Friday, January 15, 2010

Over looked - Bloom Day

One of the highlights of my day was sharing a quick video blog from my greenhouse. There is nothing more rewarding then to share my learning experience and then to receive no more then ONE positive comment from a viewer that I had inspired them. THAT MY FRIEND... is what blogging is all about for me.

Happy Bloom Day - This one was over looked! 

This week has been  a roller coaster of emotions for me.  The excitement of watching my business grow has been over whelming at times  and the rush of realizing I am NOT the only one out there trying to get photos noticed.   
Last night on a dinner date, I noticed a group of collage students getting their photo taken by one of the friends at their table  What caught my eye was the young man on the end whipping out a NIKON beauty that looked an awful lot like mine. This lovely camera had a lens I was not familiar with. The shape of the shorter lens caught my eye.  I'm thankful that I spoke up to inquire about the camera because I not only got to use the Nikon D80 (18-70mm lens) it was also brought to my attention once again the growing trends of social media.  The young Nikon owner was studying Floral Photography.  It was a delight to meet him and a much needed eye opener.


SO WHAT... RIGHT?  There are thousands of 'photographers' out there snapping photos of flowers to use on their blog.  What makes YOU different?  What makes YOU stand out from the rest of them?   All of these thoughts ran through my head during my Bloom Day as I try to find my creative side in the melting gloom of winter here in Ohio.  note: I don't think the sun actually came out once today. How do I dare pick up my camera..... WHY?
It took a much needed phone call with someone I have befriended on the Garden Network to inspire me to look beyond what is in front of you and to continue on with what you believe in. During that phone call I realized I am REAL.  WE ARE REAL in the Garden Network.  We live it - we feel it and we share it! Just as honest as it can be and not for our own greed.  After the phone conversation I realized we never know the path we are going to take but if you continue to do what matters to you and YOU truly believe YOU are making a difference.... IT IS WORTH the Journey.


There was some extra time in my evening to catch up on my Social Networking at Twitter... Bloom Day was not over and I had a few moments to check out a PODCAST from a favorite Iris Farm I enjoy to follow.  I clicked over to Ken Druse / Real Dirt who interviewed Kelly D. Norris, a horticulturist who manages the Rainbow Iris Farm. Today while listening to his Podcast not only did I learn about some new plants that would THRIVE in zone 4-6 and was reminded once again of the growing Social Media. The fact that there are 100 million blogs and not all of them will survive the growing trend. QUALITY will win out - The cream will rise to the top! 


It was that moment I noticed that something I had been waiting for but had some how overlooked had arrived. Amaryllis bloom I had brought into the house a few days ago and was anxiously waiting for her to bloom... HAD OPEN!  That was truly an image worth sharing on Bloom Day! 

THANK YOU once again May Dreams Garden for heading up this event. I hope if you see this posting you will stop by her inspiring blog at : MAY DREAMS GARDEN






15 comments:

Cindy Garber Iverson said...

What a serendipitous end to a soul-searching kind of day. I've been having that kind of week so I know how it feels. Know that there are many of us out here (me included) that count ourselves fortunate to have you as part of our "extended family" thanks to social networking.

{{{Hugs}}}

Darla said...

Food for thought here. Glad you posted the beautiful amaryllis.

Gail said...

Bren, A very thoughtful post...and it points out so well how networking of any kind works. I loved the Nikon D-80 when a friend let me shoot with his....but then I wan't ever able to find a new one for sale since Nikon discontinued it.

Hoping you have a great weekend~gail

Bren Haas said...

Thank you - Authors of some of my favorite garden blogs!
DARLA- I was so busy trying to find the right direction to take that I over looked something so beautiful!
Gail - I own the D90 and LOVE IT! I might try to find that lens that was on the D80 ( kit package I believe). FABULOUS

I love how we learn from one another. Keep on inspiring ladies!

Mrs. E said...

That first set of pictures really makes me want to force a bulb. I really need a flower in my life right now!! Your site always leaves me smiling!

Lona said...

Bren girl your amaryllis is beautiful and despite your low mood about your pictures, you captured it beautifully. I have fallen in love with them this winter as you may have noticed. LOL! Are you enjoying this thaw? I can see the ground in spots again and the ice has all fallen off of the roofs so it is a good thing.
Hugs.
Lona

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

I was also inspired by my Amaryllis, but I didn't have a greenhouse full of things to distract me. I''m glad yours also cooperated, it's a lovely thing. Your post made me realize I forgot to tweet my Bloom Day post.

Shady Gardener said...

Hi Bren, Someone once described photos such as these as "eye candy." I understand why. :-) Keep up the good work!!

Bren Haas said...

I have more 'shady gardener' from today as the Amaryllis opens she is truly some serious EYE CANDY!
Thank you for your wonderful comments. It is a blessing to know you all!

Happy Gardening - Great time to start plotting out where we are going to plant everything this year!

Rob (ourfrenchgarden) said...

Hi Bren

Beautiful amaryllis

While we're on the subject of cameras, I bought a Lumix G1 a few months back. Truth is I started to read the instruction manual and practically lost the will to live. It's enormous and complex. I've only ever really taken photos in IA but am generally very pleased with the results.

keep warm
Rob

L. D. said...

Hey I live north of Des Moines but I use to live down by Bedford, Iowa. I keep an eye on Rainbow Iris Farm, but have yet to get there.
Bren, you make a difference in a lot of lives. You greenhouse is an inspiration to us all. I had forgotten my dream to have one. We can't touch all of the world, but we can't touch those around us.

Dreamybee said...

Don't you love it when a bloom sneaks up on you like that? Sometimes I think they do it just to make our day! ;)

Catherine@AGardenerinProgress said...

I loved watching your video, I love that greenhouse! I hadn't realized you had the bunnies before. Love your Amaryllis too!

Kathleen Scott said...

Congratulations on doing what you love and creating the life you want. Beautiful images, great story.

Unknown said...

Lovely, Bren! Thanks for leaving a comment on my post so that I could find you, too. :) If you feel comfortable sharing where (approx) in the Great Black Swamp you live, I'm curious... I grew up in Glandorf, in Putnam County. Technically the edge of the official swamp itself. Is it too easy to guess by your blog name that you're in Bowling Green?!