy, I didn't know what I was missing.

This drink is definitely worth a try. I promise you'll love it. :) Find the recipe HERE.

-Bethany