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  1. #1
    ...just believe natatbeach's Avatar
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    my absence--in a nutshell (brace yourselves)

    I haven't disappeared I just have a lot going on......just to worn out to do it (photography) now.

    all is well just dealing with some tough descisions regarding church (which is about 75 - 99.9 % of our lives) which affect almost alll decisions in my life.Working thru not blaming or undrestimating God and His faithfulness. Dealing and accepting people's shortcomings perceptions and adaptations of what Christianity is within our church and working thru not being judgemental and realizing I need to work on my tolerance of people and their "shortcomings". Also been praying for a church that doesn't "adapt" bible doctrine and where it's members live there lives as scripturally sound as possible and whose convictions about the bible are the same as ours.

    And working thru being grateful fo the things I have and not focusing on things I want for our lives. Working thru some meaty issues from life growing up as a teen that have come to a head and I have to deal with if I want to stop drowning in the glasses of water that life presents.

    I'm also just coping with re-entry into the real world from vacation.

    I'm also a little photoed out. Tired of the process of cropping and sizing,etc. just tired Also tired of seeing things and feeling a need to get the shot---just stepping back and seeing the world thru my eyes without a camera in my face all the time. I'm tired of the work involved in exposures, DOF, lense used,blah blah even recharging a battery

    Trying to make some decisions regarding the road I want to take with "business" end of things and developing a business and what genre I want to work within

    alsoworking on some setting up a portfolio package for an uncle of Larry's who is the CEO of an office furniture company. They need someone to shoot finished installations of set ups for promotional and record keeping purposes. And he was there this weeked and had no idea I "did" photography and asked me to get things together to present to the higher ups. He says it's a one shot deal---if I'm not ready, he will wait for me to be ready...he's a wonderful guy. And they have been looking for someone for a while to do this type of work.

    I'm also stressing about a wedding I have coming up in two weeks. I decided between the time I commited and now that hate wedding photogrphy and it's not my nitche but I have to deliver and they aren't paying me much ( somewhat of a favor) but they are very picky and particluar(already told me where and how to shoot the shots of family---we have a meeting to "discuss" those directoons) I don't function or create well in those circumstances...(itching)

    Joe(our oldest) has court in a week as well and is up for 7 different charges so his fate is unknown still and leaving it in God's hands is sometimes easier said than done--- but I'm trying....

    That is the scoop in a nutshell. I'm just emotionally worn out and creatively stretched...

    Other than that I'm well and rested.

    I'll be back to myself soon enough... ;)

    hugs and smooches to all
    And I really appreciate the concern and emails...

    Does anyone know where Oldtimer has gone? Haven't seen him in a while

    Hope everyone is well (itching still)
    "I was not trying to be shocking, or to be a pioneer.
    I wasn't trying to change society, or to be ahead of my time.
    I didn't think of myself as liberated, and I don't believe that I did anything important.
    I was just myself. I didn't know any other way to be, or any other way to live."
    .
    Bettie Page

    My Temp site...

  2. #2
    News & Rum-or-ator opus's Avatar
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    Hi Nat, you don't know me yet (I'm new here), but I can relate to what you're going through. I've not been in your specific situations, obviously, but the "categories" have been the same. I've been thinking about the same types of religious issues as you, I've been thinking about what road I'm heading down, and how to narrow down my interests and be more financially productive while still being happy. I've had the stress of not getting paid enough to put up with people's demands, yet being obligated to follow through with something that's just not my passion. And I know the overwhelm of the simplest things when you're just too stressed to deal with it.

    I'm going to guess that post-vacation letdown is factoring in to your stress in a major way. I went through it three weeks ago. I'm happy to report that I'm almost back to normal. But the angst is NOT fun to go through, so my thoughts are with you...

    Accept a hug from a stranger? {{hug}}
    Drink Coffee. Do stupid things faster with more energy.


  3. #3
    mooo...wooh hoooh! schrackman's Avatar
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    Hey Nat!

    Glad to see you back. wow, that is a LOT of stuff you're dealing with, but nothing too big for God. Here's one of my favorite Scriptures for times like these: Philippians 4:4-7.

    Ray

    Ray O'Canon
    Digital Rebel XTi • Digital Rebel • Canonet GIII QL17 • Agfa Parat-1

    The liberal, socialist politician's nightmare: "What a comfort to the farmer to be allowed to supply his own wants before he should be liable to pay anything, and then only pay on his surplus." - Jefferson to Madison on Taxes,1784

    My Canonet GIII QL-17 photos on flickr.

  4. #4
    Senior Member
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    You know Nat, there is one God and s/he just likes stuffing everything up to make our lives just that much more difficult. Although known by many different names s/he still tells everyone the same thing.

    As long as you treat everyone the way you want to be treated and act the way you think is the right way to act, follow what is considered the Law of the Land, and be equal in everything you do, then I think we as a society would be better off than we obviously are now.

    I know nothing I say, will help in your circumstances, but a little support even by words, goes a long way.

    If your son has done wrong, then hopefully in the wisdom that is handed down upon him, he will learn from it, and endeavour to not go down that path again. I know, I nearly did myself.

    I grew up with Catholosicism jamed down my throat on a daily basis, often serving mass as an Altar Boy 8-10 times a week, because I lived the closest to the church, normally getting the 6am Mass with the Cardinal who liked to do the early mass. Everyday was started with something to do with Religion and it can get to you in the end.

    I follow the ideals I stated before and I try and instill those in my two daughters as well and hopefully they will live healthy, safe and fruitfull lives.

    I hope that can happen in your families case as well.

    Take care, don't stress out about things, ask Larry's Uncle for as much info and check with friends here to clear up any issues.

    If the wedding photos is too stressfull don't do them, you will only regret it if they aren't what the couple wanted and can create future hardships that aren't needed.

    Remain well, safe and happier.

  5. #5
    nature/wildlife co-moderator paulnj's Avatar
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    I CAN SUM UP MY REPLY WITH............


    {BIG LONG HUG/KISS on the cheek}

    as I stated in a previous post..... FOLLOW YOUR HEART!!!!!!!

    as for your son....... TELL HIM YOU LOVE HIM... DAILY!!!!!!! NO MATTER IF YOU ARE MAD/SAD/GLAD/ or BAD!!! "knowing" he is loved may not turn him around, but IT CAN ONLY HELP!!!! I knew I was loved, but once my father started "saying" HOW MUCH(always showed it... well usually), MY LIFE SEEMED BETTER INSTANTLY

    I was a "bad boy" ..... now I only get in to trouble with my mouth ;)
    CAMERA BIRD NERD #1




    BIRD NERD O'CANON

    "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" - Benjamin Franklin

  6. #6
    Moderator of Critiques/Hearder of Cats mtbbrian's Avatar
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    Hang In there!

    Hang in there Nat!
    Brian
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    “A great photograph is one that fully expresses what one feels, in the deepest sense, about what is being photographed, and is, thereby, a true manifestation of what one feels about life in its entirety...” - Ansel Adams

    "Photography Is An Act Of Life" - Maine 2006

  7. #7
    Princess of the OT adina's Avatar
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    Wow, talk about hectic/stressful!

    Hopefully your vacation gave you a little time to relax. I'm with Paul, follow your heart.

    As far as being photo'd out, taking a break for a while, be it days or weeks, isn't the end of the world. If you are not enjoying it, there is no point in forcing yourself to do it.

    Hugs to you!

    adina
    I sleep, but I don't rest.

  8. #8
    Senior Member Lara's Avatar
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    Natalie, you are a treasure to us, and as you can see from what has been written to you already, we support you, and want to help as best we can. I know you have some long time friends here, and you have some new ones in people like me and one of our latest additions, Kelly. What a great group. Honestly I've never seen a forum with people who care so much about each other.

    Hang in there Natalie! Life is often tough, and most of us can relate in one way or another.

    Many hugs and warm wishes for inner peace.
    Lara
    Lara


  9. #9
    Sleep is optional Sebastian's Avatar
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    Good luck with it all...
    -Seb

    My website

    (Please don't edit and repost my images without my permission. Thank you)

    How to tell the most experienced shooter in a group? They have the least amount of toys on them.

  10. #10
    Senior Member Charles Hess's Avatar
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    Opening up to cyber friends is a difficult thing to do, so I can appreciate the courage it took for you to write what you did here. We are a family, and families stick together. Several of us here know more about each other than we let on, so the fact that you opened your heart has touched me, and I'm sure most of us on this site. I'll email you, but don't feel that you need to respond.
    Charles

  11. #11
    Liz
    Liz is offline
    Moderator Emeritus Liz's Avatar
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    Hi Nat.......

    Nat,

    I'm sorry to hear you're having so many struggles - all at once. One problem at a time is tough enough to deal with, but you've got quite a few challenges right now. I'll say some prayers for you. It's good you are so open to sharing with everyone. It always helps to let others know when we need support.....always. Thanks for trusting everyone here. God bless you and I hope you will be feeling better soon.

    Liz

  12. #12
    It's hurricane season... again...
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    Nat, I hope that things fall into place very soon, and all for the best. Everyone here is thinking of you!
    Kristin
    Canon Bird Nerd #2


  13. #13
    Wisconsin Cheesehead Spike's Avatar
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    Girl, you are messed up!

    I'm only kidding!!!!

    Goodness, I am not one of those people who has a way with words. But let me say I sure hope things improve for you soon and you feel better. Hang in there, natalie!

    Spike

  14. #14
    ...just believe natatbeach's Avatar
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    Thnak You All

    For your words of encourgaement and the emails where you shared some of lifes hardships and struggles.

    I really appreciate all of your concern and support. It never seizes to amaze me that an online community can feel as close to a family as any blood relation. It's a fascinating phenomenon that we are able thru technology to build friendships and bonds in such a short amount of time yet they are so strong,

    Again really appreciate your encouragment...

    hugs to all who sent hugs and hugs to all in general Thanks Guys and gals...
    "I was not trying to be shocking, or to be a pioneer.
    I wasn't trying to change society, or to be ahead of my time.
    I didn't think of myself as liberated, and I don't believe that I did anything important.
    I was just myself. I didn't know any other way to be, or any other way to live."
    .
    Bettie Page

    My Temp site...

  15. #15
    Viewfinder and Off-Topic Co-Mod walterick's Avatar
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    Hey Nat,

    Big hug.

    How's this for a smile-inducer?
    Attached Images Attached Images  
    Walter Rick Long
    Nikon Samurai, Mamiya Master, Velvia Bandit


    Check out the Welcome Thread

    My photography on Myspace

  16. #16
    Hardcore...Nikon Speed's Avatar
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    Talking Haaang On Sloopy... Slooply Hang On!!!

    Quote Originally Posted by natatbeach
    I haven't disappeared I just have a lot going on......just to worn out to do it (photography) now.

    all is well just dealing with some tough descisions regarding church (which is about 75 - 99.9 % of our lives) which affect almost alll decisions in my life.Working thru not blaming or undrestimating God and His faithfulness. Dealing and accepting people's shortcomings perceptions and adaptations of what Christianity is within our church and working thru not being judgemental and realizing I need to work on my tolerance of people and their "shortcomings". Also been praying for a church that doesn't "adapt" bible doctrine and where it's members live there lives as scripturally sound as possible and whose convictions about the bible are the same as ours.

    And working thru being grateful fo the things I have and not focusing on things I want for our lives. Working thru some meaty issues from life growing up as a teen that have come to a head and I have to deal with if I want to stop drowning in the glasses of water that life presents.

    I'm also just coping with re-entry into the real world from vacation.

    I'm also a little photoed out. Tired of the process of cropping and sizing,etc. just tired Also tired of seeing things and feeling a need to get the shot---just stepping back and seeing the world thru my eyes without a camera in my face all the time. I'm tired of the work involved in exposures, DOF, lense used,blah blah even recharging a battery

    Trying to make some decisions regarding the road I want to take with "business" end of things and developing a business and what genre I want to work within

    alsoworking on some setting up a portfolio package for an uncle of Larry's who is the CEO of an office furniture company. They need someone to shoot finished installations of set ups for promotional and record keeping purposes. And he was there this weeked and had no idea I "did" photography and asked me to get things together to present to the higher ups. He says it's a one shot deal---if I'm not ready, he will wait for me to be ready...he's a wonderful guy. And they have been looking for someone for a while to do this type of work.

    I'm also stressing about a wedding I have coming up in two weeks. I decided between the time I commited and now that hate wedding photogrphy and it's not my nitche but I have to deliver and they aren't paying me much ( somewhat of a favor) but they are very picky and particluar(already told me where and how to shoot the shots of family---we have a meeting to "discuss" those directoons) I don't function or create well in those circumstances...(itching)

    Joe(our oldest) has court in a week as well and is up for 7 different charges so his fate is unknown still and leaving it in God's hands is sometimes easier said than done--- but I'm trying....

    That is the scoop in a nutshell. I'm just emotionally worn out and creatively stretched...

    Other than that I'm well and rested.

    I'll be back to myself soon enough... ;)

    hugs and smooches to all
    And I really appreciate the concern and emails...

    Does anyone know where Oldtimer has gone? Haven't seen him in a while

    Hope everyone is well (itching still)
    When it rains, it pours!

    OK, now tell me. Did you pray for patience? "Patience cometh through tribulation."

    Hang in there Nat! We'll keep you in our prayers. And remember Romans 8:28 always applies!
    Nikon Samurai # 1


    http://mccabephotography.tripod.com

    http://precisionshotsphoto.tripod.com

    "Tyranny is defined as that which is legal for the government but illegal for the citizenry." - Thomas Jefferson

  17. #17
    has-been... another view's Avatar
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    Just entering reality myself after a week in the middle of nowhere. You have a lot going on and I just wanted to offer my support. "Follow your heart" is good advice.

  18. #18
    Opinionated Newbie
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    See, if you didn't bother with religion, you'd have a lot less stress in your life

    Kidding. Kidding. Stop taking me so seriously.

  19. #19
    ...just believe natatbeach's Avatar
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    Thnaks I am...all will be well...
    "I was not trying to be shocking, or to be a pioneer.
    I wasn't trying to change society, or to be ahead of my time.
    I didn't think of myself as liberated, and I don't believe that I did anything important.
    I was just myself. I didn't know any other way to be, or any other way to live."
    .
    Bettie Page

    My Temp site...

  20. #20
    ...just believe natatbeach's Avatar
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    there's one in every bunch

    Quote Originally Posted by Todd Patten
    See, if you didn't bother with religion, you'd have a lot less stress in your life

    Kidding. Kidding. Stop taking me so seriously.
    I did already and THAT didn't work...so here I am where I belong in life... a bit more complicated but a lot more interesting... ;)
    "I was not trying to be shocking, or to be a pioneer.
    I wasn't trying to change society, or to be ahead of my time.
    I didn't think of myself as liberated, and I don't believe that I did anything important.
    I was just myself. I didn't know any other way to be, or any other way to live."
    .
    Bettie Page

    My Temp site...

  21. #21
    Intermediate member bobbythebandit's Avatar
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    Mar 2002
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    Impossible to say all i would like to say in a "quick reply" but heres my two cents worth. I wake up each morning and thats great. Then i am able to get out of my bed on my own and stand up and dress Myself. After that everything is a doddle. Or as i am trying to say Natalie, your own health is your wealth.If you are in good health everything after that is just problems, and those we cope with.I am sure there are plenty of friends around you willing and able to help if you share your problems with them.
    As one who has led a colourfull life and at times wondered what in gods name was i going to do,i did just that.Thought of god and asked his help. With time most things resolved themselves.
    Hope this is of some help and as the others have said "we are all rooting for you !"
    God bless
    Bobby the bandit
    Last edited by bobbythebandit; 08-06-2004 at 09:37 AM. Reason: left out a word

  22. #22
    ...just believe natatbeach's Avatar
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    Thanks Bobby! and al others...things are starting to settle a bit and it feels a bit more bearable.(sp?) Again I am comforted and amazed at the support and caring on this forum...Thanks guys and gals alike...I really appreciate it.
    "I was not trying to be shocking, or to be a pioneer.
    I wasn't trying to change society, or to be ahead of my time.
    I didn't think of myself as liberated, and I don't believe that I did anything important.
    I was just myself. I didn't know any other way to be, or any other way to live."
    .
    Bettie Page

    My Temp site...

  23. #23
    Be serious Franglais's Avatar
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    You'll feel better after the wedding

    I just did a wedding for some friends as well. For weeks before the event it was hanging over me - though photographing people is one of my specialities. And after there was all the work of getting a book together, then doing a souvenir CD for all the people.

    I never do this for money, only for my friends as a wedding gift. My photos are a recreation and I only want to have in there things that matter to me.

    Hang on in there and concentrate on doing things simply the way you know how to do. Forget creativity. There are only a few scenes to do so just make sure that you are in the right place at the right time with the right equipment and enough films/space on your memory card.

    Don't try to sort out your other problems right now. You'll probably find that when this big job is over things won't seem so dark and you'll see the rest in a different light.

    Charles

  24. #24
    ...just believe natatbeach's Avatar
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    Thnaks Charles

    I just went and bought some film for my old Pentax K1000 to use as a second source...somehow it was comforting...there was more of a familiarity than when I hold the D70 that I've had for months now...I think it'll be fine...the pics tomorrow night and monday should be fine...

    My husband assured me not all 350 would be bad


    you are right about having this pass ---this may be the magnification glass and once it's done it may take some of the stress out...I appreciate tyour wisdom and sharing your experience... ;)
    "I was not trying to be shocking, or to be a pioneer.
    I wasn't trying to change society, or to be ahead of my time.
    I didn't think of myself as liberated, and I don't believe that I did anything important.
    I was just myself. I didn't know any other way to be, or any other way to live."
    .
    Bettie Page

    My Temp site...

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