I wish I could blog the smell!

Michigan Strawberries...the BEST in the world, are ripe and ready for ice cream. :) Does life get any better then fresh Michigan fruit on ice cream? By the way, if you have never picked fruit from the Michigan fruit belt you are really missing out!

In other news, (my reporting influence making an appearance) my computer ceased operation on Saturday evening. After working it very hard throughout the day I absolutely could not get it to turn on. Ever felt that sinking feeling? Then when I took it in to the store it started right up. Must have been the prayers. I am so grateful it is working now and I am making sure I back up everything as much as possible because if it does break they have to send it away for weeks! *That was the explanation for no post yesterday...in case you were wondering.*

~Christina

These are a few of my favorite things....

Summer.
Flowers.
Schedules and routines...rare around here.
Puppies that sit, stay, and come on command...we're getting there.
Adorable laid back puppies.
Calm old dogs...couldn't leave them out.

Small towns.
The Midwest.
Michigan.
Americana.

Friendly smiles.
Great neighbors.
Knowing lots of people and being known.
Front porches.
Swings.
A refreshing breeze.

Light summer skirts.
Comfortable sandals.
Hair clips that stay in place.
Crocs.
Socks and tennis shoes to keep my legs from hurting.
Energy.
Afternoon naps.

Summer storms that make everything fresh.
Emails from friends.
Mail and packages.
Jeeps and convertibles.
Driving.
Laughter.

Pictures.
Friends who graciously share images.
Finishing big projects.
Crossing off things on my to do list.
Clean houses.
Clutter free rooms.

Books on tape...or CDs.
Good movies...rare.
Catching up the laundry.
Clean, fresh smelling clothes all folded and stacked.
Clotheslines.
Learning and understanding.

Returned phone calls.
Knowing what to expect.
Hot showers.
My clean room.
The beautiful quilt on my bed that I bought for $1.
Blogs full of fantastic and frequently updated photos.
Comments.
Hugs.
Gifts.
Giving and having the ability to give to others.
Contentment.
The list could go on...the Lord has truly blessed me abundantly!

~happy girl...just because

2008.06.06

Mom called me on my cell so that I could run out the door this morning and take a picture of her and the dogs coming back from their "first solo walk".

Isn't she cute!
All the dogs went to the vet today. Wait, I went too. Well, someone had to drive mom and her puppies!

Peonies are Suzanne's favorite flowers. To bad she is in Texas right now.

Strawberries are ripe!!!!!

~summer girl

Brandi Girl

If you don't like looking at pictures skip this post. Wait! If you don't like looking at pictures why are you on my blog?!?
Today it was time for some portrait practice. Portraits are definitely not my passion, which you have realized by now if you are keeping up with my life. But, that said, I want to be excellent in all areas of photography...not just the ones I like!
Today was Brandi's last day of school...my last day of picking her up! So it was a great day for some summer portraits! I am tired so I just pulled the ones I liked off the top and posted them. Enjoy!

2008.06.04

Oh no! I almost forgot to take a picture and post today. My original plans were dashed so I just put it off. At the last minute I remembered and took this shot. Feel kinda like I cheated because snapped this on Program with pop up flash. Oh well, at least I did it.

~Goodnight

Three weeks worth of posts

It has been three weeks since I challenged myself to take pictures (with creative controls) and post everyday for a month! I am so excited about the things I have learned during this time and the ways I have grown. Not to mention I now have an amazing record of what I have been doing the past three weeks. :) So, I am going to keep on with this plan for another week and then up the stakes and try for something slightly more challenging...as if this has not been challenging enough!! In other news I was asked to judge a photo contest today...

~small town photojournalist

Honor

Today I was honored to be able to take images of a funeral procession that was truly amazing. This man served our country and community for many years. When he died at the age of 91 he had spent the last 61 years as a volunteer on our local fire department. I am grateful to the Assistant Chief who called me last night so that I could be there. I prayed my way through the day and I am praising the Lord for such incredible images. I am planning on sharing them with the fire dept. and the family and I am hoping they mean a lot. Trying to pull just 5 images out 497 was difficult but hopefully these will give you a feel for the service.

~honored photographer