Oh my goodness. . .this is it. . . it's go time.  A few weeks ago, Greg chauffeured Ella and I all over the Jordan River Watershed to take pictures for their annual photo contest.  And guess what?! You can vote!

So, I'm going to show you the pictures I entered, but if you do decide to go to the website and vote, please vote for the pictures you like best (whether or not taken by me!).  

I would also include Ella's photos, but they are on our crashed computer. . .oops.  It's getting recovered.

So, please support the Jordan River Watershed by voting for your favorite photograph here  (be prepared to see some very beautiful photographs from some very talented photographers)

And then, here are mine (the first one is the only one up for "Viewers' Choice":  

Last year, at the suggestion of my dad, Ella and I entered a photography contest.  To our surprise, we each won.  She won the kid's category and I won an honorable mention and a calendar spot.

So, today we're heading up north to do it again.  This year, the theme is "Treasures of the Jordan" (it's for the Jordan River Watershed).  All entries must be marked with where your pictures were taken.

Last year I entered with little hope of winning.  I did it to participate with Ella, and it was fun.  This year, I don't have much more confidence, but it will be fun to see what happens.

I love having a map with places to explore. It does make it mysterious.  What will we find?

This year, I have a new camera too. Ella can use my 'point and shoot' camera and I can take some time to set up my shots. 

I'm not a big contest - enterer (yeah-not a word, I know).  By nature, I'm not competitive. I never really loved team sports and really only ever did well at individual activities.  I'm ok kicking the heck out of myself, but not someone else.  Even last year, when my photo had a ribbon on it at the award ceremony, I looked around and couldn't believe the competition. 

It was pure luck that one of my photos was chosen - yes, it was a good photo, but there were so many good photos.  There must have been something in my picture that spoke to the judge - maybe it reminded him of his mom baking cupcakes as a kid or something....I don't know.  I do know that there were a lot of talented photographers with pictures entered, and they deserved it just as much as I did.

I also felt bad, because my dad had been the reigning champ in the contest...until we came along. Oops.  Sorry, Dad!  He was gracious about it, but I could see him rolling his eyes (jokingly) through the email he wrote informing us we had winning photos.  I know he was happy for us, but disappointed all the same.

I'm just not that into winning.  Sure, the check was great, but it also meant I had to be the center of attention for about 30 seconds. Eek!

But, I'm jumping ahead.  This year, I'm just going to take pictures and enjoy it.  Whatever happens, happens. 

For Mother's Day this year, Greg and Ella got me a one-hour photography lesson with a professional to help me learn my new SLR camera.

It was a lot of fun.

This is Beny.  He was my instructor.

He taught me a lot of things....but one thing that still shocks me....there are times when you use your flash outside!

Check it out - this is with no flash:

And this is with flash:

As a bonus, he took a picture of us!

But the test remained.....Could I do it on my own?

The next morning, I was up before anyone else...well, except Stout and Mojo.  So, they were my lucky subjects.

I have so much to learn, but the lesson really helped me learn to use my camera.

Let me know if you want Beny's contact info - he does great portrait and other work!