If you've been reading here for a while, you know that I love Love LOVE my camera. I take - or to be more correct - took a lot of pictures. I'm not a photographer, but I have a good eye for a picture. It's only been fairly recently that I've been able to transform what I see in my mind into the photo that results - it's been years of bad shots, missed shots, overprocessed photos and clashing results. I'd never brag that I was a photographer - but I've done ok, especially recently.
When I was on a blog junket for Ford, I lost my camera. I was juggling my bag, my camera, a large umbrella, my purse - and trying to change a lens while talking to another participant meant that my attention was divided. I set my bag down and walked away.
I was stupid and careless.
When I went back to the place where I thought it was - it was gone. Despite massive efforts, it was never found. I cried all the way home from Detroit. I hated telling my husband, who'd bought the camera - as well as a special black bag with a pink lining (he knows I love black and pink and he worked hard to find the bag he thought would be the best represntation of me) - as an anniversary gift.
My only consolation was that I'd left the zoom lens at home. In the bag was my beloved macro lens, my sunglasses, some cash, my hotel room key and my heart. What good is a zoom lens without a camera, though?
I took lots of photos over the summer with my phone - but those just aren't the same. I felt a deep, physical ache anytime I saw someone with a nice camera, or a shot that I'd have tried to capture. A phone, no matter how nice, simply doesn't replace a camera.
I took on any extra work over the summer that was sent my way. Slowly, I built up the cash to replace the camera. Twice I thought I had it, and a bill came due. But finally, in September - I was able to replace my camera. The new camera is not exactly the same, for they don't make my old camera any more. I bought another macro lens, and I bought a camera strap that would virtually guarantee I'd see my camera any time I looked for it.
I have a new bag as well. A bright, shiny bag that is more beautiful than anything I've ever owned.
I feel like a part of me has returned. A long lost part. The learning curve is a bit more steep than I'd like, for the camera isn't quite the same - but I'm game to learn.
Hooray! I'm so so SO glad you have a camera again!
Posted by: Annika | October 20, 2011 at 09:31 PM
YAY!! Carmen, I'm so happy you are once again with a camera! Enjoy!!!
Posted by: Kiniwoman | October 20, 2011 at 09:46 PM
Yay! I'd be lost without my camera so I can relate to your love of yours. So glad you were able to replace it!
Posted by: Tammy | October 20, 2011 at 09:48 PM
Glad you have a camera again - yay!
Posted by: Karianna | October 20, 2011 at 09:48 PM
Woo hoo. Glad you were able to get a new camera.
Posted by: Karenp | October 20, 2011 at 09:49 PM
I'm glad you got a camera -- I know I love to use mine. What type of camera did you have before?
Posted by: Colleen | October 20, 2011 at 10:00 PM
Yay!!! If I can go to Blissdom we'll see the conference together... from behind our lenses!
Posted by: Headless Mom | October 21, 2011 at 01:32 AM
Oh yes, that bag IS gorgeous. And I love that the hubster used the packaging material to upholster a chair for you. Too cute.
Posted by: Sharilyn | October 21, 2011 at 02:21 AM
Yeah! for the camera back. Yeah! for the cool bag. But tell me about that cool shirt you are wearing!! :)
Posted by: Carly | October 21, 2011 at 12:16 PM
I'm so happy you have a camera again.
PS love the pearls.
Posted by: kyooty | October 21, 2011 at 03:03 PM
that's totally awesome that you were able to replace your camera. we should see even more pix now...
Posted by: Sandra | October 21, 2011 at 09:31 PM
Yay! So glad to hear you have a camera again!
Posted by: Brandy | October 21, 2011 at 09:39 PM
Great you got a camera!
Posted by: MondoMOM | October 22, 2011 at 11:13 AM
-->I have already sent my letter to Santa about getting a DSLR camera this year. It's the same letter I sent last year.
(I know of a photography class in *our* town that meets for a few hours at the beach, downtown, etc. and they teach you how to use the fancy camera. I hope to be in at least once after Christmas.)
Posted by: WebSavvyMom | October 24, 2011 at 01:07 PM
(clapping) Hooray for the new camera!
Posted by: LizP | October 25, 2011 at 05:11 PM
I know how u feel. It took me 46 years to get a nice camera and six months later my 12 yr old walked backwards into the pool.........congrats..... What camera did u get as I too am saving for a new one.
Posted by: Kbmr | October 31, 2011 at 06:38 PM
I remember reading about you losing your camera in Detroit, and I am so glad that you have a new one.
Posted by: Becki | November 02, 2011 at 05:12 PM