What happened to team sports being fun?

I'm feeling the need to vent today...maybe it's because it's Sunday and I don't want this beautiful fun filled weekend to end or maybe it's because I just spent the afternoon at my daughter's soccer game. 

It is not normally my style to take to my blog to complain or vent and it's not the purpose for my blog however, I really need to get this off my chest.  My daughter has played soccer for the last four seasons.  She has played with the same coach and pretty much the same girls for the last three of those seasons.  Her team has been undefeated for three of the four seasons.  This season her team has moved up to a much more challenging division and has been met with many obstacles.  They quickly learned during the first game the field is bigger, the girls play harder and are MUCH bigger! 

She has gone to every practice and plays her heart out.  Now I am not going to lie and say she always plays her best, what I am saying she is a team player and will do what is asked of her.  You may remember my post a few months ago when she scored her first goal. 

So why am I venting?  Well during the last game, K sat on the bench for most of the second half while all the other players were subbed in and out.  Apparently she did play for a little while during the first half and had some really good plays (I missed part of it because I was out shooting senior portraits.)  When I asked K if she did something wrong and was being punished for something her response was I don't know...I don't think so.  When she was put in during the second half she was taken out a minute to two minutes later.  During the game she was limping slightly due to an early injury but not complaining about it after she got warmed up.  I asked the coach after the game if she did something wrong and was told, she didn't do anything wrong but that he needed to get better at subbing people in and out during the game since we have many more subs this season.  He also mentioned that K was limping and thought she was in pain. 

Fast forward to today's game.  Today K started the game and played quite a bit.  She had one her best games yet, blocking the ball, good kicks and aggressive playing.  I have to say we were very proud of her.  So what am I venting about you ask?  Well after the game was over K came running off the field in tears.  After finding out what was wrong I sent her back on the field to congratulate the other players with her team.  One of the parents behind me made a comment about why she was crying and then another parent came up to me asking what had happened.  When I explained what K told us she encouraged me to talk to the coach to put an end to it.  So I grabbed K and the girls who were part of the drama and asked the coach to listen to the situation.  I was hoping we could put a very quick end to the drama.  Everyone's emotions were very high as we lost our third game.  After asking the girls what happened the coach stepped in and discussed it with all of the girls involved.  I am not sure I am totally happy with what was said and how it was resolved but it was handled, until the other two parents involved came into the discussion.  One parent asked what happened and if his daughter said something rude.  I calmly stated no and just explained what the issue was.  The other parent quickly defended their child, praising them for communicating on the field.  Now I understand the concept of playing as a team and talking to each other on the field and I think it is an important part of playing as a team.  However, I have a problem with other players, "coaching" from the field when they too make mistakes. 

K has lost all desire to play soccer because the focus is no longer on having fun but winning.  Now K may not be the best player on the team but she is a player and plays hard...most of the time.  When did it become OK for a kid's team sport become more about winning than having fun and playing the game?  What message are we sending to our kids if we are only focused on winning and not having fun?

I do want to give props to K's coach, he constantly is reminding the girls to play a clean game and not take the easy way out and play a dirty game.  Even when one of our girls got hurt today and had to be carried off the field and the other team was laughing, our coach reminded the girls to not play their game.  He channel their anger use it to play hard and score points.  

K, I am proud of you and how hard you played during the game today.  You played every position you were asked to and never said I can't.  You showed everyone today that you are a team player.  Score a goal next week and as Frank would say...Glacier Flakes is on him!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

I know, I know...I've missed quite a few hunts over the past few weeks...seven to be exact.  Life sure has a way of interrupting our routine doesn't it?  During the last seven weeks I told myself I would most certainly participate in this week's hunt only to realize it was Saturday and was a soccer game or tournament to attend or I had to work or you know how it is...! I wasn't even going to look at this week's prompts as I am knee deep in end of the year paperwork but my BFF realized we both needed some "me" time with our cameras so she drug (and I mean drug) me out of my work related training to go on the hunt for this week's prompts.  I am happy to say all but one picture was found this week and in one day!  Boy did it sure feel good to go exploring with Shay again.  Let's do it again this week Shay!  Alright enough about me...on to the real reason you stopped by my interpretations...

1. MEET ME AT THE CORNER

When I first read this prompt I wasn't sure what direction to go until Shay suggested we go exploring in the city.  What better place to meet me at the corner than the corner of the square in York City.  Although it doesn't appear so in the picture this intersection is usually quite busy!  For the record, these are two of the busiest roads in York County and for you history buffs out there Market street is also known as Lincoln Highway.

2.  MOTHER NATURE MEETS TECHNOLOGY

I was really stumped with this one!  

I know it might be a stretch but wasn't technology used to create the planter to hold Mother Nature's Beauty??? 

Even it it doesn't count...I still think it's too cool not to share!

(Another view along Lincoln Highway)

3.  ONE STEP AT A TIME

Last week I attended three graduation ceremonies, two as a spectator and one as a faculty member.  When I read this prompt I immediately thought of the ceremonies and how high school graduation is just one step in our lives. 

4.  WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE???

(I am going to apologize in advance for what you are about to see... Shay double dog dared me to capture this and use it for this post and I can't let her down!)

I am not a fan of this new fashion statement so to me it was easy for me to say...what is wrong with this picture!  What is even funnier about this is there was a gentleman sitting at a table watching this man and the look on his face was priceless!  I wish I would have been able to capture it to include here!  

I need to digress for just a minute here...on Saturday I was at the mall shopping when I saw another What's wrong with this picture?  I was shopping for a bathing suit and right beside the rack of bathing suits was a rack of winter coats!  Now I do not live in the tundra where one would need a winter coat in the middle of summer.  The temperature on that day was a balmy 80 degrees!

5.  STANDING TALL

I think perhaps this is my favorite hunt picture this week.  I shot many things for this prompt but when I saw this flag and the reflection in the window I knew this had to be my Standing Tall prompt especially since we just celebrated Flag Day.  I am proud to be an American and very thankful for our flag and all it represents.

Well that's all folks!  Thanks for taking the time to stop in and visit with me!  I am so excited to be back in the hunt and can't wait to see how all of you interpreted the prompts this week.

Focusing on Him,

~W~

To my friend...

 

"If you're alone, I'll be your shadow. If you want to cry, I'll be your shoulder. If you want a hug, I'll be your pillow. If you need to be happy, I'll be your smile... But anytime you need a friend, I'll just be me." 

~unknown~

 

In honor of Best Friend Day...which I of course missed! 

It's been awhile...

 since I posted on here in fact two people have pointed it out that I have not been on here in awhile. Thanks Nana and Wendy.   I could say it was because I was out on some big photo adventure...but I'd be lying.  I could say it was because Shay and I were out building our business...but that too would be a lie. I don't have any excuses as to why other than life has just really gotten in the way.

It's almost been a month since I last posted and so many exciting things have happened.  Our son "graduated" eighth grade. More on that in another post! (I'm still wiping the tears from my eyes!) Our daughter's soccer team had another undefeated season. (Way to go NEYSA Blitz!) I went to two proms...well not really...I actually just shot prom pictures for various friends.  I've attended three different graduations and cried as several of my youth have taken the next step in their young lives.  I had my camera at two of the graduations and took well over 400 pictures between the two events.  The third one was for work and I wasn't able to take pictures as I had several other jobs to attend to before and during the ceremony.

 

The biggest most exciting thing that happened was that my BFF, Shay and I, decided to pursue our passion for photography and start our own photography business, Sharpe and Hobbs Photography.  If you are looking for someone to capture your life's moments, please let us know.  We'd love to capture the beauty God blessed you with.  You can check out some of our work here.

As another school year is coming to a close I will have more time to explore and capture God's beauty and post on here more often. 

I need to give a special thanks to my very special BFF, Shay for begging me to grab my camera and escape into the great unknown for a little while on Friday. If I hadn't, I would have missed the simple joy of watching a butterfly land on these beautiful flowers.

If I hadn't taken my little fish to the pool for midnight swim Friday evening, I would have missed this breathtaking sunset or hanging out with Wendy.  It's been so long!  I am hoping to have more time to find God's simple pleasures as summer days turn into summer nights. 

(SOOC)

Thanks for taking a few moments out of your busy life to read my update!  

Taking time to Focus on Him this week,

~W~

Milestones

This week I hit a milestone in my life. 

 I said goodbye to my 30's and hello to the 40's.  Most people look at this milestone with great trepidation.  I however, was excited to turn 40.  I look at age as a state of mind and just a number.  I have a lot to show for my 40 years and am looking forward to the next 40.  I once heard someone say that life begins at 40.  I am looking forward to the adventures headed my way!

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

Wow...another week has flown by...and boy was this a crazy week.  

My allergies decided to reek havoc on me last week and I am finally beginning to feel better.  Friday afternoon, I shot my first wedding.  And if that wasn't enough excitement for one weekend, Saturday and Sunday I helped chaperone the youth at our church who were participating in the 30 Hour Famine.  30 hours with 20 plus teenagers who haven't eaten and if you have ever chaperoned a youth event sleepover, you know there is very little sleep!  YIKESSSSS!

I am actually putting most of this together on Thursday evening...can you believe I actually had it done early????  I am counting on my bud to post this for me since I will probably so exhausted on Sunday I will just want to sleep!  

On to my captures...

1.  YELLOW

This pretty little dandelion, (sic) is growing right on the edge of my flowerbed.  I spotted it from my bedroom window one night this week and while I normally hate dandelions...I knew it was perfect for this prompt!

2.  SOMETHING THAT MAKES ME SMILE

While my children cause me many gray hairs they also make me laugh everyday.  I am so proud of the young man and young lady they are becoming.  I have to share with you that they don't normally cooperate this easily for a picture.  They were more than willing when their father bribed them with a shaved ice and milkshake!  I don't care what it take to get them to pose together...I am certain the days of them letting me take their picture is slowly coming to an end. :(

3.  ANTIQUE

The ring...not the shoe!!!

This is my cousin's beautiful antique engagement ring.   

PS...the shoe is pretty cool and are the shoes she wore on Friday afternoon.

4.  SPLASH

A splash of color.
 I have to be honest, I struggled with this prompt.  My first instinct was to use a picture with water, however, I didn't have any in my archives and I wasn't sure where I could find splashing water!  There was a creek at the wedding but no one wanted to "fall" into it to create a splash for me.  Although many were willing to push the groom into the creek!  As we were sitting down to eat I noticed how the tulips added a splash of color to the wedding.  The bride's favorite color is red and her favorite flowers are tulips...what a perfect combination!

5.  IN THE SUN

I captured this beautiful sunset last week.  My daughter and I were coming home and I noticed the amazing sky.  A warm front was leaving as a cool front was moving in and the sky had amazing cloud formations.  I told K. that I was going to pull into a parking lot to capture the sun and sky.  She wasn't too happy when I drove through the church cemetery that said No Trespassing or when I wasn't happy with the shot and I continued to drive to find the perfect spot to capture the sunset.  I was so happy I decided to keep looking because I found this picture at the bottom of the hill!  I grabbed my camera and shot the picture before the man in the car behind me honked his horn!

Oh the things we do to get the best shot!!!

Thanks to Shay for posting this entry for me this week.  I am so thankful to have her as a friend.  I can't wait to see what everyone else captured this week!

Thanks for stopping by.  If you like what you see, I'd love to read your comments!

Focusing on Him,

~W~

Out of the fog..

 "Derive happiness in oneself from a good day's work, from illuminating the fog that surrounds us."

Henri Matisse

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

Wow another week has come and gone.  This week was a crazy week.  I didn't have a lot of time to shoot this week so when my photo bud Shay asked if I wanted to go on a photo shoot with her I jumped at the chance.  It's been a LOOOOOOONNNNG time since we've been able to get together with our cameras.  I'm a little late posting this week, but I swear the pictures have been ready since Saturday afternoon.  

Now on to the real reason you are here...

1.  SIMPLE

Does life get any simpler at 3?  

My adorable next door neighbor came to see K's soccer game this week and had a blast picking the flowers!

2.  GRAIN

Corn is a grain to animals right?  If it's not...check out the grain in the wood!

Found this picture on my photo adventure with Shay!

3.  Transportation

From my Philly adventure a few weeks ago...

When I first saw this bike, I thought the bike was part of the sculpture.  When I inspected it a little closer I realized it was someone's mode of transportation.  See the bike lock on the front wheel?

4.  STITCH

A "stitch" in time saves nine!

Ok I know it's a stretch but I was short on time! (haa haa)

When I returned from my day with Shay, I thought I had all the pictures I needed until I got to this one.  I then remembered the old saying and this picture popped in my head.  

I discovered this beautiful old clock during my Philadelphia adventure.

5.  BUBBLE

 

On Easter, we broke out the bubbles for some old fashioned fun.  Besides...who doesn't love to play with bubbles.  I really wanted a picture filled with bubbles but I wasn't successful.  This bubble was just sitting on the grass so I captured it.  It popped shortly after, well actually, just as I released the shutter button.

Thanks for stopping by this week.  I am off to check out all the other entries.  

Focusing on Him,

~W~

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

 Halleluiah...HE is Risen!

 It is hard to believe another week has passed by and it's time for Scavenger Hunt Sunday and Easter Sunday...if your house is anything like mine, the kids are up early, dressed and hunting for their Easter Basket cleverly hidden by the Easter Bunny.

  I am excited to share that this week's pictures were all captured and edited before Saturday, with the exception of my "new" picture.  I wish every week could be Spring Break...I loved being able to pick up my camera whenever I wanted and take pictures.  

Well enough rambling...on to why you are really here...my interpretations!!!!!

1.  NEW

I kept my niece on Saturday and discovered her NEW tooth.  I tried and tried to take a picture of it however, she wasn't cooperating.  Since she wouldn't hold still long enough for me to take the picture, I scrapped that idea and took some pictures of the new blooms and buds in my yard.  When I uploaded my pictures I realized you can just barely see her tooth in this picture so I decided to go with my original thought!

2.  LIFE

One of the coolest things about Scavenger Hunt Sunday is being able to interpret the prompts however you wish.  I decided to interpret this prompt as...the absence of life.

Taken in Philly last week, this is the Christ Church cemetery.

 A little history lesson on Christ Church cemetery...

five signers of The Declaration of Independence are buried there including Benjamin Franklin.  

3.  FRAGRANT

I love hyacinths and especially love their fragrant aroma.  Because of our unseasonably warm weather, all of my spring flowers bloomed very early and have since died off so I pulled this picture out of my archives.  I took this picture on a very warm weekend in March. 

4.  PINK

I found this beautiful pink flowering tree one evening during the week.  I could have stayed at the tree for hours just taking pictures of the gorgeous blooms.  Ahhh I just love spring!

5.  OBVIOUS

Isn't it obvious D. is excited to marry M.?

This week I took my first set of engagement pictures. (In a few short weeks, I'll be taking their wedding pictures...eeek!)

I had already taken a bunch of serious pictures when we decided to take some fun pictures.  I had asked M. and D. if they were up for some jumping pictures.  Both agreed and thought it would be fun!  After I explained what I wanted them to do I sat down with the camera and told them to jump.  M. just couldn't get the hang of it and no matter what we did, D. was the only one to leave the ground.  I was laughing so hard, I am surprised I was able to get some clear shots!  After many attempts we were successful...

I want to take this opportunity to wish all of my Christian friends, a very happy and blessed Easter Sunday. 

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my hunt pictures.  I love to hear your thoughts and comments!

Focusing on Him,

~W~

She said Yes...

In a few short hours...OK maybe closer to 1.5 I will be heading out to take my first set of engagement pictures.  I am totally honored and well a little nervous to be capturing this joyous time in this couple's life.

M. is one of the very few girl cousins on my dad's side of the family.  We share a lot of the same interests and she is typically my go to girl when I need to buy an outfit or a present, kinda like my personal shopper.  I am thinking though, now that she has D. to hang out with, I'm going to be on my own shopping!

I am so happy for you M.  You are going to be a very beautiful bride.

Focusing on Him,

~W~

Beauty

Don't you just love the beauty of spring?

Focusing on Him,

~W~

Boathouse Row

During my last full day in Philadelphia, a very wise blogging friend suggested I check out the trees that were in full bloom along Boathouse Row.  Our original plan was to meet up there however, her daughter wasn't feeling well so my blogging bud stayed close to home. 

I am bummed she wasn't able to join me but I am so glad she suggested I check it out!  The blooms were as fantastic as the view.

 

 

 

Doesn't this path just call out, follow me?

 

This was an incredibly peaceful area.  I had to keep reminding myself I was only walking distance away from Center City Philadelphia. I only had an hour to spend exploring and with the occasional rain shower, I didn't explore as much as I would have liked.  Boathouse row is definitely on my must do list the next time I am in the area.

Thank you Kathy for suggesting it!

Focusing on Him,

~W~

 

Scavenger Hunt Sunday

It's time to go on the hunt again. 

 I missed last week due to a super crazy busy week of state testing.  But I am back this week with all new shots.  I didn't think I was going to participate again this week because I just ran out of time, until by photo BFF reminded me I probably captured all of the shots I needed during my week in Philly.  So without further adieu here are my interpretations...

1.  CLOUDS

I had to got to spend the week in Philly.  After I was finished working each day, I grabbed my camera and headed out for some photo fun!  As I was driving back to my hotel one day, I happened to look out of my sunroof and noticed all the clouds in the sky. So as I was sitting at a traffic light, I grabbed my camera and opened the sunroof and just started clicking away.  To tell you the truth, I didn't even look through the viewfinder...I just snapped!  I didn't know what I had captured until I loaded the pictures on to my computer!

2.  SUN FLARE

I can't believe I almost missed this shot!  I was walking along and was trying to figure out if I was going in the right direction.  I looked up to see what street I was on and noticed this sun flare. I just love the way the sun is reflecting off this window.

3.  SEVEN

Seven dots on a very large domino!  

Wouldn't it be fun to play with life sized dominoes?

4.  High Angle

I thought I knew what high angle was until I started researching it.  I always thought it meant stand on the ground and look up.  However, as I'm researching I realize that maybe high angle is looking down on something.  Since I like this picture, I am going to go with high angle as looking up!

5.  Low Angle

Again...I'm not sure if I interpreted this the right way, but since I like this picture...I'm going with it!

I had a fabulous week in Philly and an even better time hanging out with some of the best photographers around!  I can't wait to hang with them again...it was so much fun.  It's even more fun to look at their pictures to see what they saw!

Thanks for stopping by to check out my interpretations!  I'd love to hear your comments and can't wait to see what everyone else captured this week.  

Have a great week!

Focusing on Him,

~W~