SHORT SHOTS 365

(Photos 1-55)

In October 2010, I decided to take one photo a day - for 365 days.

It was one of the best, most challenging, most rewarding things I've ever done.

I learned so much about my camera.

About lighting.
About composition.
About post-editing.

I became a better photographer.

It's the old practice makes perfect deal. It's true, you know.

But, more than anything, I saw how God brings light and joy into my life in the everyday craziness of being a mother. There is so much to celebrate - so much that I miss when I'm not looking for it.

Through the viewfinder on my camera, I saw beauty. Everyday beauty. Amidst the chaos and the dirty floors and the unmade beds, I saw my children - each one of them so unique with their own quirky habits and facial expressions that I had never really seen before.

I even saw beauty in my powder room toilet. Laughter is beauty.

And, in my toy box, I found understanding friends: Yes, Sarah. Us, too.

If you want to be challenged to find new beauty in your life, take a picture every day for a year.

At the end, you'll have a pearl. A really precious one.

*You can view all of the photos from Short Shots 365 here.