The good report

2012-01-29T09:33:00.001-07:00

1. B continues the deep clean.....2. And is all around helpful.3. Jeff and I discover one of favorite Mexican places is right here in town. Disguised under a different name. So excited. 4. Alisha stops in for a visit and brings lunch. 5. Jeff's safe motorcycle trip. 6. I survived single parenting and had some gold medal moments. For real.

Sharon & Family

2012-01-27T11:58:00.001-07:00

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

The many faces of.......

2012-01-27T11:09:00.000-07:00

This is classic M. Her hair is always in her eyes (if I haven't done a ponytail). And she's super expressive these days. These are the last photos I took.....sometime early December.M is a total delight. Super amusing to me.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

The good report

2012-01-22T00:01:00.081-07:00

1. L has been going to her new primary class. .....I was worried.
2. I might be converting to a summer girl in my old age because I loooooooove sunny days right now. I need them. I want to fast forward to the warm months.
3. Can I get a high five for no cost refinance on our mortgage? Oh yeah, I dig it!
4. Jeff surprised me with a French fry cutter. We love our oven fries (but I don't love the cutting). So excited.
5. Hiring B to help deep clean the house was the best idea. (Because I let it go for way too long and feel utterly overwhelmed and disgusted by it all.)
6. Kind of love sweet Alisha who checks on me through text......even with a brand new baby in her life.
7. And she arranges for us to meet my photographer crush.
8. Jeff packing his own lunches. My hero.
9. Continuous comments on all my quilts. Thanks to whoever first pinned them to pinterest.
10. M is becoming a more adventurous eater. That's my fave.
11. L started naming things. Her pillow pet unicorn, Diamond, is the latest. Cracks me up.
12. American Idol. I love me some Steven Tyler and JLo.
13. And watching L and M sing their hearts out is hilarious. Even though they have no idea what the lyrics are.
14. Carolee bringing dinner.
15. Jeffy's work connections = free vacuum repair
16. L's prayers have become really thoughtful.

Making it through

2012-01-19T16:20:00.007-07:00

"....Be thankful for all the small successes in your home, your family, your relationships....
These successes may seem tiny to you and they may go unnoticed by others, but God notices them and they are not small to Him."
--From this talk

I've been clinging to this quote these days. It's on my mind constantly. So I've been noticing things.

Conditions aren't exactly ideal around here, but our family successes are not small to ME either. Here's to making it through. And here's to mediocrity which is sooooo enough right now.

Quilt manifesto (or ramblings)

2012-01-18T17:04:00.063-07:00

I've got quilts on my mind. The possibilities are making me so very happy. I'll even go as far to say dreaming up quilts is "the thing" keeping me going right now. The one thing that makes me happy. Ooooo, So many I want to make. My next one might be the easiest one yet. (Could bomb completely in it's simplicity though also.) My sister got me thinking about my own motivations and priorities. I like minimal, sparse (juvenile in their simplicity???) quilts. Bright colors. And solid fabrics. I quilt for myself. For our house. For our naps and lounging in front of the tv. For the girls to sleep with and make forts out of. Our quilts are not decorative heirlooms. That drives me nuts. What a waste. They are used and abused. Peed on, puked on, sharpie stained. I quilt because we needed blankets that weren't hideous. I quilt because even if I was willing to pay for overpriced bedding, what I want doesn't exist.

Thanks, Mom, (Again) For those sewing skills.

Thanks Em, for walking me through the first few.

To 2012,
I'd like to finish three quilts. That's a lot. For me. And for our current family sitch.
But I won't be punishing myself for incompletes. Who cares!

Quilting rocks.

The good report

2012-01-15T00:01:00.013-07:00

1. L had a great time at the pediatric dentist. And apparently her teeth are fantastic. (I, however, formed a lot of negative opinions about their office. Geez. I could really go off.)
2. L is blowing my mind with her willingness to clean up. Yay! Yay! Yay!
3. Both the girls like me to hold their hand as they fall asleep. It's really sweet.
4. Taught the hubs to make his favorite dinner. I'm so proud! *Sniff, sniff*
5. No migraines! (I fear the migraine)
6. Some great convos with the hubs.
7. Restocked L's deficient wardrobe with jeans and leggings for exactly what I wanted to pay. I heart Target.
8. Jeff has been putting M to bed whenever possible. Completely easing my bedtime responsibilities. Yeeeeeeesssssssss!
9. I channeled his laid back attitude on an errand run with the girls. It worked.

The good report

2012-01-08T00:01:00.045-07:00

1. Finished the quilt top for my sister-in-law. It's awesome.
2. The most beautiful, sunny, mild weather this week. It's doing wonders for my mood.
3. Solo doctor visits......(no chasing, worrying about kids).
4. New pillow for the couch in a bright color.
5. Orange or pink jeans? Yeah, I want a pair.
6. Signed L up for preschool in September. Eeee! (and eek!). The best part is she will be going with one of her favorites.
7. L has been super helpful all week by picking up after herself (without tantrums). It's a whole new world.
8. Grateful this migraine hit over the weekend when Jeff is home to take care of it all.
9. The ER hooked me up with some relief.
10. Oh, that Jeff.
11. Sprint finally credited our account that $275.

More randoms....

2012-01-05T21:04:00.016-07:00

I have no desire to blog or photograph. And I am not at all bothered by that.
Accepting the funk/phase/season I'm in.
But I wish I could sew all day. And had the mountains of energy needed to back me up.
Getting the itch to create a quilt, and sew sweet little spring tops for the girls. From the pretty fabrics in my stash.
I despise sewing for other people unless it's my idea.
I despise TEACHING people to sew even more. Like shoot me dead.
Not sure why this ended up being all about sewing.
Been thinking and talking to the hubs about the vision for 2012. Cuz 2011 sucked in so many ways.
I'm tired of just being "ok".
Photography was the only thing that didn't suck in 2011. Truth.
A long, emotional chat with my sister led to some insight about .....well, a lot.
I hope you have a sister.
And read the Ensign. Nov 2011 rocks my world. Gen Conf still resonating.

The good report

2012-01-01T00:01:00.023-07:00

1. Gladly put away all the Christmas decor. Good riddance! I hate you, December.
2. My AFTER Christmas present arrived. It's so great. I love it. But L thinks it's her own personal kid table.
3. Jeff off work for five consecutive days. Taking care of me and the girls. I need it.
4. Jeff cleaned both cars, inside and out. Needed that too.
5. 102 point scrabble word. Qaid. Triple letter. Triple word.

That's pretty much all I've got. Looking forward to a fresh start. Hoping. Moving on.

Random thoughts

2011-12-27T12:44:00.032-07:00

Our couch is screaming for some new pillows.
Not all pillow inserts are created equal. I'm willing to invest in the good ones.
December is not a great month at our house.
I crave the sun.
B the babysitter surprised me by cleaning our (most disgusting) microwave. Happy dance!
L is sleeping, sleeping, sleeping. Happy dance!
I am withdrawing from life. For now.
So grateful for my VT. Can't stop thinking about all they have done for me.
I need/want more friends and a social life. Soon.
I like Coca Cola.
M never wants to wear clothes.
But I love that she is potty trained.
After Christmas clearance. I'd be willing to wait and purchase all presents until AFTER every. Single. Year.
Welcome home little lovely.
L has been singing a Hanukkah song all afternoon. ????

The good report

2011-12-18T00:01:00.026-07:00

I've decided keeping a grateful list is a sort of coping mechanism. Life is a pressure cooker. I'm thoroughly cooked.

1. My sister took the girls and brought me a giant Coke the morning I got a migraine.
2. Everyone needs an Emily in their life.
3. An unexpected Christmas card/gift came in the mail. Totally unexpected.
4. My VTs continue to blow my mind. Everyone needs these two in their life.
5. Carbon monoxide detectors are great. So are volunteer fire depts.
6. So are Questar gas employees who inspect your furnace.

Yep, fully cooked peeps. Done.

Oh man, I love this post. She totally nailed it.
Now, that's a cool project. Wish I would have thought of it.
Ooo, framed ornaments. Cute.

The good report

2011-12-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

1. It's the little things... like Jeff fixing leaky sink, shower head. A new, very large shower caddy freeing up space around the tub.
2. L found Jeff's old cell phone that I thought I threw away. Thus, returning $275 we paid for that lost phone. Soooooo very happy.
3. Got tons of Christmas shopping done thanks to after school babysitter.
4. The girls do not cry when said babysitter shows up. It's all, "bye, mom" and totally tear free.
5. Sharon's family pictures. I want to do them all that way. All the time.
6. Followed by f8 meeting/dinner at her house.
7. Best guacamole ever. But more importantly, there were some chips that changed my life.
8. Lots of big events in everyone's lives.
9. And a print exchange. Merry Christmas to us.
10. Great convos and inspiring peeps as usual.
11. Traffic free commute to and from Clearfield. A gift.
12. Jeff got home a little earlier this week.
13. Saturday date night.
14. Our favorite Mexican restaurant.
15. L turned four.

Meet & Shoot {part 3}

2011-12-09T00:01:00.017-07:00

I about fell off my chair when I saw Autumn De Wilde's photograph on pinterest. And remember this post? This was one of the photographs I was talking about. I wanted to see if I could do it. And when I emailed Alisha the photo I was drooling over, she offered to bring a box of gels from her studio. Perfect.

There were some issues. Like my slow shutter speed (low light at the end of the day). So all the frames (5) I took were slightly soft. And there were the gels.... which reflect everything and flop over all the time. Oh, and the whackadoo color scans I got from the lab too. Grrr. This is the best correction I could do (I am soooo not an editing expert. I freaking hate editing. Remember, that is one of the reasons I love film. Kind of pointless if my lab sucks. End of rant.) before finally giving in and chalking it all up to education.

But holy crap.....this is awesome. I will be revisiting.
Ideas, ideas, ideas.

Ooooo I love me some color!

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

Dream work/Dream Girl

2011-12-08T00:01:00.004-07:00

I met Kaneischa at Carolee's baby shower. Sometimes faces just stand out to me. She was one of them. It could have been her bright red lipstick and the hair I've always dreamed of.
(still waiting for a few more scans from the lab, but I couldn't wait to post).

Can you believe this girl? Wowza.

Blue zippers.
Awesome.

(I've always wanted to take a photo like this. It happened to work perfectly on this day.)

A stare down with the kitty.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400
If you want to be photographed like this (at your place. in your space).....Well then, I'm totally game. And we should talk.

Meet & shoot {part 2}

2011-12-07T00:01:00.011-07:00

Beautiful light in a beautiful space makes me really happy.
Oh, how I wish we had more time that afternoon.
Lovely, lovely, lovely.

Mamiya RZ, Fuji 800Z

Meet & Shoot {part 1}

2011-12-06T00:01:00.021-07:00

Holly contacted me about meeting up Thanksgiving weekend. Yes, please!
I only "knew" her through her comments on my blog, but she knows Kiera, who knows Alisha, who is in f8 with me.

Small world, huh?

Thank you so much, Holly, for making it all happen.
Next time, let's talk and eat, and talk and eat

Mamiya RZ, Fuji 800Z

We met Jeff for lunch

2011-12-05T07:00:00.005-07:00

They always want to play in his truck.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

The good report

2011-12-04T13:56:00.001-07:00

1. Some personal work last Sunday. A portrait I've been wanting to do for a while. So excited. (posting this week)
2. Watched The Help. By myself. At the cheap theater.
3. Jeffy's ridiculously long hours mean I have time to myself after the girls are asleep. I've been watching a lot of movies.
4. Rented Crazy, stupid, love. Wow...that Ryan Gosling...now I get it.
5. Rented Water for elephants. Hated the book. Now, I also know I didn't need to see the movie.
6. My lab gave me a half off discount on three rolls of processing/scanning. Just because they forgot to scan one roll. That was awesome. I'm impressed. It was so cheap!!
7. Our carbon monoxide detector went off. So the fire dept came and took some readings. It was all ok. My nieghbors were super helpful with the girls. And we had the nicest EMT workers. M has taken a liking to the teddy bear they gave her.
8. A festive weekend: festival of lights, gingerbread house decorating.

Shoot Me

2011-12-03T07:00:00.001-07:00

Mamiya RZ, Fuji 800Z

Wow Me (sunset)

2011-12-02T00:01:00.008-07:00

I was driving down our favorite road, off to run an errand and I literally gasped out loud when I saw the sky. Even L said, "I'm going to cry it is so beautiful." Then, I tear up because I can't believe my daughter or this moment. Plus, it had been a hard day. So I quickly turned around to get my camera back home.

But these are the after.... The sky was pink from the horizon line to over the top of my head. At least I caught the end.

It was THE BEST sunset I've ever seen.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

Dear Santa (Jeff),

2011-12-01T07:00:00.005-07:00

Here are some ideas:

Custom house illustration
Mike Clarke photograph
Vivian Maier book
Ghost chair
Large food processor (cheese grater attachment)
My favorite dish towels
New perfume
Rainbow Colored knives at Costco
Domino book of decorating
French fry cutter
New 32 pack of multi-colored Sharpies that I will hide from my kids and keep all to myself.
Olive oil sprayer at Costco
Dipped side table in white

Let it wave

2011-12-01T07:00:00.004-07:00

Flags were hung on every house on our block (Veteran's Day).

It was super beautiful to watch it wave in and out of the frame. (I kept thinking this would make a great segment in a movie). Anticipating how it would fill the frame was not easy. These are my faves.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

Bubble bath (cousins)

2011-11-30T00:01:00.015-07:00

This was quite a while ago. Sometime in the summer.
I just got around to getting it processed (a little hesitant after those other ones).

Mamiya RZ, Ilford Delta 3200

Self portrait

2011-11-29T00:01:00.026-07:00

I'd say this is a really accurate portrait.
Dirty mirror. Check.
Messy room. Check.
Kids climbing all over me. Check.

Mamiya RZ, Ilford Delta 3200 BW

She's a delight

2011-11-28T18:44:00.002-07:00

Really.

Mamiya RZ, Ilford Delta 3200

Just one day

2011-11-28T00:01:00.012-07:00

She turns four next month.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

The good report

2011-11-27T00:01:00.046-07:00

1. Jeff cleaned the car.
2. I re-hung white lights in the girls room.
3. Meeting new photographers. A great night of shooting.
4. Trying this.
5. Pedicure & hot stone message with my pal, Alisha.
6. Followed by Breaking Dawn. Wow. That one was gross. Too much blood. And that officially goes down as THE WORST baby name ever. You know what I'm talking about.
7. Staying out way too late was totally worth it.
8. Dying over the photos Kiera took of me.
9. L and M went to bed without a fight (for Jeff).
10. Four day weekend.
11. L has been cracking me up.
12. French silk. My very, very, very fave.
13. Put up the Christmas decor. I gotta admit....it's the bare minimum. I'm not feeling it this year.
14. Light parade on Main Street.
15. L is rocking my world with her sleep habits. The tides have totally turned at our house.

Give Thanks

2011-11-23T22:00:00.001-07:00

...Outside our window

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400 converted to bw

The good report

2011-11-20T00:01:00.094-07:00

Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.
(um, I hope so).

1. Watching Annie Liebowitz on Visionaries
2. Cut the squares for another quilt.
3. I like SUNNY winter days. Had some this week.
4. The hub's long work days mean I will be seeking sewing machine therapy. Which means I'll finish the quilt soon.
5. Roasted broccoli rules. Mmmm.
6. Super excited about a handful of portraits I'll be taking soon. Dream work. *sigh*
7. Still rocking the packed lunch. Go us.
8. Now that L has started sleeping.....I can see all the adorable things she does. She has some sweet qualities.
9. And that, M, such a big girl (potty training).
10. Super grateful for my sister who listened to me go off. On her birthday. Not my best timing. (And Alisha, a few days later. ...NOT her birthday).
11. An evening alone at the fabric store. It's a been a while. Lots of pretty fabric and skirt patterns. Lots of browsing.
12. Returned home to an empty dishwasher, courtesty of Jeff.
13. Started sewing that quilt. (It will be sold in my shop. I hope someone buys, buys, buys. Then I'll make more).
14. Super excited to meet some new photogs this week.
15. Most days M falls asleep at nap time "reading" to herself.
16. A sunset that had me gasping out loud.
17. Jeff surprised me with a new phone one night. Here are the reasons that totally rocks my world:
*my phone died *the phone was F-R-E-E. *Jeff took care of my problems (hero) *I didn't have to pack up the girls and wait at the store, then wait some more. And no losing my mind telling the girls to stop touch everything every five seconds. *So he solved two problems.
18. My sister took the girls overnight.
19. Late night movie date with Jeff.
20. Watching Three Muskateers. I loved it.
21. Total cost of two movie tickets, popcorn, candy, and soda = $10. I love our local theater.
22. Midnight snow storm was beautiful.

P.S. Since it's Thanksgiving week I'm taking a break from blogging. I'll share some photos after the holiday. Eat well and enjoy!

Show me

2011-11-15T22:31:00.006-07:00

Sometimes I feel so desperate to SEE.
When a long (a week) period of time goes by and I haven't photographed anything because I haven't noticed anything, I get a little restless. Then, a huge sigh of relief when I respond to something and I'm reminded I'm not creatively dead inside.

That's all.

Light

2011-11-15T00:01:00.006-07:00

We went back to the corn maze. Just the four of us. And I noticed totally different light this time (love that).

Mamiya C220, Kodad Portra 400

Monochromatic

2011-11-14T00:01:00.010-07:00

M was jumping on the tramp at my sister's house one day and I couldn't stop staring at this (under the tramp). The light was so even.

So I took a picture.

Mamiya C220, Portra 400

Color brights

2011-11-13T16:00:00.002-07:00

from castleandthings.com

I want to DIY that artwork in a major way.

The Good Report

2011-11-13T14:23:00.001-07:00

1. Lunch packing. Go us!
2. Local lab carries some of my favorite films for much cheaper than my online source. Though not consistently stocked, I plan on hitting them up whenever possible. Super score.
3. Hanging at Carolee's talking and talking until late.
4. Potty training is going totally FAB. Mostly. Lol.
5. Surprise...no charge by MAC store for checking our old computer out. Nice.

I want this hair cut like, yesterday. I will be trying my hardest to copy.

Corner room

2011-11-11T00:01:00.004-07:00

This is the only Halloween decoration I put up this year. I just didn't care (with my parents visit and all). But I kind of love the lights.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

Fall in love

2011-11-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

leaf wall on Orem Blvd.....

This really is my favorite time of year.

Mamiya C220, Portra 400

P.S. I opened the back of my camera. With film in it. And lost a handful of these leaf images.
Some good ones.
And THAT is a Bummer.

Oh yeah, family photos

2011-11-08T10:20:00.009-07:00

Sharon posted our family pics on her blog today.
(by the way.....She's in the group.)

I've already decided on my faves and I'm ready to frame. A dozen (or so) are going up in our master bedroom to fill the massive blank wall.

Family pics were followed by lunch (Go. Try the bread pudding. Oh my!) and park with the kids. Basically, we got to spend all day with Sharon and Co.
Awesome.

The timing on these couldn't be better. We are wrapping up a very exhausting/weary/tiring phase with L. So a record of some loving interactions is totally priceless. Super grateful.

Truth is, we I kind of needed these.

The good report

2011-11-06T00:01:00.035-06:00

1. Sunday naps. I got one. I want one every week.
2. I feel really happy about my current communications with L.
3. It's quite possible the balance of power has shifted. Back to the parents.
4. I think it's pretty awesome that my parents were here for three weeks and I wanted them to stay longer.
5. Um, have I mentioned the purge? Yeah, I have. And I'm going to mention it again BECAUSE IT'S AWESOME. I freaking love our house right now. So clean. So clutter free.
6. Carolee, talked to our lab about the issues. She used to work for them so I have high hopes that relationship/conversation will breed results. I (we) might get some proper scans.
7. I seriously come alive during this time of year. Love it.
8. Keith Carter lecture at BYU. Eeeeeeeee!!!
9. And Jeffy was there with me.
10. Some super sweet moments with the girls.
11. A peek at family pictures.

Lecture me

2011-11-04T13:27:00.015-06:00

Alisha, Carolee, Keith Carter, and Me
{Thanks to Trav for making it all happen}

Last night, I went to the Keith Carter lecture at BYU. Um, it was awesome. He is so delightful. What a cool guy. such a pleasure. He is a happy person and excited about photography. A breath of fresh air.

So many gems and great insight, but my two favorites from the night:

The full weight and mystery of our work rests on our relationship to our subject matter.. .....love that!

One of the radical ideas of modern art is that your life is a work of art. .....Um, hello! Yes. Yes, and yes. That is the good report.

So cool.

Here's why

2011-11-03T00:01:00.008-06:00

Ah, film!
So much to love really. Many people have written elequent posts/articles on the subject. Smarter, more successful folks than myself. But I'll tell you why I can't get enough:

It is luminous
It has depth
It feels soulful & organic.
It renders subtlety in light so flawlessly. (Oh my goodness that is SO important)
It makes me discerning.

It was that way from the first print in the darkroom. And is even more exciting to me now discovering beauty in my daily life. Looking for luminous. Hoping to see. It's all about the rendering of light. Digital just never had the magic for me.

Disclaimer: Although I am a film lover, I also believe CONTENT trumps the type of medium every time. Content, content, content.

The end.

Dear November

2011-11-02T20:20:00.004-06:00

I've got high hopes for you. There's......

Quilt square cutting
Coat closet/ linen closet/ master closet clean out and purge
Clearing the top of fridge
Reorganize kid art supplies and make more accessible
Can more chicken
Find some non disgusting freezer meals
Potty training M
A Mending pile that must be conquered
Jeff's fix-it list on the fridge

Oh yeah, and Thanksgiving.

Yesterday, I conquered the coat closet. It's so clean and beautiful now. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted. It's so awesome.

Corn Maze

2011-11-02T00:01:00.019-06:00

No one really wanted to cooperate with the family snaps. Not surprising, but also no biggie. I took the still life/landscape route instead.

I like.

This maze was just right. Not so complicated that you want to call 911 to get out. I hate those. In fact, it was so easy we went through twice. And the weather was so fantastic. A beautiful night.

So many possibilities.
It really was so beautiful. I'd like to go back. There's a few more shots I'd like to take.

Mamiya C220, Portra 400

Sunday Afternoon

2011-11-01T00:01:00.007-06:00

Mamiya C220, Portra 400

When they visit

2011-10-31T00:01:00.048-06:00

That's me with my parents and sister, Emily, on the right.
(thank you, kind stranger, for taking our picture)

Mamiya C220, Portra 400

P.S. Totally obsessed with the orange berries.

The good report

2011-10-30T00:01:00.036-06:00

1. I returned home to a clean kitchen one night. Courtesy of Jeff. That was THE BEST since I was really dreading cleaning up.
2. Simon and Paula together again. I'm seriously into the X factor.
3. Doing festive things like a corn maze.
4. Basil Pesto Tilapia from Costco. I usually despise frozen, prepared foods. And prepared pesto....sick. But this was fab. My mom has picked some great stuff for us. I'll be buying regularly for the nights I don't feel like cooking.
5. Seeing something to photograph other than my regular life. Yes!
6. L was fantastic running errands Thursday. I was thrilled. I liked her. We got along. I have to remind myself of these times.
7. Half price Halloween at Thai Pan Trading. I have had my eye on one thing that really suited my style.
8. My sister took L for an afternoon. Awesome!

.....This week was actually really rough. My parents have gotten the full glimpse of L's wrath on their visit. I have hate in my heart. Oh yes, I do.

Current read...

2011-10-29T17:12:00.006-06:00

"Photographers may or may not make a living by photography, but they are alive by it."

-Robert Adams
from Why People Photograph. I started reading it for the second time. I like it much more this time around. Maybe because I photograph so differently now than I did the first time around ( when I manufactured everything ).

I'll be quoting as I go along.
Awesomeness.

Shoot Me

2011-10-28T00:01:00.002-06:00

I decided I want a photo collage (maybe on my inspiration board or something) just of people taking photographs. So I'm starting to collect. Want to shoot me too?

October Meeting

2011-10-27T00:01:00.000-06:00

The photos I took.

(P.S. I need to experiment with this type of shadowy light now. I'm smitten. And determined to pull it off in a portrait. I tried, but my 1/15 shutter speed was just too slow for me to hold still.....resulting in a blurry Jessica. Booooooo. Kinda just happy that I saw the light at this point.)

The people I was with.

Mamiya C220, Portra 400

P.S. I think my lab officially sucks at giving a clean scan of blue skies. Grrr!

Mom

2011-10-26T07:02:00.000-06:00

In morning light.
I love this one.

My mom is an avid letter writer and journal keeper. She has the MOST beautiful handwriting. Of course, that is only one little tidbit about her......

Mamiya C220, Portra 400

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-25T00:01:00.020-06:00

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

Best of General Conference

2011-10-24T13:54:00.004-06:00

Quite possibly my favorite weekend of the year.

Move me. Change me. Motivate me. Inspire me. Answer me. Show me the way.
All of the above.

Dieter F Uchtdorf Forget Me Not
Richard G Scott the power of scripture
Dieter F Uchtdorf you matter to Him
Ian S Ardern a time to prepare
Carl B Cook It is better to look up
The privilege of prayer

(I feel like withdrawing again during November. So many great things to be doing. I've got a long list.)

Falling for it

2011-10-24T00:01:00.007-06:00

Took a drive up the canyon with my parents. Here's some of what we saw.

Mamiya C222, Portra 400

The good report

2011-10-23T00:01:00.045-06:00

1. My mom introduced us to honey crisp apples. Life changing.
2. My parents renting a mini van for their trip was THE BEST idea. So we all cruise around together. (and now I want one).
3. Pumpkin patch with all the family. And some really beautiful light (that was so unexpected).
4. ....giving me a seriously festive feeling.
5. Jeff got the day off which meant he was there for it all.
6. And him being there meant I was able to sneak off to snap some photos. It's a lot harder when I'm alone.
7. I've decided my parents are super patient. .....We were running errands. With kids. Enough said.
8. My parents saved the day and watched the girls so I could go to my photo group meeting.
9. Group meeting was awesome. Photographed in super fleeting light. Followed by dinner and convo.
10. The group has really changed me. Super grateful.
11. Late night chatting with just my mom. Love that.
12. Cilantro lime shrimp from Costco. Stop it. I could eat the entire thing by myself.
13. BYU Women's volleyball game. Kind of had me reliving my not so glory glory days in high school athletics.
14. Family pics are done, dudes!
15. L said the cutest thing after a really long day, "Mom, I'm all out of puff". A line from one of the books we read.

Seriously crushing on this photograph. Get. In. My. House.

Location, location, location

2011-10-21T15:00:00.006-06:00

I photographed these a couple of weeks ago. Just in case they didn't survive for family pictures tomorrow. But luckily, they are still vibrant and beautiful.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

Puppy-dog-it

2011-10-19T10:37:00.001-06:00

Back in my school days there was a spoken rule that you were not allowed to turn in assignments with puppy dogs, babies, or kittens. Their overt cuteness made us all thoughtless to composition, exposure, etc. So professors eventually banned the subjects completely. But some persisted in their fluffy passion. Finally, my professor gave in, "just do it, just do it. Do it so you can get it out of your system and move on". So they did.

Why am I telling you all of this? Because I have some photographs (not puppies) I need to get out of my system. So I can move on. If I'm lucky they might even move me to somewhere new. Something more. That would be ideal. There are some techniques/styles I've been wanting to try. I'm going to copy just TO SEE IF I CAN. (giving credit of course).

Stay tuned.

P.S. Saw and photographed some beautiful light this week. And subjects other than my kids. Grateful for that break from the boredom.

The good report

2011-10-16T00:01:00.053-06:00

1. Purged a ton after sorting through all our bins of kids clothes. That's been on my list for a long time. Goodbye, stained, worn out, or just plain ugly kid clothes. I won't miss you.
2. Thoroughly obsessed with collecting recipes on Pinterest.
3. Purchased a bag of purple potatoes from Costco. Stunning.
4. Canned 37 pints of beans.
5. Found a fantastic location for our family pics. Picture a giant wall of these. So awesome. Here's hoping they don't die before the 15th. Cross your fingers for me.
6. Photographed those orange berries in case they don't make it another week. Then I can stare at the photos and remember what might have been.
7. Been looking for a NON-embellished jean skirt for L. Found one for $4.
8. Jeff reminding me that I should probably calm down (rest/relax) with my to-do list.
9. I love my Tuesday afternoons when the babysitter arrives and I go do stuff. By myself.
10. My parentals arrived. I WILL be photographing them. (I say this every time. Now, I am accountable).
11. Happening upon an old devotional on channel 11 by my BYU professor, John Telford. About light. Physical and spiritual. Awesome.
12. My VTs continue to go beyond.
13. A mountain drive checking out the fall leaves. It's at the peak of color.
14. My parentals are spoiling us.
15. And spending time with the girls. I melt.

Plenty of color. Yee-owza!

Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce Wow. Just make it. Super delish. I added fresh basil on top to punch up the flavor a bit. Super good. Crunchy breaded bits and tender chicken. Love!

Santa Fe chicken salad nice way to mix it up. I love all those ingredients, but last week's was better. Just add black beans to that one.

Red Velvet

2011-10-14T00:01:00.012-06:00

Jeff turned 37.

cake inspiration from HERE. also made by my cousin.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400
side note: super annoyed with photo labs. the good ones are soooooo expensive. Like $30+ a roll.
Cannot. afford. that.
And the bad ones....well, their work is real sloppy. The super discerning blog reader/photographer may have already noticed.
{insert adult tantrum}.

Heart pouring and Disconnect

2011-10-13T12:00:00.005-06:00

Last week I had one of those days where I was just super sad, frustrated, etc. Im having a funky one today too. Sometimes I feel like every photographer is more creative, inspired, talented. Just more, more, more. (I kind of hate how I'm seeing right now so that doesn't help. Or how I'm NOT seeing is more accurate). And all the mothers are super smart, crazy successful, make money off of every thought in her head. This one is particularly bothersome to me. Even when you know you have made the right decisions, it is still difficult (for me) to watch others flourish. Ill admit it. I feel like everyone is living their dreams except for me. (I freaking hate that Oprah best life school of thought. I really do.) And then, of course, there is the "every mother understands her kids better, more loving blah blah blah....." thoughts that constantly roll through my head. Honestly, I'm not the mom I thought I would be. And it kind of bums me out. I thought I would be so much better at it. I get super frustrated with myself. That I should be more comfortable, have a lot more figured out at 34. I suppose the disconnect between who we are and who we want to be keeps us on our toes...moving forward. Evolving. Haven't photographed for a couple weeks which makes me grouchier. I always need a little something visually inspiring to keep my spirits up. And I'm sooooooo over photographing our life right now. Snooze! I'm really trying to seek the ultimate source of validation.

In the meantime, here are a few posts that I can reeeeeeally appreciate:
Being myself
Doing it all
Just because

1982 never looked so good.....

2011-10-13T00:01:00.005-06:00

Renae, 1982

Happy Birthday, to the first born!

You say it's your birthday

2011-10-12T07:01:00.004-06:00

Ive decided September is THE BEST month to have a birthday.

Words cannot describe how much I loved this cake. It was so pretty. Idea from HERE. Made by my cousin. I'm now partial to vanilla cake with buttercream frosting. Yeee-um! Having someone else make the cake is the only way to go, in my opinion. Because......I hate making cakes, and it is just one less thing to worry about. Notice the finger prints? That's L's custom work. The color scheme was all based on what confetti sprinkles we could find (Walmart).

This picture kind of cracks me up

This is my new favorite way to decorate.

Ballon idea from pinterest.

(I'm still not over pom poms.)

That baby stroller is still a hit. My sister scores major points.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

Poetic blur?

2011-10-11T21:24:00.000-06:00

Maybe.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

The good report

2011-10-09T00:01:00.011-06:00

1. Canned 32 pints of salsa with the garden tomatoes from my sister.
2. Finally, a really good CANNED salsa! Seriously. It's good. As in.....no sour vinegar taste. (which is what the other four recipes tasted like).
3. Jeffy turned 37.
4. I went to bed at 9:15 one night. If I could do that once a week, I would be a lot happier person.
5. Got that filling replaced.
6. There is a chill in the air. Eeeee!
7. Surprise package arrived for the girls. Full of goodies. Courtesy of Aunt M.
8. Canned 15 pints of chicken.
9. Whittling away at my to-do list is a great feeling.
10. Spending a super cold rainy/snowy day inside with Alisha and kids. Awesome.
11. Little Lisette for 99 cents.
12. That canned chicken was really good this way. Even better as a wrap and dipped in that canned salsa.
13. Feeling excited about the two other canned salsa recipes I found on pinterest. They look really really promising too. And I can't wait to make a small batch for comparison purposes.
14. Oh my gosh SNOW!
15. Jeff's safe return home from his trip.
16. .....Putting an end to single parenting this week.
17. L wanting her DAD to help her out of the bath, pjs, etc. (instead of me). Hallelujah.
18. L in bed, asleep 15 minutes earlier than normal. Why is that so exciting? It just is.
19. Oh, and canning in frigid temps is way better than unbearable summer heat.

The wait

2011-10-03T00:01:00.006-06:00

I would so enlarge this one if I hadn't framed it this way.

????

I don't really know what to say for myself.
But those big brown eyes. stop it already.

The girls and I were bored waiting for Jeff while running errands. So I pulled out the camera to entertain myself.

And speaking of bored....I'm totally bored with my photography right now. Feeling pretty indifferent about it all.

Bored.

Super yawn.

It all looks the same to me.
Usually means some sort of hiatus is coming on.

Mamiya C220, expired Fuji 400H

Conference coma

2011-10-02T20:13:00.004-06:00

Woah.

All that lounging and staying in was not good for the body. But the speakers were good for the heart. This one was for me. I prepared with a lot of questions. They were answered.

Grateful.

L got the pukes Saturday night (four times). Poor thing. And I got the dry heaves every time.

Jeffy is leaving for his motorcycle this trip this week. I've got a long to-do list. Like....

A tiny birthday party for Jeff.
Canning Em's garden tomatoes.
Cleaning out the sewing room. Again. So I can start some more quilts. I really, really want to be working on some quilts soon.
Cleaning out the hall closet. Groan. It's a disaster. It mocks me every time I open that door.
Hiring a babysitter on Friday so I can go do something. Alone.

The Good Report

2011-10-02T00:01:00.004-06:00

1. M calls for her dad every morning. I prefer it that way. :)
2. L is going to her Sunbeam class happily. Haven't had her whining, crying, and begging for a month. It's so very nice.
3. A Monday night at the park as a family.
4. Women's Conference. That Dieter gets me every time. Still thinking about plenty from this one.
5. Jeff asked me to take some photographs of him/the motorcycle. Why, yes! Yes, I will.
6. He was also able to reconcile his LONG work hours with his boss. And is back to 7PM home.
7. Our Tuesday afternoon babysitter is the best. The girls love her. I love that she plays with them and takes them to the park.
8. M got her baby mullet cut off again. Her baby bangs and baby bob are killin' me. The cuteness is over the top.
9. L is sleeping in until 9:00 most mornings. I'll take it. And only getting up once at night. It's progress.
10. Sushi with friends. Dining outside. No kids. Oh yes.
11. General Conference. Super meaningful to me. I believe.
12. Sat night wedding reception....killing me with the desserts. Yummy!

Check out this J Crew-esque necklace for little girls. I die! And I'm planning hundreds of Sunday outfits around it. L is totally into wearing a little accessory at church and so am I.

Chicken enchiladas that hardly use any cheese. (I only shredded one cup medium cheddar on top and left it out of the middle). The white sauce is super deelish.

Within seconds

2011-09-30T00:01:00.001-06:00

(still snapping away to find a massive print for the house)

Mamiya C220, expired Fuji 400

The Carousel

2011-09-29T00:01:00.008-06:00

I didn't photograph much of the State Fair. I wasn't feeling that inspired. So I just focused on the girls. I am regretting not asking a few people to take their portrait though. THE BEST people watching.

{I knew this was "the one" from the whole day when I took it. I LOVE it.}

Yep. Typical L. She's such a delight to us. Bwuhahahahaha!

I often ask myself why we even try to do fun things as a family. It is horrible most of the time. And why do we fall all over ourselves just to ~~get a smile from them~~ try and have fun? Pleasant memories don't always come easy. Geez.

Mamiya C220, expired Fuji 400

Our favorite pool

2011-09-28T00:01:00.013-06:00

There is no pool without the slushie.

So long, Summer. We fully embraced you this year and it was a good times. Exhausting. But good times.

P.S. I've noticed I'm shooting an abundance of feet pics lately....time to let go. Moving along. Sheesh!

Mamiya C220, expired Fuji 400H

See the light

2011-09-27T19:44:00.005-06:00

See the difference?

remember this one....
These two photographs were taken on opposite sides of the picnic table.

It might only be fascinating to me.
But light is spectacular.

Family picture planning

2011-09-27T10:38:00.011-06:00

The color scheme is based on this Old Navy shirt I bought for myself. $10. So happy about that price. It's much cuter on. The stripes look red in this photo, but it's more of a tomato orange

And I scored this shirt after a long search for the right colors. L's shirt. Crewcuts.

M's shirt. Crewcuts.

and something like this for Jeff

Cannot wait.

K's the favorite

2011-09-26T09:46:00.004-06:00

a couple random snaps from P's birthday party a couple of weeks ago

I cannot wait until K is old enough to babysit our kids. They loooooooooove her. And that M...we love her too. She is super delightful.

dusted off the 35mm.....
Canon Rebel G after a long hiatus. Fuji 800Z

The good report

2011-09-25T00:01:00.001-06:00

1. My VT entertain L once a week. I don't even know what to say. Gratitude runs deep.
2. M turned two.
3. My cousin made the cake of my dreams. Really, it was so pretty.
4. I thought the decor was adorable too. It's still up.
5. My sister and co. showed up and made it a real party.
6. She also got M THE BEST present (baby stroller) to feed M's baby obsession.
7. M was so happy. That makes all the effort worth it.
8. I disappeared by myself for a while on saturday. It was awesome. Four hours of running around. Window shopping. Actual shopping.
9. Forever 21 now sells $10 boot cut jeans. Um, thank you for that price. Thank you for the super dark color.
10. $1.50 skinny belts. In grey!
11. Planning family picture wardrobe is my fave.
12. Having an actual date set for family pics is my fave.
13. Got to see my brother on his way back home.
14. I love to catch up.
15. The girls did shockingly well staying up until way past their bedtime. I have no clue how they didn't melt down.

Here's some family pic color inspiration

To smile, or not to smile

2011-09-23T10:13:00.002-06:00

This.

This right here would be the reason I usually opt for the no smile pic. (Actually there are several reasons, but that could take up a post on its own).

I'm also super frustated with my lack-of-photographing-the-now-two-year-old-skills. M continues to run from me. I remember the same with L.

Mamiya C220, expired Fuji 400

Start the violin.........

2011-09-23T10:05:00.012-06:00

I'm feeling grouchy. The day after birthdays are kind of like the day after Christmas. Do you know what I'm talking about? All that work and money for such a fleeting moment. ... hmmph.

I'm also feeling impatient with life. Myself, L, our dreams. pretty much everything. L has made progress (hasn't been in our bed for a couple of weeks). But there's still other things that need to stop.

I missed this months f8 meeting. Which doesn't make me very happy.

I'm bored. Not bored as in nothing to do. Bored as in motherhood is so groundhog day.

And I'm jealous of those who get to travel. Seriously, I had to stop looking at blogs altogether because of my rage. I'm about to have an adult tantrum. Mostly, because of their most disgusting pictures of the most stunning locations. Ew. I'm a hater. Yes, I am.

I'm super frustrated having a new (used) computer that I can do nothing with.

I wish I could snap my fingers and change all my bad habits. It's so exhausting.

I took plenty of birthday party photos last night, but not the ones I wanted of M. Photographing her is futile.

***Of course, it's not all bad or all good. Just needed to get it off my chest. I think I'll go eat some of M's leftover birthday cake. I've taken up emotional eating over the last six months. It's awesome. But it could also explain why I went up a pant size.

What a difference a lab makes

2011-09-20T07:00:00.001-06:00

July 2011

original scan HERE

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 800

Drive by

2011-09-19T00:01:00.017-06:00

I see these all over and love them. Someone needs a portrait/headshot here. .....it would be so pretty.

I'm crushing on orange these days.

Mamiya C220, expired Fuji 400

The Good Report

2011-09-18T00:01:00.024-06:00

1. A glimmer of hope with L's sleep habits. (And then completely shattered again. I've never been so high. or so low. Really, something has got to give).
2. My Visiting Teachers. There are no words. For the longest time I hated the whole concept. It was more annoying than anything.....but I totally get it.
3. The fridge stocked with rolls of film = unlimited possibility = makes me so happy.
4. L and cousin S have improved their relationship. I can't believe how well they are getting along. They were together for one very long day without fighting, tattling, hitting, screaming at each other. Progress.
5. Ok, so I'll admit there has also been other progress with L, but not enough to my liking.
6. We've been hitting the library hard. Three times a week for library hour.
7. For the record, still don't miss Facebook. At all.
8. Fantastic weather for cruising the State Fair.
9. Even better people watching. ( a guinness worthy mullet. wowza. )
10. Watching the girls' pure joy while jumping in the bouncy house. That was worth it.
11. Jeff....he's responsible for all the laughter in our lives.

Summer Feet

2011-09-17T00:01:00.003-06:00

Because shoes are optional. And getting her to wear them is futile.

Mamiya C220, expired Fuji 400

Springville Art Musuem

2011-09-16T00:01:00.019-06:00

(view my favorite painting of the day HERE. It was super bright, saturated color. Not at all rusty like depicted online. And I like to eat. I dream of dinners like this with all my friends at one table. Much better in person. A tiny painting....6x10".)

I cant believe I've never been. I spent a Saturday morning wandering ALONE. There is no other way really to visit a museum. Free to be totally distracted by one piece or skip entire sections altogether, then returning to my faves. I went for the quilt show, but it didn't do much for me. I was into the permanent collection of Russian paintings. And the building itself.

P.S. It appears that my camera has developed a light leak. That blows. It's about one out of every twenty four frames. Never the same frame. Never the same spot on the image. Hmmm....

Mamiya C220, expired Fuji pro 400H

My favorite park

2011-09-15T00:01:00.003-06:00

I have strong feelings about parks. I really think city planners should consult mothers. The most important to me is shade, shade, and more shade. I despise baking in the sweltering summer heat. And I really don't want my kids to either. This one has what it takes: tons of shade and right next to the library. Smart. I've been to this park a million times and never seen this framing/photos before. Now, that's so cool to me!

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

A summer day

2011-09-14T00:01:00.002-06:00

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

When they get together....

2011-09-13T00:01:00.006-06:00

It's always lovely.

I will sing their praises to the end of days. They are a unique family and I'm so grateful for how they treat the girls (spending one on one time painting, coloring, reading, helping out during tantrums and everything else, telling them how beautiful smart they are. I love every second of it).

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400 converted to BW

Color blocked {Nicky portraits}

2011-09-12T00:01:00.007-06:00

We got her all to ourselves for just one day.
I might have been slightly obsessed with her shirt and needed to photograph.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

The {non} hipster

2011-09-11T16:30:00.000-06:00

First roll of traditional bw from my lab switch is a total bust. They can do color ok enough, but traditional bw.... Sheesh. Look at the streaks. This is the messiest mess. What the what?

Unbelievable.

If I were a hipster I would be thrilled about my "vintage" photos and I'd be calling all my friends to show them how unique and creative I am. Too bad I am not a hipster. Losers jacked up some adorable photos of our life. Totally disappointing considering ALL professional labs should know better. This is basic Photo 101 peeps. But.....they are cheap and I suppose that is why they don't care about quality. I'll be paying a lot to have future bw rolls done right.

Losers.

(I like this spooky one. A lot.)

Dear lab (which I will not name because I am a classy girl),

Fix your negatives. Wash your negs. Clean up your process. This is a joke.

Sincerely,
The NON-hipster

so frustrated........

Mamiya C220, Ilford Delta 3200 bw
f2.8 1/60

The good report

2011-09-11T00:01:00.024-06:00

1. All that overtime Jeff works comes in handy for a new (used) computer.
2. Life (grocery shopping) is so much easier now that the trunk is fixed on the car.
3. Apples cut to resemble French fry sticks = a total hit = I think I'm so clever.
4. I feel really happy.
5. Seeing the little things in mothering. That are actually the BIG things.
6. Only three more frames to fill to complete the photo wall downstairs. I'm thoroughly in love. It has emerged as my favorite space in the house.
7. The lab gave me a coupon for a free 8 x 10 with my next order. Which happens to be one of the sizes I need.
8. Saturday night eating out means I don't have to cook. But more importantly, I don't have to clean it up.
9. And those coupons meant dinner was really cheap.
10. Ending the night at the park was perfection.

And random thoughts that do not qualify for the list....

I'm so ready for the change of seasons. Mostly because my summer staples are thoroughly worn out. D-O-N-E.

It's time to potty train M and rid her of the paci addiction. She prefers to have one in her mouth and one in each hand. Insane.

Word on the street (The Today Show) is this sequin top is only $20. I'm stalking until it becomes available.

This scarf is the best. Orange!

Drive Away

2011-09-10T00:01:00.001-06:00

I'm kind of smitten with that last little bit of light on the road. It's so subtle (maybe not even showing up on all monitors).

Long live the pink blankie

2011-09-09T05:25:00.003-06:00

Been wanting to do this for a while....pink blankie is cherished. I want to look at these in twenty years and go right back to this moment. And all the other moments pink blankie saved the day, comforted, and cheered her up. Even better if SHE remembers how pink blankie made her feel.

I can't remember if i preferred a blanket growing up, but if I did I'd want a picture of it.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400
Not bad considering this was All shot at f2.8,1/30

Pillow Talk

2011-09-08T20:47:00.006-06:00

I love my late night pillow talk with the hubs. I talk. A LOT. And he listens. He's a great listener. Usually, its the only time to connect during the day. Always, its the only time there are zero distractions. Great things come from our pillow talk. Things come out. Epiphanies. I make sense of things and sort out my feelings. I cry. Lately I've been so grateful for photography. That I got to go to school and learn some stuff. And photographing the girls.....Well, it forces me to really see them for a few seconds. And I see how beautiful they are.

I had a moment a while back....
Oh my gosh.
We are living.
This is huge.

Lipstick thief strikes again

2011-09-07T14:24:00.005-06:00

I don't know where she comes up with this stuff. That pose is killing me.

P.S. Thanks to Alisha for uploading a bunch of pics to my blog. The rest will have to wait for that new computer because the iPad is a blankety blank joke for blogging. I cannot even make the simplest edits. Insert me screaming my head off right now.

On perspective

2011-09-07T11:01:00.003-06:00

B's graduation Weekend brought up some interesting stuff for me. For a moment I wondered if I should photograph her experience, my experience, or my experience of her experience? (Following me, here?) I guess I realized I would probably approach everything I photograph slightly different if it were a paid job. But I get to shoot personal work exclusively. Although I long for the visual variety a career would likely offer.... I'm grateful for the skills to tell a really great personal story. And isn't it always about my experience? I think so. Even if I attempt to photograph HER experience which would produce slightly different photographs from the MY experience photographs, I'm still photographing my idea of her experience. Did that make sense? It's an interesting concept. To me, anyway. And it could be interesting to photograph an event all three ways to see what type of images are produced.

Ultimately, I chose MY experience over my experience of her experience.

P.S. I wish I were a better writer. This sounds like a hot mess. But let's discuss this topic.......

The good report

2011-09-04T00:01:00.001-06:00

1. Deactivating my facebook account = best decision ever made.
2. Watched Rio with L. Loved it.
3. L has started singing all her conversations. It's adorable.
4. Fall like mornings with the windows open.
5. I'll say it again....the f8 group is a gift. We laughed, we cried. Sharon reminded me what is important.
6. M has taken a liking to stuffed animals/babies and carries them around all day. Also, adorable.
7. Date night with Jeff. Went and saw Midnight in Paris. Not what I expected. But I liked it.
8. Our last Saturday swim.

I'm kind of dying over this necklace I bought for L.

Is it good?

2011-09-02T14:51:00.006-06:00

A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart, and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it.

-Irving Penn

If I take a single photograph in my life that is THAT powerful, I think I will consider myself a success. I can think of a few that have changed me (not my own).

P.S. I want a working computer. I like to post my pics.

And also, I've been longing for photo albums. I can't tell you the last time I printed anything. Aside from a few enlargements here and there. I've been thinking I want to print a yearly album of our life in a high end archival book.

Not shutterfly.

The good report

2011-08-28T00:01:00.011-06:00

1. So many reasons to love 9 AM church.
2. 36 pints of peaches and 13 pints of syrup.
3. Jessie was in town. Sushi Dinner and chatting for hours. I love that girl. She's for real.
4. Jeffy fixed the garbage disposal. My hero.
5. Important conversations.
6. Loving my latest photographs. (need that new computer)
7. Alone time wandering the halls of the Springville art museum. Can't believe I've never been before.
8. Saturday evening at the pool.
9. Homemade jerky from the neighbors.

Needed this one today

2011-08-26T12:17:00.001-06:00

‎"Never be discouraged. If I were sunk in the lowest pit of Nova Scotia, with the Rocky Mountains piled on me, I would hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage, and I would come out on top."

- Joseph Smith

Why film?

2011-08-24T14:10:00.002-06:00

Digital = imagination endangered

Watch this CNN clip. A great listen. Wisdom from Mr. Elliott Erwitt.

Preach. the soapbox. Whatever you want to call it.....

2011-08-23T00:01:00.025-06:00

So peeps, I've got no way of uploading pics until we figure out our computer sitch. Which pains me because I love to blog. And new images are waiting for me at the lab. Kind of excited about them ( but I feel that way every time ). So for now, I'll be posting lots of little nuggets why film can and does blow your mind. Mostly words from people more eloquent than me. Get ready to become a film snob.

Oh, and how about some family picture wardrobe planning? Eeeee! My fave.

High on a mountain top

2011-08-22T00:01:00.021-06:00

{this is my favorite pic from the whole day. It just feels right.}

Miss L was easily bribed with M&M's. She wasn't feeling the mountains. Or the height of it all. But then again "She's not feeling it" could be said of every one of our family outings.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 400

These are a success for me simply because of the direct sunlight factor. I avoid it like the plague. But it couldn't be avoided on this outing. So I tried to embrace it. Overall these are a big fat ....Not bad.

The Good Report

2011-08-21T00:01:00.001-06:00

Hmmm, what can I say about this week? Our desktop computer died and since it is considered "vintage" the repair is $1000. what??? Looking at used Macs to replace. Those lights came back on in the car which means we can blow $400+ this week. Good times. Jeff dropped his phone and shattered the glass. More blowing of cash. I need a filling replaced. Uh, what else? Major awareness of flaws and fears resulting in me in a puddle of tears in Jeff's arms.

But......

1. Shorter haircut means I can get ready in about 5 seconds.

2. A day of absolutely nothing at my sister's. And some more produce from her garden.

3. Minus that filling....fantastic news from the dentist. All my little efforts are paying off.
4. A gorgeous morning at the park with the girls. Cool breezes and tons of shade.
5. And seeing things I'd never noticed before...and having my camera with me to capture it. Best part of my whole week.
6. $1 to $2 shorts and tees SALE for L. Next summer is totally covered.

Is it just me or is August flying by? I don't mind. I thrive when the temps go down.

Oliver + S Fall patterns revealed

I need to make these blocks. Super cool, modern.

Hammock House. Oh yeah!

My favorite photos this week.

That's how it's done. The right way. Words cannot express how much I hate the hipstamatic app. Ugh.

Pink sunglasses

2011-08-19T07:00:00.001-06:00

She says, "I want to be 16 like Kaija."

That's her cousin. Who is actually 9.

Mamiya C220, Kodak Portra 800