The Washington Monument

Here is some more from my trip to D.C. As you can see the leaves were colorful, and the skies were blue. Though I was there for a research conference, I happened to find ample time for taking in the sights, and shooting a few pictures. I cannot take full credit for the composition of this photo however, I saw a man with what looked like very expensive camera equipment set up and take a similar photo. I walked up quickly tweaked my settings, snapped the photo, and it took me less than a tenth of the time. It would be interesting to compare the results.
Joshua Kirton
Other Photos: I Wish I Were a Fish and Focus

A New Perspective

We often cannot appreciate a situation in it's entirety unless we view it from all perspectives.
By Joshua Kirton

Becoming a Butterfly

The butterfly is a symbol of transformation across the world. It represents change from something undesirable to something beautiful.  This change is part of the natural life cycle of the butterfly, just as change is part of the natural life cycle of people. The major difference is that we can choose what changes we want to make to ourselves. Will we choose to become more beautiful inside or will we choose to remain or become the undesirable. Will we choose to love and uplift in hard times or to be another worm wiggling our way through life.

By Joshua Kirton
Monarch Butterfly

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Hollyhocks

I snapped this picture up in Park City, and forgot I ever took it. I've gotten so busy with school, and other things that I sometimes forget to take a moment and relax, and stop worrying. So here is to another week! Let's try to pause for a moment, and stop to think about what we are grateful for.

By Sarah Allred

Other Posts by Sarah: Get on your horse and ride, Home Sweet Home.

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Ever Tried Macro Photography

If you search the internet, you will see a variety of photography, much of it landscapes or distance shots. I find those photos absolutely stunning, and I always tell myself I am going to focus more on the landscape photography. However, it is the close ups, or “macro photography” that I continue to find myself drawn to. The details in nature drive my passion. It’s where I feel closest to God and it’s where I spend most of my time when I am out photographing this incredible world. Many people believe you need special cameras and lenses for macro shots. Well, it helps but you can start with any decent camera that has a zoom lens. Try experimenting by zooming in close on any flower or leaf. Steady your shot with a tripod. After you have a few shots, download them and look to make sure they are sharp and clear. Is the lighting ok? You may have to work at it a bit and if you find that your camera just will not work, start saving, a little at a time for a nicer camera. You can do research on a decent camera while you are saving. Nikon is my preference but both Nikon and Canon have some affordable SLRs that produce exceptional quality images.


By Teri Kai


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Straight and Narrow Path

"...because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends. All of these and more have been given as companions for our mortal journey because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Restoration of His gospel. Trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said, ‘I will not leave you comfortless. [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].' ” Jeffrey R. Holland, "None Were with Him," Ensign, May 2009, pg. 88.
Though this picture is not of a straight and narrow path I could not help but think of it. Let us always remember the lonely path that our Savior walked. Let us be mindful of the straight and narrow way and do all we can to stay on that path in the midst of life's trials and tribulations, storms and temptations of life. May we always feel the pure love of Christ, and may that love reflect in all our actions. May we be filled with charity, perform Christ like acts of service, study the scriptures, hold to the rod, and be prayerful in all we do.

Inspiration Peak - Minnesota
Taken By: Kelsey Davis
October 2005
Other Spiritual Thoughts: Focus and Good vs Evil
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Bill and Ted's Red Panda Rave

Narrator: After BIll and Ted' Excellent Adventure,  and their Bogus Journey they went to the zoo.
Bill: You know Ted I can't think of any reason for a radical red panda, like this one, to be asleep on such a beautiful morning. I guess he had a late night.
Ted: Actually now that I think of it I heard about a red panda at a rave last night on the news. He was going all sorts of crazy. This must be him.
Bill: That crazy party animal. Are you sure he isn't just nocturnal?
Ted: Shshsh let him sleep. He probably has a hangover from last night.
Bill: Are you kidding? He looks most tranquil. I'm going to poke him.
Ted: Dude that is nuts. He will chew your finger off.
Bill: Dude! I'll wear a glove.
Ted: Dude!. Why did you bring a baseball glove to the zoo?
Bill: I thought I might want to catch an animal.
Ted: Ohhh. That makes sense... Careful!... Careful!...
Bill: POKE!
Red Panda: Can't you see I'm sleeping here! Get out of here before I claw your eyes out! I was up all night dancing! Let me SLEEP!
Ted: Dude! It is him!
Bill: Hey you want to go out with us tonight to pick up some babes?
Red Panda: Are you still here? I thought I told you to go away.
Ted: Come on most excellent red panda!
Red Panda: I warning you go back to your phone booth and keep you trap shut so I can sleep.
Ted: Whoa! Narly. I think he is serous.
Bill: I'm going to poke him again... POKE!
Narrator: After a long surgery doctors were able to reattach Bill's face, and after all of the physical therapy he has been able to walk again.
Ted: What kind of adventure should we have today?
Bill: Let's see if that Red Panda guy wants to party again.

This picture was taken at Utah Hogle Zoo. For more info on red pandas and the probability of them attending a rave click here.

By Joshua Kirton
Another dialogue: Dont Stare! Its not Polite.
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Monarch Butterfly

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.”  - Nathaniel Hawthorne

Taken in Lake Mary, FL

BY Kelsey Davis

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The Incredible Hulk Flowers

It is official the incredible Hulk is so big that a flower has been genetically engineered to mimic his coloring of green with those snazzy purple pants. I could be mistaken however. I took this picture in Rock Canyon in Provo Utah. I am pretty sure that these flowers have no association with the Incredible Hulk, but they sure do a good job mimicking his colors.
By Joshua Kirton