Garrett Family Sneak Peek

I had so much fun photographing this family. It was a gorgeous day with beautiful surroundings and we were able to capture some truly amazing shots. I photographed "little man" last fall at a local Summer camp. I was glad to see that his personality hasn't changed much, he is still determined and adventurous - two of the qualities that make me love working with boys and hope to someday have one of my own. This was my first time meeting "Dad" and it was an honor to be in his presence as he has been over seas fighting for freedom and justice with the US Military. "Mom" and I have known each other since our High School days and I think she gets more gorgeous with each passing year. I look forward to photographing this family again in the future and watching as little man grows and changes over time.

Blowing the Winter Blue's Away...

There's no better way to overcome a case of the Winter Blue's than to get outside and blow some bubbles....




My class is studying "Animals of the Arctic" this week. For our 3-D art project, I planned for them to build sculptures out of miniature marshmallows and tooth picks. The kids had a blast creating (and eating) with these materials. We ended up with Scooters, Snowflakes, Bear's Caves, RailRoad Tracks, a Playground for Penguins and an Arctic Hare. (What scooters and railroad tracks have to do with the arctic is beyond me but they seemed to think it all related...)
As much as I love their creativity and their beautiful projects, I loved the process even more. While trying to squish as many marshmallows as possible on a toothpick, one little guy found out what happens why you lick your fingers before touching a marshmallow....




I love my office... I am so glad I decided to focus on redecorating and organizing it. It's still not finished but I am at a point where I have more work to do than time to do it in and the finishing touches have taken a back-burner for a few weeks. The only downfall to loving it so much - I never want to leave (okay so that's not entirely true, I am actually in here for hours at a time during the evening because I am swamped with homework and preschool related work but I really am enjoying having a space to be productive in).

I took a break to get myself a little snack....












While I was enjoying my Mint Hot Chocolate I took a look around me and realized that Roxy and Duchess (my dogs) had brought in not one, not two, not three but 17 toys and laid them all around my desk and chair. Think they are trying to tell me something?










I am off to play fetch... :)

A Snowy New Year

Welcome 2011!



Between holiday travels, exams in my college courses, starting a new semester of college courses and redecorating my office, this blog has taken a back burner. But I am back and I promise to be better about updating.

I have been doing a lot of things just for me lately - for those of you who know me, you know that this is something I don't do often enough. My first adventure was redecorating and organizing my office/digital photo lab/library/craft room. I am 80% finished and I am loving it! Basically all that is left to do is clean up the walls, hang a few more things and finish organizing my storage closet (okay, so if I count the closet I am only 75% finished). Buck has had to drag me out of my room at night and make me go to bed. I promise to post pictures as soon as it's complete.

My new years resolution this year is to hike/drive to as many of the beautiful waterfalls in my area as I can possibly fit into a year. I live in Transylvania County, North Carolina (AKA: The Land Of The Waterfalls). Our county is home to over 200 waterfalls and I have honestly seen less than 20 of them. It's sad that I have lived here all my life (almost 30 years) and that is all I have managed to explore. My promise to you is that I will post pictures of all the falls I visit - although I warn you now that I am not very good at photographing waterfalls (at least not yet). I am sure this will be a wonderful chance to practice and become a more experienced and more qualified photographer.

I haven't hiked to any waterfalls yet as we have had a lot of snowfall this month (and I severely sprained my left foot - once a clutz, always a clutz). However, I did manage to hike John's Rock Trail (Pisgah National Forest) recently (only a short portion of it as it was covered in about 3.5" of snow and I was only accompanied by my 11 month old pup, Roxy, and my camera). It was absolutely the most peaceful hike I have ever taken - it was just what this stressed mind and soul has been needing. I only saw 2 other people the entire time I was out there and the thick blanket of snow seemed to have put the entire forest and it's animals into a deep transe. The only sounds I heard were my and Roxy's foot steps and the occassional bird song. There were many spectacular sights along the trail but everytime I lifted my camera I felt like I was robbing myself of just enjoying the moment. I did capture a few great shots but once I noticed the fresh Coyote tracks in the snow, I decided to get my booty in gear and head back to the car - I didn't stop to take anymore photos.

The trail. . .





My lunch spot. . .



A peaceful moment on the way out of the forest. . .















My hiking buddy, Roxy (this was taken on Christmas day). . .



That's all I have time to post right now... time to get my nose back in the books and finish up an assignment that's due by midnight.

I look forward to hearing your comments and as always let me know if you have any suggestions or ideas for posts. I am always up for challenges so feel free to send me ideas for photographs, stories,and new adventures I could entertain you all with.