Tungsten Memories

Jacob is hereeeee

2011-09-30T18:33:00.001-04:00

Melanie and Cole now welcome Baby Jacob... Such a pleasure to be able to finally meet him... Here are a few of the Mom's favorites ...

Brooke Class of 2012

2011-09-06T10:18:00.000-04:00

Awhile back, I posted a session with Dani, who is Brooke's sister for trash the dress.... Their Mom reached out after seeing that session and asked that I take Brooke's senior pictures... What a patient young lady this is... we actually had to break her session into 3. We've completed 2 and 1 more to go... here are a few...

and just for fun ;)

They're having a babbbyyyyy, tomorrow!!!

2011-09-06T09:56:00.001-04:00

What can I say.... i've pulled away from everything for awhile (as I often seem to do) and due to some wonderful people who won't let me let go... I'm back... I really need to working on posing techniques... I have to say, it's been alot of fun over the past few days....

Now, on to Melanie and Cole.... Melanie is one of the most charismatic young ladies I've ever met. She has a smile so big you can't help but smile yourself no matter what mood you may be in... She is due Sept 7, which is tomorrow... she wrote me an email 2 days ago and the subject line was "you're going to kill me...." LOL, and went on to say that she decided she did want maternity pictures done... We made an attempt back in July but the heat was too unbearable for her.... so, quickly we through something together and with the gracious Lynn McColley, he allowed us to utilize his home http://sunnybraemansion.com/ to help her with this project... I can't wait until her little one arrives and we can do even more photos...

CONGRATULATIONS to Melanie and Cole!!!!

Gotta love late Spring weather

2011-06-17T13:26:00.001-04:00

Love this cat.... finally had a beautiful spring day to open up the house... He was sacked out enjoying this open window...

Dani

2011-06-11T16:10:00.003-04:00

I have no doubts that I'll be posting many of Dani on this site. She is simply amazing. So patient and has been so helpful in helping me expand my knowledge of photography. We recently did a trash the dress session at the beach (and we have more to come ;) ) but prior to putting on the gown, we took some shots in casual... These were 2 of my favorites.

He's 5 !!!

2011-06-11T16:02:00.000-04:00

Tyler is 5 !!!! Let me tell you how challenging this shoot was.... It was chilly, windy and there was terrible water spray off the bay... but the session was so much fun... this little boy is a ball of energy.

Dani

2011-06-11T15:50:00.003-04:00

One of the sessions I enjoy doing the most is Trash The Dress. Dani was gracious enough to model for me in a very casual long dress that was perfect for this shoot...

Beach wedding

2011-05-14T18:15:00.002-04:00

I got to get some practice in a few weekends ago... as a 2nd shooter for a wedding on the beach.... the beach was lined with roses...

The walkway with ribbon

Hiya

2011-04-09T16:06:00.003-04:00

Wow... I've been away for awhile... ;) not to worry... working on something new... I really will be updating something soon... :)

I didn't pose him, I PROMISE

2010-11-16T12:17:00.000-05:00

This guy joined my family the day I met Nate... His name is Maxx... He's 11 and is an Ole' Enligsh Mastiff... He is such a great dog.... I was coming out of the kitchen, turned the corner and there he was... snuggled up with Tigger. I couldn't resist....

New Year

2010-11-06T09:47:00.000-04:00

Sooo... Making some changes in the upcoming new year... After all, isn't that everyones goal; reflect on the year past and see what can be done better or different for the upcoming year? Maybe to some maybe not to others... Doesn't matter... it's what I'm doing... :)

This blog didn't really end up the way I had an anticpated and that's no one's fault but my own... So, I think I'll keep this one and this will focus on things with Nate and I (mostly my bragging on Nate :) ) but, I'm starting a new one too... The new one will be more of just ramblings and inner thoughts... Hopefully I'll be joined there and conversations will be envoked...

I'll keep you posted.... :) I'm pretty excited ...

Chick Flicks and reality

2010-09-26T15:54:00.001-04:00

Typically, I just don't like watching "chick flicks" .... I think they can set a false expectation of reality. Really???
Yes, I know movies are movies and not reality... after all, I'm not watching a documentary... I'm an adult, I know this... yet still, I believe it can plant the seed... and start the questionings... could it really be like that??? Really?
Then the comparison start... reality vs the movie and the questioning of why isn't it like that??? Why can't it be like that???
I count my blessings every single day and I try and learn from my faults every day... I've done alot of growing,( and aging ) lately ......yet, I still hold the hope of what I am wanting, and needing... and the questioning of not necessarily why isn't my life like "that" but why can't I seem to make things happen or find my right direction ..... I don't dwell on the feelings when I get them... sometimes I'll just escape and watch the unrealistic movies... and sometimes the timing is perfect and I just sit back and enjoy the escape from reality....
I'm doing just that... watching "Love Happens" ... so far so good... I hope after watching the entire "flick" that I still have "feel good" feelings... I don't know... maybe it's just the soundtrack that I'm enjoying...

What is your opinion?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XInj3WyRerI&feature=related

Water Rescue 2 class and Nate

2010-09-26T14:24:00.002-04:00

Water rescue 2 class was last weekend... Here the boys learn about unloading, docking and loading water rescue vehicles....... Here are some of Nate during this training:

Nate giving instruction to the newest Probie~~Tyler

Tom, Tyler, Instructor Fry, Nate and Hitchy

Practicing backing in the boats to the dock

Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association (DVFA)

2010-09-26T14:01:00.002-04:00

I don't think I've posted much about this... Which isn't surprising, this blog didn't quiet turn out as I was anticipating... Like much of my life right now..... September 16 2010 was our DVFA conference where Bill Tobin was sworn in as the new president....

Nate is still a "probie" but attended the conference to support President Tobin as well as to support DVFA in it's entirety... He and another probie, Clint were asked at the last second to be the Stair and Color Guards... Very unexpectedly .... I was able to attend the very end of the conference as I had to work that day. I wasn't the photographer of this particular event thank goodness because I didn't have all my equipment with me... here are a few of what I was able to capture...

Nate on your left Clint on your right

He looks really sharp in his dress uniform... They weren't made to wear the jackets at this event

Newly elected President Bill Tobin (left) with Terry Jester Chief of Memorial 89

(Nate on the right, behind Chief Jester)

Picture below and above... The Memorial 89 Ladies Aux. and many of our officers and a few Probies

Emily & Memorial 89 Slaughter Beach Fire Department

2010-09-26T13:42:00.004-04:00

Nate is doing really well with his Firefighting Training.... Which I will blog some updates about that in my next post... Firefighters like Policemen develop a "family" unity due to the nature of the job.... His department has taken me on board as their photographer... It's nice to have the oppourtunity to use my camera since I can't seem to get out there and take many pictures anymore... Within this "family" bond it has also given me the oppurutnity to practice portrait taking as well... I'm not taking this pictures as a professional obviously but as a hobbiest... It's a great time... and I'm learning in the process...
...
Here is Emily.... she is a senior in high school this year and was wanting some outdoor "senior" pictures... I don't know how to really do that so we found a compromise.... I'll photographer her as part of my learning and she can keep all the pics... I know we will be getting together alot more... :)

Slaughter Beach is a very special place for Emily. She has been a part of that location all her life. Her father is the Deputy Chief at the station.

The majority of these shots are very "typical"... the more Emily and I grow to know each other, the more artistic flare and personalization will be able to be added to the photo's.... Here are a few on the beach

Then we started to move across the street to take some with Engine 2...

Now to Engine 2.... I started to lose my lighting... and now have learned throughout all this, I need to invest in a reflector.... I love how much I'm learning thanks to Emily :)

I know this one is blurry but there is just something about this picture that I just love

Here she is on top of Engine 2 with her Dad's helmet

She wanted some pictures with the sunset behind her... LOL... although these pictures turned out NOTHING like she wanted... it was sooooo much fun... Please pardon the blurriness, I'm working on it :)

Photoshop isn't just to "save a crappy photo" as I was once told.....

2010-08-16T20:30:00.003-04:00

I am shocked that it's been over a month since I've written.... I had a lot going through my head in July... and I'm finding the right way to put it into words.... working on developing a new page for a fresh start... but while that's a work in progress.... I still wanted to put something up :)

~~
We attended my Mom's family reunion this weekend... it was SOOO much fun... which I have photo's I may post later.... but what I wanted to post today was pictures of my cousin Tara. Tara had absolutely no idea I was going to take her "hostage" and photograph her... Actually, I had no idea myself !!! LOL
~~
She and I were talking and catching up, it had been 2 years since I had seen her... She has grown up so much... She is a senior this year in high school and is hoping to attend a culinary college after graduation.... She had been swimming prior to my arrival and really, she was just ready to get back into the pool ... BUT, then I happened... LOL
~~
She was hesitant for only about.... a hot minute... and then she was all for it... :) ... neither of us cared that her hair was haphazardly pulled up and that she had very minimal make-up on... I actually was happy for both.... So, around the farm we went..... I have to say, I am VERY happy with how these turned out...
~~
OHHHHH... and before I go forward... I was once told that I use photoshop because my pictures aren't so good and I try to mask them and hide behind photoshop and try to be something I'm not....
So, I've come to realize that isn't true.... I've never claimed to be a "professional photographer" and I've never had a class... So I KNOW my pictures aren't top of the line... BUT they are from my heart and soul and the best ability I currently have to capture memories for myself and everyone.... I use photoshop to help me express a different type of art from the photograph.... I like my pictures just fine without these affects(effect??? ugh I get them confused)... but I chose to add them because I like them.... and I just love what I do.... :)
Now.... on to Tara... a good sport and a great person

~~See the difference in the next two effects?? I just couldn't chose my favorite... I love them both for such different reasons

~~ So the next one... I saw that old disassembled car and just had to use it... but I have to say...I can't take full credit for the next picture.... My 4year old Nephew actually took it... !!!! I just added an effect I liked to it... he did a pretty good job

~~now this next one.... I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT... I know it's all blown out... but there is just something about it that I just really really like....

Wesley is 4!!!

2010-06-20T10:12:00.001-04:00

My youngest nephew turns 4 today... Tommy and Rachelle celebrated it yesterday with a carnival theme... They had many "stations" set up in the backyard for the kids to play carnival type of events and win tickets for prices... it was so cute and a ton of fun...

There was face painting:

His sister Hailey wanted a butterfly... so a butterfly she got... looks pretty good to me...

Hailey even talked me into it... She knows me so well... she automatically painted a dragonfly... LOL

The cake was baked by my sister in law Rachelle, she has amazing talents with cakes

And then there was Wesley's "big" gift ... boy have times changed... This thing is powered not by pedals.. seat belts and everything... Now I wonder if I should trade my car in for one of these!!!! It's nicer than my car... LOL

His reaction when he came out and saw what was there

And the radio was a TRUE radio.. amazing

Judging by his best friends face and the look of "I'm on a mission get out of my way" on Wesley... I think it was the right idea to stand to the side of them LOL--I LOVE this picture

Happy Birthday Wesley... I love you so much...

Just a new pic

2010-06-20T09:58:00.003-04:00

Hiya... Just putting an updated pic... My hair is finally growing back out to a length I like... I went from Mid back to above my jawline.. and yes, I won't be doing that again... at least not THAT short.. LOL

2010-06-12T19:44:00.002-04:00

I want to post but at am a loss for words... odd for someone who talks quiet a bit... well, used to... I'm just hanging around tonight... not getting into too much... Nate is on call to assist Milton Fire Department... so, I'm just playing around with photoshop a bit....
*

This is a fence we parked beside on a foggy day at slaughter beach... I really like the unfocused softness and think the black and white set's it off... kind of somber... but I actually really like this

Floyd hanging out on the table... I made this a stark black and white...

This is something new for me... I've learned how to do different vintage fading and add texture to pictures... This is Cortney... Such a great person... incredible heart & soul...

I'm going to jump off here for a little bit.... Play around in photoshop some more... :)

Lauren's wedding Part 2 ;)

2010-05-25T16:14:00.001-04:00

This truly was a beautiful day... I just wanted to share a few more photographs......

I was off in a distance... this was taken as they were walking away from the ceremony... I added a little sun flair effect... I like it :)

Lauren wore locket sized photo charms of relatives were have passed away... Here she is sharing a memory with one of her guests....

And now sharing some of the portraits

I had actually cropped from this from a different photo... although the trees look crazy in the background.. and the flowers are slightly out of focus... I like this picture... although I may end up toning down the background when I edit more.... Notice the three charm photo's...

Lauren

2010-05-18T10:53:00.001-04:00

We had the pleasure of attending Nate's cousin's wedding on Sunday... It was an absolutely beautiful day... she got married at Mount Harmon Plantation http://www.mountharmon.org/ . We were a little late arriving so I wasn't able to photograph the Plantation but please check out the link. Honestly, I think the location is better accessed via waterway. The road to get there was... ummmm.. beautiful but very very different... it's like a machine just went through and cut a small pathway in the woods... great view but it was only a 1 way road...

I wasn't the photographer for this wedding... but I tried to sneak in some shots

The Bride, Lauren

The groom with their daughter

Their daughter is so incredibly cute... she did NOT want to stay with the bridal party though... LOL

Again being guided back to the group

Nate and his cousin

The Cake, a delicious red velvet

It's that time again....

2010-05-05T18:21:00.006-04:00

My father, Paul J Sweeney; is a fallen officer for NCCPD His end of watch was 11-30-1972 at the young age of 26....

Here is the last picture taken of him... with my brother and myself..

Every year we attend the police memorial in honor of the fallen officers for Delaware... My Dad is the only who died in the line of duty... (thankfully only 1.. I hope it stays that way...I hope no other family goes through that loss)

This years Memorial actually was a 2 part ... We had the yearly memorial today at NCCPD and Legislative hall

We also had a dedication on Monday... A wall was built in honor of the 36 Delaware officers who died while on duty.... It was a beautiful ceremony, very moving. We began with a reception at the Governors home with he and his wonderful wife. Below is a picture of my Aunt Liz, Uncle Michael and myself with Carla Markell, the Governor's wife.

We were also joined by Vice President Biden. My 8 year old niece and he talked for an extended period of time... My niece had met his dog Champ while Champ was being trained... she had the Vice President captivated... as she does everyone she comes in contact with; she is such an amazing little girl.

Although the moment was very somber he was so good about bringing out the happy memories as well... we laughed and we cried... He was very kind and very caring to my family... I love this picture of he and my Mom

The ceremony Monday night was beautiful... Heather, Miss Delaware 2009 sang the National Anthem and when she was done, you could see that every single person in attendance was moved by her singing abilities.. she was amazing!

and then there was the wall... very beautiful... It is engraved with the names of all those in Delaware Law Enforcement who died while on their shift... If you can not view the names at the size they are on this post... please click on the individual picture to make it larger.

There are 36 officers; beginning with Officer John F Baylis: Wilmington Police Department 09-09-1863 and ends with Patrolman Chad E Spicer: Georgetown Police Department 09-01-2009... and every day I pray that we will not be adding another name; although sadly, I am aware it is unrealistic...

First water rescue training

2010-05-02T10:52:00.002-04:00

Nate had his first water rescue training event last saturday.... It was his unit, Lewes, the coast guard and state police... Nate is allowed to particpate yet because he isn't certified... but he was allowed to ride on the boat, observe and take some pictures!!! I'm all about documenting everything... LOL... These were all taken with the sony... he was so disappointed that I don't have a telephoto lens... and he thought the pics were not so good... I thought he did a great job... here are some of my favorites:

My favorite for the day... with a little contrast boost...

Portraits gone bad... LOL

2010-04-24T10:25:00.009-04:00

Ok... I understand that children and really large groups can be a challenge... well, here are some with our pets... LOL... they just didn't turn out quiet right... hehehe
but it was a ton of fun
The puppy preferred to play... he didn't want to sit... LOL

A gust of wind... and look at all the sand.. good thing my camera is protected..

These are the only 2 that are semi-presentable... LOL.. It was soo windy that day and the puppy just wasn't feeling it...
That is Kai-son on the right... 10.5 months old now... a little over 245lbs...

I'm married to a firefighter now ;)

2010-04-24T10:15:00.004-04:00

Nate is still looking for full time employment since his lay off... we've talked often about this being a perfect opportunity for him to find something he has always been interested in and give it a shot.... He's always talked about wanting to be someone who does water rescue with EMT certification.... I'm so proud of him... I came home from work one night and he said.. "I did it, I'm taking that leap"... He did alot of research and found that there were not many fire companies which participated in the water rescue... he found one in DE though... and they voted him in!!!!
taken with his cell... I'm so jealous... he did a great job... got the fire truck in it perfectly... it was his first day... he looks so nervous... hehehehe

For a bit it will be volunteer... he has in-house training one night a week officially and then when he goes daily to the station he is learning the entire time he's there.... In October he will start his official fire schooling... and not too long after he will start his training for EMT and water rescue... eventually it will lead to a paying job...
My Dad was a policeman and now my hubby is a fireman.. I LOVE IT

me

2010-04-24T10:01:00.002-04:00

Wow, I almost didn't post anything in April.... It's been difficult being without my laptop... Finally have the water out of our basement... soooo much cleaning and disinfecting left to go... it's tough being without half the house ... but, it's allll good... we are lucky... I look at all those over the states that can't even return to their homes ... luckily ours was just the basement which was affected...
I'm looking to taking some more pictures.... I've been dragging on that too :( and I"m feeling it... I miss it... Here is an updated one of me... we were at the beach.. Nate wasn't back to the truck yet and I took this while waiting... it's actually off his mirror...

much to learn

2010-03-23T15:37:00.004-04:00

Wow... so, Meredith asked if I would go with her to a wedding she was shooting last Saturday and help out... She thought it would be a good opportunity for me to experience photographing a wedding... well, I absolutely never realized how exhausting the process was for photographers... maybe it was because I was nervous... I helped out with equipment and holding reflectors... she also suggested I try and photograph as much as possible... for the experience...
Well, I definitely learned that I have ALOT to learn... oh my stars... I have sooooo much to learn...
It was fun... and I can't wait to do it again...
I know this needs to be cropped... and it's crooked... but heck... it's a start...
sneak peak... A full write up to come once I have permission.... ;)

BRRRRR

2010-03-20T09:24:00.009-04:00

Nate did it again.... his second year... this year he was a part of a team... The Abominable Plunging Penguins... (No, he didn't name it...LOL) It was moved from February to March because of the blizzards. This year the air temp was 45 and the water was 43 (I think).... visibility was horrible and the waves were incredible...
I don't have my editing tools available to me at this time so these are straight out of the camera (SOC)
Our team

The hats ... hehehehe

Getting ready and looking cold

And they're off

Yes, Anne was in a FULL penguin costume... from her head to her feet...

Visibility was poor... I missed the shot of the boat looking as if it was going to roll over...

Too learn more about the Polar Bear Plunge and The Special Olympics... please take time to visit the following links

1 year

2010-03-20T09:19:00.002-04:00

Well, we are back to bailing out the basement... ugh... Because of that I totally didn't blog on our anniversary!!! I'm so slacking... Saint Patricks Day was our 1 year anniversary... We were bailing out and I don't have any pictures of that day *i want to cry*....
Nate made us take a break and we got cleaned up and he treated me to a pedicure... then he made me this AMAZING dinner with Alaska King Crab legs... oh my stars.. didn't think I would like them and now they are my latest addiction....!!! He is such a good cook... and I slacked and didn't take any pictures of them!!! I didn't even pick up my camera I was soooo enjoying the beautiful weather and over all beautiful day...
Thank you Nate for a memorable year... Love ya

2010-03-06T17:31:00.008-05:00

Nate finally got a tattoo in honor of his Dad.....
The rough drawing

Getting in the zone ....

The meanings behind each part:
When Bob went to Sturgis for the Bike event... this became his favorite slogan

Bob had numerous tattoo's... the one that was his favorite was his spiderwebed elbows.... so, Nate got one on his elbow.... The pictures today after are only 1.5hours afterwards... so the red is actually blood... and the shiny is the ointment

And naturally, the info

The final...

I wanted to put the comparasion shots with Bob... but I don't have any of Bob's tattoo's apparently.... hmmmm

Inspiration

2010-02-15T09:44:00.005-05:00

So, since I've been snowed in I've had much of time to get caught up on some blog readings, get a little more organized and now have a notebook full of ideas of things I want to accomplish this year...both in photography and just overall personal

I have many blogs that I review often.. some daily, for inspiration ... One I want to touch on today is Hazelnut Photography--out of Los Angeles. I just love her work...

http://hazelnutphotography.com/blog

There are several topics of photography that I would like to focus on... Maternity and Boudoir are the strongest pulls for me... Although I am finding some fun in Engagement and Weddings (as a 2nd shooter for the weddings)... Well, when you check out the website for hazelnutphotography... her boudoir section blows me away!!!... I just love her style and the sexiness of the pictures... she is sooo non-traditional which i just absolutely adore!!!

I'm finding in reviewing alot of websites and blogs that the 'about the photographer' is pretty important to folks who are researching a personal photographer for themselves-- Seeing the pictures of the artist at work or hearing a video clip of them helps to gage a sense their style and if it fits with what you are looking for... Well, I think this photographer has captured it all... She is cute as anything... she seems to have such a warm personality that is not closed minded at the least and it appears that just by looking at her personal photo... you can't help but feel at ease for your photo session....

If you get a chance, check her out... Make sure to check out all the tabs...

http://hazelnutphotography.com

and just because I love to put pictures up.. here are two:
Nate and Maxx.. BFF

Maxx... Sporting his dashing side... LOL

I don't think any plows know my street is here LOL

2010-02-07T13:10:00.013-05:00

Well.. it stopped snowing... I think it's about 17degrees right now... Nate is the only vehicle that could get through this... it was HORRIBLE... but he was taking my Mom and other people to work... so he HAD to get through this mess... My matrix... well, the snow is in the middle of the doors... it won't be moving for a few days...
I road with Nate while taking the folks to work.... Here are a few from today
My "road"

If you can see it in the middle strip... the snow was up so high his differential was dragging...

Mispillion RIver

Delaware storm of 2010

2010-02-06T16:09:00.009-05:00

Well, we definitely got the snow they were calling for... Mom is "essential personal" at the hospital so we had to trek out and get her to work... it is NASTY out... ugh.. I'm dreading what it's going to be like when we have to pick her up... we have at least 6 more inches since we've gotten home... Here are a few from our way home from taking her to work:
Nate took this one... I pulled a little on the saturation... I like how it looks

This picture turned out so weird... and it kinda looks like eyes... but there is something about it I just like--I think it has either a Norman Rockwell feel or kinda comicbookish... I haven't decided

Really poor visibility

More pictures to comeeeeeeeeeeeee... ugh

I heart Floyd

2010-01-24T16:43:00.010-05:00

What can I say??!! I have the BEST cat... I just so love him... Floyd is a very unique and special cat to me... I hold all my pets very dear to my heart... they have all had special charateristics that just will forever be a part of me...
I met Floyd while volunteering with Forgotten Cats at Petsmart
His "story" was that he supposedly was found in an empty apartment... Left all alone and had injured himself trying to get out... and because of some cuts on him.. the shelter named him Ripley... yeah... he is sooooooo not a Ripley... he is a Floyd... The name just popped in my head while watching him walk around my apartment...
Well, it was my FIRST day with this group... I walked in and they were awesome with their care for these lost/forgotten or abused cats... As I was leaving, the ladies said they were in need of an emergency foster giver for Floyd because he wasn't getting along with the other cats and needs to have more exercise etc ... well, next thing I know... he's in my apartment... He's a lover and caregiver.. at the time I had a very sick dalmation... Angel... and I KNOW he extended her life and made it much more pleasureable for her in the end... The first time I walked into the bedroom and saw them sleeping together.. I knew he wasn't going back to the shelter.. he was the newest addition... When Angel died, I thought I was going to lose him too. He wouldn't eat, he was very lathargic and he just kept searching for Angel. It broke my heart...

Well, here he goes again :) ... Maxx has athritis pretty bad in his right hip as a result of a dog bite... He was having a really bad flare up so we had given his medicine.. he laid down on the couch and yes we covered him up ... he likes that...
I leave the room and come back in and what do I see??? yes, Floyd... laying on the sore hip... Maxx didn't get upset or anything... he let Floyd lay like that until he decided on his own to leave...What a compassionate cat...
And, he gets along just fine with my other family members.. :)
He and Sheba are best friends

Here are some other special pictures...
Doesn't he look so intellegent? :)

Seeing snow for his first time

First view of our fireplace at the time

He's an indoor cat but I tried to get him some fresh air above and beyond the windows being open... by trying the leash method... did it work.. absolutely not
he hated it!!!

although he did love being outside... still on a leash.. PEEK A BOO

I just love him sooooo much

My zone

2010-01-19T18:05:00.004-05:00

I let so many things go by... I love to read and learn new things... it doesn't seem I've completed many things I've started... sadly...
On a good note... I'm recognizing it... (probably again)... and am going to get back on it...
Anyway... One of the things I was reading about was Feng Shui... LOVE IT... and I think it holds some value...
One of the items it suggested to do was to place; in your vision point of the first thing you see when you awaken and the last thing you see as you fall asleep is an item that brings you comfort and peace....
This is mine:

"THE MASTER BEDROOM" by Andrew Wyeth in 1965.

CHILLLLYYYYYYYY

2010-01-14T18:50:00.004-05:00

So, Nate is participating in his 2nd Polar Bear Plunge on Sunday February 7, 2010.
He is actually going as a part of a team this year. Last year he was solo.... His individual goal for the team is $1000.00

If you are able to contribute to the cause as every dollar counts :) please see his link at

http://www.firstgiving.com/nateweldon

Thank you in advance

As with any post.. a picture... I like this one for this post... Maxx helping Nate get mentally prepared for the plunge... :)

hmmmm....

2010-01-12T18:11:00.005-05:00

Well, I broke down.... I'm on facebook now... kinda... trying to figure it all out... Sooooo didn't want to go there... but... when my brother Paul says... HEY...I have a FB... please set one up too... I couldn't say no... so, Now I have one...
....
Came across this picture...

May 2007... right after my surgery.... 194lbs... heaviest I have ever been in my life....
It will be 3 years this May...

I've lost 54lbs...staying pretty steady since this picture last February and think i'll stay at this for now.... Wouldn't mind losing another 20 but hey... I'm still somewhat ok for 41 years old... LOL

Welcome 2010

2010-01-08T11:56:00.003-05:00

So, it's 2010.... Here is how it started out for me... I got up on time... early actually ready to get back to a normal routine since Bob's death.... I get just about out of Milford City limits... and realize I forgot my shoes!!!... Yes, forgot my shoes... No, I wasn't shoeless... I had on my crocks... and they are a huge no no at the office... so I HAD to turn around and get my "legal" shoes.... Then I get up just about to work and realize I was out of gas.. LOL... but I got my shoes, made it to the gas station and was only 20minutes late for work... :)
and now
I'm home with the fluuuuuuuuuuuuu....

random

2009-12-31T11:54:00.006-05:00

It's raining again today... PLEASE no more water in the basement... !!!
It's the last day of December.... I wonder what 2010 has in store......
Some random new pictures of Kai-son.... long lanky pooch right now.... He'll be 7months old tomorrow... He is now taller and longer and weighs more than Maxx... (who will be 9years old in March)
Sorry the coloring is off on them... I was trying to play with settings... Kai-son is more on the blackish color than the brown
It was VERY low tide

Taking a break from digging

I wasn't joking when I said low tide... LOL---he almost blends in...

Looking into the marsh

Imagination....

2009-12-28T18:18:00.005-05:00

We woke up to 2 inches of water in the basement ... AGAIN; today... It just happened the week before Bob died.... but that time was a combination of our hot water heater going at the same time we had alllll that rain and it was more than our french drain and sump pump could handle... Well, with the snow melting and the rain a day or so ago... we ended up with our shoes floating again....
So, I decided to retreat my mind ... in a sense... ;) after baking some cookies and popping some popcorn (too make sure Nate has some munchies for the next day or so)...
I turned on the tv for some background noise as I attempt to lose myself into something photographic as Nate is trying to shop vac the basement to assist the sump pump....
One of my favorite movies... The Chronicels of Narnia... (The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe) is on!!!... LOVE IT
I LOVE the imagination.... (well, naturally the creative happy go lucky type... not the creatively gory and gross kind)....

I love the mind ...

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T17:11:00.003-05:00

Merry Christmas......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATE

2009-12-24T19:24:00.004-05:00

So,.... Today is Nate's 34th birthday... A KID STILL!!!... LOL...
I love it when I watch people meeting him for the first time.... it makes me chuckle.. no matter where someone works or or how they are dressed or where we are shopping is he ever without conversation... he is SUCH a people person.... he has a natural talent to make people laugh
It was tough for him today without Bob... he is trying so hard to "be strong"... and he is SOOOO strong... but today there was definately a heaviness for the first time... it's starting to set in... and he'll be ok... He still had fun today... he laughed, he cried.... it was heartbreaking and nice at the same time... something that makes our bond grow stronger.... Hes a good man... a great friend... and a good husband...
I don't have many pictures on me at the moment... but I don't like to leave a post without one....
Happy Birthday Nate... Love you

South Bowers Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T19:12:00.008-05:00

We went to South Bowers, as we always do.... The following pictures are from that today... I have no explanation for the blueish color on some (again)... I WILL look into that... anyway.... the muted colored ones... they are true to what it looked like out there... very..... different....

There are so many things technically wrong with these next 2 pictures... but I don't care.. I LOVE THEM... I'm going to have fun with them when my photoshop is up and runing

Our view on the way home

............................

Thought of

2009-12-20T17:54:00.008-05:00

We needed to see the accident site today.... to help make sense of everything... Pops was found by three of his best friends... it just so happened they were at the site too.... This was taken today... at low tide... it's hard to believe at the same exact time yesterday I wouldn't have been able to stand where I was standing... it was under 4 feet of water....

The guys had been out there to make sure they cross they placed the night before was still there.... We all talked...Nate placed a rosary on the cross...
They explained what they thought to have happened and what they experienced when they got there yesterday.... Pops had some amazing friends... he was so well loved.. even with his hell raising ways... :) .... He is so deeply missed by so many

A turn in a post

2009-12-19T19:40:00.025-05:00

So, today I had all intentions of posting pictures of Kai-son in his first snow....
Today has taken a turn, and I won't be writing about Kai-son...
Today Delaware was hit by a blizzard pretty much (pardon the coloring of the pictures.. I was passenger and it was a bumpy ride... some seem to have a blue haze... sorry

My husband and my Father-in-Law love to go to South Bowers (a place you hear often from me)....whenever storms hit... They like to assess the road conditions, make sure no one is stranded and needs help (Nate drives a good vehicle and has great driving skills)... they then will attempt to make it to the end of the road; the beach and look at the beach conditions

Well, today was no different... We called Bob (Nate's Dad... who is referred to as Pops by us and his nickname is Boo)... last night to make plans to head out today... We wake up... there's like 6 or 8 inches of snow.... no state of emergency called... so we went to Pops to shovel his driveway and see if he changed his mind about wanting to go with us... because he had said no last night...
We got there...

and Pops wasn't home... his wife said he had just run out... well, we shoveled the driveway... we met up with Nate's cousin Dominic and fiance Loretta and headed on out to see the damages...On our way home... we got the call... Pops was found in the marsh... an auto accident as a result of the storm... Pops had decided he didn't want to go 4 wheeling but he did decide he wanted to get out of the house and check on some friends He went, hung out for a bit and said he was going to head home...
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He didn't make it; his jeep got swept into a marsh by the current... he apparently made it out of the jeep but must not have realized how incredibly deep the water was.... it was chest deep and he went into instant shock... because of the cold........
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Nate lost his best friend and his Dad today....
Pops died at South Bowers, the place he and Nate loved the most.... With all the crosses you have been bearing this past year Pops... We pray that you have found peace... We already miss you terribly...

No, he didn't wear this EVER, well; except for this day ;) Nate and I got married on St. Patrick's day... it was supposed to be my hat.. all apart of the celebration.. He had a great sense of humor

MAY YOU REST IN PEACE POP'S... 12-19-2009 Robert G Weldon

Sunday Sneak Peak

2009-12-17T20:26:00.009-05:00

One of my best friends, Anne; needed family pictures done last minute for the Holidays. It was nice to have the practice... Here's the pet side taken for that day... All completely spontaneous.... while waiting for the family to be ready:)
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This is Snowball checking out alllll the rain we were having... LOTS.... My flash failed to go off.... I think the picture is way off color and very blurry... Not one of my normal pics without some cool editing... However, MANY loved this... so, Cool

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Got my flash going... little bit too bright with some much white... I'll have to work on that..

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I tell people Snowball is yelling at me to put away that friggin bright flash... but he was actually just yawning... LOL

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Meet Dotty ...

Bones

2009-12-05T17:56:00.010-05:00

Our friend Bones.... he can be found at http://www.myspace.com/kbonelightshader for one of his links.... anyway... he is who does Nate's art work... Nate has 16 tattoo's right now... I have 2 ...
If you ever get the opportunity to meet Ken... (Bone's-the artist) he is a most amazing man... very intelligent... and is an amazing artist... here are a few that I enjoy from our last session which was in March.

Our wedding prayer

Getting our wedding ring

Just Playin' 'round ...

2009-11-07T15:44:00.006-05:00

Just cleaning up some pictures and came across these from last year. Group of us hanging out and they wanted their pictures taken while goofing off....

Look familiar? ;)

She ended up being a tad chilly and felt the need to bundle up .. LOL

First Swim

2009-10-28T20:27:00.008-04:00

OMGosh... ok, It might only be funny to me... but I HAVE to post this...
Maxx and Kai-son LOVE going to the beach.... we go to our little local spots all the time... Well, I totally forgot I had these pictures!!!... These were taken the first weekend in October... it was a BEAUTIFUL day out.... we went to Slaughter Beach and Kai-son decided he wanted to follow Maxx out into the water... It was Kai-son's FIRST actual swim... ROFL... I truly believe he will need some more practice... He isn't real smooooooth yet... look at the splashes and the way he holds his head up!!!... Yet, just like Maxx, he didn't really want to come out of the water....
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(((((hey, don't forget to click on each picture to see it better... thanks ;) ))))
Maxx, very graceful

Kai-son... well, not so graceful... he is so friggin cute

Finally, he came out a very tired puppy....... just to...........

try and get Maxx to play some more... They love it when Nate throws stones in the water

Then and now

2009-10-28T18:53:00.009-04:00

So much has gone on since I last blogged... when I'm actually able to sit and type some things on my mind... should be interesting if I receive any responses... for what time I have right now... just going to share some before and current pictures of Kai-son and Maxx.....
Kai-son is growing into a really great dog so far... I just am blown away by his size though.... When he first came home with us he never really seemed "puppy" size.... well, looking back through the photo's... Wow, I realize he really was "puppy" size considering how fast he's growing...
He will be 5 months old on November 1st... His weight as of October 11th was 82lbs.. Dr. Little says he is doing awesome!!...
I've been slacking in the photo department lately... so, forgive how plain the pictures seem... I just wanted a memory of the growing
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some you've seen before, I just wanted an at a glance comparison
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At 2 weeks.. taken by the breeder

My favorite by the front bench at 2 months old

Same bench at 4 months old--he wanted to play instead of pose... :)

Giving kisses to Maxx at 2 months old

Singing with Maxx at 4 months old

In Training

I'm so frustrated that I haven't taken the proper time to photograph Kai-son... None of these pictures seem to really show the bloodhound look that his face is developing... one day I'll capture it...
Here are a few attempts... but if you look through all the posts... he just changes so much... so many different sides to capture

And an updated one of Maxx

Fall

2009-09-30T19:39:00.007-04:00

I have a few blogs I follow... One of my more inspirational ones had one of her topics about Fall.... so, as a result, I was "inspired" ;) to write about my feelings of fall.............

I can find something positive about every season... However my list for fall out numbers them all... Fall is a time that makes me relax, reflect, observe.
I love how the air is so crisp, I love to breathe it in deeply

I love the smells that I associate with fall: fireplaces, hay, the damp grass, spiced Apple sprays, pumpkin, bonfires, soups, stews... coffeeeeeeee... yummy :)
I love how the crisp cool air makes one snuggle closer and longer with their loved one or pet... the warmth and safe feeling of home...
The air is just cool and crisp enough for a fleece shirt... or to snuggle into my favorite comforter with a glass of nice smooth woodsy tasting red wine... or an Irish Coffee... or any caffeinated hot coffee... mmmmmm...even a creamy raspberry hot chocolate.... SUPER YUMMISLISH....
I love the closeness that develops... the group gatherings... my peaceful solitude... Dinners.... Many comforts (Mac and Cheese, Warm drink, favorite comforter, fleece, light scarves... )
I prepare
I contemplate about where I am... Evaluate my environment make sure to try and rid as much negative as possible.....
I am at peace right now... at a wonderful place within... I can't seem to put it into words....
I count so many blessings every day....
I have made myself accountable for my actions and accepted responsibility for my choices
Yes, sometimes I write weird like this... Why? Because I can :)
Today I do feel good... What an enjoyable feeling
Good Night and Blessed Be
Gail

Surf's up

2009-09-14T19:26:00.013-04:00

Saturday was kind of rainy and we couldn't get any yard work done... So, Nate decided to take his reels to a surf shop in Indian River Inlet to have some service done on them. They'll be back in time for the tournament; if he decided to enter. Naturally we couldn't go all the way there and not go to the water.... Well, lucky us; there was a surfing competition going on!!!! Well, we got to stay for one heat and then we were told no pets allowed :( So we had to go...
Some of the contrast is off on these, sorry about that and I know a few are blurry...
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Many people walk on the rocks and fish.... It was still cloudy and misty from the storm....

There were many many surfers out there, all ages...

I know he is blurry but I reallllly like this shot!!!

There is a series of this guy... he was closest to us LOL

and YES, he saved it... !!!!

This poor guy did not... but those kids out there were AWESOME... I think this was the only time he had fallen..

Wish I could have had a different angel

Hailey

2009-09-07T19:51:00.015-04:00

Wow.... I haven't played with portrait taking in awhile... When Hailey's Mom asked me to take some updated pictures of her daughter I was more than happy too. Rachelle already knew what she wanted so it was easy to get things rolling...
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Hailey is a part of many activities... Competitive cheer-leading, gymnastic, dance, and beauty pageants... She has been Jr. Miss; Little Miss... etc....
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I apologize that they are uploading grainy(however, if you click on each individual it will enlarge and looks much clearer... I'll have to figure out what I did.. hmmmmm... if anyone knows... PLEASE leave comments... Thanks a ton... :)
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So, here are a few from our session... Some silly some serious of my beautiful niece Hailey.. Thanks Hailey for allowing me to practice... you were a ton of fun :)

Peace Out !!

Hip update

2009-09-03T20:10:00.004-04:00

Great news... It wasn't Kai-Son's hip that was a problem... he stopped walking funny after 2 days of anti-inflammatory it appears it was a sprained muscle possibly from wrestling with Maxx :( (sad for that but glad it's not his hip)
Large breed dogs do have a tendency for hip problems so we do have to monitor this regularly... we also have to watch how we play with him because of joint concerns and bloating issues while he's still a growing pup... and I believe he's truly going to live up to "large breed"... I won't be surprised if he hits 200lbs...
The vet says he's doing really well and is at a perfect weight for how he is growing
Such a proud little pup...

He's getting that bloodhound face... MY FAVORITE PART!!!! such a cutie

Sinus ugh

2009-08-31T14:41:00.002-04:00

Ouch... so, recent migraines... no explanation on why yet... I'm guessing maybe sinus related... My left ear just will not stop throbbing.......I feel like age is catching up with me so fast....
Well, no reason for talking about that except I"m miserable... I hope all is well out in the world...
I wonder where my path is headed

Tuckered out..........

2009-08-30T19:34:00.005-04:00

So, the Vet said it was finally ok to take him to the beach for the first time... so off we went.......... Kai-Son, our Brazilian Mastiff, had an awesome time, and then got tuckered out.... (yes,the paws are huge!!)
We went to our local vet last week for Kai-Son's 3month check up and 2nd set of shots.. he is up to 41lbs...We are monitoring his right back hip right now...but other than that, he seems to be doing ok health wise. He is such a welcome addition to our family... Maxx is such an instrumental part of the training...
I've been battling a migraine the past several days so I wasn't able to join them out in the sun very long and the pictures are really out of sorts... but I still wanted to share a few of his first experience..

Kai-Son via cell

2009-08-06T08:35:00.012-04:00

Well my week off is almost over. Its been awhile since I've taken 1 week straight off work. With the puppy being here I haven't accomplished as much as I had hoped. He comes first though. We want him to be an awesome addition to our family and he has to be worked with. Nate was able to only take Monday off. I miss him.
Yesterday stunk for me...I had a horrible sinus headache, I only slept 4 hours during the night (not because of the pup)and then I didn't catch Kai-son 4 times!!! Bad me; he was really good about it though, 3 of the 4 times he went on the "emergency" papers by the door he is used to going to the outside. Today is a good day though.
He's getting a little better with the crate situation. He can stay in it now for 3 hours (while we are home and in and out of the room where the crate is) without any serious whining or barking. When he thinks we aren't around he has lasted 2 hours.
I hope Nate ends up with a rain day so he can come home early today. Kai-Son goes for his wellness check up and it would be great if Nate could join us.
During the day it is much more difficult for me to have my big camera since I'm solo; so, I used my cell for the ones I'm posting today.
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He loves the stick

Decided he wanted to move it to where Maxx was enjoying the sun. He didn't have to go too far ;)--Caught his tail in motion... can you see it?

Then he decided he was pretty beat after dragging that stick... and that Maxx had a good idea, so he joined him in a short nap.

Such a good boy...taking time to smell the flowers during our walk... yeah, ok, truthfully, he tried to eat it!!!!

He looks so different in every shot

2009-08-04T17:11:00.007-04:00

Kai-son has been so much fun. WOW, they grow so fast...
I've noticed that every picture I take of him is so different than the next... I'm really wanting you to see the puppy I see.... but, I can't seem to capture it...so, I'm just going to relax and have fun taking whatever it is I can get for pictures...
Here are a few of him and Maxx playing..
*ok, so this one is solo...I know it's blurry but I HAD to post it... LOOK AT THAT FACE.... love him

Kai-Son is sporting his new light weight collar and bandanna... and wants to play with Maxx

Maxx says ok... but makes him work for it... LOL... Run Kai-Son Run.....

Profiling his new bandanna and collar... I want to take them off because I think they make him look so much older... LOL ... Our little puppy guy

Yummy Yummy

2009-08-04T11:06:00.008-04:00

So, again a most awesome meal.... Sorry for the quality of the pictures... I've been having some slight problems with my camera... It will be taking a quick trip to the shop this week. Anyway............ My birthday weekend was fantastic... had wonderful food... good weather... and great company....
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How lucky am I that my best friend is also an incredible cook??
We had fresh corn on the cob.. SWEETEST EVER.... and plantain's (which Nate made the most incredible dessert ever with.... Yes, they were grilled and when the desert was done, just amazing!!! OMG.. I was so involved with eating, I forgot to photograph it!! LOL.. YES, it was THAT good... and that's coming from someone who doesn't eat desert... )

Fresh Onions and Banana Peppers grilled to perfection... Did I mention that the Banana Peppers were from our own garden???... so yummmyyyyyy

Ever had a pork roast on the grill... if not.. TRY IT... Nate braised it first (I think that's the right term) and then finished it off on the grill.. AMAZING

Oh, the hotdogs were Mom's... she doesn't like the food we like... LOL
There is more but I was so involved in having fun and eating good food... I didn't photograph as much as I should have....
Nate, thanks for an incredible day, weekend and more memories.... Love you

Kai-son is here....

2009-08-01T19:48:00.011-04:00

Hiya
Well, Kai-son is now here... what a doll... his eyes and jawls are starting to get that droppy hound-dog look which I LOVE... He was 8weeks and 4 days old on Friday.... Nate wasn't concerned about how Kai-son and Maxx would get along but I'm an over worry-wart; therefore I was...
However, I feel much better so far.... Kai-son has a STRONG personality... he and Maxx have started a small "pump of the chests" tiff's that come with the males starting the dominant process, however they seem to be handling it well with each other.. no major snaps just rumbling.... . know what I mean? I can't seem to get my words to come out right now...
Some pictures so far... For some reason I'm having problems with focus on my camera so I apologize in advance...
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With Nate and Maxx going around to the side yard:

Wondering what Maxx is up to

He got a saftey orange color today (to help me see him at night because he is so dark)... as well as a bandana... Look at those ears!!!!!!....

Ok, so my settings were WAYYYY off for this one ... but I still LOVE it.... he isn't brown... sorry

A few of Kai-son posen' it up a little bit... :)
I HAVE to learn how to photograph him... he's soooo dark... I need to start using a different flash and use for filler too.... errrrr... He does have a very long strong tail... although I seemed to have left it out of this one... and he looks so stocky for such a young puppy LOL

My favorite of today even though my settings are still all jacked up... I'm going to play with different filter effects on this one...

So far, so good...

2009-07-30T20:25:00.005-04:00

So... Today is my 41st birthday... Happy Birthday to me ;)

(yeah, it's the tacky--hold the camera out and take my own pic shot... but it is what it is... a face for a name... :) )

Update

2009-07-28T19:36:00.009-04:00

Hiya.... :) So, we have decided the spelling of his name is Kai-son. He will be coming home within the next week; after his 8 week birthday.... The breeder has sent some updated pictures... This is at 6 weeks old aprox..15-18lbs, I think is what she said....

His coloring is black brindle... Much like Maxx but Kai-son will be heavier with the black....
And so not to leave Maxx out.... here are some updated of him from, of course, Bowers.

He's really showing his grey now...

And from a different perspective ;) Which,actually, I think looks nothing like him

something different

2009-07-25T16:03:00.004-04:00

One of the young ladies from work is getting married. So we gathered in the office and threw a little bridal shower for her... Lots of good food... Well, one of her teammates, Nancy, made the cake... I just thought it was unusual and very pretty. All from scratch... real flowers

our favorite place

2009-07-15T18:42:00.011-04:00

GET OUT!!! yes, there is a piece of serenity that still exists!! My absolute favorite place to get away... and it's in DELAWARE...South Bowers Beach... This is where Nate used to go as his "happy place" when he just needed to get away... well, He decided to share it with me too... :) --If they are too small to see, just click on the picture to get a better view..
.........
One day we will get over that gully :)

No matter how many times we go out here it never seems to look the same because of the tides... We drive out on the beach.... drive down as close to the gully as we can get and pretty much camp out... for HOURS... he used to sleep over night, we haven't done that yet but I'm sure it won't be long until we do.... :)
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The tide was coming in while we were there. When we first arrived the water was about 10ft in front of where he is standing... Soon it will be to where I am standing.

I was looking for a different picture rather than my basic beach shot... Nate suggested getting lower and taking it from a Different Point of View; so, since tide was really low we had a much different texture with all the stones and grass that hang out when tide is high... (yes, if you peer out far enough you can see the water ;)

\

2009-07-10T09:35:00.007-04:00

Wow, I am sooo slacking on posting. I will catch up eventually...
A few new things going on... We have a puppy on the way... His name is Keison (not sure of the spelling yet actually... could be Kaison).. Pronounced K-San (lazy on the San.. it's not like "San" Fransicso..) I have no idea how to explain it in writing... LOL
He will be joining our family 07-31-09..... He almost looks like a mini-Maxx.. LOL
Maxx is an English Mastiff... Keison is a Brazillian Mastiff (Fila)
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We went to a wedding on July 4th. Nate was in the wedding party... I have some pictures of that coming up... Not real thrilled with them...but more on that later
However, I did have the pleasure of meeting this incredibly AWESOME couple that I hope to get to know even better and to photograph their family.
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For now... here are a few sneak peeks of Keison; sent and taken by the handler.
1 or 2 weeks old: Keison is far right of the picture (I know the blue picture says 3weeks in the corner, but I think that was an error because he looks the same age as the 1-2 week picture. I have some more recent ones I will upload later today.

Yummilish

2009-06-29T21:52:00.009-04:00

Yummy Yummy Yummy.... We had a most wonderful dinner the other night.... fresh tomato, fresh wonderful onion, lightly sauteed mushrooms, fresh corn on the cob and a delish prime rib.... I absolutely LOVE grilled food.... shrimp, peppers, onions, mushrooms, maybe some chicken, maybe some red meat.... maybe potato... everything is better on the grill ... (I am partial to charcoal vs gas grills though) ...... We LOVE fresh veggies... The yummy onion...

Just about done.... SOOOOO YUMMMMMMYYYYYYYYY

my pity party for the day... Entitled to one on occassion

2009-06-28T12:15:00.006-04:00

I have alot on my mind today...that I want to put it all in words; and I struggle... I've been known for having a great imagination; but to put it in words has always been a challenge. I'm 40...41 in July and I have so much I want to say and do...I wish I could just pull the portion of my brain out that has all this energy ... put it through a blender until it comes out in wonderful words and photographs...
..
*I miss my brother and his kids (I need to get off my butt and see them more)
*I miss my grandparents sooooo much; I wish I had been a better grand-daughter.
*I wish I was a better photographer... I could be but don't apply myself enough
*I love to cook and need to cook more
*I wish I was so much better with finances
*There are people I miss so much in my life... Courtney!!! and so many more.
*I wish I had the back bone to tell people to go away who have treated me so badly
I am not normally a negative person, which is something I take pride in, but today.. for some reason, I have something heavy weighing on me and I just can't seem to find the source so that I can make it disappear......and since most people don't like to hear negativity (I know I don't)I'm ending for right now.
Look at Floyd... even he's yawning in boredom... LOL

Blessed be and I hope your week is wonderful

Playing around

2009-06-27T14:23:00.007-04:00

I have sooooo much to learn about photoshop... I read so many photography blogs and see so many beautiful edits and often wonder.. HOW did they do that??!! I'm slowly learning.... So, until I learn more... Here are a few photo's that we just played with.... They will do for now... Of course; these aren't the edits that would "sell" pictures, but boy have they made for some fun...
*Nate...this was actually taken through a screen door... I was on the inside of the garage he was on the outside; it was very bright that day... I just "blew" out the background some.. Yeah, the last minute sticking out of the tongue... well, totally not planned...lol

*Anthony, one of my best friends:... He was helping me with some studio practice

*Arial... I actually love this picture.... she is sooo unique

*Out For Justice: a local band looking for some flyers in 2007...

Drifting off

2009-06-22T22:56:00.013-04:00

I have some strange weather photo's I'm going to work on but that will be for a later post.... Because I'm tired and ready to curl up in bed... While I'm getting ready for my snuggle into the covers time I was remembering our vacation to the Outer Banks ... Rodanthe NC.... So incredibly peaceful... I think I'll drift off to sleep, wrapped in the security of Nate and Maxx, Sheba and Floyd.. (YES... we do all snuggle together in the king size bed... we are so odd.... Anyway... a few thoughts floating through my mind... I Hope you find comfort in these too:
It looks like a painting.. LOL

Nope, we didn't catch anything... but who cares??... LOOK AT THAT OCEAN

The wind was constantly blowing... Maxx's ears stayed nice and salt fresh.. umm.. eww... but he did actually enjoy letting his ears blow in the wind... gotta love him

Good Night

2009-06-20T16:27:00.006-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WESLEY!!!... My nephew and Godson
My Sister In Law made the cake...

With the help of his best friend Taylor...One more to go.... Getting ready....

WHOOO HOOOO..

Taking a little down time

2009-06-13T19:32:00.004-04:00

A little under the weather.... so, I'm not putting much up today... I'm finding comfort in an older picture of Floyd as he sleeps in the window while it rains...
I love this cat.. he so rocks!!!

What is up with this??!!

2009-06-11T07:08:00.004-04:00

We have been having the most unusual weather here in Delaware lately. Nate and I were heading home from work on Tuesday and a pretty heavy rain storm started.... Keep in mind, we both work a little over an hour away from home... (depends on who's driving LOL... me, 1hr 15min... Nate: 45min-1hr) ... anywho.... Traffic stops around Odessa... we take a little road and get off RT1 and go through Townsend... yeah, ok, we didn't go into Townsend we went into a Stephen King Novel.... SERIOUSLY...
..
We are headed to this little bend in the road and this magnificent lightening bolt... 3 seconds later we round the bend and the tree that bolt hit was still smoldering and shattered.... I was so freaked out... I totally forgot I had 4 yes 4 camera's available to me and I didn't take one picture.!!!! bad me
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so, we go further down the road and the fog was amazing...!!!! Amazing I tell you; seriously, roll down the window stick your arm out and your hand disappears... of course, no picture... I AM SO SLACKING... but here is the fog w/out sticking my hand out LOL

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Anyway, we found a driveway to pull over into because a state trooper was coming through with every light on his cruiser on (thank goodness because seriously, there was no visibility.
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The temperature had dropped so much, it was just incredible... Well, finally we are headed towards the end of the road and the fog lifts... we see there is snow and hail on the ground YES... HONEST... BOTH!!!... We get to the end of the road, jump back on rt 1... ride about 5 minutes and not one drop of liquid anywhere...
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Anyway, my systems are finally loaded and I need to get work done, here are a very few that I did finally take...
FOG!!!

The one fog spot we came out of, the slushy mess we drove through and at the bottom you can see the new fog starting to surround us

The end of the road is near!!

Sherry and Jay> Finally the day :)

2009-06-07T18:27:00.014-04:00

So, the day finally arrived....and sadly, Nate had to miss it because he was home with what we think may be food poisoning. I had to fly this event solo...
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Jay and Sherry(see previous e-session) got married at Heritage Shores. We were all worried since it has been raining so much... But Sherry and Jay had a perfect day!!!... Sunny and about 82degrees... But at 2pm that sun can be wicked... boy was it hot... AND although I was only there for about 25min in the sun... I got sunburn... Yep... and mostly it's on the left side... LOL... Oh well, it was worth it to be a part of this day.. :)

The minister asked for all cameras (other than "the" photographer) remain off during the actual vow ceremony; So, I don't have as many pictures as I normally would... Here are a few I got to take prior and a few I snuck in during (shhh.. don't tell)

The view from the balcony...

Sherry arrived in a beautiful horse drawn carriage; along with her Dad , her daughter-and step-daughter (the bridesmaids)...

gotta love the ringbearer all steadied up with hand decorated pillows in a little red wagon being pulled by his Mom... The grandson... 1 year old.... He was soooo good during the ceremony...

Look at that Train... I wish I could have gotten closer picture for you to see, it was incredible...

I had to try and sneak at least one in right as the cermony was endingCongratulations Sherry and Jay!!!!

Cortney

2009-06-06T09:56:00.009-04:00

We are trying to be good about posting daily... We missed yesterday, so 2 for today. :)
Hmmm... maybe we should save this for a "color" day post. Red.... LOL ---Check out this red hair!!! All natural and all beautiful.
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I just don't know how to put into words how wonderful Cortney is... She is one of the most patient people I know... Thank goodness since she has sat through HOURS of being a "test model" ...
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I was introduced a new camera in October of 2008. A Nikon D80. Cortney was kind enough to drop was she was doing and run down (over an hour drive) to run around to several random different places and sit at a drop of a hat. THANK YOU CORT....
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We do not have experience with studio shoots so, there is definately room for improvement here... It's fun to practice....

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This is one of her favorite Bible verses:
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Look for an updated and much different photo shoot with Cortney to be posted the very end of June or first week in July... I AM SO EXCITED!!! Thank you for EVERYTHING Cortney. I*heart*you.

Feeling blue

2009-06-06T09:12:00.005-04:00

So, maybe on Saturdays we will have at least one post of a Color... Who knows how it will turn out. Lets try and have some fun.... Today, I'm feeling blue.

.. and maybe a tad too much green... ;) (Tommy, cut your grass... LMAO)

....

My youngest brother Tommy lives a few blocks away from us. You will see many pictures of his family here.... Today we will start with Wesley. I *heart* him. He will be 3 the end of this month.... He made me see blue.........................

One of his favorite places.... his sandbox... full of BLUE sand... ;)

2009-06-04T06:56:00.011-04:00

Sneak Peak.....
Anne & Veronica....
I have known Anne for over 5 years now (Nate just met her on this shoot) and when she asked if we would take Veronica's 3month old pictures and first family shots, we were so excited. This shot was actually taken after the shoot was over.... Anne had just picked Veronica up from a relative and I just happened to turn and CLICK.... Our favorite from the session........................

Photographing children can be so much fun, especially at the beach. Welllll, Veronica decided it just wasn't the thing she wanted to do that day.... She only wanted to either sleep or fuss.... LOL... So, we didn't obtain quite the pictures we had hoped.... but it was still such a fun day.
We will post some of the family group shots soon. :)

2009-06-03T06:55:00.010-04:00

Sherry and Jay were a fun couple to photograph. There was so much laughter during this session. I can't wait until their wedding June 7th. I've known Sherry for a little over 10 years now and I was very excited when she asked us to take a shot on her engagment pictures. Here are a few of our favorites.

A very common sight, laughter......
The ring is absolutely beautiful.................

A little verse that she chose.............

2009-06-02T06:48:00.017-04:00

Wow, we have finally started to put this space together.... It will be a work in progress because we are both new to this world.... Most of the time you'll see it written in the context of "I" because I will normally be writing these.... Nate gets in on the action though, when he can... he's a busy busy man and the computer is the last thing on his mind with free time... LOL !!! We will come back later with more little tid bits about ourselves .... We hope you truly enjoy our attempt and sharing things we enjoy.....

We have no children and are one of "those" couples who cling to our pets to fill that void (when we aren't visiting out Nieces and Nephews.... LOL

Here are quick snap shots of them.... Butterscotch= Floyd (aprx 7 yrs old).... Calico=Sheba (aprx 4 years old) and then there's Maxx (8)... who you will meet below...

And now, we are going to introduce you to our oldest.... His name is Maxx... He is an 8 year old English Mastiff and what a great boy he is.... He LOVES the water.... Here are a few to share:

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The first was taken in North Carolina.... With Nate... they are such the best of friends.

Another in North Carolina... and YES, he is body surfing.. I told you he LOVES the Ocean

The next two are at one of our local beaches in Delaware...... Posen' it up some... :)

Tungsten Memories

Jacob is hereeeee

Brooke Class of 2012

They're having a babbbyyyyy, tomorrow!!!

Gotta love late Spring weather

Dani

He's 5 !!!

Dani

Beach wedding

Hiya

I didn't pose him, I PROMISE

New Year

Chick Flicks and reality

Water Rescue 2 class and Nate

Delaware Volunteer Firefighters Association (DVFA)

Emily & Memorial 89 Slaughter Beach Fire Department

Photoshop isn't just to "save a crappy photo" as I was once told.....

Wesley is 4!!!

Just a new pic

Lauren's wedding Part 2 ;)

Lauren

It's that time again....

First water rescue training

Portraits gone bad... LOL

I'm married to a firefighter now ;)

me

much to learn

BRRRRR

1 year

Inspiration

I don't think any plows know my street is here LOL

Delaware storm of 2010

I *heart* Floyd

My zone

CHILLLLYYYYYYYY

hmmmm....

Welcome 2010

random

Imagination....

Merry Christmas

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NATE

South Bowers Christmas Eve

Thought of

A turn in a post

Sunday Sneak Peak

Bones

Just Playin' 'round ...

First Swim

Then and now

Fall

Surf's up

Hailey

Hip update

Sinus ugh

Tuckered out..........

Kai-Son via cell

He looks so different in every shot

Yummy Yummy

Kai-son is here....

So far, so good...

Update

something different

our favorite place

Yummilish

my pity party for the day... Entitled to one on occassion

Playing around

Drifting off

Taking a little down time

What is up with this??!!

Sherry and Jay> Finally the day :)

Cortney

Feeling blue

I heart Floyd