Life, Love, & Laughter - Carla Christina Contreras

Day 4 - Finding the Reason

2012-01-04T17:10:00.002-06:00

365 Days of what I've learned for that day...

Maybe that's what I'll write about...

We'll just have to see.

I do know that today went by really fast.

Mom said it will be the fastest year of my life.

Damn, she's always right... well about life anyway.

Day 3 - Work & Pray

2012-01-03T21:51:00.001-06:00

I worked a bit today
Not too much
Just enough so I could say
Thank God for such a
B E A U T I F U L Day!!!

Day 2 - Takin' it Easy

2012-01-02T23:51:00.000-06:00

I took it easy today.
Because I wanted to...
Because I needed to...

Sometimes I just have to do nothing.

10 Reasons You Should Have An Email List & Newsletter

2012-01-02T10:54:00.001-06:00

Indie Artist Tip Of The Day – 10 Reasons You Should Have An Email List & Newsletter
By IndieVinny, on January 2nd, 2012 © 2011 Vinny Ribas

1. You can target-market your communications to people who honestly want to hear from you.
2. Your newsletter is a great place to sell advertising space or trade it for a sponsorship.
3. You can create anticipation for your shows and your music.
4. You can conduct surveys to learn important information about your fans.
5. You can introduce new music, try out new songs or even get opinions on new merchandise ideas.
6. You can drive your fans to your website, to iTunes and/or to YouTube. You control what you want them to see and hear.
7. You can market your shows directly to fans in the specific geographic regions you’ll be performing in.
8. Monthly or bi-monthly newsletters keep your music and your shows in the forefront of your fans minds. Remember, out of sight, out of mind.
9. You can attract and mobilize a street team.
10.You can share your personal stories, anecdotes, challenges etc. with people who really want to know more about you. There may be some things you don’t necessarily want the whole world to know.

This list could easily be modified for the visual artist.

A New Beginning - Again - Thank You!

2012-01-01T22:42:00.002-06:00

It was the first day of a new year.
I wanted to do something meaningful.
I took care ... of me.
Rest. Renew. Rebirth.

2012 - I can't wait to see what you have for me.

ARTlightenment 2011

2011-11-14T10:52:00.002-06:00

Pictured: Robyn Morshead, Camille Engel, Carla Christina Contreras (me), and Thomas Royalty - We each won the BEST award for our art medium.

Being a FEATURED ARTIST in this show was an AMAZING experience! I also taught a workshop for artists on "Marketing, Promoting, and Branding YOU & Your Art!"

PLEASE Use this LINK for Amazon

2011-10-31T12:19:00.000-05:00

Unmasking Mental Health Art Benefit - The Mental Health Cooperative

2011-10-14T10:22:00.001-05:00

I was Juried into this AMAZING art show - SOLD six works of ART!

10 Things Artists Should Be Thankful For

2011-09-22T11:35:00.006-05:00

by Sylvia White

This was sent to me by another Artist... It struck a nerve... caused some sinus activity... I think about this almost EVERY day as I struggle to be the Artist I think I should be...

By the time most artists come to see me, they are usually beaten down and depressed by the struggles of the artworld. They have been abused by their galleries, taken for granted by their collectors, misunderstood by their families and exhausted from juggling real life with creative need. It is so easy to forget how special you are, when there is no one around to remind you, but you. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I give you my list of 10 Things Artists Should Be Thankful For. Print this out, fold it up and put in your wallet. Send it to your artist friends. Read it whenever you feel all your work is for nothing and you are thinking maybe you should just stop making art and grow up. Post it in your studio when you are wondering what the heck you are going to do with all this work? But, most of all…believe it. Remember, it is impossible to feel thankful and be depressed at the same time.

1. I am thankful that I am not one of the majority of people in this world that wakes up every morning, goes to a job they hate, just to come home and do it all over again.

2. I am thankful that when I am away from my studio, my ideas come with me, they keep me company everywhere I go.

3. I am thankful for this passion that gives me so much joy (and angst) but mostly joy.

4. I am thankful that when I have left this earth, I will leave something meaningful behind.

5. I am thankful that I have a mind that can not sleep, I will never be bored.

6. I am thankful that there is a part of my life that nobody but me can control.

7. I am thankful that no one in the world can ever take this gift from me.

8. I am thankful that I am brave, it takes courage to pursue my gift.

9. I am thankful that I am never satisfied, it forces me to move forward and grow.

10. I am thankful I discovered this list! Pass it on.

Reprinted from:

In response to FEAR

2011-08-24T15:49:00.001-05:00

I don't do fear... it focuses on the negative... I have learned that fear is the opposite of love... and I am all about the LOVE! I choose LOVE as my religion.

What can I do in these times for my country I ask myself [daily]? I can continue to live the life that many have died for me to live ... I can continue to believe in the fact that I live in a country where my choices are my choices ... I can smile at my fellow Americans and those who are here visiting our great country each day I am out in the world, and be kind in thought word and deed ... and remember to live each day like it is my last ... for now, that is all I can do ... but FEAR is not one of the things I choose.

We are in a GREAT transition ... for me, it is important that we stand together as countrymen and women with a consciousness of the freedom that we've earned with our history ... Yes, things are really different today than we've known in the past, but all I can do is the BEST that I can do with my individual life... I talk to God every day about my life and hand it over to him/her once again... and it makes it easier for me. I do trust that God has a higher plan... a better plan than I could ever imagine... but sometimes it looks like God has screwed up, and then I remember that it isn't always 'pretty' walking through the muck...

Thinking back in my lifetime, it seems this President has had a lot more muck to deal with from the get go... more than any other President in the history of my life... I do not envy him at all. I wouldn't want the job, and don't understand why he would either... but I choose to lift him up rather than to beat him down ...

The last President wasn't my choice, and especially not one of my favorites... but he was our President ... I had to learn to lift him up for the bigger picture. HE is the reason I can do that today.

I once thought about a political career... I was very young (late teens)... but that was then, and this is NOW...

TODAY I am just living for today...

No turtles, only cardinals...

2011-03-19T20:49:00.002-05:00

Totally for the birds... I was headed out to take some pictures of turtles down by the creek... when two cardinals kept teasing me...

Now, I'm not much of a bird photographer... but they were really flying close to me, churping for attention... soooooo... I snapped a couple of shots. This is my favorite one. So cute in all his glorious RED!

BTW, I walked about a quarter mile from my car to get a shot of about 14 turtles on a log in the middle of the creek... as soon as I lifted the lens up... they all fell into the water... I was about 50 yards away from the turtles... little $#!&'s.

Nashville Lucy LOVES the SNOW!!!!

2011-02-09T19:10:00.007-06:00

It seems like winter just isn't finished with us here in Tennessee just yet... today's snow was like sparkly little powder crystals coming down from the heavens... it was GORGEOUS!
Lucy and I went out to play in the white stuff for a little bit! LOVE my POOCH!

in the biz 2.0 - an exhibit submission

2011-02-08T14:32:00.003-06:00

Every time I enter a "Call to Artist" exhibit it is different. Here is the most recent entry I created for the Chromatics Nashville, "in the biz 2.0" exhibit.It should be an interesting show... people with 'day jobs'...

CRAZY about this POOCH!

2011-01-24T12:03:00.003-06:00

A year in the making... YES, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks! Lucy and I worked with these sunglasses off (mostly off) and on for a year... isn't she ADORABLE!!!

Day 6 - NOT Easy

2010-12-27T13:42:00.004-06:00

I took several days off because my husband was home for the holidays... MISTAKE! I had shown all the videos to my husband, he didn't know what I was doing, I had told him about it, but he said he didn't think I was really going to do it... HA!

So, today was the first day back since before Christmas and I am telling you THIS WAS HARD!!! But I did it, and I am proud of ME! I tried some DIFFERENT exercises today so that I don't get bored with the same games/exercises on the Wii. I'm telling you, if you have a Wii, and you've never done the Sports edition... you need to give it a try, it IS Amazing!

Here's my video entry for today from right afterward:

P.S. - I'm trying to decide if I should join Weight Watchers... I am really ready to get rid of this weight...

Peace & LOVE

2010-12-26T17:36:00.005-06:00

Abundance, prosperity, standing one’s ground and protection of resources are just part of what Buffalo represents on an energy level. In Ted Andrews book Animal Speak he says in reference to Buffalo that “The Lord helps those who help themselves” and that the Lakota Sioux believed that right action combined with right prayer resulted in the manifestation of all that is wanted or needed. How many times has anyone heard that someone wants something, be it money, a new relationship, a new job, etc. and yet the person wants someone else to do it all for them! When Buffalo appears to us, it is at this time that we ourselves need to take action on our own behalf and then and only then can we provide a channel for the manifestation to flow through to us from the Universe.

A White Tennessee Christmas

2010-12-24T22:04:00.000-06:00

From the upper deck of our home on Christmas Eve 2010I just read that since 1884 when records were beginning to be kept about the weather... here is more from the National Weather Service... kinda cool... pun intended:

Since the winter of 1884 and 1885, when snowfall records began in Nashville, snow has fallen 23 times on Christmas Day. Only 9 have been a measurable amount. A measurable amount is one tenth of an inch or more.

From a statistical standpoint, there is a 19 percent chance of a trace or more of snow on Christmas Day, and only a 7 percent chance of measurable snow.

The last time snow fell on Christmas was in 2002 when a trace occurred.

The last time measurable snow fell on Christmas was 1993 when 0.3 inches occurred. 0.3 inches also fell on Christmas in 1992 in downtown Nashville, but 1 to 2 inches fell in the Joelton and Ridgtop areas. 1992 and 1993 is the only time that two consecutive Christmases have had measurable snowfall.

The last white Christmas in Nashville was in 1969 when 2.7 inches of snow fell. A white Christmas is one or more inches of snowfall.

The warmest Christmas on record occurred in 1982, and the coldest was in 1983.

The wettest Christmas on record was in 1987 when 2.37 inches of rain fell.

Christmas 1984, at 1150PM, a tornado cut a million dollar damage path from the Whispering Hills section of Nashville to near Una.

Day 5

2010-12-21T20:54:00.002-06:00

Starting a new exercise regime during the holiday season is probably one of the best ideas I've had in a long time... and I come up with a lot of unimplemented ideas all the time that are pretty good. [Smile]

Anyway, I slept until after noon today... cause I NEEDED it! Got up and didn't feel like exercising AT ALL, but I did it anyway - and, I exercised LONGER than any other day so far... hmmmmm, wonder why?

I'm learning more and more about myself and my body... this is good. I am starting to integrate MIND - BODY - SPIRIT again.

Also, I need to tell you (the imaginary you) that I started working the new Marianne Williamson book on CD called, "A Course in Weight Loss." I'll let you know more when I can... the first lesson really had me deep in thought over why I keep holding on to this weight... it is NOT about food, that is for sure...

Day 4

2010-12-20T23:41:00.003-06:00

Hmmmmm... where do I begin... I stayed up WAY too late last night working in my office getting ready for a client to arrive late morning. Thank goodness the client called and gave me an extra hour, so I ate, and did step and ski jumping on my Wii. I had every intention of going back to the Wii later to finish my workout, but it didn't happen... :o(

I feel a little guilty... but there is nothing I can do at this point...

Had to get all my last minute Christmas presents ready to go so I could get them to the post office on time to make it around the country by Friday. DONE!

Day 3

2010-12-17T13:29:00.002-06:00

I was feeling a little weak today, but wanted to keep working out. I know that sometimes you MUST rest the body, but since I am just getting started, this is not the time to rest. Besides, I am too afraid of falling of the workout wagon.

I used my Wii Sports today, and found the bicycling exercise... OMG is all I can say... I had to cycle/walk through 13 places in the exercise, and then find the finish arch... It took me quite a bit of time, and it TRULY worked me out more than I wanted initially... but when I was done with it, I felt so good, so proud of myself!

Here is my daily video check in:

Day 2

2010-12-16T21:33:00.003-06:00

O.K.! Today I added a new 10 minute workout with my Wii. Ten minutes my ass... It turned into almost an hour... it kicked my butt... but mostly killed my knees. I truly felt like I had a fulfilling workout...

Here's my video check in:

Keep those prayers and letters coming in!

Day 1

2010-12-15T21:22:00.001-06:00

And now for something a little different. I haven't been writing in awhile since FACEBOOK took over my social time... so I apologize if there was anyone reading my blog.... not so sure there is...

I'm embarking on changing my life for the good... for the better... for the best. I have recently (the past 5 years) gained quite a bit of weight... and I'm not very comfortable at all... It has taken me months to figure out how to get myself feeling better... motivated... proud of myself... so here we go.

Today is the first day of my personal journey to better health. Each day I will embark on doing something healthy for myself, for my body, my mind, my spirit. AND, I will back it up with a video entry as follows:

This is my way of being accountable with MYSELF. I can't live this way ANY MORE... My body hurts. Soooo, if you are reading this... say a little prayer, do a little dance, send some positive vibes my way. Cause I plan to really make a change for the better!

I Did Not Die

2010-09-07T02:33:00.001-05:00

I Did Not Die

Do not stand at my grave and forever weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and forever cry.
I am not there. I did not die.

Author: Melinda Sue Pacho

With Balanced Blessings I Live in the Moment

2010-08-02T13:35:00.006-05:00

This is the first of the smaller of my Angels Among Us series. The photograph is 12x6" in length... the framing that surounds it is approximately 18x12".

Interested in purchasing this piece? CLICK HERE!

With New Direction I Am Surrounded with Meaningful Love

2010-08-02T13:28:00.005-05:00

Another Angel from the Historical Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, GA. I think it was 96 degrees that day with 96% humidity... it was BRUTAL! But the beauty that came out of the pain of the heat was well worth the severe dehydration I ended up with... I'm not complaining, I just learned a VERY valuable lesson... DRINK WATER!!!

With Deep Introspection I Discover the Light Within

2010-08-01T21:18:00.004-05:00

One of my new works... presently being exhibited for sale at Gabriel's Garden in Brentwood, TN.:

If you are interested in purchasing this piece of art, CLICK HERE!

“In Gratitude I Surrender to Invincible Love”

2010-08-01T19:30:00.009-05:00

One of my new works... presently being exhibited for sale at Gabriel's Garden in Brentwood, TN.:

If you are interested in purchasing this piece, CLICK HERE!

This photograph was created by me recently while at the historical Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta, GA.

Angels Among Us Documentary

2010-07-26T22:23:00.007-05:00

Interested in purchasing one of the first in a series of "Angels Among Us?" CLICK HERE! or you can also see and purchase my works at JESTER'S ART in Belle Meade, TN (greater Nashville).

Are you Influential?

2010-07-06T14:02:00.002-05:00

Fast Company magazine wants to include your photo in the November 2010 issue, as part of a neat project it calls the "2010 Most Influential People."

This is a terrific chance to generate publicity from a magazine with a circulation of more than 538,000, as well as knowing how influential you really are.

Go here now to get a unique URL which you can then share with your followers via email, at your website and blog, and on the social media sites, but please be patient because their server is getting huge amounts of traffic.

It took me only a few minutes to sign up and upload my photo. I'll look for you in the November issue!

P.S. You can track how your influence has grown and where you stand at any time on the site. You'll also get a welcome message from Fast Company telling you that your photo will be in the November issue.

Vein of Gold

2010-06-27T18:12:00.002-05:00

Our next workshop is set to begin Monday, July 12 @ 7PM Central... do you have your book? Here's a link to get it if not:

Angels & Pancakes?

2010-06-26T10:31:00.002-05:00

Couldn't make it to the opening? LOVED my Angels and wanted to tell someone you know to come see them??? Thought so. Hee hee hee!

If you think you've seen my work already... think again... you haven't seen anything like this before... an artistically different way to present photography...

Well then... here's your chance to make it to the CLOSING Reception... and YES, my dear friend Susan Shanklin with ChefStack will be serving the MOST yummy "Dessert Pancakes" you've ever tasted!

Think Chocolate - Whip Cream - Bananas - Pineapple - Coconut - Syrups - Butter, and more!!!

Oh yeah, and enjoy the beautiful angelic mixed media photographic artwork by me!

Monday, June 28th
6PM to 9PM
Gordon Jewish Community Center
801 Percy Warner Blvd.
Nashville, TN

Peace y'all!

Eight Angels Emerge Through Flood Waters

2010-05-31T14:33:00.013-05:00

Trapped by the historically high flood waters of 2010… I had to act fast. The deadline to deliver my artwork was May 28, and that date was quickly approaching. One might ask why did you wait so long to start this show in the first place? Well [deep breath], as John Lennon once wrote, “Life is what happens while you are busy making other plans.”

The idea of the show had been “brewing” inside my brain for literally months – I had been anxious to begin – but first, the house had to be refinanced, my parents 50th Anniversary Party in California had to be planned and executed… and everything else you can think of took a front row seat to my own personal artistic priority list.

So on May 1, myself and my assistant Jenn embarked on the beginning of what would be a wild ride to start and finish the most unique show of angelic works of my career as an artistic fine art photographer. Later that afternoon we discovered ragging waters at the bottom of my long and steep driveway, and, little did we know that down at the end of my road were neighbors preparing to lose everything.

We lost power early in the evening on May 1, and decided to call it a night… what we would see after the rains stopped on May 2 would leave us stupefied and in a shocked bewilderment.

We ventured down to the end of the road on Sunday afternoon to see what was what. We found a good portion of the neighborhood down at the end of our road in shock of the high waters that had overtaken the road and our way out.

All of a sudden – we started to ask each other, “Where do you live, where do you live, where do you live?” You see, we each own several acres, so we don’t necessarily know one another – in fact, my house is half a mile up Green Valley Drive’s dead end road. Not knowing my neighbors quickly changed, feeling an immediate connection, standing before the newly formed lakeside, we began to collect the floating belongings of one of our beloved neighbors whose home had been overtaken by the flood.

On Sunday, early evening, when electricity surprisingly returned, my neighbor Beth invited us to share a delicious meal with her family. Little did I know that the answer to my prayers (from the day before) would be sitting right next to me eating chicken tenders and salad. After dinner we were invited to tour the Davenport home and all it’s wonderful structural additions. Our final stop on the tour was Danny’s workshop – a place where he creates [the additions and] beautiful stained glass works of art.

I knew and was familiar with all the equipment in Danny’s workshop. I asked if there was any way he could help me with preparation of the frames and backdrops for my upcoming show “Angels Among Us.” Without hesitation, the answer was a resounding “yes!” My prayers had been answered!

Though we had no running water, no cable television, no internet, no land line, and sometimes no cell phone service, the neighborhood was bristling with energy and compassion. Our hearts reached out to those who had lost it all on the flooded frontage road. Young men were kayaking fourteen miles round trip to pick-up and deliver items such as: medications, pet food, water, milk, and different food items. There was a group of church members from nearby who sent us the most delicious fried chicken I think I’ve ever tasted. We, thirty families altogether, who were trapped here on Green Valley Drive, were making the best of an unprecedented situation.

While all this was happening, Danny (aka Moose) and I were diligently working at cutting up my framing supplies so I could get the show on the road. Occasionally a neighbor would stop in to see what we were doing, our little community of strangers had quickly become a makeshift family of characters.

After seven days of isolation, the floodwaters receded enough to get out through an easement between Green Valley Drive and Rustic Hills Road. Seeing the devastation in Kingston Springs was mind numbing. Later, I would get to view the aftermath at the Chapmansboro Road area on the other side of the river from us in Ashland City where all was lost.

As our frontage road opened up covered in a slick stinky mud, the restoration began. I felt so selfish having to continue working on my show every waking moment… but I had committed to this exhibit almost a year ago. And as they say in another one of my businesses, “the Show Must Go On!”

I had originally planned for fifteen angels in the “Angels Among Us” exhibit, however, only eight were able to appear complete. I guess the rest of my angels are for another time.

I hope you enjoy this labor of LOVE from me to you and yours, and if you were one of those affected by the great flood of 2010, I hope you have had as loving an experience with those around you as I have.

In love and light to all those affected,

Carla Christina Contreras
Survivor
“Green Valley Island”
Ashland City, Tennessee

Angels Among Us - An Exhibition

2010-05-08T15:26:00.002-05:00

SURVIVORS: Green Valley Island

2010-05-08T13:29:00.005-05:00

If you look closely behind us to the right, there's water... that is Green Valley Drive... nuf said?

The Flood of 2010, Ashland City, TN

2010-05-02T20:13:00.007-05:00

Notice the point of the speed limit sign peeking out of the water... this photo was taken by Jenn Duncan - my friend who ended up stuck at my house due to the rains.I borrowed Jenn's camera and took this shot of the two lions that greet you as you drive by the second house... I just keep shaking my head in dismay.This is also a Jenn Duncan shot of the boys in the neighborhood Kiaking to the neighbors house that is now somewhat under water... this is serious.

Cousins - Beauties

2010-03-14T16:57:00.004-05:00

A quick trip to New York City garnered a visit from two of my gorgeous cousins... Michelle came in from Boston, MA - she and I had a blast together... French Cuisine... AAaaaahhhh... Lisa took us down into the subway and over to Soho to see her clothing design studio... Wow! The line is called Vina Cava! Fantastic designs utilizing unique hardware. Wish she designed for the Zoftig woman... oh well...

Room with a View

2010-03-12T18:14:00.013-06:00

There really is no place like New York City is there? Here's the view from my room at the Sofitel @ NYC.The larger than life ads around the city are works of art in themselves.Time Square was so crowded - I nearly lost my eye getting poked by umbrellas... geese...
M&M's Rule! Looks like this street is Chocolate Lane... yummmmmm...Lady Liberty is plentiful - she's one sexy babe!I'm CRAZY for "Project Runway" - here's a view of the Empire State Building through the trees at Bryant Park!So, if you need a cop - there's one right there on the corner of Time Square and... everywhere...

A "SENIOR" Photo Shoot

2010-03-08T17:36:00.000-06:00

They don't make seniors like they used to... today's shoot was fun, a lot of work, exhausting, but mostly - a wonderful success!

Change of Command

2010-02-25T19:32:00.012-06:00

I was invited to attend a "Change of Command" ceremony for my childhood friend Major Alfred Navarro at Fort Campbell, KY. I also was the Official Photographer for the event - with clearance and all - an interesting experience in a military atmosphere.

As a side note, this was my first time on the Fort Campbell Army Post - it is HUGE! It's like a world within a world - they even have their own Burger King!

My husband and I stayed to visit the museum on base... it was amazing! We saw artifacts from Hitler's private home. Wow!

I Believe

2010-02-01T02:21:00.003-06:00

A Birth Certificate shows that we were born
A Death Certificate shows that we died
Pictures show that we lived!
Have a seat . Relax . . .
And read this slowly.

I Believe...
That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do love each other.

I Believe...
That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I Believe....
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I Believe...
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.

I Believe...
That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I Believe...
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I Believe....
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I Believe....
That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I Believe...
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I Believe...
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I Believe....
That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I Believe....
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I Believe...
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I Believe....
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I Believe....
That it isn't always enough, to be forgiven by others. Sometimes, you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I Believe...
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I Believe....
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but, we are responsible for who we become.

I Believe...
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life Forever.

I Believe....
Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I Believe...
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I Believe...
That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I Believe...
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I Believe...
That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I Believe...
That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in, I just did.

The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have.

A Letter from an Independent to the CONGRESS

2010-01-28T16:31:00.001-06:00

I was asked to send a letter to the CONGRESS today - so here's what I wrote succinctly -

"Please stop the bickering among the parties - we here in the middle class are hurting... we need your help! You are our last hope. It is ROUGH out here trying to make a living. I am a freelance Artist that has LOST 95% (there is NO UNEMPLOYMENT for me) of my income, please stop the insanity and begin the real work. Let this President lead our country into a successful new day!"

My First Flowers of 2010

2010-01-16T19:33:00.005-06:00

My sweet husband brought these home to me. He loves it when he gets credit for bringing me the beauty to capture.

HANDBOOK 2010

2010-01-08T21:30:00.000-06:00

HANDBOOK 2010

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes? walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't overdo. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about, I just did.

The Artist's Way

2010-01-07T20:28:00.000-06:00

10 Things to Live By

2009-12-18T09:42:00.001-06:00

1. Throw out nonessential numbers and factors.
This includes age, height, eye and skin color, who your parents
are, past stuff and present stuff that you can’t change.
Don’t worry about what you cannot change.

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
Who you are attached to will bless you up or mess you up.
Make sure that YOU are a cheerful friend and not a grouch.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts,
gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. ‘An idle mind is
the devil’s workshop.’ And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s.

4. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

5. Enjoy the simple things. Breath is one of the simple things.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. Don’t blame
others for your situation. The only person, who is with us our
entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family,
pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is
your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is
unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get
help. Your body is the most important vehicle you will ever own.

9. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the
next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every
opportunity.

Feel young and live life to its fullest each day!

I am one of twenty-three

2009-10-20T19:18:00.003-05:00

I am very excited to be a part of this [juried] exhibition... this economy has had an affect on my own life in many ways... not all positive - not all negative.

I hope you will join us on October 29th, 2009 for the reception at Chromatics - I'm sure it will be well worth it.

If I should die before I wake...

2009-10-03T15:21:00.000-05:00

An email is received on Friday night that a new friend has died... a man that I only met twice - but who forever will remain with me and the funny story that he created on our last meeting.

FINNEY, Michael Dean "Rick" Was born in Nashville, TN June 8th, 1946, and died there on September 29th, 2009. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and Sol Schulman, and beloved mother-in-law, Peggy "Me-Mama" Whitworth. Rick is survived by his wife, Eleanor Whitworth Finney; son, David Charles Whitworth; birth mother, Velma Dean Finney; father-in-law, Charles Bosley Whitworth, Jr.; brother-in-law, Charles Bosley Whitworth III, and his cousin, "Aunt Alice" Zimmerman. Mr. Finney attended old Woodmont Elementary School, Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, TN, The Bellefaire School in University Heights, OH and University of Tennessee. Rick lived his life in Technicolor. He adored the Whitworth family's "Gin Farm," and managed it with a true love of the trees, flowers, streams and animals, as well as the Turnbull Sports Club members. But Rick will surely be best remembered for his truly incredible voice and songs. From singing bass with Johnny Cash, to many voices for Disney and commercials such as the Pace Picante Salsa classic "New York City ... Get a rope!" to movie roles in Jim Varney's Ernest Goes To Jail and Ernest Scared Stupid, Coal Miner's Daughter, At Close Range (starring Sean Penn and Christopher Walken), Sam Stumpf'sThe Misadventures of Amy Everhart (Winner, Best Children's Film, Long Island Film Festival) and NBC's Elvis: The Early Years, as well as appearances in music videos with Ray Charles, Waylon Jennings, John Prine, Keith Whitley, Dr. Hook, "Cowboy" Jack Clement, Hank Williams, Jr., John Hartford, Roy Orbison, Moe Bandy and Tammy Wynette. Many of his compositions were recorded by artists like George Jones, Johnny Paycheck, Charlie Rich, Bobby Bare, Freddie Hart and O.C. Smith. Rick's velvet voice and larger-than-life personality made him the hit of any party. He even shared the stage of Nashville's "Night Train" with acts like Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix, Bo Diddley, and Chubby Checker. He still holds the record for being the main opening act at Nashville's Exit In with his humorous songs and friendly stage presence. While there, he met and performed with such artists as the B-52's, Dobie Gray, Clifford Curry, Johnnie Rivers, Jose Feliciano, B.B. King, Steve Martin, Asleep at the Wheel, Del Shannon, Johnny Winter, Bobby Bland, Linda Rondstadt, Bonnie Raitt, Willie Nelson, Willie Dixon and many more. As one of his multitude of friends said, "What a beautiful human being!" And as Rick himself wrote, "We will meet, but we will miss him. There will be one empty chair. We will linger to caress him when we breathe our evening prayer." Indeed, know that your Lambie, Pikachu, and all of your countless friends love and shall miss our one-of-a-kind "Ramie" ... A Memorial service will be held at St. George's Episcopal Church, 4715 Harding Pike, at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 3, 2009 with family visitation and luncheon afterwards at the Finney home on Cornwall Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. MARSHALL DONNELLY COMBS, (615) 327-1111.

Big John

2009-09-21T23:28:00.004-05:00

While working at the Tennessee State Fair as the Co-Chair of the Photography Exhibit, I met many interesting people. As the 22 days together progressed, I would make pictures of my fellow workers inside the Creative Arts Building - John was a favorite, interesting, and humble character of a man - a career Metro Works employee, now retired but works the fair every year.

John was the last photograph made - he held out till the final day - it happened spontaneously... it is my favorite.

Little Piggies

2009-09-16T00:24:00.003-05:00

And the photographic fun continues - I LOVE this shot!

Boots

2009-09-14T15:24:00.003-05:00

After spending a good amount of time with the "Mule Horses" (this city girl had never heard of this species...), I noticed this...

Kyle Brooks comes out to Play!

2009-09-13T15:31:00.004-05:00

Ask and you shall receive! Kyle Brooks, a singer/songwriter friend of mine asked if he could come out and play inside our photography exhibition here at the TN State Fair - I pulled a few strings... and vua la! Here he is - he sounded awesome - I love his songs!

As always - CLICK on the image to see a larger version!

Funkie Chicken?

2009-09-13T08:18:00.001-05:00

Never seen a funkie chicken like this up close. They move fast - see the blur in the red thingie hanging down... kinda cool.

The Couple Cuddle

2009-08-08T18:04:00.003-05:00

After the wedding these two really needed a break - anything that could go wrong seemed to go wrong for their critically planned wedding. The rain did clear for the actual ceremony - than started almost immediately afterward. Thanks for clearing the skies during the ceremony God!

The Mother and The Bride

2009-08-08T01:15:00.002-05:00

48 Hours - Tempus Fuget Films Team - Best Acting Ensemble!!!

2009-08-07T01:03:00.001-05:00

I just found out that the team I was on WON best ensemble!!! How cool!!!

48 Hours - Tempus Fuget Films Team

2009-07-20T09:48:00.002-05:00

I was honored to work with a wonderful group of people this weekend on our film "Last Call" - a Suspenseful Thriller created by the Tempus Fuget Films Team. An interesting cast of characters in front of and behind the camera.
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See ARMY WIVES appearance!

2009-07-13T22:37:00.005-05:00

If you missed it, here's an easy way to see it without having to sit through the entire episode: http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/army-wives/full-episodes/season-3/video/about-face

I appear just after the third commercial at about 24:40.

Flutter By's

2009-07-12T02:51:00.008-05:00

In March of 2004 I captured (photographed) my first butterfly. After that I was smitten with the beauty and detail of these tiny little creatures. In the past couple of weeks I was able to capture a few more at various locations around the country. ENJOY!!!
I love to get up close and oh so personal...

Angels Among Us - VA, NH, NY, & KY

2009-07-11T02:20:00.003-05:00

My dream to search and photograph angels around our country and the world has begun... here are a few of them captured recently on my adventure to New England in July of 2009.

Angels Among Us in Rochester, NY

2009-07-06T22:18:00.005-05:00

I specifically stopped in Rochester, NY to see my friend Lori -she's been sick with Cancer -this is her husband Steve acting like an Angel... he just gave me directions to the Mt. Hope cemetery where I captured these rockin' angels!!!

Mt. Hope Cemetery - Rochester, NY

LIke Butter!!!

2009-07-05T13:57:00.000-05:00

I stopped at two butterfly houses today, one in Westford, NH and one in South Deerfield, MA.

They are so BEAUTIFUL!!! Like Butter!

SO-fee

2009-07-03T18:27:00.003-05:00

Her name is Sophie - isn't she ADORABLE!?

Candia, New Hampshire

2009-07-03T18:20:00.003-05:00

It is hard to believe how tired I am, but I HAD to have Cat pull over, turn around, and go back so I could get this photo. Isn't it adorable?I turned down a beer from the owner of this barn - only because I was so tired after yesterday's wedding experience... exhausted would be a better description actually... I'm glad I stopped to 'smell' the flowers at least... or just to take a picture - that's what life's about - right? Thanks Mark!

Michelle & Mark

2009-07-02T08:54:00.008-05:00

Every once in awhile [as a photographer] I get to witness profound love... these two have been together for eight years and are going to get married today... it has been raining for three weeks and is STILL raining... the wedding is outside in a park on an island in New Hampshire... can LOVE conquer all!? If so, then this couple will experience it!
We stole a few shots on our way to the rehearsal dinner restaurant downtown Boston - I LOVE their playfulness...

A bit of pre-wedding romance right before the rehearsal dinner at Momma Anna's!

I will always sparkle!

2009-06-16T21:15:00.001-05:00

I promise!

I do not know who took this photo - I wished it were me! She is so cute!

An Article about my Photography

2009-06-07T02:32:00.005-05:00

I am humbled by this article - touched by the timing of my birthday!

http://tinyurl.com/nashentexam1

I am in good company...

The Third Generation

2009-06-06T01:48:00.009-05:00

The hands of three... Pure Love
Daddy's design
Hello Baby Girl...
Eye yi i
Full circle
Family Portrait

Me & my Nef

2009-06-03T12:59:00.004-05:00

Nice hat... do you get a bowl of soup with it?
Morning hair! What a delicious breakfast that my Nef made for me and Dodo!

Venice Beach

2009-05-29T13:11:00.000-05:00

California Dreaming?

2009-05-28T14:16:00.004-05:00

Today's assignment was to find Polyester/Spandex material for me to make a long cumfy dress [for ME]. It's the pitts for PLUS size women, there isn't ever anything with any style for us to wear... well, seldom...

I shot this photo at the back of one of the shops I went into for yardage.
A quick stop at Elvera Street for a long yummy lunch, just me and Pop. Of course I had to walk around and take photos of the collectibles [junk].

And then I found this...
... or should I say these?
And then a little something that reminded me of Nashville... awe, aren't they cute?

Roses from Pop & Mom

2009-05-27T22:26:00.003-05:00

Arriving to my home of origin, a beautiful pink bouquet of roses from my parents... so sweet. They were already drooping... of course Mom and I are discussing taking them back to the store. I created some pictures of the two that still looked pretty from the bunch [before either Mom or me returned them for the hard earned retirement monies they spent]. What a shame, I don't understand why they drooped in the same day?

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T15:29:00.003-05:00

On September 11th 2004 we honored all the fallen soldiers of the Iraque Freedom Conflict... there were so many. A flag was placed in honor of each of these fallen Americans. This photograph is one of what I saw that day before all the flags were placed on the field at the Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee - a place not far from the sacred grounds of the Battle of Franklin.

It's TIARA time!

2009-05-25T01:23:00.002-05:00

Email questions to: carla@acelebrityexperience.com

HELD OVER!!!

2009-05-24T22:17:00.004-05:00

Sometimes hard work pays off...

The next ArtCrawl in downtown Nashville is June 6th, 2009 from 6 to 9 PM. It's my birthday, so I'd love to see you that evening if you can make it. We're going to the Spaghetti Factory after the crawl - come join the celebration - it's the last of the forties for this girlie girl! Wear your tiara!

Nature's Inspiration of Life a Success!

2009-05-04T14:23:00.006-05:00

If you were unable to see the show "live" during the opening, here is a sneak peek! It really should be viewed "in person" for the full affect of a 26 x 16' wall of space.

I was able to hang 35 individual pieces of work - the main showcase was nine pieces so that makes for 43 total. It was quite an undertaking over the course of three days of hanging.

I am grateful for the friends, family, and fellow photography club members who came out to "see" the show in person. Wasn't it amazing that there was NO RAIN downtown that night!?!?!

The show is up for three weeks - if you would like to stop in and see the show, please call Studio 83 to make sure someone is there during business hours (615) 226-2003, (865) 898-1008. Or contact me 615-353-7271 or carla@acelebrityexperience.com.

La inspiración de la naturaleza de vida‏

2009-05-01T00:13:00.004-05:00

Tuesday night out on the town...

2009-04-15T02:46:00.004-05:00

Me, a new friend from Sedona, and my 1D MarkII...
It's amazing what a $1000 will buy...

Virginia

2009-04-13T15:55:00.012-05:00

The colors keeping her warm were what originally attracted me to ask if I could take her photo... I didn't know she had Altzheimer's. Her son was navigating her wheel chair around; I asked him first for permission, then I asked her whether I could take her photo... She just looked at me a bit puzzled. I snapped a couple, and thanked her for letting me. I told her how beautiful she is... she just looked at me. I touched her hands; she kept "working" the end of the material on the cover. I stayed close by, she continued to look at me in wonderment. At one point I smiled at her, and she smiled back really BIG! Her daughter said that they hadn't seen her smile in a long time. What a gift to me!

After twelve children, maybe Atlzheimer's is the gift... I know that can't be easy for any of the children, I was just thinking out loud, not making a joke.

Addendum: This photograph won the THEMED contest for the Brentwood Camera Club monthly contest. The theme was to photograph a stranger.

the Joker Tween

2009-04-12T22:40:00.008-05:00

I had a family portrait session today [or so I thought]. It started out normal... but it turned into something really surprising... Tomorrow my subject turns eleven. He wanted to do something in the vain of "the Joker" from "the Dark Knight" movie. We didn't have any make-up, but I have plenty of creativity and patience. I like this (about to turn eleven years old) young mans dramatic make-believe character. This part of the shoot took only ten minutes after the family stuff was done; it was fun to let this kid create. The affects I've applied in Photoshop took almost two hours... I think he is going to slightly freak out when he sees himself.

Get up and get moving for National Start! Walking Day Buzz up!

2009-04-08T18:47:00.000-05:00

Today, April 8, is the American Heart Association's National Start! Walking Day. The association urges all employees to bring their sneakers to work and walk 30 minutes today, preferably with their coworkers. The AHA points out that walking is good for your heart, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight and sense of well-being.

A recent study found that people who wear a pedometer walk about 2,000 more steps a day or about another mile than those who don't. That burns about 100 extra calories a day. If your goal is to lose weight, you probably need to work up to 12,000 or more steps a day.

How to get a pedometer

The non-profit America On the Move is offering USA TODAY readers a special deal of two pedometers for $14.95 at dietchallenge.usatoday.com and americaonthemove.org or by calling 877-866-8663.

To increase your steps:

• Take 100 steps around your office or home about every hour. Program your computer to remind you when it's time to take a break.

• At the office, don't e-mail or call anyone within 400 feet of you. Instead, walk to that person and give him the message or information.

• Take the long way to the restroom.

• Take a couple of quick laps around the mall before you start shopping.

• Walk one city block, about 200 steps.

• Take a brisk walk during your lunch break for about 20 minutes or so, about 2,000 steps.

• Walk four laps around the track at a high school, 2,000 steps.

• Play basketball game for 30 minutes, more than 4,300 steps.

• Low-impact aerobic dancing for 20 minutes, more than 2,500 steps.

• Play soccer for 60 minutes, equal to 8,000 to 10,000 steps.

--By Sue Kelly, USA TODAY

The Earth Laughs in Flowers - RWE

2009-04-05T19:58:00.010-05:00

Belle Meade TulipsCheekwood MagnoliaHome Grown DaffodilsI recently created a work of "art" that will be auctioned off at the 13th Annual "Chair-ish the Kids" benefiting "Kids on the Block." It was an exercise that stretched me artistically; I never thought about it taking about forty hours to complete. It get's auctioned off on April 30th of this month.

The chair I worked on is titled, "The Earth Laughs in Flowers" - a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Here is a picture of the final piece of work. My dog Lucy just had to be in the photo... actually, she wouldn't move...I painted the chair with four different colors of green to give the flowers a proper background, and then also hand painted vines up the legs reaching to the flowers.This is the cover of the brochure from the "Chair-ish the Kids" event.

Be in JOY!

2009-03-23T18:58:00.001-05:00

Do whatever it takes to find your Joy, and then keep yourself in it no matter what. Keep ramping up your level of Joy every day. There is no limit to the levels of Joy you can reach. You will see change to the degree of Joy that you can attain and maintain. The higher the Joy you can create within you, the more spectacular the change, and the higher the Joy, the faster the change. Once you get yourself in Joy it is easy to maintain it, because your emanation of Joy attracts more Joy. The law of attraction will continually send you more feelings of Joy.

You cannot criticize or blame or complain when you are in Joy. You cannot be afraid when you are in Joy. You cannot speak negatively when you are in Joy. You cannot harm another when you are in Joy. Negativity cannot reach you when you are in Joy.

When you are in Joy you are compassionate. When you are in Joy you are considerate and caring. When you are in Joy you love others. When you are in Joy you appreciate everything. When you are in Joy you are in love with the world, and the Universe is in love with you.

Be in Joy. Seek it with all of your heart, and you will find it.

May the Joy be with you,

Rhonda Byrne
The Secret... bringing Joy to billions

Paralyzed

2009-03-21T11:57:00.005-05:00

I had just finished a session with my massage therapist last Saturday afternoon when I discovered this sweet little bird standing underneath my car, right under my driver door and very near my front tire.

This little creature was paralyzed it seemed; couldn't move, just stood there looking at me.

I could hear my Mother (who was raised on a farm) say, "don't touch it, they carry disease!" So I called my therapist out - I know she has a bird of her own. As I called her, I saw another bird of the same breed lying belly up just a yard away. Then I knew, the other bird was traumatized.

My massage therapist gently picked up the dead bird and laid it in the upper planter.Then very lovingly and gently touched the other bird from the side... the living bird flew away.

But before all of this, I got my camera out (of course) and took this photo.

I believe in animal medicine. I haven't looked up the meaning yet, but I can tell you I know exactly how this bird felt... because lately I have been paralyzed within myself. I haven't know which way to go in my life. I guess I too could use a gentle nudge to help me along my way...

Do you Accuse or Defend?

2009-03-14T12:18:00.002-05:00

I do not search out church signs, but I do collect them. This one particularly struck me because of something I am experiencing in my life presently. I have been accused of many things I do not do by someone very close to me. Then when I passed by the sign again the other day, I realized that I too have accused that same person of something... but they actually did what I accused them of... so now what?

So I looked it up:
Accuse ac·cuse v
1. vti - to confront somebody with a charge of having done something illegal, wrong, or undesirable

I ask again, now what... in accordance with what this sign says?

When things are tough...

2009-03-11T17:44:00.000-05:00

WHEN THE GOING IS HARDEST, JUST KEEP ON KEEPING ON, AND YOU’LL GET THERE SOONER THAN SOMEONE WHO FINDS THE GOING EASY.

If you think achieving great heights of success will be easy, you either don’t understand at all how the process works or you have your sights set too low. Reaching the top of any field is difficult, time-consuming, and often tedious. The reason it isn’t crowded at the top is that most people won’t do the things that are necessary to achieve success. They are all too willing to give up when the going gets tough. If you need inspiration to persevere, read the biographies of men and women who have achieved greatness in their lives. You will find that they prevailed because they refused to quit. They continued to toil alone long after the masses had given up and gone home.

This positive message is brought to you by the Napoleon Hill Foundation.

Shakespeare!

2009-03-09T22:19:00.004-05:00

So this is the truest likeness of William Shakespeare? Wow, after all these years...

Here's the article about Sir William aka the Bard!

http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1883770,00.html

Mitchellville, TN

2009-03-08T22:41:00.008-05:00

Had a shoot yesterday in Michellville, TN a small town that butts up against the Kentucky southern most border. A couple of shots taken on the location set. An actual Ford Model T was used in one of the scenes of the short film, "Cuernos".
This is a WORKING outhouse that sits behind the church we were filming inside.

The films student director from Watkins Film School, taking a quick ride in the Model T.

I believe!!!!!!

2009-03-03T23:14:00.005-06:00

... in Angels ...Isn't she gorgeous!? She's over 100 years old...

Ya Think!

2009-03-02T01:44:00.000-06:00

I hope he studied magic at Harvard...

Crazy About My Lucy!

2009-02-26T00:21:00.006-06:00

The Best Traveling Doggie Girl!!!I am absolutely in love with my little best friend. You know what, someone asked me who my best friend is... I told them I didn't have one... I lied... Lucy IS my bestest friend!

She's sneaking a little air outside the car window, I had to stop the car to get this shot, I couldn't drive and shoot behind me... I think it's the best picture I shot all day.

I LOVE Lucy!!!

The Oscars in Charleston, SC!

2009-02-22T20:45:00.000-06:00

But first an 8.25 hour drive and a few moving pictures... the TVA in Oak Ridge, Tennessee - yes, the one that caused all the mud slides recently! See the wall at the bottom of the picture? That's the median strip in the middle of the freeway; I set the ISO at 3200 or was it 1600... I'm really surprise this turned out! Oh yeah, I was driving 75 miles an hour.
Just before the tightest windy road through the Appalachians - a little nerve wracking...
Too slow in the Tunnel...
I fixed the shutter speed this time... while driving... never missed a beat!
I arrive at the hotel... and a package is waiting for me... a reminder of the JOB I'm here to do!

I missed almost all of Barbara Walters... but I got to see ALL of the Red Carpet & the Oscars!!!

No time to stop for dinner, so an actor improvises... String Cheese, Salami, Crackers, Cucumbers, and Grapes! Probably healthier than if I'd ordered room service! Looking forward to tomorrows work!

Police Photos Illegal

2009-02-15T19:40:00.007-06:00

Taking photos of police officers could be considered a crime

The relationship between photographers and police could worsen next month when new laws are introduced that allow for the arrest and imprisonment of anyone who takes pictures of officers 'likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism'.

See link for full story: http://www.bjp-online.com/public/showPage.html?page=836646

Here's one I shot in December of 2002 in the Manchester airport:As you can see, one of the officers is looking straight into my lense. I was questioned for thirty minutes by these two officers... I actually showed them [almost] all the photos on my camera from our honeymoon... I was informed that taking pictures in the airport was not legal, it had only been a little over a year since 911.

Had they seen the picture I took of them, I believe I would have had my camera card confiscated at the very least... how did I do it you ask? Remote control - the camera was not up to my face - it was randomly taking photographs of passers by while on a tripod... I was actually just experimenting, and then the bobbies walked into the frame... lucky?

Studio 83 Opens its doors!

2009-02-07T23:35:00.001-06:00

The night was incredible. We were told to expect 1000 people to walk through the doors of the gallery... I discussed it with one of my friends... we think there were WAY more than 1000 people... the lines were around the corner, people actually had to wait in line to get into our gallery.

Here are a couple of pictures I snapped at random:

200 Posts! More Mammoth Caves!

2009-01-30T13:42:00.008-06:00

So I was thinking... what can I possibly do with my Mammoth Caves photographs??? I'll be surprised if anyone ever asks me... "Do you have any Cave photos?" I hardly doubt that will happen...

I was asked to submit some photos from the shoot by the camera club I went on the photo field trip with for our meeting in February - can you believe next week is FEBRUARY!!!

All the photographs look EXTREMELY better larger... CLICK on any of the photos to see a larger version!

The photo below was created by another photographer "painting" light on the wall with a flashlight, while I held the shutter open for a very long time - kinda cool,huh?This photograph was created with my 14mm fish-eye lens. I pointed the camera up to the ceiling and opened the shutter for about a minute. When I opened the photograph in PhotoShop I brought up the exposure first; this brought in all these colors of red and purple. Then I went into curves and added more purple and red. I also enhanced with hue and saturation. Weird but cool!The next shot I thought was pretty much a piece of crap... but when I brought up the exposure, all these colors started to appear. I believe the colors appeared because of all the flash photography that was happening while my shutter was WIDE open. I did not use ANY flash on any of my photographs - I grabbed the light from what was available inside the cave only. You can see the railing up at the top of the photograph, and the stairway at the bottom.
The last shot is pretty similar to the others previously posted, however, there was so much more detail on the walls of new stalagtites creating themselves...

The deadline is almost here!!!

2009-01-27T20:19:00.002-06:00

I've been stressing over a TRADEMARK deadline for Clint the Black Cat™! I've literally missed doing many things over the stress of having this done. Tomorrow is the deadline... then life gets back to being stressful in a "normal" way... being that STRESS is normal?

I'm not right...

DUBLIN anyone?

2009-01-13T01:02:00.003-06:00

PhotoTreks is traveling to Dublin, Ireland for excellent photography and a little Luck-of-the-Irish! Travel dates - March 28th to April 4th – no foolin’!

Did you get a new camera for Christmas!? Bring it with you on the next PhotoTreks Photo Mentoring Guided Tour! Travel with two highly creative and technically knowledgeable mentors to Dublin, Ireland – shoot all day – present each evening with the group – compare and learn! Expand your stock photography library! Advance your skills by learning from the pros one-on-one!

Book by January 21, 2009 and save $100 dollars – limited to 20 Trekkers!

For more information and all the details – http://www.phototreks.net

Root Canal or Mammoth Caves?

2009-01-10T22:13:00.011-06:00

On a COLD, WET day in southern Kentucky the adventure began...So I'm wondering if a root canal would have been as difficult as the photo field trip was today? The verdict is still in deliberation in my mind... I spent the late afternoon in Kentucky at the Mammoth Caves. My camera club was granted special permission to go in and take our cameras and tripods to create some photos. There were about forty of us... and the space to take "interesting" photos [without railing, or people] was limited. And I carried way too much equipment - how was I to know...? I'm not that terribly crazy about anything I came home with, but I will tell you [my one reader] that it was an education... an education indeed.Imagine a middle aged [voluptuous] woman having a perpetual "hot flash" for ninety minutes... her tripod gets kicked three times during a long exposure - by the same person ;-(, and she only gets five minutes in the prime location for shooting pictures...then she walks out in 33 degrees weather...dripping wet... you guessed it... NOT PRETTY...

No really, I'm glad I went... I'm grateful for the opportunity...

Here's another of the shots - always click to see a bigger version - ENJOY!

Penis Day?

2009-01-08T09:54:00.004-06:00

In Japan... no wonder their population is booming! My husband would love this day - he is so pre-occupied with his penis... I'm told it's a "guy" thing! Duh.... it has to be. By the way, these are not my photos... if only...

Incase you are curious:
Where: Tagata shrine, Komaki, Aichi Prefecture 45 minutes North of Nagoya
When: March 15th
What's it about: Praying for a good harvest, celebrating birth and life. And running wild with a big cock.
Joining in: FREE. Touch the tip of a 24 inch phallus for a healthy baby. Rice-cake catching and free sake drinking.

2008 in Review

2008-12-31T11:55:00.006-06:00

So, what did I do this year you ask? Of course you didn't ask, but I thought I could fantasize about all the people who read my blog... HA! Anyway, I digress... as usual.

The year in review - Actually I would like to have amnesia for this particular year - is that possible? But wait, then I would have missed the incredible history made during the election... damn, can't have it both ways can you?

Here's some highlights from my year:

1. I wrote my first business plan - twelve to sixteen hours [a day] over the course of five months - writing, rewriting, writing, rewriting, reading, writing, rewriting, reading, researching... my God! I think you get the picture...

2. I became an official Still Photographer on a TV Show - what a blast! I totally love being on the set - in front of or behind the camera - it's where I belong!

3. I participated in five art exhibitions and sold art work at most of them!

4. Two of my photos went into a permanent art collection. Woo Hooo!

5. I continued to audition for film and TV - landed an extra part without an audition - which actually paid pretty good.

6. Had the worst car accident of my life - lucky to be alive! Now drive the cutest Saturn Vue that gets WAY better gas mileage! Yahoo! [silver lining]

7. Attended the "Sex in the City" movie opening night party with VIPs! What a blast!

8. Received a star on the Walk of Fame with fellow Actors in Hollywood! Very COOL!

9. Opened a successful online shop for my art.

10. Successfully bartered my way to many wonderful experiences!

11. Rekindled a relationship with my God-Daughter. I love her so much!

12. Participated in a national photo walk that kicked my butt!

13. Swam 4 to 5 times a week during the summer! Aaaahhhhhh!

14. Started playing Tennis after the pool closed! Still looking for a partner to play with regularly.

15. Traveled to southern California to be with my Mom and Pop for two weeks! Good visit indeed!

16. Bought a new laptop that I LOVE!!! Macbook ROCKs!!!

17. Completed the largest painting (on canvas) ever!

Wow, when I look at it like that, maybe the year wasn't as bad as I thought - maybe I've been dwelling on the negative instead of the positive. 2009 is going to be the best! Business is BOOMING! Time to paint something even BIGGER! Would love to do some murals again!

Happy New Year Y'all!

ETSY.com

2008-12-24T00:56:00.002-06:00

It's time to go shopping at my Etsy.com store! Click on any image to go visit and BUY BUY BUY!!!

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