capture life photography

2012-02-02T04:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Twin Sista!
Oh my, oh my....how did we ever get to be thirty five????, uh...I mean 25!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Angela!!!! I love you!!!!!!!!!!! I was going to post some of our shots together...but I decided on just sticking with the cupcakes!!!! For both our sakes!!!

2012-02-01T18:10:00.000-08:00

February 1.
Surely, the Groundhog will not predict six more weeks of winter tomorrow, because we have not had much of winter to begin with. This was my view as I pulled up the driveway tonight...

{32/365}

Unseasonably warm temps most definitely calls for some bike riding.

2012-01-31T19:24:00.000-08:00

Thirty one.
Thirty one days of January completed. Here's to the next twenty nine that February has!!

All the powers in the universe are already ours. It is we who have put our hands before our eyes and cry that it is dark. ~Swami Vivekananda
{31/365}

It is so hard getting use to the cold...

Especially because last week this time we were sinking our toes in the sand...**sigh**

2012-01-30T17:02:00.000-08:00

Eight years ago.
When I just really started to get into photography, the picture below was one of my most favorite moments I ever captured of my two. I remember the day as if it was yesterday...I just turned around to walk back to the blanket when I happened to look up and see both of them sitting together staring out into the waters of Glendale Lake. I remember grabbing my camera and snapping the shutter...freezing time...capturing that moment forever! Everytime I look at this image it brings me back to that exact moment, the warm sun, the breeze blowing in our faces.

And, I remember after I got the roll of film developed, how I was so estatic being able to capture such a sweet moment shared between the two of them. And, ever since that day, I have had it hanging on my living room wall. It is one of my most favorite pictures that I never, ever will replace in the frame it hangs in.

Then, this past week, eight years later....the same moment happened again. I just turned my back to walk back to our beach towels and I looked up and I saw this...

Another special moment in time, frozen, captured forever!! And, I absolutely adore it!!!! That is why I love photography so much...not the posed, cheesey smiles...but the everyday moments of life is it what I love capturing the most. Special moments shared between them, frozen and imprinted on my heart forever.

2012-01-30T04:33:00.000-08:00

Destination ~Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Way back in June, I went to a psyhic lady with a bunch girls from work. In one of her predictions, she predicted that I would have a trip in the near future that would consists of sand and water....yeah right!! I even rolled my eyes and chuckled when she mentioned it.

Never in a million years would I have thought that the prediction would come true...considering my husband hates the sand and the beach and the hot sun. So, I totally blew it off.

Then the opportunity arose in October...a trip to Florida for a whole week. Nothing but sun, sand, surf and lots of relaxtion. Oh yes please, sign me up!! Reservations were made, airline tickets were booked and...last week, for seven whole days, we enjoyed the time of our lives that included sand and water.

And, it was the most amazingly, beautiful and relaxing vacation we have had in five years. We could not have asked for any better weather!! High 70's the whole time and sun. Pure bliss!

I have so many wonderful memories that I cannot simply wait to to start to go through all of them!!!! But, now I am back to reality and must go brush the snow off my car and head off to work. More to share later!!!

2012-01-29T17:19:00.000-08:00

{day 29}
On day 29, one day after we return home from our vacation...I literally have thousands of pictures to download...six camera cards completely full; 4,515 images to be exact!!! Yikes!!!

My husband asked...."So do you think you took a thousand pics?" Uh...yup! Kind of like quadruple that!!!! Ha!! But, I didn't tell him that!!! And, that does not include about 300 taken on my Iphone.

I still have to do some catching up for my 365...as soon as I get organized and settled back into the bitter cold, I will post the ones for the days that I missed being away from the computer.

And, lots and lots of VK photos!!! All 4,515 of them!! Just kidding!!! No, seriously, I'm kidding!!! Well, sort of!!!

2012-01-29T07:11:00.000-08:00

A good excuse.
I really have been MIA for a good reason....

Because where we were, there was just not much internet access....just lots of sun and sand. More to come....

2012-01-19T15:45:00.000-08:00

Frosty.
Art is the colors and textures of your imagination...

{19/365}

2012-01-18T21:54:00.000-08:00

A quote.
Just another quote I stumbled upon and fell in love with....and had to share.

The most important thing about love is that we choose to give it, and we choose to receive it - making it the least random act in the entire universe. it transcends blood, it transcends betrayal, and all of the dirt that makes us human.

2012-01-18T15:41:00.000-08:00

{18/365}
Remember my addiction to fire hydrants? Well, if you didn't already know, I do have this major thing for fire hydrants. I just LOVE them.

Well, I still have that addiction. But, my new found addiction...yup, you guessed it....old, rusty mailboxes.

{18/365} Life is tragic simply because the earth turns and the sun inexorably rises and sets, and one day, for each of us, the sun will go down for the last, last time. ~James A. Baldwin

2012-01-17T15:01:00.001-08:00

Berry, berries.
Do not condemn the judgement of another because it differs from your own. You may both be wrong. ~Dandemis

{17/365} I am a sucker when it comes to berries. I can scout them out most anywhere!!! :)

2012-01-16T17:40:00.000-08:00

Day Sixteen.
I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.
~Charlotte Bronte

Frigid...is the only word that comes to mind this morning, oh yea, and brrrrrrrr!!!!! My view from looking up at the stop sign this morning...the icicles frozen in air.

2012-01-15T16:31:00.000-08:00

Day 15.
Nature's music is never over; her silences are pauses, not conclusions. ~Mary Webb

{15/365}
This is the effect of how cold it is out there. The frosty windows in my laundry room from running the dryer all day. Brrrr......

2012-01-15T06:33:00.001-08:00

Red.
An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while a pessimist sees only the red stoplight. . . The truly wise person is colorblind. ~Albert Schweitzer

2012-01-14T15:06:00.000-08:00

{Day 14} Comforts of home.
Today, it was waaaayyyy toooo cold to venture outside and try to capture something for Day 14. So, instead, I looked for some inspiration inside the comfort of my home. And, I did not have to look very far...Mr. Chip was happily enjoying the comforts of his home laying all sprawled out on the heat register resting his perfect little head off of the entertainment stand. I just love how cozy he can make himself look.

{14/365}

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure... ~Oprah Winfrey

And, the glorious light filtering in from the outside today was just as beautiful.

2012-01-14T09:19:00.001-08:00

Sometimes...

Sometimes you just need to sit back, relax and unfocus. Yep, unfocus. That's what I'm gonna do right now! Just like in the shot.

I am pretty sure I have mentioned it before, but I will say it again...I love technology. And, my NOOK is one of the best gifts I ever received...thanks Mom. I love you!! And, I am pretty sure I have mentioned this before too....I love lazy Saturday mornings! Enjoy the weekend!

2012-01-14T07:48:00.000-08:00

Winter on a stick.
I just love these. They are one of my most favorite to photograph. And, just another example of a "drive by" shoot that I took yesterday morning on my way to work in the bone chilling temperatures.

2012-01-13T17:42:00.000-08:00

Thirteen.
It is all very beautiful and magical here - a quality which cannot be described. You have to live it and breathe it, let the sun bake into you. The skies and the lands are so enormous, and the detail so precise and exquisite that wherever you are you are isolated into a glowing world between the macro and the micro, where everything is sidewise under you and over you, and the clocks stopped long ago. ~Ansel Adams.

{13/365}
I must admit, on Day 13, and nineteen degrees...I did not even attempt to get out of my car for this shot...another "drive by"!! Keep warm my friends!

2012-01-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

Winter rain {Day 12}.
Okay, its raining again! And, I could not decide what picture I wanted for my 365 today. I took one in the morning before work of the rain and one at night after work. Hmmmmm......I guess it is better than snow since it is January, but we are expected 3-5 inches tonight.

I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.
~Vincent Van Gogh

So, maybe snow pictures tomorrow??

2012-01-11T16:11:00.000-08:00

{Day 11}.
We have had such weird weather. One minute it is 56 degrees, the next is snowing and now...this morning there was a beautiful white frost covering almost everything including the garage shingles.

Every mile is two in winter ~ George Herbert

2012-01-10T16:36:00.000-08:00

Day 10.
Whew!! I made it for ten days straight now...but feeling the winter blahs today. So,this is all I've got on Day 10. Because, Winter doesn't have to be colourless.

At least the weather is not too cold! :0

2012-01-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

Days seven, eight and nine.
I know I have mentioned it before...and I have no problem saying it again, I LIVE for the weekends. No ringing of alarm clocks, no rushing in the morning, just leisurely getting up and enjoying the morning sun and new flannel sheets.

{7/365}
And, going for long afternoon walks in the woods and finding hidden treasures like this old bowl with ferns spilling out of the sides...

{8/365}

But, on Day 9, back to the grind and one of the biggest challenges of the day...finding parking at work. Ugh!!!! And, just wanting to keep on driving straight into the mountains to reach that gorgeous morning sun.

{9/365}
Enjoy another work week. :) The countdown to the weekend is on!

2012-01-06T16:18:00.000-08:00

6/365.
Oh, as much as I love the internet and email...I still LOVE getting snail mail!!!! Nothing beats going to the mailbox and seeing a delivery...except for bills, of course!!

The Internet reaches across a vast world. But doesn't that also include your own backyard?

And, I LOVE old rusty, weathered mailboxes too!!!!

2012-01-05T16:47:00.000-08:00

Day 5.
The only way of discovering the limits of the possible is to venture a little way past them into the impossible. ~Arthur C. Clarke

{5/365}

And a big shout out to my nephew Trent. Happy 14th Birthday!! On this day, 14 years ago, I walking across this hospital parking lot to meet you for the first time. Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!!

2012-01-04T19:50:00.000-08:00

Queen of the Roll.
I have given myself a title, aka as "the official toliet paper roll changer" and "Queen of the Roll". Not one that I am necessarily proud of. Just one that I think that I have honestly earned because no matter where I go...whether it be my house, work, my mom's, my sister's...I have to change the toliet paper roll. Why? I don't really know. I mean how is it that I time it just right to be the one everytime, everywhere??? But, I will admitt it, I tend to express my bitter feelings about it. I stomp my feet and grumble everytime. So, tonight when I went upstairs, this is what I found...

I some how think that my message finally got across...well, sort of. And, I have not found out who exactly did this yet...but, when I do I am going to give them a big o'le kiss!!!!!!! And, a free lesson on how to actually remove the old roll before actually placing the new one.

The end.

2012-01-04T16:46:00.000-08:00

Day 4.
Sometimes on my way to work...I simply must pull the car along side the road and get out. Today was no exception. I just had to stop when I spotted this lonely post surrounded by the snow that had just freshly fallen the night before and the morning sun starting to rise up from behind the mountains. Even though my car registered only a whole five degrees.

The rays of happiness, like those of light, are colorless when unbroken. ~Henry W. Longfellow

{4/365}

And, somedays I wish I could just keep driving and find more of natures simple beauty.

2012-01-03T14:10:00.000-08:00

Day 3.

"It is your duty to find something beautiful within life, no matter how slight. "
~Elizabeth Gilbert

{3/365}

2012-01-02T15:19:00.000-08:00

2/365 ~ A new day.
Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

I really don't know what these are....but I love them!

2012-01-01T14:35:00.001-08:00

Project 365.
So, what should I say? I finally decided that I am going to start one of these. Give or take a few days maybe? I don't know. I may call it quits after three months, or I may make it the whole 365. A photo a day for the next 365 days?? Hmmmmm.......

{1/365 }

What I expect? I don't know, to be honest. I just want to make more photos, have fun, learn, make mistakes and then learn from my mistakes. Create art out of everyday life. Capture everything I possibly can. What you can expect? Photos, that's all. Good one's? Maybe, maybe not. But, I am hoping to grow and learn from this experience. I am going to try and go out of my comfort zone a little. Try different lenses, try some different processing. I am hoping to really find my style.

(And yes, I know this year has 366 days.) Wish me luck. Oh yeah, Happy New Years 2012!!!!

2011-12-31T09:32:00.001-08:00

Chance.
With the beginning of a new year approaching us...this is my new motto for the year 2012. Taking chances!!!

Tell someone how much they mean to you. Tell a jerk what you think. Laugh till your stomach hurts. Love life.

Regret Nothing. Take chances. Tell the truth. Date someone totally wrong for you. Say No. Spend all your cash. Get to know someone random. BE RANDOM. Say I love you. Sing out loud.

Take Chances. I know I am. I am hoping to make 2012 the best year yet. Wishing and hoping you all have a wonderful and safe New Year!!!!! I am so looking forward to making a new fresh start! Excited to be moving forward...I am thinking about starting a 365 Project...stay tuned I plan to share throughout the coming year!

2011-12-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

Thursday's thought.
"This hour too will be more lovely in recollection."~Anna Kamienska

2011-12-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

Before we say "I do" ~ Heidi + AJ's Engagement Session.
All I have to say about Heidi and AJ is they were such a pleasure to photograph! I loved spending the cold, frosty morning with you, chatting along the way to keep warm.

You are truly some of the most photogenic people I've ever had the joy of photographing.

Please go be in a magazine. Right now!! AJ, you may want to give GQ a call. I'm just saying!!!

And, Heidi, I just love your smile.

I love how the two of you just work together.

You are so cute together that even furry visitors walking on by want to join in...

Heidi and AJ I can't tell you how much I enjoyed our time together. I absolutely cannot wait for your wedding in July - it's going to be great!!

To view more of Heidi and AJ's e-session, click play below.

2011-12-27T17:20:00.000-08:00

Sick Santa.
What kind of sick Santa delivers a game called "Doggie Doo"? I mean really....Doggie Doo?? I should have known. It looks all sweet and cute, right??? The object of the game...

Feed it doggie biscuits and insert them into his mouth with the little plastic bone....innocent enought right? But you do know where I am going with this right???

Because what goes in....must come out!!!

And, the first player to collect three droppings of doggie doo wins....

And, it makes lots of gas passing sounds...and you are just inclined to have to watch and wait because you never actually know how long until it drops out... But sometimes, well, sometimes it just gets stuck and you need a flashlight to investigate. See, I told you what kind of sick Santa delivers such a game???

2011-12-26T17:01:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning.
Christmas morning in our house this year started at approximately 7:15...

And, usually it is total destruction in about five minutes....but this year I made it that one person opens one gift at a time. It seemed to work out pretty well...

And, even though it was one gift at a time...it was pretty much still a whirlwind of wrapping paper flying!

So, Christmas morning was once again a memorable one indeed!!!

2011-12-25T09:32:00.000-08:00

What is Christmas?
What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. ~Agnes M. Pharo

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!!!!!

2011-12-24T11:13:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas Eve.
The lights are on...
The presents are all wrapped....

And, I am going to have quite a few of these!!!!

Have a Merry, Merry Christmas Eve!!!!!

2011-12-22T16:59:00.000-08:00

Pure craziness.
I went out tonight to do some grocery shopping and some last minute shopping...and, all I have to say is it pure crazy out there. I am so glad I did most of my shopping online this year. A little click here and a little click there, and I was done!!! I am so glad for the internet and Amazon.com!!

Crazy I say!!! C-R-A-Z-Y!!

2011-12-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

Mission accomplished.
I finally got him! I cornered him right after school with his dress shirt still on and no funny faces or googley eyes! Just one of my boy! Mission accomplished!!

Too bad the Christmas cards were already made and mailed out.

2011-12-20T15:38:00.001-08:00

The Holiday spirit.
Why do my kids wait till the night before to tell me that their school Christmas play is tomorrow at 1:30??? Um, yeah, I'll be there!!

The holiday christmas spirit has just left me..... just kidding, sort of.

2011-12-19T18:03:00.000-08:00

Sunday sledding.
Nana must of known the snow was going to arrive. So for an early Christmas gift the kids got to open early packages with new snow tubes and new snow pants!! They could not wait to bust out the door the next morning when they awoke to all the white stuff lying on the ground.

Coy is my dare devil. While this one below is a little more conservative, laid back and leisurely likes to float her way down the hill

And, this one...was inside looking out the backdoor with the saddest puppy face I have ever seen. I knew he wanted to be out there with all the kids and join in all the fun. So, I opened the door and he busted up the hill.

All in all, it was a great day for sledding.

2011-12-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

Guess what we did?
What better thing to do on a Sunday morning? Especially when you get new snow tubes from Nana an Pap last night and you wake up to all the white stuff??

More to come...

2011-12-17T07:23:00.001-08:00

Golden winter sky.
Most evenings, I have the best view at the end of the day right on my front porch.

Every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognize it as such. ~Henry Miller

2011-12-14T21:29:00.000-08:00

WARNING...major cuteness overload!!!
Can I just say, I was more than excited when Jessica + Matt invited me back into their home to take pictures of their precious Mia for her upcoming first Christmas. I cannot get enough of this cutie all decked out in her christmas attire. I just love, love, love everything about this girlie!!!

And, what's not to believe?? Mia is truly a blessing!!

2011-12-13T12:24:00.001-08:00

It's Tuesday.

We love the things we love for what they are.”~Robert Frost

2011-12-12T04:02:00.000-08:00

A Sneek Peak.
A dose of some Christmas cuteness for this Monday morning, because does it get any better than tutus and baby cheeks??

More to come...

2011-12-11T08:23:00.000-08:00

It's beginning to look....

A lot like Christmas around here!!!!

Hope you are all enjoying a quite, lazy Sunday decorating and listenting to some Christmas tunes!!

2011-12-07T15:55:00.001-08:00

I wonder...
I wonder if anyone else has an ear so tuned and sharpened as I have, to detect the music, not of the spheres, but of earth, subtleties of major and minor chord that the wind strikes upon the tree branches. Have you ever heard the earth breathe? ~Kate Chopin

I wonder...

2011-12-06T17:22:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of sugar plums.
Remember yesterday's post when I mentioned a "stress free" holiday???

Well, Sid thinks that is a good idea too, literally!! Actually, he loves the velvet tree skirt under the tree.

2011-12-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

Stress free.
This year I said to myself..."Self we are going to have a stress free holiday." And, that is exactly what I am having. So when the lights on the top of the tree would not work and Coy fussed and fussed with them...but to no avail they remained dark.

And, this one insisted on decorating it right away...so I said go for it. Who cares if I can't get the lights to work...because you know what I am not stressing about it. Remember? I am having a stress free holiday.

And, so the ornaments were placed.

And, you know what??

I am loving my stress free half lighted christmas tree!!!

2011-11-30T16:26:00.000-08:00

30/30 ~days of gratitude.
On this final day of the month, I am so grateful for doing this gratitude project. Grateful for being able to stick with it and enjoy it as much as I have. Grateful for everyone who has followed along and commented along the way. Grateful that even though the month has come to end in just 30 short days, I feel like I can keep coming up on a daily basis things that I am so grateful for and for that I am just plain grateful!!!!

I'm not dead, just falling.
~Pink

2011-11-28T17:30:00.000-08:00

Tuesday blahs.
In tyring to get into the holiday spirit, I bought some new shiny and glittery ornaments.

And, above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." ~ R. Dahl

Have a good Tuesday!

2011-11-27T08:31:00.000-08:00

27/30 ~days of gratitude.
Grateful for "pick me" up football games on Thanksgiving day. Grateful for being able to capture them in all the holiday fun.

Grateful for cousins.

2011-11-25T04:13:00.000-08:00

25/30 ~days of gratitude.
Grateful for these two! Mine and hers. They could be twins of twins. In case you did not know, I have an identical twin sister. And, her little girl often makes me do a doubletake because she looks so much like my little girl. They share only about 9 months apart from each other.

So, on Day 25, I am grateful for their friendship. Grateful for having them both in my life. Grateful for the bond they share just like my twin sister and I.

2011-11-24T06:49:00.000-08:00

24/30 ~days of gratitude.
Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving! May it be spent in the company of loved ones, much laughter, and many memories in the making.

There is always, always, always something to be thankful for.

May god give you the grace never to sell yourself short.

The grace to risk something big, for something good.

The grace to know that the world is now too dangerous for anything but truth,

and too small for anything but love.

May god take your minds and think through them.

May god take your lips and speak through them, and may god take your hearts,

and set them on fire.

amen.

Grateful on day 24, to be spending it with the ones I love.

2011-11-23T15:39:00.000-08:00

23/30 ~days of gratitude.
Grateful for for my grandfather who use to take us down to the railroad tracks to watch the trains. When you're young, some things seem really boring and you really don't appreciate the true value of it all. My Pap would drive my sister and I behind the train tracks, sitting us on top of the hood of his old blue Ford truck. We would watch the trains go by for what would seem like hours.

I've been thinking about him a lot lately. Maybe its because of the holidays. But, for whatever reason, I just happen to be at that end of town today. I just could not drive by without driving behind to the old tracks. It just seemed so right to drive behind and watch the trains. So many memories came flooding back and my emotions kind of got the best of me. Maybe its because I know how much he enjoyed it. Maybe it because it had been so long. Maybe its because it was just time to remember. Then this older gentleman tapped me on the shoulder while I was snapping away and was sweet enough to want to talk and make conversation with me about the passenger train he just saw drive through minutes earlier. I suddently started bursting into tears. {Boy, I'm betting he sure wished he never stopped}. He was such a nice gentleman. Reminded me that maybe this is what my grandfather use to do down at the tracks. Stop and tap people on the shoulder and want to relive and tell all about his memories about working on the railroad.

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough." ~Mae West

So grateful I made the time and stopped to visit today even though it was wet, cold, windy, dark and dreary. So grateful that I have those memories he gave me. Even if I did not know how much it would mean until years later. How I appreciate them so much more now. Oh, how I miss him! What I wouldn't do to get one of those lazy afternoons back sitting on the hood of that old Ford watching the trains go by...

2011-11-22T16:33:00.000-08:00

22/30 ~ days of gratitude.
Grateful for my iphone. I love how this little phone keeps me connected to everything and everyone; family, friends, FLICKR. Apps that make my life easier and, I who recently come to the conclusion that I simply cannot live without Instagram or checking in with Foursquare.

And, grateful for all the weather apps I have collected. Yup, all 4 of them and not one of them did I check or pay attention too this morning! I had to walk four blocks after work to my car today in the pouring down torrential rain....hmmmmm go figure! If I would have just checked one of them I probably would of have known to grab an umbrella. Yup, got 4 of them in the car too! :)

2011-11-21T17:26:00.000-08:00

21/30 ~days of gratitude.
Grateful for this saying I found today. Grateful for how I stumbled upon it like it was written just for me and was jumping out in front of my eyes waving "read me". It's so what I needed to hear.

THIS IS YOUR LIFE. Do what you love, and do it often. If you don't like something change it. IF YOU DON'T LIKE YOUR JOB, QUIT. If you don't have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you START DOING THINGS YOU LOVE. Stop over analyzing, all emotions are beautiful. When you eat appreciate every last bite. LIFE IS SIMPLE. Open your mind, arms and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. LIFE IS ABOUT THE PEOPLE YOU MEET,
AND THE THINGS YOU CREATE WITH THEM SO GO OUT AND START CREATING. LIFE IS SHORT. Live your dream and share your passion.

Really, really grateful for these words today. I needed them.

2011-11-21T03:44:00.000-08:00

A thought.

For a Monday morning.

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.
~Anne Frank

2011-11-20T16:14:00.001-08:00

20/30 ~days of gratitude.
Grateful for today. Grateful for being able to spend the day with my sister and laughing with her. Grateful for today just being a beautiful day.

We forfeit three-fourths of ourselves in order to be like other people.
~Arthur Schopenhauer

Grateful for a higher presence from above today.

2011-11-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

19/30 ~days of gratitude.
Grateful for such great childhood memories. Grateful for my Mom saving this cup from so many years ago and giving it to me. Grateful for her making the best hot cocoa and serving it to us in our "special" cups on cold winter days. Grateful for being able to tell my kids all about it when they asked where the cup came from.

The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been. ~Madeleine L'Engle

2011-11-19T08:06:00.000-08:00

Note to self.
Never sleep in on a Saturday morning thinking you are going to wake up to a normal house.
Because, this is what you find when you leave them alone in the morning....

....forts being built out of the tons of bed sheets and comforters from the linen hall closet.

And, TVs being moved so you can sit under the fort and watch cartoons.

And, this is what you find from the dog after the linen closet door is left open where the rolls of toliet paper happen to be kept. Because the kids so happen to let the closet door open after retrieving their fort building materials. And, overturned water bowls because he probably has a few sheets of toliet paper stuck in his throat, I would imagine.

Are you starting to see the viscious pattern here??? Good morning to me...I am off to run the sweeper...right after I get a cup of coffee. Somehow, I think those few extra precious minutes of sleep this morning is not going to pay off.

2011-11-18T14:32:00.001-08:00

18/30 ~ days of gratitude.
On day 18, I am just so grateful that I made it through a pretty stressful week. I am grateful for it being Friday. I am grateful for being able to look forward to spending the whole weekend relaxing in the comfort of my home surrounded by things that make me happy.

Dorothy was right when she said "There is no place like home".

Hope you all enjoy a relaxing weekend surrounded by the things you love.

2011-11-16T17:13:00.000-08:00

When I grow up.
When you’re young, turning 30 is a milestone you talk about. “When I’m 30 I’ll be a millionaire”. “When I am 30 I’ll be married and a stay at home mom with two kids”. “When, I am 30, I’ll have my life all figured out, right now I’m just young and having fun.”

Well, let me say 30, really sneaks up on you. And, now that I am well past 30, and at the ripe old age of 34, even closer to 35 now, I feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface of what I want to do with my life. In fact, I’ve barely even put my fingernail on that surface.

You know in the beginning of the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, where the room keeps getting smaller and smaller and there is only that tiny door left to get through. Well, today that is what I feel like. Today, I feel like I have reached that tiny door. I have hit that brick wall head on. Today, the low point is where for the last 15 years you get up every morning, leave your family behind and dedicate your whole life behind a desk, pour your heart and soul into a job that turns out being a total disappointment. Not rewarding. And, most definitely not appreciated. I feel like I have wasted the last 15 years of my life behind a desk that clearly does not make me happy.

So, on days like today, where I find myself discouraged, unhappy, and just feeling plain old….I make myself feel better, by reminding myself of some people who were still clearly on their way up over the age of 30 before they ever decided what career path was right for them.

Did you know Julia Child didn’t even enter cooking school until age 36?

Or, Sylvester Stallone, was a deli counter attendant well into his mid 30’s before he hit it big with Rocky?

I guess what I am trying to say is it is never too late to make change and start doing what you really desire and what truly makes your heart sing. And, maybe I am writing this more just for me, but sometimes I think it is good to take a step back, lay it all out there and keep working hard, keep moving forward until that right moment and opportunity of change can happen. And, photography does that for me.

So, I am going to keep pursuing this passion of mine. Too keep finding ways and opportunities. I am willing to learn and work hard to get myself there. To get myself to the top. I can do this!

“Human beings are made up of flesh and blood, and a miracle fiber called courage”

~George Patton

2011-11-15T03:48:00.000-08:00

15/30~days of gratitude.
Grateful for today being my 15th wedding anniversary. I am so grateful for having him by my side. For being a father to our two beautiful children and for being the strength I need to get through most days.

It's weird how a ring can represent such symbolism and have so much sentimental value. Most days it seems just like yesterday that he gave me this ring my senior year in high school. So hard to believe how time flies.

"We may not have it all together, but together we have it all."

Don't get me wrong, it hasn't always been a perfect 15 years. Like most married couples, we have had our ups and downs. But, when another day is coming to an end, he is still my bestest friend ever! My true soulmate for life. Happy Anniversary!!! I love you!

2011-11-14T18:06:00.000-08:00

A Snowtober Wedding ~ Denise & Matt ~ Lebanon, Pa
As I'm sure many of you are aware, the East Coast had a bit of unexpected weather. Snow!! And we're not talking some snow flurries, I mean big, fat, cotton ball sized snowflakes. I think we were all in denial as the weather predicted heavy snowstorms for that Saturday. Really? The day before was so calm and sunny....and beautiful. How is it possible that Denise's cell phone kept ringing off the hook of out of town guests calling to cancel? Surely the weatherman has to be wrong on this one? Right?? Nope!!! There were right. The white stuff arrived right on time.

I am so glad that I was able to arrive a day early before all the snow. I had such a great opportunity to meet Denise's parents and enjoy such great hospitality and home cooking by Denise's mom. And, was able to get some great detail shots of Denise's dress, flowers and shoes before all the snow.

By the way, all the flowers were done by Denise's mom. How awesome is that? Hand touched with Denise's theme - owls.

But, I think creativity runs in the family. Check out the fingerprint tree hand drawn by Denise's sister for all the guests to print and sign. Way too cool!

Denise always wanted a winter wedding, but decided to plan her wedding for October for fear that guests would not be able to make it...(always remember....never forget what you wish for). Denise did get her winter wedding...only it would be in October. But, it could not have been more perfect. The snow may have put a cramp in a lot of the wedding plans and outdoor pics...and, we may have not been able to get to the specific place that Denise wanted outdoor pictures, but not from lack of trying (good driving Matt) . It just so happened the roads were closed!! But, what we did get stopped alongside the road could not have been more perfect!!

In the end, I think this freak snow storm was just meant to be!!!

Denise and Matt thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be apart of your special, snowy day!!! It was such a great time and not one I will soon forget.

To view more of Denise and Matt's snowtober wedding, click the link below. And, leave Denise and Matt some love in the comment section and you may end up being the lucky winner of a $10.00 gift card!!!! Just because I am feeling so generous!!!! (I'm thinking all that snow may have gotten me into the holiday spirit!!!)

2011-11-13T12:18:00.001-08:00

An outake.
As I sit here and edit through these, it is usually the outakes that end up being my most favorite!!!! Just because it is so her. Her quirkiness is what I love the best.

Memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quickly. But I don’t go along with that. The memories I value most, I don’t ever see them fading. ~Kazuo Ishiguro

Definitely favorites.

2011-11-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

13/30 ~days of gratitude.
I am so grateful for his whiskers. I love how they wake me up every morning...tickling my face. And, everynight after work he always is so excited to jump and sit and visit with me for awhile. He's just the type of company you need after a hard day at work. Simply does not ask for much, just an occasional little scratch behind the ears.

He's the best little furball ever. And, those whiskers are the best alarm clock one could ever ask for.

2011-11-13T06:27:00.000-08:00

The battle.
A few weeks ago, we went to the play park two days after it had snowed. Much to my kids excitement of not only being at the park, but the chance of snow still lying around....BONUS!!!!And, you knew it was bound to happen....right?? Snow and kids....

The battle was on...that is Lizzie armed and ready....

And, that is my firstborn armed and ready and trying to be sneaky...

So, I wandered away and took pictures of things like stones with snow on them...

And, pretty little park benches with snow and leaves....

And, more leaves...

And, yes, you guessed it....more leaves.

Totally zoned and in my own little world and not really paying attention to what they were doing would prove to be my first mistake. I just so happened to be apart of their masterplan and wound up being the TARGET. Yup, that picture below was right about where it all went south for me.

That sweet, innocent looking boy actually had it in for his mother.....

And, don't let her fool ya....she was it on it as well!

Have a super Sunday!!

2011-11-12T10:59:00.001-08:00

This morning.
We went for a walk early this morning. Just her and I.

It was muddy.

It was cold.

It was windy.
It was perfect.

"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be." ~Shel Silverstein

And, I love everyone I took of her this morning. The sun was just right. She was just right. And, what could be better than wearing a new, warm winter sweater given by a special Nana?? That was just perfect, too! {thanks, Nana}

A favorite. Another favorite.
Yup, a perfect morning walk. Just her and I and new winter sweaters.

Just perfect.

2011-11-11T17:52:00.000-08:00

11/30 ~ Days of Gratitude.
Nothing better than walking up on the front porch and seeing your package from BLURB delivered!!!! Remember I said I wanted to put all my images from 31 days of October....

Here it is....

Yah! My first photo book from BLURB. Such amazing quality. I could not be happier!!! So, on Day 11, I am ever so grateful for Fed Ex and to BLURB for making my day!

2011-11-10T17:09:00.000-08:00

10/30 ~ days of gratitude.
You knew my camera was going to be a given too with a gratitude project and all about things grateful!! I love how this small piece of equipment can make me feel so free and creative. I love being able to create images through my eyes. The way I perceive and see things through the lens. I love being able to document everything. And, it is such a mad hobby/addiction of mine...I absolutely could not go a day without thinking about my camera(s). Its given me the freedom to just go out and explore and see what's really out there.

And, no, it does not have a name. I never did name it. But, it is my bouncing baby and is attached to me where ever I may be!! And, for that I am so very grateful for on this tenth day of November. And, if you want to listen to some awesomeness....click here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsyRq0WFOHY.

2011-11-09T14:32:00.000-08:00

9/30 ~ days of gratitude.
Grateful for this view everyday. Grateful for when I finally get to walk out of work and breathe that first gulp of fresh air after being inside for 8+ hours. Grateful for being able to look down over the hill into downtown and see the outline of the beautiful cathedral.

And, grateful for receiving an email today saying that six, yes, count them six of my images have been selected for publication!!!! Not to toot my own horn...but I am super excited and very grateful that on day nine that this mad hobby/addiction and my of love of photography is not being left unnoticed and that others are able to enjoy my images as well.

2011-11-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

Don't forget her.
As I mentioned in my previous post, how very proud I am of my football player...

...and them making it to the playoffs....

Let's not forget the cheerleader and how very proud I am of her as well!! She battled through the most adverse weather conditions as well...including the hot sun...and risking her life as the football players came busting through the sign...

And, when you could not find her on the sidelines cheering in the mud, you would most likely find her climbing the bleachers.
Or, hiding from my camera...

But, the girl can work it out.

G-O! G-O!!

2011-11-07T16:45:00.000-08:00

Time change.
It's hard with the time change...I don't like the darkness...I like to capture the light, not be in the dark. The only good is the extra hour of sleep.

The dream was always running ahead of one. To catch up, to live for a moment in unison with it, that was a miracle.~ Anas Nin

2011-11-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

7/30 ~days of gratitude.
Day 7...grateful for their father/son relationship. Grateful for my son being able to come over and ask him for advice. Grateful for my husband being their on the sidelines to coach him and give him the direction and encouragement he needs. Grateful that they both love the sport and can share these times together.
Grateful for the both of them being mine.

2011-11-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

Because you asked.

I know you all have been asking...

So, here are a few details to hold you over....

More to come, I promise...

2011-11-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

6/30 ~days of gratitude.
I have been working a day ahead for 30 days of gratitude. Only because I never know how much time during the day I will get.

So for day 6, (it is actually day 5)....but Iove hanging out on a lazy Saturday morning. Nothing better than just easing your way out of bed and observing everyone enjoy a relaxing morning. I awoke to Mr. Chip sitting in the sunny bedroom window watching the squirrels and the birds. No rushing around, not busting out the front door, no packing lunches and stuffing bookbags full of papers, no fighting for a parking spot at work, not punching of the time clock.

So on day 6, (but really day 5) I am grateful for Saturday mornings. I LIVE for Saturday's.

PS. That is not really snow out the window. It's just my dirty windows!! Tee Hee. Someday I will wash them...someday!

2011-11-06T09:13:00.000-08:00

Mommy goggles.
So, just let me brag for a few minutes. That's right, I am wearing my mommy goggles for just a few anyway! I have taken so many football picutres this season and have not posted too many just due to the lack of time.

Ever since the second week in August, we have been driving back and forth to football practice at least two, sometimes three times a week. He's practiced hard. He's grown and improved so much this year. I must admit, I am a proud mama. Not to mention that I hide my face and look away when I know those bigger boys are coming after my boy. Even though he has not had much playing time this year (because he moved up with the older boys) and stands on the sidelines a lot more than last year, he holds his own. He dishes it right back. He makes a stand and lets them know he's there. So yeah, I am proud of him (told ya I was wearing my mommy goggles).

That's him below...labeled by the red arrow! Tee hee. #58!!

After all the hard practice and late nights...his team made it to the playoffs! It was such an accomplishment I think for everyone involved. They deserved it. They practiced hard. They worked hard. They played their hearts out till the very end. We battled and sweated through the hot sun, the harsh winds and the below freezing temps and unexpected early snow fall.

Sadly, they lost the championship yesterday. But, hey, second place is first place from the first place winner right? The day also turned out to be very eventful that involved fists fights from adults and having the police intervene. But, I am saving that for a later post (because it is just to comical not too!). I just wanted to let him know how very proud I am of him.

2011-11-06T06:58:00.000-08:00

Multitasking.
I am spending a (lazy), but hopefully, productive Sunday at home. Something that hardly ever occurs. However, I am going to try and tackle my "list of things to do", which happens to be quite a big list. So, if I owe you an e-mail...I promise I am working on it!!!

True life is lived when tiny changes occur.
- Leo Tolstoy

And, I have lots to blog about...hoping I can cross that off my list today as well....including my Day 6 of gratitude!! But right now, I am off to tackle the laundry that has overtaken my laundry room and dunk the stinky doggies in the tub!!

2011-11-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

Another.
Just because I have a hard time limiting myself to just one. And, it happens to be my favorite tree in the background that was planted a few years back for Mother's Day by my loving hubby and kiddies! I love it!!

It is amazing how complete is the delusion that beauty is goodness.
~Leo Tolstoy

2011-11-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

5/30~days of gratitude.
I knew when I started this project, I would most definitely have to include this. And, I am certain to most people, this is no big deal ...but to me its the greatest.

For many years, after buying our home, we never had much outdoor lighting. We drove up to a dark house. So after driving up in darkness for 10 years, my husband built our garage and picked out the best lights ever for the front of it.

It makes me super happy to drive up our driveway on a daily basis and see the warm glow welcoming us home.

So what may seem like nothing to others, these lights our one of the best features about our home. Just because it makes my house "our" home so welcoming.

So, on day 5, I am so ever grateful everytime I pull up the driveway with the lights shinning and waving us home.

2011-11-04T17:56:00.000-07:00

Some more.
Her and I. My li'l sidekick...

"I only saw shadows, but now I've got sight, I'm seeing things in color, not just black & white." ~ Karla Murphy

And, I still can't get enough of taking pictures of the fall leaves.

What is still left hanging around anyway.

2011-11-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

4/30 ~ days of gratitude.
I am a worrier. Always have been, always will be. Some days, however, it can totally consume me. I've tried not to worry, but it is something I have always done since I was little and as long as I can remember. There is no stopping it as much as I try.

So, I am never totally satisfied until I know they are "all" home safe and sound. I'm so much better when I know they are all home.

So on Day 4, I am grateful for when I look over and see the pile of shoes at the front door!!! Letting me know they are all home!

2011-11-03T15:57:00.000-07:00

3/30 ~ days of gratitude.
On day 3, I am grateful for my workspace. There is nothing better than making a hot cup of tea and curling up in front of my computer screen to edit their memories. I am grateful for being able to be a part of their day. I am grateful for being able to witness love and life as it unfolds. I am grateful for having the opportunity to do this! I love photographing weddings. I wish I could do it everyday. So on day 3, I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue what I love and what makes me happy!

"No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore, you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change."

~Barbara de Angelis

(That's alot of gratefuls for day 3, hu?)

2011-11-02T16:36:00.001-07:00

d a y 2 ~ 30 days of gratitude.
On days that cooking just seems like way too much, and the fact that we live too far out of town for any sort of delivery service...I am still thankful for take out service on my way home from work and a hot pepperoni pizza is my weakness!!

So yeah, on day 2, I'm thankful for others who can cook for me!! Tee hee!!

2011-11-01T09:15:00.001-07:00

A new challenge.
Okay...so here it goes! A new challenge for November called 30 days of Gratitude. Since I enjoyed the October photo challenge so much I was super excited to see this November one start (if you would like to join in you can on FLICKR). I cannot wait to see what everyone else is so very thankful for. I do, however, think this is going to be quite a bit more challenging for me though in that it will require a little bit more of thinking on my part than just the ordinary "drive by shooting" type shot.

So, I am starting with this one. As soon as I came around the corner to his room this morning this is what I saw...

And, as much I as I grumble and complain about the massive amounts of laundry that accumulates around here...I am also so very thankful for ALL of them being around here to fill those baskets up!! Wish me luck. I am so looking forward to this challenge. I may not be able to post everyday...but I sure will try!! Happy November 1st.

2011-10-31T15:21:00.000-07:00

Day 31 and Toby's Sneak Peek.
Whew!! So, I made it to the last day of my October Photo Challenge. A photo a day for all 31 days! I am so very proud of the fall images I was able to capture that I may have otherwised walked or driven right on by. Now, I am looking forward to gathering it all and putting it into a photobook.

"The stripped and shapely Maple grieves. The ghosts of her departed leaves. The ground is hard, as hard as stone. The year is old, the birds are flown." ~ John Updike.

And, let me introduce you to Toby. Just look at that great doggie smile! He is three years old and he is just the sweetest. Reminds me of my own lab Sid. Only Toby is chocolate in color. Toby was so fun to chase around the park on this very last day of October.

Hello November.

2011-10-30T14:31:00.000-07:00

Day 30.
One more day to go to my October photo challenge...

And, BOO to snow!!!!

2011-10-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

Day 29/Denise & Matt's ~ Sneak Peek ~ Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Uh....it is only October 29th right? So, I'm just going to let this photo speak for itself....9.7 inches of snow later...

Despite the crazy weather, Denise and Matt's day could not of been more beautiful!!!

2011-10-26T17:20:00.000-07:00

Drive by shooting.
Since I have started this October photo challenge, I have been challenged to photo something daily. I must admit I have become very good at "drive by shooting". Always pressed for time during the day, I've been trying to do it early on my way to work. Literally, while driving down the road with the colorful trees lining both sides of the road.

Or, while sitting in the parking lot waiting to go into work and thinking of how I am going to dodge the raindrops.

And, along side the road while the beautiful sun is starting to rise.

It has been quite a challenge. But, I am just loving the results.

2011-10-25T16:38:00.001-07:00

Day 25.

I think it's what you take out of a picture that counts.

There's a residue. An invisible shadow
~Andrew Wyeth

2011-10-24T17:28:00.000-07:00

Day 24.

"The milkweed pods are breaking, and the bits of silken down, float off upon the autumn breeze, across the meadows brown". ~ Cecil Cavensish

2011-10-23T14:28:00.000-07:00

Day 23.

Oh beautiful release, memory seeps from my veins, let me be empty and weightless and maybe I’ll find some peace tonight

~Sarah McLachlan - Angel

2011-10-21T14:22:00.001-07:00

Day 21.

" But things as fragile as a thought, a dream, a legend,
they can go on and on."
¸.•*´¨`♥ Chuck Palahniuk, Choke

2011-10-20T20:05:00.001-07:00

Discovered.
Just a few little discoveries found at the Legion Play Park in Hollidaysburg last weekend. Summer is gone, autumn is fading and winter is fast approaching.

After he was quiet a long time, words began to come to him in dreams &
told him their secret names & this was the way he learned the true nature of the world. ~StoryPeople

I loved walking around and finding what was left. Still lingering, hanging on till the very, very end.

2011-10-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

Thursday nights.
Homework on Thursday nights is always reading. We have to share reading every other page together. Somehow, according to her, I always get the "short" pages.

And, since we are on the topic of good reads...Nicholas Sparks new book is so very wonderful!! I love when an author can make you feel every emotion possible. I laughed, I cried. It was happy, it was sad. His books never disappoint me. So, if you are looking for a good read The Best of Me is just that. And, with modern day technology (I read some of it on my Nook and some of it on my Iphone), I had it finished in two days. I simply could not put it down. Now I can't wait for the movie!!

I love to read and I am glad she does too!!

2011-10-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

Day 20.

When the heart weeps for what it has lost,
the soul laughs for what it has found.

2011-10-19T18:40:00.000-07:00

Day 19.

Perhaps some day I'll crawl back home, beaten, defeated. But not as long as I can make stories out of my heartbreak, beauty out of sorrow.
~Sylvia Plath

2011-10-19T17:54:00.000-07:00

Janelle + Jon ~ 09.17.11
If there was one wedding I had been waiting inpatiently for absolutely ages, it had to be Janelle + Jon's. Most people know that I am a huge fan of feet and shoes. And, I knew waaayyy back when I first met up with Janelle + Jon last November to shoot their engagement and Janelle so happened to be wearing the cutest shoes then, I knew Janelle would not dissapoint me come her wedding day.

I mean check out these beauties. How amazingly cool are these??

We first started the morning off at Ulta. Getting hair and make up...

Headed back to Janelle's parents house were the girls got ready...

Was greeted in the church parking lot by this great bunch of handsome boys to park our cars...

Witnessed a beautiful ceremony....
And, spent the rest of the afternoon with one of the best bridal parties ever.

I simply find myself stumbling over words because I cannot possibly find a way to describe just how beautiful Janelle + Jon's love for one another really is. However, that's why I will just let the photos describe themselves. So, let me explain the next two images. These next two happen to be my all time absolute favorites of Janelle + Jon. All I did was mention briefly to Jon to whisper something to his new bride that would make her blush......

And, this is the reaction I received. I love being able to capture true emotion. Those are moments that a photographer cannot direct, but simply watch it unfold.

Janelle your smile just sums up the whole day right there!! Total perfection!!

Janelle + Jon, I feel truly blessed to have not only been able to document your love for one another, but to be in the presence of it as well. Congrats to you two for truly finding your better half! And, making me fall in love with mine even more.

To view some more images from Janelle + Jon's beautiful day...click play below.

2011-10-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

Pupparazzi.
Honestly, how can you resist a face like that?? Nope. She's not mine...but she does belong to one loving family.

Off for a night of grade school football and the first time to play under the"big" lights.