TLJ Nicholas Photography With A Personal View

The HGR Method…

2012-01-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

What an opportunity to be able to begin again, to start off fresh with new hopes, dreams, goals and aspirations. The goose pimples are forming on my arms as I am writing this… Wow! Yes, we are all excited about the thought of a New Year and what it may bring, but the $64,000 dollar question is how do we keep up this blood rushing through your veins excitement throughout the New Year?

Well, by applying what I call the HGR method, this application is the key to keeping that New Year excitement Alive and Well. HGR is simply this; to Help others in need, Give freely, and Repair relationships especially within our own families. If you have ever experienced helping someone in need, the excitement that you have felt from your actions is priceless. To experience what it really means to give freely leaves the giver feeling just as blessed or even more so than the receiver… blood rushing excitement! And last but not least when you truly seek to repair broken family relations you will open up the door to becoming a whole and healthy person… after all everyone deserves a second chance.

So if you would like to keep that New Year excitement get out there and help someone, make a donation, volunteer your time, run that awareness marathon and say I love you, please forgive me, and give me a second chance. What are you waiting for this is a brand New Year… go on and get out there! You can have an exciting year from start to finish with the HGR method just download it into your brain today!

Trish

Together we can

Feed a village

Raise a Roof

And repair a relationship

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Lord You love the cheerful giver,
Who with open heart and hand
Blesses freely, as a river
That refreshes all the land. – Murray

*Throughout the New Year…

Featured January Product and Blog:

*The HopeFULL Gift Pack @ http://www.thehopefullcompany.com/

HopeFULL Blog @ http://hopefull.businesscatalyst.com/_blog/The_HopeFULL_Muse

Have a Happy New Year! And enjoy the winter beach Photos by LJN!

*Helping Photos (Photographers Unknown)

Photos: Annual Run & Married Couple by Trish
Trish Nicholas Photography @ www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

To Purchase Photos Courtesy of Redbubble @ http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian *Please feel free to contact me with any inquiries regarding commercial use of my photographs.

What Is Family?

2011-12-15T15:04:00.000-05:00

What is family? Was I asking myself this question because of the eminent holiday season, a time in which so many of us find ourselves gathered together with our family members? And for some it can be a time in which it is “for better or for worst”. For many of us it is not TV’s Cosby family, the typical Hallmark family or even the Blue Bloods’, Regan family. This fictional cop family clearly demonstrates what their family is all about. Each show ends with the family having dinner together on a Sunday at the home of the patriarch. This act of praying and breaking bread together is a reminder of what family is all about.

Too often we get caught up in what was said and not said, or what we think should have been done or not done by a family member. We lose sleep over it… we stop talking to one another and can’t even remember the last time we uttered a civil word to each other... because of what? over what? And now the holidays are here and just because it is Thanksgiving or Christmas we are all of a sudden suppose to be this big happy family? Well, as anyone who has ever experienced a ‘dust up’ over the holidays knows, that the “suppose” to be, holiday family doesn’t work.

What does work is supporting each other, listening to each other, sharing with genuine truth and honesty, not having the fear of being judged; knowing that in a spirit of love you can be told that you were wrong. Each one of us who is a part of a family unit knows the areas in which we need to work on to strengthen our family and ourselves. May we strive to pray and break bread together and always have the ability to cry together and to laugh together like only a family can do. Not just as ‘Seen On TV’, but also in the real world.

Trish

To Families everywhere have a Wonderful Christmas!
And may it be filled with Love, Joy and Peace
Throughout the New Year!

Trish Nicholas Photography @ www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

To Purchase Photos Courtesy of Redbubble @ http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

Please feel free to contact me with any inquiries regarding commercial use of my photographs.

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35 NIV

http://feedingamerica.org/

http://www.toppsinc.org/

http://www.rescue.org/

http://www.stjude.org/

A Gift of Rebirth, Renewal and Hope

2011-12-01T13:06:00.001-05:00

Gift – Something given, something that you give as a present, the act of giving something to somebody.

My December Blog posting has always been somewhat of a challenge for me, since December is such a special month. It is a time for giving something and receiving something that is given. The greatest gift that we have ever received gives us the power to have rebirth, renewal and hope. This month is a buzz with new energy, strength and enthusiasm because of a single gift that was given many years ago.

I celebrate this gift throughout the year and take the time at Christmas to remember the gift that was given and received by me and many others. It is a beautiful gift that can not be torn, or ripped or lost or stolen. So as we think about “getting” ready for Christmas, shopping for presents, time away from work and merriment with family and friends, consider the gift that was given. The Bethlehem story is more than a Christmas story it is about receiving a gift.

Trish

St. Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said unto them, fear not for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

The greatest Christmas gift of all
Was never placed beneath a tree,
But lay within a manger
Beneath a star, for all to see. Unknown

May you have a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends and a blessed New Year!

* Photo: Winter Street by LJN
Trish Nicholas Photography @ www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography To Purchase Photos Courtesty of Redbubble @ http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian
Please feel free to contact me with any inquiries regarding commercial use of my photographs.

http://www.harmonyproject.org/

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

http://joiningforces.uso.org/

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/

Stand Still

2011-11-02T23:30:00.000-04:00

One day in late August I was outside puttering around in my garden, before I knew it my puttering around turned into working up a serious sweat. It seemed that at the very moment that I needed to cool off an ocean breeze came out of nowhere. I stopped what I was doing stretched out my arms, tilted my head back and embraced the cool breeze… if you stand still you will feel the breeze.

For many of us our calendar of scheduled activities and events run our lives and dictates how we spend our time and with whom we spend it with. Well I am here to advocate that we sometimes stand still and feel the breeze whether it is individually or together. Start off by penciling in your or our feel the breeze time. And for all of those married people please don’t write down the usual dinner out or movie night… boring! Instead think about writing down something new and different this time. When you open yourself up to trying something new you will find it to be interesting, exciting and very memorable. Ok, for singles put down what ever it is that you say to yourself that you don’t have time to do or what you would like to do if you had more time to do it… make a commitment to yourself and set aside some time to do it.

Trust me I am not trying to tell you how to run your life. I am simply suggesting that you try something that works and which I have discovered will only enrich your life. So if you stand still you will feel the cool breeze.

Trish

Every day, take some time for yourself. Love yourself. Honor yourself. Give priority to your physical, mental and emotional wellness. – Unknown

Life is a beautiful song that God is teaching us to play. – From Our Daily Bread November 26, 2011

Have a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends!

http://www.philabundance.org/

Trish Photo: Courtesy of LJN Archives

Photos by Trish: @

www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

Photos for Purchase Courtesy of Redbubble @

http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

Also please feel free to contact me with any inquiries regarding commercial use of my photographs.

My Photography Journey @

http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Photographers-Journey

Reach For the Stars- And Follow Your Dreams

2011-10-02T11:44:00.000-04:00

I woke up a few Saturdays ago to an overcast sky followed by rain all day. A perfect day to be lazy, which in our home on a September Saturday meant watching football games or catching up on reading, that particular day I choose catching up on some reading. I looked at the various magazines displayed on my end tables in the living room made a selection and settled into a comfortable chair. I am sure that you can surmise that I had selected a woman’s magazine. I have been reading this particular woman’s magazine for quite some time and the one thing that has been consistent with this publication is that it continually inspires women to reach for the stars and follow their dreams. One article in particular just seemed to stay with me; it was the story about I had a simple idea that ended up becoming a viable successful business with the strong inner confidence and strength displayed by the women along with the support from her family members and friends to follow her dream.

As women we all have dreams and for whatever the reason may be we find ourselves putting our dreams on a shelve labeled one day, not now. And trust me that is ok, but what is not ok is to leave those dreams on that shelf and be satisfied with simply talking about once I had dreamed of doing this. I believe that we are all capable of second acts; we simply need to believe in ourselves and surround ourselves with people we can trust to tell us the truth and to ask us the tuff questions that we wouldn’t ask ourselves.

If you are truly interested in reaching for the stars and following your dreams, whether it be now, tomorrow, or a year from now don’t give up on your dreams. Read those stories about other women who have followed their dreams… their stories are out there. I know that I have been inspired by their stories and I am on the path to following my dreams.

Trish

Enjoy every minute of your second act it will be quite an exciting dance!

*A woman named Holly Robinson Peete with a very special organization:
http://www.hollyrod.org/
Read about her story.

*October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month*
Please remember to schedule your Mammogram!

Keep your heart with all diligence… Ponder the path of your feet. –Proverbs 4:23, 26

*Photo: Dream Window by LJN

Trish Nicholas Photography @
www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

Photos For Purchase: Courtesy of Redbubble @ http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian
*Also please feel free to contact me with any enquiries regarding commercial use of my photographs.

Follow my Photography Journey @ http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Photographers-Journey
Seventh Installment coming soon!

A New Blog

2011-09-15T16:50:00.000-04:00

A few weekends ago when my girlfriend and her husband were visiting with us I had one of those “light bulb” moments. The guys were engaged in guy talk and we were, of course, having some girl talk and catching up with one another. My light bulb moment occurred when my girl friend was telling me about a ministry, (mercyministries.org), that their church was sponsoring. That’s when it hit me, I said to myself ‘that’s it’ a Blog dedicated to .orgs! Since I have been a .org junkie for quite some time this was a perfect idea for me to pursue. I have been keeping a list of .orgs and from time to time I have included various organizations in my Blog postings. Starting a new Blog dedicated to bringing awareness to others about organizations that were helping people in need would definitely satisfy my inner desire to let people know about these organizations.

The debut of my new Blog dedicated to .orgs will be coming soon. I will start by introducing to you Mercy Ministries. I am thankful for my light bulb moment that God has given to me. I pray that this .org Blog will inspire others to give, to write, to pray and to do something. We are living in difficult times and there are many people in need and the time to act is now.

Trish

ABOUT MERCY MINISTRIES
Since 1983, Mercy Ministries of America has provided hope and healing to generations of desperate young women who are seeking freedom from life-controlling issues such as: physical and sexual abuse including sex trafficking, eating disorders, self harm, drug and alcohol addictions, depression and unplanned pregnancy.

Please logon to Mercy Ministries for the full organization profile:
Mercy Ministries:
http://www.mercyministries.org/

Also check out the Mercy Ministries YouTube Video:
http://youtu.be/MboCd4teXQk

Mercy Minister Founder Nancy Alcorn's Blog:
http://www.nancyalcorn.com/

To those of you, who can give, then give
To those of you who can pray, then pray
To those of you, who can write, then write.
But please do something!

Mercy Ministry Photo: Photographer Unknown

All Other Photos: Courtesy of Family Archives

Trish Nicholas Photography @ www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography
Also please feel free to contact me with any inquiries regarding commercial use of my photographs.

To Purchase Photographs: Courtesy of Redbubble @ http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

My sixth installment about my Photography Journey on HubPages @ http://phototljn7.hubpages.com/hub/Photography-Blog

Burnt Bagel… Really!

2011-08-05T16:17:00.000-04:00

I usually start my morning off with a cup of regular java, no sugar, cream or milk and a nice bagel. The other morning that “nice” bagel turned out to be a burnt bagel thanks to our finicky toaster, which I keep saying that I am going to get rid of. I had taken my attention from toasting my bagel and began opening up the mail that I had just brought in from the mailbox, when I heard the bagel pop up, I knew that my nice morning bagel had turned into something less than desirable to put into my mouth.

After getting mad at the toaster and myself, I began scraping the burnt pieces of the bagel into the drain so that the bagel could become somewhat eatable. As I looked at the scraped bagel on the plate my mind flashed to the news story about the Somalia famine, the images of the Somalia people suffering began to flood through my mind. There were men, woman, infants, children and the elderly starving to death, no food, no water, nothing, leaving their war torn homes and struggling to make their way to a place where they could get food and be safe… I said to myself a burnt bagel Trish… really!

Hopefully after reading this you will remember that there is someone in the world who is starving and would certainly take that burnt piece of toast or bagel with or without the burnt pieces being scraped off. Yes, it would have been very easy for me to have tossed my burnt bagel into the trash and toasted another one, but in my house growing up we were taught that we did not waste our food, so I knew that I would be eating this bagel.

If you are not into scraping off the burnt pieces of your toast or bagel and eating it like I ended up doing, don’t throw it away toss it into a zip-lock bag, scrape the burnt pieces off later and then turn that bread into bread crumbs… Win! Win!

Trish

You can help the people in Somalia
For a list of charitable organizations click on the MSNBC nightly news link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43841708/ns/nightly_news/

Somalian refugees disembark a bus in the registration area of the IFO refugee camp which makes up part of the giant Dadaab refugee settlement, July 23. The refugee camp at Dadaab, located close to the Kenyan border with Somalia, was originally designed in the early 1990s to accommodate 90,000 people but the UN estimates over 4 times as many reside there. (Oli Scarff / Getty Images)

A severely malnourished Somali child receives Oral Rehydration Salts [O.R.S.] at Mogadishu's Banadir hospital, on July 28. (Mustafa Abdi / AFP - Getty Images)

Farhiya (centre) holds her 7-year-old sister Suladan by the hand as they follow their mother and brothers at the reception center of the Dolo Ado refugee camp near the Ethiopia-Somalia border on July 19. Refugees are being housed at the transit center while a new camp is being set up by the Ethiopian goverment and international aid organizations. Thousands of Somalis have fled in recent months to neighbouring Ethiopia and Kenya in search of food and water, with many dying along the way. (Roberto Schmidt / AFP - Getty Images)

Children drink water from the same place as cattle at Liboi, Kenya, on July 27. UNICEF says it is trying to vaccinate more than 300,000 children in Kenya in an emergency program designed to prevent an outbreak of disease as refugees stream into northern Kenya from famine-hit Somalia. (Schalk van Zuydam / AP)

"WATCH: Iman On Somalia's 'Heartbreaking' Famine:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/31/_n_911190.html

The Global Enrichment Foundation.com:
http://globalenrichmentfoundation.com/

Save The Children:
http://www.flickr.com//photos/savethechildrenaustralia/sets/72157627050884977/show/

Proverbs 27:7 “A person who is full refuses honey, but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry.” (NLT)

Proverbs 31:8-9 “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (NIV)

To those of you, who can give, then give
To those of you who can pray, then pray
To those of you, who can write, then write about Somalia's Famine
But please do something!

Trish

TLJ Nicholas Photography With A Personal View: I am So Proud of You

2011-07-18T17:47:00.000-04:00

TLJ Nicholas Photography With A Personal View: I am So Proud of You: "A few weeks ago I watched the series premier of a new TV show, which I might add I thoroughly enjoyed watching. The next morning I found my..."

I am So Proud of You

2011-07-18T17:46:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I watched the series premier of a new TV show, which I might add I thoroughly enjoyed watching. The next morning I found myself thinking about that show, especially the interaction between the mother and daughter, which we know at times can be challenging for both parties. The battle back and forth between the mother and daughter ended when the daughter demonstrated to her mother how really proud she was of her.

Let me state here that I am not a trained professional in mother and daughter relationships, but I am a daughter and a mother of two daughters. Drawing from my own experiences I noted that when I saw the daughter express her approval of her mother’s accomplishments, it was the first time the daughter saw her mother other than that of “mom” there was a true understanding of her mother as the person, the woman, who she really was. This particular scene reminded me of the very moment when my oldest daughter told me how proud she was of me… wow! I can recall that day as if it happened yesterday. This is a special recognition for both a mother and a daughter, it is a time when the battling back and forth ends and a new richer mother daughter relationship begins.

Do you have a special I am so proud of you moment mom that you would like to share? If you do I would love to hear about it!

Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had, and dealing with fears you didn't know existed. ~Linda Wooten

We're daughter and mother
not so long ago.
We give and take
and take and give
along times endless row.

Love is passed
And love received
to be passed on again:
A precious heirloom
Twice, twice blessed,
a spiritual cardigan.

I'll put it on
And treasure it,
The me I have received,
And when the roles
Reverse again,
I'll have what I most need.

So may our love
go on and on,
A hundred thousand years;

Mothers and daughters,
Daughters and mothers,
through joys and other tears.
- Anonymous

Thanks, Mom, for being a Christian,
and showing me how to be;
I’ll follow your example
for all eternity.
By Joanna Fuchs

The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence, when only the heart speaks. ~Carrie Latet

Nothing is more sacred or powerful than the bond of a mother and daughter. Mothers and daughters go through thick and thin together and are an inseparable duo that makes life worth living for the other. - By: Wayne Hemrick

“And still it’s from her that you learned that whatever she has chosen to become, you’ll still feel proud of her simply because she has the key to your heart forever.” - Author: unknown

All Photos: Courtesy of Family Archives

Trish Nicholas Photography @ www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

Trish Nicholas Photography Photos For Purchase Courtesy of Redbubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

My Photography Journey @ http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Photographers-Journey

My love to all Mother's and Daughters!

"Mama exhorted her children at every opportunity to 'jump at de sun.' We might not land on the sun, but at least we would get off the ground." - Zora Neale Hurston

God gave us Seashells

2011-06-16T13:29:00.000-04:00

As my husband and I were leisurely strolling on the beach I began picking up every beautiful and uniquely shaped seashell that caught my eye, one of my favorite beach things to do since childhood, so much so that my grown children would bring me back seashells from their trips to the beach.

For me seashells remind me that I am apart of an awesome creation and play an important role in it. I believe the enjoyment of it all is discovering who you are and how your presence on this earth makes a difference.

There are many things happening in our world today some things that are good and some things that are not so good, it is up to us to choose which part we want to play in it. We can covet our own little world and each day remain on the side line of life or we can choose to make a difference.

About a year ago NBC nightly news incorporated a segment into their broadcast called, you guessed it “Making a Difference.” The segment became so popular that the network decided to stick with it, instantly it became a hit. I believe that many of us want to do good things for our families and for other people and once in awhile we enjoy hearing a good news story.

I know that whatever our economic situation may be we can find a way to be a vital part of this creation because we have been beautifully created and we are uniquely different… God gave us Seashells.

Trish

You can “Make a Difference”…

http://www.servicenation.org/

http://woundedwarriorproject.org/

http://www.soles4souls.org/

http://www.kidsdonations.org/

http://www.locksoflove.org/

Let us not grow weary while doing good. – Galatians 6:9

Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, for all the people you can, while you can. - Our Daily Bread 6/6/11

*Congratulations to all of the high school and college graduates!

*Photo: Beach Seashells- Photographer Unknown

Photos by Trish @ www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

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Follow my Photography Journey on HubPages: http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Photographers-Journey

Human to Human Contact

2011-05-11T17:32:00.000-04:00

I recently read an article about a photographer named August Sanders (1876-1964). Through his view finder he captured the many faces of the German society in which he lived. Writer David Propson wrote in the Wall Street Journal that he captured “A universe of humanity in his restricted space.”

As I continued reading the article, I couldn’t help but recall a conversation that I had a few weeks ago with my daughter Morgan. I told her about a conversation that a woman engaged in with me at the grocery store meat counter. This was the second time that a complete stranger engaged in a conversation with me, only before it was in the produce department. Each conversation ended with “you have a nice day”! Morgan said that when she moved to Virginia she had the same thing happen to her, “I believe that is a “Southern thing.” We both agreed that we could hardly ever remember a complete stranger engaging in a conversation with us at the grocery store back home.

I am not sure if this engaging grocery store conversation by complete strangers is a “Southern thing”, but I would like to say that it is a very human thing. Each day we live our lives and connect with one another through an array of technologies, cell phones, Skype, Twitter, Facebook and hey check out this video on You-Tube. Along with internet news sites and Blogs that provide us with a wide range of topics. With the click of a mouse we can participate with a comment or chose to remain anonymous. Has all of this instant information/communication technology lessened our human contact?

Perhaps the reason why I was so startled by a complete stranger engaging in a conversation with me at the grocery store has more to do with the “old form of human to human communication, which is becoming so rare these days. As we continue to embrace and keep up with the ever changing technology that is apart of our day to day lives, I hope that we will still cherish the irreplaceable human to human connection.

The tomatoes are extremely ripe today…

“Wherever we live, we cross paths with people from many backgrounds and beliefs.” – Our Daily Bread 4.26.10

“Each contact with a human being is so rare, so precious, one should preserve it.” – Anais Nin

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. - Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)

http://www.servicenation.org/

Photos by Trish: www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

Photos For Purchase Courtesy of Redbubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

A Photographers Journey: http://hubpages.com/profile/PhotoTljn7

More than a Mantra

2011-04-05T18:25:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago I purchased some coffee mugs for our new home. The color and design were perfect, but it was the words on the mugs that really influenced my overall purchase. The words Sit long, Talk much, Laugh often, just the message that I wanted our family and friends to receive and feel when they visited our new home.

It was a few days later when I was pouring a cup of coffee into one of the mugs that I read those words again… Sit long, Talk much, Laugh often, and as I sat down to enjoy my late afternoon cup of java I began to wonder if it was even possible to exercise that kind of mantra, especially in today’s fast paced tech savvy world. Is this Sit long, Talk much, Laugh often mantra just reserved for guest who are visiting our home or when we go away on vacation or major holidays? Can we realistically apply these words to our everyday lives?

I believe that we can and will if we see the value of Sitting long with the people who are apart of our lives, taking time to talk much (face to face) which could very well lead to laughing often. The mugs are there to server as a daily reminder to live life this way…then and only then those words will become much more than just a mantra on a coffee mug. Have you had your warm sip of the gift of life today?

Trish

Sitting Long

Sitting
When was the last time you spent a quiet moment just doing nothing - just sitting and looking at the sea, or watching the wind blowing the tree limbs, or waves rippling on a pond, a flickering candle or children playing in the park? Ralph Marston

Talk Much

Let's Talk
Let’s talk, let’s open our hearts out to each other and talk
You may laugh at this plea, at this suggestion you may balk
You might scoff and tell me, “You’ve gone mad today.”
But reflect a bit and you will find many things to say

Come hither, and let us bare our sorrows to each other
So that we can feel lighter and be not in a spot of bother
Good or bad, let us talk about our dealings with life
It’s much better to be open than be cut up by tension’s knife.

Taken from Let’s Talk - by Rony Patra

Laugh often

Laughter is good medicine it’s a great “shock absorber” for life’s unexpected bumps. It helps take the monotony out of everyday life.
Don’t miss out on the continual feast of a cheerful heart.
You’ll see that a happy heart bubbles over into a smile. And it’s contagious!
Love, your God of joy – Proverbs 17:22; 15:13-15
Taken from Hugs for friends by LeAnn Weiss & Caron Loveless

Proverbs 15:13 (KJV)
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 17:22 (KJV)
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

Photo of Grandson: by LJN
Sunset Photo: by LJN

Photos by Trish @ Trish Nicholas Photography: www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

Photos for Purchase Courtesy of Redbubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

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Have a beautiful Easter!
***Help to feed the hungry @ Rock and Wrap It Up: http://www.rockandwrapitup.org/

A New Stage

2011-03-13T17:45:00.000-04:00

“We live life in stages and experience it on different levels.” – Dr. A.R. Bernard

A new stage of my life began on Wednesday March 2nd taking up residence in a new home in West Ocean City, Md. What we thought was a serious buyer for our home in Pennsylvania turned out to be a big waste of our time, energy and emotions. So we have moved on to plan B for a year, hopefully it won’t take that long for our home in Pa to be sold.

“If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” – Woody Allen

It is our hopes, wishes and wants that set our expectations as to what the outcome will be, but I have been blessed to discover that these things are set against God’s plan for our life. And I truly believe in the end, if we are connected spiritually in anyway we will be able to see his greater plan.

I am also still learning to take one day at a time and to savor each moment of that day, some days I am better at it then other days… for we know that tomorrow is not promised to any of us. Psalm 90:12 - So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Well as I look around at my new surroundings I am totally grateful for having a nice roof over my head at this time. I look forward to the warm beach days ahead… Lord willing.

Trish

Japan earthquake: How to help
https://www.savethechildren.org/

Photos by Trish: www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

Photos for Purchase Courtesy of Redbubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

To Follow My Photography Journey:
http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Photographers-Journey

Dr. A.R. Bernard: http://www.arbernard.com/

Proverbs 27:1 – Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.

A Mixed Bag

2011-02-25T20:27:00.000-05:00

This month brought the passing of a dear loved one, a grandson who turned 10, a mother who celebrated her 80th birthday and a new residence. Yes, a virtual mixed bag of emotions for me.

The one thing that impacted me the most about all of these single events was witnessing the deep love and affection that my husband and his siblings have for each other as they laid their big brother to rest. For each of the siblings he was much more than just my "big brother", he was a role model, a great listener, an encourager who had a big heart for each of them. The stories that I listen to during our time together bears that out, he was a giant of a man and a giant of a brother in a small frame. He will be greatly missed by all.

Trish

“Those we hold dear in life we gather together to highly esteem them in death, yet not for them but for ourselves.” – LJN

WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN
He was sick with nothing to lose,
He went through much pain and suffering that he did not chose,
He never gave up at anything through thick and thin,
He was going to fight hard until the end,
The end came on Sunday February 6, 2011,
Now he is with you Lord in heaven
to sing, laugh, and play,
Nothing will ever make him cry,
His spirit inside of us will never die,
One day we will be up there too,
We will take your hand Lord and go with you,
So thank you Lord for dying on that cross for us,
And thank you Pick for the sweet memories,
We love you Pick and miss you so much,
We will be with you one day, and we will never lose touch.
***Original Poem by Cynthia Nicole Weatherman, USA at http://www.voicesnet.org/displayonepoem.aspx?poemid=53375

American Heart Association http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/

Photos by Trish

Trish Nicholas Photography:

www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

To Purchase Photos Courtesy of Redbuble:

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To Follow my Photography Journey:

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1 Corinthians 15:51-53 (King James Version)

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

A Winter Beach Stroll

2011-01-30T16:52:00.001-05:00

A few days ago I experienced strolling on an East Coast beach with my husband in the dead of winter, what a truly exhilarating first time experience. This winter beach stroll on the Eastern shore of Maryland was my first new experience of 2011. And I can’t help thinking about what other first time experiences this New Year holds for me.

To those of you who started the New Year with your new year’s resolution in hand, I would like to share with you some things that you might like to consider adding to your list…

1. Trust your instincts.
2. Believe that all things are possible.
3. Open yourself up to those in need.
4. Have as many impromptu moments as your life can hold.
5. Vow to experience and try new things.
6. Stop wondering about what’s to come.
7. Take one day at a time.
8. Pray and meditate often.

As you begin to embrace this New Year I hope that you will resolve in your own way to simply live life and to experience it NOW!

Trish

**http://www.showyourhelpinghand.com/

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? St. Matthew 6:26-27 NIV

**Photos of Trish: by LJN
**Photo of the Moon: by LJN

Photos by Trish
Trish Nicholas Photography: www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

To Purchase Photos Courtesy of Redbubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

To Follow My Photography Journey: http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Photographers-Journey

December A Holiday in Transition

2010-12-28T14:00:00.002-05:00

Two Precious words

For those of you that read October’s Blog titled 6 Months Ago I am very happy to report that at my 6th month follow up appointment I received a clean bill of health and two very precious words… no cancer! I just wanted to say to all of my family members and friend’s thank you for your prayers and words of encouragement during that time.

http://www.morebirthdays.com/

December A Holiday in Transition…

I would like to apologize for the absent November Blog, my focus at that time was getting our house on the market before November thirtieth. And thank God we finally did on November 15th, which brings me into December or as I have dubbed it “A holiday in transition” month. From the first day that our home was listed we had two home showings with 12 more to follow. Our first offer came after only 26 days on the market! Yeah, Wow especially in today’s housing market. The negotiations have begun and this part of the process of selling a home can have its ups and downs before there is a “smooth landing”, so put your congratulations on hold for now.

After one of our December showings the desire to incorporate some Christmas decorations into my staged home hit me. I pulled out the decorations and added a few complimentary holiday pieces. But it didn’t feel like our holiday home it still felt staged. Our home had an eerie holiday sterile feeling about it. My normal holiday list of things to do had been replaced with Mrs. Nicholas an agent would like to show your home today. Don’t get me wrong I counted those calls from our agent’s office as a true blessing.

Shortly after my attempt at adding some holiday decorations to our home, I received a call from my husband Nick telling me that it looks like he will have a break in his work, this news was sheer delight. The thought of having him home the entire week leading up to Christmas really lifted my spirits. After hearing this good news I went back to the Christmas decorations and pulled out the caroler figurines and set them up. Which according to our children we know that it is Christmas in our house when mom brings out those carolers!

If you are having a “holiday in transition” and feel that the Christmas holiday has disappeared from your consciousness I would suggest that you look through your Christmas decorations and find that one personal item that has always made you and your family feel and know the Christmas spirit. Once that spirit has been rekindled, turn your mind away from your holiday in transition situation and give to those in need of help. So volunteer your time, check with agencies in your community and find out where there is a need and bring some holiday cheer to another family. Trust me you will sail through your holiday in transition and find yourself saying this was one of the best holidays for me and my family. And please continue the act of giving and helping others in need all year long.

http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/ http://www.pcacares.org/ http://www.delawareyfc.org/

In my case the month of December became my holiday in transition due to the selling of our home. Those Christmas caroler figurines have been a stable item and a special part of our Christmas for many years and that small act of displaying them reminded me of Christmases past and Christmases to come. So put on some Christmas music, and if you are not putting up a tree as is the case with me then string some colored lights somewhere and bask in the thought of the greatest gift this world has ever know … And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. St. Luke 2:12-14

Trish

Ribbon Photo: Photographer Unknown

Photo of Elijah under the Christmas tree: Courtesty of LJN

Photos by Trish
Trish Nicholas Photography: www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

To Purchase Photos courtesy of Redbubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

To follow my personal photography journey:
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When we look back and contemplate what we've been through this year, we'll praise you, Lord, for all you've done- Your faithfulness is clear. -Sper
Taken from Our Daily Bread. http://www.rbc.org/

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

6 Months Ago…

2010-10-15T14:19:00.000-04:00

It was six months ago on the morning of Thursday April 15th that I discovered a lump in my left breast. It wasn’t the usual sounds of my husband rattling around in the bathroom getting ready for work, which woke me up that morning. It was an awful throbbing pain that directed me to my left breast. As soon as I touched my breast I could feel that it was swollen and very warm. I quickly discovered the source of my discomfort it was a lump on the side of my breast. As I examined the lump I began to wince from touching it. I sat up in bed and said in a loud astonished voice “you got to be kidding me”! Nick heard me cry out and came into the bedroom, “what’s the matter”, he said. I guided his hand to the lump that I had discovered, does this feel like a lump to you? As I waited for his input I looked into his eyes to see if they would shed some light on what his thoughts might be at this moment, in a soft voice he replied, “yes it does and I think the first thing we need to do is to call the doctor and schedule and appointment”.

I got out of bed and tried to reassure myself and my husband that it was probably nothing more than an out of control pimple under my skin in the wrong place and at the wrong time. As I stood in the doorway saying good-bye to my husband who was spending the weekend in Chicago on business, I promised him that I would call my Ob/Gyn today. I called the office to schedule the appointment and the receptionist stated that their earliest availability would be on Monday… mentally I knew that this was going to be a long weekend.

Later in the day Nick called from Chicago to see how I was feeling. I managed to tell him that I had been given an appointment for Monday before he had to jet off to a meeting. I felt helpless and in despair, I couldn’t believe that this was happening to me. The timing of this discovery in my mind could not have come at a worst time. Nick’s promotion is in full force, hence the business trip to Chicago, we are spending practically every weekend getting the house ready to be put on the market, and looking for a new home in a different state.

On Monday as we were driving to the appointment I explained to my husband that my doctor would do a breast exam and depending on what he finds during the exam he would give me a script to have a mamogram and an ultra sound of my left breast. I left the office with the script and immediately upon arriving home I placed the called to the diagnostic imaging center to schedule the appointment, they were kind enough to fit me in the next morning. That evening as Nick and I lay in bed still wondering what was to come, I shared with him my state of mind. I thought that since I was dealing with the whole MS thing it some how served as an automatic guaranteed against any other major illnesses coming my way. I began to cry for being so stupid to think such a thing. Nick said I am sure that everything is going to be ok. He held me close until I finally drifted off to sleep.

On Thursday April 22nd I received a call from my doctor informing me that they found what they call a simple cyst ½ centimeter in size and my doctor stated they usually are not cancerous, however I would like for you to also see a surgeon. After I hung up the phone I kept hearing the doctors words usually they are not cancerous… usually! That’s good… right? Do I really need to see the surgeon as he had suggested? I am in the clear… right? Well, I ended up contacting the American Cancer Society and I spoke with a woman who was very understanding and helpful. I explained to her that the doctor’s usually not cancerous words struck a funny cord inside of me. She advised me to call the surgeons office and schedule the appointment… hopefully the appointment will close this medical chapter in my life. I picked up the phone and scheduled the appointment with the surgeon.

The surgeon looked at my reports and examined the breast in question. He also agreed with my doctor that it was a simple cyst ½ centimeter in size. He explained to me that in six months I should have another mamogram and ultra sound done to make sure that there were not any “other” abnormalities. I left that office realizing that this chapter was over for now… I knew that I had to live in the now and I could not worry myself about other abnormalities that may or may not be there six months from now. When the lump was discovered I immediately scheduled an appointment with my doctor and I did not drag my feet.

Ladies October is breast Cancer Awareness Month and breast cancer can and will happen to anyone at any given time. Let’s make sure that we remind our Mothers, sisters, sister-in-laws, nieces and girlfriends to have an annual breast check-up! And guy's breast cancer can also happen to you, so spread the word!

On October 15th it will be time for me to schedule that six month check-up and I am now ready to open up that new chapter in my life.

Trish

The Dial Corporation will donate $100,000 to benefit the Breast Cancer Network of Strength in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
http://www.networkofstrength.org/

In October 2010, Perdue Farms will donate$1.00 for every chicken recipe uploaded to http://www.perdue.com/ , with a maximum donation of $10,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For complete details with terms and conditions, visit www.perdue.com/recipededication.

READ FOR THE CURE - Benefiting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure
www.myreadforthecure.com/falloffer

*Click on the link to purchase a Survivor Mug

Pink Ribbon Photo – Photographer Unknown

Breast Exam Photo – The National Breast Cancer.org

All other Photos by Trish
www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

To Purchase Gallery Photos Courtesy of Redbubble
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To Follow My Photography Journey:
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An Amazing Little Girl…

2010-09-23T17:31:00.002-04:00

I just returned from spending a week with an amazing little girl… my second granddaughter ten plus years removed. It was about mid week when I decided that I would write about her in my September Blog.

As my husband and I were driving home from Chesapeake Virginia I was already reminiscing about the week we spent with her and her two older brothers. I had previously expressed to my husband a sadness that I had been feeling from time to time thinking about how she was growing up without me… and not seeing her as often as I would have liked to. Yes, I did spend an entire week with her 16 months ago when she was born. I’ve watched cell phone videos of her walking and doing new things and I’ve received many photos of her through email, but having the opportunity to bond with her while her parents were away was priceless.

Grammy as all of my grandchildren call me was the first person that she saw when she opened her eyes in the morning and from her nap. And the last person that she cuddled with before she finally drifted off to sleep at night… she has an amazing personality! Happy, playful, feisty, eager, curious and full of life!

I tend to think that a child who has older siblings seems to grow up much faster and my granddaughter certainly bares this out. I watched this little girl wrestle with her brothers, ages 8 and 6 as she tried to imitate their football and basketball moves, determined to be included in the fun. I also witnessed her girly-girly side whenever we got dressed as she pointed to her lips for lip gloss too. This little girl never would miss out on an opportunity to leave the house for a stroll with her Grammy in her trend setting, “oh so necessary”, fashion accessory; her pink sunglasses planted firmly upon her bright beautiful little face.

I am thankful for the time that I spent with her and very soon I will be just two hours away... for now I will still cherish all the videos and photos that I receive of her!

Trish

To become a Grandparent is a special gift from God… Thank you Lord for blessing me to have five beautiful grandchildren and possibly more!

Photos by Grammy and Pop-Pop

Photos by Trish

www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

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To Follow My Photography Journey

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Visit: http://www.jdrf.org/

This summer

2010-08-28T12:53:00.009-04:00

When August begins to draw to a close I usually take the time to reflect on what kind of summer it has been. The summer of 2010 was very hot, challenging and frustrating at times for me, with many blessings mixed in. My summer has been consumed with prepping our home for sale which has turned into a major makeover; so much so when I look around I am left wondering who lives here… my house has been packed away in boxes awaiting a new home.

My husband and I managed to see a few summer box office movie hits and took an entire Saturday off to attend a long over due family and friends barbeque which was a refreshing break from the usual weekend grind. I found myself focusing on the little things that we did do this summer. Like going to a Saturday matinee and finding the theater pretty much vacant, which probably had more to do with people going to the shore to escape the heat than our movie choice; the numerous times we sat on the patio having early morning coffee and of course taking our evening walks. All of these things were just as significant, enjoyable and memorable as a “big” deal vacation spent away from home.

The summer of 2010 wasn’t so bad after all! We actually did go on vacation; it was just slightly different from the vacations we have taken in the past.

I leave you with some snapshots of past and present summer experiences!

Trish

I hope that everyone really enjoyed their summer. Have a great and safe Labor Day!

Photos by Trish
www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

Gallery Photos for purchase courtesy of Redbubble
http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

4th of July Fireworks Photo by LJN

Help Children Succeed In School:
http://liveunited.org/

Five Years after Katrina
http://www.habitat-nola.org/projects/musicians_village.php

When The Power Goes Out

2010-07-20T10:47:00.011-04:00

Lighting Strike Photo by Gene Moore

I don’t need to remind you about the heat waves that we have been having lately, one right after another and each one setting new records. Recently during one of those heat waves we lost power for eight hours, one minute I was in the cool and comfort of AC to being trust into the heat with sweat dripping from my forehead and lamenting when will the power come back on.

As I sat in my lawn chair outside I watched as my neighbors came drifting out of their homes seeking relief from the heat inside. I received the hello and how have you been doing, a nod of the head to acknowledge my presence and some started chatting up a storm (no pun intended) with me. When the power goes out we find ourselves all waiting for the same thing we now have a common bond and begin communicating with one another like we never have before. Interesting how that is when the power goes out. Well, the power is back on (yeah!) and one by one we turn on our heels without even a mere good-by to resume our own lives …funny how that is when the power comes back on. Perhaps, just perhaps we could entertain the thought of reaching out to one another a little more.

I believe the meteorologist said that this week would be our fifth summer heat wave or did he say it would be our sixth heat wave? ...Well whichever it is get ready to say hello to your neighbors! And I mean really say hello…!

Trish

Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. St Matthew 22:39

Get To Know Your Neighbors – Sponsor a Block Party!
http://www.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Organize-a-Neighborhood-Block-Party

FCA: Hot Weather Tips (Check on the elderly)

http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=871

Make lighting Strike!
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/lightning-interactive.html

Thermometer Photo: Photographer Unknown

Photos by Trish

www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

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Follow My Personal writings on becoming a photographer at http://hubpages.com/hub/A-Photographers-Journey

****Check out:

http://www.kidshelpingschools.org/

Have a great week! Stay cool and check on a neighbor!

Crying out Again…

2010-06-13T14:01:00.010-04:00

Gulf Oil Rig Explosion Photo by Anthony Watts

For the life of me I don’t understand why it takes a disaster of enormous magnitude and claiming the lives of many before we begin to cry out loud and clear that immediate action needs to take place so that something like this never happens again. Then and only then with expediency barking at our heels do we begin to address the issue(s), to examine what happen under a microscope, appoint a commission and sift through the accounts leading up to the disaster with a fine tooth comb… Why?

In the case of the Gulf oil spill day 55 and counting, we have been down this road before and the outcome has still been the same. Only the terminology, oil lingo, company name and community have changed. So where do we go from here as we watch the live feed of the oil gushing out of the pipe day after day, waiting and praying that we can some how stop another oil leak… which right now would take a miracle from God.

Mr. President I believe that you already know and understand the energy direction that this country needs to take. Your direction will help us to embrace a new energy policy for the 21st century, which is a key component for the survival of our natural resources that we are the primary partakers of. I cry out to our Senators, congressman/woman, Democrats and Republicans, Corporate CEO’s and we the people… stop all of the separate agendas, playing the blame game and name calling. We have a community that is hurting, eleven families that are grieving at the loss of their loved ones. Not to mention livelihoods threaten, and eco-systems changed for ever. We MUST agree on the right energy policy for this country, arrogance and greed will bleed us all dry and destroy the abundance that nature has given to us.

Do we ignore the warning signs so that we can continue to worship profits and benefits’, all the while looking the other way until it all blows up in our face… and then the cry goes out loud and clear again that something must be done? Whether it is Wall Street, the Auto industry, the Coal industry, or the health industry we MUST STOP REACTING TO THE DISATER and ENACT laws, policies, procedures and guidelines FIRST!

I ask our lawmakers and voters to think, really think about the consequences of sticking our heads in the sand and doing what amounts to be nothing at all but crying out and saying that something needs to be done. The Gulf oil spill disaster has brought us all to a crossroads and we can either stay on the same road of crying out again or take a new road that has never been travel on before… or as our President expressed, let’s make it right for the people in the Gulf and especially those who have lost loved ones… Let’s get it RIGHT!

Trish

To return good for good is human; to return good for evil is divine. –Taken from Our Daily Bread June 6th 2010

HELP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE GULF
http://www.handsonneworleans.org/

More Cloudy Days for Louisiana…

New Orleans Dining

Katrina

Pensacola Beach, Florida

Taken For Granted - "We thought that we would have it (pristine beaches) forever"... from a

woman on Pensacola Beach.

Brown Pelican: Time Magazine

Katrina Photo: Photographer Unknown

Pensacola Photos: by LJN

New Orleans Photos: by Trish

Trish Nicholas Photography @

www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

Gallery Photos may be purchased courtesy of
Redbubble: http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

“May you begin your day by being a blessing to someone else and you will find yourself blessed in deed”… for it truly is more blessed to give than to receive!

It’s Just Because I Love You Day!

2010-05-19T16:20:00.020-04:00

I would love to start a holiday called “It’s Just Because I love you Day”, a day for anyone celebrated by anyone. You would choose how and when the celebration begins and ends. Ok to those of you reading this you are probably wondering what kind of holiday is this. A holiday with no set date and month in which to celebrate it, well that’s a stupid idea…right…? No… Wrong!

Let’s take a look at Mother’s Day while it is still fresh in our minds. This is a day set aside in May to honor and celebrate Mom to the highest extent. We shower her with cards, flowers, gifts, and taking Mom out for dinner. A set date on the calendar that our minds have been programmed to engage in. For me I believe in a true expression of one’s emotions happening in real time, not in a day called Mother’s Day. Now don’t get me wrong it is nice to be treated special, no Sunday dinner to prepare, receiving lots of cards and gifts from loved ones. Yes, a very special day, but what about the other days on the calendar? I also happen to think that it would be great to have a day when you decide to do something special for your Mom or Dad or anyone for that matter just because you love them.

My first experience with it’s just because I love you day came early in my marriage one Valentine’s Day. I received a beautiful card from my husband and nothing else, my expectation was to also receive a box of chocolates and some flowers. I did not understand this ‘untraditional’ Valentine’s Day until many weeks later. It was on a Saturday when I was doing some house cleaning. I was in my sweat pants and t-shirt, hair pulled up with my total focus on getting the job done, when my husband walks in with this large box and some beautiful flowers. Right away I responded with it’s not my birthday, what’s the occasion?

There was no special occasion or date on the calendar; it was my husband’s real true emotions in his real time. This expression of his love for me far exceeded the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts that husbands present to their wives. Through out my marriage I have been the recipient of it’s just because I love you day, and I must say I have personally learned a great deal from this sincere expression of how much I am loved and thought about by my husband. I believe this is the greatest form of honor and celebration that you can bestow upon a person.

Why not surprise that special someone in your life with a just because I love you day and start your own personal holidays. Who knows, “It’s Just Because I Love You Day” may catch on?

What was in the box? A huge chocolate chip cookie in the shape of a heart that said… yes, you guessed it… Just because I love you!

Trish

Just Because

Just Because
Just Because

Dance With Me

Dance With Me photo taken by Julius Nicholas

Photos by Trish

http://www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

To Purchase Gallery Photographys: http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

If you have a just because I love you day experience and would like to share it with me,

Send me a tweet! or a Facebook poke! or you can e-mail me your story at Phototljn21@hotmail.com

Featured . Org - http://www.wish.org/

Help make a wish come true!

God loves each one of us as if there were only one of us. - St. Augustine

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend!

God Bless all of our service men and woman and their families.

Flowers for Mom

2010-05-09T11:33:00.005-04:00

Mother Sweet Mother you are like a beautiful spring bloom,

Mother Sweet Mother your warm heart is as pure as the summer sun,

Mother Sweet Mother your smile is as full as the eastern sky,

Mother Sweet Mother your arms open wide as the sea to embrace me with your love,

Mother Sweet Mother, oh how I love you so!

And in ALL that God created he choose you to be my mother.

Thank you Mom!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Trish

Since this priceless gift God gave us
Must from us one day depart,
Lavish her with love and kindness,
Real true love, with all your heart. – Stairs

Tulip Mommy

Window Dressing

Bird Tulip

Featured May.Org: http://www.mochamoms.org/

Photos by Trish

*New website: www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

*To Purchase Photographs: http://www.redbubble.com/people/tmeian

To all Moms everywhere have a Happy Mother’s Day with your family!

The Ugly Side of Technology

2010-04-23T17:08:00.004-04:00

Hello...

A few Sunday’s ago I received a video on my cell phone of my granddaughter walking… wow technology at it’s best, she lives in VA and I don’t. Technology has opened up a whole new way of living and sharing our lives with others. We have all at one time or another witnessed technology at its best in the medical field as well as in the legal community.

Many of us are becoming increasingly aware of accidents and deaths related to talking and texting while driving. On Easter weekend I encountered an out of state driver texting behind the wheel… technology’s ugly side. We are all guilty of using our cell phones when we are driving. This device compliments of technology enables us to have 24/7 contact with anyone that we desire to communicate with and at any given time. But why, why do we risk our life and the lives of others… for what. And don’t fool yourself into thinking that only young people are doing the texting while driving, trust me the woman that I encountered on the road was not a young person, a matter of fact she should have know better.

Do we think that by telling ourselves that I could never be in an accident or cause an accident while I am talking or texting behind the wheel... that happens to other people not me. This mindset is simply ridiculous, illogical and down right STUPID! The fact of the matter is that taking our eyes off of the road for a second can change your life and the lives of others in an instant.

Maybe just maybe if we start thinking about our cell phone as a mere telephone, then we might change our current user behavior. Yes, I know that it is easier said then done. The expanding cell phone technology has taken us beyond just calling and receiving calls. I have first hand experience with the latest cell phone model which comes with a movie already downloaded on it. I am sure all of these cool applications can make it quite challenging for all of us.

If you are serious about making a change here are a few suggestions that I hope you will consider when you are driving. why not take the Oprah pledge, print it out and post it in your car, get a hands free device and keep your conversation short… what ever it is that you are discussing can surly wait until you can give it your undivided attention. AND if it can’t wait then PULL OVER!

I hope and pray that from here on out you will seriously restructure your user behavior before you make that call… if not consider this, it could be your LAST CALL!

By Trish

“Life is too short to be little. Man is never so manly as when he feels deeply, acts boldly, and expresses himself with frankness and with fervor.”- Benjamin Disraeli (British Prime Minister and Novelist) 1804-1881

“Circumstances are beyond human control, but our conduct is in our own power.” – Benjamin Disraeli

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Watch-a-Special-Message-from-Oprah-Video_1

The time is always right to do what is right. – Martin Luther King Jr.

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing
Isaiah 43:18-19 KJV

Take The Pledge: http://www.oprah.com/questionaire/ipledge.html?id=4

FACT: Teens, Cell Phones and Texting
Text Messaging Becomes Centerpiece Communication
by Amanda Lenhart, Senior Research Specialist, Pew Internet & American Life Project
April 20, 2010
One in three (34%) texting teens ages 16-17 say they have texted while driving. That translates into 26% of all American teens ages 16-17.
Half (52%) of cell-owning teens ages 16-17 say they have talked on a cell phone while driving. That translates into 43% of all American teens ages 16-17.
48% of all teens ages 12-17 say they have been in a car when the driver was texting.
40% say they have been in a car when the driver used a cell phone in a way that put themselves or others in danger.
To read the full report log onto http://pewresearch.org/

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April 30th is National No Phone Zone Day!

Mark your calendars be a part of this lifesaving event and tune in to Oprah’s show on Friday, April 30Before then, sign the pledge and pass it on to stop texting and driving.

This season called spring

2010-04-01T15:09:00.012-04:00

Everyday I hear the heighten chirping of the birds and see the flowers pushing their way up from underneath the soil. The earth is talking to us and leading the way, it is the season called spring setting the stage for summer.

The sights and sounds of spring are infectious to us all. Our bodies behave as if they have never felt the warmth of the sun and air, creating an inner craving to embrace nature and a desire to simply take a walk in it. It is our winter body awakening to this season called spring. We are reuniting ourselves with the creator of it all; we are becoming one with nature once again.

Spring with all of its breathtaking beauty around us, fills our very being with a sense of hope and renewal.

I thank you Lord that I am able to see this season called spring!

Trish

The Spring
By Thomas Carew

Now that the winter’s gone, the earth hath lost
Her snow-white robes; and now no more the frost
Candies the grass, or casts an icy cream
Upon the silver lake or crystal stream:
But the warm sun thaws the benumbed earth,
And makes it tender; gives a sacred birth
To the dead swallow; wakes in hollow tree
The drowsy cuckoo and the humble-bee.
Now do a choir of chirping minstrels bring,
In triumph to the world, the youthful spring:

"I think that no matter how old or infirm I may become, I will always plant a large garden in the spring. Who can resist the feelings of hope and joy that one gets from participating in nature's rebirth?" - Edward Giobbi

"Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer." - Geoffrey B. Charlesworth

Photos by Trish

New Photography website: www.wix.com/TrishN/Trish-Nicholas-Photography

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For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life - St. John 3:16

Have a Blessed Easter!