embracing my inner technical

My father is an engineer, as is my husband; however, nothing about me has ever been technically-minded. I built the most unstable bridge from Popsicle sticks in my high school Geometry class, and somehow I'm genetically programmed to incorrectly measure windows for new blinds and/or curtain rods.

I'm trying to seize some technical in life, thanks to my favorite band, MUSE, and new photography opportunities.

Ted gave me the gift of music this Christmas, with 2 tickets to see British, Dance-Rock band, MUSE, in Atlanta last night. We had a blast, and I sang my heart out until my voice had vanished. This was the second time I'd had the privilege of witnessing their musical genius live in-concert, but this time they were the headlining band rather than the openers- which, of course, made the ticket price seem less of a burden (no thanks to Ticketmaster, however).

There's something hypnotic about MUSE. I'd always thought it was simply their high-pitched voices matched with their British accents, Government/Establishment bashing lyrics, and few good dance beats thrown in the mix that made their music so alluring; but, of course, Ted opened my eyes (and ears) to a side of my favorite band I'd never thought twice about.

Over an artery-clogging, biscuits and gravy breakfast at Cracker Barrel this morning, we dissecting the band's performance from last night. While I went on and on about how much I loved singing and dancing along with the crowd, how the graphics and lights were so impressive, and how loud the sound was, the MUSE show left a completely different impression on Ted.

He stated, "Everyone in the band is such a talented musician, technically. Their chord progressions are uniquely comprised of surprising elements, and riffs from well-known legends. Basically, they're talented enough to cover any band or song, and get away with it because they're so technically capable".

While yes, I did marry a band geek, he's got a point- and a good one at that.

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the art of what surrounds me, that I fail to pay attention to the smallest, and most intricate of details. It's in these small, usually overlooked details, that the truest of art can be found.

I'll admit that while I feel confident in seeing things in a creative light, the technical side of photography is a side I've just begun delving into. Ted gave me a photography textbook for Christmas, of which I blew through in a few days while snowed-in in Germany, and my newest opportunity to learn alongside the amazingly artistic and technical photographers, John & Lindsey Bamber http://www.motionpictureco.com/index2.php#/home/ entertains my new-found desire for technical insight.

My challenge will be not only in learning the business of wedding photography, but also in immersing myself more into identifying my own artistic style and in capturing and effectively applying the technical aspects of lighting, post-production, etc.

So, here's to ticket stubs, sausage gravy, textbooks, awakening conversations, and seizing what doesn't come naturally.

Now, let's get technical.

we're married.... now what?

We've been in Chattanooga now for a week keeping the Comfort Inn rather comfortable.

On our wedding day I remember feeling like with the changing of my last name, I would be grounded and settled. Since October 17, our married life has allowed us to become very good, dear friends with duffel bags and continental breakfasts. Our Italian honeymoon was absolutely incredible, as were our two trips to Germany, where Ted spent the 5 hours of German daylight in a Volkswagen plant, while I had the freedom of scoping out some local sights, camera in hand.

Just when things started to become a little less European, we were transferred here to Chattanooga, TN.

Needless to say, with my new last name I've known not of being settled.

I enjoy writing, and sharing my words..and maybe, just maybe, you'll enjoy reading them, too.

What you already know now is that I'm a newlywed, I enjoy traveling, and I have a camera with which I take pictures. Many, many pictures.

As far as being a newlywed, all I can say is all the ladies in the world really missed out when they let Ted get away. Somehow, I've managed to marry a man who would prefer to cook dinner for me, owns (and knows how to properly use) a sewing machine and a collection of old cameras for his skilled photographic genius, sings like Jack Johnson, brews his own beer, is a dedicated earth-saving-tree-hugging gardener, is a mathematical genius, and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty when working on his motorcycle. Thanks, God. It's very, very obvious you love me- BIG TIME.

Though the connotations of the word "wife" are usually frowned upon by many women my age, I'll openly admit that I have a very strong desire to conquer, or at least spend the rest of my life attempting to conquer some of those connotations.

I've always been fascinated by baking. Could there be a greater outcome of energy spent than to whip together some lumpy batter, throw it into an oven, and VOILA, a cake!? Sweet goodness, that's magic. I made my first cake from scratch this month for a friend of mine who mentioned she loved lemon cake with lemon icing. The kitchen was a disaster, I used every bowl we own (and having just received wedding gifts recently, we own a LOT of bowls..), and though I somehow ended up with lemon butter icing in my ponytail, the result (though I never tasted it) was rewarding. I was able to take an online recipe, a bunch of powders and liquids, and kitchen tools I'd never used in my life, to create something hopefully slightly edible...and, real.

This, is what I love about photography. Taking people and trinkets, and lights and baubles, and throwing them together with a camera in my hand, and watching to see what unfolds. Like trying a new recipe for the first time, you throw it in the oven and wait to see what it tastes like, and how it develops into something...real.

I'm a wanderlust, and a scatterbrain- there's no doubt. I've never been the girl that has always known what she's wanted to become, or attain, or achieve; but, I've found something, for the first time, that amazes me, and draws me in, and fulfills my very vague desire to "help people". I'm finally passionate about and pursuing the same "something" in life. My opportunity to work with some amazingly talented photographers here in Chattanooga will undoubtedly be the most valuable experience I could have begged life for, and I'm insanely excited, and let's be honest, nervous.

So, here's to wedding vows, Europe, mixing bowls, moving boxes, cameras, and new opportunities.