Resolutions Update {MAY}

Summer is here (blah) and my sweatshirts have been neatly tucked away for another season. That’s sad stuff. Anyway, here’s my resolutions update:

Join the fun and post your resolutions by adding a link to the bottom of the page.

In 2012, I will …….

• have 500 or more email subscribers to Three 31 (please subscribe to my blog!)
• drink more water
• continue book club   We’re going strong!
  
• eat vegetarian (no meat) one day a week
• read at least 30 books + 12 with book club   If smut trashy romance novels count, then I’m way past this goal. If you read THIS, then you know how much I love and adore the “50 Shades” series by E.L. James. It was good stuff. Nevertheless, I’m still reading “regular” stuff too and on track to surpass this goal.
  
• purchase an e-reader     Husband purchased me a Kindle Touch for Valentine’s Day ….. and I absolutely LOOOOOOOVE this thing!!!!!
  
• participate in 52 Letters, 52 Weeks   This is going NOT well, except for the numerous thank-you notes I’ve sent to mission trip donors. Many thanks to all!
  
• purchase really nice stationery set and writing pens
• make 10 new friends
• do laundry more often (instead of letting it stack up and doing multiple loads)   
• feel comfortable pulling a trailer   I drove the church’s van pulling a 14-foot trailer when the mission team and I went to southeast Kentucky. I did awesome!!!!!
• go to a drive-in movie
• purchase an external hard-drive and organize our digital photos Have NOT done this.
  
• participate in photography classes     Invited by Brandy @ BellaPop to participate in her first online photography class.
• learn to edit photos in Adobe Photoshop
• take a photo worthy of hanging on a wall
• purchase a tripod, lens filters, and a 50mm lens
• take pictures for someone
• mission trip to Haiti  co-leading a team in October
• mission trip to Appalachia Region in Kentucky  Went to the Henderson Settlement in Frakes, Kentucky (March 10-17, 2012) on a mission trip. Click HERE for details.
  
• do/create something inspired by Pinterest every month  In January, I made this. In February, I learned to do this – YUM! In March, I wrote an article for a friend who’s incorporating Pinterest into her ministry … stay tuned for details. In April, I made paint chip coasters. In May, I tried two new recipes: rattlesnake bites and layered cupcakes.
  
• see a performance at Bass Hall in Fort Worth
• write at least one freelance article
• be published somewhere (other than my blog) My DIY wreath was published at Craftgawker.com on January 23. An article I wrote about the KY Mission Team was published on March 27 in The Sebree Banner (a newspaper in KY). In April, my name was printed TWICE in The Joshua Star newspaper for articles and photographs I submitted for publication – both were church-related activities.
  
• get new eyeglass frames  I went to the eye doctor and got new contacts on January 16.
• host a Game Night
• celebrate our 5th anniversary by doing something ( anything! ) I wrote this blog post for our anniversary on March 31. We celebrated our wedded bliss by doing our own things: Husband went to an auction and I stayed home to edit photos from the mission trip. It was a fine day for the Kentucky Wildcats though, they advance to the championship game to be played April 2. GO CATS!
• sell something at auction
• buy something at auction
• attend a professional athletic event
• improve my calligraphy skills
• support the United States Postal Service by mailing more cards (see 52 Letters, 52 Weeks)
• go hunting
• go fishing
• swim in an ocean
• host at least three (3) sponsored giveaways   Vicki at Curly Willow Collections provided this collection of custom greeting cards (giveaway ended March 25 – congrats to Jan Elmore) and Brandy at Bella Pop provided a “seat” at one an online photography class (giveaway ended March 31 – congrats Diane Collins).
• get a new couch  New furniture arrived in January. Unfortunately, the living room is not arranged like I want it. Yet.
• finish the headboard for guest bedroom (use an old window frame, then sand, paint, and attach to wall)
• host at least three (3) dinner parties
• co-chair Lord’s Acre (a fundraiser at church)
• plan a DIY craft party   I hosted a DIY party at my church on January 21 and April 28.
• tithe more
• save more
• eat a raw oyster (and not die) I ate a raw oyster Thursday, May 17 with friends at Razzoo’s in Fort Worth. They were delicious!
• eat a Rocky Mountain Oyster (and not die)
• volunteer with Habitat for Humanity It wasn’t HfH, but I spent a Saturday painting wheelchair ramps during the Great Day of Service.
• babysit for a friend
• make a new resolution every month (see below)

Monthly Resolutions

January — no soft drinks SUCCESS!!!!!
February — journal every night  I wrote in my journal 24 of 29 days in February, I’d call that “somewhat” successful.and drink only water during the day  EPIC FAILURE – ’nuff said. Blah.
March — post to my blog at least four (4) days per week  Somewhat successful, but remember: I posted multiple times during the trip to KY for the mission team’s blog. That counts for something, right?!  and prepare a story board for the novel I want to write  I purchased a tri-fold board and package of 200 small Post-It notes to begin my novel’s storyboard. I have also began typing a manuscript, I have 15,000 words already. I think that constitutes opening a bottle of Cupcake Moscato and toasting with a big wah-hooo!!!!!!!
April —  schedule a trip to Kentucky (Derby anyone?) and detail my car Kentucky is confirmed for August (family reunion and 10-year high school reunion) but I really want to go sooner. Car detailing: an epic failure!
May — complete a photo challenge I’m crying WOLF on this photo challenge. I think I took a total of a dozen “themed” shots. What a failure. However, in my pathetic defense, I don’t have a cell phone that takes pictures and I don’t take my Nikon camera with me everywhere, thus the extreme challenge of a daily photo challenge.
June — attend Annual Conference, register for my high school reunion, and take a trip with Husband
July —
August —
September —
October —
November —
December —

Do you have any resolutions this year? Share your blog post or add a comment below.

my speakers are going boom-boom {what’s playin’ on my stereo}

Ashley (at Steel Magnolias & Sweet Tea) recently posted a list of her current favorite tunes. She inspired me to create my own, which coincidentally, is very similar. We might be sweet-tea-drinking-sisters-from-another-mother because our taste in music and sweet liquid beverages is finer than frog hair.

I love getting in the car, turning on the radio, and cranking the volume up real loud. I really like the windows down and I normally drive faster than all posted signs – ahem, forget those last words.

Husband got in my car yesterday to open the hood and change the oil (he’s the greatest guy ever!) and when he turned the ignition, the radio BLASTED real loud. I thought he was going to have a coronary. I got “the look” as he was turning the volume down.

Here they are ….. in no particular order ….. my current favorite tunes:

• Fly Over States ~ Jason Aldean
• Drink On It ~ Blake Shelton
• Springsteen ~ Eric Church
• Mr. Know-It-All ~ Kelly Clarkson
• Better Than I Used To Be ~ Tim McGraw
• Good Girl ~ Carrie Underwood
• Drunk On You ~ Luke Bryan
• 5-1-5-0 ~ Dierks Bentley
• No Hurry ~ Zac Brown Band
• Rock Star ~ Kenny Chesney & Tim McGraw
• Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) ~ Kelly Clarkson
• Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck ~ Kip Moore
• Let The Cowboy Rock ~ Ronnie Dunn

There you have it. My current favorite country tunes and what causes my speakers to go boom-boom and my toes to tap-tap. If anyone wants to take a ride with the windows down, radio loud, and sip sweet tea (or a snow cone …. whatever makes your skirt fly up), you let me know and I will pick you up!!!!!!

While you’re here, enter the *GIVEAWAY* for a set of goodies from Margaret Feinberg. Hurry, contest ends Sunday, June 3.

Enjoy your day, Y’all!!!!!!!

Nicole

because tears are running down my leg

Yes, I am laughing.

Yes, I am immature.

Good day!

 

Don’t forget to enter the *GIVEAWAY* for a complete set of Margaret Feinberg’s The Organic God. Contest ends June 3.

 

 

*The Organic God* ~ Summer Book Club with Margaret Feinberg {giveaway}

Before you finalize your summer plans, I’d like to invite you to a book club, hosted by Margaret Feinberg, reading the *THE ORGANIC GOD*.

The first time I read *THE ORGANIC GOD* was 2002. It was a gift from my aunt who had read it with her book club in Louisville, Kentucky. Before I finished the first page, I knew it was a book that I would enjoy. Margaret uses simplistic language (in all of her books!) and it’s like she’s sitting next to me and we are in conversation.

I describe God has organic. While it’s a word usually associated with food grown without chemical-based fertilizers or pesticides, organic is also used to describe a lifestyle: simple, healthful, and close to nature. Those are the things I desire in my relationship with God. I hunger for simplicity. I want to approach God in childlike faith, wonder, and awe. I long for more than just spiritual life but spiritual health — whereby my soul is not just renewed and restored by becomes a source of refreshment for others. Such a God-infused lifestyle requires me to step away from any insta-grow shortcuts and dig deep into the soil of spiritual formation found only in God.

Beginning June 11, Margaret will lead an online book discussion from her website. Every Monday, she will post insights from *THE ORGANIC GOD*. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with a group or Sunday school class, yet it’s perfectly suited for individuals too.

JOIN ME!!!!!!!!!

Listening to God’s voice requires more than just my ears; it requires my eyes, my mind, my spirit, my entire being to recognize the God-nudges in my life. Deep down inside I still hunger for a true, pure relationship with the Organic God — the One True God. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In him is found the mysterious wonder of the Trinity. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

For the giveaway, I’m offering ONE (1) set complete with *THE ORGANIC GOD* book, workbook, and DVD series.

If you would rather purchase now, click HERE. The set is normally $130, but Margaret has deeply discounted it for the summer reading series and you can purchase the entire set for $34.99. WHAT. A. DEAL.

To enter, simply answer this question in a comment below:

WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER PLANS?

* please include your name and email address in the comment form *

This giveaway ends Sunday, June 3 at 9:00pm Central. The winner will be notified by email and the set will be mailed shortly after. Margaret’s weekly blog series begins June 11.

I hope you will join me this summer reading *THE ORGANIC GOD* with Margaret, it’s one of my favorite books and I know you’ll enjoy it too!

Good luck and please share this giveaway with others via social media.

• Follow Margaret on Twitter @mafeinberg
• Like Margaret Feinberg on Facebook
• Follow mafeinberg on Pinterest
• Follow Margaret Feinberg on Google+
• Follow Nicole on Twitter @nmhutch
• Like Nicole Edwards Hutchison on Facebook
• Follow nmhutchison on Pinterest
• Follow Nicole Hutchison on Google+

Blessings to you,
Nicole

This giveaway is sponsored by Nicole at Three 31. The giveaway winner will be notified via email. The quicker that person replies, the sooner they will receive their gift set. Easy-peasy!

Related articles

• My first experience at Catalyst Dallas (May 7-9, 2012) (nicoleandkevin.wordpress.com)

My 4,000th pin on Pinterest (and other favorites from this week)

If there is a therapy option for Pinterest users, I am a prime candidate for a “pintervention.” This morning, I reached the milestone of 4,000 pins. To celebrate, I’m sharing my favorite pins from this week. If you are on Pinterest, follow me!

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I’m not searching for an engagement ring, but I pinned this because 1) it’s absolutely gorgeous, 2) it’s timeless, and 3) I might want to consider this design when I get my grandmother’s inheritance: her diamond ring.

When Husband and I were ring shopping five years ago, I specifically asked for a band (only) because I knew one day we would have a spectacular solitaire. There was absolutely no legitimate reason for Husband to buy another. That would’ve been ridiculous.

MY 4,000th PIN IS …..

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Earlier this week, I posted this about changes in the education system since I’ve been in school. It’s obvious drastically different, but it’s also very difficult for me to accept that the 90s were NOT ten years ago!!!!!

Does anybody else feel the same?

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Husband and I really enjoy tacos. He’s easy to please since he wants only meat, cheese, and either a tortilla shell or chips. I, on the other hand, prefer more toppings. My favorites include guacamole and salsa with fresh cilantro and lime juice.

How cute would these mini taco cups be at a party or gathering? 

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I love dogs.

I mean, I REALLLLLLY love dogs. There are new additions to the family (the four-legged version) at my parent’s house in Kentucky, and I’m trying real hard NOT to get in the car and drive 14 hours just to get some puppy-lovin’. Of course, I’d be glad to see Mom and Dad too, but let’s be honest: puppies are super cute.

2. Give me time to understand

5. Talk to me

REMEMBER THAT I LOVE YOU.

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Last night, Husband asked me if I wanted a snow cone from my favorite local stand.
Any other time, I would have danced in delight and jumped in jubilation, except I had just removed my bra, washed my face, and put on my jammies.

Perhaps his offer is still good for today, after we’ve finished our to-do list!

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I wish everyone a safe Memorial Day weekend. Please remember those who have fought, and those who continue to put their life in harm’s way, so we can enjoy the freedoms that we do. God bless the U.S.A.

~ Nicole ~

Education {it’s not what it was 10 years ago}

Last week, I opened the mailbox and discovered an envelope addressed from Kentucky. Inside was information on my upcoming 10-year high school reunion. While I’m looking forward to the event, I’m sad thinking how much education has changed. Let’s walk down memory. Consider these things that I either did, or experienced, and hopefully you did too:

Read a clock.

Awww, the giant yellow “Judy” clock! All of my early elementary school teachers had one of these in their classroom. The big hand had a handle that was easy to move around and this is exactly how I learned to read a (non-digital) clock.

Balance a checkbook.

I admit, I’m grateful for online banking and its convenience. But, if push comes to shove, I know how to record entries into a check register and properly balance my account.

Write in cursive.

Whether or not I can calculate the value of x, I know how to write in cursive. My teachers wrote in cursive, and it was always so neat and perfect. My Dad has incredible penmanship as well, he writes calligraphy too. Thus, I’m one blessed girl with really great handwriting!

I support the teachers who see the value in teaching handwriting. I think it improves reading, writing and fine motor skills in young children.

My. Very. Educated. Mother. Just. Served. Us. Nine. Pizzas.

If Pluto is not a planet, there are lots of hungry folks waiting for their pizza! In all seriousness, I learned the order of the planets in our solar system with this mnemonic.

MVEMJSUNP stands for Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupitar, Saturn, Uranus (tee hee hee), and Pluto.

Pluto is, and will always be, a planet.

Library Research and the Dewey Decimal System

Students need to log off the Internet. Move over Google! They need to dust off those book jackets and RESPECT paper research materials. They need to suffer the sting of a paper cut from thumbing through an encyclopedia or dictionary. They need to discover the Dewey Decimal System to catalog library books and organize microfilms. Oh yeah, that’s good stuff.

Sentence Diagramming

If this is a foreign concept to you, I’m sorry for your loss. I’m almost 30 years old and I still circle, underline, and highlight text while reading. It’s a habit that I don’t intend to break. I can identify the subject, predicate, nouns, verbs, and prepositional phrases like a language arts champion!

Clapping chalkboard erasers (and coughing afterwards)

As an educator, I’ve enjoyed using smart boards and dry-erase boards in the classroom. But there’s nothing better (or more hazardous to one’s health!) than clapping two chalkboard erasers together! C’mon, admit it, you tapped the erasers on the board just to erase it again.

Sitting through a lecture and being responsible for writing copious notes

Taking notes helps you learn and develop your own ideas … not to mention the attentiveness and listening skills required.

Leave a comment and tell me what YOU remember from your education that students are missing today.

“Oh, say can you see” {We’re going to D.C.}

Husband and I are going to Washington, D.C.!!!!!!!!!!

I’ve never been to the nation’s capital. The opportunity to explore while Husband is stuck inside a boring board room (yuck!) is an opportunity I’m NOT going to miss.

We’re planning to leave early so we can spend at least one day together. Husband really wants to see the Smithsonian and, if time allows, the Veterans Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The rest of the trip, it’ll be me and my Nikon camera. I can only imagine how beautiful the area is, I can’t wait to take pictures. Maybe I’ll get a frame-worthy one!

Things may change between now and our departure, but I’ve created this “Bucket List” of places I want to see or visit, and things I want to do or experience:

1. Walk along The National Mall and take pictures of the Capitol Building, Lincoln Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Memorial, and the Washington Monument
2. Stand in front of the White House
3. Walk under the cherry blossoms
4. Visit the Smithsonian
5. See the “Declaration of Independence” at the National Archives
6. Join the hustle-and-bustle of Union Station
7. Remember those at Arlington National Cemetery
8. Touch the names of loved ones on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
9. Dip my toes in the Potomac River
10. Attend the Noon Day worship service at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church

A trip would be incomplete without FOOD from local eateries. And, I am one of “those” who despises chain restaurants, especially in new places. To satisfy my picky palette, I’ve scoped out these establishments:

• Visit Chinatown and eat dim sum (steamed dumplings) at Ping Pong
• Eat a tender steak at DC Chophouse
• Meet Chef Shannon at The Majestic Cafe, nominated for the Best Neighborhood Gathering Place in 2012
• Enjoy tapas at Jaleo
• Eat crab cakes and a spinach salad at Old Ebbitt Grill
• Eat at the original Ben’s Chili Bowl, a favorite of Bill Cosby’s

This is quite an extensive list and I don’t know how I’ll be able to accomplish it all, but I’m sure gonna try! Fortunately, Washington D.C. has a great transit system, Metrorail.
For less than $50, I can purchase an unlimited fare pass good for seven consecutive days.
I also want to visit Union Station because TranSystems, my former employer, completed extensive work there.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the cherry blossoms are still beautiful, even though the annual festival is in March and April. In fact, this year was the centennial celebration.

Now it’s YOUR turn …. leave a comment on this post!

Have you been to Washington, D.C.?

What do you recommend or suggest?

*SHARE YOUR SECRETS*

 

Now, it would be nice if Husband would get our hotel arrangements finalized and purchase his airline ticket so I can get mine. He’s dreading this trip while I’m jumping up and down like a child on Christmas morning. I think it’s pretty obvious who’s going to WORK and who’s going to PLAY. Hmmm…

 

#photoadayMay – Group 3 and Group 4

Thanks to fatmumslim, I’m participating in her #photoadayMay this month. Want to join me? Check out her site!

Because I’m running behind (I told you this photo challenge was difficult for me!), here is group THREE and FOUR (well, at least parts of them):

May 11 — kitchen

I got nothin’.

May 12 — something that makes me happy

As much as I love calla lilies and hydrangea flowers, there is nothing more beautiful than a gigantic magnolia tree. It reminds me of my great-grandmother, Nannie. Just thought of her makes me smile. And that, makes me very happy.

May 13 — MOM!

I saw this hen turkey near a friend’s house and she was walking along the county road with her 12 chicks. Such a cute feathery family!

The photo of the baby chick doesn’t count for this photo challenge, just consider it a cherry on top of your photo sundae. I’m nice like that.

May 14 — grass

Husband is the best, he mowed. Again.

May 15 — love

Sorry, no picture. I got nothin’.

May 16 — what I’m reading

If I told you my “twitchy palms” were stowed would you know what I’m reading? My inner goddess is prancing around dripping in diamonds … and a grey silk tie.

Any guesses?

May 17 — snack

This is a reminder that I owe a particular set of kiddos at church a batch of strawberry cupcakes. They’ve been asking The Cupcake Lady (ahem, yours truly) for cupcakes and I have yet to deliver. I have the ingredients. Must. Make. Cupcakes.

May 18 — something I’ve made

I’m really proud of my “accomplished” Pinterest project. These paint chip drink coasters (for tutorial, click here) are so colorful and festive, plus I already have the materials to create more with initials and monograms, team spirit and sports teams, plus some really gorgeous prints.

May 19 — a favorite place

The good ol’ U.S.A.

May 20 — something I can’t live without

Again, I got nothin’. No picture, that is. What can I not live without? Hmm … besides the obvious (water and food), I’m not sure. I know I could live without scorpions.

I’m hanging my head in shame. Good day.

That’s all.

get connected …… pretty please

When I’m not home being Husband’s Wife or at school substitute teaching, I’m heavily involved at my church. In addition to attending the weekly worship service on Sundays and Wednesday night Bible study, I coordinate a book club (small group ministry), assist with outreach events (including mission trip leadership), and I’m also the editor of the monthly newsletter. Doing these effectively would be impossible without one major component:

* COMMUNICATION *

Last week, I spent several hours in multiple conversations regarding the communication (including marketing and public relations) efforts at First United Methodist Church in Joshua, Texas … it’s an exciting time and I’m glad to be a part of the team!

All this talk got me thinking about Three 31 and how I engage with blog readers.
I’m thankful to every person who reads this blog and I sincerely hope that readership continues to increase, as well as the number of comments posted. I make it a priority to reply to every comment that’s posted because it’s important for me to acknowledge your thoughts. I really appreciate the time you spend on this page.

In the spirit of encouraging you to CONNECT with me, I’ve compiled a myriad of ways you can do so right here with social media:

• Subscribe via email to this blog, Three 31
• *Friend* me on Facebook
• *Follow* me on Twitter
• *Follow* my boards on Pinterest

I encourage all of my blog readers to *SUBSCRIBE* via email to Three 31. This way, every time a new post is published, it’s immediately sent to your inbox.

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Now that Facebook is a publicly-traded company, I’m anxious to see the changes (if any) made to the social media giant. Join me on Facebook.

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I’m a self-proclaimed Pinterest addict but I really enjoy this collection of pin boards. If you are on Pinterest, please FOLLOW me. If you would like to join the madness, send me an email and I’ll help you get access!

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Are you a Tweeter? Me too! Join me on Twitter (@nmhutch). By the way, I get extremely giddy when somebody re-tweets or replies something I’ve posted. I know, my ability to be entertained is easy and pathetic.

Happy Weekend to ya!

Road Trip to Cleburne, Texas

Don’t get too excited about the title of this post. I’m using the term “road trip” very loosely. Cleburne is less than 10 miles down the road, I didn’t need luggage for this mini-vacation!

I was in the area because a dear friend (here’s another shout to Rev.L) was invited to play golf and I promised her that I would come to the course before she began the round. My pre-round pep talk went something like this:

Make sure you drive the cart. Keep your head down. Don’t make a “chopping” motion on your down swing. Stay loose. Smile. If everything else fails, you look fabulous in that outfit!!!!!

I’m a wonderful cheerleader (minus the uniform, of course) and friend. My golf game, however, has lost its luster. But, who knows, perhaps I’ll pick it up again.

Anyway, back to this post. I had my camera with me and couldn’t help but stop and marvel at the beauty of these neighborhood streets lined with tall trees. Minus the trash cans and political campaign signs, it was dreamy!

If I had to describe my great-grandmother, Nannie, in one word, it would be magnolia. Just like the tree, Nannie was a woman of large stature. She was full of Southern charm, grace, and I swear she could make an artificial flower bloom. The woman had a green thumb like none other. In addition to her impressive collection of African violets and a fern that spanned more than six-feet across (I’m not kidding!), Nannie always had a fresh flower bouquet on her dining room table. When the magnolias were blooming, she would collect several branches with the shiny green leaves and three flowering blooms.

When arranging flowers, Nannie always told me to have an ODD number of blooms to balance the vase or container. Since she owned her own florist for several decades, I took her word.

After leaving the golf course, I drove by a city park and noticed this buffalo statue. Since the weather was so nice, and I had the time, I stopped for some photos. There were lots of school-aged children at the park on a field trip, but this particular park is quite large and the walking trails were clear. It was the perfect opportunity for a stroll through the park.
I walked quietly to not disturb the residents (i.e. the geese, squirrels, and ducks) too.

This particular morning was absolutely gorgeous but there wasn’t a breath of wind, so this flag was not moving. I was intrigued with the bright blue sky as well as the flag’s position.
I don’t know why it was at half-staff but I think it still made a beautiful photo.

Have a great weekend, Y’all. Hopefully, I’ll get caught up on laundry and this blasted photography challenge that has consumed my thoughts but not my camera.