Land of Enchantment

New Mexico is dubbed the "land of enchantment," a name visible in the surrounding landscapes. I typically visit once a year to see my parents, who live in Las Cruces, a very small town with breathtaking views. The peace and calm that fills the mountains and flows down into the valleys below is indescribable. It truly is enchanting.

photos (c) Jennifer L Moudy

Fall In Oak Glen

Last month I had the fortune of visiting Oak Glen, the day after Thanksgiving. It was a beautiful day with the air cool and crisp, and fall's warm pallette of colors on full display -- a few of the reasons why fall is one of my favorite seasons. Jars of handmade apple butter and freshly pressed cider filled local store shelves. I can't wait to return next year at the same time.

photos (c) Jennifer L moudy

fall is in the air...

Fall has finally arrived. You can feel it in the crispness of the air... the evening chill that sends you crawling under your blankets for a great night's rest.

A few weeks ago I ventured out to the quaint town of Julian in San Diego County. There is where it really begins to feel like Fall. The wind was a little fierce, but the bounty of trees and thick cloudy, blue skies brought me warmth as I captured a few images.



photos (c) Jennifer L Moudy

Streets of San Francisco

A couple weeks ago I ventured to San Francisco for an escape from the typical routine. The city is certainly gorgeous with its old architecture and famous bridges, but it's also a sad city. I found it to be exhausting, not only in the miles walked daily, but also in the numerous people that call the streets home. Each day I found myself in awe of so many things, and heartbroken over the tired, lonely faces that dot every block. I am proud of the story shared in these images. I only wish I had taken a picture of the gentleman who displayed an amazing sense of humor, despite his situation, by holding up a cardboard sign that read "Why lie? I want beer." As my boyfriend handed him some money he and I couldn't help but smile and to this the man replied, "Honesty is the best policy."

photos (c) Jennifer L Moudy

Hidden Treasures in Ojai

I finished editing photos from my 4th of July trip to Ojai. It's such a neat little town outside of Ventura, nestled amongst the trees. If you blink, you might miss it, but there is so much color and inspiration -- galleries, boutiques, a farmers market. I found an amazing ring handmade by Tourags in Africa. Another found treasure has a new home in the condo I live in with my boyfriend...a handmade wood table from Bali. The detail that went into the carved designs is so intricate. I love it!
























photos (c) Jennifer L Moudy

More Jellies

Finally, a day to myself to dedicate to working on photos. I revisited those I took at the aquarium last month and found a few more interesting images worth sharing.



photos (c) Jennifer L Moudy

Delicate Strings

This poem was actually written in November of last year but I thought it worth sharing...

Delicate Strings

My thoughts are suspended
Dangling on delicate strings
Of pauses, doubt and wonder
Unable to comprehend them
Snow flurries behind my eyes
Dazzling and taunting me
If only I could grasp
At those delicate strings

(c) Jennifer L Moudy

website makeover

My website has undergone a makeover. There are new galleries which means new photos to view.

Visit www.lynnarts.com to see what you think.



Photos (c) Jennifer L Moudy

Abstract Jellies

I spent the day at the Aquarium of the Pacific with my Little last Saturday and had my Nikon D60 in tow, of course. Though not the best in-focus photos, I feel these jellies have a neat, abstract look to them. I love the colors and look. Something a little different.



Photos (c) Jennifer L Moudy

sweet quinceanera

I've finally finished editing my photos from Karla's quinceanera. She's such a beautiful girl and it shows in her photos. I am blessed to be a part of her life and to have been a part of her special celebration.

Photos (c) Jennifer L Moudy

magical horses

Last Saturday I took my Little, Ericka, to go horseback riding at the equestrian center at the OC Fairgrounds. They partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters in offering this special event for the Littles to experience the magic of horseback riding.

At first, Ericka was hesitant about the beautiful horse she was about to ride, but once she was on pure happiness lit up her face. It's moments like these - moments when I can help Ericka experience great moments for the first time - that make being a part of BBBS such a heartwarming experience.






Photos (c) Jennifer L Moudy

yoga art

It's been far too long since my last post, I'll admit... Somehow time escaped from me and weeks went by. So much work and school, and not enough play. And a computer that's on the fritz. Uh! But now I have my new laptop (I love this new toy) and some free time since my class was canceled this evening. I just love how things just sort of happen when you need them most...

So, without further ado, I am sharing some pics from my photo shoot last month of an amazing yoga instructor, Brynn. It was an amazingly beautiful day filled with art in many forms.


Photos (c) Jennifer L Moudy

oneword: stand

I don't get to oneword.com as often as I'd like to, but here is today's thoughts on "stand":

standing here
wondering
loneliness
setting in
I close my eyes
silhouette
leaving me
I'm all alone
emptiness
in my heart
love's absence
no longer alive

(c) Jennifer L Moudy

deep thoughts

I've been so busy with life these days... with learning a new job and trying to cram so much new information into my brain from two evening classes at school. Yesterday, however, I was having a conversation at work about making money and how it's less than it's been in awhile. (I'm sure many of you can relate to this.) And here's a thought that occurred to me...

In life we must fall in order to better appreciate the view from the top.

Hopefully that isn't something that was tucked away in my brain from someone else, but I don't believe it is.

Love Unconditional

I started working on this a couple of weeks ago and just picked it up to finish it. I actually have the beat in my head for these words as they sounded like great song lyrics to me. What do you think?

Love Unconditional

Holding my heart
In the palm of my hand
Broken and
Incomplete
Time standing still
Vulnerable
How could this be I'm
So emotional

And all I ever wanted
Was something rational
All I had to give was
My love unconditional
But all you could do
Was to treat me like a criminal
Interrogating my every word
Questioning everything I'd do

How could I have
Been so blind
To see that you were
Completely damaged
How could this be
I'm left standing
Here all alone
My love unconditional

(c) Jennifer L Moudy

presidential quote

I came across this quote from President Barack Obama:

"If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress."

I feel like I may have found the right path... I'll keep walking to find out.

Running the Sahara

There are moments in our lives when we bear witness to an unbelievable event or meet someone who is an incredible inspiration to others. I had the fortune of experiencing both last week. The person is Charlie Engle and he, along with two other running mates, embarked on a 111-day, 4000-mile run across the Sahara Desert, a feat never before tried. A documentary was created with the efforts of Matt Damon, entitled "Running the Sahara."

Last week Charlie was in Southern California visiting friends and thus I had the pleasure to meet him, learn a little more about him and bear witness to a small, private screening of "Running the Sahara." It is an amazing documentary that displays the will and courage of the human spirit, not only amongst the runners, but of the people in Africa as well. The clean water initiative, H2O Africa was also formed as part of the Running the Sahara expedition and film project. So many lives have been impacted by the cooperative work of the runners and the people behind the film project, including Matt Damon.

There are moments in our lives in which we can't explain the way in which our hearts are touched by what we have borne witness to. Watching the film, listening to Charlie speak and hearing about the H2O Africa project were all experiences I was happy to have been a part of. I hope that in sharing this some of you will feel humbled, inspired and/or fortunate as well to witness how remarkable the human race can be when we tap into the depths of our hearts and reach out to others. May you too feel inspired to reach out to others in ways that work for you.

take flight

There are times when you're out shooting that your patience is tested as you wait for the exact moment to capture what you've envisioned in your mind. Then, there are other times when something catches your attention and instantly a beautiful image has been created right before your eyes. The latter occurred when I was in Encinitas last Sunday, walking along the beach. It was a beautiful day and as is typical, birds were basking in the sun and scampering along in the waves. I happened to catch this seagull taking flight and it turned into an amazing series of images. I just love photography!

Photos (c) Jennifer L Moudy

rays of sunshine

It truly is amazing how life can present us with amazing blessings when least expected; how life can warm our lives with rays of sunshine during our darkest, dreariest moments. This year is finally looking up for me and I have to believe it's because I've hung on even when my grip was softening, and tried to tell myself numerous times that it's in the struggling that I'll somehow grow and be rewarded in the end.

It looks like I may finally have myself a full-time job after 1.5 years of searching. This comes about when I feel like I've hit one of my lowest points and am trying to bounce back. It also looks like I'll also have the opportunity to display a few pieces of my photographic work at my potential workplace. Oh, and I'm going back to school with classes starting next week. Yes, I am being blessed with great, new changes.

a year in review... through photos

A new year has arrived, leaving behind a difficult one for many. It wasn't one of my best years to say the least, but in taking a few moments to reflect on what I am thankful for, I was able to put together some beautiful images of the past tumultuous year.

I hiked up Mt. Baldy in January to stay overnight in the Sierra Club's cabin. I toured our nation's amazing capital while on vacation. I visited a dear friend in Tennessee, a new state visited. I played at the magical kingdom with my Little Sister, which was quite a treat for all. I stood in admiration above the Grand Canyon, truly one of nature's many miracles. Words and pictures cannot capture the awe and mystery of this magnificent place. I paused to watch the sun set over Catalina Island. I spent time with my parents in serene New Mexico, and met the new family dog.

Though the path was difficult last year, there were some amazing stops along the way that added beauty to the mix of difficulties. I hope that this new year holds many new blessings for everyone.

Photos (c) Jennifer L Moudy