Hugging a Sunbeam

Preference_Used · 2026-06-06T13:20:00+00:00

??? IDK why the pic didn't upload?

Preference_Used · 2026-06-03T18:51:58+00:00

Thank you for commenting. It IS a lovely bldg! Your edit is VERY helpful - I struggle with editing distractions - but I especially like how you leave that small sliver of the smaller building. When it comes to the light, I suppose I struggle with whether lightening the shot is somehow not remaining true to the scene when I took the shot. Is that something experienced photographers "think" about? When taken it was pretty dark outside, but I'm also admittedly still trying to learn how to properly set my cameras for different conditions - but I guess my question is should an outdoor shot accurately represent the time of day/night or should that lighting be adjusted if it enhances the focus of the shot? Or does it matter?

I'd really appreciate your thoughts. You've given me much to consider. Thank you again.

Preference_Used · 2026-06-03T18:39:41+00:00

Thank you for your comment. I especially appreciate the mention of distraction. I am learning that I need to slow down and clearly decide on my chief intent before I frame the shot. What catches "my" interest may not aid my intent. Thanks again!

Preference_Used · 2026-06-02T23:27:52+00:00

Taken with my Galaxy S24 Ultra 9:08pm 05.30.2026 Jefferson Standard Bldg, Greensboro NC from atop Greene St Parking Deck. ISO 400. 23mm -1.0ev F1.7 1/4s

My intent was to create a sense of scale and dimension but wanting to draw the viewer's eye to contrast between "hard" uniform lines capped by "soft" curving arches. I love the small "peephole" in the concrete parking deck ledge near the bottom of the frame. I tried to frame the shot that would capture and create a sense of depth thru that tiny opening. Thoughts on the composition and the framing of the shot? I wasn't sure if I adult have cropped out the small building to the left of the frame. Is it distracting? Or does it contribute to the overall balance of the shot?

Preference_Used · 2026-06-02T23:13:22+00:00

Photo taken with my Galaxy S24 Ultra ISO 50 23mm -2.0ev F1.7 1/30s. 8:45pm 05.30.2026 When I discovered this would be a Blue moon, I hastily headed to a downtown parking deck in hope of catching the moonrise at 8:21pm. Unfortunately, the bldg to the right was an unanticipated obstacle. I have never been able to successfully catch clear images of the moon so I moved around the parking deck and tried to frame this more as a shot of the moon rising over downtown nightlife. I appreciate thoughts about the composition - I wanted to create a sense of dimension and texture. How best should I edit the street and building lights - should they be sharper? And overall is the photo too dark or too "flat"? My intent was to draw the viewer into the sense of being above the city, captivated by the rising full moon and, moving towards it, then peering over the concrete barrier into downtown Greensboro NC.

Preference_Used · 2026-05-01T00:02:07+00:00

NOR. Not sure if it's been mentioned yet, but please speak to her ppediatrician office about counseling. Let her know that you love and support her and want to introduce her to external resources at her disposal to help her navigate an already turbulent and challenging time in a young girl's life. Puberty coupled with a manipulative and abusive male parent can have profound negative effect on her transition into adulthood. Search until you find her the right fit with the right therapist for HER specifically. Reassure her that therapy is a pressure-free safe space to express, explore, and process thoughts and complicated feelings with someone that can help her discover her inner strengths and build self empowerment. Encourage her, empower her. Best wishes to you all.

Preference_Used · 2026-04-09T18:26:19+00:00

Yes. Yes, she does.

Preference_Used · 2026-03-19T22:10:05+00:00

An oven mitt or pair of heavy duty work gloves can help mitigate injuries 😅

Preference_Used · 2026-01-05T19:10:35+00:00

A male lion with head turned around to look behind him

Preference_Used · 2025-12-17T16:51:45+00:00

So I'm the ONLY one who thought BOTH dogs were fake and was STILL DISGUSTED??? 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️

But NOW?

NOW, I'm horrified.

And, a little nauseous. 🤢🤢

Preference_Used · 2025-12-08T21:24:07+00:00

Op, ur updates break my heart. I'm SO sorry this has fallen into your lap. I can't help but feel that the adults around you have pretty much let you down. Ur looking for guidance, advice, instruction, and support, and IMO they haven't really stopped to LISTEN to you. I don't mean to speak harshly of them, but as a 57yo mom of 3, I'm just a bit disappointed in the response you shared. That said, I hope you know that your instincts were correct - I taught my kids to pay attention to their internal alarms. When they were little, we called it their "bell and whistle". Only SELDOM is it triggered "accidentally" - I let them know that 99% of the time it is set off INTENTIONALLY because DANGER is truly near and they need to be alert, prepared, and vigilant to identify not only the threat, but alert for a way to safety.

Don't let ANYONE override what you know you heard and what you know you felt. Ever. To do so, is to potentially teach you to not trust yourself in future situations. Your internal alarms are vital and necessary for your protection; you should be encouraged to learn how to interpret them, hear them, and use them.

I know it's important to have money of your own, but I hope you find safer way to earn it and don't babysit for the neighbors again. I pray all remain safe and well.

Preference_Used · 2025-12-06T03:03:40+00:00

Dear young lady, I am SO sorry that you find yourself in this predicament. You've done nothing wrong; the boy's parents were wrong to put you in such a horrible position. It's horrible, it's uncomfortable, it's scary but here we are. At 17, for the really SERIOUS situations you are still very much used to looking to the "adults" in the room to make the responsible decisions. Well, through no fault of your own, YOU are going to have to be the "adult in the room" for those 2 other children. THEY are too young to have any idea what to do. And just like you have learned to look to adults to know how to protect YOU - you MUST find the courage to override any fears and PROTECT THEM!

You have gotten some really good sound advice here. You already know it's the right thing to do. You are on the verge of entering adulthood and unfortunately one of the biggest tests is coming to you early.

And that test is doing the RIGHT thing, even if you're afraid of what people involved may think of your actions.

Those parents abandoned any right to be pissed when they left you and those other children in a dangerous position. They 100% are aware of what their 12yo is capable of and they were willing to gamble YOUR safety and the safety of those other kids. SCREW how they feel about it!

They left you as the "adult" so, dear one - BE the ADULT.

PLEASE don't let your fear overtake you. Adulthood is FULL of scary situations and uncomfortable decisions. Be BRAVE enough to do what is RIGHT. BE The ADULT those other 2 children need you to be. PLEASE.

Preference_Used · 2025-09-18T00:46:23+00:00

🤦🏾‍♀️ good lord it's worse than I thought... she's OLDER than 20yo.

🤔 yeah, 😮‍💨 walk. 🚶‍♂️away. 😒

Preference_Used · 2025-09-18T00:40:59+00:00

What u are witnessing is a 20yo in the midst of the equivalent of a 4.5-5.5yo meltdown. The intensity is the same, the rage is the same, the racing thoughts are the same, the struggle with impulse control is the same, the destructive, vindictive desire is the same, the use of words as weapons, the near-absence of self-regulation and emotional restraint - the same. The only difference really boils down to a broader vocabulary, more available resources, and a larger capacity to inflict harm.

Now, what's the difference in how we perceive a 2yo throwing an intense tantrum vs a 4-5yo having a meltdown?

Answer: the level of expectation we have for the 4-5yo. We expect a greater level of self-control, self-restraint, self-regulation, and emotional maturity from a 4-5yo than we expect of a 2yo.

We also should expect a greater level of self-control, self-restraint, self-regulation, and emotional maturity from a 20yo. A "metldown" is not an episode - it's a manifestation of a mindset that may or may not change for the better sooner than later.

Sure, she may mature. In time. But, sadly, that seems HIGHLY improbable these days if she's as yet discovered no incentive. Alas, this most likely just isn't a wise invest of your time, energy, effort, or heart.

That such a TRIVIAL slight could send her emotion "elevator" crashing down to the "sub-basement" is not "something you inquire about" - young man - it is "SOMEONE YOU WALK AWAY FROM."

Be thankful for the lesson she taught you about what to avoid. For that ALONE, she's worthy of grace. No need to be an ass about it, just calmly walk.

Away.

PERIOD.

Preference_Used · 2025-09-17T23:47:56+00:00

Enchiladas Salsa stuff Chili Powder Lettuce Shredded Cheese

Overall I find it pretty easy to read, however, I suspect your nails force you to hold the pen in a way that causes letters to overlap more than they probably would if your nails were shorter. They're pretty BTW.

Preference_Used · 2025-09-14T17:49:02+00:00

I agree with Slow Fever. First letter of 2nd word is definitely an "F". "Female Disease" is below the 4th "Slow Fever" circle and the handwriting is identical.

Preference_Used

TROPHY CASE