Bookshelf Favorite

The other day I stumbled on a great find in a unique, little bookstore downtown.  Growing up, my best friend and I loved to watch Beaches.  It is an inspiring story of two amazing friends and the lengths they go to take care of each other in the worst of times.  I happened to glance at a bookshelf and there it was.  I purchased the book for a mere $3.25 and added it to my collection of all time favorites at home.

Climb Trees Like A Kid Again

It's sometimes better to go out on a limb, have it break, only to discover that you can fly, than not to climb the tree at all.  If you're willing to take chances, life may reward you.

What Ifs....

There are days when we all dream of the what ifs in our lives.  These thoughts are essential in reflection on ourselves, and although they may be bittersweet, they are necessary for our adult lives.  As I've said in many posts prior, I fully believe in fate and purpose in situations.  The butterfly effect is such a great explanation of how one event in your life molds you.  As a write this, I sit and think of where my life could have taken me in response to many choices I have made and people I have met, but somehow I seem at peace with where it has brought me today.  Things in life are bigger than we can explain, and more tangled than we can imagine, but tonight I'm happy with the uncertain and with the what ifs of the future.

Joys of Homeowners

I turned the handle for the hot water in my shower, just like every other day. Thank goodness I ran to my office to check email while I let the water warm up. When I got back to the water it was freezing cold. All I can say is thank God for hot water heater warranties and family who can spare to let me borrow their shower for a couple of days. Just got to love being a grownup...

Happy Hump Day

Everybody needs a laugh every once in a while.

A Friends Blog

There are a few people that can really write, I mean really, seriously know what they are doing.  This girl is one of them.  She is a copy editor, store manager, and a writer, a real jack of all trades.  Recently she wrote a post that I thought was worth sharing.


http://www.finelivinglancaster.com/ChicThinking/26ThingsIKnow.html

Ridgway Rendezvous

Today, since Eric and I both had the day off, we decided to take an interesting road trip.  Unfortunately, I was not dressed accordingly, but as always, we had a great time.  Three hours later we arrived to four inches of snow and 28 degree weather, and a whole lot of chain saw carvers.  I, being the spur of the moment, unprepared person, showed up with no jacket but bared the cool temps to watch some great craftsman make beautiful pieces from wood.  We even were able to find a perfect piece for his mom.  To my delight, on the way home, I got an ice cream cone!  Yep, even in cold temps you can't keep this girl away from a scoop.  

Now & Then

It seems ironic that one of our favorite movies growing up was Now & Then.  Who would have guessed some eleven years later, we'd be playing out the movie ourselves?  There is always that group of friends, that through it all, end up still being there.  Years may have gone by that we all hadn't gotten together, but we pick up where we left off every time.  So, eleven years, two marriages, one baby, and countless boy stories later, we still remain the best of friends.  These girls and I have always been able to have a great time and last night was no exception.  Here we are in our own version of Now & Then.  My how time flies.

Girl's Night

Great night full of old movies, midnight margaritas, and laughs. Having a blast with my girls. One movie down and many more to come.

Fine Friday Event

Adam Blessing at Blue Tiger tonight!

Sisters

Today my sister graciously helped me clean yet another room in my house.  I finally found my office space again.  While going through some things, I found a picture that my sister had gotten me last year as a gift.  She said when she saw it, she knew I had to have it because is was "so us".  Now some odd twenty years later, we still look like this at times, but we no longer need our binkies or blankets, just our booze to let the wind blow through our hair (or our dresses).

FLL Launches

Great night full of networking, laughing, and of course, drinking.  The new magazine is out (with my ad). YAY!

Happy Valentine's Day

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

~Thornton Wilder

So...try and be conscious of yours.

Young Yeingsts

It's been a long weekend full of lots of cleaning, shooting and editing but all of the finished products were so worth it.  Here's a quick sneak of these little munchkins.

Miss A & Miss M

Today I hosted mini sessions, and these two ladies decided that it was a great last minute Valentine's Day gift.  We had a blast and they both did amazing.  Their boyfriends will NOT be disappointed.  These pictures can't lie, what beauties.

Clean House

OMG I don't think I've cleaned this much ever.  I have seriously cleaned non-stop since 10 am this morning.  With the help of my sister, I am slowly accomplishing my goal to organize my house and my life.  Stay tuned for more pics of how its coming along.

Last minute openings!

Don't forget the VDay special. There are only 2 slots left for this weekend. Don't miss out!

Declutter & Reprioritize

Do you ever have a moment of shear panic?  I'll be the first to admit, it's a daily struggle for me to keep up with everything that gets thrown my way.  I feel like my entire life is spinning out of control.  My do list is doubling daily and life is taking over.  I've decided that in 2011 I am going to make a huge effort to streamline my workflow and weed through my lists of things that are important to me.  I'd like to become more organized and hopefully, if I try hard enough, it will spill over into my personal life from my professional.  This year is full of opportunities for me so each day I'll chip away at the clutter in my life, figuratively and literally.

First Half Marathon

As a person, I do much better at accomplishing things by setting goals.  I'm a go getter.  When I fully commit to wanting something, I get it.  I hate to lose.  I love a thrill and I love a challenge.  So, as of today, I started my official training for a half marathon.  Because I'm limited to no real swimming, at least for now, I've had to put competing in a triathlon on hold, and work towards something different.  Here's hoping that I accomplish this first, so that I can hopefully compete in a full marathon late this year.

She...

A couple weeks ago I purchased a book full of inspirational quotes for inspired women.  This one struck me as perfect.

She pursued big dreams instead of small realities.  Celebrate her priorities.

Come on Black And Yellow

Ice vs. Kate

Round 1

Winner: Ice

Loser: Kate's back

Digital Age

I'm amazed at how many people think that they are professional photographers.  Sometimes I have to laugh at the way people think about my field.  Contrary to popular belief, photography is a difficult industry, that takes skill just like any other profession.  I may not sit at a desk all day long, or work in the cold outside,  but what I do, is just as time consuming.  With the digital age, it has brought on more "professionals" that believe all they have to do is point and shoot.  It can be disheartening at times to think people don't believe my work is as valuable as I know it is.  What I do takes time, effort, and most of all creativity.  What I do, is how I make a living.   What I do is my passion.  Sometimes, it would just be nice if more people recognized the skill of a real professional photographer.   To all my clients that value what I provide, you all are amazing and make what I do so rewarding.  Thank you!

Valentine's Day Special

For a limited time only I will be offering mini 20 minute sessions that include a disc for $55. Don't miss this opportunity to get some great pictures at a discounted rate.

ICE

I woke up to ice, ice, and more ice this morning.   At least I was able to find a beautiful photograph out of a not so beautiful storm.

Fun Fortunes

I love to eat many different kinds of ethnic foods, so I have had many interesting fortunes from cookies.  Sometimes if they catch my attention enough, I'll keep them in my wallet.  Today I switched all of my things into a new wallet and stumbled upon these.

A chance meeting with someone from the past is in store.

You have an unusual equipment for success, use it properly.

Better ask twice than lose yourself once.

Enjoy!