How Did AzarÉl Photography Start?

Back in 2015, one of my huge passions in life (besides Brian) was teaching. I loved interacting with children and creating lessons. However, along with all the things I loved there was tons of stress and pressure. In other words, big time burnout.  While I didn’t want to leave teaching, it was time. I went from going 60 mph and using every minute to having an endless vacuum of time. There was one new hobby I fixated on. Yep! You guessed it! Photography.

Brian and I live in the woods and have a wonderful variety of birds. The deck railing was the perfect place to spread black oil sunflower seeds. Then, as if by “coincidence”, I placed the food in a vintage Campbell’s Soup mug. Imagine the delight at seeing birds perching on the mug and eating! (See the title photo.) Me: “Too cool! I’m gonna take photos!” (Yay! The epiphany begins!)

In the beginning, I used the camera we had, a Fuji HS50 with a built-in zoom lens. The actual photography was very uncomfortable. I would kneel on the floor inside the window for as long as my knees could stand it. The camera lens was pressed flat against the glass to avoid glare. …and I started to get some really cool bird photos. I was fascinated by the birds in action. (It’s not done this way any more. My knees are relieved!)

Teaching had given me a huge sense of purpose and fulfillment. There was still some grieving over teaching. It was a dark time in life. I began to find purpose when card-making began. Now, my photography was something to share with others. From the beginning, I included a piece of paper with writing ideas and a Bible verse. Looking for quotes changed my focus and began to fill my mind with positive thoughts. This was something I had been unable to do since retiring from teaching. Philippians 4:8 (The Message) puts it this way:

…….

“…filling my mind and meditating on things
true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—
the best, not the worst;
the beautiful, not the ugly;
things to praise.”

At first, the change was a very hard hairpin turn in life. Looking back now, I know it was not a “coincidence”. God is Creator.  He brought out the creativity in me. God Had a plan. He took a dark time in my life and made something new and beautiful. God gave me a new purpose: Sharing the incredible beauty and intricacies of the birds and critters in my backyard.

Hold on to Hope is available at https://azarelgreetings.com/store/place-holder-j

PS There’s an encouraging t-shirt, helpful links, and favorite quotes below…

T-shirts

Etsy Link to the t-shirt above – https://rb.gy/sj1v9c

Link to VChicks for the blue and gold t-shirt pictured above: https://shorturl.at/KMV51

Links

Helping Someone Deal with Depression –
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/helping-someone-with-depression.htm

The Right Resources Can Help You Manage Depression
https://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/guide/resources

Depression Hotline
https://mentalhealthhotline.org/depression-hotline/

If you feel that your are struggling with depression, you don’t have to struggle alone.
You can call The National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787 to speak to a
professional about depression and get help.

Our counselors provide the personalized support you need, offering:
…..Support when you’re in crisis
…..Listening to you without judgment
….Help to find free depression resources in your town
…..Evaluate different depression treatment providers in your town
…..Helping you understand what your insurance plan covers for depression treatment
You matter, and there is hope and help here. 

Favorite Quotes

“Often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.”
– Helen Keller

“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all.

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.”

 – Emily Dickinson

“And we know that for those who love God all things [even the worst times] work together for good.” Romans 8:28 ESV
It’s easier to see and understand this when the hardship is in the rear view mirror.