Virginia (may or may not be for) lovers

2nd Avenue North

2011-08-07T12:58:00.012-05:00

My friend Tony is starting his own business and needed help with some photos for media, press, and general use. Below are a few that we shot in downtown Birmingham. I took both film and digital, posted below are a few of the digitals.

(P.S. I just had to throw in the one with "charm".. he's got it, so we may as well capture it. Literally.)

Moving on Up

2011-07-14T12:17:00.005-05:00

Didn't I write an entry about boxes and packing at some point? Well here I am again, going through my life (as sorted in boxes) and wondering how on earth I will survive the next two weeks. The dust alone is making my head hurt from all the sneezes and sniffles, not to mention the rolling of my eyes in exasperation from the result of last time's attempt to sort through the madness..

'Why would I have thought that keeping this was a good idea?'
(Aaaachooo!)
'Did I really put this in the 'keep' pile?'
(Aaaachooo!)

I am not a hoarder by any means, the show Buried Alive makes my skin crawl.. but now that I have literally just dropped off a load of things at a nearby shelter, I came back to the house only to feel even more claustrophobic than before!

Wish me luck on this endeavor and let's keep our eyes on the proverbial prize of a new start in a new state..

Let them eat (wedding) cake!

2011-06-16T22:52:00.007-05:00

I must confess that I have had a blast planning my wedding! Since finishing graduate school I have had more time on my hands than usual, and for the last few months, plotting and planning of the ins and outs of a wedding have been right up my alley (while I take breaks from the job hunt, naturally).

Of course when next week is over and all the checklists are done, I will no doubt be longing for something to keep my mind busy. Hopefully I will be closer to finding a job in my new state and can spend the remaining weeks of summer writing lesson plans and planning my classroom. Wishful thinking? Let's hope not.

Below are some blogs that I have enjoyed frequenting during my six months of engagement (some more than others). Attention to detail and taking in the overall aesthetic can be super fun, at least to me! Now sure, some of the wedding photos you'll see in these links are not at all realistic.. borderline cliche'.. and almost even annoying at times- but like I said before, it's been fun to look at pretty things and to plan a big party!

Snippet and Ink

Grey Likes Weddings

Style Me Pretty

Southern Weddings Magazine

Southeastern Debris

2011-05-11T20:30:00.000-05:00

As you probably know, my home sweet home in the southeastern region has been bruised and battered by recent tornadoes and floods. I am lucky enough to say that none of this has effected me and my family personally (physically speaking) aside from loss of power and water.. unfortunately so many others cannot say the same.

Watching LIVE television of a class five tornado (one mile wide) ripping through neighborhoods and regions, places that I am familiar with and that are now no longer standing, is terrifying. Watching in fear of the thousands of lives in peril at that exact moment and knowing that your city and neighborhood is next in it's path.. and there's nothing to do except brace and pray.

Below are some photos of my old neighborhood, once rich with trees, where I lived in my sweet house with a red door. The roads are finally reopened, though only enough to allow small vehicles through..

Next are some photos taken in Memphis at the infamous and beautiful Tom Lee Park. The Mississippi River is at an almost all time record high and stretching an estimated 3 miles wide, as opposed to its usual 1 mile. For those of you who are not familiar with Tom Lee Park, these are some images from Riverside Drive showing just how much is underwater (as of Sunday). Typically all of this is grass and walkways with a stairwell and rocks going down to the river..

A wedding on the plains..

2011-03-30T18:59:00.006-05:00

Congratulations to Julie and Scott! Over the weekend, the couple married down on the plains of Auburn. All day the clouds were dreary and rain was coming whether we were ready or not.. or so we thought. The weather held off for the couple as they married downtown and had their reception at a red barn!

A change is gonna come..

2011-03-24T14:09:00.007-05:00

If you know the song, sing it in your head. Sam Cooke was a lyrical genius as far as I'm concerned. Now I don't compare my life to the tone of this song by any means.. I am at a much better place than the character portrayed and the symbolism represented in this song. I simply mean that in my life, oh yes, a change is coming.

I once purchased a sticker that said 'the only constant is change.' What truth this sticker holds- which is why I've kept it around for as long as I have. At one point you would have heard me say that I hated change, that it made me nervous and overwhelmed. The fact of the matter is now that I've experienced so much change in my 30 years, both seemingly good and bad, I have come to depend on it.

A marriage, a career, and a new life await me in the upcoming months. Three big changes all wrapped up into one bittersweet package! Bitter in that it takes much work to plan a wedding.. to network myself in a sea of strange faces.. to find a new job in a new state.. to find a new residence and to start a new life. But along with the bitter, this package of change contains something sweet that is big and new.. something that I can grab by the proverbial horns and check off my list of accomplishments.

So as you see, a change is coming no matter what. How prepared I am for said changes can drastically improve or congest the overall experience. With the thought now blogged, off I go to network again to the soothing sounds of Mr. Cooke.

Nice Day for a Fox Hunt

2011-03-17T17:24:00.003-05:00

Last weekend in Courtland we got to welcome the group back from a hunt. They were on the trail of a wild coyote or two that have been seen around the area. After a five hour ride, the coyotes got lucky and the group called it a day. Everyone was exhausted and the hounds were covered in muck.

Georgia for the weekend..

2011-01-20T23:44:00.013-06:00

Steven and I recently spent a weekend in Atlanta for his Christmas gift! We took the dogs along for the ride and stayed in the city for two nights.

Our first order of business was to explore the Salvador Dali exhibit at the High Museum of Art. We caught the show during its last weekend in Atlanta, so there was quite a crowd. It was a lovely (and huge) exhibit, I learned a great deal that I did not already know from my many art history courses.
For dinner we met with Steven's aunt and uncle at one of their favorite local restaurants that specializes in South African cuisine, 10 Degrees South. We had a nice time and stuck around for a few cocktails to hear the live music on the (heated and stylish) porch.

The next day we spend many hours at the Georgia Aquarium. The photos below were taken during our time there- we were exhausted by the end of the afternoon!

For dinner, we were again adventurous and decided to try out the one and only Holeman & Finch Public House. My sister and her husband joined us for dinner and drinks since they were in town to pick up my nephew from the airport.

Taking the time to enjoy what a city has to offer is priceless. Cheers to small and locally owned businesses! I cannot rave enough of our food explorations during our trip to Atlanta.. try them for yourselves, you will thank me later!

Happy Belated 2011!

2011-01-20T23:20:00.008-06:00

A tad overdue, but I wish to the world wide web a Happy 2011!

I have so much on my mind these days. Between planning a wedding, looking for a teaching job (out of state), and looking for a house (also out of state).. I confess that I have hardly had time to write. Let me remedy this and break the silence.

A big WAR EAGLE is in order, since the Auburn Tigers won the BCS National Championship!

The bowl game itself was held in Glendale, Arizona. The forecast over there was very different than what the fans back home were experiencing. Almost the entire state of Alabama, as well as the rest of the southeast, was attacked with snow and ice during the first weeks of January.

Many roads were shut down due to the weather and I was unable to go to Auburn to watch the game "on the plains" as planned. My power managed to not get cut off though, so I watched the game as I was snowed/iced in. What a game! You may or may not know me well enough to know that I cried like a baby during the last 2 minutes of play and into the celebration afterward. I am a Tiger fan born and raised, this was the first National Championship for Auburn in my lifetime... and actually the first since 1957! Words cannot begin to express my pride in Auburn and in the SEC as well.

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2010-12-06T21:47:00.007-06:00

It could be Christmas bells, but in this case it's also wedding bells..

I am overjoyed to announce my engagement to Steven, my amazing boyfriend of almost three years!

This is a photo that we took right before he asked me the big question (I had no idea). We were ice skating at the Memphis Zoo after Auburn's huge SEC championship win!

We are in the works of working on a wedding blog-
http://stevenandvirginia.blogspot.com/

Student Teaching, Part Two

2010-11-24T10:30:00.007-06:00

Update: I am at the end of my Fall 2010 semester of student teaching. Graduation is only a few weeks away and I will (finally) hold a Masters in Art Education!

For the last 7.5 weeks I have been student teaching at an elementary school in Homewood alongside instructor, Mary Jane Coker. I love the emotional support and the management structure that the school provides. Character education is a huge part of the learning experience and I cannot agree more. We recently hung the art show and everything looks fantastic! Below are a images of a few projects created over the last several weeks at Shades Cahaba..

Kindergarten- In The Jungle, Paint Study

First Grade- Leaf StudyThird Grade- Romero Britto StudyFourth Grade- Aluminum Tooling
Fifth Grade- Stuffed Self Portrait

Student Teaching, Part One

2010-10-04T16:07:00.012-05:00

For the last 7.5 weeks, I have had the pleasure of student teaching alongside a very talented and experienced high school art instructor, Olsen Ross. What a great program in the visual arts! The students are fantastic and inspired, and I wish them nothing but the absolute best! Below are some images of student work from the lessons that I created and implemented during my time at Shades Valley Technical Academy..

Esme, Freshman (SVTA). Graphite, watercolor. 18"x24".
Handscape Assignment

Melissa, Junior (SVTA). Colored pencil, watercolor. 18"x24".
Handscape Assignment

Anna, Senior (SVTA). Colored pencil, graphite. 18"x24".
Handscape Assignment

Samuel, Senior (SVTA). Ball point pen, India ink. Two pieces, each 18"x24".
Mixed Media Diptych Assignment

Maggie, Senior (SVTA). Photograpy. Three pieces, each photograph 18"x24".
Mixed Media Triptych Assignment

Lovebirds in North Alabama

2010-09-25T19:45:00.003-05:00

Congratulations are in order for Luke and Miranda! After ten years of courtship, these two are just as crazy about one another as they were the day they met. The lovebirds got hitched on a farm in Trinity, AL. I'm so happy for you both and wish you the best as you start your life (officially) as husband and wife!

30 to Grow On

2010-09-11T12:30:00.015-05:00

It has happened! The once dreaded year is here... at long last, I have turned 30. How surreal it is to announce that I am no longer in my 20's!

I am so thankful to have grown up in a loving environment with a supportive family and awesome friends. Though life has certainly presented its trials and tribulations, I am proud of what I have achieved thus far. Last month I turned 30 and oh what a unique time in my life it is, I am a grown up!

My twin sister and I were delightfully welcomed into our 30's with a big day and night full of surprises! Friends and loved ones from all over the southeast came to surprise us during such a monumental birthday. It was too much and my heart was, and still is, overflowing with love. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who were involved in our special day!

I would like to take a moment to also thank my mom and my dad. Thank you for life and for instilling in me a sense of integrity and teaching me how to become a useful and productive part of society. And thanks also to my Aunts and Uncles who have loved my sisters and me like we were their own. Losing two parents when you are essentially still children is something that most people will not have to experience. I have been so blessed with a support system that is unconditional. My heart loves and my life is fruitful because of all of you.

*Medium Format Photo by Montgomery's Rus Baxley, circa 1985(ish)

Elvis Week

2010-08-17T13:58:00.005-05:00

I spent the last week in Memphis for Elvis week 2010. Every August, thousands gather to celebrate the life of the King of Rock 'N' Roll. This year marked the 33rd anniversary of his death on August 16, 1977. It was over 103 degrees with an index of a sweltering 110. Event coordinators thought ahead and provided shade, misting tents, and water stations all around Elvis Presley Boulevard.

While I was not able to make it to the Sunday night Candlelight vigil or to the Memorial service itself.. we had a blast meeting Elvis tribute artists, visiting Graceland and the Meditation garden, and people watching! Check out event details (and more!) at Elvis.com

Introducing Mae

2010-08-10T18:40:00.006-05:00

Introducing Mae! At five months old, she is the newest addition to our growing (rescue) pack. Just like Mae West, she's sassy and blonde and is perfect for the part! It is a little too early to tell, but we are thinking that she is probably part Carolina Dog.

The very morning I was pulling out of the driveway to take Tiger to his first Heartworm injection appointment, I saw a little blonde puppy in the front yard flower bed. She was skinny, covered in fleas and ticks, but smiling from (big) ear to (big) ear. I got out of the car slowly, not wanting to scare her away. I sat down in the grass and she came running over to me, happy as a lark. She put her front paws on my shoulders and I knew I couldn't just walk away.

We searched for any signs of identification and posted an ad online, though frankly she was so starving and neglected at 5 months that I would have struggled giving her back even if an owner had been located. Just as in the case with Tiger, originally I took her in wanting to find her a new, stable family to take the best care of her possible- and she found one after all.. with me!

**Update on Mae**
Mae is adjusting/has adjusted faster than I ever imagined! When we took her to the vet, there were (miraculously) no real concerns. She was treated for her fleas and some pesky Hookworms- and I just recently got her spayed. Mae loves to play with other dogs, especially Tiger and my sister's dog, Margot. She's a crazy little lady and I feel so blessed that I found her in the flower beds!

Chance meeting with the folks of 2nd Chances

2010-07-31T11:24:00.009-05:00

Today I ran into a group of folks traveling the country, moving to end hunger across America. They call themselves 2nd Chances; Free Food Kitchens. We got to talking and I took my camera along for the conversation.

I was invited to see the inside of their bus which was fully stocked with food and supplies and somehow also managed to house at least 8 people (along with dogs and other pets). The ceiling of the bus was decorated with signatures of people they had met along their movement, and I am happy to say that my name is now one of them.

Atlanta is next on their feeding tour and then they're heading to the coast. If you see them along your way be sure to stop and say hello. Donations (food or money) are welcome!

They have a Myspace page, check it out..
http://www.myspace.com/freethefood

Introducing Tiger

2010-07-23T09:04:00.019-05:00

Tiger is a four year old Plott hound mix who I rescued from the Mobile Animal Shelter (two weeks ago, yesterday). An old friend of mine is affiliated with animal shelters and helps find homes for dogs on the euthanization lists. She posted a photo of him on Facebook, explaining that he had only one more day to find a new home or at least a foster parent. To make matters worse, he was not getting much adoption attention at the shelter since he was no longer a puppy.

I was torn about taking in a new dog since I did not want to seem disrespectful to Basil, my beloved Boxer who passed away in January (see previous posts). After some soul searching though, I realized that I couldn't think of it that way.. instead, there was a dog with only hours remaining in his life and I needed to step up to help.

Now, two weeks later, Tiger has had a new awakening in life. He has taken a strong liking and attachment to me. I offer stability and continue to work and rehabilitate him. Steven has become attached to him as well, so we are sharing the guardian role.. in fact, he has spent the week with him up in Memphis. We look forward to sharing our love with Tiger and giving him a new lease on life!

**Update on Tiger**
Now, three weeks to the day, here is an update. Steven and I took Tiger to the vet to inquire after his lingering cough and to administer a standard heartworm test. Much to all of our surprise, Tiger's blood tested positive for adult heartworm disease. The vet suspected he was infected at least six months ago due to the adult worm stage.

While tackling heartworm disease is a long and expensive process, it is not a hopeless venture. The medication will arrive in the next week or two and we will begin the 3 to 4 month process. Steven and I will not give up on him like others in his past.. just more reason not to look back, only to look forward in his new (and better) life.

Condition of the Gulf waters

2010-06-03T11:05:00.010-05:00

Two weeks ago while down in Navarre and Sandestin, we saw no sign of oil or suspicious residue. In fact, schools of sting rays (at least 200) swam around us. While floating along, I also saw a sea turtle bobbing less than 50 feet away. I began to reflect after seeing these peaceful animals in their beloved habitat. I want to help and protect them, but what can I do?

Over the last 45 days of the oil disaster in the Gulf, I am just as concerned as ever. Currently the Louisiana coastline is suffering heavily, though soon that will not be the only case. My god brother is out in the Gulf waters, assisting BP with the clean up efforts. Check out his blog at slickwilliesoil.com if you're interested.

(Images from Getty, AFP)

Nuptials in Navarre

2010-05-25T22:38:00.004-05:00

A big congratulations to Pat and Amber who got married over the weekend in fabulous Navarre Beach, Florida! I took the entire last week off and we went down to enjoy the beautiful sand and emerald waters of the gulf..

Cooking in Memphis

2010-04-26T23:43:00.006-05:00

Steven and I love to cook when I come to town. His kitchen is pretty quaint, so I usually take the reins and he accepts the role of recipe "guinea pig." Over the weekend, we played around with a new creation and were pleasantly surprised. We'll probably tweak it a little more, but for now, our Citrus Glazed Salmon is delicious! (As you can see in the photo above, we added a little extra color to the plate with Steven's fried rice and a broccoli/carrot medley.)

A Wedding in Music City

2010-04-18T22:43:00.003-05:00

Congratulations are in order for two dear friends who got hitched over the weekend at the beautiful Travellers Rest Plantation in Nashville, TN. I am so excited for Ryan and Sarah and wish them the very best! See y'all next month in Navarre Beach.

Continuously inspired, thanks to Ina and Martha

2010-03-07T15:44:00.019-06:00

(WARNING; Girly alert)

What you may or may not know about me is that I heart all things Martha Stewart. Maybe it's her use of pastel colors or the marriage of vintage and modern delicacies, maybe it's her flawless taste.. with the exception of investment advice. I'm a fan.
http://www.marthastewart.com/

I'm a big Ina Garten fan as well. Her love of beautiful homes and gardens, creating photogenic French cuisine, and chic cottage living.. I'm addicted. I own her cookbooks and tune into her show every week.
http://www.barefootcontessa.com/

Sad day.

2010-01-14T20:29:00.005-06:00

It is with great sadness that I type this entry. A loyal friend and member of the family, my dog Basil, has passed away. Imagining a life without him makes it hard to breathe. When I think about Basil's sweet face, one who had been by my side for eleven years, I am indebted to the heavens for letting me have him for as long as I did.

Crazy that a dog can do that to you, right? Or not. They live for us and love us so much, unconditionally.. and that kind of love and loyalty never seems to last as long as we would like.

Photo by Lauren Lallone

Twas a very good year

2009-12-30T16:48:00.006-06:00

Looking back on 2009, I'm amazed with just how much happened! Maybe that's a part of getting older though, realizing and appreciating moments both specifically and as a whole. I will remember to look back fondly on this year of years. I am blessed and thankful with healthy and happy family and friends.

With the passing of every year, also comes the sad passing of many greats who have made impacts on our lives in one way or another..

Yes, Virginia

2009-12-25T09:23:00.002-06:00

Old friend

2009-09-24T20:45:00.004-05:00

My thoughts are with some dear friends who lost their father to cancer last night. I know that words can be hopelessly inadequate, but I'm thinking about you all and sending all the love that my heart holds.

In retrospect

2009-09-18T22:07:00.008-05:00

My nephew was born on the same day that my dad died in 1995. Same day, same time frame. I did not know him then, it would be at least 10 years before I would have the boy in my life. I remember the day of my dad's death so vividly as a day of sorrow, a day of confusion, and of great loss.. how would anything ever be okay again? These would be the same emotions and feelings of emptiness I would later feel on Thanksgiving of 2002.

I saw a woman at the gym the other day who looked like my mom. Maybe she didn't in retrospect, but I found myself watching her as she walked away. I wished this stranger would turn around and be my mom.. I fantasized what I would do or say if it was really her. I felt my eyes welling up, something that hasn't happened in a while.

The love you hold never goes away. After all these years I still have moments when my heart aches. Hard to imagine getting used to a broken heart, but you learn to live again every time. I celebrate my nephew's birthday with joy each year, and Thanksgiving remains one of my favorite holidays.

Delta Fair

2009-09-11T19:32:00.004-05:00

On Labor Day we went to the Delta Fair in Memphis. One might assume that a fair is a fair is a fair. I did. That is to say, I did before walking through the gates. Immediately I saw a statue of Charlie Chaplin.. but hold the phone.. no, not a statue! It was a woman (or a very little man) decked out head to toe and painted. I'm still so upset with myself for not taking photos of that gem.

Anyway, the fair was amazing.. delicious smells and magical colors, cheesy booths and sketchy rides, a truck pull, a petting zoo, "freak" show, medieval jousting, camel rides (and the ostrich racing and Banana Derby seemed to come straight from one of my favorite classic movies 'Swiss Family Robinson.') Best $8 I've ever spent.. not counting the Funnel Cake which was fried and full of guilty flavor.

Awkward? Yes, please.

2009-09-04T00:00:00.005-05:00

For a good daily dose of my vitamin laugh, I check out Awkward Family Photos. In case you don't already, you should too.. and tell your body I said you're welcome.
http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/

Is the grass really greener? Maybe it's just the lighting.

2009-08-27T01:10:00.012-05:00

Rudy Huxtable is grown up and has the seemingly perfect job. She is happy and paid well and content with where her life is.. then another job comes her way, one that she would have taken in a heartbeat earlier. Too little too late? Or does she take the chance?

Obviously in this case, Cliff Huxtable (or Claire for that matter) would offer a perspective previously unseen followed by amazing advice. Our lives, for the most part, are not part of a sitcom.. so what advice would your inner Cliff or Claire give? Would YOU stick with what makes you happy now, or risk it all for what would have made you happy then?

I got a fortune cookie once that read "Imagine you could get what you want.." Wow, true story. Let's play along with this text and imagine. Not too much though. Over analyzing is never a flattering trait, so skip it. Forget about the fortune for now Rudy, throw it away and stick with what you know works.

Maybe it is just the lighting after all.. because that grass on the other side is starting to look a little dingy to me.

One (or 120) of my favorite things

2009-08-25T14:12:00.004-05:00

Check out this link, it makes me happy.. now I only wish it was scratch and sniff!
'All 120 Crayon Names, Color Codes, and Fun Facts'
http://www.colourlovers.com/blog/2008/04/22/all-120-crayon-names-color-codes-and-fun-facts/

Week at the Coast

2009-08-17T18:42:00.004-05:00

Aaaaaaaah, just got back from a week on the water! What a much needed break from life here in the real world. We started with a five day trip to Destin, followed by a trip up to the coast house for the remainder of the weekend. The food was amazing but the company was even better.. it was great to have my sisters and their husbands, my nephew, my boyfriend, and all of our dogs together for our mini summer vacation!

The day has come, just call me basket-case Terry

2009-08-02T21:03:00.007-05:00

Though I'll never ever refer to him as such, Friday morning I took 'Boots' (my Toyota 4Runner) in for the Cash for Clunkers government incentive. In return I now have a new 2009 Honda Civic, but for today I am not thinking of the better gas days and the smaller eco-footprint days that lie ahead.. no, instead I am thinking of my old friend 'Boots' and the times we have had together.

As for Basil, he may hate my decision to "evolve" cars.. but we made a long trip last weekend in 'Boots' and he loved every minute (per usual).. attached is a photo of Basil in his favorite spot, drooling out the back window for the world to see.

Advert for a funky site

2009-07-21T00:21:00.015-05:00

Every so often I like to play with photos, experiment with the colors and saturation.. even filters, though never to the point where it's obvious to the average viewer. Recently I found out about a website that plays with photos and turns them extra unique, befunky.com.

I decided to experiment with some photos that I had taken (aside from the one of myself and the one in blue of my older sis, that my bud Lauren took) I uploaded the images and fooled around to create what you see here.

Lake-ing it up!

2009-07-20T12:58:00.020-05:00

I went to Lake Martin with Steven over the weekend and we had a great time playing in the water, eating amazing food, tubing from the boat, and just enjoying this beautiful Alabama weather! Several members of his family were there as well, and above are a couple of my photos from the day..

Polaroid vs. Poladroid

2009-07-05T14:38:00.005-05:00

Several months ago I was introduced to a program on Macs that could turn any photo into a "Polaroid" style. I was reluctant because obviously I opt for the original way of doing things and don't usually have an attraction towards change. But today I decided to play around with it and see what the program could do. I have mixed feelings at this point, though I do see the appeal. Some of you may have heard of it by now, the program is called Poladroid and is now compatible with PCs in addition to the Mac.

There are options in the processing, it can even make the photos look aged with scratches and fingerprints. Play around with it and let me know what you think. Here's the link to investigate further.
http://www.poladroid.net/

Above are two photos. One is a photo that I "converted" with the Poladroid program. Another is a normal Polaroid from my Polaroid camera. Can you tell the difference?

Tuesday Reflection

2009-06-23T11:45:00.002-05:00

Two quotes to add to my quote book. You know, I've started and stopped two or three quote books in my 28 years.. two or three simply because I misplaced the one I started before. There's something great about quotes by others, similar to looking inside a lighted window at night as you're driving home. One gets a glimpse into how someone else thinks and lives.

"Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring two pence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.”
- C. S. Lewis

"You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it."
-Harper Lee

June 13, 2009

2009-06-18T10:32:00.007-05:00

Congratulations to Brandon and Danae on one fine day! These two invited friends and family to witness them tie the knot last weekend in Huntsville, AL. Best wishes and War Eagle!

Bouquet of school supplies

2009-05-22T17:53:00.007-05:00

Forget a brief trip to Target with this gal. When it comes to walking down a craft or school/office supply isle, you can bet that I'm going to linger for a while. Go ahead and get the rest of your shopping done because you know where I'll be.. I'll be that girl sniffing the Scotch tape and convincing myself that I, a "grown woman," need a fresh box of Crayolas.

Maybe this stems from being a child with a juicy classroom supply list... or maybe it's due to my not really ever getting the act-my-age gene.. but whatever the case, to me there is nothing like a bag of fresh supplies.

Goodbye hair!

2009-05-12T15:15:00.003-05:00

Over the years since mom died I have had a goal of donating my hair to 'Locks of Love' or Pantene Pro-V's 'Beautiful Lengths' at least three times. This morning I went to a studio in Memphis and got eleven inches cut off for this cause. Above is a cheesy couple photo with Steven and a glimpse at my hair (minus 11 inches).

I realize that tomorrow it will look completely different.. and I may hate it. But at least it's "cute" today and it's for a good cause!

May 8-10, 2009

2009-05-11T12:00:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Kate and Martin on a fantastic wedding weekend down in Selma, AL! Great friends came together for good times and made the occasion that much more special..

Snap. Flash. Enjoy.

2009-03-30T22:01:00.007-05:00

Man, I love Polaroids. Maybe more than I should since they're not only crazy expensive, but the flash quality is not quite up to par. Sadly, I've dropped my camera twice now and fear for it's life span- once out and about around the city and another time (more recently) at the Memphis Zoo. I took it very personally and probably yelled obscenities both times, horrifying the children and parents alike.

Onto other things, I have a few photo dates lined up soon so I'm pretty excited! Strangely though, in this age of digital this and instant gratification that.. I presently have no digital cameras, only 4 or 5 film cameras. 6 if you count the Polaroid.

Future Endeavo(u)rs

2009-03-23T15:40:00.008-05:00

When I was little I wanted to be many things.. a veterinarian, an environmental lawyer, a National Geographic photographer, a teacher. Years later, I'm still catching myself fantasizing about future endeavors..
-Owning a Bed and Breakfast
-Joining the Peace Corps
-Opening a shop or a gallery
-Opening a bakery with goodies
-Playing with the animals at a zoo
-Art Director for a magazine, designing photo shoots
-Photojournalist
-Overall, anything color related and/or involving my making a difference

Here's my psuedo-secret.. I think I could do anything above on my fantasy list. I dare to say that I know I can. And so can you. Get an education, make some connections, and grow a support system, then you can operate your art shop by day and cook cupcakes for the penguins by night! It's hard work and some days you'll feel like quitting.. but do it anyway. Do it and love every second of the process that gets you there.. fake it if you don't.

I want to make a difference so badly I can taste every flavor, and other days I stare at the ceiling asking myself why I would ever want to go down this path. Listening to the pessimism and seeing the negative is not enough.. I have to think on a larger scale and paint a bigger picture. A masterpiece. Keep reminding me of this. Let me know your progress, and I'll keep you posted with mine.

I'm currently getting my masters degree in art education. Keeping that in mind and reading back over my fantasy list, I think that I'm on the right track. I am thankful to my loved ones, past and present, who provide me with overwhelming support and encouragement.

What a dog

2009-03-23T15:16:00.005-05:00

Until one has loved an animal, one's soul remains unawakened. -Anatole France

Take notes if you like

2008-09-03T15:07:00.003-05:00

I'm from the Southeast, born and raised. I love it here and could never see myself anywhere else. It has a bad reputation, but so do Democrats and Hamburgers.. and while they've brought us some heartburn on occasion, overall they've brought us pleasure and turned out alright.

I have quite the art background in schooling and employment, it's something I heart and enjoy. I'm big into music and instruments, even though I cannot play anything other than Heart and Soul on the piano. I think music keeps us sane... or it at least keeps me sane. The first week of knowing Steven, he said that I always had music playing as if it (or I) was making a soundtrack for my life. I'm hopelessly loyal. My tact isn't always perfect. I'm attached to a camera 90% of the time. I love bread. And my dog.