Real Life: Live & Unscripted

The kindness of blogland

I LOVE blogging. I've met some great people online. I mentioned on here VERY briefly that I wanted to start collecting vintage cameras. That was all I did just a slight mention because I had gotten an old camera from my dad.

IMAGINE MY SURPISE when I get an email saying, hey look out for a package from me in a few days. Umm ok.

I promise I TOTALLY forgot about it. Until the mailman rang my doorbell.

My face is ALL balled up because I don't know what's in the box. I haven't ordered ANYTHING lol.

I open it and just *GASP*

 

Rachelle sent me this WONDERFUL box of goodies. I mean SERIOUSLY. I am SOOOOOOOOOO happy!

Thank you SOOOOOO much for thinking of me!! Your kindness will NEVER be forgotten!!!!!

Feelin the itch...I want a new lens for my camera.

Ok. I have that "I want a new lens itch".

Here is all of my equipment...without my wireless remote, backdrop, lights, and trip-pod (guess I need to add that stuff too huh? LOL)

The last lens I purchased I LOVE I have the  17-40 L

 

I LOVE this lens!!! It has been SO good to me lol. Seriously. AND I now only want prime lenses. Once you shoot with a prime lens...WOW. It's just awesome-ly insane. I don't want anything else lol.

Sooooo what's on my list?

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L

Canon 50mm 1.2

 

Canon Fisheye 15mm 2.8

 

The only thing about the fisheye other than how freaking neat it is, is how much will I actually use it?!?! I've wanted this thing forever!

I'm also considering a tilt shift.... hmmm

 

Decisions, decisions.

What I will do in a couple of weeks is go to Wolf and play with the ones I like and then narrow it down and make a decison.

What are y'all shooting with that you LOVE!? Let's see if I can add yet another lens to my list lol.

Toodles!

Photoshoot with Jaelyn...

 

 

Playing with my 50mm

Y'all know my first passion is photography right!? LOL

I decided to go out today and play with my 50mm....just catching pics here and there lol.

This is what happens when you go from a nice coollllll house to 90 degree weather outside lol

You know you are supposed to have your camera wrapped in something (towel) and give it time to adjust to the temperature outside right? LOL I know that...just didn't to do it lol.

Click all the pics to make them nice and big lol

 

Love loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee the bokeh on this one. *sigh*

 

See..nothing much...just a little time playing with my baby lol.

Toodles!

Imma die....a really slow and painful death.... LOST my CS3 disk....

Email me for the password to access my blog: [email protected]

LOST my CS3 disk. Had to wipe my computer clean. About to die a very slow death. No longer have CS3. Gonna go die now.

That is all.

SPRING!

These pics just SCREAM SPRING!!!!


Have a great day!!!
Toodles!

No title Thursday lol

It is Thursday and it is going to be a busy one for me! But now I don't have to worry about dragging the kids along lol.

Photoshop/photography people...I'm having an issue.

Normally after I take pictures, I plug up my card reader and I get this little box that pops up and asks me where I want to download them to. Normally I download them in bridge...well now when I plug up my card reader I no longer get that box.  Soooo I have to go to my computer, then find my card reader, open it that way, rename the file ( so I can find it) send it to my external hard drive (so I won't loose it) then open it in CS3. Is there a way to get that little box back that will allow me to choose where I want to download my pics?? Is that clear as mud? Also once the pics have been downloaded, they are no longer on my camera. I'm using windows xp . I lost some pics yesterday because of that, and I do NOT like that. Thanks for ANY help!!

Yesterday the kids started school. Ahhhhh the peace was BLISSFUL lol. I didn't know what to do with myself lol.

They all had a great day. I promise they talked my head off until dinner lol.

FINALLY  back on schedule lol. This summer that went OUT THE WINDOW! LOL

In the world of beading lol, my next necklace will be made up of these lovelies:

I love chunky pendants. I should have went on ahead and started when Zanete tried to get me to a while back lol. Doing those stitch markers just opened the door for me lol.

In the world of sewing, I finished my jacket for the lined jacket contest and it will be part of my mini wardrobe. I wanted to do what I thought was the hardest thing first. I will do a review on it tomorrow.

Scrapping content coming VERY soon....knitting..not so much LOL. One day soon I hope the mojo returns...I need to stay well rounded lol

That is it for me! Have a great day guys!

Toodles!

Didn't I tell you this was going to be a fantastic week!?!!?!

I mean come on!  I made some contacts yesterday that will mean fantastic things for my photography business. I could not be more thrilled. I had to call my two goodest - goodest girlfriends and let them know...we all squealed with delight!!! LOL When everything is final you KNOW I'll let you guys know!!

A friend of mine ( and I do NOT use the term friend loosely) asked me to meet her at Hancock yesterday. I had to go to whole foods anyway so I went on over.  She gave me a BOX of the new patterns I wanted and a gift card to Hancock!!!. We had just casually talked about the new patterns and what we liked. Had no clue she planned on getting them for me. How freaking nice was that?!?! I was totally blown away. I just thought she wanted to look at fabric together lol.

I tell you the kindness of people never ceases to amaze me. I've met some wonderful, wonderful people online and IRL and it's just awesome.

My girl Lu

is speaking at the BlogHer Conference. I'm so glad she had this opportunity!!!! Go girl go!!!

Blogging is a WONDERFUL thing!!!

In other news: I'm having a complete love affair with blueberries.

I swear I'm going to plant a blueberry bush for next year. I  love these things.

Umm what else...OH, some of you requested the journaling from my LO yesterday, this one in case you don't remember:

Reads:
I MUST ADMIT  THAT I HAVE NOT ALWAYS BEEN HAPPY WITH MYSELF. I HAVE NOT ALWAYS BEEN AT PEACE WITH WHO I AM. I HAVE NOT ALWAYS LOVED ME. I USED TO PRETEND TO BE SOMEONE THAT I WASN'T. THAT WAS WAY TOO MUCH WORK. IT TOOK A NUMBER OF YEARS  TO BUILD UP MY SELF ESTEEM  SO THAT I LOVED MYSELF AND BELIEVED IN ME. NOW I AM 30 YEARS OLD, HAPPY  WITH THE PERSON I HAVE BECOME, I LOVE MYSELF AND I WON'T CHANGE WHO I AM FOR ANYONE IN THE WORLD.

I also need to add that I KNOW I'm not finished learning, living or growing, so I am a work in progress lol.

Yesterday was a BAD knitting mojo kinda day. Even Robin had bad knitting mojo so it was in the air lol. Robin is my knitting "She-ro" lol.

What did you guys think of Project Runway?!?! It's going to be a good one! I still need to watch it again lol.

Ok, that's it...I'm knee deep in going through my fabrics and putting patterns with them. Yep....some sewing will start soon!!!

Toodles!

 

Up to my ears in editing....

Hey guys!! I know I hardly ever share pics of my sessions here, because my clients all have personal galleries but this couple was sooooooooooooo much fun, I just had to. NOW, all the couples I shoot are fun but these two just took the cake lol.

Here are a few of my favorites.

I just love how this one came out...this picture has me ready to start my garden lol. Two weeks time...Maria, wish me luck!!! LOL

They forgot I was taking pics.....

Umm hmmm, yeah, I wasn't even around lol

Hellooooooooo, I'm still taking pics lol

This guy....off the chains lol

and one more....

\

Yep they were loads of fun. This was the first pic I took. It's a little blurry but I'm showing it as a proof anyway. LOVE IT!

Ok, that's all...back to spending some quality time with Adobe...a LOT of quality time lol

BTW, I'm behind on email, but I'll get caught up hopefully before Monday. HOPEFULLY lol

Toodles!

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's finally Friday! Man, I have a busy day today!!!

This throw back Friday is dedicated to my twin brother Andre. We sang this one last night, while I was on the phone with Zanete. Yeah, we crazy like dat. LOL I promise, I could have played every song from this soundtrack. Remember Smooth, You've been played?!?! Man, Cathy and I used to JAM to that! OMG! LOL She will SO be getting an early moring call today with that playing in the background! LOL

Yesterday while blog hopping, I ran across Noell's blog  and she had a challenge where you take a picture every hour. Hmmm, interesting!!! it was around 9am when I saw it so I got started. Here is my day from 9am until around 8ish. I didn't do it exactly on the hour, but it's AROUND that time. Here is a "group shot"

GOTTA love layers!!! And now, I'm gonna break it down lol.

My morning tea....

My daily pills...ugh

Used some new products on my hair. Great results today, but will have to use them longer to REALLY see a difference.

Added some heat! Ok, it took me MORE than one hour to do my hair....I'm just sayin....

UPS brought me a box bursting with beautiful fabric!

Started one load of laundry (had to rewash what the fairy forgot to put in the dryer lol)

Threw my purse and my knitting bag in the car to go get the kids. That LONG line you wait in to pick up your kids is a GREAT time to knit!

Time for homework....

Put the laundry in the basket lol

Played a little piano. I don't play all the time, but when the "spirit" hits me, I have at it.

Took a pic of my next sewing project lol.

Laptop on the bed lol....

That was so fun to do! I will so be doing this again!!!

Do you guys realize that TOMORROW is MARCH 1?!!? WOW

Ok, you guys have a GREAT weekend!!!!!!!

Toodles!!!

Adrienne, can you suggest a camera?

Hey guys!!! Today's post is all about cameras!!!! I am going to list some cameras that "I" would suggest or purchase for myself. I get asked this question a lot, so why not address it here?!?!! LOL

I am LOVE Canon Products. LOVE THEM, but I will suggest different cameras that I either own, or have played with, in different price ranges. Hopefully if you are in the market or if you will be soon...this might help!

Ok, so let me confess...this post actually allowed me to go to a camera store and touch and feel these cameras.....why? Because I need a new one for my purse lol. Remember Jaelyn got my powershot for her photography class at school :-) I don't want to carry my 20D EVERYWHERE lol.

Let's get started shall we? LOL

**DISCLAIMER, I am only sharing what I have learned. If by chance you choose a product, and it does not work for you, you can not blame me that it didn't work out**  I'm just sayin...lol

Optical VS. Digital Zoom

GREAT ARTICLE!!! Don't let the terms fool you....educate yourself. ALWAYS research what you want BEFORE going into a camera store. People will rip you off if you don't know what you are talking about!!! They will try and get over on you. ESPECIALLY women!  Call it what you may, but it's the truth!!!

How many megapixels is enough?

The Megapixel Myth

Don't let the numbers fool you. You can have a 12 MP camera and if you don't know how to work your camera....your pics will still look like crap.  Just because you have a high dollar camera does NOT mean you will have quality photos. One of my FAVORITE bloggers, uses a point and shoot ,I think almost exclusively, and her pics are GORGEOUS! ALWAYS!!!

Ok, let's start with the cameras:

Olympus

Olympus Stylus 830  Price $249.95

This is a REALLY good camera. When I played with this one, I was able to take some pics and print them out. They came out WONDERFULLY. I don't have this, but I did get a chance to play with it at the camera store. It's really light and very user friendly!!!

Nikon

Nikon Coolpix S51c Price $234.95

Now, I am SO NOT a NIKON girl, but if I HAD to get a NIKON, this would be the one. It is VERY nice. I have a hard time with the NIKON functions, because they are so different from the Canon. Almost polar opposite lol But this one was really easy for me to pick up on. It's no t really an issue until you TAKE THE CAMERA OFF OF AUTO...I really suggest you all do that lol. This one did really well in low light. I mean SURPRISINGLY well.

HP/Hewlett-Packard

Hp/ Hewlett-Packard Photosmart M537 Price $99.95.

Now I have NEVER used this camera but I have seen pictures from it. They look REALLY good. If you don't plan on printing above a 8x10, then this would be great for you. On a budget? Still great. HP has come a LONG way with cameras. My first digi was a HP that came with a printer! IT WAS AWFUL!!! LOL, but these pics were REALLY good and the person that took them, kept the camera on auto! LOL

SONY

Sony Cyber Shot-DSCw55  Price $169.95

I have NOT had a chance to play with this but if you are just looking for something to sling in your purse, but still want a good pic, I think this may be a good choice.  If you always forget to take your memory card out of the card reader....don't have a fit...this one has an internal memory card but you can also use an additional card if needed. That is a pretty cool feature!

CANON** Be still my heart lol**

Canon Powershot SD750 Price $264.99

This is my first choice. It has some awesome features.

More Canon goodness! LOL

Canon Powershot SD1000 Price $170.95

This one is also really good. It has a FEW different features, and the price is a bit less (because the upgraded version is above this one), but still a great camera.

So, did you see something you liked?!! Want to know which one I am going to order for MY purse!?!? Gotta  wait until it get's here! LOL

Hope this info was helpful to someone!!

Have a great day! Toodles!

RESOLUTIONS, DO YOU MAKE THEM?

DEFINED BY WIKIPEDIA:

A New Year's Resolution is a commitment that an individual makes to a project or a habit, often a lifestyle change that is generally interpreted as advantageous. The name comes from the fact that these commitments normally go into effect on New Year's Day and remain until the set goal has been achieved, although many resolutions go unachieved and are often broken fairly shortly after they are set.

I started THIS THREAD over on Ravelry and it made me think about the normal list of things I like to make called RESOLUTIONS. I normally don't make RESOLUTIONS per se, but I like to make lifestyle changes.

Last year I didn't make any type of resolutions. I just stated that I needed to make some changes. And baaaaaaaaaaaaaaabyyyyyyyy, I did JUST that. I cut loose some folks that were not good for me, changed my eating habits (I've just about cut out fast food, but do still eat it, but VERY seldom, don't drink too much soda, those type things....)

THIS year however I have a few things I want to ATTEMPT to stick to some "resolutions" DUM DUM DUMMMMMMMMM lol.

SEWING:

I want to plan my projects better. This year, I just bought patterns because they are on sale. I will probably STILL do that, but I want the patterns that I buy to coordinate with SOMETHING else that I have in my stash already. I have to stop making "orphan" items. Same with purchasing fabrics. I know I will still buy fabric, but I want to make sure I am buying something that will coordinate with something already in my stash. I am going to have to be VERY careful with this because I am going on a big fabric shopping trip next year. Soo, we will see how I do! LOL.

I will not be afraid to try a new technique or work with a different/unfamiliar fabric.

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Stepping up my game. *pat on my own back* I think I take really good pictures. REALLY GOOD, but I want them to be BETTER. I want that "WOW" factor. I have it SOMETIMES now, but I want it to be more consistent. I plan on challenging myself weekly. I will NOT do a daily challenge because I know I won't stick with it, but once a week I can handle. I am working on my "assignments" now.

SCRAPPING:

One goal I have is to submit more. I used to do this all the time, but now I want to do it more. I will not be that so consumed in submitting that I forget why I scrap person, been there done that. I will not be devastated if my work is not picked up...been there done that. I will however create LO's that I love, and would love to see in print! LOL

Scrap more with my friends! I didn't do NEARLY enough of this, this year. AT ALL. I also want to host more scrap times at my house. I think I have enough room to do that. Cheryl what do you think? I'm going to add another long table, either this week or next. I'll let you come over when Project Organized Creative Space is complete lol.

KNITTING:

THINK ABOUT PATTERNS AND YARN BEFORE I BUY THEM. I get SO excited about yarn and patterns that I buy them before I think them through. MUST STOP DOING THAT. I end up with patterns and yarn that I no longer want to make/use and it ends up STASH lol.

Nothing in the food department, I refuse to cut back on or give up sweets lol.

Nothing in the money department. :-) Cuz Imma do what I damn well please.

Nothing in the family department, because hubby and I already talked about that! LOL

Nothing in the friend department because my really close friends have already been talked to!

Ok, that is it. Do you guys have any plans!?!?!? Do tell.

A little bit of everything.....

Ya'll all know that I am a SAHM/ photographer. I love what I do, I love my clients, (only had one REALLY bad one). I love all things photography! LOL I read a lot on photography, study my camera a LOT, try new techniques...different stuff. I have "NOT" gone to school for photography at "this" point, but it is something I am seriously considering in the near future.  I am SO not above learning, and I do not CLAIM to know it all. What I have learned is mainly self taught. My clients all know that I am self taught and they do NOT have a problem with it.

I read a LOT of photography blogs. This one has to be my favorite. Take a few minutes and click THIS link and watch the video. I would seriously give my left leg to find a bride willing to do this for me. Granted this is PROBABLY a paid model....but still....

****ETA Patrick from the above website contacted me and that is NOT a paid model. She is indeed a bride who was married a week before, her husband is a photographer, and invited a bunch of his friends over to help shoot the session. VERY NICE! Thanks Patrick for clearing that up...NEVER ASSUME GUYS!! LOL****

I have seen hundreds of these videos, but this one just gives me chill bumps. EVERY TIME I LOOK AT IT! Talk about inspiring.

Here is their website.  Just awesome work.

Moving on......

Thanks to Tawnya who sent this very special gift to little Miss Kayla! She loves it!

Here is a little sneaky sneaky of my Anthro Inspired Capelet. LOL, Erica said it looks like a "Jaelyn sized sweater...I had to try it on and show her it does fit me lol.

And a little sneaky sneaky of Flair.... I have a very busy weekend, so I'm HOPING that I can get a pic in my garments so you guys can see the true fit...MONDAY...cross your fingers and toes! lol

Ya'll remember Asia? Click her name, she used to be so little!!!

See her kitty "bling"? lol

She see ya'll looking at her! LOL Yes, she posed for the camera lol

Kids made pizza last weekend....let's thank the Mr. Tony for the pics...lol

Aj is SUPPOSED to be putting the cheese ON the pizza not in his mouth...lol

They put SO much cheese on the pizza lol....it was good though lol

What else...ummm

My fabric for my Vogue coat came last week, or the week before lol and yes it is THAT red. Isn't it Ann!? LOL

I also got my fabric from Fashionista Fabrics. It's SO beautiful. Already cut out...lol just waiting on my new machine, but more on that when it gets here! YAY!! lol

Ok, that's it. Ya'll ready to throw it back? LOL

Toodles!

TGIF....Throw Back Friday

Is your volume up? What were you doing when THAT song came out!?!? 198????? ROFLOL!!!!

I'm going to play and old school song on Friday's. Maybe not EVERY Friday, but I will see what I can do!  lol...too much fun!

Ok...my girl Lu is like the self portrait Queen. Seriously. She does THE best ones I have seen. She posted some the other day and it inspired me soooo I decided to give it a go....I needed some more anyway :-) (excuse the hair....I was au-natural this day...i.e...no flat iron lol)

Here is Number 1:

Now I do like this, but the light was too harsh...so naahhh. So avoid harsh light if you don't want shadows like the ones I have...tee hee lol

Settings: ISO 200

Shutter Speed: 1/2000

F-stop: 1.8

Lens: 50mm 1.8

SOOC

Number 2:

My settings were all over the place...but they kinda stayed all in the same area if that makes ANY sense...I  used about 5 different actions on this to get this look. "I" like it. Still has the shadows but I STILL like it.

Number 3:

And this one lol....I think I used 2 different actions...

I love this one and it will be on a LO VERY soon.

Number 4:

and another one that is SOOC (no actions used)

Of course I have a folder full of them but I will NOT put them all here! LOL

Speaking of Lu she is also doing an Art Slam Art Journal. I "SO" want to try this....Hmmmmm lol

In other news...I FINALLY sewed!! YAY! I have been doing all this reading and I want to try out some of this stuff. You won't get better without practice right? lol But first...let me show you my newest collection...

And another shot? :-)

You know I love pictures!!

Anyway, I have Sewing Specialty Fabrics, Sewing with Knits,Tailoring, More Sewing for the Home, Quilting by Machine, and Creative Sewing Ideas.

I got a FANTASTIC deal on ebay....$35.00 FOR ALL SIX BOOKS! Talk about a great deal. I looked them up individually and they were well over 40 bucks each! JACKPOT!!!

These books are great. The projects are dated...BUT the pictures and techniques are FANTASTIC!!!!

So what am I sewing??? I am ALMOST finished with Butterick 5038 which is done in the black and white eyelet from Gorgeous Things. Butterick 4812 View A which is done in a light pink/peachy linen. And  Simplicity 3744 which is done in a beautiful blue black and white flower print that I got from Fashionista Fabrics. I posted pics of those fabrics with the patterns on my July 23 entry.

Well, that is it for me guys! Have a great weekend!
Toodles!!!!!

**EU- Da Butt**

Lights....Camera......Action.....

LONG POST! You have been warned! LOL

FIRST:

I will be teaching my next scrapbooking class at Scrap Chic Boutique in Decatur, Ga! Here is a VERY QUICK PROMO:

The official first day of summer is almost here and if you are anything like me, I bet you still have tons of photos from last summer just waiting to be scrapped!!!

Wouldn't it be nice if you could create and complete an album with your favorite memories from last year? Then join me as we create a clear mini album for just that! Take a peek!

Products used for this album are for demo purposes only and are subject to change. Dates to be announced soon! Keep your eye on the Scrap Chic Boutique Blog and my blog for more details. But before I go...how about a quick chuckle....

<------what do you see? lol....yeah, I didn't see it either...lol, not until someone was nice enough to tell me I spelled "REMEMBER" wrong lol, yep...human error lol

NEXT!!!!!!!!!

I have a HUGE day tomorrow. I am going to be shooting my first pageant. I am SOOOOO excited. I mean seriously. I can HARDLY wait. All my stuff is packed up and ready to go!!!

Camera: CHECK

Lights: CHECK

Portable printer & Paper: CHECK

Backdrop & Stand: CHECK

Order Forms: CHECK

Receipt Book: CHECK

Samples: CHECK

Batteries: CHECK

Extra: Camera, memory cards, and batteries: CHECK

Husband to drive, take orders and help me set up: CHECK

Can you think of anything I forgot? lol

Gotta say thanks to the hubster for helping me. Being there when I whined because the white balance with my lights was pissing me off lol and  when I just needed someone to talk to, listening and being interested when the technical terms of what I was doing when completely over his head, and for the funding he provided.tee hee.... Not to forget Ronalyn and Lu, these are my photography go to girls. They have been doing this for a LOT longer than me. I respect them as women, mothers, wives, and I respect their work!! I appreciate their feed back when it comes to my images. They both have a wonderful eye, and they help me be better!!! That means a ton. But thanks to them for answering all my freaking questions, a gazillion emails, helping me proof all my forms, helping me with my pricing,(this is my first time doing package pricing, so I had to make sure I was good to go!) and helping me decide what to wear! lol I knew what NOT to wear, so that was a start. LOL

I've been looking forward to this day for a long time....well not that long, just since I was contacted about doing it. So there. I told you, big stuff going on with my photography business....this is one thing...more later...tee hee

In other news....more progress on "COCO" lol. I'm ready to shape the armholes. Its big. I'm going to finish it, but it's coming out a lot bigger than I thought it would be. I mean I know it's not supposed to "fit" but umm. We will see. 

I worked for a couple hours on my next baby hat so I am HOPING to show two FO's on Monday.

Enjoy one of my favorite "crunk" songs lol. Mind you, because of something ZANETE sent me, I have been anti-Beyonce. But I was working on my website last night, and playing this, and now it's stuck lol, you should have seen me in the chair bouncing lol. Have a great weekend guys! Toodles! **Get me bodied, by Beyonce**

TGIF BABY!

And I don't have to work today! Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!

Wow, this has been a record week hasn't it? Posting everyday?! lol Did I mess you up Stacey? lol. Speaking of Stacey....me, Stacey and Erica had a confrence IM yesterday lol, it was so fun. Funny what you can do when everyone brain storms lol...I did magic loop...again lol, LOVING IT! lol

Like my song? lol....Adrienne loves Outkast lol...something about music in the south!

How about some pictures....

I took this one of Kayla in the church before Aj's graduation. I really like this pic....it is a little softer than I normally like (hate soft photos that are supposed to be sharp) but I didn't want to get rid of it. lol. I did get another one once I adjusted my settings but I really like this one better than the one that has the "correct" exposure. Go figure lol

Tony took this one on auto WITH flash..yucko lol, BUT remember all that nice, long straight, pretty hair from Saturday??? Well this is how it looks now lol, this was Tuesday, and yes she wore her dress again lol, she loves it.

You can always tell when there is a pattern sale!!! And this isn't even all of it lol. Jaelyn took the guide sheet from the apron pattern last night and was reading over it. This is going to be so interesting. She now wants to make Kayla one too.....two aprons in one weekend....we will see! lol

Since I have no mojo at all, whatsoever, to work on Summertime Tunic, I went and got this yesterday....yep...yumminess indeed....sooooo soft!!!!

I ordered this yarn, with one project in mind, then once it got here, I changed my mind lol....so me, the mocha microspun, and size 15 needles are going to get to know each other VERY, VERY well......

And for all you photographers out there....(Ronalyn, lol) big things are in the works for me with my photography. Doors are opening that I never thought possible. And I know more is on the way!

Have a great weekend guys!!!

**ETA, why are my songs only 30seconds long?**

Toodles!

No creative title today.....

Yesterday I went home, and all I wanted to do was sew. But I am taking my time with my dress, waiting until the time is right to "sew" it. lol. I actually did a muslin first. Something I almost NEVER do, but I do NOT want to mess up my fabric. lol, anyway. I got home and was just all kinds of sidetracked. I played in Photoshop for SO LONG. And I do mean SO LONG lol. I got off the computer and started reading through my Threads Magazine. Now I normally like Sew Stylish over Threads, because it's not as advanced. But I liked this issue because it had a really good article on working with jersey.

Now, I've had this issue for a good little while now, well not THAT long, but, well you know. ANYWAY, before the jersery issue was Ann's article, Go against the Grain....now we all know that I have seen this...but THIS time, I noticed this....inside the circle....that blue fabric...

HEY!!! that's my skirt!!! Now, I got a skirt VERY similar to this, maybe four years ago from J JILL It's been a while, well of course I had to find it. Everything came to a screeching halt. I ignored everyone and everything (yep, bad momma and wife lol) so I could find my skirt. Do you see what time it is?? YES I JUST FOUND IT! I was determined. I KNEW I had it! But all of this says ONE thing about me...I pick stylish "classic" stuff lol. I've had this skirt for FOUR years and it's in a very current magazine. Yep. pat on the back for me! lol. Ok that was my "me" moment. lol Oh, I guess you want to see the skirt huh? lol, here it is.

Please excuse the wrinkledness....i will NOT tell you where I found it!

With all this talk of fabric and sewing, did I knit? lol, yep. Maybe four rows lol. lol. I hope to finish SummerTime Tunic this week. If everything goes as planned...

Kayla did a LO for the Scrapalong. She is funny ok...she said she was going to make it extra special.....she added glitter glue..

and bling, and flowers lol....that's my girl! I now let them use my scrapping stuff....that way I don't feel bad when I buy more! LOL, someone is using it lol....

Ok, so I had a shoot this past weekend or on Friday, and here are a few of my favorites. Now it was SO hard to choose. I have NO idea which ones I will put on my web-site. NO CLUE. I will tackle that, this weekend!

 

I know he heard the baby...I know he did lol

Have you ever seen those couples that just "ooze" love??? I have a LOT of kissy pics! lol, just lovin on each other! LOL, I loved it!

See, can you not just SEE the love on his face...I KNOW it's not just me! lol

Look at them checking out each others measurements lol....

LOVE THESE PICS!!! OMG, these ladies were wonderful to work with!!!

Yep, we had a great time!!!!! Have lots in store as far as photography goes. Can't wait to start sharing!

Don't forget to check out Inspirational Wednesday tomorrow! You are in for a "treat"! Toodles!

Good times......yay!

On  Friday I was the featured photographer at  an art gallery here. Space was limited, so I had to keep my display very small and was instructed to only bring the bare essentials, and that is what I did.

It was AWESOME!!!!! I got to show off some of my work, made some AWESOME,AWESOME connections, and really enjoyed networking with other local artists! This opportunity could have been given to ANYONE!!! I am SO glad I was thought of! YAY! I have already been asked to come back to the next show in October!!! YAY!!!! So busy days are ahead!! GOOD STUFF!!! If you look closely you might see someone you recognize **coughcoughvirginiaireallylovethatpictureofyouandatticusinthehospitalcoughcough** tee hee. I was BEAT when I got home Friday night.  I am still very excited about what is ahead for me. Very excited! I also got VIP passes to see The Salon . Can't wait to see that!

Yesterday was NSD. My kids WOKE up wanting to scrapbook...How did they know? LOL No, one wants to take a picture right now, so I will show you guys their work later on LOL, even Aj did a LO!

Then they got hungry and made a "healthy snack"

Notice the pile of "sugar"? lol They put a "sheet" on the table to serve as a tablecloth lol....they are a mess! lol

I went by the store to "help-out", well more like "talk" tee hee, and was able to help a new scrapper! yay! She asked so many questions! It was soooooo  much fun. I remember when I was like that lol. While there, Mrs. Noreen came in (pls excuse that non-sense in the picture....aka...my double chin) the store was kinda busy so I had to do a self portrait lol....

and then there is the loveliness called "Gretchen"

Gretchen is a really, really sweet person. Can't help but love her.....tee hee, and she makes you love stuff like the little bitty MM letter stickers lol. WHY can't I work my freakin point and shoot?!? UGH. I mean it is NOT rocket science, but I never take good pics with that thing. SOMETIMES, but not always, Maybe because it was on auto....I don't like auto lol

Oh and the JOY OF JOYS. I got a package from....

Yes, yes, yes......what was in my package!?!?!?

The bestestest stuff called KOIGU . OMG. This stuff feels SO GOOD! This will be for my chevron scarf. If this stuff wasn't in hanks....I would have cast it on as SOON as I got it. Since it IS in hanks, and you simply can NOT work from it like that, and since I have ordered a LOT of yarn that should be here ANY day not that is ALSO in hanks, that I did NOT get from my LYS so they will NOT wind it for me....I purchased this:

Yep, I ordered this bad boy  and I "HOPE" to have it this week. I will have my very own swift and winder. If you want to read about them, you can check HERE and HERE .

In other knitting news, Toya and I are doing our first KAL. IT will be for the Summer Time Tunic in the new IK. You can email me at [email protected] if you want to join and the blog can be found HERE. We are aiming to start on or around May 15th.  So YAY!

And yet MORE knitting news....I was looking at the Spring Knitty patterns(I am supposed to be getting ready for church right now lol) and Kayla was sitting with me and she liked this...

It's called Monica . AND it's done in Robin's favorite! Brown sheep cotton fleece! ROFLOL!

Kayla want's hers in Tea Rose and Pink-A-Boo and Jaelyn wants hers in Raging Purple and Gold Dust, why purple and gold? I bet Cheryl can tell you lol. Those are her "new" school colors....her words were, I can wear it over a plain white tee when it get's cold to our pep rallys. Humph lol

And last but NOT least lol, remember when Tmobile sent me a new phone, it was February 23 (how do I link individual posts?? LOL) ANYWAY, I was still having problems with it. It locked up Saturday and I could hardly do ANYTHING. Well, turns out there is a problem with the phone. (if you have one and you have been having trouble, call and they will replace it) Here I was thinking maybe it kept messing up because it did too much lol, internet, email, organizer, camera phone lol, but nope, so come Wednesday, gone will be my beloved Tmobile MDA (that they no longer carry) I will now have a TMOBILE DASH.

So YAY! Alrighty guys that is IT for me!  Have a great day, I have  GOT to get off of here and get ready for Church!

Toodles!

Randomness....

So how about a funny......  This is Kayla's little friend Skylar....I am standing in my driveway. Skylar is on the phone with Kayla....Kayla is standing in my yard.......

Skylar asked me to take a picture of them, sooooo I walked outside..IN MY SOCKS, across the street to get a picture of two 6 yr old girls on the phone....standing next to each other....too cute

I PROMISE they talk all the time. Kayla told her yesterday taht she was about to go and Skylar told her to call her back on her cell phone....funny.

These are my two latest books.....

The Modern Quilt Workshop and Easy Knitted Accessories I am really looking forward to diving into these.....

My next project....yummmmmm......

And Toya and I are doing a knit along with the Green Gable pattern. This is my yarn....ohhhhh, yummy!!!

Next........

I got more fabric from Gorgeous Things It is TRULY GORGEOUS.

These are just some random shots I got...playing in raw.....

And more QVC goodies....

And lastly....

I would like to introduce you all to "Jazzy" this is MY dress form. Jazzy finally came on yesterday. I'd waited on Jazzy to be cleaned but it took a VERY long time. Since it took so long, singer sent me a BRAND NEW ONE! YAY! Jazzy will be my friend. She will be there when I need an ear. She won't bitch and complain because I need to vent...she will be a great friend lol.

Toodles!

Just Another Manic Monday........

Its just another manic monday-- ohhh oh oohhhhh
I wish it was sunday -- ohhh oh oohhhhh
cause thats my funday-- ohhh oh oohhhhh
My I dont have to runday --ohhh oh oohhhhh
Its just another manic monday

LOL, Monday just KEEPS on coming huh? LOL, Dang do ya'll remember that song by the Bangles? LOL. OMG.

This weekend was DRAINING. I mean seriously. I normally get a lot done, but this time I didnt. I was still sick on Saturday, head just BANGING. UGH. But anyway. I did finish my shrug, I made a dress and started on a top. Pictures of that later lol.

I got a card in the mail from my besstttessst friend ever Cathy. We have been friends since we were TEN! WOW, lol When I opened the envelope I, stopped what I was doing and called her immediately....

She made this! I got her started scrapping and she has never looked back. She does NOT do LO's but makes all kinds of cards!! YAY Cathy! I was SO proud! Awwww.....

After I rested up, well TRIED to...Jaelyn started to bug me about her sewing machine...

Now, this has to be THE cutest Janome that I have ever seen. It sit's on the table next to mine....lol, so here she is again...

She was trying to figure it all out. Our first lesson was READING the manual, and threading the machine. OMG. I will NOT tell you how long it took, but she is VERY excited.

And here.....

She is getting "control" of the machine. I think she made some pillow cases or something for her barbie. lol

I took some time and tried all my new products....who EVER suggested the Aveeno lotion....OMG. I LOVE IT....

Lovin the Olay stuff too.....LOVE it. My skin feels SO good. AND my nails are looking better lol....Took some time out and gave myself a MUCH needed manicure!

Sunday was just a play day lol. But on a funny note....I went to Walmart Sunday morning. EARLY. Stayed in there about 45 minutes...no kids, so I enjoyed myself. So, saw an OLD girlfriend that I went to school with. Talked to her another 15 minutes....lol, got home, took the groceries out of the car only to realize that MY SHIRT WAS ON BACKWARDS! HA! Not only that, but I walked off and left the bag with the kool-aid in it at the store. Bummer. And NO I did NOT go back. LOL

In other news, I have been playing with my camera. WIth the settings and all that jazz...I will leave you with a few of my fav shots....my settings are EVERYWHERE, different times of day, etc........ Enjoy. Have a great Monday!!!!

Here is Jaelyn.....

And the rest is all Kayla baby lol

Can you tell who REALLY wanted their picture taken??? LOL, wondering where AJ was??? OUTSIDE! LOL, but we were RIGHT by the door.

Toodles!