For years, I’ve wished I had a hobby.
Something I could do that didn’t involve going to the grocery store or the bank on my time alone.
Don’t get me wrong, I have a good life.
And frankly, sometimes a trip to the grocery store sans kids is like a tiny slice of Heaven.
Crafting is fun…but by the time I get everything pulled out, set up…and then the clean up (!)…it’s not so much relaxing anymore, you know?
I’m finding that I’m really loving spending a little one on one time with my camera.
It makes me SLOW DOWN. Stop. Cock my head. Find beauty.
I can’t take pictures when I’m rushing.
It forces the wandering deliciousness I’ve needed.
And let me put out the disclaimer: I have no idea what I’m doing. Well, mostly.
I see SO much wrong with my pictures. SO many things I should have done differently.
But it’s a learning process. And I’m not proclaiming to be a photographer. Just a mama who likes to get out and dawdle.
Last weekend I packed up my (low end) gear and headed out. No destination in mind. Just figured I’d find something.
There was a local nursery I’d been meaning to visit for YEARS and just hadn’t gotten around to it.
And. Oh. My.
It’s amazing.
Simply amazing.
I want to live there.
So I stepped WAAAAAAY out of my comfort zone and asked the owner if I could take some pictures. {gasp!}
Um, hello! I’m not a real photographer! I don’t know what the heck I’m doing! I felt like a fraud! A fake! Who was I kidding?!
Once he decided that he believed I wasn’t from his arch rival nursery down the street coming to steal ideas, he obliged.
I had to promise even.
Most. Uncomfortable. Feeling. Ever.
But I got some pretty pictures. :)
I wish I had a giant wrap around patio where I could have millions of colored pots.
His displays were painfully creative. Inspiration everywhere you turned.
This is a horrible picture, but this iron gazebo was HUGE. With a chandelier in the center? Yes please.
A bike? I die.
Rusty wheelbarrow filled with green happiness? Love.
Hooks and hooks and hooks. I have nothing to hang from them. Trust me. I stood there staring for like ten minutes trying to figure out an excuse to buy some.
The sweet music of fountains everywhere. Remind me to put more fountains in my yard. I’ve only got one so far.
Don’t you just want to pull out a chair, a good book, and a Dr. Pepper and live here forever?
No me gusta purple…but I think exceptions can be made.
Oh succulents! How I love thee! I vow to make a pretty display with your succulent goodness this summer!
Fave. Fave. Fave. And not because hydrangeas are the flower du jour right now. But because they remind me of my grandma. Who can grow hydrangeas the size of bowling balls. And they remind me of Portugal. Where they literally grow wild along the side of the roads.
And this chair. I literally gasped out loud when I saw it. No, for real. Like, a customer turned around thinking I hurt myself. But I don’t care. Because isn’t this AWESOME?
Succulents + chair = perfection.
Do you have a hobby? Something you do to unwind alone?
(Oh! And don’t forget InstaFriday tomorrow!)
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*gasp* i love that chair too! looks like you love plants and vintage finds :) your photos are beautiful! my mistakes are always teeny details in the background like a dirty sock on the floor!
Krystina / lollipops´s last blog post ..Little Man Shower Invites
I adore that chair too! And my life probably would have included me actually injuring myself while admiring it (cuz that’s just how I roll :)
Gorgeous nursery – I loved your photos!
I’m a beginner photographer and that looks like an awesome place for inspiration!
Rachel´s last blog post ..True Story Tuesday – Timing is Everything
i really love your pictures and your perspective. i know the feeling of looking at what i’ve shot, and all i can see is the things that are wrong. but keep with it, i think you have a real talent!
Beautiful! Love them all! Great job, Galit!
I am just learning my camera as well, and I think it has made me look at the world slightly different than I did before. Now I want to go visit the local nursery this weekend.
Heather´s last blog post ..Pour Your Heart Out- Humbled
The birdcage was my favorite, and my hobby: writing.
i need to get myself a rusty wheel barrel!
i’m glad you’re enjoying taking photos ’cause lady- you are very, very good at it!
heather´s last blog post ..Some Light Reading
Everybody’s gotta start somewhere, right! I like your perspective. When you are ready for a larger challenge you can take a family portrait for us ; (not kidding at all) I promise we will sit as still as those giant colored planters.
I LOVE the pictures. I have always found when I am shooting in a business I buy something. Like a plant or something. Then they trust me a little more. I love what you captured. Beautiful!
Life with Kaishon´s last blog post ..a million dollar question
Beautiful pictures! I find it hard to ask permission as well, so I have a phrase I use: “Hi, my name is Lori and I’m a local Mommy blogger. Your business is simply one of my favorite places to visit, and I was hoping I could take some pictures. They are just for my use, but if they turn out, I’d love to put them on my blog with a link to your store’s website. I have about X number of local readers…I think it could be a lot of fun.” And then I use my big, genuine Hoosier smile. I make it mutually beneficial. Thank God I was never in sales…I would starve!
I sew, craft, and cook, but I love to take my camera and browse through a local antique mall as a hobby too. Good stuff!