To PAC or not??

A professional photographer named Nicholas started something called Photographer's Adventure Club, and I was invited to join -- only because I was local and use SmugMug to post pictures, where he does also.  Many of the postings are on FaceBook, and there are a lot of photographers -- much more professional than me!

They post these awesome pictures, and I feel in awe. And unworthy with my lowly little point-and-shoots.  Because photography is their work, at the drop of a hat, or a change in weather, they can hop in a car and breeze out to great places to catch photos of clouds, sunsets, lightning ... you get the picture.  Totally out of my league, and for a while I enjoyed looking at their photos. 

But lately, the more I see of their stuff, the more my own photos seem to ... lack.   Which of course affects my own self esteem and motivation to take photos.  Yes, I always want to learn to get better, and creative feedback is always terrific.   *sigh*   They also do classes and get togethers, most of which have a fee attached.  While I would love to learn more, I don't have $50 for an evening of lessons. :(

But... to make a long story short, today the "secretary" of the club posted about this week's theme, and how they didn't want "point and shoot" quality being posted.  Well ya know what, PAC?  I opted out, and left the group.  Why?  Because its hard enough to enjoy photography without trying to 'compete' with professionals. 

The goals of PAC don't fit within my own experiences or talents. 
I'll never sell a picture, or do a wedding. 
Photography is my hobby, its something I do for pleasure.
I'll take a thousand of my "point and shoots" that make me smile
over one of your professional shots any day. 
Why? 
Because they have heart, and they're real.
And because I took time to create something of my own. 

My Phoenix!

In Greek mythology, a phoenix or phenix (Ancient Greek φοίνιξ phóinīx) is a long-lived bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor.

Due to the legend attached to the Phoenix bird, it makes for a good example for anything to with survival, strength, patience, and to a large extent, even victory.

My reward to myself for achieving a long term goal was to have this tattoo'd on me.   Considering the work I put in, yes, its all about survival, strength, patience and yes... victory!

It just goes to show what you can do if you put your mind to it -- if I can do it, ANYONE can! 

Weigh In Weds

*throws her fists into the air*   -- I did it!!

Today, I reached my goal:  I lost 50 lbs!!!

I joined 24 Hour Fitness in 2011 and started my own regiment of cardio and resistance training, but my progress was very slow.  After a year, I realized I couldn’t do it on my own, and hired a personal trainer.  Not only did he switch up my workouts, we talked at length about food, nutrition and eating habits.   With a few simple changes (cutting out sugars and processed carbs) I was on my way, and lost 25 lbs in five months.   But again I struggled on my own, and decided to try another round with a personal trainer. 

It’s been harder to take off the second 25 pounds, but with hard work, persistence and loads of encouragement and advice from the trainers here at 24 Hour Fitness, I finally reached my original goal:  to lose 50 lbs.    My doctor, and my family and friends are amazed at my tenacity.   It’s not always easy – you can’t just “give up” food.  You just learn to eat in new ways.  Am I always successful?  No, I stumble from time to time.  But I leave the guilt behind, make myself accountable by saying “I chose to eat that” and move ahead to make better choices.   

 

I’m 53 years young, and I feel terrific.  Thanks to the training staff here, I can do things I haven’t been able to do for years.  They inspire me to dig deep to reach my goals, and even surpass them!  And when I do, I reward myself with something – this time, it’s a tattoo of a phoenix.

Weigh in Weds (Tats)

Another week has passed and it was my day to weigh in, see if I reached my goal.....  only down a pound, but at least it was in the right direction!  8 more lbs to go and I'll get my tat !!! 



In Greek mythology, a phoenix or phenix (ancient Greek φοίνιξ phóinīx ) is a long-lived bird that is cyclically regenerated or reborn. Associated with the sun, a phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor.  A new life from the old ... losing 50 lbs will definitely do that!  So many of the tats of a phoenix are more bird like, some very elaborate, thus a little bigger than I want mine to be.  (like this one on the left)  The one I fell in love with is below; as you can see, I'm debating colored, b/w or a combination?  We'll have to see what the tat artist says. :)




As far as my workout went today, it was a pretty good session.  Alan works me very hard on very basic stuff, so a lot of core workout - which is definitely needed in my dept.  He seems to want me to do so much more of that than cardio, but I know my old body.... it needs as much cardio as I'll give it!  I'm going to attempt to make my calories really count this week -- more veggies and protein than anything else, while maintaining a calorie count of 1300, instead of 1550.  I want to push myself just a little bit more, see if I boost my system just a tad. :)

Phoenix

The Phoenix symbolizes long life, rebirth

The Phoenix always rises from its own ashes. 
It can be a metaphor for always picking yourself up 
when you are down.

The legend of the Phoenix can be simply interpreted to mean that the end is only the beginning.

A Phoenix also means a person or thing regarded as uniquely remarkable in some respect.


This is a photo I found that captured my imagination, gave me a spark as I jumped up and down excitedly, going "YES! This is my next tat!!!"

Of course, as with any tat decision, one needs to be sure about the commitment to having it.  So I've been looking on the web for other ideas, and found the two below that are close.  But I'm still leaning toward this original one.  I love the flowing curves of the 'body', it gives it a very feminine look, and with a little adjustments, making it a little curvier - to match my own body type!

What do you think?  Any ideas? thoughts? preferences?  Drop me a note, let me know!!