I am considering buying a new computer. Until about a month ago, I hadn't even considered the possibility, because my Macbook has been a trusty friend for these past few years. However, it is becoming a bit elderly. I can't add anymore programs because the memory is full and I can't open up more than one application at a time without it freaking out and slowing down. It has become quite a thorn in my side.
This might sound weird, but the other day, I felt like God prompted me to think about possibly investing in a new computer. It is not something I would ever think to buy, especially in a time when my resources are extremely limited, due to my illness. However, my main outlets/ ways of coping with my illness right now are photography and writing, both of which are done on my computer. So for right now, I am researching my options, saving up and trying to decide what computer I would like to buy when the time comes.
After spending a good deal of time on the Apple website, I have decided I am a computer idiot. I don't know the difference between a GB and MB (is that even the right letters?) And what's the difference between the memory and the RAM or are they the same thing? And what do I REALLY need to increase my ability to edit my photos and what is just overpriced? And what is a GHz? (I actually did google all these things so I won't look like an idiot the next time I make it to the Apple store...)
To make matters worse, I made my way over to the Adobe website to check out photoshop programs and there are so many different versions ranging from $100-$2,000! Which one do I need? And would I even be able to figure out Adobe Photoshop if I end up investing in a program someday? My confidence is waning....
I have to say though, as I am writing I am realizing something profound. While these type of experiences are both humbling and frustrating, I also find a certain kind of excitement in them. Sometimes I grow tired of the monotany of my comfort zone. I tend to do the things I feel good at and leave the rest alone. This is an opportunity to learn something that I am not good at. Just think of how good it would feel if I grew confident in my knowledge of computers and photoshop: two things that scare me to death! It would be an accomplishment indeed.
Here are my goals: First,I want to learn some basic terms so I can make an informed decision on which computer to buy. Second, assuming I can save enough to buy photoshop someday, I would like to go to lessons at the apple store, so I don't spend a lot of money on a program that I don't know how to use. Third, I would like learn how to organize my files better. I feel like such a computer slob.
More than anything, I want to learn how to have fun with my photos and my writing and use my computer as a tool for refining these skills...Wish me luck! (I'm going to need it...)
INEPT.
ATTEMPTS.
I love taking pictures, but I feel extremely inept at anything technical. Ask anyone who knows me. The actual camera irritates me to no end; it's the art I crave. But since one is necessary for the other, I have given in and have been trying to get better at the technical end. Sort of.
When my friend Sheri asked me to take pictures for her and her fiancee, I responded with a very abrupt 'no.' When I take pictures, it is at my own pace and with no expectation of what will come out. That way, if I get nothing on a photoshoot, I get nothing. No big deal. No one is relying on me to take awesome pictures. Plus, with being sick, there is no way I can calculate how long I will be able to stand up, focus or create. My health is as unpredictable as the weather.
About a week after she asked me originally, my friend Sheri asked me again. She assured me that it was just a casual thing and that it didn't matter how they turned out. They just needed me to snap some shots... I promptly folded and said 'yes.'
We originally planned to take pictures this last Saturday, but it was pouring rain. So, the next day, we went out for a shoot and honestly, we had such a fun time. I felt the creative juices flowing. Though I was definitely a bit stiff, the couple I was taking pictures of were loose and jovial. I realized they were just out there to have fun and I needed to take my pictures in that spirit.
To add to the goodness of the day, the sky was blue, the clouds were puffy and I had more energy than I've had in a long time. I believe it was supernatural. There is no way I could have stood or walked for that long without God holding up my legs. Pretty cool.
While I have so much to learn and have nowhere to go but up with my photography, this was an awesome experience. I edited the pictures last night and I can't wait to show the couple the results.
Below, (labeled under the 'glimpses' post) are a couple of the pictures I took! (I asked Sheri if it would be all right to post them and said yes!)
One more thing, if you live around this area, make sure you don't miss the green hills and beautiful days right now. We all know that it doesn't last long around here and, as my friend Jodi always says, it's a spectacular show.
