Peaces of Real Life

Peaces-Miss Penelope! First Christmas

2012-01-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

Oh, it's Christmas time again! ;-) One more post from 2011 and then I'll get to the year in review! I promise! :-)
This was my last session for the year! Miss Penelope came back to see me! :-) Her very first Christmas, oh how I wish I could of seen her when the first presents were opened... Heidi told me that she was so exhausted from Christmas, but the day after Christmas, Penelope was up and ready to be awake! No smiles this time sadly :-/ but I think she was still a little sleepy from the weekend.

Heidi, Aron, she is absolutely beautiful!
To see more of Penelope, go to Facebook here.

Jump for Joy! It's the new year.... 2012!!

2012-01-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year all!!! :-) It's truly 2012!!! So excited and super hyped for this year! :-) So many great things are happening! It's the year I'm marrying my sweetheart. It's the year this business will grow!!! :-)

I have so much excitement and faith right now.... Ready for everything to start! I'm starting to do wedding projects. I've found my dress. I can't wait to meet my wedding photography, Just for You Photography. I can't wait for Jon and me to start forever... :-) <3

But you know what else I'm excited for? Getting this business to be completely legal --complete with taxes, etc. :-) I know last year I said I was going to do it, but honestly I think I chickened out. I saw the back trouble I had in March as a sign to wait til 2012 and start it out right. Start it in the beginning :-)
So where the end of last year, brought a website and a Facebook page, this year is starting out with some changes. Mainly on the business side and the marketing side, etc. Because if I am going to do this all the way, I need to fix that business side! :-) And get my name out there more. Have some faith in me and give me some encouragement and I think I will be able to do it!

So lets bring in the new year! :-) But before I sign off completely for the moment.... I just want to say "Thank You." Thank you to the people that stop and read this blog, to the people who want me to take their pictures, to the people who makes my day through their comments, etc. Thank you for making the last year amazing and Thank You for supporting me.

Hope you guys have a wonderful and amazing new year!!

Peaces' Couples -- Tia and Phillip

2011-12-26T21:07:00.000-08:00

Most couples have issues finding the time to get good pictures taken of themselves. I know me and my fiancé have had issues with getting pictures taken together. Shoot, the first time we have had pictures taken was after we had been together for 3 and half years .... and that was when he proposed!!
So when my friend, Tia, came to me and asked about doing photos of her boyfriend of a year and a bit, I said, "Yes!" without hesitation! :-)
It turned into great session. A little chilly but I had some awesome pictures come out of it! :-)

For more pictures go to my Facebook page, here.

A Christmas Present

2011-12-26T20:55:00.000-08:00

One Christmas present I always think about giving people is pictures -- pictures of you, or them when they were older, pictures that mean a lot to them. Even pictures of you doing your job. When my friend, Phil, approached me about taking some pictures of him in his gear, I couldn't believe my luck! I was so excited to take those pictures. Taking pictures of him in his gear without an actual fire was strange, but it was nice to stop and just enjoy taking pictures together. Since they were a Christmas present, I wasn't allowed to show these off until they were opened ;-) .... So, here they are now for you to enjoy!

To see more go to my Facebook page, here.

Married -- Lenny & Emilie

2011-12-21T20:43:00.000-08:00

Be in love. Be in love and let it take you where it will. Follow it to your destiny. Let your destiny be your destination...

About a week ago I was given the pleasure and the honor to witness one of my friend's marriage at the county courthouse. What love and affection was seen! Thank you guys so much for letting me capture your day!! :-)
And in case you were wondering .... Yes, you can take pictures at a courthouse wedding! Just make sure to ask the Judges' permission before taking your camera in and shooting!

Happy Christmas Reeter family!!!

2011-12-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it is almost Christmas!?!?! I can, because a few weekends ago, I got to go to the home of one of my good friends in north Missouri. We kinda started a tradition last year of me coming to see her growing family and at the same time take some good Christmas photos for them. It works out for both of us. :-)
It's getting to the point now that it is not Christmas yet without seeing them and enjoying their hospitality. Brenna, you may have a lifetime Christmas guest! ;-)
Anyways, I didn't get to stay as long as I did last year cause I got an awesome opportunity to go wedding dress shopping with my sister-in-law and brother! (And yes, purchased for only $350)
Oops sidetracked! Even though I didn't stay as long, we still had a blast and got some great pictures out of the time I was there. Even the rain didn't stop us! :-)

Hope your Christmas is amazing, Reeters! Til next year!! :-)

To see more of the Reeter's pictures, go here.

Miss Princess Abby

2011-12-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

Rarely have I met someone who has the same birthday with me. Growing up, I had a cousin that shared the same day and one other member in my class in High School, but beyond that, its been no one. And of course, as so many do, when a friend was scheduled to have a baby in the month of February, I instantly say "You're going to have them on the 23." Most of the time, it never comes true. But I still say it.
So when one of my friends mentioned that she was due in February around the 21, I immediately said, "You're going to have her on my birthday." Well, some times I'm right.
So let me introduce you to my new birthday buddy! :-) Miss Abigail Joy! She is a just 9 months old at this time, but she is already getting so big. I got to help introduce her to some of her first Christmas items... And all I can say is.... Carrie, you are going to have to watch that tree closely! ;-)
As you can tell from her smiles, she really is a happy baby! :-) Enjoy! To see a few more head over to my Facebook page, here.

Feeling Blessed

2011-12-08T08:02:00.000-08:00

So, you all know how I've been talking about doing this part-time and legal and all that... Well, during the last few weeks, I have been so blessed by some awesome people who believe in me and like my pictures. And oh my gosh! I can see myself growing! I'm starting to believe it! :-) ..... And honestly I give all the credit to God and his trust and ability he gave me! :-)
You know I have to admit, doing this and saying I'm official makes me terribly nervous. I'm afraid of failing, of not doing good, of being in the eyes of others the girl who just picked up a camera and started shooting... I don't want to be the "Uncle Bob" or whatever people are calling it. I just want to do something I love, something that makes me happy. And this does. Whether taking pictures of a couple in love, or new additions to growing families. It makes me happy and complete!

Anyways, I'm working on pictures today. So keep an eye out on Facebook and on here... Hopefully, I will have about two - three sessions near done by the time I go back to my "real-life" job on Saturday!

Las Vegas Instgram Style!

2011-12-06T08:44:00.001-08:00

Well, it's been awhile since I made it to Las Vegas and made it back. :-) but I hadn't had a chance to sit down and type a blog yet so... I downloaded Blogger on my new phone to at least give you a small preview of some pictures I took on my phone...
Las Vegas was crazy but fun. We walked a ton! But I wouldn't have changed it for anything... :-)
And NO we did not come back married! Jon and I both felt like it was a little too chaotic for us... I want a happy chaotic with family not with strangers in a different town.. I know I'm really a homebody :-)

But on a different note, been having some last minute Christmas pictures so keep an eye out for future blog posts! :-) And not done yet! There is still time! Now just have to work harder on getting all the pictures done this week and next! :-)

Fall Fun with Peaces Photography

2011-11-30T14:11:00.000-08:00

One gift I keep telling people that they should think of for their family is pictures. The gift of doing pictures together or surprise pictures. One of my friends decided that pictures are exactly what she wanted to give. So one evening, we went and played in the leaves... :-)

Yes, they haven't given the pictures yet, but sometimes, I still get permission to put a few online for everyone to see... :-) .... There is still time left to do some pictures for Christmas just holler! ;-)

A Gift

2011-10-25T08:55:00.000-07:00

So, as most of you have probably figured out, I don't buy a lot of things for my camera right now due to money :-( .... (Photography upkeep and continual improving costs money, a lot) ... Anyways, as my fiancé and me are planning to go to Las Vegas, I started to worry about not having any money to go, to have fun, to buy stuff, etc. With us being there and me being able to wonder around for about 7 days, I needed something that would entertain me without spending too much money. I have to save a little for bills, and wedding stuff.
On this train of thought, I started to think that I couldn't go to Las Vegas without my big camera (Jack). Now my fiancé is a little nervous about me wanting to take him, but you know what? I had a plan. You see, I've been staring at these amazing bags by Kelly Moore. They are camera bags that look like purses. Yeah, they have a price tag, but you know what I have been saving up for one of those or a Shootsac for Christmas this year. So with less than 4 weeks to Las Vegas, I took the plunge and purchased a B-Hobo bag from Kelly Moore's website and started praying it would get here soon enough for me to use it in Las Vegas.

Then this past Thursday, UPS delivered to me this....

Now I can't wait for Las Vegas to get here even more!!! :-) As soon as I get it packed up and start using it constantly then I will get a picture of the inside with everything the way its supposed to go! :-)

Ms. Princess Penelope

2011-10-20T08:46:00.000-07:00

About a week or so ago, I was given the opportunity to take some pictures of one of my friends' three-month old daughter, Penelope. Heidi was wanting to get some pictures of her daughter in her first Halloween costume.
Penelope was an absolute doll, even though we couldn't seem to make her smile a little. But she was a doll for pictures didn't complain much and did her thing, which is always the best for small babies.

I think I am growing in my photos. This session is proving it to me. I'm so happy.... Only three more months til I really do this part-time! And I'm excited! I hope it really does work out. I'm terribly nervous. What if people hate my pictures? What if I only have one photo shoot a month, etc? I am so worried about a lot of stuff concerning this huge leap! But as I keep reading sometimes you have to stop dreaming and start stepping out. Putting yourself out there so you don't regret the chances you passed up!

Be on the look out! More blog posts and pictures are on their way! :-)

Balloons :-)

2011-10-10T18:05:00.000-07:00

Awhile back, I promised you balloon pictures and then everything happened with my computer and me being sick. I never got a chance to show you at least some of the pictures.
Brookfield, Missouri (a town in northern Missouri) for like 35 years or so has been having a balloon festival. While I lived in north Missouri about 30 mins away from Brookfield, I never once went to see the balloons during the 6 years I lived there. Well, about two years ago, I found out about it and began kicking myself. And I talked my parents into going with me and Jon. Then right before the balloons, he went on hurricane deployment. But me and my parents had a blast. This year, he promised we'd go. Which turned into my parents going and my brother and his wife going too! :-) At least to the Balloon Glow. (Which is the pictures.)
But the next day, Jon and I were supposed to see the balloons lift off and well, rain. :-/ The guys at the gate said he wasn't sure if they were going to do it or not. So, we made the hard decision to go ahead and head home. :-( But at least I got to have dinner with a good friend of mine and her family!

Maybe next year I will get to go again and see the balloons lift. Though, Jon did promise he is taking me back someday :-) ... I might let him off if he takes me to New Mexico :-) for that Balloon flight. My dream is to go out there and watch the entire thing ... like 9 days long :-) and Even go for a flight out there.. What an awesome thing it would be! :-) There are supposedly 50 balloons or so in that lift.. :-)

October is here!! :-)

2011-10-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

Oh, hi? Guess what its October! :-) Cooler weather is back and here to stay! :-) I'm so happy and starting to feel better. My fiancé not so much but we are muddling through. But now, I'm back to looking for people to shoot... (hehehe) I'm back to building my portfolio for this spring when I finish the process of becoming completely legal and being a part-time business! I'm so excited. I decided to go ahead and take the rest of this year to find more people to practice on, etc. so in the spring, I just start advertising like crazy and getting my name out there more. But if more changes in my life happens, it might be a little crazy for a bit.. lol :-) Not that crazy is not kind of normal now.

I've got a couple of shoots coming up and I think I am more excited about them then being at my real job. Maybe someday I will be able to move into photography full-time. Hmmm.... maybe.... Until then a girl can dream :-)

Oh and guess what I've been a good little wedding planner. I think I got the majority of it figured out, but that elusive dress is not my friend. :-/ Pray for me I'm starting to get frustrated but I will make it through this all.. :-) I do have good news. I have my photographer! :-) It's going to be Just for You Photography from Canada. I know a little far away but she is amazing! I so cannot wait to A) meet her B) learn a little from her C) have her be amazing with my wedding pictures! :-) You should check her out. :-)

Peaces' Senior --- Alicia

2011-09-06T09:57:00.000-07:00

Lately, I have been blessed with the opportunity to take several senior pictures and have had an absolute blast! The latest one was Alicia or Mouse as her family calls her, a senior for Hartiville, Missouri. Through mosquitoes, cars, weeds, and a few columns, we were able to get some awesome pictures. THANK YOU Alicia for an awesome time of laughter and fun. (Next time let's do it without mosquitoes!) I had an absolute blast running around with you, Mandy and Joyce!
Alicia, I can't wait to see what is ahead for you in the future! :-)

Peaces -- Lebanon Senior 2012 Paige

2011-08-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

What a week! :-) Had a Lebanon Senior Student come to me for pictures and well, what did we have to work with? Whatever we wanted. Paige is a country girl and that's all she really wanted besides a John Greene Tractor. We started at the graffiti bridge north of town and then ran around to a few places in Lebanon and the surrounding areas! :-) Even found some tractors ;-) and a hay bale! Got to use my new chair I bought last February! I had a blast! From Vicki, a friend of Paige's and mine, come with us to act as my assistant and to help out when needed. :-) to me stepping in the gross water in flip flops, it was a priceless afternoon. It turned out to be pretty hot, but the shade was perfect for me to do some magic. :-) Vicki had to watch for cars for us multiple times. (Trust me, if having a spotter watch for cars, just always be watching too! LOL ... Love ya Vicki!) .... Anyways, Can't wait to work with you again, Paige!!! :-)
This shot also brought something new to me, being able to get what I wanted without any real work in Photoshop! :-) But enough about me and Photoshop, just enjoy the pictures! :-) There is some more up on my Facebook page. So if you want to see more, click here! :-)

What a day! :-)

2011-08-21T15:55:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! :-) I'm so proud of myself right now. It's not even funny. So today I had a Senior Session with a girl named Paige. Well, I have to admit I was a bit nervous due to not having shot in awhile for people but you know what? It went better than I thought it would like 10times better! :-) Well, I knew the pictures looked good in the camera and well, as a photographer knows that doesn't necessarily mean that the pictures are going to be equally amazing. Sometimes there is just something we missed or something that we didn't think about. Well you know what!?! My pictures I just took... Look so much better than I could of dreamed for! ... To show you what I mean, I'll show you a few straight out of the camera just with a logo! :-)

Still.... seriously wow! :-) Love them... so can't wait to start messing with the others!

So hmm...

2011-08-19T15:35:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry! :-( I just realized I haven't posted anything in awhile... Shame on me. Its been a crazy couple of weeks since the end of July. First off, Let me tell you! :-) I'm ENGAGED!!!!!! :-) My boyfriend of like three and half years proposed to me!! :-) During a photo shoot for me and my boyfriend from Eternal Image Photography, he got on one knee and asked me, ME to marry him!!! :-) So as you can probably tell, it's been a crazy two weeks... One with deciding on a date, a location, and a photographer. My mind has been going about a mile a minute or more since I got my pretty Shiny! ring! :-) I'm so happy! :-) He is such a great guy! :-)

Now to plan this crazy wedding affair, cause we know too many people... Him more than me. But in public safety, which we both are, our partners, etc. are also our family. So if we invite one family, we have to invite the rest. It is going to be one crazy ordeal. If we make it through it all without eloping... ;-) Nah, I wouldn't do that to my mom or take the chance to walk down the aisle with my dad. Just somethings I really want to do.

This whole wrapping my mind around this is insane. Oh you are wondering why I am planning so quickly etc. Its because, I want to get married this coming June and well, I want to have the photographer I want and I want to do as much as I can cheap! I honestly haven't even planned that much. It's just the whole idea of how much stuff there is to plan with all of this stuff from locations, photographers, to shoes, to jewelry for my bridesmaids, who that will be, to the reception tables and centerpieces. It's all seeming a little overwhelming.. :-/ but fun at the same time.. :-)

If you want to see some of the pictures from the surprise engagement, go here. Michelle of Eternal Images posted them recently. I still have to order and stuff before they are all mine! :-)

San Antonio in Rewind

2011-07-26T14:23:00.000-07:00

What an amazing trip! My boyfriend surprised me last week. Well, let me explain that. We had been planning to go camping with a few friends and well, camping got canceled due to the 100 degree days with heat index of OVER 100. We decided that we weren't going to have fun if we went. So since me and my boyfriend had taken off the days from work, he decided that we needed to do something! And so he started looking. At this point, I had to stop him, well because money is very tight currently in my world as in vacation? was out of the picture for a long time due to a chiropractor bill.. :-( He told me not to worry and started to look. We canceled out Chicago cause of tempture, Vegas was out too. But San Antonio on the riverfront was a possibility. We left as soon as I got off work on Wednesday morning and took off in a southwesternly direction. And ended up in Oklahoma City to see the memorial there and then headed to the Riverwalk. We didn't get to really see it until the morning... But WOW what a view. It was gorgeous! :-) We walked around the whole thing, we took a tour, we investigated everything we could in the area. And I fell in love with the buildings, etc. You should probably know that I have a massive love for Spanish and Mexico. I love Spanish-- the language, the culture, the architecture, etc. I love it! :-) I was in heaven and then add in the language... Oh yeah, I could of stayed. We left on a Friday and migrated back to north Texas by Ft. Worth. Went to my first IKEA!!! :-) <3 it! :-) and cheap cheap!! It was an awesome, awesome trip! And I'm so glad my boyfriend took pity on me and helped me take a small vacation with him. I couldn't of planned it any better. Well, til the next roadtrip/vacation... Here are a few photos! :-)

Settling back into Real life!! ---Senses

2011-07-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Longtime no talk/do.... Hmmm what can I say? It's been hot (which is in itself non-motivating) and I've been on impromptu vacations and working non-stop at times this month. It's been a long, long month with not alot of craftiness, which will be changing in the next few months. Sorry for the last few posts... I've been embracing the Blogger app on my phone, which is handy. :-)
So how have you all been? Busy with summer plans and dealing with the massive heat in the Midwest? It's been bad. Trust me I work in a job in the elements. And then just this week, I've been able to move to the daylight shift so no more night owl-ness for me! :-) My new wake up time is at 445 a.m.!?!?! It's crazy, cause just last week 445 a.m. to me meant almost time for bed. It's going to be crazy, but at least I'll be back in my own bed to sleep. I also will now have time in the evenings for shoots! :-) So in the words/advice of my mother, it's time to get crackin' again on getting my business license! Do you realize it's been almost 7 months since I got a website??? And a Facebook fanpage?? For not really advertising and just moving through connections and posting a little :-) People like me... People really like me! ;-)

Sunday Senses
tasting :: french toast
hearing :: the Chicago soundtrack (Ipod set to random!)
smelling :: My leftover perfume of the morning (Outrageous by Fergie <3 it!)
seeing :: Pictures from my roadtrip/vacation this past week
feeling :: tired but hopeful
wishing/hoping :: That I could figure out the business aspects of all of this ... and wishing I didn't feel like a failure with my photography at times. It's so frustrating seeing others moving into the world of photography and do what I want to do everyday of their life... while I feel stuck at where I am. :-( Being a new adventure is always frustrating. But I am learning. Send a pray for me if you would... I could use the encouragement every once in awhile...

What are your senses this ~~Sunday~~ Tuesday?
Looking back, how was your week?
Leave a comment and tell me all about it

Faces on a building to ward off evil spirits

Photo Shoot Location

2011-07-14T12:44:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the best locations are ones you don't think about. Not all backgrounds are pretty flowers or a pretty building. Sometimes its the old, falling apart building or the thrown away signs.
What do I look for? Anything and everything that captures my imagination. :-) One afternoon at work, we drove by this amazing sign. An old Coke-Cola sign painted on the side of a building. What a great backdrop. As I looked around the building the other day, I found out the whole building has possibilities!
Then this week, I helped a friend get some stuff out of her car and stumbled upon a new amazing location-- old signs, falling apart cars, etc. Wow.. Near my apartment there is this old car in a field next to some trees. There is a concrete pad in another small area. These are just a few ideas. If you have an idea, just say it! :-) There is no stupid ideas, only ideas that have not been thought. Come take a walk with me sometime and we will find some locations together.
Now to stop dragging my feet. Okay maybe just a little bit longer.

Hmm I'm sorry

2011-07-13T00:58:00.001-07:00

Sorry for the long absence.:-( These past two weeks have been very long and trying for me. I'm on the final count down til I start days at my full time job after working full-time nights for two years.... And well, everything has been hitting at the same time. I worked my favorite holiday and saw no fireworks til a week later.:-/ I guess you will have to pardon my bitterness. My attitude of hot and nights can get to me on occasion.
And no, I haven't forgotten. I'm still working on getting my license. I just have put it on hold til money and help is in the same location when I'm awake ;-) ... The only sad part about moving to days is a promised photo shoot has to be moved :-( Sad about it but we will reschedule...
Hope to start back with Sunday Senses this weekend in the middle of a long bit of shifts. Til then, here is one of the fireworks pictures I got on my phone the other night. Enjoy!

Sunday Senses -- End of JUNE!!

2011-06-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

Wow! Can you believe it? June ends in less than 5 days!! :-) Well... As you probably can tell, I kinda have moved on from last week and am already excited about this week! .. Last week was boring and you so don't want to hear about running around doing nothing and being stood up on, etc. :-( but that is life! .... But this week..... Two days off in a row and I still can't make myself sit at a computer! I have been running and running around the world. I've been swimming, partying with a friend for her beginning of birthday week celebrations... It's been a blast. I'm off tomorrow for a 24 hour shift. Wish me luck! I get to hang with the boss... Yup, I'm terrified! Hope to get back with you guys soon! Btw still working on business stuff. My annoying computer decided to die on me last week so no license yet :-(

Sunday Senses

tasting :: $1 margaritas
hearing :: Laughter
smelling :: Mexican Food
seeing :: new pictures
feeling :: tired
wishing/hoping :: The next steps were easy

What are your senses this Sunday/Monday?
Looking back, how was your week?
Leave a comment and tell me all about it

Sunday Senses-- HAPPY FATHER's DAY

2011-06-19T14:53:00.000-07:00

Have you ever just had one of those weeks where you wish you could go back in time and change everything? I just did. An entire week of wishing for it.
I know, I'm supposed to be happy in the present and not worry about tomorrow. But do you realize how difficult that actually is? I mean, money worries, life worries, work worries, etc. It can pile up on you. And the past? Its worse, cause you can't change it... You worry about it. Wish you did the other thing or happy that you did. Ugh, its trying to get at me again... :-( not the kind of day I was hoping for today on this lovely Father's Day. My dad is 2+ hours away and I have to work... Yup, just another holiday in this job, working through.
Anyways, this past week? It wasn't bad, a bit too busy for me. Though I did clean a little. :-) Still way more to go. Then on Friday, I got to go to the Show Me Music Festival in Springfield!! :) For free!! Wondering how I did that? I signed up to work a first aid tent. :-) Then I got in. I got to see the chef from Dinner Impossible from the Food Network! It was awesome!!! :-) Got to see one of my bands that I wanted to see --- Gloriana!! The main people I wanted to see was on this Sunday, but you guessed it! I have to work. SO away I go to work. My boyfriend is down there this weekend, holing himself up in a hole to watch over the crazy people staying overnight. Yea, him...

Sunday Senses

tasting :: turkey leg!
hearing :: Twilight Soundtracks
smelling :: a burning candle
seeing :: the same old, same old
feeling :: sad
wishing/hoping :: God would work everything out in my life

What are your senses this Sunday?
Looking back, how was your week?
Leave a comment and tell me all about it.

Kingman -- My grandparents

2011-06-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

Growing up, you take so much for granted. Your grandparents will be there forever and are the wisest, sweetest, smartest people you know. If you're like me, you never asked how everything came to be. How the friends from college became soul mates or even thoughts before their elopement, etc... Yes, you hear pieces throughout your life, but you don't catalogue it. You don't memorize it. You go on with life, knowing that one day you'll hear that story again or next time you can ask.

Moments sometimes just slip right on by until it's too late to ask that question. Too late...

Eldon Earl Breazier has slipped out of this life but his wife Roya Pauline Breazier is still here. My Mom's parents, oh the stories I remember. They eloped right before Eldon went into the Air Force to fly planes in World War II. He came back and became a teacher, a computer person, a dean, a president, and a superintendent of schools. He flew planes, had a plane, and then designed & flew model airplanes. He was a semi-inventor and a photographer. Roya, she became an art teacher and had children, my Mom and Steven (her brother). She painted, she knit, and tried so many things. She also got her pilot's license.

I know some of the stories but there are still so many that I don't know. That I will never truly know. My grandpa passed away in April this year. My grandmother however is living in the nursing home with Alzheimer's, she's in the last stages :-( ... She is/was a beautiful knowledgeable woman. I miss her at her best. I got to see her this past week. :-( so many changes, but you know she is STILL my grandmother.

Summer Time Girl -- Angelica

2011-06-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

My cousin Angelica and I have been trying to get together for about a year now. (At least I think its been that long) I had ask her last summer if she would mind being a model for me sometime or several times, whichever the case maybe. :-) And well, life got in the way of doing something as it sometimes can... Well, the first week/weekend of the June, I was up at home and HOLY MOLY!!! We were in the same place and the same time!! The sad part is we almost missed each other again, just because brains weren't working ;-) In any case, let me introduce you to one of my cousins .... Angelica. She just finished high school and is now entering the real world ... Well, Angelica, hopefully we can do this again before another year is up!! ;-) I see plaid and cowboy boots in your future and who knows what else! ;-)

For Life -- Keegan

2011-06-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

It's a Relay for Life. It's a battle. It affects people no matter their age, nationality, relationships, etc. And each of us are affected by it. For one of my friends, when she had her twins, she did not know life was going to change right away. But it did. She has had to deal with alot in the past two years, but trust me, she has grown stronger for it. Neuroblastoma 4s is now in her vocabulary where before this all happened, she did not know what it meant or what it could mean for her son, Keegan.

Just a few facts about what all has been going on with Keegan since his birth on April 27, 2009. (info provided by his mother, Mahala)

By May 2009 we started noticing issues but was assured it was "gas" and "colic" he was fine.

By June 2009 he had an umbilical hernia and couldn't get comfy, and was losing some weight. Pedi wasn't concerned.
By July I wanted answers as his tummy was HUGE and looked like a basketball had been shoved in there.

On July 11, took him to the local ER in Moberly, MO. Dr. took an X-ray and a CT scan that showed an enlarged liver and sent us directly to the University of MO Children's., we were there for 5 days doing test after test, no answers saw every DR. there practically.

On July 31, they did a liver biopsy to find out why his liver was enlarged. That was the day we found out Keegan had Neuroblastoma 4s (meaning it had already spread to other organs). He had just turned 3 months old. Oct. 30th he had an 8 hour long surgery to remove as much of the primary tumor as they could in his back area, they couldn't touch what was in his abdominal area as it was too dangerous. They also put a port in his chest for chemo. He had just turned 6 months old.

Nov. 9 Keegan began his first of 4 cycles of chemo. This was a 3 day inpatient chemo. Nov. 30 Keegan began cycle 2 of chemo and it was a 24 hour inpatient chemo. Jan. 11 2010, Keegan began his 4th and final cycle of chemo, another 3 day inpatient chemo. Feb. 2010 Keegan had scans that showed good things, the tumor was crystalizing and dying. He was taken off treatment.

In April he turned a year old. June 2010 he participated in his first Relay For Life and was the youngest participating survivor. July 2010 Keegan met his one year cancer diagnosis with great news.

In August 2010 Keegan was put as NED No Evidence of Disease (essentially in remission)

Keegan is now 2 years old and has participated in his 2nd Relay for Life and was still the youngest participating survivor. July 31 2011, Keegan will meet his 2 year cancer diagnosis, and in August he will have more scans to see what the cancer is doing to make sure he is still NED, and if he is that means he will be NED for a year.

Senses in JUNE!!!

2011-06-08T10:22:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it? It's June! :-) I can. Mainly because I've been running around like a crazy person since last week and I'm not done yet! :) I'm off to Kansas City and then Kingman, Kansas for the next couple of days. We are finally getting a chance to do a memorial for my grandpa. So excited to see family, but not happy for the reason behind it. My boyfriend is getting to come with me so he gets to at least see my Grandma and the house before we sell it. :-(

Anyways last week. Where to start. Last weekend, I let one of my friends raffle off a free photography session with me for Relay for Life in Moberly, Missouri. :-) I was so excited and terrified. I didn't know what to expect or even what to do about the whole thing. I can market. I majored in Public Relations, but when it comes to me and my photography business... ... hmm, yeah, my mouth and mind freezes :-( ... Oh well, at least my friend was there with her booth to market me for me! :)

Anyways, I was able to put together some posters for the event and give a free session and some prints away for some luck raffle winner :-) I was so happy about the chance to do it. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a happy relationship with Relay for Life and raffles and Peaces Photography!

Sunday Senses

tasting :: fried oreos

hearing :: water splashing at the pool

smelling :: warm country air

seeing :: my cousin Angelica :)

feeling :: the warm heat of the sun

wishing/hoping :: Everything goes great with the raffle winner...

What are your senses this Sunday (I know it is late, still) ?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it.

Sunday Senses -- Memorial Day Weekend

2011-05-31T15:19:00.000-07:00

One of the grave sites we decorated

What a week! It's been a long one... Okay maybe it is just me counting the minutes until I'm on my way HOME!!! Yup, you heard it right. I am taking a small vacation from my little full time job and escaping to my parent's house in Moberly (northern Missouri for those who have no clue) I cannot wait!! :) I haven't been home since February and that was only for a day :( and then all the back issues... Let's just say it's been way, WAY too long. So no surprise but Sunday Senses will be kinda late depending on when I get back into town next Sunday!

Anyways, let me tell you about my week. Well, it started off the same? Only the tornado and then my boyfriend disappearing for a few days. Then I finally got off work in time for my boyfriend's birthday in which all plans were canceled due to everything going on... Then onto Friday and business meeting :( ... The good news is Wednesday, I'm going to the County Courthouse and finding out how much a real business start up costs are going to be... Nervous... But I already registered my fictitious name! :) Peaces Photography is mine :) ALL MINE!! at least for a year.

Then Friday afternoon, my boyfriend and I ran up to a cemetery to decorate one of his family member's grave site for Memorial Day. You know, this holiday has kinda been one that I didn't exactly do. I mean, I enjoyed the weekend off from most of my jobs (worked this one away) but I never decorated grave sites, mainly I believe because my family has always moved around and now are too far away from most grave sites. My boyfriend's family however, do believe in the tradition. And so I'm getting a chance to learn and understand. Though, I still live way too far away from most of the grave sites that mean a lot to me, I am going to believe that by taking my time out to decorate another grave site or have a moment that day or weekend to remember the good times and them that I am in a way decorating the grave site of those closest to me. I hope your Memorial Day weekend was amazing... Well, I'm off back to work! Have a great evening! :)

Sunday Senses

tasting :: PTA cookies (the most divine chocolate chip cookies ever with milk and honey)

hearing :: The Twilight Soundtracks

smelling :: cookies baking

seeing :: the flyers I am designing for Moberly's Relay for Life

This sighting at a cemetery always makes me a little sad. :(

feeling :: inspired! :)

wishing/hoping :: Wishing I could figure out this business junk and become official!

What are your senses this Sunday (I know its Tuesday, still) ?

Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it.

Working on: Relay for Life

2011-05-28T10:12:00.001-07:00

So, I know its been awhile since I did anything photography related on here of people and I realize that. But that's what you get when you stop everything to make sure you are legal and make sure everything is ready as possible to market yourself. However as most people say "You can't be prepared for everything," so that's where I am. Next weekend, in Moberly, Missouri, I will be donating a one-hour photography session to be raffled off to raise money for Relay for Life. I know pretty sweet if you ask me. One of my friends asked me last December or January if I would be interested, I said sure, I would love to. Not know exactly what I'm doing with a raffle (never done one before), I've been making flyers for the event that advertise me! :) And man, has it been a blast! I think I spent the entire day and a half in front of a computer working on these. I am going to try to do at least one more, but here they are! :) Hope you guys like them. Let me know! :)

Business advice

2011-05-27T10:09:00.001-07:00

What is it about people who did it the old way of film that make you feel like you are doing it the easy way? And that you are missing the hidden easy secret that will make you amazing?
So today I went to get some small business advice. Well, it was interesting. They told I needed to get lighting. Wait, I guess I should say first that all of them have really only dealt with film, and darkrooms. One of the gentleman they had invited for further assistance is a hobbist who works with film and I'm sure by now has done some digital work. Don't get me wrong. I love, love film. One of my goals is to get better with a film camera and build a dark room. :-)
The problem was they were focused on the studio lighting aspects and then went on to care more about the fact I had mentioned wanting to do weddings. I know I need lighting, I know weddings are difficult. But I also know I don't have a million dollars or even a couple thousand dollars to buy everything I need to be completely ready for every situation.
Yes, they had some good suggestions such as make a true price list, and a list of what I want to move toward eventually. My only issue with price list is what... Do I do 1 8x10, 2 5x7, 4 4x6, and 10 wallets or just do what? Do I offer a CD of prints for a separate price? What if my customers only want the CD, not the prints? There are so maby variables. And I know you can't plan for everything, but still. What do you suggest? Prints? CDs? Both? Albums?
Another thing they said that I finally got is 'If I am selling a product/service, then I need my business license.' So guess who is getting off her butt next week and scrounging around for enough money for a business license and everything that includes.
Oh why does everything have to include money? More money that is readily available.
Okay off to enjoy the day. Will add a picture or four later when I get to a computer, but just wanted to let you all know how it all went!

Sunday Senses (late) --- Tornado

2011-05-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

Image from Google

On Sunday evening about 6 p.m. Joplin, Missouri, got hit by a huge EF4 tornado. With in minutes of realizing that St John's Mercy Joplin was hit, we started to get text messages asking for any available crews. So by about 648p.m., my partner, me and another ambulance and our supervisor headed down to assist. On the way, I received a phone call from my boyfriend saying he was leaving to go down to Joplin to assist in they Emergency Management area. When we reached Springfield we were separated out and my unit stayed in Springfield to assist with normal call volume as well as patients being brought in my airplanes from Joplin.

The damage is intense and incredible. We don't think that things happen at home or close to home. Joplin is two and half hours away from where I live now, but is somewhere I actually frequent (was there just this past Friday.) My boyfriend just arrived back in town this morning exhausted. The damage scares me but also has me pacing wanting to help and not sure how at the moment, everyone is starting to come out with where you can donate money, donate items, etc. Frustrating due to the lack of fundage at the end of the month, I have time. If they need me still, I might end up there later this week or whenever they need me. I'm back on tonight with the same partner as on Sunday and who knows we might attempt to go back down and try to assist.

Image from Google

Attached is a video from some of my friends who were down there first responding.

Sunday Senses

tasting :: peppermint cookies :)
hearing :: the horror stories about what happened in Joplin
smelling :: my flowers I bought for myself last week
seeing :: seeing the devastation of Joplin
feeling :: helpless
wishing/hoping :: hoping no more storms hit Joplin at least til clean up is over

What are your senses this Sunday (I know its Tuesday, still) ?
Looking back, how was your week?
Leave a comment and tell me all about it.

Craft time -- Chalkboard

2011-05-15T15:19:00.000-07:00

Most everyone knows that if you are a photographer, that most of the time you started with some sort of other craft such as painting, sewing, designing, etc. I was lucky before I started taking pictures. I did a ton of different things, things like painting, ceramics, design, etc.. It was so bad that in college I didn't know what to do, but art was fun. Who knows how I ended up for sure taking Public Relations as my major. I always loved the idea of decorating things and changing them to fit me. However, I have not had that much experience with it. So this project was my first. I'm sure there will be more down the road. Until then, enjoy this one. :-)

You're probably wondering the point of this post. Well, awhile back my boyfriend's mother gave me these gold mirror things. Yes, it was sweet but they were not my style. I'm not a gold person. Give me silver or black and I'm happy. These gold things have been sitting around my apartment being moved around and hidden. This past winter, I had the brilliant idea of painting and trying to make them more me. About the same time I had that thought, I was also looking for some wood to do a chalkboard project. I pulled the mirrors apart last night and guess what! :) They had the perfect wood to put chalkboard paint on!! :) So Yup, I now have silver chalkboards!! :)

Here's how I did it.

Need:

One flat board

One frame

Chalkboard paint

Spray paint of choice

1. You need to take the items apart and begin spray painting the frame. Try to do at least two coats front and back.

2. While the spray paint is drying, now take the flat board and chalkboard paint. Paint at least two layers on the board.

3. Wait patiently while everything dries. Then you are ready to put it back together and hang it on your wall.

The finish project... Chalk to be bought later :)

Sunday Senses

2011-05-08T22:15:00.001-07:00

Ugh, I'm tired. It was a long, not-what-I-expected, week in Branson at Jon's conference. Half the people were stressing, the other half was just tired. It wasn't yet again like what I expected from a conference in Branson. Guess I should know by now... Oh well, at least parts were relaxing. Warning now I really need a vacation! We got to see a little of the flooding around the world, but the majority of it in Branson was down by the time we got down to the conference. But the last Friday in April, my boyfriend and I wondered up to Rolla and got to see some of the crazy flooding! So here are some of those pictures. :-) Now if the rain would stop and the massive heat wave we are supposed to get this week will go away, it'd be an awesome spring... Oh well... Hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day!! :)

Yes, it is a house.

Sunday Senses

tasting :: Ice cream!!
hearing :: Rolling in the Deep by Adele
smelling :: steak cooking
seeing :: the sights in Branson
feeling :: worn out and tired
wishing/hoping :: that life was not complicated when it came to work & decide what people are thinking about.

What are your senses this Sunday?
Looking back, how was your week?
Leave a comment and tell me all about it.

Happy Mommy's Day

2011-05-08T21:48:00.001-07:00

Can you believe its Mother's Day already? This year has pasted so fast but yet slow for me. I remember last year. :-) About this time last year, my Mom requested that I take a few pictures of her & Dad & the house. She couldn't remember the last time they'd sone it. Then she also spoke about how Dad had gone somewhere and no pictures of him & Mom and none of the house to show. I felt so honored at that moment and terrified. These pictures meant more to me than anything I had ever shot. Fast forward the shoot went well & I love those pictures. :-)
Being away from my mother for the second Mother's Day in row is making me think about what special gift can I do for her? My wish is to get pictures done just the two of us. I was hoping to do it this year but so far the plan has fallen apart. But I still have hopes.
To me as a daughter, I would love to get pictures done with my Mom. It is something I know she would treasure & that I also would treasure cause we both like pictures. My brother? I'm not how he would react to getting pictures taken for Mother's Day. He'll have to eventually for me :-)
So my advice to you on this fading Mother's Day is to schedule the time to get pictures taken with your Mother... You won't regret it!
And once again Happy Mother's Day to all the Mothers out there!

Popping In

2011-05-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

I can't stop listing to this song, " Rolling in the Deep" ---Adele. I just bought the album tonight. My first CD I have purchased in about a month. Strange, at least for me. Now, I am just waiting for the perfect time to sit down with this CD and blare it loudly from whatever speakers I have! ... Hope you guys have an amazing weekend... Hopefully, I will break out of this funk soon! Til then enjoy the song! :)

Sunday Senses

2011-05-01T20:37:00.001-07:00

What a week! I'm so tired. There was the wedding of the century with Prince William :,( and Kate on Friday. I'm hoping to find some pictures from the royal wedding that are especially amazing to me. I'll be posting that as soon as my brain can be working around a computer. There has been nothing but rain. I worked my first 24 hour shift. :) It wasn't bad and I greatly enjoyed being able to enjoy the daylight and see people... I hope I get more chances to enjoy the daylight. We also got to enjoy Hometown Heroes in Lebanon. Its a event that reconizes heroes in our hometown, who go above and beyond their jobs, etc. Its an amazing event. Someday, I want to be more involve with it. And then tonight, listening to the President speak about Bin Laden's death. What a week! Next week brings me in Branson, working at my boyfriend's conference. Hopefully I'll be able to bring back some pictures as well as being able to finish a few books. :-)

Sunday Senses
tasting :: Wendys new sea salt fries
hearing :: the news
smelling :: fish cooking
seeing :: my new-ish phone
feeling :: worn out
wishing/hoping :: This week goes better than last year's conference

What are your senses this Sunday?
Looking back, how was your week?
Leave a comment and tell me all about it.

A Gratitude Journal

2011-04-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

Last fall, I started a new project for 60 days or more about posting Things I'm thankful for everyday. The plan was to continue posting things I was thankful until I felt a little more positive about my world. Well... Hmmm... needless to say, it worked for awhile and I did feel more positive. I found myself looking for things I would be thankful for. Not just people that made me happy but things in my life like an ice cream, a moment with my boyfriend, etc. From those few days, I felt so much better about life. Well, and yet again I am hitting a point where I need to step back and remember why I was thankful for in general.
Last week or earlier this week, I don't remember whatever, I ran across this blog post from a photographer named Gail Werner. (Yes, the book is on my list to read.) The post hit me and I knew I needed to start a gratitude journal for me once again. I needed to start a journal to catalogue my place with photography. I need to be thankful for the moments that I have. Yes, it's going to be hard. Yes, its going to be a pain, but it is something I really do need. My mind is still trying to get around this idea of a gratitude journal. I mean, I've had normal journals never could keep it everyday, but I did try. Shoot a new journal I started at the beginning of this year to do a month by month journal is behind by like February.... I need to catch it up, I need to remember.
Sorry, I'm rambling. Anyways, the journal has begun and I will need your help to remind me, to push myself forward. To find 5 things daily that I feel thankful for. I'm still working out when to write them, because sometimes that affects my thankfulness (if you know what I mean) I am going to try...

So let's be thankful on this Easter weekend and remember what happened so long ago with our Savior. And I'm sorry for rambling so much so here is a cute video to end your Friday night.

Grandpa, Forever Loved

2011-04-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

You would not believe how hard it has been to sit down and write this post. :( I know life is hard and people live and die. You think I would get that especially on my job since it is something that eventually always comes up. Last Wednesday (April 6,), my Grandpa died. My mom's dad. No, this wasn't my first grandparent to die but it was really the first that I felt completely connected to. Like everyone, I had a set of grandparents I was closest to. They always seemed to get me in my little weird artisty way. My grandpa was a photographer at one point and my grandmother was a painter and an art teacher. We kind of connected in our artisty ways. They were the farther-est away, but my family always took time to go see them. About I don't 3-4 years ago, my grandmother started to get Alzheimer's Disease. She was different but she still smelled like my grandmother and still cared about us all. About that time, I started to go into the "real" world and start having jobs that were not very allowing for a visit at the same time as my parents to go see my grandparents. So yeah, it's been awhile since I had seen my grandpa, but dang it, he is in my heart and on my mind.
Anyways the week before last, he had gone in for a little surgery (at 87 is anything really little). When he came out of it, he was different. He was confused. They decided to keep him longer and then last Tuesday, the call came from Mom. She said through tears that they think he had puemonia or the infection in his toe had spread. :'(

Gosh, it seems so unreal, even a week later. He was my grandpa. He was one of the people who inspired me to pick up a camera. They were always encouraging my abilities to paint by giving me painting supplies giving me their leftover language books. There is no funeral. There is no memorial stone. There is just continuance. I think my Mom feels it and I know I feel it. We want in a way closure, but that will probably come this summer after we step back into their house to fix it and clean it to sell. :'(

My main regret at this moment is that I did not capture them with my camera when I had a chance, before everything got confusing and crazy. I have pictures of them of course, but nothing that I captured after I decided to go forward with this photography thing. My grandpa on my Dad's side died about 4 years ago. But that grandma is still around. I think this spring, I'm going to try to spend an afternoon with her, just capturing her at this moment in her place. She has adapted since my grandpa died but she is still my grandma.

If I could give you guys any advice, it would be to don't wait capture the ones you love now. As you grow older, it becomes harder to make time, to separate from your busyness. Capture them now. I have a promise to myself to capture my parents and the family I have left, because someday, I don't want to have to write about regretting taking that time. I want to remember them. (Also sorry for the quality of this picture. Film and scanned about the only one of me and them that I can really find at the moment.)

Me and My mom's parents

Two Days of JASMINE STAR

2011-04-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

Jasmine Star

Oh wow, if you have never checked out Jasmine Star, you should! She is amazing. She is a wedding photographer -a down-to-earth person who has a passion for photography, for her photography. She is amazing. Anyways for the last two days, she has been amazing to all of us. She has been working with creativeLIVE to produce a workshop about wedding photography... Well, lets just get into it ... cause I'm massively late posting this (I'm failing on this blog right now :( ... stupid real job) Anyways on the first day, she talked about her life, her starting point. She spoke about how she was having a tough time in law school and wasn't happy (totally can relate to this) ... and decided to take a break essentially for a few months and see what she could do. Well, during that time off, she got married in Hawaii and talked this photographer David Jay into photographing her wedding. She spoke about how she had become kind of obessed with his blog and his life that she felt like she had a personal connect. The personal connection is what she feels we all need to bring in clients. Anyways, she finally told her husband a few months, I think later, that she wanted to be a wedding photographer. So for Christmas, he got her and a camera and for the next few months learned it.
Jasmine was so down to earth that she explain her whole learning process with her camera. She said she read the manual and then set up projects for her to try. She said she had an orange tree in her backyard that she took tons of thousands of pictures. She continued on til she was second shooting weddings from 30-45 and finally landed her first three weddings! (Wow, if only that could happen to me :( ... I have shot two weddings by myself and am shooting my THIRD!!!! *dances in chair* wedding this summer. I have never second shot though it sounds fun. So if you are a photographer looking for a second photographer to shoot and are in Missouri, seriously hook me up! :) I would be eternally grateful!)

Gosh, I just realized I kind of sound like a stalker... Hmmm... sorry :) I stumbled onto Jasmine Star's blog about two years ago and fell in love with her writing and her photography. Her story is so inspiring!
Things I learned:
*   Practice everyday.
*   Read the manual
* Be okay with sucky images in the beginning and continue to improve! (And always state in the photography world
* Get off the wall and comment when it comes to photography forums. (I join and never write. I follow blogs and never comment. I follow people on facebook and never comment on their wall, etc.)
* If you have a website and it is not helping you it is harming you... (Going to be looking into my "brand" What is me? What type of client am I looking for? What am I saying with my stuff?)
* Put yourself out there. Get critics, etc.
*   Blog consistently, don’t let the blog get stale.
*   Create and stick to a daily schedule and keep refining it to make it work better for me.
*   Outsource the things that take us too much time or that we are not proficient at, like designing books, or editing 1000’s of photos.

Quotes from Jasmine Star?  :) Sure why not!
"Schedule time to help others."
"Be personal within social media. Talk back!"
"If you're not uncomfortable, you're not working hard enough."
"Out shoot, out run, out hustle."
"Luck is when preparation meets opportunity."
"Have someone believe in you if you don't believe in yourself."
"Put out what you want to get back. You will get clients that want you, for you."
"My goal for your engagement session is for you to have a good time, my job is to make you look good."
"It's my job to make every client, look, feel and KNOW they are beautiful."
"Under promise and Over deliver."
“Shoot outside your comfort zone”

She really is so inspiring. Now to just keep ahold of that inspiration and go with it! Also going to be reading a new book thanks to her recommendation during the workshop called The War of Art by Stephen Presfield.

For more about the creativeLIVE Jasmine Star course, go here to her blog.

The creativeLIVE group! :)

Wow... Sunday Senses

2011-04-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had just one of those experiences that leaving you wondering what you did right in the world to have it happen to you? Well, it happened to me the past few days. It's strange cause it actually started last week --a blessing in disguise. :) About three weeks or so ago, I asked my counterpart to switch me nights on April the 9 so I could go to a scrapbooking thing. I waited patiently until it got closer so I could re-ask and make sure he was okay with it. He finally told me he could last Saturday/Friday. So I was so excited and then I watched gas prices jump higher. I watched my friend back out on me and me be left with about three options. 1. Go to scrapbook thing, spend $45 for ticket, $10 for shirt, and about $30 for gas, and extra money ... $85-100. :( 2. Go to friend's house and hang out. At least $30 for gas, but probably add at least another $50 for randomness. 3. Stay home and work on my scrapbook in the comfort of my own apartment.

You can probably guess what won my highest vote, .... Stay Home. So I went on during the week and then a friend asked if I would switch a night shift for a day shift for him... So I did. Now, I was left with Friday and Saturday to figure out what I wanted to do. As Friday rolled around, I was playing on the Internet, on my favorite photographer websites, and what do I see but something saying that Jasmine Star! :) *insert girlie scream* was speaking on creativeLIVE and for FREE for TWO DAYS!!! I couldn't believe it! I went quickly over to that website and what do I find? I have 30 mins before I can watch! I was so excited. So for the past two days, I have been sitting near a computer watching her online workshop! :) I have loved it but that is for another post! :) :) :) (And no, I did not end up scrapbooking, but I had a blast listening to Jasmine Star!) Then today, I did a DAY SHIFT!!! Oh my gosh, do you have any idea how long it has been since I worked in the daylight on purpose?!?!? About two years, TWO YEARS! I wasn't sure what to think about it. It was strange seeing people happy and not tired. People who wanted to talk and hang out not just sleep. But wow, daylight. I miss it. I miss daylight. I miss people who are around. I miss seeing people. I miss feeling like I'm right with myself not just against the flow of me. Does that make sense? Hmmm... but it was fun. We'll have to see what the future holds!

Sunday Senses
tasting :: snickerdoodle cookies
hearing :: Jasmine Star
smelling :: my perfume. (I finally found a scent I like, really like. It's called Outspoken by Fergie)
seeing :: SUNLIGHT
feeling :: awake and alive
wishing/hoping :: Wishing I could figure it all out quickly!

What are your senses this Sunday?
Looking back, how was your week?

Leave a comment and tell me all about it.

WINTER JAM 2011

2011-04-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

Jason Castro

Wow, well as promised... a little later than I had said they would be... Here are some pictures from the Winter Jam Concert last Saturday! :) My head is still completely full of songs they all played that night -- Born Again, Strong Tower, etc. They are all in my head! It's all good. These shots were taking with my Canon Powershot, cause I was nervous about taking my baby camera... someday, someday, I am going to take my big baby camera and let it make beautiful music with the concert! :)
The concert was amazing and everything I had hoped it would be and more! Now I can't wait til next year one, and also for my next concert with people I love!! :)

Francesca

Newsboys

Waiting for my Newsboys' autographs! :)

Newsboys signing autographs

Sidewalk Prophets

Sunday Senses & Recap! :)

2011-04-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a week! What a week! It's been fun and hard and trying and a blast! But oh so busy as what my life dictates at the moment. But this Friday and Saturday made up for so many bad days in the past few weeks. I was finally out and about hanging with friends, doing stuff not just sitting in pain. (Don't get me wrong the pain came back worse, just was to happy at the moment to care. Go figure have to care now as I'm getting ready for work!) Friday, I got to hang out with a friend of mine who is amazing and awesome. Who is actually someone I look up to for her attitude. You don't meet that many people with that good of an attitude! At least I don't. Then Saturday it was back up bright and early to go to a scrapbook store grand opening! :) and then off to garage sales! And the first one we hit, amazing! It was a photographer's garage sale! Behind the Red Door Photography is their main name but each does weddings and families. It was just incredible! :) **warning their website opens to full page**

I got some new-to-me magazines, wooden blocks in amazing condition, and some feather boas. My friend picked up a bunch of stuff as well. If I had more money, there was a stool that I wanted as well as a few other items, but hey, oh well. :) There were a few other really good yardsales, but that one really took the cake! :)

Then Saturday evening, it was off to Winter Jam 2011! Eight Christian bands including Newsboys, Kutless, Francesca Battistelli, and Sidewalk Prophets. It was down right amazing. I even discovered that I knew some songs by some of the different people but didn't know they sung it! It was so awesome.. And well, Newsboys!, They were on my bucket list to see them in concert! They are one band that has always been a favorite since high school and I think I have almost all of their albums! :) I can't help it. They are AWESOME! I'll try to post some pictures of the concert this week. But I got to run and get ready cause of course, it's getting later! Hope you all had a wonderful week!

Sunday Senses

tasting :: a pretzel
hearing :: loud music
smelling :: pizza -- not enough money to buy it last night :(
seeing :: bright lights of a stage
feeling :: worn out
wishing/hoping :: Wishing I had a few days off to go see my parents and my home...
What are your senses this Sunday?
Looking back, how was your week?
Leave a comment and tell me all about it.

A long Sunday night!

2011-03-28T17:37:00.001-07:00

Sorry this post is so late. That's what I get for taking calls before my shift starts. Oh well, on to bigger & better thoughts. The past week has been okay... Nothing much wonderful has happened. I did get a new lens that I'm completely in love with! I love getting new stuff for my camera. (will post some pictures with it as soon as I can.) It always makes me a little happier. I'm pretty sure this is going to be my last purchase for awhile. No, I take that back. I'm going to buy a wireless remote as soon as I can get to a real computer. :) Don't think my dreams for a flash are going to happen this go around. Just going to have to save the money.

Sunday Senses
tasting :: chocolate chip cookie bar (delicious)
hearing :: laughter
smelling :: sizzling steak (It was date night with my boyfriend so steak.)
seeing :: the snow fall
feeling :: tired
wishing/hoping :: I had the money & time for a vacation. (maybe somewhere warm with a beach or something)

What are your senses this Sunday(I'm late.)?
Looking back, how was your week?
Leave a comment and tell me all about it.

Spring is here!!!

2011-03-20T17:34:00.001-07:00

It's Sunday... I'm sitting at work, listening the birds. Dang, sometimes it's nice to be at a job where I can sit outside & enjoy the weather... It's kinda strange being back. The smells are the same & familiar... But I guess an attitude change has occurred in me... Guess it's what happens after a kind of forced vacation due to a hip/tailbone. I told my mom recently that I had been thinking too much during my time off. I realized that I'm not happy, I'm just kind of floating through my life :( ...
I came across something on a blog the other day and it really hit me. It basically said you need to have an idea of where you want to be in your life. 'Cause then everything you do will be working toward that goal. If you don't have an idea of where you want to go, you are just wondering aimlessly in this world!

Well, World, I hate to break it to you, but I'm wondering aimlessly thru you!!

So watch out, world, I'm going to be figuring it out. Here's what I know... I love photography. I love being creative. I love being outdoors & seeing the outside world. I love getting know new people & making them smile! I love reading, painting, taking pictures, scrapbooking, designing, and learning new things.

Sunday Senses
tasting :: leftover Dr. Pepper from Kum 'n Go
hearing :: cars driving by/birds singing
smelling :: the familiar smell of the ambulance
seeing :: my new tablet (where I'm typing right now)
feeling :: the wind hit my face
wishing/hoping :: wishing that I was free to roam where I wish, but back at work

What are your senses this Sunday?
Looking back, how was your week?
Leave a comment and tell me all about it.

(pictures brought to you by my new Android tablet camera!)

A rainy afternoon...

2011-03-20T14:04:00.000-07:00

You know what happens when all the plans for the afternoon gets ruined and all you are left with is inside, a camera and yourself. Like most people, I'm not a huge fan of getting my picture taken, but I like to practice. However at times like this, I step into the camera's focus and attempt to take some good pictures, even put on some make-up for the first time in awhile. (These pictures aren't the best mainly because I oftened don't like myself in picture, i.e. too fat, not that pretty, etc.) But sometimes it is a good thing to take those pictures even when you are worried about yourself, your body image etc. This is me. This is who I am. And This is where I am at right now. And I want to remember that. I want to remember this time of my life, weeks after my birthday and how good I looked at the moment. No matter if later in life, I gain weight, etc. This weekend is engraved in my mind.

Look at the brightside, I'm feeling better. Shoot, as I type this I'm sitting cross-legged on my couch something I haven't been able to do in about two weeks. Though I can't do it for very long, I am able to do it. So celebrate for me tonight (Sunday), I have to go back to my full-time job tonight.... So none for me at the moment.

Don't worry there will be more of these pictures as soon as I have another moment to myself with my camera. Hopefully, I will get a wireless remote before that point in time... In 10secs, running back and forth, I'm sure I'm going to hurt myself eventually!

March.... yup..

2011-03-13T13:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry, I've been not posting as much lately. I ended up hurting my hip/tailbone/back the other day. Still not really sure how, which leaves me in a strange predicament. :( But this weekend, I am resting and hanging out with Mr. Pain Pill and Mr. Ice Pack. I'm going back to the doc on Monday before two more days of work. We'll see what happens then...

So during my forced vacation, I have stumbled onto something on Saturday Senses. Yes, I realize its Sunday, so what am I going to do? Call it Sunday Senses of course! :) After back reading about it, it actually started on someone's blog as a Friday thing, which doesn't make that much sense to me. I mean, Friday Senses? No ring to it... But you can do as you will... However, I'm making it Sunday Senses..

Sunday Senses

tasting :: Chips Ahoy Chunky Chips Chocolate cookies...
(my happy food)

hearing :: The Perfect Circle CD -- Imagine... It's one of those random iPod Days...

smelling :: stale air mixed with my heating which is back on again...
(I hate it when my toes are freezing!)

seeing :: The too whiteness of my apartment walls.

feeling :: An achyness in my hip. :(
(At least its not sharp at the moment.)

wishing/hoping :: That the pain would be gone and I could enjoy the day.

What are your senses this Sunday?
Looking back, how was your week?
Leave a comment and tell me all about it.
I found out about "Sunday Senses" here.

I'll leave you with a picture of Miss Chloe, cause every post needs a picture.

A New Princess --- Baby Chloe

2011-02-26T01:00:00.000-08:00

When about to do my first newborn shoot, I got a little nervous and worried about how it was going to go. I had seen so much stuff online about how hard newborn photos were, etc. I read something about that a photographer should not try it until they have a workshop on newborn photography. I was just getting so nervous. I had seen that on occasion there has been some unfriendly babys for some of the photographers I follow, so I was getting a little nervous.

I shouldn't of worried. Even though I know it, I forget God will take care of you no matter how small the worry is. And sure enough, Chloe was perfect for my first newborn shoot.

When my friend, Cindy brought Chloe to see me, I should of known I was in for a real treat. Chloe was an absolute sweetheart during the entire shoot!

The only sad part was after trying for awhile we just could not get her to go into a deep sleep so we could move her around without waking her. However, we were able to get to do some sleeping shoots, but she woke up. Too bad we finally got her asleep only at the end of the shoot... Oh well, there is always next time, right Cindy? ;)

I got to admit, I'm now ready to try a newborn shoot again. :) I had a blast and would love to do it again. Hopefully, I'll get to. :) .... Btw just for your knowledge, the best time to have newborn pictures done is around the 2 weeks mark. We can do them earlier, but for the majority of them, two weeks is the best time. :) Just fyi ;)

I Heart Faces :) #88

2011-02-25T22:59:00.000-08:00

It's Friday! Well, sorta still for me. I'm staying up getting ready to work tomorrow night again and well, I decided to participate in the I Heart Faces Fix Friday challenge! :)

I missed last week due to being out of town and celebrating my birthday a little early. Dontcha just love that sometimes? Where your birthday can just go on and on all month just because of seeing people, etc.?

Anyways, back to this awesome picture by Angie Arthur Photography who had taken a picture of her daughter in the first place for a hair accessory ad. Sounds like a cool thing to do. When I first saw the picture, I feel in love with the blurriness of her hair in areas and her slightly dreamy expression. I wasn't sure what I could do to make it --- mine, or better? I guess thats the right word... But I decided to just mess with it and try in CS2.

First try

This first edited, I didn't do very much with it. I really liked the unedited shoot & knew that if it was mine, I wouldn't do alot to it, just because it looks good right out of the camera. Anyways, I just messed around with the levels and then looked at the Hues to see if there was anything that would help it even look better.

2nd try

For the 2nd try, I decided to crop the picture down a bit even though I loved the full shot of her hair. This crop helped me to narrow down more to her face and expression, where I was first brought into the shot. :) She makes me think of a young dreamer in this photo.

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3rd try

For the 3rd try, I decided that I needed a little Black & White in my world, but since I have been messing with selective color, I decided to make the hair flower stand out more. I just kind of treated this Fix-it Friday as an ad campaign for the hair accessories, but also tried to edit a little of the picture. I think I really like it with the selective color! :)

Feel free to head over to I Heart Faces and get in on the action! :) Hope you liked my edits... Now back to Baby Chloe!

Birthday/Newborn

2011-02-24T22:20:00.000-08:00

So most people on their birthdays wish for presents or time or a whole host of other things. Me? No, I wished for photography stuff and a new shoot. And guess what? I got a very cool blue velvet old looking chair that I am completely in love with! It is beautiful... I CANNOT wait to use it in a shoot. :)
Yeah, there were a ton of different items I would of loved to buy myself for my birthday. Most of the things I want for myself are usually expensive :( so I am left to buy them, which is okay for me. Anyways, I was happy with my chair and who knows what I will buy next. Hopefully, my LLC.!

Well, its now the day after my birthday which leads me to the whole reason of this post.. Well, of course my birthday is enough reasons to have a post... Anyways, one of my friends Cindy had a baby earlier this month and we got together and decided to do a newborn shoot together. :) And it's TODAY!! :) I'm so nervous and excited at the same time! I hope the pictures come out amazing. I am so blessed to have this opportunity. This year is already rocking for me. I wonder what will be next! :)
I leave you with a shot from the newborn shoot! :) It was a blast! :)

Ode to Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T14:01:00.000-08:00

google image search

Oh Val-day, I don't know what to think about you anymore. I have loathed thee for so long, and now.... well, I still don't like you. However, I have finally come to the conclusion that we have to co-exist in the same month. So as soon as I get off work on Wednesday morning, I will toast to you... "May your Valentine's Day be wonderful."

Before you get off on "you're a photographer...you're supposed to love love and all that," well, yeah I do but I love the love that is forever, not just because it came wrapped in red tissue paper.

Let me explain about my past with Valentine's Day ... As a small child in public school, every year on Valentine's Day the school offices are full of flowers and balloons, etc. Well, my family really never thought about sending flowers, etc. to school on those days mainly cause they knew we would see them later that day and they would give something special. As time went on and I entered into Junior High/High School (yes still public) there were even more flowers and balloons... These of course were no longer only from family, but boyfriends and grandparents, etc. I mean shoot, I had one friend I'm sure that one year she had flower(S) from her boyfriend at the time, her mother, her father and her grandmother!
I was one of those kids in high school who didn't have a boyfriend and my parents still didn't believe in sending them to school. Well, I think it was my junior year or maybe sophomore this annoying guy (who is now a friend still) bought me a carnation for Valentine's Day and for both my birthday... Oh yeah, my birthday's this month as well.
Yes, the carnation was sweet, but I realized at that moment that I wanted a love that was freely given everyday, not just when someone is told they have to. I want a 1Corinthians 13 love, not just the Hallmark card with roses (though occasionally what girl doesn't) One of the photographers I follow Avayah Photography, said it right

"Love is extremely powerful. It’s the center of everything. But my love, the love I live for, isn’t wrapped in pink &red tissue covered in chocolate. It’s simple. It’s everyday. It’s him making me coffee and opening my car door. It’s just us.

And in those hand & hand….. I’ll cook, you clean moments, I’m reminded that I love because He first loved me." ---Avayah Photography

With 1 Corinthians 13 in my head, I dream of happy weddings/engagements with people who are experiencing that love. That is why engagements and weddings are so special to me as a photographer to be apart.
So with that in mind (in my badly worded way) I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Valentine's Day with your sweetheart! :)

(ps & yes, In case you are wondering, when I hit college away from home, my mom started sending me flowers on my birthday to remind me that I was not alone even on my birthday)

I Heart Faces :) #86

2011-02-11T22:47:00.000-08:00

It's Friday! Well, sorta still for me. I'm staying up getting ready to work tomorrow night and well, I decided to participate in the I Heart Faces Fix Friday challenge! :) I have been thinking about it for awhile, but never got around to trying it until today. Basically, it all starts with a photographer who is willing to give a photo for the rest of us to see what we can do to the photo.. Take it and make it ours, etc. After messing with this one tonight, I can honestly say... I'm going to have to participate more this year... :) .... Okay, sit back and enjoy the edits and let me know what you think! :)

First off, here is the photo we were given to work with from Rachel from Savor Photography, who is actually a photographer a follow :)

All were done in Photoshop CS2 :) I'm still learning alot about editing. And actions? Yeah, still learning there too... Guess I just need to buy and start messing around with. Mainly, I just bumped the levels around, changed up the color a bit. :) Honestly... I think I like the last two the best, but hey it's a trial. :)

Edit #1

Edit #2

Edit #3

Feel free to join in the fun at I Heart Faces!! :) And go and give some love to the other try-ers :)

February! WOW!!!

2011-02-05T22:31:00.001-08:00

It's February!!! And less than one week til Valentine's Day! That is almost crazy! :) You know another thing that is crazy, all of this snow! Now don't get me wrong, I love, I repeat LOVE, winter and snow! However, hmmm... 14inches is a little much for me and I'm sure enough for you, especially in February.

When I was younger, I used to wish for snow on my birthday, which is at the end of February. I would wish and wish and wish, but none would come. It would always melt or disappear by the time it came around. Til my 16th birthday, which happened to fall on a Tuesday and meant I could take my driving test... That year, wow, the snow! It was crazy! I had to wait for the snow to melt by March so I could take it. Since then, my desire for snow on my birthday has about died.

I still love it and love wondering around in it, taking pictures of it. You know, I can honestly say I have not photographed anyone yet in the snow! (Though, I have to admit, I would love snow pictures of me and my boyfriend. He'd probably kill me, he hates being cold!) Someday I'll have to do both! And I can't wait.

On another note, there is still time for those February photo gifts you guys are still thinking about. I know being a girlfriend myself, sometimes the simplest gifts like getting a photo taken with your girl is enough of a Valentine's Day gift. (But, no, that doesn't get you out of buying flowers, etc.)

Well, back to the normal grind tomorrow night... And guess what, they are predicting more snow for all of us yet again! Oh joy!!

Cabin Fever/Sickly

2011-02-05T22:31:00.000-08:00

Wow... can you believe it? It is February already! I mean, dang! Time flies when you are having fun/feeling sick/over tired. :( Well as some of you know I work a night job. Yup, one of those 12 hour night shifts that can mess up your schedule so badly that you really don't know which way is up ... let alone how to spell your OWN name! ... After almost two years (think it has been a year and a half by now, but ... is relative) night shifts are wearing me down. I mean seriously. I got this way last spring as well. I guess its just this time frame of the new seasons, of warmer weather, of sunlight! ... I'm a sun kid. I really am. Before my current job of night world, I would get up as soon as my eyes noticed the sun which was always about 8 or 9 a.m. :) I would stay up and enjoy the day, deep into the night --enjoying it all. I'm missing it badly, once again. I question alot of things during these moments such as what brought me to this point, what is it I really want to do with my life, etc.

Don't get me wrong photography is going to stay with me forever, whether I am a famous/wanted photographer or just a hobbiest. I'm okay with that. It's apart of me just as scrapbooking is.. :)

Its just at these times in my life, I will always question everything. The other night, I saw a little Hispanic girl and we connected. It makes me wonder if long ago, I was being tried and found wanting when God's plan for me first came into focus. So many things have changed since those moments long ago, when Spanish was/is my dream. :( One, I shyed away from it after a boyfriend experience. Then, stepped away again after I felt like I was failing my Spanish classes. I stepped away once more when I didn't try again and again.
After last night, I have to question -- Was/is it the right path? Am I still not finding my path? ... God, I want direction but am afraid that I am not ready yet again to hear the answers.

Sorry, I didn't mean for this post to start to have a very sad, lost feel to it... I'm blaming it on life at the moment... There has been some weird stuff going on in my life as well as the wonderful winter time cold, I have just recently got... :( So yeah, my only speed is slow. Maybe by the end of this month I will feel better... Only a few weeks until my birthday!! :) One happy, happy thing to look forward to! :)

Beautiful, Be it!

2011-01-13T01:24:00.000-08:00

What is Beautiful?

beau·ti·ful –adjective

1. having beauty; having qualities that give great pleasure or satisfaction to see, hear, think about, etc.; delighting the senses or mind: a beautiful dress; a beautiful speech.

2. excellent of its kind: a beautiful putt on the seventh hole; The chef served us a beautiful roast of beef.

3. wonderful; very pleasing or satisfying.

But do you feel beautiful? How do you feel beautiful? What makes you feel beautiful?

As a woman, I understand the need to feel beautiful - whether in the eyes of the one you love or in your own eyes. As the world goes on, beyond your high school dances, your wedding day, your first date, etc., you still have that need to feel beautiful, loved, needed, etc.

As the pounds are added by life, we sometimes get distracted and forget about being beautiful. There are so many things going on. There are children, meals to prepare, a house to clean, clothes to wash, etc. But somedays, time is added to buy new clothes, get your nails or hair done and on the rare occasions massage. And you feel beautiful for a moment, but nothing is better than that look in your guy's eyes making you feel like you are the most beautiful woman in the world.

That look in your guy's eyes, how we fight for that look - do everything to catch it and keep it. That desire, that need I believe is the reason why there are so many women who are now looking into boudoir photography as a way to bring that smile to your guy's eyes on a wedding day or on Valentine's day or on another special occasion. They are a beautiful way to show your guy, you are beautiful ... no, wait... gorgeous! (Like they didn't know that already but still...)

For those who don't know what I'm talking about, let me explain all of it. Boudoir, itself means a woman's bedroom or private sitting room. Meaning that all of the photos are usually taken in a decreet location, example hotel and a lady is dressed to attract her significant other (Yes, all those sexy outfits I know you girls stare at or buy ;) . Just ask, I'll send some examples from other photographers that I follow. Yes, some of this photography can feature nude pictures, but that is not what I'm talking about. (I believe personally that you don't have to be naked or to show your whole body to be beautiful or to attract attention, etc. You just have to you.) I'm talking about a hotel so you can feel comfortable, a hair stylist so you can feel beautiful, and a makeup artist to assist and make you feel gorgeous.

(yes, I would love to do this style of photography.

And yes, I'm looking for a volunteer or two to let me shoot them and try this out. Email me. We'll talk)

But being beautiful goes beyond pictures in a "bedroom," and someday you want to show pictures to your children. Why not ... get pictures of yourself? Feeling beautiful, being beautiful? Get a picture of yourself that can be put on your husband's desk, or shown around to your boyfriend's family. Don't just push it off, cause you will. Cause who is busier than mom?

...This Valentine's Day...

Take time. Take a moment for yourself. Make yourself feel beautiful and get pictures taken. Don't wait do it. You are beautiful just the way you are, without losing more weight or getting that beautiful outfit.

Just feel beautiful and I'll do the rest.

Happy New Year, All!

2011-01-08T23:57:00.000-08:00

Well, the first week of 2011 is truly over. Crazy, isn't it? So yeah, I already decided that I don't want to do a 365 project. Still leaning toward a 52 week project, but can't decide what theme, etc. I need a theme or something to help me come up with ideas. I have done good so far with the 52 week project I started in 2010, but I know I have had some issues with it. Who knows... Are you guys doing a project? Do you want to? .... Hmmm.... Well, if I'm doing a 52 week project, I submit this one for the first week! :) Theme-- FOOD & NEW YEAR! :)
(ps I hope your New Year's Eve celebration was better than mine sitting at work and missing the ball drop, etc. :'( Hopefully you got to get out and look gorgeous, partying in the New Year.)

Photography Project 51/52

2010-12-31T23:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever noticed that sometimes the closer to the end you get, the harder it is to stay motivated? To keep the end goal in sight? Man, I can't believe how many weeks I have already done, but dang, I can't believe how many I have left! And I still have so much to learn. This project is the beginning. I need to start thinking about a new project... Anyone got any ideas?

I also have decided that part of my lack of motivation recently is the fact that One. It's getting colder. Two. I'm so tired all the time (sometimes the joys of working nights.) Three. My camera lives in a case that is sorta harder sometimes to open. Four. Yes, I am just that lazy some days. I know you are. I don't want to give you another instance shot off of My Canon Powershot though it is a wonderful camera. The point is if I want to be better with my Canon 50D I need to practice. I need to be motivated. I need to take it out of the bag and shot everything! ... Maybe I do need a 365 day project to make myself work better and harder at getting better! Who knows? Can you tell? I'm not sure what I'm doing.. I have so many good ideas for pictures now, but wow, I'm so tired thats what happens at 2:29 am after you have been up since 7a.m. Oh the joys of night work!

Oh well, everyone is starting to motivate me again toward doing a 52 week project... Maybe I'll do one of self-portraits to see if I lose weight, but then again, I'm terribly self-conscious right now... Maybe that isn't such a good idea. Who knows what I am going to do? ....

Anyways, this week's photo is from Christmas Eve. I know a little off in my weeks but I was so excited about the service that I couldn't not put in a picture from that service. Due to my night job that always has me working Sunday nights, its hard to attend Sunday morning service because I need to sleep during that time for work that night. I know crazy. Anyways, this Christmas Eve, I told my boyfriend that I really wanted to go to a candle light Christmas Eve service. :) And well, one of our friends suggested her church and away we went. It was actually really cool and did have a candle light portion of the service :) So I was happy! :) This was the front arrangement at the Church... :) Gorgeous!! :)

BIG NEWS!!! :)

2010-12-28T14:46:00.000-08:00

So I admit it, I didn't expect to get anything to really help out my world of photography for Christmas. That's just because the majority of stuff that goes into photography costs a lot! ... So imagine my surprise when my boyfriend presented me with ... ... (are you ready for this???) ... ... ... ... A WEBSITE!!! I am so excited. I have been messing with it and messing with it and messing with it and messing with it, etc. You get the picture! :)
Then, what does he do not a day later? Helps me set up a FAN PAGE on Facebook! :) I know, I know... I should of done this a long time ago, but you know what, as my business helper, my boyfriend is my best motivator! :) It kinda helps that he is computer savvy...

Well as you can guess, it is all still in the works and being changed to suit me, which could take awhile. I did put up some pictures from sessions this year so go check it out and see what you think! :) & let me know! :)

http://www.peacesphotography.com/

and be a fan at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Peaces-Photography/155223444525031 ... think that should work. I'm also putting a link to my facebook page on this blog.

Stay tuned all! :) Who knows whats in store for this year! :) I am so excited! Now to get with the program of deciding pricing! ...

Photography Project 48-50/52

2010-12-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season... :) Well, Merry Christmas all! :) Just thought I would finally catch up with my Photography project since I've been a little behind. Here is what my head has been wrapped around for the last couple of weeks! My Christmas tree! My very first Christmas tree that is not just a fancy decoration on the wall, but actual standing tree! :) Yes, I am so overjoyed! :) My tree has to be one of the best things about this month so far! :)

Here it is, hope you enjoy and are having a wonderful Christmas already! :)

Christmas Wishes

2010-12-05T14:00:00.000-08:00

Like every new photographer and every old photographer, many things on our Christmas wish lists include amazing photography products. Many of these products include expensive things that are supposed to help our pictures or just to enhance our creatively. Not saying any of you have to buy stuff for me, but I needed a place to remember what these items/goals are for me. :) I know, learning the convenience of having a blog. :)

First wish--- A wireless remote! :)

Alrighty, let me tell you a little about the wireless remote and why its on my list.. With a bigger camera, the ability to take pictures of yourself with it, becomes a bit harder. :( Which means if there is no one around that you trust or knows how to work your baby camera, then you have to settle for extremely up close and personal (depending on the lens you have.) A wireless remote works like a 10sec timer, only you have the ability to take however long it takes you to get ready. No rushing around :) And you can be in the picture or just shot pictures of yourself, your entire self. :)

Second Wish --- A flash

What can I say? I have yet to buy an actual off camera body flash. :( For the most part this works for me, but on the rare occasions I really do need a flash ... well, I make due. I still have alot I need to learn about flash but part of the problem is I have nothing to mess around with yet :) It is one of my goals for early 2011. :) Maybe a birthday present to myself! :) I have seen alot of photographers that have mastered the flash and I would love to be one of those people as well as one that understands natural light. Eventually, I would love to have my own studio. But first, I must understand flash.

Third Wish --- Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L lens :)

Oh beautiful lens, oh how I love thee! Let me count the ways! :) When I first bought my camera, I just used the lens that came with it. 'Til one day, my mom decided to help me buy another lens. I love the lens to pieces (because it is my first lens), but it is time to upgrade to actual portrait lens. This lens has a small aperture opening that you can use, which basically means you can allow more light to fall on the photo :) It also has a smaller depth of focus so more blurriness in the background :) I still have alot to learn about this lens but I would love to have it. The price tag is the only real thing holding me back.

Fourth wish --- Camera necklace

Man, do you know how hard it is to find things with a camera on it? Harder than you think. This necklace is one I've been looking at for several months. You can customize what it says on there :) I just keep picturing it with my photography name. Dang, seriously how cool! ... Thinking I'm going to have to buy it next year. lol... I know Christmas wishes, but I'm being realistic optimistic here! lol ... My boyfriend helped me win a really cool old fashion camera necklace on ebay this year! Love it... Though the chain is a little long for me, but whatever, still love it! ..

Okay, as I look back through a photographer's dream Christmas wish (okay, my Christmas wish list), I realize that there are a million and one more things I could add to it, but I'm okay with that. I have goals of things to get and things I just think are that cool! :) ... And others that I can live without. What can I say? I have a million and one things on my lists of things I would love to have. But need? That is another story. :)

Things work out the way they are supposed to, if I'm going to get this stuff, I will. :) Until then, onto the things I really need to do, like get ready for work, find some food, etc.

Photography Project 47/52

2010-12-02T23:40:00.000-08:00

So tonight, I've been in a weird cleaning/decorating mood... The sad part is so far the cleaning mood has won! Lol... I've been organizing my office area aka the Scary Room.... It's gotten really bad :( Been living here for over 3 years and still have never gotten my second bedroom figured out. Well, tonight has made a big step in figuring it out! :) And it looks better. It's taken a desk, and three, yes I said 3 bookshelves to make it be organized! I know its gotten really bad, but between all the crafty projects I try and my scrapbook.... hmmmm there's no room for anything. I know its horrible! But it is on its way, who knows what else I need to add... I'm thinking like trays or something to hold things so it doesn't look so bad... But I think it's about done. Just need to have time to work on some newspapers and then it will look fabulous!! :)

Anyways, another one of my projects tonight was in honor of a dear friend of mine, Kat. When we lived in the dorms near each other, she always made this amazing snowflake out of pieces of paper. I never tried it but this year, Christmas is about homemade things for me. :) And I was looking at one of the blogs I follow and they had a link for this easy peasy paper snowflake. I went to it and what do I find but my friend Kat's old paper snowflake, so I knew I had to try. And you know what, it didn't turn out too bad, if I don't say so myself! :) .... If you want to do one too, go to this blogsite! :)
Happy Christmas month, you'all! :) It's begun!!! :) Only like 22 more days left to Christmas! Better start shopping, I have! :)

“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand-and melting like a snowflake...” ---Francis Bacon, Sr.

Photography Project 46/52

2010-11-29T14:54:00.000-08:00

This weeks photography project photo is a memory with friends and their families :) I love it. She is one of my closest friends. I was a bridesmaid in her wedding and here years later, I'm taking pictures for them for Christmas. But this weekend was more than photos, it was having the time to relax and hang out with friends. Reconnecting when its been hard. Reconnecting because it happens naturally.

You know I wish for you more than one of these friends that are always there when you need them though there might be distance or just time away for too long. I wish an amazing friendship that passes through time without anything disturbing it.

Happy Friendships! :)

Peaces --- Reeter Family

2010-11-29T14:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those friends that it doesn't matter how long you haven't talked or even seen each other, but the moment you reunite its like the world is happy again and the years melt away?
My friend Brenna is one of those people. We first met when she and her family lived in Milan, where I went to high school. She was in my brothers class and her brother was in mine, but somehow or another we all connected. Brenna and I, the most. For years after she moved, we wrote letters (yes, snail mail.) Then, I don't know when I had graduated high school, we reconnected and started calling and hanging out again as much as we could though she was almost two hours away now. She got married and had a child named Carson. We lost connect again or just got busy as most do and reconnected this past weekend to take some Christmas photos for her family. :) Carson is now two and will be a heartbreaker! :) He stole my heart and became my buddy the entire weekend. I had a blast reconnecting and making new friends and adding in the joy of taking pictures of my friend. I hope they enjoy and I extremely hope that it won't be that long again when we reconnect! :)

Thank you Brenna, Justin & Carson for the opportunity to take some pictures. Hope you enjoy your sneak peek! :)

Learning Moments and Opportunities

2010-11-21T21:53:00.000-08:00

Well after reading about Applebees, you probably realize what this post is about! lol...
Before that day, I had been reading alot about how some photographers started when they were breaking into a business. And well, I've been really slacking in the fact that I didn't have cards, I don't have a website started, I don't have a logo figured out, and a million other little things that make a photographer a professional. Don't get me wrong, I do want to be a professional. I just didn't realize how much I was holding myself back.
Does that make sense? Holding myself back? ... I have been saying for years, I don't think I'm good enough to make money at this. What happens if no one buys anything or wants me to take pictures or hates them? ... I put off doing cards, but decided to start this blog to follow myself in my journey to push myself and to get myself out there! ... It took the other day in Applebees to figure out that I had been holding myself back as I was pushing myself forward.

So next goal is to come up with a logo. :) ... Peaces Photography. Hmmm.... A tree with peace symbols and a dove, a dove with a olive branch, or a tree made out of puzzle pieces? So many ideas. :) And I'll leave you with some pictures that I'm tossing around in my head that I found on google..

What do you like?

Peaces --- Veterans Day at Applebees 2010

2010-11-21T20:02:00.000-08:00

What an opportunity! :) One of my good friends invited me to come by Applebees on Veterans Day and shoot some pictures. She told me she would put up signs that said $5 for CDs afterwards for me to make some money. I thought cool, I'll do it as a favor. I'll treat it like a newspaper adventure or a scrapbook memory. Well, the next day when I showed up, the manager was unbelievable sweet and Thanked me for doing it for them ... and asked if I had business cards. .... huh? Business cards? huh? ... Yup, me who wants to be taken as a real photographer, does not have any business cards and didn't even think of them! ... What a dork! :) A little bit later, I was talking to one of the employees and well, she was looking for a photographer to take Christmas photos of her family .... And again, I was asked for business cards! ... I felt like such a dork. I managed to write something down on a piece of paper for the employee. However, as I was taking pictures, I thought to myself, I could of been handing cards out or putting them near the door, etc. Wow, talk about a missed opportunity! :) ... But enjoy the pictures! The day was an absolute blast! There was even a line out the door in the evening and rarely an empty seat! :)

Photography Project 44/52

2010-11-21T19:28:00.000-08:00

So I bet you are wondering why a picture of people eating in a restaurant is my picture this week. Well, it has a little to do with a part of me... well wait yes it is does. I love waitressing. It was my first job and I loved every second of it. Yes, it was difficult at times, but I still say if my feet and knees would let me, I would make waitressing a life-career choice! :) But as luck would have it, its not for me at the moment. But this week, I had a fabulous opportunity fall into my lap! It involved a restaurant, the restaurant in the picture and a wonderful Veterans Day! :) ... But this week, is dedicated to the joys of people and the many different memories I have from waitressing in a variety of places such as a Chinese buffet, Country Kitchen, and a IHOP. :) ... I have a million stories and many dear to my heart and a million new friends made in those moments... :) So take a moment and remember those first jobs and the jobs that are near to your heart. :) And stay tune for what in the world happened to me! :)

Photography Project 43/52

2010-11-06T14:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever just had one of those seasons in your life where being creative is difficult? Where every time you look at something you would normally be interested in doing on your days off, or any moment of any day, becomes hard work? Where even the simple process of taking a picture of something that makes you smile, makes you want to cry because nothing is making you smile?

If you have you know how the last few weeks has been going for me. It's kinda sad because usually this is the time of year where my creativeness comes out in force as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach. But something has zapped my creativeness. :( I realized Thursday night that I have not worked on my scrapbook in over a month and a half at least!! Which is sad, usually I can't wait to sit down and cut and design and remember the past year and try to put it down in such a way that I will remember those times and events for the rest of my life. But Thursday night not only helped me head in the right direction to get out of this funk, but my friend and I came up with a way to help us both continue on with keeping our creative spirit going! :) I'm so excited! :) Combining food and crafts ---How can that not put a smile on your face! :)

This week's picture was a little difficult but when I saw the crafts we were making Thursday and the food, I knew. This week's picture is a remembrance moment of old times and new beginnings! :)

Photography Project 42/52

2010-11-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

So cannot believe that I only have 10 more weeks before this project is over and it is January again. And I will have to decide whether to do another project or to do something different. So many things have changed, but also stayed the same. I know I'm a walking contradiction tonight. My brain is so tired, but have to stay up a bit longer to get back on my night schedule. My boyfriend leaves in about 4ish hours to go to San Antonio. :( I can't go with him, so for the next four, I work. Hopefully by Thursday/Friday I will feel like a human being again! This week, I actually had a hard time figuring out what picture to chose from, that's why its a little late tonight.

This picture is from my last trip with Jon to Silver Dollar City in Branson. It is this really neat place where for the most part you feel like you step back in time to a place where everything is handmade from barrels to iron work to soap and pottery. It is neat to stop and watch them do their craft. I've even sat and watched a gentleman make a baseball bat by hand. Sometimes, you just need to stop and see how things are actually made before leaping to conclusions... This week I choose this picture because of what pottery means to me as a Christian. There is a verse in the Bible that talks about God being the potter and we are the clay. Sometimes you just need to remember that everything is in God's hands and He is shaping you the right way! :)

3-4So I went to the potter's house, and sure enough, the potter was there, working away at his wheel. Whenever the pot the potter was working on turned out badly, as sometimes happens when you are working with clay, the potter would simply start over and use the same clay to make another pot. 5-10Then God's Message came to me: "Can't I do just as this potter does, people of Israel?" God's Decree! "Watch this potter. In the same way that this potter works his clay, I work on you, people of Israel. At any moment I may decide to pull up a people or a country by the roots and get rid of them. But if they repent of their wicked lives, I will think twice and start over with them. At another time I might decide to plant a people or country, but if they don't cooperate and won't listen to me, I will think again and give up on the plans I had for them. ---Jeremiah 18:4-6 (The Message)

Photography Project 41/52

2010-10-22T23:49:00.000-07:00

Memories happen even when you are not looking for them to happen, even when you are in a horrible mood, and just want to curl into a little ball. On Wednesday, I got off from a night shift, took a nap, hung out with a friend and then on the way to help out another friend and hang out with my boyfriend, another person that I would of called friend decided to interrupt my day/night with a guilt trip about work. It really wasn't what I needed at that moment and still annoys me. Well, needless to say, I let this phone call interrupt my entire evening/night. My boyfriend, of course, wasn't going to let this happen. He let me talk about my frustrations, etc. and still be okay. Then when we were helping our friend, my boyfriend didn't really leave my side and cared enough to make sure I was okay and that I was better. Pretty sweet of him if I don't say so myself, which I do.
Anyways, as we were leaving and everyone was just standing around talking, I noticed this amazing opportunity for a picture. You got to give me a little here. I wasn't planning to shoot at night and had nothing to help me out other than my camera and a spot on the grass with a fading sunlight. This week's shot is all about memories and making them when you can, not when you want to. :)

"We do not remember days; we remember moments." ~Cesare Pavese, The Burning Brand

Photography Project 40/52

2010-10-16T22:59:00.001-07:00

God, I want to thank from heaven and back down to earth for amazing parents and amazing home to go to when I'm feeling stressed. God, I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You know my every thought and every wish. You knew before I did what I needed to refresh my soul/heart. You knew and you made the way to make it happen, even if it was for a short, very short period of time. God, I am so amazed at how you turn a little over 24 hours feel like several different days, making room everything that I want to do and need to do to revive myself. God, thank you for my wonderful drive home and back. For the wonderful visit with my friend and her family as well as with my own family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Thank you for showing and taking me home if even for a few moments. Thank you for the memories I made! And help me to make it through the next however long until I go back. Amen.

This week's picture is my family's dog Bert, one of four that they have. Bert is one of my favorites at my parents' house and I'm beginning to think I'm one of his favorites. He made sure to see me before I had to leave to come back to my apartment. (Only 12 more pictures to go, then I have seriously finished my project. I wonder what will be next!)

Click here to see more of my home.
“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.” --Maya Angelou

Peaces --- Mother & Daughter

2010-10-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

Children are special. They take time, energy, and a whole host of other things. :) But its moments like today that make your children even more special to you. Cherish the time with your children, because you never know how quickly they will grow up, right Mahala? ....

..... Now introducing Mahala and her daughter, Kami. :)

Photography Project 39/52

2010-10-16T22:56:00.000-07:00

It's fall! Can you tell? You can smell it, you can see it! :) This is so my favorite time of the year! I couldn't choose any other picture after my walk the other day. I saw the sun shining through the trees and it screamed "Pick Me!" :) .... :) :) :) :) Gosh, I'm probably going to take too many fall photos and you will get so annoyed and stop staring at this blog. But its okay! I will celebrate the joys of fall! :) ....Plans are in the works! After a slight break, my world is working again. I just wish I knew how to push it along, oh well, that will come with time. Until then, enjoy my tribute to fall! :)

"I cannot endure to waste anything as precious as autumn sunshine by staying in the house. So I spend almost all the daylight hours in the open air."- Nathaniel Hawthorne

Sunday Creative Oct. 3-9

2010-10-07T21:45:00.000-07:00

This week’s prompt:
Nostalgia: n. a wistful yearning for something past or irrecoverable
When I read this week's Sunday Creative, all I could think of was my parents and my home. I miss both terribly. Usually, I try to go home at least once a month or every other month for a few days. But with all this craziness of starting a new job and my own activities down in my world, I haven't seen my family or my friends up there in what feels like forever. Don't get me wrong, I love my friends down here and I love hanging out with my boyfriend, but dang it, sometimes you just want your parents, your family, your home, your animals, etc. It will forever be my real home. Yes, my apartment is becoming my home, but it still misses so many things, just as animals, color (I want to paint it!), etc.
As soon as this job, settles down I will see them! That is a promise! :) Until then, its off to Silver Dollar City to remember good times with my parents and hang out with my boyfriend, making new memories and continuing the tradition! :)

My parents and home

Click here for more information about the weekly Sunday Creative.

Walking in the Woods

2010-10-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

It's strange how your first walk in an unknown wooded area can remind you so much about being led by God. I think God wanted me to learn something today as he took me out into the woods. :)

This morning, I woke up too early and went to Bennett Springs, this fishing hatchery area near where I live, and decided to take sometime and wonder down a trail I had never taken. As I wondered, I tried to follow the path I was supposed to take, but of course, I got distracted by taking pictures, by a deer and a whole host of things. After my schedule time to leave came and went, I started to wonder if I was going down the wrong path. But I continued to follow it, totally convinced that my turn was just over the hill, or near the next stream, etc. However, it wasn't. I started to get a little nervous. Cause you see, there are two paths. One that takes all day to go to the end and back. Another that is 2.5 hours to go through. I had plan to take the smaller trail and try to shorten it even more.

Anyways, I wondered for awhile and came to this gorgeous flat area with trees as far as I could see. It was at that moment I started to doubt myself, wondering if I had taken the wrong way, that I was getting lost. Near the end of this glade area, there was a bench. So I sat down with my camera and my map and took a deep breath and tried to understand the map better. It turned out though I hadn't really noticed, I was taking the wrong path and had been for awhile. So I turned around, singing to myself and thinking. I walked and I walked back the same trail I had come down. When I got back to almost the starting point, I realized in my excitement about taking pictures and having a hike, I completely did not follow the right path. It was my own fault from the start.

God doesn't judge us for taking the wrong path and then sitting down and deciding to turn around. He understands us and hopes that we will turn around of our own free will and come to him. He knew I was walking down the wrong path and He used the Holy Spirit to make me feel uncomfortable about walking any further and read the "map" again. I love having someone that I can rely on for everything, even the silly, kind of stupid things like getting lost in the woods.

Though I had a blast in the woods, I know next time, I will be better prepared for moments like that. And open my eyes and see the signs that I should of seen at the beginning.

Sunday Creative Sept 26-Oct 2

2010-10-07T21:27:00.000-07:00

This week's Sunday Creative word is
Nothing: 1. no thing {leaves to the imagination} 2. something that does not exist 3. zero
As you can see from me posting this really late, I had a hard time of coming up with something that meant "nothing" to me. The first thing I thought of was an empty shake and of course, I forgot to take a camera with me that day. So no picture of an empty shake glass, so I continued looking and enjoyed a day of nothing. I roamed around with a camera to a new area near my boyfriend's house and took some pictures and I found what nothing is to me, but in the same retrospect, it does mean something to me. A falling apart building is nothing to some but to others it is a beautiful background area to take pictures. And in certain lighting, the building looks alive again.

My second picture is of an empty sky. A lone cloud makes its way slowly across the sky but there is nothing for no one to see but one lonely cloud. And that fits my mood perfectly.

Click here to learn more about the Sunday Creative project.

Photography Project 38/52

2010-10-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

It's fall and you know what that means! It means fall festivals! :) I love them so much. All the different crafts, the music, the food, the friends, etc. They are magical times for me and I love every second of them. One of my most favorite fall festivals is the Fair Grove Hertiage Reunion. Don't be fooled by the name, it is a fall craft festival with a fancy name. :) It is huge and wonderful. The first year, I went to it. I was campaign with Jamie Schoolcraft as an intern. The next year, I made Shanna go with me. The next, I introduced Jon and a friend to it and met up with Shanna and Dustin. This year, even after worrying that I would miss it, I ended up having it off! :) So, I talked Jon and another friend into going for a bit. :) Ironic, huh? I think I'm addicted to it. Just give me five minutes to breath in the atmosphere and the food and the crafts, okay well everything! :) Nothing is better than going just for a few minutes.

This year, so many things at the festival distracted me and begged for a picture in my mind. These two attached are the ones that stood out in my mind. A man making roasted nuts and another man resting with his companion. If I was just at that event to take these two pictures, then I feel very accomplished for doing it. These pictures really do impress me.... Okay, enough of my ramblings, enjoy! :)

Sunday Creative 19-25

2010-09-23T13:55:00.000-07:00

For this week's Madeline Bea's Sunday Creative is:

Abundance: from the word Abundant meaning more than enough: amply sufficient

This week, I'm drawing a blank on what to do. I saw her posting on Sunday but didn't have a clue what to do and now here it is Thursday and still... my mind is blank on creative ideas for this. If you want to see what other's have posted, click here. Maybe before Saturday night, I will have mine posted. This has been a week! I was supposed to be off training tomorrow and then the next 4days were going to be me on my own with a partner. And then Tuesday happened :( ... And now... yup, not going to be released at least for awhile and a doctor tomorrow.

At this moment, I have an abundance of thoughts, concerns, and fears. Normally, I can turn to my creative outlets and drift away, but nothing is working yet. Painting nothing, scrapbooking blocked, photography tempting but the sun plays at odds with my mood, writing? Writing, I want to laugh. For the millionth time in over a year, I wish my journal was caught up!

For more information about the Sunday Creative, click here.

You are my I love you

2010-09-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

This is my dedication to moms and children :) ... I know covers everyone. My mom bought me this book, You are my I love you, when I turned 19. And today, looking through old books and missing my monthly meet up with my parents, it hits home. I really could use a hug and a talk with my mom in person.

This book, you would be amazed at how many of these lines really are my mother and me :)
So I guess, just read the lines. Read them and remember and if you are near your mom, hug them for me and get one back. :)

I am your parent;
you are my child.

I am your quiet place;
you are my wild.

I am your calm face;
you are my giggle.

I am your wait;
you are my wiggle.

I am your carriage ride;
you are my king.

I am your push;
you are my swing.

I am your audience;
you are my clown.

I am your London Bridge;
you are my falling down.

I am your carrot sticks;
you are my licorice.

I am your dandelion;
you are my first wish.

I am your water wings;
you are my deep.

I am your open arms;
you are my running leap.

I am your way home;
you are my new path.

I am your dry towel;
you are my wet bath.

I am your dinner;
you are my chocolate cake.

I am your bedtime;
you are my wide awake.

I am your finish line;
you are my race.

I am your praying hands;
you are my saying grace.

I am your favorite book;
you are my new lines.

I am your night-light;
you are my starshine.

I am your lullaby;
you are my peekaboo.

I am your good-night kiss;
you are my I love you.

Photography Project 37/52

2010-09-18T22:12:00.001-07:00

I know I'm late. I'm lucky that I've been able to do it this week. Switching jobs has really messed up my schedule and then add in the face that the Internet is not so reliable at my apartment. Man, I miss reliable, affordable Internet, but there is hope. Eventually, I will again be able to bring my computer to work and my boyfriend is working on the Internet at my apartment.
Its strange. I had this picture picked out as this week's Sunday creative, but it wasn't right and I knew it. But it was perfect for my own photography project. I love books, I really do. I would be completely happy with some music and a good book most of the time and nothing else. In the past year, I have been transitioning to a different type of book instead of my normal romance, I am looking for other types or whatever catches my eyes, which so far has not let me down :) I bought this book before I started my new job, knowing that it would possibly be the best one for me to start with, being about self discovery. Because I still feel like I am discovering who the real me is.
I love getting caught up in a book, so caught up that you forget what you need to do the next day and stay up half the night trying to finish the book, even when you know you need to sleep sometime! :) Well, this book if you haven't read it, is one of those books. It will drag you in and keep you hostage until you finish it! :)
With me finishing this book, I'm now yet again on the lookout for a good book. Do you have any suggestions? :) Everything is still an option at this point. :)
Anyways in honor of this week's photography, I think I am going to go to the library and search for that hidden good book :) Until next week, enjoy a book! :)

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." - Charles W. Eliot

Sunday Creative Sept 12-18

2010-09-17T21:44:00.001-07:00

I know I'm late. I'm lucky that I'm able to do this creative this week.

This week's word was "Comfort" --vb 1.To give strength and hope
n 1. Consolation 2. Freedom from pain, trouble, or anxiety; also: something that gives such freedom

My first thought about comfort was my boyfriend that I needed to get a picture of us just laying down together resting, taking comfort in each other. As the week went by, I realized I was running out of time :( and needed to do one soon. The more I thought about comfort, the more I wondered really what was comfort to me, besides resting in my boyfriend's arms. Well, I thought and thought. Comfort to me is a million and one different things that I didn't even think about til right now. Comfort can be the assistance of a teacher, the level of comfort you feel in a job, the thing that makes you comfortable and warm, and something that really helps you. My boyfriend is my comfort-- giving me strength and hope. :)
But due to the week of weird, he is not featured this week, maybe in the coming weeks. This week, I'm focusing on cooking and in particular, chocolate chip cookies! :) My fav! With the beginnings of a new job and concerns of this week, I made chocolate chip cookies to try to relax. :) Its slowly working. Hopefully next week, I will try to do something more and earlier :)

More information about the Sunday Creative --- go to here.

Photography Project 36/52

2010-09-08T22:23:00.000-07:00

Well, I can honestly say I'm getting behind on posting this week! I guess that's what happens when you go from a job sitting with a computer to a new job where it isn't right to at least take your computer for a couple of days/weeks. Maybe I will catch up next week! :)
Anyways this week's photo is a simple one that makes me smile! :) The other day, me and my boyfriend were hanging out at my apartment when we heard the ice cream truck come up the road. (Now don't get me wrong, I like ice cream, but am not a huge fan. And I think ice cream trucks are creepy, especially the ones that come by my house!) Anyways, my boyfriend always makes fun of me because of my creepiness with ice cream trucks. This time however, he asked me if I wanted one! :) And yes I said yes! :) ... I love afternoons like this where everything is relaxing if only for a few hours. He really is my sweetheart.

Sunday Creative {September 5-11}

2010-09-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, well, as I was catching up on some blogs I follow, I decided to join in with the Sunday Creative group on Madeline Bea's blog. To help my creative spirit by joining in and hopefully I will be able to continue this process. :)

Welcome to The Sunday Creative! In this space, each week, on Sunday, I will offer a creative prompt; just one word that you can use as kindle for your creative fire in a project which I hope you’ll consider sharing here!
You can use the word in it’s literal or figurative sense…do not be bound by traditional implications or definitions of the word…but also don’t feel like you have to have some broad and deep interpretation…just go with where you feel the prompt leading you. Your work can be in absolutely any medium!
It is my hope that through these weekly creative prompts that we can all continue to foster creativity, stretch our creative muscles, and grow in our collective creative community!
You will find the week’s prompt every week here on Sundays. You can link to your project any time throughout the week. I ask that you only link up once, that you visit and support the other participants, and that this space remains nothing but positive and encouraging of everyone’s creativity!
Please link back here and spread the word!

This week was **TIMEWORN* literally meaning “worn by time"

New Collection!

2010-09-03T00:21:00.001-07:00

So, you have all discovered by now that I have a love for cameras, pictures, and happy pictures :) ... Well what you haven't discovered is how much I want more cameras. Yes, I am always looking at the latest and greatest equipment, wishing I could afford the exact thing that I really and truly want. But sometimes you have to settle. However that is not the point of this posting! :) I decided yesterday in an antique store (which is a good and bad place for photographers) that I want to start an antique camera collection. They might not be the most unique cameras and there maybe thousands in the world but I don't have them. :) ... These cameras don't have to work but have to be in pretty good shape to be put on display. My idea is to use them to decorate my living room because it is one area of my personality that needs to come out. Who knows what else will fall into this room?

Well enough of my blabbering on. Let me introduce you to my new camera! Per the Kodak website, the Kodak Duaflex II Camera was sold from the 1950 to 1954 and used 620 film size and sold for about $22.00.

For more information, click here and to see examples of photos taken by it, click here.

Photography Project 35/52

2010-09-02T23:18:00.001-07:00

This week, it wasn't hard to figure out what was going to be my picture. :) Last weekend, me and my boyfriend went to Eureka Springs and on our way to where we stayed, we passed this beautiful falling apart building that my camera begged to decide and love for a few moments. I finally talked Jon into stopping and letting me explore the building a little. Man, I wanted to escape into the building, take photos, etc. It was amazing. I even found a save place to climb up into the building. I didn't really go in, but dang, did I want to... Jon had a little fit when I attempted to climb into the building so I made it work from my vantage point! :) I could of spent hours and hours -- just exploring that building, taking pictures, planning where I would put people if I was taking pictures of someone. I think it was there, that I decided if I ever get engaged, I would love to go back to that building, go back to Eureka Springs, and take pictures in the old streets, at that building, etc. I would absolutely love it! So I file it away for a thought later on.... Who knows maybe someday, you will see pictures of me on here :) of events in my life. But for now, just get to know me :)
And with one last picture, I bring that world to you.. :) Enjoy and dream away!

"You see things; and you say, 'Why?' But I dream things that never were; and I say, 'Why not?'"
-- George Bernard Shaw

Weekly Thoughts -- Roadtrip!

2010-08-30T20:25:00.001-07:00

Wow, I'm so excited about this week's photo! I'm not sure I'm going to be able to wait until Friday to share. This past weekend, my boyfriend and I went on a roadtrip from Lebanon-Joplin-Bentonville-Ft. Smith-Eureka Springs-Lebanon! :) It was so much fun... We got to go to radio swap meet (hmmm kinda boring, did find a necklace for $30), then on to the Walmart Visitor Center! I have to admit, I have really wanted to go to the visitor center for kind of a long time. I know.. I'm a geek!
Anyways, we went to the mountains in the Ft. Smith area. Oh wow! Gorgeous!! It was beautiful. Before we left for Arkansas, I had thought about how beautiful it would be with all of the fall colors. I pushed the thought away, knowing its the end of August normally leaves don't change this early. Oh but wasn't I pleasantly surprised as I started to take pictures of the mountains! The trees were beginning to change, a little more in places and not at all in others. I'm blaming the hot weather around here this summer. It was perfect!
Then when we made it to Eureka Springs, I thought I was seeing things with so many VW Bugs! But then Jon pointed out it was a convention for VW Bugs! We hit town right at the end of it, so we at least got to see all of the unique bugs around town! :) It was great.
This brings me to one of the best parts about the weekend, our caboose! :) Yup that's right a caboose :) We stayed in a caboose, just north of Eureka Springs. It was so quiet and wonderful and peaceful. I could have stayed there for a week :) or so :)... It had an outdoor hot tub, a BBQ, tiki torches, and a hammock. :) It was so wonderful!! Oh I want to go back already... It was hard accepting that we were leaving on Sunday after one night. :(
(This one is CABOOSE #101...Country Decor . . . Rates: $95.00/nightBuilt in September 1967, in Kenton, Ohio - ran on Burlington Northern rails. Like all cabooses, it was a home away from home for the brakeman and conductor - the place where they ate, slept, worked and passed the time, and now it is a much more elegant home away from home for travelers, honeymooners, anniversaries and getaways. Dressed in the kitchenette, is a sink, microwave, coffee pot, refrigerator/freezer. A sitting area in the cupola. Bathroom complete with shower a queen size bed, the original brakeman's desk in the cupola and the original cupboards and cabinets with added railroad memorabilia, including a collage of paper and photo artifacts handed down from my grandfather. Photos and railroad books add to the flavor of the railroad.For more info: http://www.livingstonjunctioncabooses.com/)
But you know what, I had the absolute best time on my roadtrip with my boyfriend and can't wait to do another trip. Too bad, I have to save some more money again! But seriously, it was the best ever!

"No man needs a vacation so much as the person who has just had one." ~Elbert Hubbard

Photography Project 34/52

2010-08-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

Its the end of August and soon the weather will becoming cooler and the flowers will start to fade. This week, I decided to find a sunflower which was one of main ideas I had this summer for my project.
I wasn't really sure where to look but the Lebanon Community Garden, I had remembered having some. So I went hoping there were some sunflowers that had survived the heat. And low and behold, I found one. One that was absolutely beautiful and when I looked closer, I saw a bubble bee just enjoying the world and the flower as well. I felt so lucky with finding that one flower and bubble bee. I didn't know if I would be able to top that, but my day got even better. As I was leaving the garden, I met this little nice old lady. We talked for a few moments and then she asked me if I wanted some tomatoes, thinking of Jon, I said yes. I didn't expect her to think of me with her garden. I mean, she has worked extremely hard to make them survive, but she offered them to me. I felt so blessed. :) What a way to end my day! :)
On that note, I leave you with my beautiful sunflower. Maybe it will be entered into a contest soon. :)

“Bring me then the plant that points to those bright Lucidites swirling up from the earth, And life itself exhaling that central breath! Bring me the sunflower crazed with the love of light” -Eugenio Montale

Photography Project 33/52

2010-08-22T00:38:00.001-07:00

For several weeks, I have drove by and saw this car. I dreamed about taking pictures of a family around the car or even in it, but I finally got it the other day. Sometimes, I can't wait for that perfect picture with a family, couple, or senior. Sometimes, I just need to step out and take the picture, take what I see. I think I do it to remind myself about the beauty in everything around me. Anyways, this car has been sitting on the corner of Brice and Hwy 5 for several weeks. I have no idea what the owners are planning to do with it, but it is an amazing car.
Someday when I have the money, I'm planning to buy a vehicle. Maybe one that is run down or just cool looking and place it on my property for pictures. I can see several people being interested. But it is a future plan.
I see beauty everywhere I turn --from a beat up, old car to a falling apart building to a garden overflowing with items.. Beauty is all around us, we need to learn to not only wait for it, but look for it everywhere.

"Beauty lies in the specific looks of a person, rather than the object, because different people feel beauty in different things." --Vally

"There is nothing ugly; I never saw an ugly thing in my life: for let the form of an object be what it may, -- light, shade, and perspective will always make it beautiful." --John Constable

Photography project 32/52

2010-08-13T13:19:00.001-07:00

It's home... In a strange weird way, it's home. This week, I celebrated my third anniversary of living in Lebanon and in my apartment. Its crazy to think that three years ago, I was getting ready to embark on the new mystery of being a reporter in a town I didn't know that much about. Only that I continually passed through on my way home from college. It was a speed bump, an annoying stop sign/railroad track that I couldn't avoid.
And yet, three years later, I'm still here. My job might have changed (now working as an EMS dispatcher in Springfield) and I have a boyfriend. My apartment, my address has not changed. Though for about a year now, I have been thinking about it and getting closer to a decision about moving. But that will wait until another day, for now let's just celebrate 3 years on my own away from my parents and living/paying on my own! :) And now let me introduce you to 223 Chrystle! :)

“I like being a strong, independent woman, and to be honest, I was never afraid to be on my own." -- Dido Armstrong

(August) Those who save us

2010-08-11T20:41:00.001-07:00

Hmmmm.... What to say about this book -- Those who save us by Jenna Blum?
When I first saw this book, the back cover caught my attention and kept bringing me back to it. It started like this -- "For fifty years, Anna Schlemmer has refused to talk about her life in Germany during World War II." The mere thought of someone not talking about their life for 50 years... Wow... I mean just think about it. Telling no one about your daughter's real father, even your own daughter, telling no one about your childhood, etc. It's amazing. I don't know what I would of done if my mother never told me stories about meeting my dad, about stressing over her first job, about being overseas, etc. Its all a valuable part of who she is.
It was not my normal book, but I would read another like this in a heart beat.
Trudy, Anna's daughter, is now grown and is a German American professor who is doing a documentary about German's doing the war, trying to find out if they knew what was happening at the time to the Jews, etc. Her project is not met with happiness, and is questioned, but she begins and receives a very varied reaction from her participants. As you are following Trudy's story, you are suddenly introduced to Anna, a teenager. Through this book, you learn about Anna's hardships and her victories. Warning, the book is graphic and Anna is a mother who is surviving for her daughter.

Memorable quotes:

"Why should she be surprised? she asks herself. Truth be told, she isn't. The townsfolk have already paid their respects to Jack in the church. And now that he is gone, they no longer have any reason to be nice to his widow or her daughter. As they have wanted to do for years, ever since Jack first brought Anna to this country, the New Heidelburgers have washed their hands of her." (pg 7)

"I must point out that is a most unorthodox visit, Fraulein, says the Doktor as he works. Are you perhaps under the impression that I'm a veterinarian? Or did you think a Jewish practitioner would be grateful to treat even a dog?" (pg 13)

"He comes for Anna on the day of Mathide's death, in the late afternoon, wasting no times. This is always a quiet hour in the bakery, but now it seems abnormally so, as if the citizens of Weimar have sensed the danger and stayed at home with their doors locked and blackout curtains drawn. ... Her every instinct screams to grab Trudie from the pile of sacking at her feet and run." (pg 191)

"At least she and Trudie are safe in a warm place with access to food, and she is earning her keep in ways both legal and illicit while at this very moment others are dead, dying, starving, having their eyeballs lanced and toenails pulled by the Gestapo, laboring with heavy machinery that crushes their fingers to nubs, standing naked in the rain, their children wrenched skrieking from their arms, being shorn, shot, tumbling into pits." (pg 275)

"She should have known this would happen even with him; she should have known better than to tell him the truth. She can never tell him what she started to say: that we come to love those who save us. For although Anna does believe this is true, the word that stuck in her throat was not save but shame." (pg 445)

Photography Project 31/52

2010-08-06T19:54:00.001-07:00

Have you ever saw a picture of something and said I wish I could do that? Or I'll never be able to do that? Or I want to do that?

Well, for me, one of those pictures is the fair photos. I know it sounds easy and most people make it look easy but I never really knew how to achieve that look. So this week, at the Ozark Empire Fair, I tried. I brought my camera and said to myself, I have all the time in the world. How about we tried for that fair photo? Well... I got to admit for the first 30 mins or so, I wasn't sure if I was going to get the shot that I wanted ... Then all of a sudden, it worked. I mean, it wasn't great, but it worked! I was so excited. I started messing with settings --one at a time to find out what worked better. Then there it was! It was the shot I wanted! The one I had thought would be an unattainable goal. I did it. It still may not be completely perfect as in real completely years of experience professional, but it is me. It is colorful, neat, and exactly what I wanted.

This week's photo is my photo, my fair photo -- the one I always wanted to take. :)

(On a side note, I missed the deadline for entering the fair photography contests :( ... But I hope that next year I will. I did enter these two photos into the KY3 fair photo contest. Here's hoping I will win something! But it's okay if I didn't, I'm still extremely proud of my photos.)

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." ~Les Brown

(August) Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas

2010-08-01T22:39:00.000-07:00

If you have never read a James Patterson book before, read this. It will make you a fan, cry and remind you to be happy for the moments you have with those in your life.

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas, Wow, what a book! I can't say enough about it. I abosulutely loved it. After reading Sundays at Tiffanys by Patterson, I had picked out this book as one I should read. I wasn't sure what to think about it, but it had a great potentional and was a type of book I have never read before.

The book said it was about a young woman, Katie, who is left by her boyfriend, Matt. A day after he leaves, he leaves a diary, Suzanne's diary, for Katie. It doesn't take you long to realize that Suzanne was married to Matt and their son is Nicholas. The diary is a book of Suzanne's love for Nicholas. It describes how Suzanne's life changed, how she met Matt, and all of her complications during her pregnancy and her absolute love for Nicholas.

I won't tell you any further, but to say, you need to read it. It is a powerful book and yes, sad, but does end up happy. Come fall in love with Nicholas.

Memorable quotes:

"There was only so much of the diary that Katie could take at any given time. Matt had warned her in his note: There will be parts that may be hard for you to read. Not just hard, Katie knew now, but overwhelming." (pg 207)

"Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. the balls called work, family, health, friends and integrity. And you're keeping all of them in the air. But one day, you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls -family, health, friends, integrity- are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered. And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginnings of balance in your life." (pg 21)

"What I especially like about the walks is the peaceful, easy feeling I have inside. I think a lot of it is due to the fact that I've taken back my life reclaimed myself." (pg 55)

"Now I was having trouble catching my breath. I absolutedly refused to cry in from of Gail. 'It's so strange,' I said, 'Everything can be going along just great, and then one day, whack, you're blindsided - a lousy, crummy blow you didn't see coming." (pg 178)

Photography Project 30/52

2010-07-30T02:13:00.001-07:00

Sorry about posting this week's picture a little late, nothing this week stood out to me until we went camping this weekend. I love camping, I love swimming, I love wondering around on a boat, and I absolutely love being able to stare up at the stars. I have so many favorite parts of camping that it is hard to just pick one. :( But dang, the different parts that I love.. There are so many. This weekend, Jon and I went with a few friends to Pomme de Terre, this really cool lake and camped and chilled. It was a much needed relaxing weekend. It was HOT, and when I say HOT I mean HOT HOT HOT!!! It was bad enough, a couple of us had to buy fans so we would be able to sleep at night :( .... But oh well...
On Saturday, we rented a boat and was able to chill on the water for a few hours. I was so proud of myself, I got off the boat into the water, twice. When you have a fear of drowning, and aren't a good swimmer, things like that is an accomplishment! Though I did it, I didn't do it well... I managed to hurt my hand the first time, cause I didn't want to let go when I got into the water, the second time, I went down too far and forgot to hold my nose so water in my nose. Once I was in the water (with my life vest) I was okay except for chasing the boat!
All weekend long, we managed to go swimming in the evening when it was no longer, stifling hot. It was so much fun and I had an absolute blast with everyone. But I think the next time, I go camping this year, its going to be when it gets a little cooler!!

“Your life is an island separated from all other islands and continents. Regardless of how many boats you send to other shores or how many ships arrive upon your shores, you yourself are an island separated by its own pains, secluded in its happiness” -- Kahlil Gibran

(July) Angel of Mercy

2010-07-27T21:46:00.001-07:00

How to tell you about this amazing book? Well, I guess I will start with the fact that I saw myself in Heather, the main character of Angel of Mercy by Lurlene McDaniel.
I had read the sequel to this book, Angel of Hope, a few weeks ago and loved it. When I heard it was a sequel, I knew I had to find the first book.
This book follows Heather, a newly high school graduate, as she goes to Africa on the Mercy Ship. While on the boat, she finds a Scottish man who helps her succeed beyond her desire to save the world. He advises her that sometimes it is slow, hard and sometimes it hurts. He advises her through many different hardships as Heather learns to be without her parents in Africa for 6 months, and as she accepts death for the first time.
By reading the second book first, I knew that something had happened to Heather's Scottish man and I was waiting for it. But I didn't expect it to startle me and sadden me.
Though yes, this book is sad, but dang is a something that is dear to my heart!

Memorable quotes:

"A lifetime isn't long enough to get everything done. The time you spend here will change your life. It changed mine. You will not go back the same girl as when you left." (pg17)
"That night she would fulfill a childhood dream -- she would sleep beneath the skies of Africa." (pg67)
"Heather woke in the middle of the night, and in spite of her bone0deep exhaustion, she couldn't go back to sleep." (pg68)
"In Heather's 18 years of life, nothing had prepared her to look into the face of death. Not her education, not her upbringing, not her experiences, not any of her training for the Mercy Ship program. Nothing. Death was final. Death was irrevocable. Life was flutterings and tremblings. It was warm breath and soft sighs. It was flesh that felt warm and didn't look waxy." (pg 78)

Peaces --- Mahala

2010-07-26T02:02:00.000-07:00

Every photographer needs someone that helps them out in the beginning, who listens to all of the photographer's dreams and wishes. Someone who encourages them through pitfalls, bad photo shoots, bad ideas, and when the photographer is having a bad day. Someone who hangs out patiently in the heat, the cold, and the grime to help the photographer get the pictures in her head.
My "someone" is one of my best friends, Mahala. In high school, when I was first discovering the dream that was photography, she allowed me and encouraged me to use her and her then-boyfriend (now husband) as subjects. She encouraged my ideas, and would suggest others and pose in such a way, that it worked out great for me and her. Not to long ago, I was in Moberly to take a friend's son's pictures. I decided that it was time for me to steal my assistant/model away from her kids and husband for an afternoon of pictures. I had a blast spending time with her and ordering her around (love you Mae!) The pictures turned out great, even the one in the heat where she jumped, and jumped, and jumped and jumped for me until the picture was just what I wanted!

To see more, click here.

Photography Project 29/52

2010-07-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

My photography project has been about learning and trying and reaching out (being bold about my photography). Well, this past weekend, I decided that I was going home and I was either going to get my Mom to pose for me on their newly design porch, get both of my parents to pose for pictures, or take some pictures of what my home means to me...

The day before I was schedule to leave, my Mom and I were talking and she says "While you are up here and if you have time, I would like some pictures of me and your father. Its been awhile since we've had any done and will you take some pictures?" I felt knocked off my socks! My Mom unknowly-ing had asked me for the one thing I really wanted to do. And of course, I wanted to do it.

My parents mean a lot to me, even though my Dad is very quiet sometimes and I relate a lot more to my Mom. They really are my pillars and my role models --my Christian parents who are incredibly real and incredibly themselves. I was so honored to do their pictures.

Even though, I was excited to take their pictures, I was also extremely nervous. I wanted them to be great. I wanted them to show my parents personality and show the house they so loved. Well, right off the bat, my Mom pulls me aside and says that we will probably only have about 20 mins with my Dad, who has more important things to do instead of pictures --like cook. We wondered around the yard, petting cats, and me taking pictures at whatever time looked good to me. It was hot and the sunny was bright and almost overhead, but everything worked. The pictures turned out amazing! I, of course, always think I could do better, but I am proud of these pictures. They are my parents and they are important. So for this week's photo, let me introduce to you to two of the most important people in my world! --- My parents, Liz and Lonnie.

"If you look deeply into the palm of your hand, you will see your parents and all generations of your ancestors. All of them are alive in this moment. Each is present in your body. You are the continuation of each of these people." --Thich Nhat Hanh

(July) True Believer

2010-07-20T19:15:00.001-07:00

So I learned something very, very important by reading this book... Don't judge all of the books by one author as good or bad. As previously stated, I am not a huge fan of Nicholas Sparks due to the Notebook, but The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks made me change my opinion about Sparks. So I decided I should try another one -- Amazon brought up a possible idea that sounded okay to me called True Believer (also by Sparks.)

Yeah... seriously, it took me forever to get into this book and about put it down multiple times. I mean a scientific minded guy trying to bring to light all of the "fake" mysteries.

The book follows Jeremy, who is a scientific investigator into the paranormal. He goes to a town called ?????? to discover why there are lights at night in a grave yard and to find out if they are ghost, etc. Along his way, he meets Doris, a psychic who can tell if you are having a boy or girl when you are pregnant, Lexi -a mysterious librarian, and Tom -the mayor. Each have their own reason for having the lights discovered. Jeremy does eventually find out what the lights are and falls in love. The end of the book did eventually pick up steam, speedily following Jeremy as he decides between his future and love.

Memorable quotes:

"Women who used wit to keep men at a distance usually had a sharp edge to them but somehow with her, it came across as a most ... well charming and good natured. Maybe it was the accent. The way she sang her words, she could probably talk a cat into swimming across the river." (pg94)
"She was mysterious and he liked mysteries. Mysteries always led to surprises and as he followed her toward the rare book room, he couldn't help but think his trip down south had just become a lot more interesting." (pg 94)

"So the town was just what he expected. Sleepy and quiet and special in way that all small communities claimed to be, but nothing more than that." (pg 97)
"As much as she'd wanted to see the horses, the sight of them reminded her less of new beginnings than the simple fact that she was lonely." (pg292)

Peaces --- Isaiah

2010-07-20T02:15:00.000-07:00

By now, you've realized I love pictures. I love everything that I can take pictures of and no matter the surroundings or factors during a photo shoot, I love it. I love finding something special, something unique .... the thing that makes that person be themselves. This age group is one of the best to shoot, because they are happy, they try their best to entertain themselves with the world around them... :) And they are entertaining to those who are watching them... Cristi, Enjoy your time with him, because before long, he will be growing up, going to school, meeting a special girl, etc.

To see more of Isaiah, go here.

Photography Project 28/52

2010-07-15T23:39:00.001-07:00

Though there is hardly anytime for anything at all, I love to relax. One of the main ways I relax myself is by taking a bubble bath :) I love feeling all of my stress and worries melt their way out of me, leaving a calm, happy person. This week I wanted to capture my bath, but the pictures didn't turn out the way I envisioned them, but I'm still happy with them for them being the first trial! :) Maybe when I do a self-portrait project, I will understand how to do it better :)
Anyways, being a girl there is nothing better than slipping out of a hot bubble bath into a nice nightgown! You feel as beautiful as you were first told 'I love you' or the first time you really believed someone telling you that they thought you were beautiful. A bubble bath always brings such a feeling, a real feeling. I wish I could explain it better, but I can't. I can just say go, try it yourself and see how you feel afterwards. Let the bubbles and the smell calm you. If you have candles, light them and bathe by the light of them. Put on some relaxing music and drift away. Let your mind float until you are dreaming but still awake, seeing but dreaming. I can guarantee you that you will feel so much better after 30 mins of relaxing.
I leave you with one last thought, just try it once and if you like it, you will see what I mean. If not, you know something that will not help you truly relax... But this is something that will relax me and take me to a dream-like state. .... Oh shucks, I ran out of bubble bath stuff ... Guess its time to investigate new smells! :) By the way, I completely recommend Romantic Wish from Victoria Secret which is apart of the Garden selection :) and Lotus Flower and Ylang Ylang. :) .... Happy relaxing!! :)

"There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them." --Sylvia Plath, The Bell Jar

Photography Project 27/52

2010-07-09T00:04:00.000-07:00

This week's picture was not what I wanted. This week was the Laclede County Fair :o) and the first year I was going to attend, not working it. Ever since I moved to Lebanon, I took pictures every year at the fair, then last year, I missed the fair entirely. Then this year rolled around. As it approached, I started to get excited. I wanted to take a picture or two of a light Ferris wheel, of funnel cakes, of friends having fun, etc. I wanted to capture the whole meaning of the fair with my camera. But it wasn't meant to be. As the fair got closer, my boyfriend signed up to up at the fair and have a booth with pr stuff. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy he could do that. But the issue was that I spent the only two days off I had working at the fair in a booth :( and saw nothing cool like the horse pulls, etc. I didn't get any of the pictures I was hoping for and my big, beautiful camera stayed in the car to be safe.

So I leave with you a picture that surprised me how much I really like it. It shows the curiosity of animals, which is completely fascinating. :o) Hopefully next year, I will not spend my entire time at the fair in a booth, and not able to wonder around. I'm hoping to at least get my Ferris wheel picture this year still :o). There are still some fairs around that I can go to, now to get my boyfriend to go without having to drag him all over and without him working everyone of the fairs.

"Seize the moment of excited curiosity on any subject to solve your doubts; for if you let it pass, the desire may never return, and you may remain in ignorance.” -- William Wirt

"Judge a person by their questions, rather than their answers.” --Voltaire

Weekly Thoughts

2010-07-01T02:25:00.000-07:00

Don't worry all... I haven't forgot my photography project. Last week and this week so far has seemed like the entire time has just flown by! And so much going on. I will have last weeks photo posted by tonight sometime. Hopefully, it will work out! :) If that does, then I might actually get this weeks picture on before next week!

For being fairly busy, it has been a good week. It started with a day off from work to attend a photography workshop from Eternal Image Photography in Springfield on Sunday. Monday, my boyfriend and I had a good day planning for this weekend's trip. It ended with him, missing dinner and for like 4 hours being gone so we were unable to have dinner alone together. We ended up at about eleven eating with friends. It's all good. Then Tuesday, off to Springfield again to hang out with a friend and watch the movie Eclipse! :) Yes, we were some of the dorks that stood/sat in line for over 2hours :) We got in line at 8p.m. for our 1215 show :) .... The movie was really great! Made me choose Team Edward. Its strange up until this point, I did not see why there were teams! It happened during Eclipse, listening to Edward speak about marriage about how it was more than a piece of paper to him. I want that! With a passion, I want that. I want someone who understands that marriage is more than a piece of paper. It is love, it is waiting. It is important, no matter the situation!

Sorry, have been having a kinda hard time and things are slowly working themselves out but leaving me with massive confusion and worry and self-doubt.

Well, during my frustration and confusion this week, I decide to attempt making orange juice myself! :) It turned out really good. The best orange juice I've ever tasted! It took about 4 oranges to make a big glass of orange juice but it was amazing!! :)