Mellow Yellow

Our Easter weekend was very nice. On Saturday we were invited to my godfather's house for a cookout with my cousins. I took my 100-400mm lens thinking I would capture some wildlife since his house backs up to a pond, but my eye seemed drawn repeatedly toward my second cousins who range in age from 17 to 4. They're great kids, full of joy and life. The photos turned out better than I expected, so there's hope for me on the portrait photography front yet. I'd love to show you what I captured; however, I don't want to make them public without asking their parents first.

The photos below were taken in my yard the morning of the cookout. I couldn't believe my good fortune to get FIVE American Goldfinch at the feeders, all in breeding colors. I had seen one over a week ago and not since, so I thought he had already migrated. They say when their colors come in, they're about two days from leaving.

Bow your heads....

Let us pray.
There's always that one in the back pew who won't obey. :/

Double D is headed to Dallas early in the morning to hopefully make some money. I hope everyone has a wonderful springlike week!

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At Odds

I had a very long post written, but decided not to bore you all with the details, so here is the condensed version: Once again I am at odds with the Catholic Church. It all came to a head last week when the parish priest informed us that we could not be accepted into the church until our prior marriages were investigated and annulled. Not willing to open old wounds, fill out paperwork that amounted to an IRS audit, and a $500 administrative fee, we walked out of the cathedral office with me in tears. But not before Double D had some choice words for Fr. Paul about the church being filled with pharisees. I wish he hadn't said that. I'm just sick over the whole mess. Sick I tell ya!

After the meeting, and still in a daze, I took off in my car driving up and down River Road. As I drove along I noticed beautiful pastures filled with yellow wildflowers. The earth really does laugh in flowers, and God's creation still brings me great joy. This was like a postcard from God, reminding me that His world is still a beautiful place despite my feelings of rejection and disappointment with the church.

This blurred frame is compliments of Steve Rich.
Thank you, Evelyn, for the link so many months ago.

The Catholic Church may find our 22 year marriage unworthy, but we know better, and we thank God that His mercies are new every morning. (By the way, I still love my Catholic brothers and sisters, and have talked to many who feel that the church's requirements are completely over the top, including Sister Cynthia!) Sorry if I've offended or made anyone feel uncomfortable. Sometimes I just need to vent.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed

for his compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.