16 July 2011

I Heart Macro: More Garden Visitors

Backyard box turtle, Magdalena, NM, July 2011
Time for I Heart Macro, and as usual I find plenty of inspiration in my back yard. I didn't know that turtles have brown eyes, did you? This one does, anyway; she lives in our backyard now, having announced her presence last week by striding across the back patio to help herself to Riley's food and water. Silly puppy, he didn't know what to do -- he yipped at her, but when she stuck her neck out and hissed he stepped back and sat down to watch. She isn't shy, that's for sure. (And while she might be a "he," I'll go with "she" for now because it's easier...)

Ants on purple wildflower (aster?)
I can't believe I missed I Heart Macro last week, but it has been busy around here lately. Riding in the Old Timers Parade was a huge highlight for the kids, and on Tuesday I started internship -- the final phase -- for my masters program in marital/family therapy. It went really well and gave me a major confidence boost that I've been needing lately. Despite having soldiered through two and a half years of intense graduate coursework with a 3.9 GPA, a big part of me wondered whether I had what it takes to translate all that theory into effective, compassionate counseling that could make a difference in people's lives.

I know I have a lot to learn over this coming year. I also really know now that I can do this, and that I have come a long, long way from the completely broken person I was in September 2008, and that all that brokenness and putting back together are at least as valuable as the coursework in creating the therapist I hope to become in the next year and beyond.

18 comments:

Shannon Chomanczuk said...

AHHH! I love turtles! Such an awesome shot. Love it!

kim said...

Oh my the colors you have captured are so amazing. We get snappers now and then....they go for a ride back down to the creek. I wish you well finishing your masters program.

Nadege, said...

Wow, I love the details on your macro shots.

KristiBowmanDesign said...

An adorable little turtle! Love that bud, pretty design around the outside!

Annette said...

Oh, she is a beauty! Such a great shot. Good luck with the rest of your studies!

stregata said...

Great shot! No turtles in my back yard - but I have toads! And they have beautiful golden eyes.
Wishing you all the best for your internship - I am sure your personal experience is even more valuable than any theorie, because that is where real compassion comes from.

hello gorgeous said...

look at those colours....tortoise shell is fascinating. where did she come from? fab shot ;o)

Good luck with your internship, I have every faith in your positivity sweetie!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

SummersStudio said...

Best of luck on the last phase of your training. It sounds like you are just the place and stage for the internship. BTW, I think the turtle is an ornate box turtle. The colour of the eyes differs by gender but I don't remember how. They are lovely little creatures.

EB Bead and Metal Works, LLC said...

Love the shot of the turtle! The colors are awesome (the greens and browns are amazing). The purple flower is great and just realized there were ants and then read your comments :)
Glad your internship went well. Good luck with that!

Alison said...

Love the turtle picture!

Kym Hunter Designs said...

Wonderful, wonderful shot! I love turtles and this picture is great. And the thistle shot is so pretty!

Patty said...

Love both of your shots, Anna! Best of luck with your internship. I'm sure you'll do just fine.

Laura Twiford said...

Love the turtle! Great colors and patterns in him for jewelry inspiration!

CraftyHope said...

That turtle is AWESOME!!

Tracey Leeder said...

Your turtle picture is beyond gorgeous! I adore it. I havent seen a flower of that type before, its really interesting. Great job!

Lori P said...

Gorgeous pictures! I love his green head and the flower is beautiful.

Kudos on school! It sounds like you have, indeed, made it through a storm and come out shining on the other side.

elisabeth said...

Great pictures - and thinking good thoughts on your next year - you take such beautiful pictures - I have every confidence that you can find the same beauty in people who need it most in your new profession :-)

Unknown said...

Such a precious picture! So beautiful that guy!