The Soaring Eagle
This story begins with a video of my awkward self way back in 2009. Pastor Tom and I had the opportunity to share about our church’s partnership with International Workers in Mongolia. The video was shot about a year after I got sick with chronic illnesses that were then still un-diagnosed. When I watch the video I see my awkward, video camera hating, shy self; tired, in pain, and swollen due to steroid medication. I’ve come a long way since that day, and looking back I can see how far God has brought me. Praise Him!
So how does this video connect to a photograph of a soaring eagle? It’s simple, really. Because I choked down my fear and made myself talk in front of a video camera (do I sound like a 10-year-old to anyone else?!) I won a gift certificate from BedandBreakfast.com. I had never been to a bed and breakfast, but I looked forward to choosing one and having an adventure.
I decided to use it one weekend when I was selling photographs at a craft fair. Photography was something I re-discovered when I got sick and I had just begun selling prints and cards. Because I didn’t have a lot of strength, I needed help setting up, talking to people all day, and taking down all my stuff. We made a girls weekend out of it and my mom and aunt came to help me.
The craft fair went well, but it was time for the real fun to begin! When we arrived at Pleasant View B&B and got the tour I saw one of my photographs in the sitting room of the common area. What?! My photo had won first place in a contest hosted by Queen of the Castle Magazine. The person running the B&B had been one of the judges and she was displaying a set of all the winning photographs. I knew right then and there this was going to be a wonderful stay!
We had a fun night in the cozy Hidden Harbor room. It even had a fireplace! After our delicious breakfast the next morning we wandered around outside for a bit, enjoying the lovely view of Lake Wissota in Chippewa Falls, WI. As I was taking pictures of the lake my eagle eye spotted an eagle soaring right at me. I quickly tried to zoom in and find the eagle through my camera lens. (This is hard to do when you’re excited and only have a few seconds to get the shot.) I managed to capture this photo as the eagle soared over my head.
It was the perfect end to a fabulous weekend that all started when I let the world see my awkwardness. Tell me, have you ever had something really good come out of an awkward situation? Let me know in the comments so I know I’m not alone!
And that, my friends, is the story of how I captured The Soaring Eagle. (Click to Tweet!)
Until we meet again,
Josie
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