Things I've lost....

This is my grandson, James. One day while tending him, I thought he was safely playing in the washroom. Imagine my fright when I entered the washroom and couldn't find him there. The washroom was attached to the garage that was attached to the driveway that was attached to the big bad scary world at large. I couldn't imagine how he could have opened the door that led to the garage and obviously I'm grateful that he didn't. He just opened the dryer door and climbed inside. How many of you have that "super safe, extra special" place that you keep your treasures? I do but that place is more like an expanding deep dark black hole from which things never return. Maybe there is a collective place where all lost items reside until found, maybe like the island for misfit toys in "Rudolph". In case it is a collective and you make it through the black hole before I do, here are a few things I am missing and would like returned...my mind (not very big, may be hard to find), my teenage body (okay, I've seen others with this in the past, like Jennifer Aniston ;D), the energy I had as a college student (play all night and study all day) and of course my invincsibility, that feeling of being all powerful without cares or concerns, oh wait, I know where that is my daughter Emily, took it with her to Utah State.

What to do about a collective personality....

This cucumber/squash actually grew in my garden, this is not the result of photoshop. It often represents how I feel when I am pulled in too many different directions. I'm my own worst enemy because I have alot of varying interests. My interests compound upon themselves very rapidly. It's kind of the old adage if one is good than ten must be better and twenty even better and so on and so on. I've been asked many times (related to my vast library of fitness dvds) which exercise program is the best? My honest and complete answer is the one you will do consistantly. I often joke that I store my fitness dvds next to my cookbooks so all my recipes have already worked out so you don't need to worry about the fat and calories. So pick your poison...do aerobics (now called cardio), do resistance training, lift weights, dance, do pilates or any combination but you won't reap the benefit unless you do it. And don't mind me I'm still working on my resolution of gaining 5 pounds, don't worry I'll be successful.

New Year's Resolutions....

So I already used the excuse that I can either blog or take pictures and that I have been really busy taking pictures. I chose the pictures of this newborn baby boy to ring in the new year and explain my theory about resolutions. Resolutions are closely related to expectations and expectations are mearly frustrations yet to be born. The only resolution I have ever been successful at keeping is ... 1) Gain 5 pounds this year. I also lose that 5 pounds so I'm holding steady. I believe it was Erma Bombeck who said,"I've lost so much weight if I never regained it I could fit on a charm bracelet." So 3 weeks into the new year, how are your personal resolutions holding up?

Having your picture taken doesn't have to be painful...

Wasn't it W.C.Fields who said, "Never work with animals or children."? What was he thinking they can be the most fun! (insert frustrating, exacerbating, impossible as it applies) I try to get the job done of taking your picture as painlessly as possible. Present your ideas and plans at the beginning of the shoot and I will work them into the natural flow of the process. If you tack them on at the end, you usually have at least one member of your party that wants to bolt two or three smiles ago. How do you end the process as quickly as possible? Focus, focus, focus, pun intended. Pay attention to your photographer and look where you are supposed too, usually my Right ear.

So many things to be thankful for.....

I was faced with a hard decision that prevented me from blogging. Take pictures or blog pictures. Well I took pictures, lots and lots of pictures and eventually they will be highlighted here. This fun family is a repeat from last year. And that is the best accolade that I ever receive. If you don't like my picture taking you are not obligated in any way to pursue more of my picture taking. But if you do like it you tell all of your friends and you call frequently to update your own pictures. Some of you either have alot of friends or you like to talk alot because I have been very busy. Thank you so much.

Better than traditional school pictures, don't you think?

I just really love shooting people. I love to capture an elusive grin and sparkle in the eye. Not every day is a good day for the photographer or the person she is photographing but magic can happen when you get up, dress up and show up. We can be our own worst enemies, stealing away special opportunites because we just don't wanna. So if you need to get past the hard stuff, imagine "In five years, will this matter?" Usually the answer is no, so laugh at yourself and keep on moving. Besides growing old beats the alternative. (Dying young).

Advice for seniors....

Seniors remind me of the genie from Aladdin. They are a study in contrasts, the genie had ultimate power and a little tiny living space. Seniors earn for ultimate freedom from rules and chores and expectations and they are bound to get it. With ultimate freedom comes responsibility for self, college, car payments, food, rent. It just underscores the fact that freedom is never free. To seniors everywhere may I suggest that you never be afraid to try something new. Amateurs built the Ark, professionals build the Titanic. Go figure. I want to ride on the one that floats.