Pure Indulgence...without the costs of pounds

Can I just start off by saying how some things in life just get me going-- in a good way. 

As a High School, we venture off to a camp called, Li-Lo-Li. It's purpose is to purely have the high school grow as a group socially and spiritually. Even though its only an overnight, the past few years have made the weekend feel as if I have sent to a concentration camp-- yes, that is a slight exaggeration. Anyway, this year, however, was different; something just "clicked" with the classes and it was just SO much fun!! We bonded as a class-- I started talking to a few people who I haven't even acknowledge (and them, me) in years!! So it was quite excited. The one thing that is relevant to this particular article is the fact of the specific hike that a few of us students and teachers ventured. The Journalism team was in charge of taking pictures of the various events so that they could be submitted for the yearbook. The Journalism teacher and Photo Editor went on the hike and let me snap a few photos for the yearbook. 

Not all pictures are posted, because some are either confidential to the yearbook or not yet posted.

This is Rachael. A friend of mine and the picture is rather self-explanatory....This picture shows what we call positive and negative space. Usually, a normal person would look at this and throw this picture away when the file was developed. However, from an artistic P.O.V. (point of view) this is an excellent example of  + and -- space. It is obvious that the "main action" is on the right hand side, (positive space) and the rest is all empty (negative space). This is a perfect "in action" shot because of this "imbalance" and is a decent picture from this artistic mindset. 

This is probably one of my favorites-- it combines, humor, color, and overall fun!! Although this is a candid picture, I love it for its simplicity and overall wholeness. We got lost on our hike (go figure) so we stopped and snapped a few photos.

This is another one of those examples of positive and negative space type of things. Breanne--- laughing her head off  (As usual) =] She later started snorting....and if you know anything about Breanne...well, she has quite the snort!! =D

Here are just some other random shots....

I really wish I had the extra funds for a really nice camera...One almost a step (or a few steps) up from the average digital camera. Oh well, in time I guess....My pure indulgence hobbie would definitely be photography. If I had a good camera, I would love to do photography on the side. We will see I guess; maybe someday!! Well, gotta run, Juniors are very, VERY busy people!!

Yours,
Josh

What you get when you put your Mom's side of the family, Yogi Bear and a few coolers all in 2 cabins

This is WAY over due, but finally I am taking a moment to share, (if not the most treasured) memory of summer 2010.

It all started when there was an idea that my Mom's side of the family all went to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Campground in late August. Unsure about the choice I had (at first) contemplated about staying home or spending the night with a friend. However, this all quickly changed based on two decisions: 1. Mom said that I had no other choice but to go 2. My gracious Aunt Lynn had offered to help edit and revise my book.

Awaiting the excitement, I quickly finished chapter 3 of my book and packed all the necessary items in need of revising. Driving to the campground there had been previous confusion on sleeping arrangements, which ruffled a few of the family's feathers. Again I say, awaiting the excitement, we arrived to the neat little cabins reserved under the family's name. Already there was bickering and more "excitement."

Before I go on, there are some basic things that you should know on how my family works. My Mom's Mom is called Mema (Sandy) and her step dad, Papa (Dave). Then there's my Mom and her sister Lori (husband Jam and son Kam), Susan (hubby John), Lynn (Husband Doug, Amanda, and Ava) then Mema's sister Aunt Barb and husband, Mike. The family mainly finds their fun by bickering and then moving on seconds later. We thrive on each other and according to Uncle Jam-- nagging Papa.

Anyway, as we pull in there was already the loving sounds of Papa sarcastically yelling at everyone in ending every sentence like he is know for by saying, "HELLO!" After the common situation of greeting everyone and getting situated we soon explored what the camp had to offer. There was a beautiful water park, pool, arcade, and pond with a beach and dock. Our cabins were set off the shore of the pond and it really was beautiful.

There were two situations that really stuck out that weekend. The first is when My Aunt Lori, Jam, and Kam went on a hayride with my family (Mom, Jenna, Jessica, Justin) Aunt Barb, along with Amanda and Ava. We pulled out to circle the camp and soon found a "DJ" who was representing the camp's Retro Weekend, therefore they were playing all the oldies. What we didn't know is that Uncle Jam had gone and requested that they play "Thriller" for my Mom and mention that it was for Jen Ward (since that is her all-time favorite song). As we pulled back around to get off, the DJ said, "This next song is for Jen Ward....it's Thriller!!" Mom's face lit up as we all started laughing and mimicking the all-famous dance.

The other situation is of Mema and Papa and their bickering. I slept in the loft overlooking their sleeping arrangement, and had over heard a conversation as they were getting ready for bed. You may not understand the tone or the mood of the situation, however, if you know anything about my grandparents, we get our humor form their bickery. They don't know this, but I wrote down the short conversation:

M: We're movin' the bed out
P (sarcastically): Why?
M: How you going to the bathroom-- you're not climbing over me!
P: Ugg...Where are my pajamas?
M: David, You're changing in front of the window, Hello?!
P: Yea...So?
M:(minor mumbling)
P: Hardly doubt anyone lookin'
M: Alright, I'm going to get changed
P: We still gotta move the bed out

How I do love my family. I am truly blessed. I guess Papa didn't like the bed because every couple of minutes he groaned and shuffled around...I think Amanda said that's because he's an "old, angry man" but we would never say such a thing. You may not understand any of this article, but my family will for sure!! In short, let's say that this weekend gave me plenty of inspiration! We'll gotta turn the light out-- Papa's going to bed!

Yours,
Josh