My passion and that time of year again!

It's that time of year again! The point in the year when I gather my photos together to submit to our regional hospital for the 2013 calendar.  The last two years I had a photo selected--July 2011 and July 2012. It's just a hobby right now but I have dreams of turning into something a little more. How much more I'm not sure about quite yet. Mainly my hesitation comes from the fact that I honestly dislike taking pictures of people. I'm a nature photographer and the dilemma comes as- what do I do with that? Which is why it may always be just a hobby.  Another hang up is my camera.  It can hold its own in today's world in general; however, I have had this camera for 6 1/2 years and let's face it--in this age of technology, that is ancient.  I am also limited with a 50 mm lense which hinders my creative spark.

With my daughter in Kindergarten now, photography has been an outlet for my extra time and creativity. So, here is a sample of photos I plan to submit. Considering I let my photography lapse for the last few months it's amazing I even had anything to submit.

Now what?

This day has been sitting here waiting for 5 years, 8 months, and 10 days- give or take.  I dropped my daughter off for her first full day of Kindergarten this morning. I had to be more nervous than she considering our conversation as we pulled up to the front of the school.
Me: "Ok, now you know you go in the front doors, go left, down the hall..." (I got cut off).
Her: "I KNOW WHAT I'M DOING! Don't worry mom!"
Me: "Love you"
Her: Slams the door and runs off.

Certainly thankful it went that way and not a couple of scenario's I had in my head of a screaming, reluctant girl.  On the drive home I start to plan out my day. My first day of freedom.

1. Go for my 1 hour power walk
2. Do dishes
3. Vacuum
4. Sew up a few things I haven't had time for

So I get home and get right to my list. Ummm...school started at 8 am and I'm done with my list by 9:45. Five hours and 15 minutes to go. Now what? Without "Mom I'm hungry", "Mom, play with me", "Mom, I need ______!", "Mom, let's go to the park"...etc. I was a little lost.  I found myself with dishes done, floors clean, beds made, laundry done, dogs taken care of, bills paid, recent photographs ready for a 2013 calendar submittal and then....nothing. The house was so quiet except for the occasional bark of one of my dogs at something only they seem to hear. Being a stay at home mom is great but maybe only when you actually have a child at home all day. I need something or someone to keep me on my toes all day and my two dogs laying around like lumps isn't cutting it.

Day one down and the only conclusion I can find is---I need a job.