"Photography, alone of the arts, seems perfected to serve the desire humans have for a moment - this very moment, to stay." - Sam Abell

Friday, September 30, 2011

Give It All


So excited for my new business cards! Finished up everything for the baby blanket ministry today and we are ready to get things started! Finally!

I attended the funeral today of a dear friend of our family. He was a missionary serving in Africa for 40 years. Hearing his story, and stories about his life from other people was amazing. And, somewhat saddening to me as well. He was God's man and how many people do we know with stories to tell but we simply don't take the time to hear them. And, at some point it's too late. People are important. His humility, love for God, and service spoke volumes to me. And, he's not even here anymore. I would love to leave this Earth knowing I did everything in my power to show the love of Jesus to everyone who crossed my path. Though funerals can be very sad, AIM always does a wonderful job at making them encouraging, and always focusing on the hope of Jesus and that one day we will see him and all our other brothers and sisters in Christ once again.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

New Places


After a productive afternoon at home, I headed out to Wildwood to check out Traditions Antique mall. Somebody got to get off work a little earlier too and go with me :). The place was huge and slighty overwhelming. But wonderful all at the same time. Lots of really neat things. Ended up in Sumter Landing at the end of the day, finishing up with some dancing at the square. Such fun! I don't know what it is about dancing... ^_^ It's fun by yourself, but it's even more fun when you've got a handsome man to dance with. G'nite world <3

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

My Quest


Shortest blog post yet:
I think this picture speaks for itself. No time for words tonight, I'm off to spend some quality time with my lovey. He's more important :).

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

In Love with Light


All I could think about on the way home from work today was how gorgeous the lighting was outside this evening (late afternoon). So wish I could have done a photo shoot today. It was gorgeous, white light and clear blue skies! If you don't have a model, the next best thing is a flower :). Okay, so this is my first action in photoshop. I must say Lightroom is so much easier. But I really like how this turned out. And, I'm slowly learning more so there is progress today!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Practice, Practice




I'm currently sitting here trying to figure out how to work at least something in CS5 and how to play if I Die Young on the guitar. Both resulting in a very frustrating experience at this time of night. Why does it have to have a b-minor? If only I had bigger hands to stretch one. Sometimes I like to believe I can do things without practicing. That doesn't normally work and it's not working right now either =D. I'd say it's time to hit the sack and give it a try (more like practice) tomorrow :). And, as for CS5 I need a book or something...

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Unconditional


"I have loved you with an everlasting love." -Jeremiah 31:3

Sigh...the end of a wonderfully, long weekend. Strangely, I've made many lovely memories in the last 4 days and am feeling fully refreshed to take on the new week. Let me just say, if there is one thing that will make a woman's heart sore, is to know she is unconditionally and unfathomably loved. My Savior loves me like that ^_^.

I'm sitting here in my room after a warm bath, with my very favorite candle lit (Yankee Midnight Cove), unwinding, and cuddling with my ...computer?? Yes, I'd much rather it be a book but I must finish this first. :) Umm...I'm sooo craving scones right now. How random. This is not good.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

The Unexpected


Yes, it might seem a bit strange to have a picture filled with fried rice and vegetables, but I would like to never forget the rather interesting Thai restaurant Luke and I went to and the wonderful evening we had together. I'm so in love with that boy.

Today was my last day with my cousin and his family. I had such a lovely time there and I loved spending time with them all. A change of pace was much needed. So sad to go, but so very happy they live not too far away. So it's more like a see ya later instead of goodbye.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Pumpkin Time


A day with the Weber's means lots and lots of pictures :).
I couldn't wait to use this hat! Carved this pumpkin up this afternoon and took pictures with little Beau sitting inside. So CUTE! Steph and I could barely stand it! And he cooperated so well, no crying involved in this shoot :).

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Time Away


I took off this morning on an adventure. And, that is exactly what day has been. The gps I had went physco and I had to find my way to my cousin's house by general directions from my dad. But eventually got there and everything has been crazy since :) Took this picture during our late night Walmart run for milk. Now time for a girly movie with Steph :). Pumpkin shoot tomorrow!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Getting Away




Last time I took a picture like this I was all packed for a trip that never ended up happening. At least I won't be flying anywhere for this one and it's only on the coast :). Going to stay the weekend with my cousin's family. Yay for getting away! And, yay for extended family that lives close enough to visit =D.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Sweet Slumber




Today has been one of the most tiring days I've had in a long time. Could barely keep my eyes open at work. However, this evening got much more exciting ;) And, once home and felt as if I'd rather die than have to do this tonight lol. But I did it and now I'm off to bed.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Makin the Mornings Count


There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~Anaïs Nin

Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves like locked rooms and like books that are written in a very foreign tongue. Do not now seek the answers, which cannot be given you because you would not be able to live them. And the point is, to live everything. Live the questions now. Perhaps you will find them gradually, without noticing it, and live along some distant day into the answer. ~Rainer Maria Rilke, Letters to a Young Poet

If you don't get lost, there's a chance you may never be found. ~Author Unknown

If there's one thing I like about getting up for work in the morning, it's riding there with the top down, the beginnings of fall in the air, some country music turned up, and my hair blowing everywhere. I laugh at myself when I get there and don't even bother trying to fix my crazy hair... Life is good :)

Sunday, September 18, 2011

White Light


I'm not sure if you can see it in the picture or if it's even possible to explain, but every year near Autumn the sun shifts in such a way that sends a certain white, pure light streaming in our windows. I love it! I love the coolness I can feel in the mornings and evenings now. It's so refreshing. It makes me feel as if I could do anything :)

Saturday, September 17, 2011

CutiePie


I wasn't going to let another year pass without going to Cradle to College, and so I got up early this morning to go. It was neat seeing and meeting all the vendors there. Also, got a little something from The Diva and Dude's local booth.

Now about the picture. Got to do a shoot with this little cutie today. Had so much fun! She slept like a rock the whole time. I must say I quite enjoy newborn shoots.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Like Yesterday


The last few days I've barely been able to keep my eyes open to do my posts. Today is the same :) I spent the day with a friend at Disney. By half way through the day we were exhausted and decided to leave. But I had so much fun with her, we hit three parks and talked and laughed all the while. I love spending time with the kind of friends you haven't seen in awhile but then you can pick up like you just saw them yesterday. And no, I didn't get pictures there. I didn't have the heart to bring my camera to Disney. Too much to worry about.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Cast Your Cares


"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." Psalm 23:4

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

In a strange sort of way, this picture describes life at the moment. I'm very glad for a day away tomorrow with a special friend I haven't seen in forever.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

The Finished Product


Um...how cute are these! So excited with how they turned out. They fit like a sock :) A bit more time consuming then I thought they would be, with having to be washed 4 times. Never thought I'd wish for a top loader washing machine instead of a front loader. Helps for more agitation and quicker felting. Also finished up a baby wrap for a baby shoot this weekend.

I'm overly excited to be able to sleep in tomorrow. However, this is what will happen. I'll wake up at 7:15 and think "a whole free day! there's so much to be done" and I'll jump out of bed a moment later!

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

A Need To Fly


Here by the washer I wait for my slippers to be finished. Two washes so far, and they're probably still a size 9. Only a few more to go. I vote this to be the most boring picture of my entire 365 project so far. But it hasn't been the easiest day and therefore I'm not the least bit embarrassed. This week I've felt like a bird in a cage. I just need to fly. I've been so anxious at work, can't sit still for two seconds. It's like torture. Hmm seems I'm very ready for my little trip :) :) :)

Monday, September 12, 2011

The Magic Slippers



As silly as this looks, tomorrow both pieces will look like the slippers in the picture on the pattern. I couldn't help but laugh at the size of them when I finished knitting them. The next step is felting and that is when they will shrink down to a women's size 5-6 slipper. It's like magic pulling them out from the wash! Can't wait :)

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Never Forgotten


As the sun was beginning to set tonight, I walked around downtown near the lake. The cool breeze coming off of it and the way the light played on the water made me feel as if I had instantly been transported to a place far away, removed from everything else. I've forgotten how much I like being by myself sometimes. I took so many pictures it was hard for me to decide which one to pick for today. But I thought this one to be the most appropriate.

Watching the 9/11 re-runs today brought everything back. How incredibly scary and unbelievable it was. I was sitting at the kitchen table doing school and for some reason my dad was home that day from work, watching the news. I remember running into the living and watching live the second plane crash into the other trade center. And, even though I was only 11, there was a chill that ran down my spine as I watched them collapse. Gone in an instant. My dad's head in his hands and the black dust that enveloped the area. I'm proud of our country when I think back to that day, President Bush, the firefighters, and everyone else that helped and pulled together. My prayers go out to all the people still suffering from the loss of loved ones. It will never be forgotten.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Setup


Initial computer setup has always stressed me out and today I was reminded it still does. But at least I have one to be stressed about :) And I have a habit of trying to get large tasks done in a very short amount of time because I know I won't want to come back to it later.

The sky was beautiful tonight. Watched it rise and watched it set :)

"Like a hand out the window in the wind.
The cars go by...
Yeah it's all we've been given,
So you better start livin' right now"

Friday, September 9, 2011

An Exciting Day


I shall mark it in my memory that today was an exciting day. I woke up as the sun was rising and drove with the top down enjoying the beautiful weather we've had the last few mornings, and met my lovey at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. I, then got to shop all day long with Amy! It was simply wonderful. Spent a little too much :/ but it was well worth it. I now have a new laptop :). Sigh of relief.

Whilst shopping at Joann's, I found they didn't carry the right size DPNS that I needed. Therefore I heeded the idea from a friend and made my own out of a dowel for 99 cents. I'm pretty proud of them :) Now for them to dry...

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Not A Care



I sat reading at our kitchen bar this evening, when a bright orange light hit the glass on our front door and cast orange like rainbows all over our walls. These sunsets are always the most magical. I quickly jumped up, grabbed my camera and headed for the neighbors house to get some shots. Love the barn in there too :) These pictures scream calm to me, laid back and not a care in the world.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Back In The Swing Of Things



I made lemon, poppy seed muffins as a result of a baking urge. =D Always makes me feel good when the boys can't wait til for something yummy to get out of the oven. And, are there the second they're being pulled out.

I seriously need to adjust the focusing....


Guess what? I stopped at Advanced Auto Parts today for another part for my trunk. No more needs to be said about that =D.

Okay, my break is now finished and I've enjoyed it immensely (when I wasn't missing it). It was a nice change to write my days down on paper instead =D.

Bury Them


I've spent many mornings wondering why on occassion, I wake up with a sense of dread or depressing thoughts. In some ways, iut seems to set the mood for the rest of the day. Maybe it has something to do with dreams. Yeah....that would make sense. Cause I sure had one. Many times those bad dreams are based off of real life fears. I guess that solution would be to release them over to God...well duh. But who really does that all that often. I'm just blabbing here, but there must be someone with these same feelins out there and therefore I don't mind sharing my mind.
The good news is, on days like this it only takes little things to cheer me up :).

Adventure Time


We set off early this morning for some treasure hunting and the Webster farmers market. Family outings with a few friends are always fun. The place was buzzing with people. After 3 hours of walking new ground, we still had only seen about half of the whole market. Must go back! I found myself a new baby prop. An awesome light, blue suitcase. It's so adorable! I can't wait to try it out soon. My photography itch has come on quite strong at the nearing end of this breaking!

Joseph's, Flat Stanley got the privilege to sit in the suitcase today :)

My Special Key


The first Sunday of every month is like a fresh breath of air for me. Dr. Pent's sermon's always bring me comfort and hope. Even at home, I like listening to his cd recordings for my college of lectures and scripture reading. Afterwards, food and friends just top it :). The Lord has blessed me so greatly with encouraging friends and teachers.

I LOVE this key. Been looking for one for awhile and finally found one ^_^

My Sleep is Vital for Mental Well Being...


I've realized today how grumpy I can get when I don't have enough sleep. You guessed it, another car Saturday. Woke up early, early to go get the tires balanced and Dad's shocks changed. If there's one thing I've learned about waiting rooms in auto shops, all the women are looking for someone to talk to.

Izzie's and a burrito at Chipotles, with Mister Lukey proved to be a wonderful mini date =D Take me there any day and I'll be a happy girl. I'm sure glad he likes to talk and listen. He's simply wonderful.

Letting Go


Yesterdays post reminded me of a story I've heard:

There once was a young family that visited an apple orchard. In the family was a little girl who had never seen an apple orchard before. When she saw the rows and rows of apple trees, she squealed with delight and ran ahead. As she cam upon the trees, she spotted an apple laying on the ground. Picking it up, with small hands, she smiled at the red treasure she'd found. She ran with delight back to her father. But her father looked with alarm seeing that the fruit had come from the ground, rotting with all the rest that had fallen. But unnoticed by his young daughter, she proudly held the apple high for her father to see. He bent low to look, and with a weathered smile, he told her of its rottenness and asked if He could have it. Not wanting to let it go, she lowered her small arms and gazed at her bruised little, apple that she so desperately treasured. And after several long moments of pondering, she slowly let the apple go and handed it back to her father. And, in her empty hands he placed a new apple, a perfect apple.

I hold onto the silliest things in life. With a tight grip, I hold onto things that I find comfort in. I'm quick to be satisfied with unknowingly rotten thins, I settle, I trust in things that will rust, and I hold onto them so tight, not even wanting to pry my fingers open to let my Father see, let alone hand them over. This father loved his daughter and knew the big picture. He knew the apple she carried wasn't the best she could have and that it wasn't good. But before he gave her a better one, she had to give up the rotten fruit first. She had to trust her loving father. The Lord wants the same for us =D But we have to be willing to let go.

Poured Out


Today was a simple day of running errands (though there never is anything simple about running errands), that included seeing Amy and working out at the gym with Caleb ^_^. Fun, fun.

Somedays I find the need to pull my mind out of my endless thinking pit. At times I wonder why the joy I used to find in certain things has been sapped over certain periods of time. Tonight I was reading 2 Samuel 23:16 "He would not drink it, but poured it out to the Lord." I realized all my enjoyments whether it be in things, hobbies, or people, each and everyone is a blessing I've received from GOd. I don't deserve any of them. And, the moment I start trying to own them, or satisfy myself with God's blessings, I've abused them and the joy is gone. I need to give them back to Christ and through that my joy will be in Him. Open and trusting in His provision. Hopefully that makes sense, I might come back later and decide I worded this completely wrong. But for now I've expressed what my current mind set is. ^_^