This image of a Cactus Wren was taken November, 2011. We were in Phoenix, Arizona to have Thanksgiving with DH’s family. It was my first family holiday with the new in-laws, and I was anxious…for no reason at all! They were (and still are) the best in-laws I’ve ever had. They even went so far as to have one side dish at the table that I grew up with that they never ate but there it was for me.
At the time I didn’t know what a blog was and was just trying to get the hang of photography beyond the point and shoot method. I wasn’t super good at it but we all have to start somewhere. This image isn’t very sharp, I have no idea where I was focusing, I only shot in JPEG and I had no idea what bokeh was along with other important things like depth of field, white balance and ISO. We won’t even mention my editing skills at the time!
I think I’ve gotten a bit better since this image 😉
But this image makes me a bit sad now. This day, we were visiting the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona with DH’s parents, his sister and her daughter. The reason I found this image after all this time was because I was digging through all of my old photo files to find some images that are going to be used for a memorial service. My father-in-law passed away the end of January and very soon we will be going to the west coast to scatter his ashes at sea which was his wish as he was at one time a British Merchant Seaman.
So, after Friday’s feather feature, I will be absent for a while.
Take care of yourselves and hug those that are special to you while you can.
Teri
Images by T.Dashfield Photography 
The photo looks beautiful to me, Teri. My deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear father-in-law. Many hugs to you.
It’s fun going back to early photos and to see how we’ve progressed. That being said I like the photo.
Very sorry for your loss, Teri.
Cute little bird.
It is always sad to come across an old picture that reminds you of so much. Especially at a time like this.
Take care now –