as seen through a new lens

I do not imagine myself to be a great photographer, but I do enjoy taking photos of pretty things and I do want to become a better "picture taker." So I recently purchased a new lens for my camera so that I could take some better "up-close" photos. I am really enjoying it - still learning how to adjust it but I'm loving the results so far. Here are a few that I snapped the other day randomly (in my apartment and from my recent trip to Arkansas in the public gardens).

Happy Mama's Day!

Happy Mama's Day to my Mama. I've always called my Mom "Mama" when I'm speaking directly to her, not sure what part of speech that is. Does anyone else do that? For some reason I've never been able to call her "Mom" to her face, it almost feels disrespectful, like I'm trying to be a too cool. No offense to those who call their Moms "Mom" it's just not for me. My brother calls her Mom, and it's totally cool with me...but to me she will always be my Mama.


My Mama is so special, I'm pretty sure she has no idea how amazing she is, which makes her all the more amazing. I don't tell her enough, and I should, but what better time to tell your mom she's amazing than on Mother's Day? So, here are just a few things that I've been wanting to tell her:

• She is the type of woman who makes friends instantly, I mean like, every time she checks out her groceries she's got like 2 new friends. I've always kinda wished I had inherited that trait, I think Trevor got it though. 
• She laughs at everything, which is another trait I did not inherit, but I love that about her. Her sense of humor is contagious, I can never stay mad for very long because she always finds a way to make me laugh :)
• She is kind & has a loving heart & is constantly thinking of ways to help her friends & neighbors.
• She is beautiful, I don't think I've ever told her this, which is horrible, but I think she is such a  pretty lady. She is so confident too. Seriously, how am I her child? I have none of these qualities.
• She is without a doubt someone who leads by example, she loves God & that is so evident in how she lives, it is the one thing I admire most about my Mama :)

I remember waking up for school to the sound of  my parents singing this song. They would burst in our room loudly singing "Good mornin' Mornin', hello Sunshine, wake up, sleepy HEAD!!" I can't believe I was EVER annoyed by that. They are so cute, I love them.