A sad farewell.....

Well it is with a heavy heart that I write this post. Anyone who really knows me or has come to my house to pick up an order, have a session, or just say hello can tell you that they were greeted by my little dog, Bailey. A breed called Havanese, originating in Havana, Cuba, these dogs are traditionally owned by people with allergies who want a pet in the house without the sneezing or constant allergy medication that comes with other breeds because they are "non-shedding" and "hypo-allergenic". But, this is probably their least important quality. Mainly they are sweet, cuddly, loving little dogs who get VERY attached to their owner and look like the fuzzy end of a mop walking through the house.

Bailey was born May 24, 1995, making him roughly 15 years old. Sadly, night before last as I was going to bed I realized that Bailey (who was there already) had gone on to a better place. I knew it was coming, and even though I was devastated I was extremely thankful that God allowed him to go in this way. He was asleep in his favorite spot on the bed. He hated going to the vet and would shake uncontrollably if I even drove into their parking lot. So obviously the idea of taking him there to face his end was the worst thing I could imagine.

I debated whether I should post this. But, my little sis said it was a good idea... that it would be good for me. So, here it is. Bailey was a good dog, very loyal. He will be missed.

sweet Keaton and great finds....

Well, it has been a few days since I wrote anything so I must apologize. Our house has been a little crazy this week! So much going on. But, I just had to write a little something about the sweet little boy I had the joy of working with yesterday!

Keaton is the very sweet and very adorable child of a very dear friend. I haven't gotten all of his stuff finished, but I wanted to post just a couple. He really reminded me of when my boys were little, with those full cheeks, "roly poly" thighs, and "cankles" that are perfect for pinching! I kept wanting to put my camera down to get my hands on him!

OK so several of you have asked me where I go to shop for my stuff, like this awesome old red chair Keaton is sitting on or the old croquet balls I gave him to play with. I hesitate to share my secrets, but i'll let you in on a few.....

As most of you know, I don't normally use the traditional, old fashioned backdrops and props you see in some studios. I like my stuff to be different and a bit unique! So for that I have to be creative and shop in unusual places.

My favorite place is the Flea Market! Yes, you read that correctly. I said the Flea Market!`That is where the croquet balls were discovered. Although I cannot take credit for those since they belong to my sister, who also helps me in my constant search for new "funky" fabrics, pillows, and anything that might make for a great shot.


Another place I like to shop is etsy! There is so much cool, creative stuff on there. One in particular that is great for very sweet, very affordable children's (monogrammed) clothes is Bitty Boutique. This is actually owned and operated by my sister-in-law in Louisiana. She is a college student with a unique talent for making adorable outfits at very reasonable rates! My niece has been lucky enough to receive a few and was happy to model them for me!





Now the awesome
red chair.... Sorry! That came from the loft of my late grandmother's barn!

Print special!

Ok, I have to admit I feel like a kid in a candy store. Monday I was given the opportunity to attend the "Imaging USA" expo at the Opryland Hotel. This is a giant gathering of photographers from all over the country, held once a year. This year Nashville was the lucky town to host, so I took advantage of the pass I was given.
Anyone and everyone in the photography business was there, and for good reason! They had just about every vendor I could think of and some of I had never heard of, all with great deals and great ideas for photographers of all types. It was amazing!!! (I know, I sound like a technology geek. That's OK.) In addition to all the equipment they had on display I saw many cool new products available that I am planning to offer by spring, so stay tuned!
I must admit it was a little overwhelming, but it was inspiring at the same time. I managed to come away knowing more than I did when I came in and ready to get back to work after recovering from the mad rush of the holiday season.

For the months of January and February I am offering a print special. Anyone who orders $100 in prints will receive their choice of two 5x7's or one 8x10!

Snow globes and Resolutions...

Ok, so the kids have been out for 2 days now due to our "snow", which in Nashville just means it is really, really cold and we had a few flurries. We went out yesterday for a few minutes so the kids could play in what little snow we had, mostly on the sidewalk, despite the fact that going out in below freezing weather was the last thing I wanted to do! It was pretty entertaining I have to say, when they decided to get on the trampoline. Every time they jumped they looked as if they were inside one of those snow globes you shake up. They came out looking like snowmen, covered from head to toe. (Please forgive the grainy photo, I had to use my phone.....)

So, amidst my complaining that it was way too cold, with too little snow for playing I realized that they didn't care how little there was they were just happy to be out in it. It was then that I realized I had not really made any true "New Year Resolutions" and this was a good one!
I decided there were probably lots of things I could do better in 2010, but i'm going to keep it simple, otherwise we all know how it turns out....
I strive to be a better christian, wife, mother, and friend.
I am determined to work hard, but also to slow down and enjoy my family.

Sometimes I get caught up in everything I have to do, things that seem to stare me in the face and say "HELLO!!!"
I look around my house and see so many things that need to be done; things I had hoped to accomplish by now; things I have deadlines for; things that cannot be avoided, like the dirty cereal dishes in the kitchen, or my kids school uniforms that they cannot go to school without. It's stressful and at times irritating that I only seem to have time for those mundane chores and can't seem to get the big stuff accomplished.....

Then, I look at my 2 boys. They are growing so fast, it is like turning the pages of one of those books where you see the action taking place before your eyes. So, I mostly resolve to take time out from the chores, mundane and necessary or not, take time out from work (even if I have to edit until I fall asleep at my desk), take time out from running errands and cleaning the house to spend time with them. I often feel guilty for just sitting on the couch with them watching whatever Twilight Zone rerun happens to be on (yes, the Twilight Zone. That is a story for another time) because of all that "stuff" I have to do....
From now on I resolve to change my thinking. God gives them to us for such a short time before they grow up and move away. So, when they approach me asking me to read to them, sit down and watch a video, or go out and play in our "Nashville version of snow" I will try to just stop whatever I am doing and enjoy them while they still enjoy me.

Day One..... Yipee!!

Ok folks, here goes...

My friends, family, and other moms with a crazy life like mine have said that I need to start a blog to keep tabs on life, business, kids, yada, yada, yada.....

I am not going to kid you, or myself for that matter, and pretend that I am gifted at writing or entertaining. So, I promise to do my best and that is all. I will, however, post good deals when I find them and let you know of any specials I am running, that sort of thing!

Today has been a day of "catch-up"... you know that after holiday crud that we all run into. Laundry piled to the ceiling, etc. Chip started his new day shift today for which he had to be there at 6:30am (OUCH!) and Cameron had a friend to spend the night last night. So, basically none of us got any sleep last night and the house is a wreck. Aaaahhhh!!!

Now, it seems I have been playing catch-up all day but getting very little accomplished. Ever have one of those days? Not to mention that the kids have been cooped (sp?) up in the house all day and are completely bored to tears. We are all going a little crazy, but what to do??


I am including a couple of pics I took tonight of my youngest, Christian. I had run out of entertainment ideas, so I put him in the tub.... something that will keep him occupied for quite a while so long as there are toys and plenty of shaving cream (he LOVES playing with shaving cream, its like white paint that washes off clean.) Big brother, Cameron, was off at basketball so he was thrilled to have the entire bathroom to himself. As you can see, he was more than happy to give me a few corny smiles.