May 9, 2013

Right Now…

Right now, I’m seeing green!!

And, new growth!

And, right now, I see lots and lots of potential!!

While I claim the garden as my own, I have to give a shout-out to my main squeeze, ThrillCam.

Right now, he has supported my crazy idea to plant a rather large (for us, anyway) garden in our backyard.

(Unfortunately, I may not have chosen the very best location, as it took a TRACTOR to drill holes for the fence posts!)

Um, yeah…

Sing with me, “SOLID! SOLID AS A ROCK!…”

Even my youngest punk got in on the action:

It was short-lived, but I give him an A+ for effort!

(I’d never seen such a tool before! Apparently you slam it down to chisel the rock. I know this because I watched and observed. I’m good at that, watching and observing.)

ThrillCam even hauled over some hay bales for my homemade compost heap. (The hay is supposed to slowly break down along with the veggies and dirt to make yummy compost…eventually…next year.)

Right now, the weather is fantastic and it’s a pleasure to get out there and pull weeds, to get dirty.

Right now, the plants are happy and healthy, not withered and shriveling from the horrid Texas heat.

Right now, I look quite successful in my gardening adventures!

Right now.

I’ll keep you posted.

April 22, 2013

Shenanigans…

My youngest son’s 14th birthday fell on Easter weekend this year, which made it difficult for us to have any type of celebration at the time.

We ended up postponing the party until this past weekend.

I really believe, though, it was worth the wait!

Seven of our son’s buddies joined him for a sleep-over and par-tay!

This year, we by-passed the usual go-cart or rock climbing party and got a little more creative.

We went on a Photo Scavenger Hunt!

We split the boys into two teams and drove them to the specified locations on their list to complete their tasks. (each team started at a different place on the list) Then, as the task is being done, or completed, a photo or video must be taken for proof. (Pretty much, all photos were taken with a phone-camera.)

I haven’t had this much fun in a long time!

Below is the scavenger list (tasks listed in no particular order) and some of the photos….

PHOTO SCAVENGER HUNT

*You have 10 minutes to choose a song and choreograph a routine for a flash mob in Target. (Team)

While at Target, you must purchase the following items: Fun Dip (or Warheads), one package of adult-sized underwear (like Depends), a small roll of foil, and sidewalk chalk. Once purchased, each team member must eat enough candy to turn their mouths a different color (team tongue photo for proof) AND each team member must wear a pair of underwear (over their clothes) to the next PUBLIC assignment.

*Climb on and pretend to herd the cows at Suspension Bridge (Team)

*One team member must chug a Dr. Pepper in front of DP Museum

*Team must lead Baylor University students in a “Ahhhhh, Sic ‘em Bears!” in front of Bear Pit

*One member must get 10 signatures on their chest from strangers.

(this was probably my favorite task)

(We used non-permanent markers!)

*Entire team must wear foil hats.

*One member mummified with TP.

*One member lying on sidewalk with chalk outline and a quote bubble.

*Team jumping in air.

*Team wearing clothes inside-out.

*Team pyramid.

*Team holding one team member off ground.

*One member “antiqued” with flour in face (must be done OUTSIDE).

*Team as a band in studio.

*Team in canoe, on dry land.

(“I’m King of the world!!!”)

In the end, the judge (our oldest son who was home from college for the weekend) called it a tie.’

What a fun, silly distraction after a very heavy-hearted week!

Still praying for the injured and hurting in Boston and our neighbors in West,

April 18, 2013

Helpers.

This photo has gone viral since the Boston Marathon bombings, and for good reason. It’s a good advice.

ThrillCam and I have lived near quite a few disasters over the recent years and it’s amazing to watch the good that comes from very sad and seemingly helpless situations.

We’ve watched Helpers come in very different forms over the years…

We had been living in Clear Lake (Houston) Texas, right down the road from NASA, for not very long when the space shuttle Columbia exploded.

I don’t believe we were remotely prepared for what we witnessed as this large city, and yet, very small community of engineers, contractors, scientists, and friends rallied around NASA and the shuttle victims’ families. When I say it was amazing, it was amazing.

Everyone in the community was connected, in some form or fashion, to NASA, and more specifically, to an astronaut. For such a large population, the degrees of separation were minimal.

I remember mourning friends who personally worked alongside the astronauts telling me stories of how they walked side-by-side through brush and thicket searching for pieces of the shuttle for days following the explosion; they were determined to help find even the smallest sliver of metal that could help the investigators piece together the hows and whys of that tragedy. It was their way of helping.

Our oldest son was in the same class/grade with one of the astronaut’s daughters. So, we were eye-witnesses to the attention and support given to her and her family. Helpers with tangible offerings of many prayers, food, carpooling, house-cleaning…anything that could help ease the burden of sorrow the families were feeling.

“Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!” I Peter 4:9

During our time in the Houston area, we evacuated three times for the threat of, or the actual frontal attack of hurricanes.

While Hurricane Katrina didn’t hit our area directly, we watched as hundreds of evacuees fled Louisiana to Houston and its surrounding areas. Churches, families and businesses opened their doors to these refugees, feeding and clothing them. Our church sent teams of workers to some of the hardest hit areas in Mississippi to help in the recovery process. It was beautiful and inspiring to watch.

Photo credit to Gateway Community Church.

“Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:

‘Don’t begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don’t try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.” Matthew 10:8

We moved a few years later, further south, to plant a church in the town of League City. League City is in Galveston county, about 30 minutes (minus traffic) south of downtown Houston and about 30 minutes north of the Galveston Bay. Hurricane Ike hit Galveston with force, causing a devastating storm surge.

Our church took a small, but dedicated, loving group of helpers down to help with the cleanup efforts following Ike. (You can read my post about it here.)

Just a few days ago, the Boston Marathon was bombed. Unbelievable and, again, devastating.

But, I am amazed by the first responders (that include just regular folk who stayed to help), who swooped in, immediately, to help the victims. This morning’s national news did a piece on the EMS workers who were stationed in and around the race. Because of their presence, they were able to move 90 people to area hospitals in less than an hour.

Helpers.

And, now, today, I sit here reeling at the close proximity of our new home to West, Texas, the small town devastated by the fertilizer plant explosion. I grew up going there on a very regular basis to buy kolaches and go country and western dancing! My heart is heavy and sad for the precious people of West, as they continue to search for loved ones and tend to injured ones…

But, I am also, once again, reminded of the good in people. Immediately, churches and businesses opened their doors for the refugees and hurting people of West. Donations of blood and gift cards and clothing and baby diapers, etc. are flowing in.

I’m, once again, watching the loving hands of Jesus being lifted through service and care.

This is just unfolding and I am looking forward to hearing the hero stories…

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.” Ps. 121-1-2

April 17, 2013

Solution.

Mornings and evenings usually begin with ThrillCam and me sitting out on our back patio: me drinking my coffee, him staring at his Purple Martins, us listening to the water trickle down the pool’s waterfall.

It’s a beautiful beginning and ending to our days.

During these times, we are finding ourselves more and more intrigued by all the different birds that fly around our house. We have a ton of beautiful red Cardinals, some Blue Jays, Mockingbirds, Finches, Sparrows, Doves, Hummingbirds and even Road Runners!

Bird watching, to be honest, has never been my thing. I mean, I like them and all…

I love Mockingbirds (the state bird of Texas!), especially, for their constantly changing chirps and songs.

I love Road Runners, thanks to Warner Bros. cartoons. (“Beep. Beep. Zip-tang!”) (Please tell me you get that reference. Please.)

Oh! And, I love doves, because they are so tasty.

(I’m keeeding!)

(Sort of. Okay. Not really. They are pretty, lovely birds to look at, but they are also pretty and lovely to eat.)

In the past, for me to sit and watch, and really notice birds?…not so much.

Thankfully, all that has changed.

Last week, we found our peaceful mornings disrupted by some bold and pesky little birds.

A set of Barn Swallows (or Chimney Sweeps, as I grew up calling them) were attempting to build nests under my office porch.

They’re pretty little birds, aren’t they?

They are part of the Swallow family (same family as the Purple Martins) and they do a good job of eating bugs.

So, why aren’t we helping them out, like we’ve helped the Purple Martins?

The problem is, Chimney Sweeps build mud nests DIRECTLY onto the side of the house. Not only that, but they are messy little critters.

I felt bad shooing them away, because they are so darn cute and beneficial, but I knew I did not want them living ON my house.

We noticed one spot, in particular, where they were returning to time after time. In fact, we could be standing there, directly under the porch where they were trying to nest, and those birds would literally dive-bomb us!

We had to figure out a way to thwart their efforts.

We tried attaching foil to the little ledge, but the foil blew off.

We tried knocking off the mud and grass the birds brought in, but they just returned to rebuild.

We were becoming nearly as obsessive about these little birds as our Purple Martins, but not in a warm, fuzzy way.

Finally, ThrillCam did this:

Pretty smart, huh?

The CDs move in the wind and reflect light and scare the little squatters away! (And, so far, no one has noticed the CDs up there since they are sort of hidden from view.)

I thought it was brilliant!

April 15, 2013

Swallow versus Sparrow: The Throwdown

In this corner, we have the small and sprite, but ever so persistent, the lowly and common Houssssse Sparrrrrrow!!

ANNDDDDD, over in this corner, we have the current, reigning, and defending Champions…

…Fighting, out of South America, the Purrrppplllleee Marrrtttiinnnsssss!

Here’s the deal. If a mooch, like a House Sparrow or a Starling moves into your Martin house before a Purple Martin does, often, the Martin will seek other housing.

So, needless to say, we have been keeping guard over the Martin house, lo, these last couple of months, striving to prevent a squatter from moving in and taking over.

It hasn’t been easy, let me tell you.

ThrillCam has to take down and clean out the nests of a Sparrows, which have yet to deter them in the least.

She/He/It returns, over and over.

Every time the Martins fly off in search of bugs or nesting materials, Sparrows would fly in and begin building a nest.

Home Wrecker.

Look at that Sparrow’s boldness! She’s walking right in, like she owns the place, while the owner is in the backyard!

Stinkin’ Squatter Sparrow.

Oh, but don’t you worry about those Purple Martins! They know the gig. They see what that silly Sparrow is up to.

Busted!!

PURPLE MARTIN DON’T CARE!!!

OH SNAP!

That’ll teach you, Sparrow!

Go Purple Martins! Go!

Update:

We’ve noticed a new, third Martin that looks like another female. It might be a young, immature male, but we are thinking it’s actually a female.

Okay. We don’t know what it is.

BUT, it’s exciting to see 3 Martins now! We hope more will come to roost.

We are still having trouble keeping the Sparrows out of the Martin house. In fact, I walked outside, yesterday, to see a female Martin and a Sparrow participating in what I would call a bird’s version of WWE! It was Wrestlemania at its best! I really do believe the Martin was injured, slightly, but she was NOT going to let that Sparrow stay in her house!
Of course, ThrillCam and I are doing what we can to help the Martins. But, goodness gracious! Those Sparrows are persistent little buggers!!
I’ll keep you posted as the sage unfolds.

April 9, 2013

Purple Martin Obsession

Two Christmases ago, ThrillCam received a Martin house.

You see, his grandparents had a Martin house when he was growing, and he recalls it quite fondly.

So, our youngest punk gave him the Martin “apartment” house, below.

He put up the house last Spring, but, sadly, no Purple Martins took to the new home.

This is a Purple Martin, by the way:

(That is a female, I’m pretty sure. Females have a light chest and are more brown in color–young male Martins also have a lighter chest, but I’m pretty sure this is our female. Males are a deep, deep purple, almost black, all over. I’ll have better pictures in a following post.)

Purple Martins are known for their amazing in-air acrobats and bug-catching skills.

After we moved, and before ThrillCam put up the Martin house this Spring, he did a little more research. The internet is chock full of good information on how to attract and prepare your birdhouse for Purple Martins.

And, because of my husband’s new-found obsession, I am now very knowledgable in the ways of the Purple Martin. I patiently sit at the feet of my love and listen as he explains the habits and needs of these migrating birds.

For example, did you know Purple Martins migrate to the Amazon each winter?

*Once they have laid claim to a house, Purple Martins return to the same house every year.

*Purple Martins send out scout birds (young males) to find a new place, if the family of Martins has outgrown their home. (We noticed scout birds back in February.) I’m assuming they kick out their oldest male punks to go out in search of a new home, new career, etc.

You know, I can relate to the Purple Martin mamas…we did the same with our oldest punk (insert sad, crying emoticon); we sent him off to college. Waaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

Oh.

Sorry.

That’s a different story…has nothing whatsoever to do with Purple Martins.

*Once Purple Martins nest in a house, they will fight off anything that tries to move in. (More on that later.) But, if a House Sparrow, for example, builds a nest in the house before Purple Martins move in, the Purple Martins will seek other housing. (My next post will show you this problem.)

*Purple Martins soar quite high and feed while flying. Rarely do they come down to the ground to capture a bug.

*Did you know that the eastern Purple Martin is dependent upon people to provide their artificial homes?

These are just some of the little, fascinating facts ThrillCam has passed along to me as we patiently awaited their arrival.

For nearly a month, the man would stand at his office window, looking through his binoculars, watching, hoping a Martin family would move in.

Then, over the Easter weekend, sure enough, a set of Martins began circling the house and actually landing on it. In fact, our Martin house initially had a Martin decoy on the top. That weekend, we witnessed the female Martin dive-bombing the decoy, while the male would land on the house. I told ThrillCam he needed to remove that decoy; that mama bird was not going to raise her babies with that intruder leering over them!

ThrillCam took off the decoy on Easter Sunday afternoon. Sure enough, they both began landing on the house and going in and out of the tiny holes. I’m pretty sure the female started hanging pictures on the wall that very evening.

ThrillCam has been beside himself with excitement at having a new family move in! He has been watching, expectantly, for about 2 months now.

I wish I could convey to you how invested my husband is in these little bug-eating birds.

It’s almost as much fun watching HIM watch them, as it is to watch the birds!

Want to find out more about Purple Martins? Check out this link to the Purple Martin Conservation Association.

April 6, 2013

Planted.

I’m very excited! I’ve started my garden!!

I actually got a few plants and seeds into the dirt!

The seeds have yet to do anything above ground.

I’m anxiously awaiting their little baby sprouts.

But, I did plant a few transplants, like tomatoes, bell peppers, squash and zucchini. And, I’ve been watching them closely, to see if they like my dirt/compost mix.

Yep. That’s a tomato plant.

Yep. It has yellowed leaves.

Look at the one in the background; it ALREADY looks dead!! I may have already over-watered them on the very first day they were placed in the ground!!

(Actually, I didn’t over-water the first day. Yes, I watered them, but two days later it rained…a lot.)

Ugh.

Honestly, I think any plant I purchase should each come with a little plant creed attached to them, a declaration, a battle cry:

“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night nor the cursed touch of Elizabeth stays these branches and leaves from swift completion of their appointed fruit & vegetable production.”

Why? (please read the following with feeling…angst…emotion; maybe even beat your chest and rip your sackcloth)

(huh?)

Why, I ask you?

(louder, please)

Why, I ask you, was I born with such a strong desire to plant and grow things, and yet, lacking in the much-needed abilities to do so??

Well, I’m just crossing my fingers that all the seeds and little transplants will be strong and persevere.

May they rise above my gardening ineptitude and shortcomings.

Wish the little fledglings luck.

They need it.

March 7, 2013

It’s Spring! And, we all know what that means…

If you’ve read my blog for any amount of time, you’ve learned quickly that I have a black thumb. I cannot grow much of anything.

But, I try.

Oh, how I try.

Take tomatoes, example.

I love tomatoes.

Tomatoes are the easiest thing in the world to grow, besides toe fungus and monkey grass. (Don’t ask me how I know these things.)

For some reason, though, I cannot grow tomatoes.

I’ve tried. (Do a search for tomatoes and read all the blog posts I’ve written on the little red fruit…it is a long and sordid affair.)

I’ve tried growing them in hanging contraptions.

I’ve tried growing them in pots.

Then, last year, I tried growing them in a raised bed.

CSHS VFB v. PDawson 2011-24

I was only marginally successful.

This year, though…this year will be different.

I just know it.

I feel it in my bones.

Stay tuned…

March 6, 2013

Look out veggies, here I come!!

I’m a glutton for punishment.

I am going to try a vegetable garden.

…Again.

We’re now living in a different region of Texas, so I’m giving it whirl here, hoping the change of location will solve all my gardening woes.

This time, I even got my husband and his little red tractor involved.

Since we have more space, I figured, I needed a larger garden. Right? (Let’s hope I’m not biting off more than I can chew…)

ThrillCam ran over the ground, breaking and churning up the dirt and rocks.

Over the last few days, I’ve been going through and picking out the rocks and left-over clumps of grass. I’ll need to work the dirt a little more to prepare it for the seeds and plants.

I’m kicking myself over the fact that I didn’t start a compost heap over the winter months. I guess I just need to purchase some organic compost to mix into the soil.

As you can probably tell, I’m a little behind on the prep work, which means I’m rushing the process and cramming in steps I should have started about 4 weeks ago…. I learn every single time I try this whole gardening thing.

Hopefully, though, the gardening gods will be on my side and I’ll have some home-grown veggies before too long.

Oh, and don’t you worry…I’ll let you know how it all turns out.

Listen! I’m doing this alone, people!! I expect some feedback and advice.

Happy Spring,

January 27, 2013

Jill’s Story

I was made aware of this story through CreativeLive, this weekend, when photographer Sue Bryce and film-maker Hailey Bartholomew previewed it for us.

It is moving, and beautiful, and real.

Please take a few moments to watch it:

(Note: there are a few photographs in the film showing Jill topless, after chemo and surgery. While I feel like my daughter~if I had one~should see this, you may not, so please watch without children, first.)

<p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/57597999″>The Light That Shines</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/user612630″>hailey bartholomew</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>

If you would like to share this video, you may go to Sue Bryce’s blog Sue Bryce’s blog and embed the video onto your Facebook page or blog, as well.

July 25, 2012

How small I am…

I am reminded, in this fantastic video of photographs taken by the scientists on the ISS, how small I am.

And, it reminds me how beautiful creation is.

And how thankful I am.

May something today, whether it’s a video, a photograph, a smell, a child, a smile…whatever it is…may it cause you to pause and be inspired…and may it remind you to say thanks.

P.S. Here’s what Knate Myers wrote on Vimeo about the video:

Every frame in this video is a photograph taken from the International Space Station. All credit goes to the crews on board the ISS.
I removed noise and edited some shots in photoshop. Compiled and arranged in Sony Vegas.

Music by John Murphy – Sunshine (Adagio In D Minor)
itunes.apple.com/us/album/sunshine-music-from-motion/id297702863

Image Courtesy of the Image Science & Analysis Laboratory,
NASA Johnson Space Center, The Gateway to Astronaut Photography of Earth
eol.jsc.nasa.gov

July 6, 2012

Lost is found

When my mother turned 60, she and Daddy took my sister, my uncle, ThrillCam and me to Italy. It was the trip of a lifetime. Fabulous scenery, history, and, of course, food.

Oh, the food.

But, that’s another post.

One of my most treasured memories of that trip was the day we got “lost” in Venice. My mother, sister and husband went with me to find a little Venetian shop that made masks. I was on a mission. I wanted an authentic, handmade Venetian mask.

Long before we had smart phones with GPS, we searched for the shop using a poorly printed map of Venice.

We walked down long, skinny alleys, over small bridges, and through school yards, all while laughing and snapping pictures of quaint doors and windows…and lots of laundry-on-the-line shots. It was fun being lost in Venice. And, oh, so memorable.

Continue reading →

July 4, 2012

Tips for photographing Fireworks

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!

(I am not at my regular computer, so I couldn’t dig up any fireworks photos of my own! The photo above is curtesy of http://www.provincetowntourismoffice.org)

Follow these tips for great fireworks pictures:

If you have a tripod, use it. Even on point and shoot cameras. Just set it up next to your lawn chair.
Turn your dial to M for manual. Don’t be afraid! It’s good to try something new! It’s good to practice! Trust me.
Set your aperture at about f/8 up to f/16. (The higher the aperture number, the more you’ll have in focus–larger depth of field.)
Place your focus on manual (and/or infinity). BEFORE it gets dark, find an object in the distance, about equal to where the fireworks will be exploding, and set your focus on that. Now, you are set. (Once the fireworks begin, you need to check your shots. If the are out of focus, stay in manual to refocus. Auto focus will not work well in this situation.)
Shoot at a slow shutter speed: allow for long exposures of many seconds up to 30 seconds, OR you can even try the bulb setting. (Bulb setting allows the shutter to open when you press the shutter button and it will stay open until you press the shutter button again. The bulb setting is located on the settings dial on most cameras.)
Use a quick release trigger for the camera, if you have one. If not, try setting your release to a 2 second delay, especially if the fireworks are being shot off at very regular and quick intervals. You can press the shutter button and allow for any shake to subside before the picture is taken.
Shoot at a low ISO 100-200 (You will be surprised at how much light fireworks give off, even when it’s pitch black outside.
Do not use flash. Won’t help.

Most of all, HAVE FUN!!

And, please be safe and smart as you celebrate our country’s birthday.

God bless you and God bless America,

June 19, 2012

I Got Flocked

Rather than trying to explain my past 2 months and the crazy-busy season it is and was, I will just jump right in an show you one of the funny happenings during that time. Hopefully, I can get back on top of my blog and write a little more consistently, again…. (fingers crossed)

A few weeks ago, we were “flocked.” Continue reading →

April 18, 2012

More Ollo Clip

The Ollo Clip is the little iphone lens adapter that I purchased about a week ago. I’ve finally had a few moments to play with it more (and to read the directions).

Okay, so here’s my lantana (again) taken with my normal, unadorned, iphone camera.

Nothing to write home about.

But, check this out!

KAPOW!!

Macro crazy!!

You know that can’t be all there is! Keep reading!

April 16, 2012

Been busy!

Look what I’ve been up to!

April 10, 2012

New Look! Same Great Product!

Well, I really liked the black background for my blog, but unfortunately, many of your computers did not.

Quite a few friends and family members told me their computers would freeze up if they tried to read my blog.

We can’t have that, can we?!

The only thing I can come up with is, the previous theme allowed much larger photos which may have just bogged down some systems?? (I’m technically challenged, so I honestly have no clue what I’m talking about.) (To be honest, I should be shrinking my photos, anyway, but I usually don’t take the time for this blog. I re-size anything I post on Facebook or my business blog.)

So, I’m trying a new look.

I still lean toward clean, simple themes, so I was glad to see this one. (I may change to this one on my business blog, as well.)

Please give me feedback if you still have trouble.

And, thanks for taking time to read this drivel! I enjoy writing the silly, meaningless stuff, so thanks for stopping by regularly! Please tell your friends to stop by!

XOXO,

P.S. I wanted to add a picture to this post, so I decided to pay homage to my addiction to crawfish. I LOVE YOU, LITTLE RED MUDBUGS!! YOU COMPLETE ME!!!

April 5, 2012

Hello, my name is Simon. And, I like to do my drarings…

My nights have been ending later than usual, me working late into the night at the computer, editing Senior Portraits.

I love it, but it tends to throw off my circadian rhythms.

When I do finally turn off the computer because my eyes are bulging and bleeding, my body is tired, I crawl into my bed, snuggle down in the covers…and reach for my phone.

You see, I can’t sleep just yet.

I have unfinished business.

My bedtime ritual (no matter how late it is) includes catching up on Words With Friends, Scramble, and now, Draw Something, which happens to be my new favorite.

As you can tell I am a horrible artist.

But, to my credit, it’s not easy drawing on a little touchscreen on the phone.

(I’m not sure if I were to switch to the iPad it would make much difference, though.)

At least I don’t just write out the words…I actually attempt to draw something.

And, I go to bed happy.

Can you guess what the words are for each drawing?

1. Tugboat

2. Shower

3. Rock Star

4. Funeral

5. Princess

6. Grave

April 4, 2012

FINISHED Business!!

Way to go Lady Bears!!

(Photo Credit: AP)

40-0!! A PERFECT season!! The Lady Bears are the first team, men’s or women’s, to ever win 40 games.

(Photo Credit: AP)

SIC ‘EM BEARS!!!

April 3, 2012

He is officially a teenager…

My youngest punk-son is 13.

I can’t believe it.

We celebrated his birthday like this:

It was a trip.

Gardening…

Well, I’ve planted most of my seeds and already I’m seeing sprouts! I snapped a few pics with my phone-camera, but hope to get better shots next week.

I’ll have to show you a plant that I am now thinking is a squatter-weed. It’s HUGE!! I kept thinking it would produce some vegetable, but now I’m thinking it’s just there to shade my bell peppers, which not a good thing.

Here’s just the stalk:

It’s like a modern-day version of Jack and Beanstalk in my backyard…

It’s raining today, so once it dries a bit I’ll get out there and take some more pictures. Maybe one of you who know more about gardening than me, can tell me what I’m growing. (I’m really pretty sure it’s a huge weed…)

Speaking of growing things, I saw this video and thought it was pretty cool.

I don’t have the same green thumb the man in the video has, but I’m inspired to improve.

Maybe my little garden will provide a little extra for my friends and neighbors, or even a food bank.

Hope you find inspiration somewhere today.

Oh, and eat your veggies!

March 30, 2012

Keep Calm and Carry On…

(photo credit: Wikipedia Commons)

My friend Andy Bondurant over at The Collective recently shared a video that I found enchanting.

(I call Andy a friend, but he’s never even met me. He has no clue who I am. But, because he is in my home on an almost daily basis through his blog and Twitter, I feel we are friends. It’s very one-sided, but that’s okay. I’m happy with the arrangement.)

So, have you been seeing a TON of the KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON signs on Pinterest, t-shirts and the likes? I certainly have.

There are even different versions and spoofs of the saying. (All of the following posters are available for purchase, just copy and paste the URL.)

Like:

(http://society6.com/jeremybingham/KEEP-CALM-burger-king_Print)

Or, how about:

(http://society6.com/rachelb/Keep-Calm-and-Click-On_Print)

And, this:

(http://www.etsy.com/listing/91391194/cookie-monster-keep-calm-and-carry-on?ref=sr_gallery_14&sref=&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=keep+calm&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=SE&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade)

And, finally, this:

(you can purchase this at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/JulienDenoyer)

I really hadn’t thought why the saying is suddenly so popular.

In fact, it didn’t really appeal to me, mainly because I was seeing it EVERYWHERE. It was and is all the rage.

But, Andy brought my attention to a video that explains the background of the original saying.

And, now because I know the backstory to it, I love it!

I would give anything to have one of the original posters…

Check out the video. Kind of cool.

Thanks, Andy!

Keep Calm and Carry On,

March 29, 2012

What was I thinking????

Twice a week, I choose…choose…to subject my body, mind, and soul to torture.

Torture is actually an understatement.

Twice a week, ThrillCam and I drive our tired, weary, out-of-shape 40+ year-old bodies to YMCA to see Cheri.

She looks all sweetness and light, but don’t be fooled.

Underneath that power-lifter body and friendly smile is …is…well, I don’t know what it is, but it’s not right!!!

Okay, maybe that’s a little harsh.

She has become my friend, after all.

But, mercy me… She’s tough.

And good.

We are still working out on the TRX system, which is a strap system that uses your own body weight for resistance. (We also use kettle bell weights, the stationary bike, medicine balls, and any other item used to break the spirit of a human being.)

(It even looks like a torture device, no??)

We work out on Tuesdays and Fridays and it never fails that our muscles…no, our very beings…are sore for at least two days following.

And, then we go right back in for more.

It’s stupid.

It makes no sense.

It’s horrible.

I die a little each time.

Don’t believe me?

This is the proof.

Cheri worked me so hard I couldn’t even get up from the floor last week.

And, yet, I love it.

I do.

I think.

My core is so much stronger.

My stamina is so much stronger.

…No, I haven’t lost weight.

Yet.

But, that requires changes in my eating and I’m not there yet.

It’s enough that my muscles are in pain…I’m not ready for my stomach to be.

I’m not ready to be in a bad mood 7 days a week.

I’ll settle for just the 4-5 days that I’m sore and angry for now….

P.S. To be honest, I cannot say enough GOOD things about Cheri. She is absolutely awesome! I’ve never met a trainer more knowledgeable, more capable, or more caring. THANK YOU, CHERI!!!

I think.

March 27, 2012

It’s all about MEME!

I’d like to thank Lana Rush, from Along Came the Bird, for bestowing the honor of a meme award upon me! (It’s not really an award, but it sure feels like one!)

A meme (rhymes with “team”) is, according to the all-mighty Wikipedia,”an idea, behavior or style that spreads from person to person within a culture.”

The word has, apparently, been altered to include the internet. So, an internet meme is an idea that “may take the form of a hyperlink, video, picture, website, hashtag, or just a word or phrase.”

About.com says this:

“Memes” are cultural symbols and social ideas that spread virally. In the same way that a flu bug travels from person to person, memes travel through social media and email.”

For example, the Star Wars kid. Remember him? (Click on bold words for link.)

He is considered a meme.

Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance video on YouTube is (or was) the number one watched video of all time. It is a meme.

The Epic Fail website is a meme.

You get the idea.

But, now…

Now, I could be a meme!!!

And, it feels good. Oh, so good.

My friend Lana relates it to standing in the virtual blog gymnasium, wearing your knit shorts, tube socks, and a stinky P.E. shirt, waiting, waiting to be be chosen for a blog team.

Well, my friends, Lana is the Captain of her team and SHE CHOSE ME!!!

They like me! They really, really like me!!!

(Thank you Sally Field.)

So, without further ado, I shall now fulfill the requirements of this very worthy and meaningful award.

In this particular meme, I am to tell you ten things about me that you may not know.

Or want to know, for that matter.

___________________________________________________________

1. When I was Baylor for college, I traveled to England with one of my theatre professors and a small group of fellow actors. While there, I attended numerous Shakespeare performances.

One afternoon, my professor, Ms. Cook, and I shared a Coke with Dame Judi Dench (she was not a Dame at the time). If you don’t know who Judi Dench is, please find out now. She’s probably one of the best actresses to ever walk a stage or grace the movie screen.

I don’t think she remembers meeting me.

Also, while on the same trip, I met Sir Anthony Hopkins backstage at his performance of King Lear. He was sick but still performing, non-stop, in two different shows at the time. I had the honor of handing Mr. Hopkins (he was not a Sir at the time) a jar of honey for his throat. He kissed me on the cheek.

Somehow I doubt he remembers me either.

2. When I first started blogging, I had an odd obsession with photographing eyes. I even went so far as to consider creating a coffee table book of people’s eyes. I haven’t let go of the idea, but I’m also not convinced it will sell like hotcakes. (If you look at some of my very first blog posts, you’ll see lots of friends’ eyeballs. Weird, I know.)

3. I’m a nail-biter. Embarrassing to admit. Bad habit. Wish I didn’t. But, I’m too cheap to have my nails done in order to protect them.

4. I can sing just like Ethel Merman. (The Pioneer Woman does NOT have the corner market on Ethel impersonations.)

I’ve been singing Ethel-style since I was in college. Maybe before. (I wanted to have a sing-off with The Pioneer Woman when she was in town signing her cookbooks, but security would not let me close enough. Eventually, they hand-cuffed me and tasered me as they drug me away. All the while I was screaming, “There’s No Business Like Show Business…”) (I’m really surprised she hasn’t blogged about it.) (I would have won. I just know it.)

5. Presently, I am hooked on Starbuck’s Protein Bistro Boxes. I can’t believe I’m willing to spend $5 on something I can easily throw together, but I do.

I promise, now that I’ve written this, I will commit to boiling my own eggs and gathering my own grapes and apples and cheese for a homemade protein box. The only thing I know I’ll have trouble duplicating is the yummy raisin scone-like bread thingy. Anyone have any suggestions?

6. Speaking of food…I love crawfish. I cannot accurately describe my intense love and obsession with mudbugs. Every year about this time, I begin craving the little red buggers. (And, I’m so proud that my oldest son has inherited the same crawfish-craving gene.)

I could eat pounds…POUNDS…of them. Easily.

(One year, I announced to our church of approximately 1,000 that I could out-eat any man at the church’s crawfish boil.

Honestly.

I threw down the gauntlet.

Boasting that I could eat more than anyone there.

It was a proud moment for my husband. Not.)

I didn’t win, by the way.

But, boy did I try.

7. I grew up on a working cattle ranch. Although, my parents wouldn’t necessarily have called it a ranch. They called it “a place.” (The King Ranch is a ranch. We owned a place.)

I didn’t get highly involved in the workings of the ranch, simply because my daddy didn’t make me. But, I can drive a tractor and plow a hay patch, if needed. I can bottle-feed a baby calf. And, I can eat Mountain Oysters. (Click on the link, if you don’t know what Mountain Oysters are. You will either have a much greater appreciation for me or you will be utterly revolted. Maybe both.)

8. I used be able to burp the alphabet.

I haven’t tried in a number of years, so I’m not sure I have the lung capacity to do it anymore. (I’ve never told my boys this tidbit because I do not want to encourage them.)

9. I’m married to a man of the cloth. Yep. I’m a pastor’s wife.

I do not wing my hair. I do not play the piano (anymore). I do not have extra long mascara-caked eye-lashes. I cannot cry easily. I do not have socials for the women’s Sunday school classes. I never taught Bible drill. And, sadly, I cannot name every book in the Bible in order (something I’m not proud of).

I’m pretty much a failure when it comes to being the pastor’s wife.

But, my husband is no longer the Senior Pastor (he chose to step away and is teaching and worship leading–it’s all good!), so I don’t have to worry if I live up to the expectations (or horrible stereo-types).

10. I’ve met and danced with the drummer for the 80′s mega band Duran-Duran at the oh-so(back in the 80′s)-popular dance club The London Hippodrome.

Let’s just say, the Lord was looking out for me on so many levels. I was young and naive. I was so very out of my league, being a teenaged country bumpkin from a town of 363 (Saaallluttte!) trying to live it up at one of the most popular dance clubs in the world (at the time).

11. And, because it’s all about meme, I’m adding one more thing you didn’t know about me. Before we moved to our present location, we lived closer to Houston. Two houses down from us lived Booker T.

The wrestler.

Here, this will help:

NOW, you can be impressed.

___________________________________________________________________

Al-righty, then.

There you have it.

My ~~Ten~~ Eleven Things.

But, enough about me…

What do YOU think about me?

teehee.

I now must bestow the award on other bloggers (who are supposed to now answer the 10 Things You Don’t Know About Me), whom I read regularly. Check them out! You might find one or two you’d like to follow! (By the way, it was hard to choose who to pick and who to leave out. Maybe I’ll get another chance, like Lana, to choose more bloggers for a meme award.)

1. The Quiet Life Donna has a beautiful heart to go along with her beautiful blog. She’s an encourager. Her quiet life is contagious and appealing. And, I think you’ll love her daily photographs.

2. The Collective I started following this blog, written by Andy Bondurant a year or so ago. He discusses a plethora of topics that relate to business and life. (I’ve shared many inspired links and thoughts thanks to him.)

3. Ramblings of a Normal Guy I’ve known Brad since my Baylor days. I’m not so sure I’d say he’s normal (winky/smiley face), but he’s got a great big heart and a love for people. Check him out!

4. A Holy Experience Ann Voskamp’s blog is simply beautiful. She probably won’t play along with this, because she’s a big-time author who has better things to do, but I wanted to link back to her blog. It’s, as I said, beautiful.

5. Kisses from Katie This is another blogger who is beyond this silliness, but I wanted to share a link to her beautiful, life-saving work/words. Katie is a missionary in Africa and her words and heart are so very big…moving. My little blog is so meaningless and silly compared to all of these blogs… This one truly inspires me.

6. Along Came the Bird I’ve mentioned Lana both in this post and in previous posts. She entertains while chronicling her family’s life with the addition of Lily, a special needs child. Lana is funny, realistic, open, and a teacher at heart. (Thanks, Lana, for choosing me for your team!!)

March 26, 2012

Monday Musings…

My days have been very busy, full of photographing high school Seniors. My time at the computer has not included much time on the blog (obviously), but rather, time spent in Lightroom and Photoshop. But, this morning I plan to write a few posts that I can schedule for appearances throughout the coming week. Thanks for your understanding! I’ll be back more regularly, soon! All my love, E.

A few musings for this Monday morning…

1. I absolutely love photographing high school Seniors! They are a fun age. And, this generation is growing up quite comfortable in front of a camera. Since all of their phones have cameras, they aren’t shy about being in front of one, simply because they seem to always be in front of them. Just look at their Facebook pages, or Instagram. …even if they’re posing in the bathroom and photographing themselves in the mirror…

Or maybe I’ve just been photographing kids who are confident and comfortable in their skin.

Either way, it makes my job easier, that’s for sure!

2. Because I’ve been so busy with back-to-back Senior Moments Sessions, I am exhausted. But, it’s such a good exhaustion. I’m working! I’m doing what I enjoy! Everyone should have this problem.

3. The weather has been absolutely PERFECT! I’ve taken the top off my Jeep, there’s little to no humidity, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, the flowers are blooming… Perfection. Thank you, Lord.

4. Speaking of birds singing…I can’t wait to give you an update on ThrillCam’s Purple Martin house/apartment/condo.

5. My dog Bear has loved that we are out by the pool and working in the yard again. He is like a beaver in the pool. (And, yes, he still smells mildewed.)

Unfortunately, though, his neurosis (plural??) have kicked into high gear.

He chases the pool cleaner. As it rolls around on the bottom of the pool and up and around the walls, Bear is swimming as hard as he can to follow it, hoping against hope that the little tail will swing out of the water and spray him, so he can chomp at it…. The pool cleaner never stops, so neither does Bear.

He has also convinced himself that there is something, anything, in the flower bushes surrounding our pool. What I think is happening is, he sticks his nose into the bush, sniffs, and when he moves, the bush moves. Therefore, there MUST be something in there. So, he sticks his nose back in, sniffs, paws the bush, it moves, he jumps, and back he goes into the bush. It’s a never-ending cycle. He never ceases to believe he’s going to catch something. He’d go on like that for days, if I let him.

But, I can’t let him.

I can’t let him stand for hours with his nose in the bushes in hopes of catching a lizard.

And, I can’t let him swim, non-stop around the pool chasing the pool cleaner.

He will kill my bushes.

I’m telling you, he’s stomping them to death.

Also, he might drown if he continues to chase the pool cleaner. He won’t stop swimming. He’s got to be exhausted, but he just won’t stop!

So, you can see, my relax time around the pool is not the least bit relaxing. Ugh.

(Where’s the Dog Whisperer when you need him?)

6. My house is a pit. No really. It’s amazing what happens to the place when I’m not home much. I’m a messy house-keeper, anyway, but compound it with my absence, and I’m telling you…it goes down fast.

I’d love to hire a maid, but to do that, I’d have to clean first. And, I’d have to pay her.

Neither of which is going to happen anytime soon.

7. How does The Pioneer Woman do it? Does she hire a maid so she can home school her 4 beautiful children, write a children’s book, cook and write two cookbooks, film a cooking show, do a book tour, AND write in her blog daily??? Oh, and let’s not forget she has a garden that requires tending to, as well. And multiple cats and dogs. And a husband. And cows and wild horses.

She makes me tired just thinking about it.

8. Oh! This week I’ll show proof that I’ve continued to work out with our trainer Cheri! And, no, it has nothing to do with lost weight or muscles.

9. Lastly, I can’t wait to tell you about my meme award (??)! My friend Lana over at Along Came the Bird tagged me! Look for that tomorrow!

Have a super Monday!

March 23, 2012

Mildewed.

I think Bear has mildewed.

No, really.

He stinks.

More than usual.

No, really.

It’s bad.

He smells mildewed.

He’s decided he LOVES the pool. So, he ~~jumps~~ walks in any chance he gets.

And he swims around like a beaver.

Then, he gets out and shakes all over me.

Then, he steps back in.

And swims around.

And gets out and shakes again.

And, he never seems to dry completely.

So, he stinks.

Bad.

Like mildew.

And, I think I should give him a bath.

But that requires getting him wet again.

More water.

Which is what caused the problem in the first place.

I think I’m in for a long, hot, humid, mildew-y summer…

March 20, 2012

I want one.

My sister was recently adopted by Beauregard.

Yes, he adopted her.

That’s his new name.

Beauregard. (Is that how you spell the name??)

Boregard.

Beaureegaurd.

Bo. Ree. Gard.

Oh, never mind.

Suffice it to say, I now want a hound dog.

Those ears.

That nose.

Off to persuade ThrillCam.

And Bear.

March 13, 2012

My new photography website!

I’m so excited to tell everyone: my new photography website is up and running!

Yea!

I’ve been working on it, off and on, for the last couple of months and I think I’ve actually gotten it where I want it. (Of course, as I take more pictures, I’ll add and change it up occasionally.)

So, please, if you have a moment, drop by and check it. I’d love feedback.

Elizabeth Simmons Photography

Have a great day!

March 12, 2012

Downton Abbey.

While I was fighting my sinus infection, I parked myself on the couch, grabbed the remote control, and lived with Netflix for a few days.

I was finally able to watch the highly popular PBS show, Downton Abbey.

The costumes.

Oh my.

The accents.

The lords and ladies.

The secrets.

The servants.

The drama.

Want to know my most favorite part of every single show?

The VERY first shot of the Labrador’s back end.

Not kidding.

I think that opening scene, showing the dog’s tail with the castle off in the distance is simply superb.

Weird, I know. But, I think it’s brilliant.

If you are like me and are new to Downton Abbey, please, please find a way to watch it. (Netflix is supposedly adding season 2 this week!) If for anything, you should see it for the sole purpose of watching Maggie Smith (and Elizabeth McGovern).

P.S. There are some very adult topics, so you should watch season 1 first to make sure you want to approve it for your kids. (younger kids probably wouldn’t enjoy the show anyway.)

March 6, 2012

An Accident-prone Gardener

You know how The Pioneer Woman calls herself an “accidental country girl?”

Well, I’m here to say that I’m an accident-prone gardener.

I’m certainly no real gardener; I just pretend to be.

I’m hoping, though, in all the pretending I’m doing, eventually my garden will become prosperous and bountiful.

I like to think positively.

So, I ordered my seeds about a month to two months back, from Burpee.

A few weeks later, a big, flat box arrived that held my pea fence (caging for the peas and beans to climb upon).

My husband opened the box a little and I saw the metal caging, so I took the whole box outside and set it on the porch. I’d open it fully when my seeds arrived. That was weeks ago.

Today, as I was cleaning out the garden, I started thinking my seeds probably should have arrived by now. But, I figured Burpee knew what they were doing by waiting. They were helping an accident-prone gardner out. Send them only when she absolutely needs them. Not a moment sooner, not a moment later. She needs all the help she can get.

So, I decided to open up the box containing the pea fence. I thought I’d put it in the garden, since I wanted to configure the placement of my plants, once the seeds arrive.

Yes.

As you’ve already figured out, the stinkin’ seeds were in that box this whole time!!! They’ve been sitting out on my back porch for weeks, now!!

(I snapped pictures, for proof, with my phone camera…)

We’ve had beautiful sunny days with occasional rainy days, perfect for the beginnings of a garden!!

I’ve probably ruined my chances, yet again, for any tomatoes to ever grow under my tutelage.

Am I prone to be an accident-prone gardener for the rest of my life??

Will I ever be able to feed my family food grown by my own hands??

Or, are my children simply going to starve to death, once again??

Like sands through the hourglass, so are the days of my life…

Huh?

Oh, never mind.

March 5, 2012

This past week

For 5 1/2 days now, I’ve been feeling crummy. Something crept up and took hold of me like a vise grip.

But, I knew it wasn’t Strep or even the Flu. Thankfully.

It was a daily low-grade fever, sore throat and just general crud.

But, finally after 5 days of this dragging on, I decided to go to the doctor.

Sinus infection.

Antibiotics.

Better.

Soon.

Yea!

March 1, 2012

A Year Ago…Part Three

“You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly—that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.”~Anne Lamott

I have another post that’s written and ready to go, but I’ve decided to change things up just a bit.

You see, today is the one year anniversary of my mother’s death. If you’ve been following along the last few days, you’ve read a few of my posts about what my sister and I experienced a year ago, leading up to my mother going home.

It’s been quite therapeutic to jot down my memories of the days leading up to her death. Honestly, it was dramatic, startling, sad and traumatic…for me (and my sister) and for my mother. There’s no possible way, after what her body went through, that it wasn’t traumatic.

But, today, I didn’t want to dwell in the death part.

Because, today, I’m not sad.

I’m grateful.

For so many things…

I’m grateful my sister and I were together walking through the last weeks of my mother’s life together.

I’m grateful I was given the gift of, hopefully, making that journey for my mother a little more comfortable. As my friend Sandy wrote to me, there’s an “odd beauty and grace” in process of a loved one dying. I pray my participation was as close to being Christ-like as it could have possibly gotten.

I’m grateful I was able to tell her over and over how much she was loved.

I’m grateful my sister and I had both of my parents around as long as we did. Even though I feel it was too early for them to depart this earth, I know other friends who lost (or were separated from) their parents much, much earlier in life.

I’m more than grateful for my husband. More than grateful. I cannot imagine walking through this past year without him by my side. My mother loved my husband and trusted him. She knew our family, including my sister, would be in good hands. I am blessed.

I’m grateful both of my parents met and loved my sons and knew what fine young men they are and will be. I’m sad the boys don’t have my parents around, but I’m grateful they have my husband’s parents still.

I’m grateful for the renewed commitment my sister and I have made to one another. I’m glad we have one another.

…I’m grateful for the beautiful red cardinal sitting outside my window while I type this. What a gift.

I’m grateful for good friends who love me and pray for me, knowing this could be a hard day.

I’m eternally grateful to God for His gift of my mother and father. They were not perfect. (Nor am I.) But, it was a good fit. And, because of them, I am hopefully a better parent because of their instruction, discipline, and example.

I will continue to miss my mother, but I no longer grieve her death. In fact, the opposite. That’s not to say my stomach doesn’t lurch sometimes when I see something or hear something that reminds me of her; it just means I am removing the figurative sackcloth.

Today, I am looking not at what I’m missing, instead, I’m looking at all I’ve been given.

I’m choosing to dance with a limp.

February 29, 2012

A year ago… Part Two.

Writing about my mother’s last weeks for all the world to see is terrifying. It’s quite personal, quite private, and yet, I know someone out there can relate to my story. Someone is going through the same experiences, or some very similar…or about to. There’s something comforting in knowing someone else has been there, done that. The names and details may vary slightly, but losing a loved one is, unfortunately, something we all experience.

Walking through the door, it was as if nothing had happened. My mother did not seem too terribly concerned with the fact that she had, for the first time in two and a half months, driven the car without really knowing where she was or where she was going. In fact, I don’t recall that she and I even discussed it. In her mind, I guess, it had never happened.

My sister and talked about it. We even, sort of, laughed about it, after the fact. Because, after the fact, we could.

But, needless to say, the keys were immediately removed from my mother’s access.

My mother’s rebellious drive into town for Chinese food reminded me of when my grandmother died.

When my grandmother passed away, she had lived a long, full life. She was 90 and while I mourned her death, it was time. She was ready to go home. My mother, sister and I all sat bedside for 3 days as her body let go of this life and passed to the next.

A few days before my grandmother became bed-ridden, she ate a huge meal. Cleaned her plate. The nursing home said she hadn’t eaten like that in months, if not years. She normally just picked at her food.

But, this meal was different. So different the nurses took notice. It was odd and unusual.

It was her last meal.

Her body knew instinctively, I believe, that it needed to store up calories and fat for the pending death.

If you remove yourself emotionally from the process of death, it is a very fascinating process to witness. It’s surreal to watch how the extremities are the first to go; they begin to die off as the body redirects the oxygen to the core; the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and brain.

Then, as the final day, final hours approach, you see how the heart, lungs and brain are the last to let go. The breathing becomes rattle-y and slower. Finally, the body takes its last breath, sometimes after numerous moments of what you think is “the last breath.”

Only someone who has sat bedside to a dying loved one can appreciate how funny some things would be. We would think our grandmother had taken her last breath, we’d hold ours, we’d say that was it, lean in, say good-bye, then BOOM! she’d gasp for another breath after 20-30 seconds of silence. We’d break out in laughter, saying, “Nope. She’s still going!”

It was never out of disrespect. It was more of a release of emotions.

But, after many hours of that type of waiting and listening for the final breath, you are, possibly, better prepared for when the last breath is taken. You are relieved for their sake. They are done fighting, done suffering…they are hopefully heaven bound.

Once you add back in the emotions, you understand how beautiful the process is. Being beside a human being that you love, watching them move from this earth to Jesus’ presence, leaving a shell. And an empty spot in your heart.

I look at my mother’s little “joy ride” as her last meal. Her last hurrah.

I think she knew, instinctively, whether she was able to verbalize it or not, this was her last chance at freedom before the process of dying took hold.

And, boy did it take hold.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.

“Has this world been so kind to you that you should leave with regret? There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.” ~ C.S. Lewis

February 27, 2012

Determined…

Can’t tell by watching, but, yes, he is a Labrador RETRIEVER…

Dorky dog.

P.S. Yes, he will get in the pool–often–but for some odd reason, he refuses to jump in. He has to go in using the steps…

Where did I go wrong?…

February 24, 2012

A little more than a year ago… Part One.

I went back and forth as to whether I’d actually post something about my mother–it was around this time, last year, that my mother’s battle with lung cancer finally ended. My story is quite personal, private, but at the same time, I know there are others who may be going through (or have gone through) very similar experiences and they could use some companionship …some “I know what you’re going through. Been there, done that.”

Something was up.

It was unusual, no, unheard of, that my husband would show up in the salon where I was having my hair cut and styled. The only reason he knew I was there was because he had just dropped me off about 20 minutes earlier. He planned to run some errands and return for me an hour or so later.

My hair was still wet and Debbie had only trimmed a small portion when he appeared in the doorway of her little styling alcove.

“Your sister can’t find your mom.”

“What?”

“Your sister can’t find your mom. She’s not at the house. The car is gone. She’s gone.”

I wasn’t hearing properly, not comprehending.

“Your sister has been calling you. Your mother got in the car and drove away without her cell phone. Your sister doesn’t know where she is.”

It still was not fully sinking in.

Debbie understood. She could hear it in my husband’s voice, the concern, the worry. She began cutting quickly. She knew this appointment needed to be wrapped up in 5 minutes, max.

Instinctively, my sister knew my mother’s little trek was not a good thing. And, instinctively, my sister knew she needed reinforcement, someone who would understand, blood-kin, sister.

Up to the where my mother had taken her Sunday drive, my mother was seemingly just fine. She had just recently begun to complain of pain in her back, but other than that, she appeared normal, herself. If you didn’t know she was wearing a wig, you didn’t know she had cancer. She had full capacity to think, eat, talk, walk, whatever…except drive. And that was really only because my sister had begun to drive her to her treatments and such, and besides, I think my mother liked having a chauffeur.

She hadn’t driven for over two months. I guess I just assumed she would drive again, once the back pain subsided and her treatments were over. After she had healed.

That’s what I believed. She would be healed. Or, maybe I just didn’t think of the opposite of that. I had no room in my brain for thoughts of her mortality. Besides, she just didn’t act like someone who was dying.

Until she got in that car, alone, and drove away.

Thank the Lord for On-Star. Even though my mother did not answer the On-Star car-phone calls immediately, she eventually did. My sister and I both were able to speak to her. In our individual calls, we each demanded she pull over and stop driving.

She said she wanted Chinese food.

Normal for anyone else to get in the car to get themselves some Chinese food, but not for a woman 6 months into inoperable, incurable lung cancer. In hindsight, we now know that the cancer had spread to her brain by this point, but at the moment, all we knew was something was not right.

We simply did not know where she went. Was she driving to Dallas for Chinese food? To Austin?

Did she even know where she was going for said Chinese food?

No. She didn’t.

When my sister spoke with her the first time via On-Star, she couldn’t describe well where she was. She could say only that she was crossing a bridge–she said it very matter-of-factly–but without really knowing which bridge she was crossing.

Now, whenever I see the electronic highway signs alerting me to be on the lookout for an elderly person’s car and license plate number, my heart sinks. Then, I say a prayer. It’s terrifying, the thought that your elderly parent or grandparent is driving and doesn’t know where he or she is or where they’re going. Terrifying.

Long story, short: thankfully, we did not have to call in the equivalent of an Amber Alert. Fortunately, my mother had driven the roads she was familiar with and did not go too terribly far. She finally agreed to stop and wait for my sister to meet her (i.e. come get her).

And, no, she never got her Chinese food.

In the meantime, my husband drove me home so I could throw a few days’ worth of clothing in a suitcase.

I then began the 4 hour drive to my former home. …the home in which I grew up. …the home where my mother still lived.

Home.

I needed to be with my mom and sister for a few days.

Little did I know those few days would turn into three long weeks.

Little did I know in those three long weeks, I would watch my mother completely and utterly disappear before my eyes.

February 22, 2012

Open House

ThrillCam received a new Martin house for Christmas that he just set in the ground, yesterday!

We’re hoping that a few lovely Purple Martin families will decide to move in soon.

(Apparently, Purple Martins are migratory birds and are scheduled to appear in our area about this time.)

So, just to be on the safe side, I’m posting a listing for all the birds to see:

A MUST SEE! This magnificent, multi-family dwelling is perfect for any fun-loving, bug-eating Purple Martin family. This is the perfect place to rest after your long trek to and from South America!

It has numerous openings, large enough for a Purple Martin to enter and exit, but too small for undesirables…landlords will also be on the lookout for those greedy house squatters: Starlings or House Sparrows!!

This place is HUGE! It’s big enough for you and 18 of your closest Martin family members and friends! WOW!

Too Good to be True! Placed in a desirable neighborhood, high enough that no predator (or large yellow Lab named Bear) can bother you. Set in a quiet cul-de-sac. Great neighbors. Has a pool! And, lots and lots of mosquitoes! Just what the family ordered!

No appointment necessary! Just fly by and check it out. …And stay for awhile!

I’m hoping that will work. (Let’s hope the birds don’t care if the fence is pretty or not…)

I’ll be sure to let you know if we have any new tenants!

February 20, 2012

Homestead Heritage

While ThrillCam and I were out of town, we went to one of my sister’s (and my) favorite places, Homestead Heritage, in Elm Mott, Texas. (Click on the name for the link.)

I, unfortunately, did not take my camera with me, so I only snapped a couple pictures with my phone-camera. Which means, any other photos are credited to the Homestead website (via Google images–I couldn’t find the photographer(s)’s name to give him/her/them credit).

At Homestead, the craftsmen (and craftswomen), true artisans, build, hand-craft, and create furniture, pottery, fabric pieces, and much, much more.

“Our Traditional Crafts Village showcases a community of craftsmen who have returned, not to the past, but to the enduring values exemplified in handcraftsmanship. True craft requires more than skill: it expresses the craftsmen’s care and concern, their personal investment in everything they do. You can visit the shops of our crafts village, watch our craftsmen work, even attend classes to learn craft skills and, in all this, experience with our craftsmen the joy and fulfillment of returning to craft, the art of work.” ~from Homestead’s website

While there, we ate lunch in their cafe and sampled their cheeses.

Yum!

Following lunch in the Homestead Cafe, we shopped in the General Store, located in The Barn (all the buildings are reconstructed barns, very cool!)…

After that, we hit The Gristmill…

…where I picked up some freshly ground grits and cornmeal, as well as some organic evaporated cane juice (in the canister with the red lid).

If I lived closer, I’d sign up for some of their classes–you can learn woodworking, cooking, gardening, fiber crafts (sewing, crocheting, weaving, etc.), and furniture building, to list a few. It’s pretty amazing, their selection of classes and levels of expertise.

I really enjoy visiting when I can. I love hand-made furniture and art work. I also appreciate that the people of Homestead lead a much simpler life, which I think we could all learn from.

Know what I’d really love?

How cool would it be to have the Homestead folks to build me a reconstructed barn?!

But, that’s in my dream world…

If you’re ever in the Waco area, make a point of visiting Homestead Heritage. I think you’d really enjoy yourself.

February 17, 2012

Friday Randomness

Our friend Kathleen Weibel took this picture of us before Christmas, at our church. She has a great children’s photography business in our area.

And this one.

Fun times.

ThrillCam and I have been out of town, hence the random photo selection and my lack of blogging. But, we’re back and glad to be in our own bed, again.

Nothing like your own bed, sheets, and squishy pillow.

I’m working feverishly on getting my new photography website up and running. More on that soon.
We got our first–yes, I said first–delivery of Girl Scout Cookies, yesterday!! Our sweet neighbor Paige brought them by. Now, we wait for the other girls from whom we bought GS cookies. My freezer will runneth over.
While out of town, ThrillCam and I attended the symphony! We were quite the cultured couple. We saw Chris Botti, a trumpet player. I’ve never purchased music from him. My sister gave us the tickets, as she is a season ticket holder for the symphony. The concert was AMAZING! Chris Botti got his notice after (or during) his time with Sting. Now, he holds his own. We were blown away by his music and his BAND! Oh, if only I had an 1/8 of that talent in my little finger… If you have Spotify, check Chris Botti’s music out.
Speaking of music… I am jamming out to G. Love and Special Sauce. Fun! Funky! Groovy and creative. (I think I just heard a dirty word, but I don’t think there are many at all. So, listen carefully if kids are around.) But, I’m telling you, you will dig it! Try “Baby’s Got Sauce” and “Cold Beverage” are their most popular songs.
We had to go out of town for some important meetings, but along with the work stuff, we also enjoyed watching Baylor Men’s Basketball. They won. Of course. The Women’s team is even better! Sic ‘em!!!

This is Perry Jones III, an amazingly talented young player. I put this photo out on Twitter and Instagram commenting on how nice it was of him to welcome us to the game…

…it’s not real. I figured you knew that, but just in case…

We get to celebrate our friend and neighbor Mark, today! He turned 40 this week! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARK!!
We also have baseball, today. It’s that time. Baseball season. We love it. Go Chargers!!

Hope your Friday is super-dee-duper!

And, your weekend, well, I hope it’s full of relaxation, time with family, fun, friends, and good food.

Of course, that should be every day, don’t you think?

XOXO,

February 8, 2012

I told him I wouldn’t…

And, I really meant I wouldn’t.

I told him I was not going to blog about him…or about his…our…making of waffles.

I told him I was just taking pictures for the sake of taking pictures only. It was for the sake of recording a memory, because often my memory cheats me, steals from me, and it only seems to become more greedy as I age.

Besides, they weren’t even good pictures, because I was hurrying to snap them with my phone-camera, since he was/is so ANTI-picture-taking.

Yesterday morning, started out normal, with the exception that my oldest slept in. The Seniors did not have to take benchmark tests, so he stayed home.

Yes, the school took attendance, but I can’t feel too bad that he missed sitting in the auditorium all day watching Disney movies, so the school could receive their tax dollars…my tax dollars.

A morning that started out much like any other morning, ended different than usual. The morning’s punctuation mark was the making of waffles.

Sounds simple enough.

And, I meant it that I would not blog about him. He is private and my blogging is not, so I told him I wouldn’t post the silly pictures.

Unfortunately, I had a little time to think about our short 30 minute cooking class.

I changed my mind.

It’s my prerogative, no?

Now, initially, my blog post was going to be about the fact that I have failed as a mother, in that, my oldest punk-kid has no clue what to do in a kitchen.

He knows how and where to put dishes away, how to assemble a plateful of food, turn on and off the lights, and how to toast a Pop-Tart, but the actual mechanics of making a meal?

No.

No clue.

That’s how I wanted to begin my post. Making fun of both of us.

But, as I considered the moment of making waffles, the laughter, the oh-so-brief and meaningful interaction between the two of us, I had to stop.

Re-direct.

Re-write.

And I had to say a prayer of thanksgiving to God.

I had to thank Him for the gift of a connection, a moment, an opportunity to genuinely laugh together, to get flour all over ourselves, to truly just be.

Be.

Enjoying ourselves.

I thought about how proud he was of his waffles…about the joy the simple, little round of flour and milk, baking powder and eggs, covered in butter and syrup brought to his morning.

I thought about the fact that it is far less common for just the two of us to be together, alone, in the kitchen. Normally, if that is happening, we are performing kitchen chores, him unloading the dishwasher, me attempting to keep him on task, him looking for ice cream, me cooking dinner, etc. Talk of homework, baseball hitting, the mail, The Office, the weekend’s upcoming events, all being thrown about, both of us looking ahead and not at the NOW.

He is no longer my little boy.

He has stealthily morphed into a young man right before my eyes.

He will not be around my house for long periods of time come June. It will be sporadic. Brief.

That thought I push out of my mind.

If I don’t think about it, it won’t happen. Right?

He’s quiet, but possesses a wicked sense of humor that shows itself briefly and quickly. He’s tall. And he has muscles, defined muscles. He thinks a lot. Talks little. Loves music, but not necessarily what the masses love. He loves Jesus. And, he loves his mama.

And he loves him some waffles.

This young man, who, once he leaves home for college, probably won’t want to make waffles himself, but will ask his mama to make them instead.

Gladly, I will!

I will make as many as he can possibly stuff into that tall, thin body.

BUT.

…but, I want to make a mental note to remember to ask him to help me.

Not because I can’t do it. But because I want more moments, like yesterday morning, where we shared something as simple as mixing milk, eggs and flour.

These precious moments are fleeting. And I have never been very good at stopping to smell the roses. I am more of the type to look for the roses, take a snapshot and move on to the next garden.

I don’t want to waste away, busy-away, distraction-away the moments I have left with him.

Because, soon enough, they will be even more fleeting and farther between.

So…

Yesterday morning I said I would not blog about him.

I lied.

February 6, 2012

Super Bowl 2012!

If you’ve been riding along on this blog train for any amount of time, then you’ve certainly read some posts about our annual neighborhood Super Bowl football game, the Hunks vs. Punks. I have documented four or five years of this happy occasion.

To me, the pre-game before “The Game” is far more entertaining and fun.

This year was different, though.

This year, the Hunks decided to end a years-long tradition. I think, they decided they were a) too old, b) too out-of-shape, c) too old, and d) too old to put themselves in harm’s way any more.

As far as the Punks, I’m not sure why they did not want to participate.

But, as you will recall, last year, I told you about the up and coming Punks. They were chomping at the bit to finally get their chance to play on the gridiron in this fun neighborhood tradition.

They wanted to try their hand with the big boys.

Just look at those little Punks waiting, longing, dreaming of when their time was to come…

Bless their little pea-pickin’ hearts…

The big Hunks vs. Punks game would be played and watched by many, while the “little guys” stood on the sidelines.

Finally, following the Hunks vs. Punks game, these guys would form their own game.

This group of neighborhood boys have always had to wait their turn. They were just not old enough to mix it up with the big boys.

They needed to wait. They would have gotten hurt.

This year, though, they were all old enough and big enough to participate.

So, you can see why I was sad for the boys’ sakes that the big game didn’t happen on the level that it has in the past.

Fortunately, though, ThrillCam and our neighbor Scott honored the little guy’s desire to continue the tradition.

They went out in the cold and wet and chose teams.

And, played.

Football.

In the mud.

It was so much fun.

And, boy did they have a great time!!

And, while I dearly miss the traditional Hunks and Punks game, I must say, the level of pure joy present during yesterday’s game far outweighs the previous years’ games.

It was nice to see a fun tradition continue to take place in our neighborhood, even if it was on a smaller scale.

I will have more about this game in the days to come.

Because you will not believe how this all ended…

Have a great Monday!

February 3, 2012

My buddy.

Have a great day, y’all!

February 1, 2012

All is well

First of all, thank you for the prayers, yesterday! I very much appreciate it.

I really wasn’t nervous, at all, probably because of all the prayers!

Like I said in yesterday’s post, what I was really most excited about was the deep sleep I’d receive while I was being operated on.

I was not disappointed.

(Although, I will say, it was WAY too short!)

The surgery went smoothly.

My doctor got out what she needed (nothing major or scary, just some Spring cleaning of my nether regions), I got some much-needed sleep, and as of this morning, I don’t even need my pain meds!

I’m sore and still moving a little slow, but it’s all good.

Again, thank you for the prayers and well-wishes! You are good folk.

XOXO,

January 31, 2012

Minor

I’m going in this morning for a minor out-patient surgery. It’s been many years since I’ve gone under general anesthetics.

And although it’s been awhile, I’m really not worried.

In fact, I am most looking forward to the deep, restful sleep I will have while they dig around inside! You know, the kind of sleep where you remember nothing, it’s deep and relaxing and warm…ahhhhh…..

Getting the internal physical needs taken care of will just be gravy.

Please join me in praying for my doctor and for a speedy recovery. And that I get a GREAT nap in!

Thank you!
E.

January 30, 2012

Latest Instagram Pics

I’ve been doing an okay job with keeping up on my picture-a-day on Instagram, so far. Yes, I’ve skipped a couple days, but for the most part I’ve been consistent.

If you don’t follow me on Instagr.am (social app for phones & computers) or on Twitter (another social app), then you haven’t seen these.
If you do follow me on either of those, I apologize for the repeat.

Here are a few from the last couple of weeks.

I just liked the colors…

My sister gave me tweezers for Christmas. No really. They are the cutest!

It makes plucking feel glamorous.

It’s crazy how warm and pleasant our weather has been over the last couple of weeks. It’s odd for January and makes me worry what is to come for February and March…

But, it makes for pretty flowers.

My youngest son has always loved Nerds. I just recently discovered their sweet-tart deliciousness…

My husband is complete.

Not because of me.

But, because of this…

More candy.

My sister also gave our family large quantities of Baylor M&Ms for the Alamo Bowl.

We have slowly finished them off.

Or, quickly finished them off.

Either way, they are just about gone. (sniff.)

Our neighbors have this dog.

His name is Beef.

He is huge.

And so, so adorable.

Here is his nose.

Happy Thursday!

P.S. On Instagr.am you can find me by searching for esimmonsphotog. Follow me on Twitter @esimmonsphotography

January 27, 2012

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary, How Does Your Garden Grow?

Late last Spring, early Summer, after we had completed our pool, ThrillCam installed a raised bed for me in our backyard. My first “crop” was, well, meh. Not much to write home about.

With the exception of the bell peppers, not much else grew with gusto.

Yes, I had corn (about 3 ears) and yes, I had peas (without the actual fruit! The plants grew like mad, but never did I find a pod…).

Oh, wait! I did have an abundance of basil.

But, my carrots, cilantro, and green beans never made it to the show.

We won’t even talk about my tomatoes…

I blame the poor response mainly to the fact that I planted it all WAY too late in the season.

And because we had zero rain.

And because I have no idea what I’m doing.

Fast forward to this Fall.

I decided to try a couple Winter type vegetables.

Guess what?! I’ve been somewhat successful!

Look at my broccoli!

Why, hello there, beautiful! How are you, today?

And, looky here!

Lettuce!!

Knock, Knock!

Who’s there?

Lettuce.

Lettuce, who?

Lettuce in and we’ll tell you…

And, Italian Oregano…

Ciao, Bella!

I’ve been renewed!

My confidence has been fortified!

So, because I believe I’m now a Grade-A Certified Farmer, I have ordered new seeds from Burpee! Of course, I ordered way more than my little garden can hold, but that’s okay. I won’t plant them all. Just a few. Just to see.

I’m very, very excited!

Off to hoe, or dig, or harvest, or something…,

P.S. My broccoli has gotten HUGE, like a donkey huge. In fact, some of the broccoli is actually flowering. For those of you who actually know what you are doing in your garden, have I waited too long to pick it? Will it taste awful if I pick it now and try to eat it??

January 25, 2012

Some Results from the Seniors Hands-on Photography Class at Imaging USA 2012

My photography buddy, Marie, and I arrived early in New Orleans to attend a special all-day hands-on photography class at the Imaging USA 2012 convention. It consisted of two classes, one in the morning, one in the afternoon, each taught by different photographers.

The first class was taught by Kibbie Walton of Artisan Portraits. (click on his link to see some of his work) His Senior portraiture is really spot-on and lovely.

He worked with us on lighting and posing, but covered a gamut of photography-related topics. I loved that he was so approachable and knowledgable. He also possessed a quick wit.

Imaging USA provided us with two models for the morning session, which was quite helpful. It allowed us to practice what Kibbie was teaching. It was good to hear him and watch him work with the models as he moved them through different poses and such.

Here are two photos I took during the class:

(I added my copyright mark, but only because I was using a particular action in Photoshop that adds it. I need to make it clear, if I haven’t already, I took these portraits in a teaching/learning environment.)

The only touchups I made were slight brightness adjustments, contrast and adding pop to the eyes. I did re-touch, very minimally, the female’s skin. But, barely. She had beautiful skin to begin with, but her hands were a bit splotchy, so I touched up that area.

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Then, after a lunch break, we returned to find a new teacher, Chuck Arlund. This guy was a trip! VERY artsy and creative. In fact, when he first began speaking, I honestly thought to myself, “There’s no way I can sit through this for 3 hours and follow him; he’s all over the place!” But, I’m telling you, after about 30 minutes of a hit-or-miss introduction, we left the classroom and got to work. He was great! Very personable, like Kibbie Walton, and effective in helping me understand some lighting/flash techniques.

I liked him a lot.

Please check out his work, as well. It’s amazing! (Please note: Chuck is a high fashion photographer. His work includes some shots of models in small articles of clothing, sometimes not big enough to cover all the parts. Please do not look at his work if you have small children at your knee.)

For this class, we were given another young model to practice with. Chuck was walking us through some lighting set-ups, but to practice with his set-up, we had to wait our turn to use his equipment/flashes. I decided to snap a couple shots of the model without the flashes. I wanted to practice some backlit situations and this is what I got:

I did not re-touch this model’s skin. I only played with the contrast and darkened the blacks a bit. Very minimal re-touch. (Again, the above two portraits were taken in a learning/teaching situation.)

The teachers/photographers at the convention were all fantastic. In fact, it was somewhat over-whelming receiving so much information is such a short amount of time. I am still sorting through hand-outs, ads, tips, dvds, photos, etc., etc., etc.

Even though I am still combing through all the information I was given, I am so thankful I got the opportunity to attend. All the piles of papers and sorting is worth it.

I’ve already begun saving for next year!

Have a super day!

January 23, 2012

Catching up…

Photo Title: I Wish. I Want.

Whew! I am still trying to catch up after being gone for 5 days to New Orleans for the Imaging USA 2012 convention.

Why does laundry seem to expand and multiply after a trip? And, it’s not even all MY laundry??

I needed a break from the laundry, so I thought I’d show you a couple shots I took with my phone while in New Orleans. They are mostly food pictures. But, I promise you, we did more than just eat. In fact, we didn’t really eat that much. I just made sure I took pictures of some of my favorite spots/meals.

Photo Title: BBQ Shrimp and Grits: You Complete Me.

We walked over to Bourbon Street to eat at Red Fish Grill (basically at the corner of Canal Street and Bourbon Street). I had the most delectable, creamy, mouth-watering shrimp and grits I’ve ever tasted.

I’m telling you, even if you don’t like grits, you would swoon over these babies. Ahhhh-maaaazzzz-ing.

Marie and I liked Red Fish Grill so much, we returned the next night!

We were told the night before by a waiter named Scott, that we missed their signature dessert and we should come back just for that. Oh, and for their steak. He was so convincing, Marie and I returned only to find no Scott the waiter working. Fortunately, Jonathan was much obliged to serve us. (I didn’t take a picture of the steak on the second night, but let me tell you…I could cut it with a butter knife. Oh.My.) The Double Chocolate Bread Pudding (they are “famous” for it) was divine. Worth the trip back. (I’m not a huge bread pudding fan, but this was tops in my book.)

By the way, if you ever visit Red Fish Grill, I can safely and highly recommend the BBQ oysters, the Zapp’s fish (crunchy potato chip topping), BBQ shrimp and grits, their steak, and, for sure, end with the bread pudding…but, share it; it’s very rich and filling.

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Photo Title: I wish I were as creative as the people who think to advertise between the escalators. Genius.

It has been a long, long time since I’ve been to a convention of any sort. I was truly amazed at the creative displays and advertising that happened all over the convention center. There was not an empty space without some kind of ad plastered on it. I get hanging signs and booths, etc., but it takes a keen eye and quick imagination to be able to spot places like the center of the escalators, to place strategic advertising.

I rode up and down those escalators for 5 days and I stared at the MpixPro ad every single time. All the way up. All the way down. Finally, I snapped a picture on the way down.

M r smart people, m r.

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Our first night in New Orleans, we took a chance and tried Mandina’s in the Garden District. My friend Robin was told about this restaurant while flying to New Orleans. It was worth it. Packed with people wearing all their Saints garb and filled with smells of good Creole food.

I had a fish filet covered in crawfish etouffee. So, so good.

Photo Title: Mandina’s, until next time.

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Robin and Marie and I walked around the Expo for a little while on Sunday, the day it opened. There were a trillion booths with an absolute over-load of eye candy for the photographer. Everywhere you looked, there were beautiful set-ups with furniture and chandeliers all meant to sell their photo albums, or booths full of lens and cameras, photo jewelry, printer companies, etc., etc., etc. It was hard to land on just one booth; they were all so appealing.

But, this one booth stood out from the crowd and held us captive; they had the most unusual “hook” for grabbing our attention: snakes and an albino alligator.

Unfortunately, their hook was more attractive than the actual product. None of the three of us could remember the product they were selling!

(For my neighbor Stan: I could have wrapped myself in two boa constrictors, along with holding the alligator, but I refrained. You’re welcome.)

This was a good learning lesson: never have too good of a distraction/attraction that it takes away from the product you are selling!

Photo Title: No, I was COMPLETELY sober! And, yes, she’s ALIVE.

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Okay. So you cannot visit the Big Easy without making a trip to Cafe Du Monde. It’s a must.

(I’m not keen on posting so many pictures of myself on my blog, but, golly, it is what it is. I was making memories with good friends and I’m so glad we had some pictures taken.)

We did not have to wait in line on that Monday night, but even if you visit and it’s got a line forever, stand in it. Wear good shoes. Wait. You will not be disappointed!!

Have beignets and some of their Chickory coffee, or hot chocolate, or, like me, milk.

Be sure your hands are clean, because you WILL be licking your fingers.

Also, do not wear black, as seen above. You will leave with a fine dusting of powdered sugar all over you.

Order more than one beignet order. You will want to eat more than one beignet. I promise.

Photo Title: Happy. Bliss. De-lish. Oh.My. More, please?

I’ll post some more, soon, from the hands-on class Marie and I took during the pre-conference classes.

Now, back to the laundry.

Have a super Monday!

January 13, 2012

A Cooking Tip. Part Two. Was I WRONG????

Recently, I discussed the failure of a tip.

The tip was, if you place a wooden spoon over a pot with boiling liquid it will prevent it from boiling over.

I said it was silly, a myth, and did not hold water.

Snort! I crack myself up…did not hold water…get it? huh? huh?

In the comments, my neighbor and good friend, Stan, questioned my results, basically accusing me not following the rules.

He pointed out the utensil I used was not a wooden spoon, but rather a wooden handle with a plastic spatula.

Now, I will say in my defense, the plastic was not over the water, but Stan was right.

I’m a little on the competitive side and felt I needed to prove to the world (or to the 3 people who actually read this drivel) that I was right.

I knew, KNEW, there was no way the wooden spoon thing was going to work.

Wives tale. Myth. Hogwash.

I re-tested it at home and without giving you all the gory details, I found it to be inconclusive. I used a fully wooden spoon and I boiled the snot out a pot of water. I even added a piece of chicken. But, as I said, it was inconclusive. It did, in fact, boil over, but it was a miniscule amount. The problem: it boiled over–that very same miniscule amount–both WITH the spoon and WITHOUT. There seemed to be no change.

Fast forward to Christmas.

I’m at my sweet mother-in-law’s house and we are discussing the whole wooden spoon thing while preparing Christmas lunch. I told her it was inconclusive.

My mother-in-law saw that as a challenge.

So, when she made the macaroni and cheese, she tested the wooden spoon theory while boiling the macaroni.

Low and behold, the water never boiled over! And, I’m telling you, it wanted to. Real bad.

I believe her test worked like it was supposed to.

So….I’m hear to say a couple of things:

1) I was wrong. I admit it.

But don’t ever expect me to admit that ever again, on any topic. Ever.

My apologies to the writer of Kayotic Kitchen, where I first read about the stinkin’ idea. (Her blog is a neat cooking site.)

2) I had read some research on the topic, and yes, it has been tested and found to work.

If I remember correctly, it has something to do with the bubbles holding in heat and the wooden spoon allows the bubbles to attach themselves to the handle, thereby popping the bubbles. This, in turn, prevents the boiling starchy water from boiling over. (I am in no way, shape, or form a scientist, so please forgive me if, by chance, a really, really smart person stops by to read this drivel–because, really, you can’t be too terribly smart if you actually return to read this blog on a daily basis…wink/wink/smileyface/jk!!– and he/she reads the above sentence, and freaks out because I did not describe it correctly, or give the proper terms to the scientific happenings, blahblahblahblahblah….)

3) I saw it work with my own to eyes.

Pinky promise.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Now, you try it! And, please, let me know your findings. I’m really curious if it ends up working for others.

Yours ’til the par boils,

P.S. Look the question up on the internet. It’s interesting! I think this would be such a cool science project (with adult supervision!).

January 12, 2012

Packing for a trip

I am so excited, I can’t stand it!

I am headed to New Orleans for the Imaging Expo, a photography convention that promises to be all that and a bag of chips! I’m riding along with a fairly new friend Marie (we’ve known each other for a couple of years, but just now growing our friendship), who is launching her own High School Senior Portrait business.

And, we’re meeting up with my longtime friend and college classmate, Robin, who has a wedding photography business in Nashville.

When I say it will be fun, it will be F.U.N.!

I will tell you more about our trip later. But, for now, I want to show you how I packed for the trip.

I know. Weird.

And, who cares?

I do!

I purchased packing cubes back in 2010 a little before our international trip to Jordan. I bought green for me and blue for ThrillCam. He was beyond excited. Not.

BUT, I used them with great success.

Since then, I’ve packed in the little zipper pouches mainly for bigger, longer trips. I believe they allow me to pack more and more efficiently. But, they’re great for short trips, too.

For this upcoming trip to New Orleans, I sort of took it to a new level…at least, for me.

I designed the outfit I wanted to wear for, say, Monday…

…made a little sign to remind me which day I wanted to wear it…

…snapped a picture with my phone-camera…

…and zipped it up.

I did that with each and every outfit.

I even had an extra packing cube to put all my “evening” outfits in, for nights out on the town.

Now, when I get to New Orleans, and I’m sharing a room with two other ladies who will each have enough clothing and items for 5 days, I can keep all mine stuff in one place, ready to go.

Easy-sneezy.

I purchased my packing cubes from Ebags (via Amazon), but you can find versions of them on TravelSmith’s website, as well as so many other places. Just Google “packing cubes.”

I am not an organized person in any form or fashion, but these little packing cubes make me feel like I am.

P.S. None of these sites or companies know me from the man on the moon. They did not pay me–wish they had–to advertise for them. I just like the things!

January 11, 2012

Instagr.am

I’ve told you before about the app, Instagr.am. It is a favorite of mine and I’ve found that I use it almost daily.

Well, I use it daily, now, for sure.

You see, I’ve decided to participate in the Instagram’s 366 project.

Okay, here’s where I show my stupidity: I didn’t understand why it was called Instagram366…

But, I just went along with it, because I figured the folks at Instagram knew what they were doing when giving the year 366 days.

I figured we would take one last picture on the first day of January 2013, for some odd reason.

So, did YOU know 2012 was a Leap Year??

Hence, 366.

Duh.

I’ve found using my iPhone to snap a picture daily is easy. There’s no list of topics to take pictures of, so there’s no pressure to “make” a shot. On the other hand, there are just so many shots of Starbucks’ cups and my dog that I can take before it becomes boring and redundant.

Boring and redundant equals quitting.

So, I think I may loosely use the list I saw on my friend Lana’s blog. It’s a list to help you be more aware of the gifts, joys, blessings around you. And, you can use your camera to help capture those gifts (the book encourages you to write the gifts down, daily).

Check out the book and app, One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. (I am hoping to start reading the book in a couple of weeks. Join me!)

And, thanks, Lana, for making me aware of this book!

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

And, before I leave you, I had to post one last picture I took with my phone and posted on Instagram yesterday.

I follow Trey Wingo of ESPN on Twitter, who also happens to be a Baylor grad. He tweeted “Adios, RG3,” or something like it.

No official announcement has been made, yet, but an ESPN reporter broke the news that Robert Griffin III was going pro.

The Baylor Nation will be sad to see RG3 go, for sure. It’s been a great run with him at the helm, but he will go on to do great things for Baylor by being in the NFL. He will be such an important and positive ambassador for Baylor, for which I am glad.

I’m really happy for him.

Keep an eye on this kid. He’s one to watch…

Sic ‘em RG3!!

May 12, 2013

Mother’s Day

scan0018 copy

All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.

– Oscar Wilde

Summer 1974 copy

A daughter is a mother’s gender partner, her closest ally in the family confederacy, an extension of her self. And mothers are their daughters’ role model, their biological and emotional road map, the arbiter of all their relationships.
~ Victoria Secunda

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never.

A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh

Mothers are fonder than fathers of their children because they are more certain they are their own. ~Aristotle

A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts. ~Washington Irving

I miss thee, my Mother!

Thy image is still

The deepest impressed on my heart. ~Eliza Cook

Happy Mother’s Day,

May 2, 2013

Dancing with a limp…

Nearly 40 years.

That’s how long I’ve known Tammie.

Crazy, huh? That’s a long time.

Boy, have we got stories from our childhood to tell!

Tammie actually stayed in the area where we grew up and I left.

Now, 20 years later, I’ve moved back and, thankfully, we’ve re-connected.

Our first reunion came after my mother died of cancer. Tammie came to her funeral in 2010 and stayed after everyone else left. She just sat with me in the quiet. We were able to catch up a little. Honestly, though, I can’t remember much of what we talked about. I just think it was the familiarity that I remember most. She was someone who knew my mom way back when.

That memory and time together will forever mean the world to me.

A few months after I moved back, we found ourselves together at another funeral.

This time is was her son’s.

Her precious hazel-eyed 18 year old son lost his battle to cancer in December of 2012. I wasn’t able to sit with her, in the quiet, after his funeral–it was a packed house with hundreds of friends and family to honor Cam–but she knew I was there.

Unlike someone who is born with a literal hole in their heart, Tammie can’t have surgeries to repair her hole. She will have to walk with a limp, so to speak, for the rest of her life. And, there will be days when the rain or cold makes the limp worsen and ache.

But…

Enter some sunshine: David.

While David can’t ever completely fill the void that Cam left–he’d never try to–he has proven to be a rock Tammie has leaned into even before Cam got sick. (David and Tammie have known each other since high school–he was a year or two behind us. Crazy how those long-ago relationships can find their way back into our lives.)

The really great news?

THEY’RE GETTING MARRIED!!!

And, guess what?

I’m pretty sure they will be dancing at the wedding …and beyond!!

Limp and all.

The best part, they’ll have each other to hold on to.

God bless you, Tammie and David. I pray our Father blesses and protects your marriage for many, many, many years to come. I pray you grow old, crotchety, and completely inseparable because of your commitment to each other! May your dependence on Jesus bind you together and strengthen you as individuals and as a couple. May you continue to honor God as you love each other, your children, family and friends.

And, may you laugh and dance, often….

April 29, 2013

Wakeboarding

Last summer, my oldest punk discovered a small, but growing more and more popular wake-boarding park near where I grew up.

When you look around, you see water, ramps, wakeboards, and flipping, spraying, jumping wakeboarders.

What you don’t see is a boat.

If you’ve never seen a water park like this, it’s kind of odd, at first, but then you begin to realize the genius behind it.

BSR Cable Park is just outside of Waco, Texas. The wakeboard lake is actually the shape of a donut, with a cable system running around the perimeter of the lake.

When it’s your turn, from a standing position, you grab the cable handle and let it pull you out into the water.

And, off you go!

From there, you have the freedom to move around and try the various jumps and ramps scattered around the lake.

If you fall off or happen to let go of the handle, it just keeps going, and you? Well, you have to get yourself to the shore and walk back around to the line to wait your turn.

There’s a great sound system out there–and, at least on the day I was there–they were pumping out good classic rock…it felt like I was at a ski resort, only without the snow, cold and aching body parts. All that was missing, at the time, was the smell of hamburgers being seared on the grill.

As the day wore on, my son got a better feel for the cable system and was able to stay up for much longer periods of time.

He eventually started performing a few tricks on the ramps.

Not only did my son improve, I also felt like my photography improved. It had been a couple months since I had gotten to photograph any kind of sporting event, so this was not only fun for me as a mom, but also as a photographer.

I love sports and action photography!

I also love my son.

Win/win for me.

My son returned a couple of weekends ago, but I did not join him–it was still too cold! I still can’t believe he wanted to jump into that cold water, but I guess when you’re young and fit, and wearing a good wet suit, you can handle most anything.

I’m looking forward to more visits out to BSR Cable Park this Spring and Summer!

And, maybe next time, I’ll grab a burger.

April 26, 2013

Fallen Firefighters & EMS of West, Texas Memorial

(photo credit: www.businessinsider.com)

There were moving speeches…

(photo credit: seattlepi.com)

And loving tributes…

(photo credit: bigstory.ap.com)

But, my tears really started with each clang of that bell…

8811266_vtf

(photo credit to dfw.cbslocal.com)

But, then…those bagpipes.

Oh, those hauntingly beautiful bagpipes…

(photo credit: PrayersforWest facebook page)

I wish, so much, I could have found a video of the bagpipers and drummers playing Amazing Grace at the memorial.

It literally took my breath away.

My heart is so very heavy for those mourning in West.

…for those healing

…for those searching

…for those hurting

…for those weeping

…for those unsteady

…for those broken.

My prayer for the precious people of West:

“Then the young women will dance for joy;
    the young and old men will join in.
I will turn their mourning into laughter
    and their sadness into joy;
        I will comfort them.” Jer. 31:13 CEB

(photo credit: myktem.com)

April 25, 2013

Coffee and Breakfast Goodness!

May I just say, it’s quite hard to type while licking icing off your fingers?

You see, on this cold and blustery morning (it’s late April–what’s up with that!?!), I invited some neighbors over for coffee and some scrumptious goodies to gab by.

About 6 months ago, we moved to a completely new area of Texas, one that we were familiar with, but one where we didn’t really know anyone. So, we’ve had to very intentional about meeting and making friends. With that in mind, I have occasionally invited over some of the neighborhood girls for coffee. I absolutely love the time we spend together–we laugh a lot, which is good for the soul. And, we, of course, eat a lot.

Well, not all of us. Just me. I eat a lot.

Anyway, I thought I’d pass along the recipes I made this morning. I figure, this way, if you have these easy recipes, you too, might invite some neighbors over for coffee (and goodies).

It makes the world a better place…or at least your neighborhood a better place, no?

This first recipe is not really a recipe. It’s just cooking an already prepared item in a new way. (This is why I still have icing under my fingernails.)

Cinnamon Roll Waffles!

Just place one or two cinnamon rolls (store bought pop-open-the-can cinnamon rolls–you know, like Pillsbury) into a greased waffle iron, close the lid, and press down. Once they’ve reached the crispy edged done-ness you desire, place them on a plate and squeeze on the icing!

(If you don’t have enough icing from the can, just stir together about 1/2 C. powdered sugar and 1-2 T. milk–or heavy cream–and a pinch of salt. You want the icing to be thick.)

By the way, your kids will love this new presentation of a cinnamon roll!

I also whipped up a batch of Orange Juliusessssss. (How do you pluralize Orange Julius…esesesessss??)

(Can you tell I snapped all these pictures with my phone-camera? blech!)

Easy-sneezy.

Add 1 Can frozen OJ (12 oz.) to a blender, along with 1 OJ can of milk, 1 T. sugar and 1 T. vanilla. Blend away! (Add ice cubes, if desired.)

It’s good for what ails the soul.

Or for a nasty cold.

Or for neighbor friends.

Or just because.

Lastly, I made Eggs Benedict Casserole.

So, creamy and delicious. It’s one of those make-the-night-before-breakfast-casseroles that definitely fits the bill.

It had me at hello.

It hits the spot.

It scratches that itch.

It completes me.

Enough already!

The hardest (not really hard, but step-intensive??, if that) part was making the hollandaise sauce. Not a big deal, I promise. Just have your hand mixer near your microwave, so you can easily beat the sauce between heatings in the microwave.(The recipe I used calls for a hand mixer and the microwave. Most of the other recipes online have you whisk it over a simmering pan of water. I suggest you compare the recipes and decide which you think is easier for you and then go for it.)

I have all of these recipes on my Pinterest breakfast board. Check them out!

Now, make your grocery list and text or call a couple of neighbors, including one or two you don’t know well, and invite them over for coffee.

Don’t make a fuss. Just keep it real and casual.

Deepen those relationships!

Oh, and eat some good food!!

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