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.

Portrait Session Updates

Okay so I mentioned earlier today that I would post some portrait session collages later in the week. Well, it's 9:40pm. I just finished with a couple of photo projects. It's too late to start another one. It's too late to get started on some homework. I can't go to bed yet because my pajamas aren't dry (I am working at the group home and my only pj's are still wet thanks to a late start on laundry). I really don't feel like watching TV. I already finished the novel I was reading. Guess it's as good a time as any to get these collages posted....


The Frail Family....


....this family was such a pleasure to work with. They are upbeat, easy going and they have a beautiful daughter who was an absolute treasure to work with. I can't wait to meet their new little bundle of joy who is due to arrive in just a few short months.




Meet Kullen....

I had so much fun chasing him all over the "farm". He led me on some wild adventures: throwing rocks in the pond (and almost falling in), hiking up and down hills and trails, wandering the many dirt roads, and meeting all of the beautiful horses. Kullen is a fearless 2 year old with the most gorgeous red hair (and a little of the red-headed stubborness to go with it). I look forward to taking more photos of Kullen in the future and watching him grow over the years.



The Canipe/Lidke/Janowitz Families....

...I am honored and blessed to be able to call these sweet and caring people, friends. Our day started out with a few timid looks from some of the adults and kids but by the end of the day, I had become a part of their family. We did their portraits on Thanksgiving morning and I have to say, it was one of my favorite sessions to date. Thanks for the memories and for the love you showed me!



The Janowitz Family....

...my newest and dearest friends. This couple, and their children, have the biggest hearts, warmest smiles and give some of the best hugs our of all the people I have ever met in my life. Our paths connected almost 2 years ago and since that time, our bond and friendship has bloomed into an ever lasting bond.

Such A Slacker...

So obviously my 365 plan didn't work out the way I had hoped.
I have always had a bad habit of not following through with things.
I was hoping this would be different.
That for once I could stick with something long enough to accomplish a goal that I had set on my own.
Oh well, I refuse to beat myself up over it.
Instead, I am going to regroup and start fresh.
Instead of a daily photo capturing the final year of my 20's, I will just post random photos as I get a chance.
I will also continue to post sneak peeks of portrait sessions.

Here are a few photos taken over the past 3 months that kind of some up my life. . .


Buck's favorite thing to do with our favorite kidos....Tractor rides!!!









This is what happens when you let a 2 year old help you feed the puppy. (I promise I didn't let him eat any of the puppies food and the puppy didn't mind the company while eating - she's been well trained.)




Will someone please tell Roxy that she has grown enough and can stop now? Thanks.














I have started making "Lens Buddies". These are great for taking photos of kidos...really get's their attention.






I don't know which I should be more concerned about... the fact that I am currently addicted to converse or the fact that I actually took a photo of them all?



Drink .... Wat-AAAHHHH!!! (Thanks to my sis, Jody, for introducing me to the coolest water ever!)















One more for today. I promise to post some more soon. I also have several fun collages to post from recent Portrait session. :)

Here's it is... The Jones Family Portrait, 2010!

Project 365: Days 37 thru 43

Sept. 19, 2010: Day 37
I did a photo shoot with the Gaulden Family this afternoon. Jackie, the mother, and I know each other from our days together at BHS. She has a beautiful family and it was a true pleasure to chase around her precious girl.











Sept. 20, 2010: Day 38
My first Dahlia is in bloom! This makes me a very happy Gardener. :) Everyone should go visit the fine folks New Leaf Garden Market in Pisgah Forest. They have great plants and give wonderful gardening tips.











Sept. 21, 2010: Day 39
My last Cone Flower of the season is dying out. I have mixed emotions about this. On one hand I am sad because I love Coneflowers. On the other hand I am happy because it means that Fall is HERE!!!!












Sept. 22, 2010: Day 40
Fall is my favorite season for so many reasons. The leaves are beautiful. I love to see pumpkins on porches and funny scarecrows scattered in lawns and gardens. The weather is cooler and I get to bundle in my comfy sweaters and hoodies. I can go for a walk in the afternoon and sweat because I push myself instead of sweating because it's 100 degrees. Fall, I welcome you with open arms!





Sept. 23, 2010: Day 41

Fall thanked me for the warm welcome by giving me a cold. *Cough. Sniffle. AAAACCCHHHHOOO!*











Sept. 24, 2010: Day 42
I stayed home from work today because I was feeling so icky. Roxy didn't get the memo that "Mom" was sick, she thought it was supposed to be a play day for us. I mustered enough energy to throw the frisbee with her for about 20 minutes and she was overjoyed.







Sept. 25, 2010: Day 43
A friend of mine bakes incredible cakes. I have enjoyed seeing photos of her many cakes and was honored when she asked me to photograph this one. Beautiful job girl!

Project 365: Days 30 thru 36

Sept. 12, 2010: Day 30
Western Regional Special Olympics Bocce Tournament - all Transylvania County athletes placed and are now eligible to play in the State tournament. Way to go Thrashers! They played hard and they played good despite the miserable, rainy conditions.









Sept. 13, 2010:Day 31
The kido's and I made Apple Crisp (Or "apple crispy" as they called it) at the preschool today. I was impressed with how well they were able to cut up the apples with butter knives and the results of their hard work was wonderfully, sweet, ooey-goodness. I love fall.











Sept. 14, 2010: Day 32
This is one of the reasons I love my husband, he was born to be a "Dad". Since we don't have children of our own, we often "borrow" our friends children and spoil them. Buck recently got a new tractor which I have nicknamed "Rusty, Trusty, Ole Tractor" after one of my favorite children's books. He was so excited to take this little one on the first ride.








Sept. 15, 2010: Day 33
Baby feet are irresistible.









Sept. 16, 2010: Day 34
Tiny pink Converse are even more irresistible.







Sept. 17, 2010: Day 35
My new zebra stripe Converse, I just couldn't resist them.











Sept. 18, 2010: Day 36
I have the best sister. She is super supportive and is happy to admit she is my #1 fan. I went to visit her today and she surprised me with this super cute key chain which I immediately attached to my camera bag. Thanks Jo! I love you!!!! (oh, and sorry I was afraid to push the button. I really did think it was a trick and that it was going to shock me. Who would have guessed that it makes a shutter sound and flashes. CUTE!)

Project 365: Days 23 thru 29

Sept. 5, 2010: Day 23
We (Ron, Darcie, Helen, Cheyanne, Sarah and I) spent the day wandering around downtown Asheville. It was a great chance to spend some time with some wonderful friends. The highlight of the day was when Darcie and I were finally able to present Helen with the book we made for her while I was visiting Darcie last spring. Did I mention that Helen, Darcie and I have known each other since Kindergarten?!?!




Sept. 6, 2010: Day 24
I captured this sweet moment while I was eating lunch in my favorite not-so-secret-spot in the forest today. I love living and working so close to the forest.







Sept. 7, 2010: Day 25
Peaceful moments like this don't happen very often in my house. So, when they do, I make sure to capture them with my camera.













Sept. 8, 2010: Day 26
I have a deep love for all things wild, including wildflowers.








Sept. 9, 2010: Day 27
It was a beautiful evening for a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway.











Sept. 10, 2010: Day 28
I planted my first butterfly garden this year. Tonight, I saw my first butterfly enjoying my flowers.











Sept. 11, 2010: Day 29
Sisterly love.

Project 365: Days 17 thru 22

August 30, 2010: Day 17
Today the kids and I found an injured butterfly on the playground. There wasn't much we could do to help it so we carefully carried it to a tree and set it in a nice safe place with lots of leaves for shelter and food.





August 31, 2010: Day 18
My father-in-law got creative in his efforts to provide Roxy with adequate amounts of exercise.



September 1, 2010: Day 19
I didn't actually take this photo today BUT I did just "rediscover" it today. Duchess is super attached to this toy. If anything ever happens to the "Monster", the world will surely stop turning.














September 2, 2010: Day 20
My friends, Ron and Darcie, have arrived! They are visiting from Cape Cod, MA. I can't wait to show them what my life in the "country" is like. I welcomed them with a campfire and S'mores on their first night in town.



Sept. 3, 2010: Day 21
The Brilhante's and I explored Pisgah National Forest together today. :)















Sept. 4, 2010: Day 22
Buck, Darcie, Ron and I enjoyed an afternoon at the Apple Festival in Hendersonville, NC today. Buck's favorite part? The grilled corn we purhcased from "Mother Shuckers". YUM!