Friday, January 6, 2012

{love what you do}



do you have a passion for something?
I know most of you do........I have read your blogs 
if you are like me you probably have many passions
{sometimes too many}
but there are a few things that I would put at the top my joy/passion list......
photography
 and baking

I could spend all my days baking yummy treats
and  photographing them

many of you have asked me about my photography
I have never taken a class
I am 100% self taught
{if I could find the time I would so love to sign up for a class...maybe this summer} 
my camera is not an expensive one by any means
{I always feel I need a better one but as my husband keeps reminding me
it is not "the arrow but the Indian that shoots the arrow" or something like that
I can never remember the exact saying....but he always makes me feel good...and then I forget that I want a better camera just to keep up with the "Jones"}

I just love what I do
do you have something you love to do?
I hope so
everyone needs to be passionate about something
fill your life with what you love
and the joy you get from it will ripple out to those around you
~

Life is a paradise for those who
love many things with 
a passion
{leo buscaglia}   

66 comments:

Ruby Jean said...

Oh... I DO... I DO... LOVE what I do... So does that mean I get a COOKIE... :)

Susan said...

What an inspiring post, my friend! It gives this self-taught, wanna-be photographer hope that I may take quality pics like yours one day! I enjoy decorating food much more than I like following recipes or preparing it. I like the artistic part, but I know that I fall way short of my own expectations. So, like I tell my students, I must persevere! Practice, practice, practice! Passion is a good motivator! Keep pursuing your passion, sweet friend! I appreciate how you share your passion with us! May your joy continue to ripple!
Blessings!

Kathy said...

This post, just made me smile. And I would love a cookie...I want a new camera as well, not a fancy girl camera, just something new. What kind do you have? Your photos are so well done, I see the love you have for it, in them.

Unknown said...

... & you do it with passion & beauty for sure, Koralee.
My passion is photography I'm ok, collecting antiques I'm good at &searching for vintage feedsacks which I adore.

And, yes, I am right beside you with baking ... you do such luscious treats & photos.

Have a fabulous weekend.
TTFN ~
Marydon

Privet and Holly said...

What a beautiful quote
from Leo and the one
from your husband is
very sweet, too! Mine
tells me the same thing ~
it's the operator, not the
equipment : ) Here's to
a weekend full of those
things that bring you joy,
Koralee!

xx Suzanne

andrea creates said...

great thoughts koralee~
i was just thinking of this today. there are many things i love to do but most of them are creative in some way :)
p.s~so glad your daughter likes her tablet sleeve!

Anonymous said...

Dear Koralee...
my passion is paper crafting and reading.
i go to another place in time when i read...
i fill my waking moments with my Kindle or in my craft room...of course there's BEAR, another passion...
i just bought a square muffin pan...you know what i'm making tomorrow??? Koralee's Saltine Caramel Bars...
happy happy joy joy joy :D
BEAR HUGS ~victoria~

Maria said...

Hi Koralee!
And how Leo Buscalia was a man of passion for love and communicating to others about loving people!
You made me smile tonight... really big :D
I have always said that same thing about photography. Someone who takes pictures without any passion in their soul takes two dimensional pictures...They're just flat!
When the photographer has a passion and a spirit for what they are doing, there is an extra dimension that enters in... something special about that photo ~ it comes to life with the spirit with which it was taken!
And it IS so evident here with your photos. We all feel the joy you put into it, Koralee. thank you!
I am with you on baking too... I am not a cook, but I do LOVE to bake.
I wish you a few sweet and peaceful moments over the weekend... like a quiet corner sipping a London Fog.
God blesses us with YOU!
xoxo
*Maria

Karena said...

Koralee, I am determined to get back my passion for painting/ creating!! So I am taking a Creative Courage Workshop with Stephanie Levy! Really excited about it!

Do come and join my Giveaway from Serena & Lily!

xoxo
Karena

Art by Karena

flowersandhome said...

Photography and baking... hm... very recognizable ;-) and then there's of course gardening. I also sometimes wished I had a better camera but I'll remember the arrow and the Indian from now on ;-))
I wish you a wonderful weekend Koralee.
Big hug,
Marian

Hearts Turned said...

Your photography is absolutely beautiful, dear Koralee--I would never have known you didn't have a top-of-the-line camera! And your husband is right...I love that saying (however it's supposed to be!)

Thank-you for the beautiful inspiration, in both picture and word, sweet friend...you are always such a joy to visit!

Julie

malia said...

i just love your posts... they always leave me inspired! xoxo

Mo said...

I love to crochet and make the kinds of things my Granny did......rag rugs and just plain old round yarn rugs. I also like to sew: bags, little girl dresses and simple quilts. I like to add buttons to everything I do. I love my buttons, it's hard to part with each one.

birdie blue said...

you are such a talented photographer, my friend. your passion is evident.

i hope your weekend is peaceful and relaxing

xo
molly

Sylvia said...

Oh! Passion ...it makes all things alive and significant ( some wise mind said that). You are right , I have many passions, but today we are bought on the same wavelength.I am thinking of taking a photography class/workshop same as you . I hope we will be able to do that .
I have always enjoyed reading your thoughts. Keep the energy up ! Enjoy life and stay happy !

June said...

You are such a wise soul Koralee. I have many passions and one that I am wanting to focus on in 2012 is getting back into riding my horse again. I need to carve out time for this old friend this year.
hugs from here...

Blondie's Journal said...

Your husband is a wise man! And your photos and bakery are superb! You are all set for the New Year!! :-)

XO,
Jane

Palomasea said...

Oh dear Koralee, I think you and the amazing Sylvia can start TEACHING photography, among other things!! I'll be your first student! hee..
Really, you are such an inspiration. Not only with your creativity and talents, but the eyes with which you see the world! Thank You!!
I have many passions. And many unfinished projects!! "Focus" is probably a good mantra for me this year;)
Much love,
- Irina

Suffia said...

I have a few, gardening is one of them. Your photos are amazing. I'm your newest follower. Have a lovely weekend.

red ticking said...

you are amazing at all you do!!!! wishing you the most wonderful new year... and please let me know when you are in seattle again... would love to see you... xoxo

Gloria said...

I love your attitude! Your passion is contagious, dear friend! Thank you for sparking our passion and creativity.

I hope your weekend is as lovely as can be!!

XOXO...Gloria

Rosie said...

Sending you the BIGGEST of HAPPY NEW YEAR hugs sweet girl!
Oh dearest it is quite evident that your creative soul swoons over the making of kitchen goodness and then capturing it's beauty for ALL us girls to
..............S A V O R...........
.................and..............
..............E N J O Y...........
Yup, I too have many passions. Currently for me, it's the thrill of the hunt...the search and rescue. Finding that sad :( little chair or dresser and giving her NEW LIFE! THIS, makes my heart S*I*N*G....as do YOU dearest ;)
...xoxxo...Rosie

LissyLou said...

Two of my passions are photography and baking too! It's very important to have a passion. You should certainly do a photography course as you already have so much talent. X

House of Seasons said...

Lots of passions to little time........
But I am going to show one of them soon on my blog, it is a bearhouse, I have shown my mousehouse already! And my shop and the blog is a new one and many, manymore........
And I love the indian story of your husband!
That is SO truth!!
Liefs
Lia

Crafted by Carly said...

Oh my goodness!!! I'm so glad that you stumbled upon my blog - because now I've found yours! And it's GORGEOUS!!! I'll be back again for sure - there's so much prettiness to look at!!!
Have a good weekend!
Carly
x

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Happiest of Happy Hugs to you lovely lady xoxoxoxo How I love popping over to your inspiring corner of the world xoxoxoxoxoo

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

My dearest and most magical friend,

You know the routine; school school and more school! I scurried off yesterday morning and then came home and scurried off to my basement to finish orders, so I missed ONE OF MY PASSIONS:

TO VISIT YOUR BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Your passion is our treat. The baking? Exquisitely PHOTOGRAPHED.

The photography? DELICIOUSLY presented ALWAYS. WoW, PINK COOKIES???? DELIGHTFUL!!!!!!!!!

Sending a ton of LOVE IN MANY HUES...to YOU!

Enjoy this freedom we call THE WEEKEND!! Anita

magie said...

I just adore you photography, you have a true talent for it. As far as my passions I have quite a few..but my top loves are gardening, antiques and baking :)

Martina said...

Your pix are perfect Koralee! I know, learning new skills is good sometimes, but then also, a ceratin limitation can lead to greater creativity. I think you developed your own, very special point of view with your camera, that all your readers love! I'm so passionate about painting and design, but i coem to love photography also, more and more. I wish i had more time for all my passions! Cheers to a lovely weekend!

Helen Philipps said...

I really love the pictures you take and the styling of each one. It's true that it's all about your own vision and eye for light and colour, even though a good camera is a huge help to achieve those effects. And having a creative passion makes life a constant joy!
Have a wonderful weekend, Koralee!
Helen x

Anne Marie said...

what a wonderfully encouraging post Koralee! baking and photography are up in my top 5 as well - along with writing and gardening...

you do such a beautiful job with your images - they always seem to make me want to go bake!! (I love that)

xo!

The Cottage Market {Andrea} ♥ said...

i can't tell you how much i LOVE your blog!!!! i really mean it -- i come here for a smile all the time and never leave without one!!! do you realize what you do? it can effect the mood of the day! you just add that little smile -- that gentle touch of sweetness that everyone needs! so your praises i will sing!!!! now and always! i do believe though that some day -- when you have time -- you should compile your images and create a day to day calendar -- you know -- like the little mary engelbreit ones -- your pictures would be so incredibly perfect for one!!! did i say how much i LOVE THEM!!!! i think i am going to have to bake something pink! : ) sending hugs!

The Cottage Market {Andrea} ♥ said...

ok -- you want to hear something so funny -- you know the little code word you have to type in...guess what it was...SUGAR : ) see how sweet you are : ) hugs!

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

You are certainly very talented, and I suspect you don't need a better camera. What you do with your eye and the camera you have now is so wonderful - I wouldn't change a thing. Your husband is right! I really enjoy looking at your blog, thanks for sharing.
Julie

Rizzi said...

KORALEE.....YOU HAVE GREAT PHOTOS......I ENJOY READING YOUR POSTS AND SEEING WHAT YOU CREATED THAT DAY........IT'S FUNNY WHAT YOU CAN TELL ABOUT A PERSON WITHOUT EVEN MEETING THEM.....YOU PUT EVERYONE FIRST.....YOU KNOW HOW TO MAKE A PERSON FEEL GOOD ABOUT THEMSELVES....MAGICAL IS A GOOD WORD....HAVE A NICE WEEKEND....RIZZI

It's me said...

Have a nice weekend darling....love from me...xxx....every day is the best day !!!.....full of passion !! hahahhah!!

Prudence said...

oh Koralee I love to bake, I am passionate about it and I love to sew Lollibags. I just don't want to eat all that I bake!! I have two cheesecakes in my fridge right now, cuz I am experimenting with recipes. they are so good but I must give them away! wish we lived closer, you could photograph my baking and bags :) since taking pictures is NOT my passion, hence not to good photos on my etsy shop.

flowersandhome said...

So glad the card and seeds arrived safely. It did take them more than 3 weeks; quite some time. I'm looking forward to planting the pumpkinseeds and other seeds you sent me a while ago too. Can't wait! Thank you so much!!!!

The Patchwork Heart said...

I love colour and the creative juices in me flow when Ican get to play with fabric :-) Blogging and photography is another lovely outlet for our creativity. I love what you do..... Keep up the good work lovely lady, you are a real inspiration to us :-) Heather x

Unknown said...

Its great to have a passion for something i love sewing and making and baking ;-)) I love your photo skills its the colours to and the way you arrange things sometimes simple is more and you always get it to prefection. dee xx

Monica said...

Koralee -- I love your photography. Consider yourself to have mastered your bow using the arrows you have :) Your blog is always so inspirational to me; and I never leave without a lighter feeling in my heart, and a bit more brightness in my day. Have a wonderful weekend.

Rachel said...

Hi dear! Well, I have to say that I love your lovely space, so full of sweetness. Your pictures are so full of dreams and remind me fairy tales that I love. May your new year be full of happiness and much success because you deserve it, darling! Lots of kisses, Rachel :)))

Dagmar said...

Hello dear Koralee...I read your comments and so many of your readers feel the same ..the way you are so truly sweet and talented..I see how many people leave comments and how sweet you are to reply..sending you sweetness and light!
Xox
D

Teresa Kasner said...

I do think I need a better arrow, though. :-) I'm hankering for a DSLR camera where I can have different lenses. My passion is art, photography, crochet, swimming, family and love. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

The Tablescaper said...

You do such a great job. So many wonderful photos! You keep us intrigued.

- The Tablescaper

Marilyn Miller said...

Now there is that word again ~ PASSION. It is my word for the year and it is popping up everywhere. I do have some passions, but I want to know more clearly this year specifically what they are or maybe I will learn that it is ok to focus on several passions at once. For me #1 is creating, then comes reading, moving to the music, writing, taking pictures, laughing, and spending time with friends.

polkadotpeticoat said...

How do you stay so slim...I love to bake but it collects on me......I'm passionate about everything , I wish I had a little more follow through!!

Linda Carole Bloom said...

Here I go - you've got me licking the screen again!

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Good morning my precious friend, sister in AQUA and pinks and such, and COLLEAGUE. No matter how far we are from one another, we are both in the "business" of teaching. Yesterday, I had to attend a funeral of a colleague. Only 49 years old, he left a legacy. We saw former students, who once galloped about in our elementary classes, like little wild ponies. Now tall and handsome young men and tall and GORGEOUS young women, this multitude of beautiful faces put perspective on my afternoon, and literally, my whole year of teaching that lies ahead.

Live on, LOVE ON. We DO make a difference.

HAPPY SUNDAY! Anita

I Love Pretty Little Things said...

Hi Koralee,
I have so many different things that I would love to do too! So hard to choose when time is limited to 24 hours a day. :) Your photos are always so, so pretty. I think that your hubby is right, you don't need a new camera. Another old stand by saying-"If it ain't broke, then don't fix it."
Love, Joyce

Lynne said...

Well I came to visit, and liked you immediately, (as did 46 others) but I liked you because of your quote by Busgallia, liked your font and color mixture and your statement from hubby and yours about not keeping up with the Jones' . . .

Whew, I bet you are saying, thank you very much for that run on sentence!

And now I am off for some more look/see . . . how do you get so many comments . . . ? (I love them and always HOPE for more . . . Shhh, our secret!)

Lynne said...

Three more things . . .
I love . . .
Creating
Quotes
Life stories

I get passionate about the well being of my "peeps!"

Riitta Sinikka said...

Hi! I love your blog! You have so many lovely pictures!!

Pinecone said...

Well your passion shows through! You take fabulous photos and always have something inspiring to say!
xoxo
Ashlyn

bellaboo said...

Hello Koralee,and a *Very *Happy *New *Year* to you!
I always marvel at your photos every time I visit you lovely blog.
I have a passion for cooking....and eating!!
Have a happy week,doing what you love. :0)

Vintage Home said...

...and your passion shows in your work!

Becky said...

Hi Koralee!I have so many things I would love to try,its just time isnt available to much.I love sketching,and Im starting to like writing a bit.

I as well love your pics.If you finally get a new camera send me yours cause it does lovely work LOL.I have a tiny canon digital its ok but I should have a much better one.Anway,have a lovely new week my friend.HUGS!

found and sewn said...

love the quote from your husband !!

wendy said...

I totally remember reading this...and thought I left a comment, but it's not hear. (I am not sure if I am loosing my mind..teehee)
Passion I think is the fuel in life.
I think I need to focus a little more this year WHAT is My passion.
I like lots of things..but other then my family, WHAT am I passionate about

scarlett clay said...

I agree! Wonderful thoughts! I am passionate about blogging these days, sharing our journey be it happy or sad...every post I think 'my kids will always have this to remember me by'. I wish my mother had had one.

And I love your photos-- You are a natural photographer, your photos are incredible!!

~Scarlett

Unknown said...

mmmm.....my passion is coming to visit you and see what you are seeing through a lens. I would hazard to guess even if you had your brownie camera, you would be still taking the best pictures. You my friend, have "the eye". Keep it up. I'm coming out of the fog here....finally.

Popcorn, Pugs & Peonies said...

You take amazing pictures for someone who has never taken a class. You are definitely a natural. I love how colorful your blog is. It has a kind of homey feeling to it.

*Erin

Victoria said...

I love your photos...and your passion shines through them...Keep 'em coming honey!

Janice Kay Schaub said...

I am your latest follower, looking forwards to reading your blog in 2012
Janice

Shell said...

I love the fact that you are self taught. Had no idea. Just shows how passion and talent can flow out beautifully when we allow it.

Tracey Ayton Photography said...

Amazing!!! Your photos take my breath away ....... honestly, I can relate to baking and photography. I hate cooking, love baking. Somehow baking is so much more pretty.