In memory

An Easter tribute in Tennessee.

Shamus

What a sweetie... and he didn't pee on me either!

Kitty, kitty, kitty

I was sitting sipping my morning green tea when I noticed something that might be an interesting shot...

Picture a Day

Some entries from my picture a day photos. It gets to be challenging to find something to photograph daily... but fun to try.I would love to know what kind of tree this bloom is from...
A tree that houses critters on our land, looks scary...
Spring cleaning with Katrina resting in a drawer...

Love Grows Here

Another one of my children sold recently at the show mentioned below... here is a photograph of that [painting] child.

Through the OPEN window

I shot this on our way into a one night exhibit of art - it is not totally sharp because I had to lean up against a power pole to get still enough with what I had to shoot with (Rebel XT/ 28-80mm 3.5 lens). I had a painting in the show (it SOLD!). I brought my Rebel with me so I could get a PAD, I was kicking myself the whole time wishing I had my 1D MII... and my 24-70 2.8 lens... there were SO many photo ops... but the Rebel came through the best it could...

http://www.imagestocksouth.com/hmp/gallery2/v/PAD/march/8-14/Contreras_031408_2305.jpg.html

Our Deepest Fear

I was recently reminded by two people that I have been playing small... thanks so much for the reminder to you both!

“ Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. ”

~Nelson Mandela

Round 1

Here they are! My business plans were handed in today for the competition. I put a book with the plan and a little "God Bless AMEOWICA" button. There is still much work to be done, but these should get me to the next level of the competition... I'm so proud!

Snow DUDE

Here he is, my very FIRST Snow Dude ever in my life!

Got Snow?

In one night our country home is covered with about four inches of snow. It is so beautiful and clean... until Lucy my dog did her thing...

Anyway, being a southern California girl (from Seal Beach), I always love the experience of fresh fallin' snow... somehow it's magical...

China Beach

These photos were forwarded to me by my nephew... There's really not much I can add, because this is the true definition of a picture is worth a thousand words; a million people.

I can say that this actually frightens me, because I was raised in a little town in southern California called Seal Beach, I would go to the beach for peace and tranquility. Even today when I visit my family, one of the first things I do is go to the beach, it is the one thing I miss the most about southern CA.

A.S.A.P.

Ever wonder about the abbreviation A.S.A.P.? Generally we think of it in terms of even more hurry and stress in our lives. Maybe if we think of this abbreviation in a different manner, we will begin to find a new way to deal with those rough days along the way.

There's work to do, deadlines to meet;
You've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

In the midst of family chaos,
"Quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

It may seem like your worries
are more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
and He'll respond to all your needs-
ASAP - ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER.

Primary colors

So today is the day we find out who the candidates for President will be... to tell you the truth, I'm really excited to find out who they are... I am sooooo ready for change. This has been a very challenging seven years of my life... I can't say it has been a rosey experience at all. Especially since I lost a regular paycheck back in 2002.Here are some shots I had to really look for today at the polling place where I live. I have to drive ten miles to the next town to cast my vote, as I live out in the boonies in the Tennessee hills. I was disappointed that there were NO candidate signs ANYWHERE, so that's why you see no photos of them...

A TV Pilot

Here is a look at the commission I did for a TV pilot.

Click on the photograph to see a larger version.

Photo of the Day

I have recently committed to honing my photography skills by shooting at least one picture a day. This has been very challenging because I am mostly locked up in my office these days writing a business plan... but if you know me, you know that being CREATIVE is what truly drives me... it's what I live for...Sooo, the other night I had a "business" meeting at a local cafe... and after mentioning to those in attendance about my picture a day exercise, one of the guys at the meeting said I MUST see the men's room...

He was right, the bathroom was VERY interestingly designed with ornate items... and I thought the advertising was strategically placed very well... comments?