This month has been a busy one, with starting a new job and everything (new schedule, new responsibilities, and all the change) that comes with that. It's been fun, definitely. 

I'm getting used to the schedule now, and I've been trying to ensure that I spend my weekends creating. I haven't picked the writing back up yet, but I have been researching and learning new things about what I can do with my art and photography using Photoshop and Illustrator. I recently purchased a tripod, too - a $100 Manfrotto - to help me continue to improve. After years of being a photographer, I never had one. It's shameful! Now that I know why I need one, and how to use it, things should start improving overall. I have a lot of ideas that I want to try out. I'm hoping the weather is less rainy next weekend, so that I can take it out and test it. 

Yesterday, I took a walk before the rain set in. I stood in the field of a local school, and a cardinal flew into a nearby tree. I must have taken 15 photos of him, trying to adjust the focus to capture his movement in the trees. It seemed like every time he was in focus, his face was hidden behind a twig or a leaf. And then, for just a brief moment, he was out in the open. And I caught him.

If you'd like to see more, feel free to check out my deviantART page.

I've returned from my adventures in California, and have many photos to show for it. I wasn't able to see the ocean this year, so I'll be sure to check that out next time. I was able to go to the mountains instead, and it was a lot of fun; the air was so clean, and I could actually hear the wind in the trees before I felt it. 

Here's a few photos of my adventures, including one of my boyfriend's adorable dog, Bucky. He's a cute pup, but he can be a little mean. For some reason he really liked me, though..

If you'd like to see more, feel free to check out my deviantART page.