• fountain pens,  journal,  writing/reading

    Yes, another one…

    Well, I broke down and bought myself a teal colored Pilot Custom 74. It is my sisters favorite fountain pen, well one of them. We’ll call it an early Christmas gift. It is very similar to the two Pilot Custom Heritage 72 I own. I enjoy writing with them so I assumed I would this one also. I’m finding them similar in size and I believe they have the same rhodium-plated 14k gold nib which is very smooth to write with. When I have a fine camera in my hand I see the world differently through a viewfinder and take more images. The same can be said of a fine fountain pen. It helps me to see the world differently and write words describing what I see and feel. Since I carry both a camera and a fountain pen with me every day, you are for-warned that more images of this fountain pen will be forthcoming. 😊

  • natural areas,  Photography,  Plants,  quotes,  reflections,  trees

    My Companion

    Morning moon over Prospect Ponds Natural Area

    The camera became my companion.

    Edward Weston

    There are times when I can be calm much like the water of this pond and at other times, well not so much. The challenges of living life can act like a fierce wind that creates internal waves. I’ve discovered tools to return to the calm and one of them is time in the silence of nature with a camera, taking deep breaths.

  • coffee life,  fountain pens,  journal,  lifestyles,  poems,  poetic journal,  poetry,  writing/reading

    Today’s Gifts

    Morning journaling time

    I start my day with quiet time
    before planning the tasks ahead
    and now a mocha at a favorite shop.

    Always have my camera, my journal,
    my fountain pens and now-a-days
    the needed reading glasses.

    I write to start the day slowly
    not rushing blindly forward or the
    day cannot be lived to its fullest.

    I write to find words that help
    lead me one step at a time for
    words that become today’s gifts.

    ms
  • Avian,  Fujifilm X-T3,  Fujifilm XF70-300mm f4.0-5.6,  meadowlark,  Photography

    New Optics

    Western Meadowlark

    I’ve had for 20 plus years two pairs of binoculars that I seldom pickup because they are a pain in the a$$ to use. I’ve carried one pair in the car and keep the other in my condo. Since I’m spending more time in nature, I am wanting a closer look at this world around me. So, a couple weeks ago I did some research on birding binoculars and learned why these binoculars I have are such a hassle to use.

    I learned most birders prefer using 8×42 binoculars. The ones I have are 10×24, which makes them small and lightweight but difficult to use. The first number is the magnification and and the second number is the diameter of the glass. The larger magnification causes a lot of shake while the smaller glass reduced the amount of light and field of view.

    The most recommended pair in my price range was the Nikon Prostaff S3 8×42. I made a visit to Jax Surplus to look at a pair, liked what I saw and made the purchase, knowing I could return them if they did not work for me. Wow, what a difference. These binoculars weigh in at 19.9 ounces, are rated at 377 ft/1,000 yd Field Of View, and are waterproof and fogproof. It is interesting to use them in tracking a bird in flight, something impossible previously. I’ve even taken them for walks without my camera because I enjoy just watching/studying the birds. Or, as I’ve read, “Studying the book of nature.” Yep, new optics! 😁

  • Camera Equipment,  landscape,  mountains,  Plants,  seasons,  snow,  trees,  winter scenes

    Did I lie to Myself?

    This image was from a month ago before the cold temperatures moved in. I posted a similar image with a slightly different crop here. As I looked at them this morning I was drawn to this one much more than the other one. Strange how our perspective changes over a short period of time.

    On a different note I am excited that Fujifilm has come out with the new XF 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 lens. I’m also perplexed, even frustrated, as I told myself this past year I did not need another lens, that the XF 16-80mm f4.0 was all I really needed. Did I lie to myself?

  • Camera Equipment,  Fujifilm X-T10,  Fujifilm X-T3,  Photography

    Bigger

    Fujifilm X-T10 and Fujifilm X-T3

    My first thing I will mention on the new camera is the size difference. I have been shooting the smaller cameras for about 7 years so this X-T3 seems BIG. In comparison the X-T3 is about 5.5 ounces heavier than the X-T10 (30%), yet it is 13.5 ounces (40%) lighter than my Nikon D300. I’ll also mention that the XF16-80 f4.0 lens is much bigger than the XF18-55mm f2.0-4.0, weighing about 30% heavier. After saying that I must say the camera and lens fit nicely in my hands and comfortably. Oh, and the manual is twice as big!! Study time.

  • Camera Equipment,  Fujifilm X-T3,  Photography

    It was inevitable…

    Fujifilm X-T3 camera with XF16-80mm f4.0 lens just arrived

    First Tom did it, then Earl did it. So, I did it. I had to! Thought it would be wise to follow suit with two accomplished photographers. As many of you know I’ve been toying with upgrading for quite some time. Well, the time arrived. And, the camera and lens just arrived. Battery is charging. I’ll keep you informed as I get a better grasp on this upgrade. It was inevitable!