Photoshop Fail

I don't know if you are familiar with Target's recent Photoshop debacle, but I need to rail. Please forgive me...

I have come to believe that Photoshop is an evil empire, sent to destroy humanity's good common sense. How did we get to this place of inviting outright deception into our homes with open arms? Now, I am the first to admit that a Photo-shopped image- if done right- looks fantastic. If I could magically Photoshop myself, I would in a hot second. But that's because I have been brainwashed by the minions that work at Cosmo, E!, and Victoria's Secret. I let some strange little man in a cubicle, with a computer and a mouse, decide the definition of beauty for me (I picture a little man in a cubicle... it may or may not be true). And I'm a sucker for beautiful things. You could wrap hairy warts in a pretty pink bow and I'd buy it (kidding! But you get the point). And obviously I'm not the only one who drank the Kool-Aid; EVERYTHING is Photo-shopped for a reason, after all.

Honestly, I only really started raising my hackles when I decided to join a particular photography site. Amateurs like myself get a chance to enter our photos for prizes and critique, which sounded fun. Until I read the fine print- basically ANY photo could be submitted. That meant my plain-jane photos would go up against the glossy, sleek, stylized PHOTOSHOP competitors. Granted, those pictures are cool and interesting. Like the one of a woman digitally manipulated to walk on water. But it's fake! How is that Photography? Shouldn't that fall under the Creative Editing category?! Any yahoo with Photoshop or GIMP (poor man's Photoshop) can play God and erase or create at will. That's the scary thought right there- how do we know that what we see is real anymore?

Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now. I just wanted to release some steam. It is unlikely society will reverse this trend of desecrating body image for profit. But it's a shame. Who are we to say God's handiwork is soo sub-par, we need airbrushing to fix His "mistakes?" It made me stop and reflect on my ancestors; Thousands of people who lived and breathed, sweated and survived, loved and were loved in turn. These people passed down precious DNA that determined my blue eyes and full hips. To sneer at that is to insult every unique molecule that only a human can reproduce. So there Photoshop! You may mock me, but you can never be me!

Let's unplug Photoshop and accept REAL for a change! 

Pictures courtesy of http://www.psdisasters.com/

The Least of These

Hello Dear Readers,

I just want to share a sweet story with you. It began several weeks ago with my family watching Mama Hummingbird making her nest in an arbor out front. The beauty and camouflage of her precious dwelling is awe-inspiring, but being the super-nerd I am, I began researching Hummingbirds and now I am beyond impressed with these little creatures.

To help Mama with her heavy responsibilities, we placed extra feeders around the yard so she could eat closer to home. The rest is up to her, right? Well, that didn't satisfy my little brother. The biggest animal lover and softy that ever lived took it to the next level.

Dallas Raines was forecasting BIG RAIN with his magical Megadoppler, so immediately we worried about Mama and her wee babies- after all, she didn't have very much protection in the sparse tree. While Mom and I sat in bewilderment, Dr. Doolittle went straight to work. He pulled out the ladder, descended to the heavens, and STUCK AN UMBRELLA OVER THE NEST! Yes. An umbrella. Mission accomplished!

Nervous Nelly Me was scared Mama would flee in terror and abandon those tiny little eggs, but I was wrong. Thanks to Wikipedia, I learned that Hummingbirds (and birds in general) don't "smell" humans and therefore will NOT skip out on their tainted children. Phew! Mama returned to her cozy home as if nothing happened.

Well, Dallas was right for once and the rain came. We took turns checking on the fun-sized family and were delighted to see a dry and happy (I think) bird. Then the rain left as soon as it arrived. Winter in California- officially over.

BUT, we left her cover in place. I really think she likes it! On one of her outings I lugged out that awkward ladder (I really hate carrying those things) and tried to take a peek. The placement of the nest plus the umbrella made it almost impossible, but I was able to spy teeny-tiny beaks gawking at the sky. Mazel Tov!

Still hatch-lings, we eagerly await their development and hopefully add two more members to our avian yard-family. Caring for God's creatures fills a hole in me like nothing else does (don't ask how many rescue animals we have!) and watching my little brother do the same sparked a tenderness in me that should be there more often- especially toward God's human creatures.

So, this post is a reminder about "caring for the least of these" and encouraging others to do so (Matthew 25:40). It's easy to look away, pretend to be busy digging in your purse, or feign interest in the lint on your pants when "the least of these" needs help. Lord knows I'm the guiltiest of all. So, hopefully you are encouraged to be brave and loving. Watching little bro encouraged me, so this is for him.

Oh no! Not again!

Yes, it's birthday time! Ugh. It's that time of year I like to take stock of all my shortcomings, mistakes, and wrinkles (I created a nice one between my eyes where I squint a lot) and offer it up to myself as a twisted birthday gift. Gee, no wonder I'm depressed!

I also love to look back and tally up the years of things. For example, I was in Kindergarten 27 years ago! I still remember my classmates (Hi Winfred, Jessica, Chris, Joe, Stephanie...). I've been driving 16 years. And the movie "Clueless"- almost 20 years ago!!! Where did the time go?

In the intervening years I have developed a rather lengthy Bucket List (which just keeps growing). Some items I gleefully crossed off like skydiving, seeing Ireland, and taking Pole Fitness classes (that's a whole story unto itself)! Yet, I always compare the length of the list to my age and feel as though time is running out for everything. How can I possibly accomplish it all?

Thankfully, the last few years have given me perspective. In the end, who cares if I learned to play the guitar or visited Morocco? What REALLY matters is letting the people in my life know how wonderful they are. Because they are truly magnificent! And the love and gratitude I have for them runs soo deep, it's difficult to find words adequate for description. I am not a very warm or fuzzy person... I tend to keep my emotional cards close to my chest. So I added a new item to my Bucket List-

I will endeavor to share my love for others. And the form in which I do this will be special and unique to each person. I stand amazed at how anyone can love a fractured, hairy mess such as myself- and honestly, I find it impossible- but I am blessed with such people in my life and they deserve to be loved on. So, this birthday, I will (try) to ignore that wrinkle, I will NOT beat up on myself, and I will begin my newest mission. And this item on my Bucket List will never be crossed out because this goal will last until my dying breath.

Here's to you my special, beautiful, important people! I'm sorry I don't tell you more often I LOVE YOU!!! And you are the best birthday gift a girl could ever ask for.