S is 6

S turns 6 in about an hour.  

When I entered my last trimester of pregnancy with her, she started lifting textbooks off my belly.  I had taken a Spanish and Greek class during that period of my pregnancy, seizing the time as my final opportunity to indulge myself academically.  In the evenings, my husband and I would watch her unborn feet rub against the textbooks perched on my belly and marvel at how the books would undulate up and down like a wave.   Who knew that an unborn fetus could exert so much power in the world?   She really was a testament to the humanity of babies in the womb.  And now, when we cuddle on the couch, she still rubs her feet against me just like in the days of her gestation.  Some things never change.  

I love you, S!  I thank God for you.  

Escondido Falls in Malibu Canyon

     Escondido Falls is hidden in the gorgeous Malibu Canyon right off Malibu Beach.  In order to reach the Falls one must hike through a neighborhood of million dollar homes.  The view was breathtaking and the homes incredible.  Prior to our arrival, we were stuck in 2-2.5 hours of traffic and had followed some wrong directions on my iPad map app.  The hike was mostly canopied with trees but because the sun was setting fast we just cut short of the first tier of the falls.  At least we now have another reason to go back!

I love how my baby's eyes are just peaking over my shoulder.  Compliments to the unknown passerby who offered to take our pics!

Claremont Hills with My Kit Lens

     My dear friend Susan and I hiked the hills of Claremont the other day.  What a sweet place to go:  there were lots of other hikers but not too many, the trail was wide and canopied by trees, and a stream bed was parallel to the entire hike.  A wonderful place for taking dreamy, romantic pictures!

Beat the Heat: Ice House Canyon

     We braved the heat yesterday and hiked Ice House Canyon with a dear friend and her daughter.  Though it was around 100F down the mountain, it felt like a comfortable 80F in our hike.  We were surrounded by trees as we walked along the Ice Canyon stream, with cold wafts from the melted snow going down the canyon.  

Critiquing my own work: San Antonio Falls Hike

     I am posting up some of my photos to critique them.  I know I have a long road on improving my work and it begins with the willingness to be self-critical--not for self pity's sake but as a means of improving myself.  Feel free to give constructive comments.

I wish the resolution where a little sharper.  The colors are washed out by the haze.   

Perhaps a black and white version would be better here?

I like the composition here but again the colors are drab.  It probably could a bit more flash on the rocks.

A sharper image would make it better.  Some more color saturation too?