Learning Along the Way....

2011-09-30T22:37:00.001-04:00

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A Lovely Quote

2011-08-19T14:22:00.000-04:00

“Do the things you used to talk about doing but never did. Know when to let go and when to hold on tight. Stop rushing. Don't be intimidated to say it like it is. Stop apologizing all the time. Learn to say no, so your yes has some oomph. Spend time with the friends who lift you up, and cut loose the ones who bring you down. Stop giving your power away. Be more concerned with being interested than being interesting. Be old enough to appreciate your freedom, and young enough to enjoy it. Finally know who you are. ”

~Kristin Armstrong

Time to Play

2011-07-11T16:49:00.002-04:00

A weekend staying in and taking care of a very sick husband gave me a chance to slow down a bit. Keith was so sick that he slept most of the weekend and since I needed to keep quiet, I spend the weekend playing on the computer and watching movies. I must admit it was kind of nice.

In the midst of all my playing, I finally took time to try out a new site that I want to mingle in with some of my photography. Animoto is really easy to use and short videos are free. So, I recommend any of you to give it a try.

In the meantime, in an attempt to start posting here again, I thought I'd share my first video. It's a little rough and just some recent racing photos, but hope you all enjoy.

Exciting news!

2011-03-11T13:01:00.000-05:00

I am excited to check in with all of you. My life is hectic as always and every free second has been filled. Thankfully, it's primarily been filled with some freelance writing gigs. I've been ghostwriting for several different websites for the last few months in addition to holding down my regular job. I love it, but I must admit that it feels nice to see my actual byline with my work. I'm happy to share with you all my first article in which I am getting full credit. Better news. I've been picked up by this company as an actual writer and will not only continue to get my byline published, but also receive a pretty decent fee for my work. Needless to say I'm beyond excited!

Do It Anyway

2011-02-03T15:59:00.000-05:00

Every month, I give myself a little treat. I visit the most wonderful massage therapist in the world, Annie. In the hour that we spend together each month, I totally relax. She sets the background music up just for me and the room smells heavenly. Just entering the massage room, the scent of Eucalyptus and Lavender makes every muscle in my body automatically relax. The soft green on the walls and the angels placed strategically around the room offer such a serene atmosphere.

Annie is beyond pleasant herself and we chit chat until I doze off on the table. She is extremely good at what she does. She works every knot in my body out making me feel like a totally different person. A non-stressed, totally relaxed version of myself that is a little hard to find most days.

When I stand up to redress, beside the table, a small framed saying always catches my eye. It always makes me smile and remember what is truly important.

Last night, Keith went to visit Annie. I went along with him as I always do with a book in tow. When he was finished, I pointed out the frame to him. He agreed that it was a inspiring quote. One that I plan to frame myself now and set up in our home as a reminder to us each and everyday. For now, I wanted to share it with you all while it was fresh on my mind. Those of you on my Facebook have seen it before, but I doubt you'll mind seeing it again.

DO IT ANYWAY

By Mother Theresa

People are often unreasonable and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway

A Whole New Year

2011-01-28T11:15:00.001-05:00

Every year I make New Year's resolutions and pretty much always fail at them. I choose the same ones as many of you do. I am going to loose weight. I'm going to get organized. I'm going to wash dinner dishes every evening before bed. These things just don't happen for me. So, this year I chose something completely different and personal. I have promised myself that I will have more fun, enjoy life more, and take better care of myself.

That may sound odd to some of you or maybe most of you can relate. It seems I throw myself into work. It almost appears to be all I know. Since I've actually entered the real world and workforce, I've pretty much always kept either a full time and part time job or worked full time and attended school full time. When I decided to take time off before pursuing a Master's, I didn't expect the free time to be a burden. However, it appears in all my dedication to hard work that I've forgotten how to enjoy life a bit. How to relax and have fun. A sad reality that truly bothers me to my core.

While life is still harder than I wish, I've managed to keep trudging on. Something that should satisfy me, but doesn't. I don't just want to survive this life. I want to soak up every second and truly enjoy my days here. So, I'm pushing myself to do just that.

I'm letting dinner dishes go until the next morning, to enjoy a game of Scrabble or something on the XBox with Keith every chance we get. I'm stretching my boundaries and even trying out games like Halo, which I surprisingly find fun. Granted I still don't fully understand the game, but I like shooting at things. I'm taking more time to read and write. While I suppose some of the writing is considered work, I really enjoy it. I've been doing a lot of article writing for various websites and I pushed myself outside my bounds again last weekend by entering a creative short story contest. It was my first time entering a contest and I don't expect any great results, but I had fun and do plan on entering more.

I'm making time to see my friends and even planning a weekend getaway, which isn't until April. Yet, it's still going to be good to get away with all of them and just catch up. I've also decided to sign up for a short watercolor painting class. It should be interesting. I have absolutely no talent in that area, but it's advertised for beginners and I've always wanted to give it a try.

I'm just glad to see progress in my resolutions. To be honest, I feel better. I think most of us have forgotten the value of fun and enjoyment. It really does benefit all areas of our lives. I'll leave you all with one last thought.

"Who will tell whether one happy moment of love or the joy of breathing or walking on a bright morning and smelling the fresh air, is not worth all the suffering and effort which life implies." ~Erich Fromm

365 Day Project

2011-01-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

I am actually keeping up witht this project. However, most have been rushed and I'm too ashamed to post them here. I promise I'll post again when I feel like they are okay to be seen. :)

365 Day Project

2011-01-04T20:12:00.000-05:00

Day 1: January 1, 2011. Keith with our new car. My favorite part, completely assembled in Chicago, IL.

Day 2: January 2, 2011. Hanging out at home with Keith and Sable. Spent a good portion of the day in my pj's and it was wonderful.

Day 3: January 3, 2011. Keith and I both had long, hard days back at work after a long weekend. We were exhausted and just cuddled up on the couch to watch a movie.

Day 4: January 4, 2011. My sweet Sable can always cheer me up even on the worst of days.

A Wonderful Christmas...

2010-12-29T14:14:00.004-05:00

This year Christmas was simply wonderful. More time seemed to be spent simply being together than usual, which is so important. I told Keith this Christmas was one of the best that I can remember. Everyone was so happy and there seemed to be so much love going around. In honor of such a wonderful holiday, I thought I would share a few of my favorite photos that seemed to capture my Christmas. Hope you all enjoy!

Getting a hug from my sweet nephew.

Sable in her Christmas sweater, enjoying the excitement as always.

My grandmother and cousins gathered around the stove cooking.

Payback on my aunt for her prank gifts, courtesy of Keith.

Can you see the emotion as my neice grabbed my gift before I could see what I got.

Precious trying to take part.

With my grandmother and cousins.

Keith shedding a tear over the book I mentioned I was putting together for him.

Keith helping our nephew with his trike that Keith found for him. (I admit that it's the coolest trike that I've ever seen.)

A family photo at Keith's parents.

Christmas

2010-12-17T16:02:00.005-05:00

Brrr....I cannot get over how cold it has been here the last few days. I had been wishing for snow, but the slick roads and freezing temperatures have left me reconsidering. I've not decided that I'm very ready for Spring.

Unfortunately, the harsh weather has stopped any hope that I've had of getting out to finish my Christmas shopping. Thanks to the internet, the list I have left is very small. Still, I panic a bit if things aren't done a little early. I'm hoping to finish up this weekend and get everything wrapped up and under the tree.

I did finally take our Christmas photo on Tuesday and even though we couldn't agree on a photo, I rush ordered my cards with the photo Keith selected since he was good enough to cooperate to take one. I even managed to fill out the majority of them last night. Thankfully, most of them do not have a very long way to go.

Here's Keith's pick for the card and thus the one we used.

And my pick, which didn't make the cut. I'm still sharing it with you all though. So, at least I can say I used it somewhere.

Merry Christmas to you all just in case I don't make it back on here prior to Christmas! I hope you all have a wonderful and happy holiday.

Christmas and Positive Thoughts

2010-12-03T12:39:00.003-05:00

Perhaps, it's the Christmas season and the peace it brings. I'm not sure what's causing it, but I suddenly feel more optimistic than I have all year.

Needless to say, it has been another particularly hard year for us. You are all well aware of bits and pieces of family issues that has plagued our family this year. However, there are many more elements of stress and concern that has weighed heavy on my mind and heart. It's funny to me now, but they have all been brought on by the ugly traits that many people tend to display. I'm not sure how people become so self-involved and manipulative of others. Regardless, the year is almost over and nothing has changed. Issues still rage within our lives, but I feel calmer and more peaceful than should really be possible.

I find myself instead grateful for the way Keith and I have handled ourselves this year. We have stepped up and done everything that we felt was right even though it may have brought us more stress and worry. We purchased the farm in an attempt to keep my parents from loosing everything they had. Neither of us were particularly interested in farming, but in the words of our loan officer. We really took on a big undertaking not just in the land, but with everything associated with it.

We took in family and took care of them when they wouldn't or couldn't take care of themselves. We really didn't have to. We did it because we both truly believe in the importance of not only helping family when they need it, but helping anyone and everyone that we can.

We have both worked hard to improve ourselves and our lives. I am beyond proud of Keith for returning to school while working such long, hard hours. He has pulled close to a 100 average in one class that has ended and is looking at an A so far in the second one, which has been an extremely hard one. He has signed up already for two harder classes in the Spring, Sociology and Economics. However, I was most proud of a paper he wrote for one of his classes regarding his decision to return to school. He cited that I was his inspiration. That he saw how important education was to me and that if I could do it while working and caring for the house then he could certainly finish his degree while working. It touched me deeper than I can even begin to explain.

Even the Christmas spirit seems to be filling us both this year. This is the first year in about 5 or 6 that we have put up a large tree. I'll have to post a photograph. I plan on attempting a family Christmas photo in front of the tree this weekend and I'll share it with each of you who are still actually reading my blog. I have also managed some early shopping and even have some gifts wrapped. Normally, I'm Christmas Eve buying and wrapping gifts.

I also must apologize for my lack of posting. More than being busy, when things get so hard I tend to retreat into myself. I tend to shut down and work things out in privacy. So, I'll apologize and hope things begin to take a brighter turn. I tend to share more freely the positives in my life and I'm sure you all much prefer to hear those things.

Wicked....

2010-11-17T16:07:00.002-05:00

I very rarely offer my opinion on books, movies, or anything else. Only when I feel like something is so wonderful that the rest of you would be interested.

Right now, I'm reading "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire and it is truly wonderful! I wasn't sure when I picked it up if it would read well or be on a younger level, but it is tremendously well written. I cannot put it down. Even Keith, who is not at all a reader, is interested. Though not being a reader, he didn't want to try to tackle such a large book. Therefore, we are reading it together or should I say, I am reading it to him at night before bed.

Regardless, for us to agree on a book is monumental and I felt I had to share it with the rest of you. Even though, the book is the back story for the Wicked Witch and Glinda from the Wizard of Oz, you do not have to be a Wizard of Oz fan to enjoy. I personally have never been a huge fan, but like I said, I simply cannot put this book down.

Quote of the Week

2010-11-09T14:47:00.002-05:00

"If you want to test your memory, try to recall what you were worrying about one year ago today." ~E. Joseph Cossman

Every morning, I receive a daily inspirational message on my cell phone. This one was today's, which really made me think. I'm a bit of a worrier anyway. A trait that is less than desirable. So, this particular quote really hit home with me. I am sure I was worried about something one year ago today, but I cannot even begin to tell you what it was. That gives me hope that what I'm worried about today will be as distant of a memory next year. It also reminds me that I do truly worry too much. Something I definitely need to work on.

Gift idea.

2010-11-04T13:21:00.003-04:00

I have been devoting every spare moment to a Christmas project that I'm doing for Keith. (Hence, the total lack of blogging.) I found an idea a few months ago for a gift that I just loved. I mentioned it to Keith and he loved it, too. He requested that we put one together for his grandmother.

This specific project called for the creation of a type of memoir. You ask specific loved ones, family, and friends to share at least one memory of the person. Then, combine them all into a book. I've added the idea of sharing photos with the stories or individually.

I decided to secretly do this for Keith as well. I have been getting all sorts of wonderful stories and random comments back from people, even some he hasn't seen in years through Facebook. I have been sorting over them the last few days trying to finalize everything and I'm so excited. Not just to give it to him, but also to see it myself.

I honestly wish now that we would have done it for additional people as well. It's such a unique idea and I think it's one that will truly be cherished.

If any of you are looking for a gift idea this Christmas, I highly recommend this. I'm printing through Blurb. The prices are reasonable, the software easy to use, and the turn around pretty fast. I'm sure there are other printing options out there though.

2010-10-02T19:25:00.001-04:00

I am amazed by technology. I am sitting outside on the farm trying out blogger thru Droid. Amazing!

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Quote of the Week

2010-07-19T10:24:00.006-04:00

"To me success means effectiveness in the world, that I am able to carry my ideas and values into the world-that I am able to change it in positive ways." ~ Maxine Kingston

I made a big decision over the weekend. One that was difficult to make, but one I feel was the right decision. Since I made the decision to go forward with grad school, I've been battling studying for the GRE. I have found myself with little time and too much stress to concentrate. I couldn't clear my mind enough to absorb the information that I needed to. So, I kept putting off the test.

I talked to the women over the ODU studies through Southwest Thursday and she mentioned that I could defer my enrollment until the Spring semester if I wanted to do so. I did and I didn't want to. The idea of having longer to prepare for the GRE mixed with the fact that maybe some of the stress I've been dealing with will disappear in the next few months made me want to. Yet, the idea of postponing my education another six months seemed like death to me. I wanted to finish my education before I was thirty.

I sat down Friday and Saturday to discuss my options with Keith, sharing the pros and cons of deferment with him. He encouraged me as always to make my own decision, but also reminded me that six months passes quickly and it would not kill me to finish my education one semester later than I originally had planned.

Thinking about this thought, I realized how true he was. Instead of graduating right before turning thirty, I would be graduating with my masters one month after turning thirty. Not to mention, I've not done very well about keeping to my other time tables. I had always planned on getting my degree, then getting married, and maybe a baby by 25 or 26. Instead, I got married at 21, got my bachelors degree at 27, and obviously no babies yet at 28.

Thinking about that, I realized how well everything has turned out for me without sticking to my original ideas. How much better things turned out by doing it this way. So, I decided to defer my enrollment. I'm going to spend the next couple of month leisurely studying for the GRE and preparing myself for whatever may happen in the next few months. I can't seem to shake the feeling that my life is going to drastically change before the end of the year. I can't predict what's going to happen, but my stomach and heart tells me that something is coming this way.

Somewhere along the way people forgot to tell us that we can't do everything.

2010-07-01T16:23:00.002-04:00

I was chatting with one of my oldest and dearest friends, Sarah, about our busy lives and crazy plans. She laughed, "Somewhere along the way people forgot to tell us that we can't do everything."

"Yes, but aren't you glad. That's why we have such big goals." (me)

"Yeah, I love it. I am always crazy busy, but I'm so happy." (Sarah)

This conversation pretty much sums up my continued sporadic appearance on blogger. I am juggling what feels like a million different things as always, but I'm loving every minute of it.

I am still studying for my GRE, which I will be taking soon and am still a little terrified. We closed on my dad's farm last week and now have the huge task of deciding what to do with the place. Laying out our plans and deciding the best place to start. As our plans are much bigger than our current bank account, it's going to take careful planning and prioritizing to get everything to where we want it to be.

Keith has been down in his back, but seems to be doing somewhat better. Fingers crossed that he continues to improve. My mom is set for a minor surgery next week, but she will be out of commission for at least four to five weeks following. Her boyfriend plans to be her primary care giver, which has really taken a lot off of me. (I know that probably sounds a bit selfish.) My grandmother was diagnosed with a stomach aneurysm, but it appears to be minor at this point and does not require surgery. She is under the watch of a doctor to see if there is any growth, as well as a very strict diet to control both her diabetes and cholesterol.

I am also working to finish up the remaining mail outs for our class reunion and hope to start seeing some money come in for meals, so that we can move forward with the remaining planning of decorations and such.

I have also been trying to start planning our year for my insurance women association. Actually, my presidency starts this month, but our meetings don't start until September. That gives me some time.

I have also been dying to get outdoors with my camera. Something that has not been happening at all for me. I also desperately need to do some shopping. However, I hate to shop alone and any opportunity I have for a free day, my usual shopping companions have been busy juggling their own busy lives.

However, don't get me wrong. I am sincerely enjoying life at the moment. I love to be busy and feel like I am moving forward to accomplish so many things. I hope to be able to offer more updates soon and hopefully some photos of our new land. Raw as it is right now.

Quote of the Week

2010-06-22T12:51:00.000-04:00

"Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything." ~Mary Hemingway

A Big Decision

2010-06-08T11:34:00.002-04:00

I have taken the leap and applied to grad school, thanks to the encouragement of Keith. I had been considering it for awhile and he has encouraged me to go for it. He says if it's on my mind then I just need to do it and I'm sure he's right. If I don't do it now, I'll end up there later anyway.

Thanks to that decision I have had my nose buried in GRE study guides and I know now just how much I have forgotten. When I made the decision to return to college for my bachelors, I didn't have to take any math other than Statistics. That course was a struggle and I'm finding the math portion of this test is going to be as well.

I never did like math. I had no interest in it and never applied myself to those courses. I'm paying for that now as I realize I remember nothing. Well, a little, but not very much at all. I have enlisted Keith to be my math tutor and I'm praying this stuff will come back to me. I guess time will tell. I just hope I pass and my admission gets finalized.

I am ready to jump in and get this over with. I already know the struggles that come along with being a full time student and still holding a full time job. I suspect this time it's going to be even harder. However, I can apply myself and be finished in no time. Thankfully, I also have a good support system. Keith is always understanding of my nose being buried in books and dirty dishes filling the sink. I know it'll be hard, but so worth it in the end.

Quote of the week and a birthday recap.

2010-05-25T15:50:00.005-04:00

"A good friend is a connection to life - a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world." ~Lois Wyse

Here are a few photos from my Saturday night out with some friends to celebrate my 28th birthday. It was a good birthday weekend. Saturday started kind of rough as I had to work an auction, which ended up lasting very late. I didn't get home until 6:30, which is what time we were supposed to go out to eat. However, we changed it to 7:30 and the evening was salvaged.

Saturday night, I went out with some of my oldest and dearest friends. We always have a blast together laughing and talking. Saturday was no different. I learned something very important though. I do not like sushi. I thought I could try it, maybe even like it. I did try it. Not what I ordered, but someone else's because I was supposedly ordering something cooked. Instead it came out totally red and raw. Yuck. I was not touching it. What I ate was some sort of spicy crab roll. It was okay, but nothing I see myself eating again.

Sunday, I spent the day with Keith. Then, that evening we stopped by his parents. They had the loveliest gift waiting for me. Pearl earrings. I adore pearls anyway, but it totally took me by surprise. Then, we went on to dinner with my mom and grandparents to celebrate. It was a really nice birthday this year. Definitely a step up from last year. It was nice just to be surrounded with those I love and to feel so cared about.

Updates...

2010-05-19T13:47:00.003-04:00

Another dreary day and I'm already exhausted. I suppose it's because I stayed up too late last night knowing I had an early morning this morning. I had to leave home at 7:00 instead of 8:30. Also, the busy morning has led way to a tremendously slow afternoon. I have been to the end of the Internet and back so to speak, now taking my time to blog, and then I'm not sure what to do with the rest of the free hours.

I feel guilty for not blogging more as so many of you like to keep up with me here. The last month has been crazy to say the least. (Would you be surprised if my life were anything other than crazy?) We have been tied up with contracts and loan officers. Assuming that all goes as planned, Keith and I will soon be farmers. Not really, but we will be acquiring my dad's farm assuming the loan and all closes. I honestly do not have any idea what we are going to do with so much land, but I couldn't stand the idea of it being sold to someone else and we have gotten a beyond reasonable price on it. I guess we can figure that out after it all closes.

I am also preparing to celebrate my 28th birthday this weekend. It feels kind of surreal to think about the fact that I'm 28. I certainly don't feel it most days. Other days I feel 110, as I always tell Keith, when I'm having so much put on me. I'm hoping it's a better birthday than last year, which was spent at the vet's office with Precious after her accident and then home because I was too upset to do anything else. My parents both forgot my birthday and I swore off birthdays. Haha. I suppose we can't do that since it's obviously that time again.

Hopefully, this year will be better. Even if my family forgets again this year, I have good friends who have been making plans and Keith says he is not going to let me have another bad birthday. I'll let you all know how it goes.

Quote of the Week

2010-05-19T13:29:00.002-04:00

"The road to happiness lies in two simple principles: find what interests you and that you can do well, and put your whole soul into it - every bit of energy and ambition and natural ability you have." ~John D. Rockefeller

Quote of the Week and A Recommendation

2010-05-11T14:15:00.002-04:00

I have been neglecting this blog again, but this time because I'm caught up in a book. I picked up "Breathing Life Into Your Characters" by Rachel Balloon a couple of weeks ago and have not been able to put it down. Every spare moment I'm reading or doing one of the writing exercises.

This book is a mixture of psychology and writing techniques, two of my favorite things. The author encourages the reader to write about certain aspects of their lives and themselves, which has opened up many details in memories that I thought were long forgotten. I've been excited to get them on paper and amazed at what my mind has been able to recall. I'm also learning a great deal on how to make a more believable and relatable character for my stories. This book is honestly full of great information and ideas. I highly encourage all of you writers and aspiring writers that read my blog to check this book out.

Now, for my quote of the week. "Everything's in the mind. That's where it all starts. Knowing what you want is the first step toward getting it." ~Mae West

Quote of the Week

2010-05-05T16:05:00.002-04:00

"Today is not yesterday: we ourselves change; how can our works and thoughts, if they are always to be the fittest, continue always the same? Change, indeed is painful; yet ever needful; and if memory have its force and worth, so also has hope." ~Thomas Carlyle

Updates

2010-04-30T14:19:00.002-04:00

I am in much better spirits today since my post yesterday. I hope my words did not come across the wrong way. It makes me sad that my family is not closer than it is and sometimes old feelings of anger pop up. It's my battle.

Today, I bear much better news. Nita has been moved out of ICU and back to a normal room. Apparently, the times that they lost her the night before last was not because of her problems. Instead, the nurse gave her the wrong dosage of medicine and that caused a lot of additional issues in her fragile state. The doctors are much more optimistic and I hope to be able to report more good news in the coming days.

I also have been working diligently to get my website up and running. I am finally content with it and hope to have more photos to add to it soon. I seem to be booking faster than I ever imaged. I have been approached by at least ten people wanting to set dates for portraits of their children or families. I'm beyond excited!

I also managed to win two tickets to the drag race at Bristol tomorrow. It's funny how little things like this can really brighten a person's day.

It could also be the fact that it's Friday, the sun is shining, and I plan on having a fun weekend with my wonderful husband that's lifted my spirits. Regardless, life is good today. Hope all of yours is going as well.

Divided Families

2010-04-29T12:50:00.003-04:00

I received a text message late last night, long after I'd already headed to bed, from an old friend. One I had not really talked to in years. She was delivering a message that my cousin and her neighbor had been admitted to the hospital and was in ICU.

My cousin, Nita, is a very special person. I cannot tell you exactly the name of what she suffers from, only that she is disabled by common terms. Her small body crooks and bends in ways that cause her excruciating pain. She has never let that stop her though from anything that I can remember. She has always excelled academically. She completed her bachelors and has been slowly working toward her masters degree. She works full time and also does a little freelance writing on the side. Nita also works hard to advocate for the rights of the disabled serving on various committees and boards. I admire her.

When we were small, we were close. Later, things happened within the family that divided us as well. See she is the daughter of my great uncle. A man I also greatly admire for his hard work and kind heart. He is my dad's father's brother and my grandfather's side is one I barely know.

Long before I was ever born, my grandfather left my grandmother for another woman. He had very little to do with his children for many years per the demands of the new wife. He did come around a bit when I was very young, but that soon stopped as well. Apparently, he was paying his grandchild too much attention and his wife felt neglected.

I never saw my grandfather again until weeks before my grandmother's passing. She asked for him on her death bed. My dad went to pick him up and drive him over. Granny called him straight in the bedroom and asked the door to be shut. No one knows what her last words to him were. She only told me she wanted to tell him that she forgave him.

Upon coming out the door, he sat down to talk to the rest of us for a bit. I tried to be a bigger person and when he brought up my impending wedding, I invited him and his family. They didn't come. The next time I saw my grandfather, he was on his own death bed. He asked me to come. Keith went with me to the hospital. He hugged me and bragged on me to the nurses. He told me he loved me and I think I said it in return. A few days later he passed.

For the first time in my life, I felt nothing. I went the visitation and the funeral without shedding any tears. This man was a stranger to me. His entire family had become strangers to me. So many years passed without any contact.

After the funeral, there was a family dinner. It was filled with kind words, hugs, and promises to see each other again. I haven't seen a one of them since. Nita being the exception. Thanks to the email and Facebook, we talk regularly. We found we have a lot in common, even pursuing the same degree from the same university.

A few months ago, Nita started having trouble with her back. Since then, she has begun having seizures and blacking out. She was forced to move back home with her parents until the doctors could find out the cause of her problems. I know nothing more than that she has been admitted to ICU with a few of her friends keeping in contact with me to keep me up to date.

I feel awkward to speak with any of the family. I've not heard anything since early this morning, but hope for an update soon. Until then, all I can do is pray for her and wait. I also have a few feelings to muddle my way through. Anger and sadness intertwine, which has lead to such a long post. I hope I have positive news to report soon. Until then, all of your prayers are appreciated.

Quote of the Week

2010-04-26T13:39:00.002-04:00

Another week has begun and it feels like a Monday for sure. Thankfully, I have a massage scheduled right after work this evening. The anticipation of it makes the day go by much easier. My massage lady, Annie, is a magician. That's the best way I know how to describe her. She wipes away every semblance of stress from my body, fixes my sinus issues, and even manages to get me into a deep sleep. It's heavenly and it leaves me feeling like a new person.

So, in honor of taking care of ourselves, here is my quote of the week.

"It is easy to live for others, everybody does. I call on you to live for yourselves." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Quote of the Week

2010-04-19T14:35:00.002-04:00

Forgive me for my lack of posting last week as every spare moment was spent editing photos from my brother-in-law's wedding. I had so much fun doing them for him and everyone seems very happy with them, which makes me beyond happy. If any of you would like to see them, here is the link I've set up for people to order. http://jessicaslastingexpressions.zenfolio.com/

Now, on to my quote of the week.

"The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another." ~James Matthew Barrie

Unfortunately, I believe this quote stands true to every individual. We all tend to get caught up in the motions and forget to live our lives as we intend to.

Quote of the Week

2010-04-14T16:47:00.000-04:00

"Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must." ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

FSO: Country Roads

2010-04-09T08:02:00.004-04:00

I was so excited to take part in this week's shoot out and was hoping to get some new photos. Unfortunately, time didn't allow. I still wanted to post some from my archives because country roads often find their ways into my photos. Hope you all enjoy. :)

Quote of the Week

2010-04-05T10:49:00.000-04:00

"Think wrongly if you please, but in all cases think for yourself." ~ Doris Lessing

Friday Shoot Out: Bokeh or Focal Blur

2010-04-02T09:39:00.003-04:00

I am so excited that I was able to get out this week and take part. The warm weather here has been a welcome change and made it so much fun to work on this week's shoot out. I'm not sure I accomplished what I was supposed to, but I sure had fun trying.

Paws for Charity Book Available for Purchase.

2010-04-01T14:11:00.002-04:00

The 2010 Paws for Charity Art Book is now available for purchase. Remember the proceeds go to a wonderful cause, Avon's Crusade Against Cancer, which is fighting against breast cancer across the world.

I hope you will all consider purchasing this beautiful book. If you are interested, you can preview and purchase it here. After viewing the preview this morning, I am even more honored to have my photograph included in this project. The artwork is amazing and I cannot wait to receive my copy to see the rest of the artists featured.

My Beautiful Girls

2010-03-31T21:02:00.002-04:00

And finally, here they are hugging each other. I caught them and ran for my camera. Not the most well taken picture, but isn't it sweet.

New Toys.

2010-03-29T14:48:00.004-04:00

I have had a rough Monday. That's all I can say, but the day brightened up a bit when I received a package at work.

I am preparing to photograph a wedding next weekend and have been purchasing a few pieces of equipment that I really wanted, while renting a couple of others that I didn't have the money for just yet. Today, I received the two lenses that I rented. A nice macro lens and a large wide angle. Both are beautiful and I wish I had the day off to test them.

I am still waiting on my new speedlite, some extra batteries, a diffuser, and a new prime lens. I was very reluctant to spend so much money at one time (especially since I'm doing the photos for free), but my husband was insistent that I needed these things to do the help me do the best job possible.

I am really glad he convinced me because now that all the equipment is arriving, I am beyond excited. I'm also a little nervous. Free or not, I hope I do a really good job for them. So, I would love to hear any wedding photography tips you may have to share.

Quote of the Week

2010-03-29T14:33:00.003-04:00

"Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity."~ Gilda Radner

Quote of the Week

2010-03-24T14:53:00.003-04:00

"It's a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy." ~Lucille Ball

I may have used this one before, but it just rings so true to me today.

Coping...

2010-03-24T14:31:00.004-04:00

I can feel the stress forcing pain up my back and into my shoulders. Another long, hard day fell on top of the hopes that the lovely sunshine brought to me this morning. Sometimes, I wander why I am optimistic at all.

It seems to be coming at me from every direction. Papers piled high upon my desk that have nothing to do with insurance, a sink full of dirty dishes and a pile of laundry beckoning to me at home, phone calls and text messages from my parents that only pile their problems on me, and a fighting to move forward when everything around me seems to be stagnate.

It's just gotten so hard to stay afloat and positive. I find myself tired all the time, not from lack of sleep. Instead, from the immense emotional and mental stress I'm being put under daily. I know how to survive. How to keep myself going and as balanced as possible. I fit in my exercise and watch what I'm eating. I take every opportunity to play with my camera or to do something else creative. I make time for the people who care about me and whose mere presence can cheer me up. All of these things help me survive, but I don't want to just survive.

I want the sadness in my chest to disappear and take the billion thoughts bouncing around my head with it. I want the stress to leave my face and shoulders. I want to relax. To be completely happy.

I realize the only way for this to happen is to erase all the negativity from my life. Unfortunately, that would mean completely changing almost every aspect of it. I'm not sure, but I'm beginning to think it's an option. The only thing scarier than change is misery.

Ouch...

2010-03-17T13:58:00.004-04:00

My life has finally calmed down enough that I can make it to my friend Sarah's aerobic classes. Last Thursday was my first and my second was last night. I was a few minutes late as always thanks to the fact that I work till 5:00 and the classes start at 5:00, but I didn't miss much. I got there in time to do a little bit of the warm up before the real workout began.

Sarah's classes are hard. I mean really hard. She leads us all as we jump rope with one leg at a time, kick box, and into what feels like a billion squats before she begins the abs portion. Let me tell you the abs exercises are killer as well. I struggle my way through them and feel such a sense of accomplishment when I'm finished.

I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't as sore as I expected after the first class. So, I didn't expect to be after the one last night either. However, a few extra planks, squats, and sit-ups left me a little sore. Nothing unbearable or at least I didn't think it was that bad.

That's until I pulled open my desk drawer at work and hear a loud popping sound. The entire side of my desk falls into my hands with screws popping out everywhere. I'm squatting in the floor holding it up and squealing for my boss to come help me. She decides that we need to get the drawers out and that I need to hold it until she can. Let me say, squatting for probably ten minutes in the floor with already sore thighs almost left me in tears. I was shaking as the pain throbbed through them and I wandered if I'd even be able to stand once the drawers were out.

When it was all done, I managed to stand. Even though, my hands went back and forth between grasping my thighs and my bottom for quite a while. I'm happy to say that the pain did subside and I'm back to being blissfully unaware of just how sore I am. Except, when I have to get up and down to wait on customers.

I'm also happy to report that with a little carpentry work, my desk is now put back together. Also, that I'm crazy enough to go back for Sarah's class tomorrow. Actually, for two of her classes. I'm going to do aerobics followed by cardio dance.

Paws for Charity!

2010-03-11T16:15:00.005-05:00

I am so excited to announce that I have been chosen as one of the artists featured in this year's Paws for Charity Art Book Project! This year there were over 300 submissions for the book and I am so honored to be among the 65 chosen! This is such a wonderful project and I cannot wait to see the finished book.

This is the image that I was lucky enough to have chosen of my nephew and mother-in-law's cat, Blossum. Thanks to both Doris and my sister-in-law, Jess for allowing me to use this image. (On a side note, today is my mother-in-law's birthday! So, Happy Birthday to her! She really is the best.)

I am even more excited to mention that I wasn't chosen alone. My good friend, Jen, that pointed this project out to me was chosen as well.

For more information on this project, please visit the Paws for Charity blog! I'll keep everyone posted when I receive more details on the release date and price of the book. I hope you will all consider purchasing one as the proceeds go to a wonderful cause!

Quote of the Week and Conference

2010-03-10T14:37:00.008-05:00

Sorry for the delay in posting everyone. I was fortunate enough to be out of town last week from Thursday until Sunday for an NAIW conference. This year's conference was at the beautiful Hotel Roanoke. I had never stayed there before, but let me say it was wonderful.

Our group arrived on Thursday, which was mainly a day of hard work since our group was over getting everyone registered. We did get to have a party that night at the Cornbeef Grill, which was a blast. Friday involved more registration work and meetings, but we did get to follow it up with a little shopping that evening and dinner at Olive Garden. Saturday brought more meetings, shopping, and our big banquet. I had such a wonderful time reuniting with those I had met at previous conferences and also had the opportunity to meet so many new, wonderful ladies.

Here are a few photos from the weekend....

Since returning, I admit that I have been kind of lazy and have just enjoyed soaking up the sunshine every free second that I have had. The endless snow had left me a bit dreary and down, but I feel like a new lady with the last few bright days. The clouds have unfortunately reappeared today, but it gave me a catch up my postings.

"The greatest sweetener of human life is Friendship. To raise this to the highest pitch of enjoyment, is a secret which but few discover." ~Joseph Addison

Quote of the Week

2010-03-01T14:42:00.001-05:00

"Today I bent the truth to be kind, and I have no regret, for I am far surer of what is kind than I am of what is true." ~Robert Brault

A Few Photos

2010-02-26T07:15:00.004-05:00

Sorry everyone for my abandoned blog the last few weeks. A mixture of depression from the weather and too much on my plate, left me with little time or energy to devote. Hopefully, I will be able to get back to regularly posting soon. Until then, I wanted to share a few photos in place of my Friday Shoot Out since I know many of you are coming here to look for that post.

These are from a set of photos that I took for my brother-in-law and his fiance last weekend. These are some of my favorites.

Quote of the week

2010-02-03T11:19:00.005-05:00

I don't think I have ever been so grateful to drive as this morning.

Another bout with bad weather has completely eliminated my normal schedule. I tend to post here in the mornings or at least start the post to finish later if I'm expecting a slow day at work, but this week I have had no computer time in the mornings and I admit that I'm deeply missing it.

With a forecast of snow, Keith left his work vehicle at his parents this weekend. It's a good thing he did. Five minutes from town and our world is still much different than main street. Snow and ice cover the ground making the drive up the hill to our house extremely difficult, as well as the drive down like a slip and slide. I was glad not to have to drive, but leaving for work a couple of hours early every morning can exhaust you. I spent the mornings running errands. I'd hit the post office, bank, Wal-mart, and such. It actually was nice to be out early and avoid the crowds, but I still missed my lazy mornings.

Last night, he brought his dad's vehicle home and drove himself out this morning. I was so excited to go back to bed. I slept until 7 and got an extra hour and a half. Even then, I had a lazy morning. I ate breakfast, played with the dog, did a little aerobics, and spent some time online. It was so nice to get back to normal.

I'm afraid it has been a one day opportunity for normalcy. It appears that more snow is in our forecast and this time with ice. Yuck. Driving on ice makes me very nervous.

I also have had a crazy week at work until today, so the two combined put a long hold on my posting. So, here is my very delayed quote of the week.

"Weather is a great metaphor for life - sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad, and there's nothing much you can do about it but carry an umbrella." ~Pepper Giardino

Friday Shoot Out: Look Up, Look Down

2010-01-29T06:46:00.002-05:00

I just loved this week's assignment. It was a good reminder to keep your eyes.

One common bond around the world is looking up to the skies.

Looking down, I found my mother-in-law's neighbor's kitten. I think she's so pretty.

Looking up at the bare trees. I sure am anxious for Spring and it's beautiful color.

An old one because I realize that I look up more than down. :) I also can't wait to see the flowers bloom again.

A common trend of Sparky. Doris's (my mother-in-law) cat.

Last Saturday, we got to hang out with our litlte nephew. He's not even two, but he leaned down to hug Blossum. I missed the shot because I was tinkering with my camera and went, "Oh no." He just grinned and laid back down exactly where he had been until the camera clicked. I think he knew I wanted that picture. :) I posted it in color since Jen has already seen the black and white version on my Facebook.

Mmmm....another kitty in the floor.

Thankfully, this one is from a few weeks ago. We haven't had snow since then, but it's coming again today. The last forecast that I heard said 9 to 12 inches.

Quote of the Week

2010-01-25T19:41:00.001-05:00

"Nothing is as real as a dream. The world can change around you, but your dream will not. Responsibilities need not erase it. Duties need not obscure it. Because the dream is within you, no one can take it away." ~Tom Clancy

My Town Friday Shoot Out: Sounds

2010-01-22T07:33:00.005-05:00

I must admit that I wasn't sure where to start on this one, but here are a few photos of sounds around my town.

One of my favorite sounds is Sable growling as she tosses her toy badger around the room.

My husband's favorite sound comes with race season, which is right around the corner. The sound of squealing tires and muscled up engines.

We hear the sound of bowling balls against the pins every Friday night at our leagues.

I grew up about 20 minutes from our current town and there you could always here the rumbling of the train on the tracks, which were miles from our house. Sometimes, I miss that sound.

Keith's parents' house is constantly ringing with the sound of ping pong balls flying back and forth. Along with "Awwww....man!" and "Yes!" as the games are being played.

I still don't think there's a better sound than the unbridled laughter of a child.

I also enjoy the sound of silence that our town offers. I love the quiet, just listening to the sounds of the wind and birds.

I love the sound of the many streams, rivers, and creeks that run around this area. The sound of the splashing water is so calming.

I even enjoy the cows mooing in the distance.

I hate most of these came out of my archives, but I spent way too much time contemplating how to capture the sounds of my town. I had given up until last night when it suddenly hit me how to approach it.

Loosing my mind.

2010-01-20T13:54:00.004-05:00

I do not pride myself on this, but lately I have been very forgetful. I walk to the kitchen to get a drink and come back without one. I pick up a piece of paper and head to the copier at work only to stop half way. "What am I doing?"

Keith says I'm preoccupied. That my mind is overwhelmed. I know he's right. My mind goes 150 directions non stop in all of my waking hours. I cannot stand to focus on one thing at a time. Even at work, I'm doing too much at one time. I'm doing a quote, checking a policy, answering the phone, talking to the other girls in the office, surfing the Internet, and holding a chat via Facebook all at the same time. I wish I was exaggerating, but this is honestly how I work the best.

Regardless, my forgetfulness hit a new level this morning. I slipped on my shoes, grabbed my purse, and patted Sable goodbye on the head. Slamming the door behind me, I reached into the pocket of my purse and nothing. I found nothing. No keys that were usually tucked away in there. I knew automatically what I had done. I distinctly remembered taking the keys out and placing them on the table with my IPod to grab on my way out. The IPod was in my hand, but I literally overlooked my keys.

I quickly scanned the neighborhood for someone I knew. All gone. All the neighbors that I know well enough to impose upon had already left for work. I picked up my cell and called Keith.

"Hey. Mmmm...I kind of have a problem. I'm outside in the Jeep and my keys are in the house."

Thankfully, Keith started home to rescue me. I spent the next hour and a half sitting in the Jeep with no heat and a cell phone that no longer had signal thanks to the rain clouds moving in. I had remembered to slip a book in my purse, so I spent the time reading Michael J. Fox's Always Looking Up. It was actually kind of nice to sit in complete silence and read. It's not something that I have the opportunity to do very often.

Still I feel kind of bad about being so late even though my bosses just laughed it off. Hopefully, I won't do it again anytime soon.

Quote of the Week

2010-01-18T14:42:00.002-05:00

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Keeping Resolutions

2010-01-14T13:02:00.005-05:00

The sun if finally shining again here in Virginia. The mere sight of it has re energized me and put a huge smile on my face. It's not that I hate the snow. I actually really love snow, but I hate the frigid temperatures that we have been having here. One because I can't stand to be that cold, but also because of all the ice. It makes driving impossible on these back country roads and I'm glad to see everything melting off.

Not to mention, the cold makes me want to hibernate. I want to stay indoors, preferably on my couch under a blanket watching movies and eating. Needless to say, this was not helping my weight loss resolution for the year. So, Keith and I came up with a plan. We purchased a Wii to get us both up and moving, which much to my surprise has really helped. Between that and trying to watch my diet, I'm proud to report a 6 lb. weight loss since last Monday. Something, I hope will become easier now that we've gotten a break in the weather.

Since I can now drive myself again, I'm looking forward to getting back in the gym. I've devised my own schedule to keep me on track. Monday evenings are the gym with Keith to lift weights, Wednesday nights equal Zumba solo for me, Thursday evenings will bring a cardio/ab class and yoga back to back since it's Keith's late night, and Saturday mornings will find us back together at the gym to lift. Tuesdays are dedicated to really cleaning house and Fridays to bowling leagues. Downtime and nights we have schedule conflicts, we plan to use the Wii to get us doing something.

My other two main resolutions are flowing along, too. I have been having a bit of a writers' block, hence the lack of posts even here, but my words seem to be flowing again. I'm also working on building up my photography portfolio and am excited to say that Keith is even taking a big interest in it. One of his friends is very into photography and working on his portfolio as well. Since their lunches are consisting of a lot of photography talk, he's learning a great deal. I'm even more excited since he's already informed me that my Valentine's gift will consist of photography equipment this year that Rick has helped him pick out.

Also, on a side not to close, a big congratulations to my friend Lacey. She just found out that the triplets that she is expecting appear to be all girls. You can find her blog here or under Expecting Miracles on the side of my blog.

Quote of the Week

2010-01-11T10:29:00.004-05:00

It's been almost a month since I finished the last of my courses and I find life both greatly changed, as well as unchanged. I find myself with a great deal of time on my hands. More time than I can even imagine what to do with.

I am still working in the same office. I sit at the same desk staring blankly at the computer screen and watching the slow ticking of the clock. There are no assignments to fill the empty minutes of the day and I find myself growing more restless. I want to move forward, but my allegiance to others seems to over power my concern for myself.

I find doubt creeping into my mind. It tells me that I'm never going to succeed. The fear of failure seems to freeze me. It's a hard fight to overcome one's own self doubt, but I'm trying. I'm waiting for my courage and faith to reappear in order to take action, but perhaps I'm going about it wrong. Perhaps, it's the action that brings about the courage and faith that I'm seeking.

"Contemplation often makes life miserable. We should act more, think less, and stop watching ourselves live." ~Nicolas de Chamfort

Friday ShootOut: Fences

2010-01-08T07:13:00.004-05:00

After missing the last two weeks, I didn't want to miss another. Unfortunately, these are all from my archives. You may have all seen them before.

Fallen fence due to the heavy rains this past summer.

Through the fence.

An old, forgotten fence.

Hey, I see you.

Let me outta here, please.

The usual fence you see lining the many area farms.

My absolute favorite fence photo that I have ever taken.

Fence lining the snowy road.

I'm glad to be getting back in the groove and hope to present you with some new photos next week. For anyone interested in learning more about the shoot outs, click the camera on the side of my page.

Quote of the Week

2010-01-04T14:55:00.003-05:00

The past few days have been cold and snowy here in Virginia, which has left us home bound for several days. Not to mention, I was sick last week some and spent many hours in bed sleeping. The two combined allowed Keith and me to have more time together than usual, which was nice. We cleaned a bit, just the basic cleaning of dishes and garbage. Other than that we vegged. We watched old movies that were some of our favorites and some of which the other had never seen. We also played video games ranging from hunting to karaoke. We are also finally making use of his Xbox live subscription with the 1 vs. 100 games, which is so much fun since we both love trivia so much.

It's been very nice spending so much time together. Especially, the fun time of just enjoying each other's company. It reminded me just how much I enjoy Keith's company and how much he makes me laugh. It reminded me how lucky I am to have someone who loves me just as I am. I'll be the first to admit that sometimes I'm an emotional roller coaster and a little eccentric on top of that. It also reminded me to be grateful that I have someone who loves me just as I am.

"Love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image... otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them." ~Author Unknown

A Decade in Review

2010-01-02T12:42:00.004-05:00

I have already done my New Year post, but saw this decade in review thing by Ms. Robyn and had to follow suit. So, here it goes.

2000- I was a senior in high school with very little concerns or thoughts of the future. Life revolved around football games, dances, band, drama, and yearbook. Weekends were always spent with my friends at Missy's house playing Nintendo, watching movies, and gossiping. I had little responsibility before I started my first job that same year as a cashier at Hardees. Evening shift at Hardees usually meant sitting around eating ice cream and talking to the other workers. I met my first "serious" boyfriend shortly after starting work there, hit the first and only person I ever have in my life, met lots of interesting people, and basically really enjoyed the last bit of my high school career before graduation came. Then, fall found me off to the local community college to try to find my direction.

2001- I continued to work at Hardees part time and go to college full time. I spent a lot of time cutting classes and bored. Not that I ever did anything outrageous. Cut classes were usually filled with Donna driving over to Richlands to Shoney's for breakfast or sitting around the library chatting with other students. Romantically, I was on the rebound and being chased by a few interesting characters to say the least. Keith and I became good friends as he listened to my stories and we eventually started dating.

2002- I found myself graduated from Southwest with a Certificate of Banking, a degree that I decided on by rational leveling down of the quickest way out of school. Since I couldn't handle blood, nursing was out. I also had no interest in auto mechanics. Therefore, banking was basically the only option. I found myself passed over for several jobs for people with no education or sense, but the right name. I was working at the local Movie Gallery and trying to decide my next step. Keith and I continued to date. Nothing much else to report on that year.

2003- The year started out with a job offer from a customer from Hardees that I used to sit and talk to in the morning. Mr. Snead, the local insurance salesman, called and offered me a job just as I gave up all hope of ever finding anything. Keith proposed and we were married in September. I also lost my grandmother to cancer in September. The rest of the year was filled with learning the ropes of the insurance industry and preparing for our wedding. After the wedding, it was adjusting to married life and getting settled into our home. This was also the year that Precious entered our home. Actually, Keith brought her in before we were married.

2004- A hard year that first found my body all out of whack. My heart would race or skip a beat and I stayed exhausted, plus I started gaining a lot of weight. It was all eventually traced back to my birth control. Once I got it out of my system, I never had any more problems. I have struggled with my weight ever since though. Later in the year, Keith got hurt at work. A herniated disc put him in bed for a few months and out of work. I took a part time job on top of the full time to help make ends meet. When I wasn't at work, I was trying to take care of the house or Keith.

2005- Found Keith much better and back to work. I continued to work part time just because I enjoyed it at the time. Keith's health being better mingled with my two jobs found us apart a lot. Weekends were our main time together, but I often worked Saturday mornings and he would leave for the race track before I finished my shift. Most of my friends were away at school and I was quite lonely. This was the toughest year of our marriage because I was depressed and angry about it. It got easier near the end of the year. Sable came into our lives and I turned my love of photography into a hobby buying my film SLR.

2006-Continued to be a struggle, but got easier and easier as the year went along. I had made the decision that I wanted to return to school, but could not afford it. We were right in what I call the middle bracket where I did not qualify for any aid, but could not afford to pay the cost out of pocket. Work continued as normal and nothing much happened other than leaving my job at Movie Gallery to allow more time for myself.

2007-Was a much better year. I saved up and began taking the rest of the courses that I needed to finish my associates degree. I started with an English Literature course and that was the first place that the idea of writing entered my plans. I had always loved to write and read, but had never considered an opportunity to turn either one into a career. Upon reviewing a book and movie for class, my professor apologized for making me watch the movie and told me I should seriously consider becoming a writer. The idea stuck with me after that and I chose where to go after finishing my associates. I was happier now that I felt like life had a little direction and the effects were undeniable. Keith and I were happier. Life was good.

2008-Found me completing my associates and starting my first semester at Old Dominion University pursuing a major in Communications. The process sped up quicker than I had intended and I became a full time student on top of being a full time insurance agent. My life that year revolved around work, school, Keith, the house, and our pets. My life also took an unexpected turn when my parents split up and my mother had no where to live. Keith was very understanding as she moved her stuff into our home and the many months she stayed with us, but it also found me eventually doing something that I hated. I had to tell my mother that she needed to find a place of her own. It was hard having a mother in your own home and they still treat you as a child. I found myself in the middle of argument after argument between my parents and found myself just a total emotional wreck most of the year as more and more drama seemed to unfold.

2009- Found me again completely consumed between my parents' problems, work, school, and trying to take care of my home. I know Keith often felt neglected, but he was very supportive. I found myself crying a lot this year out of despair and stress. I felt myself somewhat broken and sadder. I lost a little bit of my faith in people and in myself. However, I kept going. I found myself graduating earlier than expected with a bachelors degree in Communications. I found the end of many chapters and the beginning of others as the year came to a close. I said goodbye to loved ones, especially close to my heart is Mammaw Shirley. A death that truly opened my heart and my eyes to what I had let the sadness consume. It reminded me of the person that I want to be and the life that I want for myself. It also reminded me to be strong, kind, good, and pursue my dreams. So, while the year broke me apart and destroyed some of my heart, it also put me back together. I like to think even stronger and a better person ready to face the upcoming year.

2010-Has just begun. Unfortunately, it found me in bed sick again this year and missing my Friday Shootout Post. However, it found me feeling optimistic and full of faith. I think this is going to be a good year. A year of more endings and new beginnings. A year filled with change and I'm excited to see what it has in store for me.

Another New Year

2009-12-31T09:48:00.005-05:00

Another year is meeting its end, giving each of us the opportunity to reflect on our lives. The year held a lot of change, which I suppose every year seems to. I finished my degree the first of the month a semester sooner than I anticipated. I have unfortunately said goodbye to important people in my life. Some have been taken in death, while others have kind of drifted away among differences. I've watched relationships disintegrate, but have come to realize my own part in the process. 2009 has left me more aware of my self and the path my life appears to be taking. It has opened my eyes to what I want and the person that I want to be. Now, with 2010 looming around the corner, I am anxious to see where the year takes me. Until then, I'm starting with my resolutions. I normally make only one or do, but I have decided to make a list of 10 in honor of the new year.

1) Get healthier. Not skinnier, but healthier. The many losses of 2009 has left me with a sense of mortality and I feel like I need to take much better care of myself.

2) Get published. I don't care if it's a poem, a small article, or a book. I just want my name in print this year. It seems like its now or never.

3) Open my own photography business. Something I've been considering for awhile, but have recently taken a step further by researching all the business licenses and such. I don't want anything large. Just a small business that I can operate on the side doing something that I love.

4) Spend more time with Keith. With the hecticness of school and work, we were able to squeeze in some time together. This year I want to do more than just squeeze him in.

5) Mend my relationships with my parents. The toll of their divorce really hit me hard and I found myself barely speaking to either of them. Something that has really hurt me and something that Keith reminded me is also my choice. I suppose it's also my choice to try to heal those relationships. I'm not sure I'll prove successful, but I am willing to do my part.

6) Work on friendships. I haven't been the best friend either, while focusing so hard on my school work. I have failed to make phone calls or see my friends the way I should. I definitely need to do better. I also feel I need to step out and make some new friends. A lot of my closest friends are scattering their own way and I feel disconnected from them. Kind of like I am in a totally different place and could stand getting to know other people closer to my situation. Too bad some of few don't live closer. I can totally relate to you. :)

7) Take time for myself. I have been looking into painting classes and photography classes, both things I wanted to take and couldn't while focusing so hard on my degree. I'm debating about signing up for yoga classes twice a week and trying to convince Keith to take up hiking with me. Regardless, I want to find things that I really enjoy and devote some of my time to them.

8) Get organized. Our closets and such are so cluttered. They have been neglected and are in desperate need of organization.

9) Learn to really cook. I have never been and will never be purely domestic. Cooking and cleaning are mandatory chores, not enjoyable ones. However, I am pledging to learn to cook a few things from scratch this year. Purely for health reasons as I think home cooked food is so much better for us.

10) Remember to show more gratitude. Sometimes, I admit that I take things for granted. However, the last couple of months have reminded me just how truly blessed I am. I hope to continue to remember that each and every day of the new year.

The Blizzard of 2009

2009-12-21T20:42:00.004-05:00

I don't really call this a blizzard, but it is definitely the most snow that we have seen in these parts in several years. The snow was beautiful and is still lingering. I hope to get a few more photos before it melts to share with you all. Until then, here are a few.

Quote of the Week

2009-12-21T15:58:00.002-05:00

"The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it." ~ John M. Barrie, The Little Minister

Sorry for missing all your lovely comments on my blog. We were caught in the terrible snow that east Virginia. Our office closed early on Friday and it's a good thing we did. I live only five minutes from work, so I was fine driving home. However, the other two ladies ended up walking part of the way. Keith and I stayed put Friday night, but woke up in the middle of the night with no electricity. We don't have back up heat, but stayed warm under the blankets anyway. So, we decided to wait till the morning to figure out what to do.

Saturday morning found us driving to Keith's parents with Sable and Precious in tow. We were there until Sunday when out power was cut back on. Thankfully, we were not without long. There are many still without and are not expected to get theirs back on until Friday. I am sure Christmas will be difficult with no electricity.

Keith and I were supposed to finish shopping this weekend, but that simply didn't happen. I managed to order a few things of online last night with guaranteed Christmas delivery. My fingers are crossed the stuff arrives. Keith and I are going to try to pick up a few things this evening here in town and he can finish up Wednesday evening when he's already near the mall.

I have a few photos that I managed to take through the moving car on our way to safety and warmth that I will share as soon as I can. The snow is beautiful and I hope to have the opportunity to wander out with my camera before it melts. The roads are going to have to be a bit safer first. I didn't even drive myself to work this morning, so I'm sure it's not a good idea to wander around back roads with my camera.

Friday Shootout: Dressed for Christmas

2009-12-18T07:40:00.005-05:00

I have been so overwhelmed that I haven't even gotten my own tree up yet, but I still found others decorations to share.

This is my mother-in-law's tree.

What tree would be complete without a cat?

Here are a few images from Bristol's Speedway in Lights last year. We haven't had the opportunity to go yet this year, but are planning for the Saturday after Christmas.

The following photographs feature my grandparents' tree. They love decorating for the holidays.

I enjoyed their lights Wednesday night as we gathered to make candy. My own personal favorite part of the holiday.

An End to Another Chapter

2009-12-17T19:21:00.002-05:00

I am excited to say that I am officially finished with college. After a hectic week of final exams and essays, all my work for the semester is complete. I've received the grades for almost all of my classes, but I'm certain I did well in the last one. After all of my hard work, I think I deserve a party or at least acknowledgement. I have been blessed with many congratulations via Facebook, but my family has kind of blown it off. I must admit that I'm kind of hurt. I have explained repeatedly, "No, I'm completely finished. I'm graduating ODU." Yet, they don't seem to understand or to care.

My graduation ceremony is next Monday night and I have decided not to attend. Keith said that there would be no way for him to attend due to his crazy Christmas week schedule and I didn't even bother asking anyone else. It's okay though. I'm proud of myself and that's what matters. I have worked hard and accomplished a big goal in hard circumstances. I am a proud Communications graduate from Old Dominion University and I feel like now is when life is going to get interesting.

Friday Shoot Out: Weather

2009-12-11T11:12:00.004-05:00

My weather post is lacking as I planned to go out last night and get some photos of the after effects of the strong winds and rains we got this week. However, as from my last post, you can all see I got derailed with bad news. Here are the few I got of our first snow and a link to my Facebook album of our trip to Pigeon Forge as I've not had time to post any directly here. Hope you all enjoy and have a wonderful week!

Here is my link to Facebook, so you can view the images from the trip.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=178101&id=514499767&l=ee0998e5df

In Memory of Shirley

2009-12-10T19:52:00.009-05:00

There are people our lives that come and go quickly, but leave their marks forever on our hearts.

I logged onto Facebook this morning to see an update from a friend saying that she had gotten the worst news and that her Aunt Shirley had passed. My mind automatically began racing. No, it can't be that Shirley. That's her husband's aunt. She must have another one. My thoughts were quickly interrupted by the ring of my cell and as soon as I saw the name, I knew. It was that Shirley.

I was crying before I even picked up the phone. "My grandmother passed away this morning." Now, I was crying. Crying to the extent that I couldn't catch my breathe to explain to the other girls in the office why I was crying. It was a shock. A hit that I didn't see coming. Shirley had always been so active and she hadn't been sick. What had happened? Was she really gone?

Memories started flooding in. See Shirley was a special fixture at my old high school. She served as the secretary there for more years than I even know. She knew every student that ever walked in those doors and not a one ever had a bad word to say about her. She was a sweet lady, with a kind heart and big smile. A lady who cared about everyone she ever met. The first image of her I saw was behind her desk in the office smiling, which quickly brought to mind the last time I saw her there. Just a couple of years ago, I was there with Tessa trying to convince the principal to allow us to put together a drinking and driving program for the students. As soon as we came through the door, she grinned big and came around the desk to offer a hug. "Well, what are you doing here?"

Then came the rest. I saw her standing in the kitchen cooking for us while all us girls sat gathered around the kitchen table. I saw her sitting in the living room working away on something while watching a movie with us. I saw her ironing so many clothes for all of us to go to school the next day and trying desperately to get us up in the morning. I heard her laughing as she joined in our conversations about our crushes while she chauffeured us to and from ballgames. I spent so many nights at her house back in high school. I remember staying for a whole week until my mom made me come home for a couple of nights. We all did. There was always a group of girls gathered there with Missy and Shirley was a grandmother to us all.

Then I flashed forward to more recent memories. Shirley bent down hemming my wedding dress. Working to make her special mints for my wedding and dancing to rap at the reception. A moment I'm lucky enough to have on video and now cherish even more. Her huge smile and laughter was contagious while she shook it with my great aunt and grandmother. I look at the photos of us all hugging at Missy's wedding and remember her being so excited when Missy had her little boy. She loved him so much and was so proud of him. She just bragged and bragged about him.

The last time I saw her was at Tyler's birthday party back in September. She was busy as a bee just like she always was, but she took time to hug each of us girls. We talked as much as possible in such a hectic setting and I filled her in on my classes. I promised to come see her more as soon as my classes were over and she hugged me tightly. I can still feel her arms and see her shining smile.

It's hard to believe she is gone. At about 9:00am this morning, she collapsed at work. She apparently had a massive heart attack, which took her life so suddenly and unexpectedly.

Shirley was special. She made everyone feel her love and everyone who knew her was better for it. I heard someone else put it best today on Facebook. God has a new angel shining so brightly in heaven today, but then again she was an angel to most of us here on earth. She truly was and I loved her dearly, as did so many others. Mammaw Shirley will be greatly missed, but she will live on in so many hearts.

Quote of the Week

2009-12-08T07:34:00.002-05:00

A quick post during a hectic week. I am facing what I consider my last week of courses full of papers and exams, but I am surviving so far. I am sure I will be missing most of the week, but I will hopefully be back to blogging regularly soon. After Saturday, I will like only one exam being finished. Needless to say, I am very excited. Thank you all for your kind words on my photo shoot out and I wish I had time to respond individually, but unfortunately I do not this week. Until I have more time, here is my quote of the week.

"I dwell in Possibility
A fairer House than Prose
More numerous of Windows
Superior--for Doors
Of Chambers as the Cedars
Impregnable of Eye
And for an Everlasting Roof
The Gambrels of the Sky
Of Visitors--the fairest
For Occupation--This
The spreading wide my narrow Hands
To gather Paradise."
~ Emily Dickinson, "I dwell in possibility"

Ooooppppssss.....

2009-12-04T06:29:00.001-05:00

I forgot one of the photos I wanted to use this week, but it works to post it separately. This photo is courtesy of my little four-year old neice, Madison. She loves taking my camera and she caught me doing one of my absolute favorite things.

Friday Shoot Out: My Favorite Things

2009-12-03T20:57:00.005-05:00

I had intentions of sorting this out in a better flowing format, but I'm too tired to flip and arrange photos. I also still have to finish packing for our weekend getaway and want to get my shoot out posted on time. So, here are my photos in a random order.

My little kitty, Precious, is a little crazy at times. She gets crazy eyes and bites my toes, but I still love her dearly.

Sable is as sweet of a dog as I have ever seen. She loves everyone and every animal she sees. Too bad people aren't as loving as she is.

First, I am a gamer. Not just any game, but I do enjoy trivia games and musical games. I think I actually play more than Keith does.

I also love music. It doesn't have to be live, but I do enjoy a good concert.

I also enjoy the race track, which is my husband and his dad's absolute favorite thing. I like going, too. It's fun to take along the camera and capture the excitement of the day.

Keith and I also bowl in a mixed league. I'm a terrible bowler, but I enjoy having a weekly night out with my husband.

I also love the outdoors. Nature in general is one of my favorite things, but streams and other bodies of water make it even better. I just love the sound of water crashing.

Family is also one of my favorite things. Even when they push your buttons, family is still family.

My husband is definitely one of my favorite things in the world. I love taking walks with him and chatting about the events of the day.

I also love how much he loves animals and other people. Even when he pretends not to have a soft spot for them, it just kind of shines through.

Quote of the Week

2009-12-01T08:09:00.003-05:00

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear." ~Ambrose Redmoon

I don't even know how to begin to explain why I chose this quote. I wish I could put into words exactly what I'm feeling today, but the words seem to escape me. I think I have overloaded my brain preparing to finish up the last couple of weeks of classes and exams. I'm still in awe that it's finally over. The time seems to have passed so quickly.

On another note, in case I don't find time to post the remainder of the week, I will am going to try to post my Friday Shoot Out Thursday. If I don't get to, it will be late. We are going out of town for a long weekend. I am going computer free and just going to enjoy some time with Keith and a couple of our friends. I'm sure I'll have lots of photos to share from our trip next week. Hope you all have a great rest of the week!

Christmas Memories

2009-11-28T09:18:00.007-05:00

I woke up this morning with intentions of cleaning and putting out some Christmas decorations. I have always loved decorating the tree, stringing lights around outside, and blaring Christmas music the whole time. As I began thinking about the day, all sorts of memories rushed to my mind and I was happily sharing them with Keith when suddenly my heart took another turn. With tears streaming, I told him some of my happiest Christmas memories.

From the time I was old enough to help, I remember my grandmother letting me take over the design of her tree. We would crank up the old record player/ radio that now sits in my house to old country singers belting out the holiday classics. She would hand me each ornament to place on the tree and no matter how jumbled or cluttered it might end up where I could reach the best, Granny never moved one ornament that I placed on the tree.

Once all the ornaments were placed where I wanted them, she would hand me the old silver tinsel that used to cover holiday trees. I never carefully placed the tinsel anywhere. Instead, it was thrown in the air to the beat of whatever holiday music was playing while I giggled and squealed with excitement. Granny would always join in and we would have tinsel everywhere. I remember tinsel all over the floor, drizzled across furniture, and hanging from our own hair.

So many good memories that both warm and break my heart. The happy memories of my grandmother mingles with the sadness of loosing her so many years ago. The memories of family gathered together, which now have crumbled apart. Memories of being with my parents on Christmas morning combined with the stress of trying to work in both homes now. It's hard to believe how much life can change in just a few short years.

Friday Shoot Out: Smiles and Faces

2009-11-27T11:19:00.004-05:00

I wish I would have had more time this week to focus on the assignment. I love faces and especially smiling ones. Hope you enjoy.

Quote of the Week

2009-11-25T06:39:00.002-05:00

"We are already one. But we imagine that we are not. And what we have to recover is our original unity. What we have to be is what we are." ~ Thomas Merton

I left a comment on my last Friday Shoot Out post to Redlan, which left me thinking. Participating in the shoot outs and blogging in general leaves me with an overwhelming sense of unity throughout the world. Having the opportunity to get to know people from all over the world and their countries from their point of view instead of the media's had made me realize just how alike we all truly are.

Many of the countries share the same landscapes. Rolling hills, mountains, and the beautiful ocean appear in so many photos each week. Individuals from so many cultures bound together by a love of photography. More common interests are discovered each day. It's amazing to me and gives me a restored faith in mankind. I've always believed we are all connected and are capable of living in harmony with one another. Seeing so many wonderful people from so many different cultures and background, restores that faith.

This quote was perfect for my thoughts today. We are all already one. We just have to overcome the dividing lines forced upon us.

Friday Shootout: Main Attraction

2009-11-20T07:38:00.005-05:00

A quick note to let everyone know that I am alive. I am just totally overwhelmed with research papers and other classwork. Once I'm finished next week, I'm home free though. Only one more week of classes to attend followed by exams. Then, I'll will be complete with my BS in Communication. I'm so excited!!

Anyway, with that being said, here is my shootout for this week. We don't really have an attraction in my town. It's mainly just churches and banks mingled with homes. However, Abingdon is only about a thirty minute drive or less. Here are some photos of that town since it is so culturally rich. Unfortunately, they are all from my archives.

First, wolves have a special part in Abingdon's history. Many businesses and homes proudly display them as a sign of their heritage.

Abingdon is well known for their historical homes and buildings. Something that they have taken great strives to preserve.

It is also well known for its annual Highlands Festival. I love to attend the festival each year and bring home the handmade goodies. I have grown especially fond of the handcrafted wooden bowls and utensils I purchased this year and plan to purchase more next year. It's a really interesting festival for anyone who loves arts, crafts, and history. I encourage you all to click the link to learn more about it.

The streets of Abingdon is also lined with craft, art, and antique shops. Other art can be seen everywhere. I particularly like these two statues.

I definitely cannot forget the state theatre of Virginia. Barter Theatre offers wonderful plays and a unique history. It's one of my favorite things to do locally. My favorite play this year was an adaptation of Frankenstein. I was so pleased how closely it followed the book rather than the movies.

Within short driving distances, there are many old mills and old general stores. I love photographing these buildings. There is so much history in them.

I am also excited to announce a new program that I just learned about in the local paper this week. A website is already up and plans are under way to promote the many trails located all around this area. Feel free to check it out, especially if you enjoy hiking or biking.

http://www.trailsrus.com/swvirginia/

Quote of the Week

2009-11-10T15:43:00.003-05:00

My seconds are clicking by faster than I would like this week. Actually, the last few months have seemed to go this way. I am overloaded with coursework, work work, housework, and everyone else's problems. I broke down crying at 5:30 this morning while Keith got ready for work and I began thinking about everything I have to do. Even with the short vacation last week and tomorrow off, my time is so limited for everything that needs to be squeezed into it.

Did I mention that I also just got called for jury duty? What timing with so many papers, projects, and exams coming up in the next few weeks! I also cried when I got the notice. So much in fact Keith told me to call the judge and beg him to allow him to take my place. I didn't. Or at least I haven't yet. I'm trying my best to look on the bright side of things. It does pay $30 a day. Monday I can put aside for our trip to Pigeon Forge next month to spend on myself. We are going down to relax and do a little Christmas shopping at the outlet malls, but I'm sure I'll find plenty of good deals for myself as well.

I also keep telling myself that come December 12th, I am finished completely! I've survived this long and another month will surely go by quickly. I am nervous though. I'm not sure what I will do with all the free time I will have after I'm finished. It's a bit scary. Ever since I've been married, I've kept a full schedule. I worked part time at the local movie store for years after I started my insurance job because I enjoyed it so much. Then came balancing school with work, so I had no free time. So, the prospect of having all this extra time is a bit overwhelming. I'm sure it'll be enjoyable, but for now it's just the unknown.

"Time is what we want most, but... what we use worst." ~Willaim Penn

Barry is a wonderful man whose blog I've recently came upon through the Friday Shoot Out club. He is fighting cancer and his battle is touching my heart so immensely. It is reminding me that time is precious and the free time I fear will open my life back up in many ways. Family and friends that have been left unseen can be visited. Hobbies left alone can be picked back up. There will be time to breathe and take care of myself. I shouldn't be afraid of it. Instead, I should embrace it and look at it as what it is. A new beginning.

Friday Shoot Out: Skylines

2009-11-06T13:39:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful week! I have even neglected my blog this week for the sheer joy of relaxing and spending time with my husband and dog. It's been a great week so far and we still have the weekend to go. We have relaxed, worked around the house, went out on a date to dinner and the movies, and other things we never have time to do. Plus, we still have two more days to enjoy each other's company after today.

Anyway, here are the shoot out photos that I have so far. I am going out to take more today, but wanted to go ahead and get my post up. Thank you all for stopping by to check them out.

Quote of the Week

2009-11-02T14:43:00.001-05:00

As I start this week, I'm greeted with a crazy day at work. Thank goodness I only have about 2 hours and then three hours tomorrow. Then I have the rest of the week off.

In the meantime, here is a quickie quote. One that rings very true for me and probably will for most of you as well.

"Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self." ~Cyril Connolly

Friday Shoot Out: Parks

2009-10-30T06:49:00.006-04:00

Some of these I have posted before, but they were fun. It was a hectic week and I didn't get too many new ones of our local park, but hope you enjoy anyway. I apologize for not catching up my childhood posts.

Thankful Thursday

2009-10-29T13:09:00.003-04:00

1) I am thankful for the warmer weather today. It is so nice to be in short sleeves again instead of all bundled up, but I don't think it's going to last that long.

2) I am thankful for making it to the college safely this morning. It was so foggy that I couldn't see a thing. I had to keep my eyes on the white line just to keep it in the road. About half way up the road on my journey, I got startled by blue lights shining in the opposites lanes. I couldn't tell what had happened, but after reading a Facebook update from Tess this morning I'm pretty sure it was the same thing. She posted someone had hit a deer in front of her and calculating the time, I suspect it was the same thing I saw. I'm so thankful it wasn't me. It could have easily been.

3) I am thankful that I only have a little more to go before I get my degree. I am counting down. Six weeks and 1 day will finish up my classes and exams. Then, I will be the proud recipient of a Bachelor of Science in Communication. Where I go from there, I don't know. I'm just excited to find out!

4) I am again thankful for a few days off next week. We honestly have nothing spectacular planned. We know we want to take in a movie one day and just enjoy some time together.

5) I am thankful that Keith's sickness was only a bug and not the flu. I'm also thankful that I managed not to catch that or the flu from my sister-in-law. I swear by Vitamins and such, which seem to do the trick for me.

Over the Top Award...

2009-10-26T19:19:00.003-04:00

My sweet friend, Jen, passed this award along to me. I wish I could pass it back. She's such a wonderful person and has an exceptional blog. I encourage you all to check it out.

In order to accept it, I have to answer the following questions in one word, and one word only. I then get to pass the award on to six bloggers. Here goes...

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse.
2. Your hair? Growing.

3. Your mother? Changing.
4. Your father? Hard-working.
5. Your favorite food? Potatoes.
6. Your dream last night? Confusing.
7. Your favorite drink? Tea.

8. Your dream/goal? Novel.

9. What room are you in? Living.
10. Your hobby? Photography.
11. Your fear? Spiders.

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Settled.
13. Where were you last night? Home.
14. Something that you aren't? Sick. :)

15. Muffins? Blueberry.

16. Wish list item? Lenses.
17. Where did you grow up? Virginia.
18. Last thing you did? Facebook.

19. What are you wearing? T-shirt.

20. Your TV? On.

21. Your pets? Lively.

22. Friends? Forever.

23. Your life? Balancing.

24. Your mood? Worried.

25. Missing someone? No.

26. Vehicle? Pickup.
27. Something you're not wearing? Socks.
28. Your favorite store? Gap.

29. Your favorite color? Red.
30. When was the last time you laughed? Tonight.
31. Last time you cried? Today.

32. Your best friend? Husband.

33. One place that I go to over and over? Beach.
34. One person who emails me regularly? Tess.

35. Favorite place to eat? Mammaw's.

One word was really hard!

And, I'm passing this award to...

Carrie-A lovely, young blogger who is a wonderful writer and person. Her blog is so sincere and open.

Barry-A blogger that I've only recently discovered. His photography and writing are both inspirational, as is his story. I also love his dog and Lindsay gets her share of this award. :)

Lyn-Such a sweet woman. She has such love for her family and such a beautiful spirit, which shines through her writing.

Maggie May-A high-spirited woman who writes with such honesty. I adore her blog. One of the most interesting individuals I have met in this big, blogging world.

Robyn-One of the first bloggers I began following and I cannot even remember how I stumbled upon her blog. She has become such a wonderful friend.

Laura-Another one of the first blogs I followed and one of the first to follow mine. She openly shares her experiences and her love of music, which is why she remains one of my favorite bloggers.

Racing Photos

2009-10-26T19:06:00.006-04:00

Bowling Alley Photos

2009-10-26T18:58:00.001-04:00

A Weekend Story and the Quote of the Week

2009-10-26T15:42:00.004-04:00

What a crazy weekend to say the least! I had good intentions of finishing my Friday Shoot Out post, but it just didn't happen. I hope maybe this evening I can sit down and do it.

Friday night, Keith and I bowl on a league. Saturday morning, we had to prebowl for next week because we are attending a Halloween party instead. We finished up about 1:00 or so and found ourselves driving two and a half hours to a race track. Keith's dad had went drag racing. His buddy had gotten sick, which left Mark there alone. We arrived around 4:00 after a couple of stops and spent the rest of the evening at the track.

Mark did exceptionally well and remained undefeated until the final round. It was a double elimination race and he got beat twice in the finals. He missed out on the trophy, but the two drivers had agreed to split the pot 50/50 regardless of who won. So, at least he came home with a little money. Actually, we did as well. Since we helped cover expenses, he split his winnings with us. We ended up making it home around 11:30 and I went straight to bed.

Sunday, I was hopeful again. I had begun uploading and editing all of my photos from the shoot out and the Saturday fun when I received a phone call. My sister-in-law has the swine flu and her little boy has been staying with my in-laws. He had developed a fever and needed some medicine. Keith and his dad had made a trip to Wytheville, so I came out to get take them some. Once I arrived there, the doctor called and agreed to see the little guy. Doris was also keeping our niece and I volunteered to stay with her. So, I spent most of the day playing and watching cartoons.

Yesterday evening, I went on to my grandparents' for dinner and to draw names for Christmas. Mammaw prepared a feast as always. I indulged in homemade rolls and chicken & dumplings before a small piece of both chocolate and butterscotch pie.

So, I will do my best to post this evening. I'm hoping to get to include some of the photos from bowling and the race track as well. *Fingers crossed*

In the midst of everything, I did end up at my sister-in-law's house to take her some movies. I sat and talked to her awhile and she was feeling much better. Keith is terrified that I'm going to come down with it. I don't worry much. I rarely get sick, but just as a precaution I took some flu medicine last night. This is what lead me to my quote of the week....

"It doesn't hurt to be optimistic. You can always cry later." ~Lucimar Santos de Lima

Right now I'm sure I won't get sick, but later I might pay for thinking that way.

Friday Shoot Out: Classics of Childhood

2009-10-23T07:45:00.001-04:00

I have more photos to upload, which I hope to get done tomorrow. Here is one until then, so you are not completely disappointed and think I didn't participate this week. This was such a fun assignment. I cannot wait to see what everyone else came up with.

Thankful Thursday

2009-10-22T14:31:00.003-04:00

1) This beautiful sunshine today mingled with the brightly colored leaves. It's the perfect fall day and I'm dying to be outdoors. Hopefully, this evening, I can head outdoors with my camera.

2) My husband. Repetitive, I know. Yet, it's more true every day. I keep seeing people around me involved with selfish, rude, and ugly partners. Why they put up with it, I don't understand. However, it makes me all the more grateful for the partnership that we have and the respect that we show one another.

3) I am thankful for the opportunity to visit a local head start this morning and put on a fire prevention program. It's always a blessing to work with children, but this bunch was extra special. They were so eager to learn and interact. I had such a wonderful time. Not to mention, it gave me a little break for the normal work day.

4) I am thankful for the coal trucks on the road this morning. It's been a while since the usually common sight has been seen so plentifully. It appears many in our area are being called back to work, including some of our friends. Something I am very grateful for.

5) I am thankful the countless other blessings that God has granted directly to me. My home, food on the table, clothing, etc. that I sometimes take for granted. I realize not everyone is as fortunate and that I am very blessed.

Sable, She's Smarter Than Me.

2009-10-21T15:47:00.004-04:00

After sharing this story on another blog earlier, I decided the rest of you would enjoy the same story. I think I told him yesterday morning, but it was Monday.

Monday morning was another hectic one. I was running around finishing my make-up and watching my online class when I decided that I was hungry. I wanted Eggo's and only like them made in the oven, so I popped them in. I sat down to watch the rest of my class.

As I watched intently, Sable began what I would simply call freaking out. Running back and forth between me and the kitchen. She was barking and spinning in circles, which is something she does when she wants attention. I am ashamed to admit I was upset about the distraction from my class.

"You silly dog! Quit barking!"

She continued on and then it hit me. The Eggo's. More than the 3 and 1/2 to 5 minutes had went by. Actually, more like 15 had went by. They were crisp to say the least and stinky.

Next time, I'll remember to pay attention to her. She's obviously smarter than I am.

Did I mention that she also will not let you take her picture if she's not in the mood? I caught her by surprise here. Definitely not her usual happy expression.

Quote of the Week

2009-10-19T13:32:00.004-04:00

"The time to relax is when you don't have time for it." ~Attributed to both Jim Goodwin and Sydney J. Harris

Has a statement ever rang more true? I have been running in circles trying to keep up with my classwork. I took time to enjoy fall break some, but not much with upcoming exams. I still have one more exam to go, but it's not until next week. I have been overloaded with papers to write, pages to read, and discussions to take part in. I have in part left myself completely exhausted and still stressed out as I face another difficult week this week.

Work is also hard as I haven't taken a vacation yet this year. Only a couple of long weekends and looking at my schedule a real vacation isn't in the cards this year. However, I told my husband last night that I needed time off. Even if I just use the last bit of my vacation time to have a few days at home. To be home to focus solely on my studies for a few days and leisurely clean my house would be a welcome change.

I hope to make a day trip to the theatre. I love watching movies and cannot tell you the last time I was able to step foot into a theatre. I hope to have some time to drive around and play with my camera. I want to explore the areas around here that I often overlook. Maybe take time for a massage. My one guilty pleasure, which has taken a back seat to my studies as well. My shoulders are screaming for Annie to work the stress out of them.

So, I'm marking off the calender today for the first week of November. Well, most of the week anyway. My long weekends have cut sharply into my vacation time and I must save a couple of days for a December trip to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg with some friends. Regardless, I'm looking forward to even a few days away from the hustle of balancing everything.

Asking for help and input

2009-10-16T14:32:00.002-04:00

All of you who come here to see my Friday Shoot Out are amazing photographers and writers. Therefore, I am asking for help from each of you.

For my Advanced Communication class, we are responsible for writing several essays based around our readings. For my upcoming paper, I have decided to write on the topic of sacred places. We discussed this topic somewhat in class and I found myself very interested in the places that the other students chose. Many named typical places like church, family homes, and outdoors in general. Some named things like in their car, listening to music, when they are dancing, and such. So it's an anything goes kind of question.

For our essays, we are able to do traditional essays or a more visual essay. I have decided to mix the two and this is where each of you come in. I would like to ask any of you that are willing to help to please send me a photo of your personal sacred place along with a little snippet of writing about why it is special to you. I intend to combine these into an essay and promise to forward a finished version on to of each of you who are kind enough to send me something.

If you would like to send me something, please send it to my school email. It is jprui004@odu.edu.

Thank you all in advance! :)

Thankful Thursday and Friday Shoot Out Combined

2009-10-15T20:55:00.003-04:00

I have spent the week focusing hard on my exams and papers that have been due. That mingled with the rain knocked out any chance of getting new photos, but here are some from my archives. I'm so disappointed that I didn't get to try out my new camera on some sunrise and sunset shots. I hope the rain stops soon. I have my first paying portrait shoot this weekend weather permitting.

These first three are from Nags Head, NC last year on vacation.

These three are actually from here in Virginia.

And now, Thankful Thursday....

1) I'm thankful that my classes are almost half over. I've been so tired trying to keep up with everything and I'll be so grateful when December arrives so that I'm finished with my degree.

2) I'm thankful for this domestic streak that I've been on this week. My house is clean and I've even cooked real meals several times this week.

3) I'm thankful for a good job and good bosses. Tomorrow is Bosses' Day and hopefully we can show them how much we appreciate them. My only co-worker and I are cooking lunch for the bosses. I've been up tonight making banana pudding and hashbrown casserole.

4) I'm thankful that tomorrow is Friday. I know that sounds a bit bad, but I'm totally exhausted this week. Work with mid-terms have been killer. Of course, I have to take my exit exam on Saturday morning. Still, after that I can relax a bit.

5) I'm thankful for a happy home to come home to. Keith has been extra good this week helping do the dishes and even running to the grocery store for me this evening. It's wonderful having a husband who is willing to help, but also provides and listens. I'm learning not everyone is so lucky and I feel especially blessed spending my evenings with Keith, Sable, and Precious.

Quote of the Week

2009-10-12T07:28:00.003-04:00

"Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that." ~Michael Leunig

I wanted to find a quote on love to go with some photos I took this weekend. Unfortunately, the dreary weather prevented me from getting the photos of the beautiful colors I wanted. So, Keith offered to let me do some photos of us. It was hard.

It was pose Keith, set the camera up, hit the timer, and run deal. Haha. It was fun and they turned out well. Here are a few of my favorites.

Lazy days

2009-10-09T13:52:00.005-04:00

It has been a very slow, boring week at work this week. The kind that makes you feel like you brain cells are dying off. I had good intentions. Intentions of studying for some of my exams that start next week. Intentions of writing papers ahead of schedule. Instead, I have played on the Internet for the last few days.

I have caught up on blog readings, snooped a little on EBay and Amazon, and even caught up my "farming" on Facebook. At home, I have caught up on my movie and television watching. Sat petting my dog and laughing with my husband. I have vegged and relaxed.

This weekend is my fall break. Four days without any class. I go straight into exams on Wednesday, but for the weekend I'm not going to worry about it. I'll start studying on Monday. I don't think my exams next week are going to be too hard. I am looking forward instead to enjoying some time with my husband this weekend.

To start with, today we are going to Barter Theatre to see Frankenstein. I'm so excited. I love the Barter and I've heard Frankenstein is fantastic. Then we are going out for dinner and back to the local corn maze tonight with some friends. I adore corn mazes, but Keith has never been. Fingers crossed he'll enjoy it.

I am hoping to tote along my camera today and get some good photos of the beautiful fall colors that have finally shown up on the mountains. This morning it's raining, but it is supposed to stop by this afternoon. Either way, tomorrow is supposed to be pretty and I plan on getting out then to take some. So, hopefully I'll have some to share soon. Hope you all enjoy your weekend as well.

Friday Shoot Out: Silhouettes

2009-10-09T07:20:00.002-04:00

I'm hoping to have some more to post later this weekend, but here are a few photos that I was able to take yesterday evening. I don't usually shoot silhouettes. So, it was a really fun learning experience. I'm looking forward to trying some more.

Thankful Thursday

2009-10-08T09:27:00.003-04:00

1) I am thankful for the glimpse of the sun I got driving to work this morning. It just made my day a little brighter and lifted my spirits.

2) I am thankful for the beautiful colors that are starting to show themselves on the mountains around town. They are so gorgeous and I am hoping to capture some of their beauty this weekend on film to share with you all.

3) I am thankful for Keith as always. He has agreed to do two things he normally hates to make me happy. One, we are going to the Barter Theatre to see Frankenstein this weekend. He normally doesn't like the theatre very much, but he did want to see this play. Two, he has agreed to attend a costume party for Halloween. He's too adult for such childish things, but I love things like that. He has also given me free range on choosing the costumes. I just can't decide what I want us to be.

4) I am thankful for my upcoming fall break. It's only two days, but it gives me a long weekend. Even, if my exams start the very first day back. I'm sure I'll spend most of the time studying for them. Right now, I'm pulling high A's in all of my classes and I do not want to mess that up.

5) I am thankful for life. After seeing so much death around the last couple of weeks, it makes one more realize just how short life truly is. It makes a person appreciate each moment a little more.

Quote of the Week

2009-10-05T10:34:00.006-04:00

"Time is not what you think. Dying? Not the end of everything. We think it is. But what happens on earth is only the beginning." ~Mitch Albom, The Five People You Meet in Heaven

I come to write today with a crying heart. A heart touched by so much grief and sadness. The last few weeks have been hard on so many people that I love and care about and I cannot help except to feel their losses.

A young son, grandson, friend taken at the young age of 21. A parent lost after such a heartbreaking year and fight with Alzheimers. A husband facing the potential loss of his wife at such an early age. Two suicides of people I would have never thought would have a reason to take their own lives. One who touched my heart immensely and I feel like after all the battles of his life that he just gave up fighting.

Each one breaking my heart as I watched their families and loved ones struggle through their losses. I was looking for a particular quote to mend my heart and this one seemed perfect. One of my favorite books and movies. I highly encourage anyone who hasn't heard of either one to check it out.

Thankful Thursday

2009-10-01T10:56:00.002-04:00

1) First, I am grateful for the sunshine and a little warmer weather today. I'm not quite ready for the cold.

2) I am thankful that Keith and his dad had a safe trip to GA and that they are being given the opportunity to take part in such a big race. I'm sure it's a trip they won't forget. I'm also thankful that they have such a close relationship. Not everyone is so lucky.

3) I am thankful for another day in general. It becomes more obvious each day that we are not guaranteed another. I suppose death becomes more common for us the older that we become.

4) I am thankful for a slow week at work, which allowed me to get ahead on all of my classwork. Now, I can relax the rest of the week and the weekend. I'm really looking forward to a completely free weekend.

5) I am thankful for my "family." I am learning that flesh and blood does not automatically translate into family. That we sort of create our own. While I wish my own family was closer, I am just grateful for the family I have made of in laws, friends, co-workers, etc. I am grateful to know I have a whole other family that loves me and cares about me.

Quote of the week and a little extra.

2009-09-29T14:43:00.008-04:00

"Every artist dips his brush in his own soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures." ~Henry Ward Beecher

Even my quote of the week is late this week. I apologize. Being out of town some this weekend threw me behind on my classwork and I've had my nose buried in books every free second trying to finish several papers. Finally, I can say they are finished and I'm even ahead again.

I've also been busy playing with my new camera. With my tuition reimbursement, I made an extravagant purchase. Something Keith and I usually don't do, but I'm slowly learning that if you can afford something that makes you so happy then you should go for it.

So, Saturday when I returned from our Insurance Women's conference, Keith and I headed to Best Buy. They had their Canon Digital Rebels on sale and I couldn't wait to get one. Since I've been so busy with my classes, I haven't had as much time as I'd like to test it out. However, here are a few shots I took Sunday of our pets and Keith's parents' pets.

Friday Shoot Out: Late, but Here.

2009-09-27T20:19:00.002-04:00

One of my favorite places to be is at a concert. I love music and the energy of a live show.

Another favorite is curled up on the couch with Sable under a blanket.

Or with Precious. This is also her favorite place to be scratched.

Another favorite is with family anywhere.

And I can't forget just out on the open road, especially old country roads.

However, my favorite place to be is simply with Keith. We always have the best time no matter where we are or what we are doing.

Another crazy week.

2009-09-24T20:27:00.002-04:00

This week has been a hard week. I apologize for my lack of posting and my lack of returning comments. I hope next week is easier and I can catch up.

A hectic week anyway trying to get ahead on my classwork before a conference this weekend became even worse yesterday. We received a phone call at work that our boss's grandson had passed away. He was only 21. Needless to say, it's been an emotionally draining week.

I am busy tonight packing and trying to prepare to leave for our conference tomorrow. Thankfully, it's a short one and I will be home Saturday. I am so pushed for time tonight that I'm skipping my Thankful Thursday post. I'll also be late posting my shoot out pictures. I'll try to keep them up Saturday. If not, Sunday.

I should really get back to packing. I just wanted to give everyone a heads up on where I've been. I look forward to catching up on your comments and your blogs when I get back.

Quote of the Week

2009-09-22T09:28:00.005-04:00

"I was taught very early that I would have to depend entirely upon myself; that my future lay in my own hands." ~Darius Ogden Mills

Yesterday, one of my professors went outside the class topic to give us a private lecture. One that she feels every college student needs to hear. One I needed to hear. One I think most of us needed to be reminded of. That we alone control our lives.

It made me think about how much control we give to others. Our spouses, parents, friends, bosses, etc. Just how much we allow these people to determine for us and when we should say no. Something that I have a very hard time doing. Something that often pushes me over my limit since my life is already so hectic.

It also reminded me that every decision I make will impact my life in one way or another. I have a pretty clear image of the person that I want to be and the direction that I want my life to go. However, I realize that some decisions that I've been making have hindered those long term goals.

Yesterday, I took on the day a little differently. I took it on knowing that I alone am shaping my own life. I went to work and did my job the best I could. When work that I shouldn't be doing in the first placed was plopped down on my desk, I made a point to let it be know that I was unhappy. I simply said, "If he wants to take on all this added responsibility, let him do the work. It's not my place and I'm tired of getting stuck doing it all." Just saying it out loud, made me feel so much better.

After work, Keith and I went to the gym with our friends again. While Keith and Jimmy lifted weights, Lenore and I took on a step aerobics class. It was brutal. With each step up, I became a little more bored and confused. All sorts of different patterns were thrown at us with no warning. We had to work double hard to try to figure out what was going on and imitate it. I found myself frustrated and gasping for air. Honestly, feeling like I was going to vomit. The first time this has ever happened to me working out. Still, I finished the class. I may not have gotten every step, but I did my best.

Once we finished, Lenore and I went to find the guys. They were still lifting and still hadn't been running. So, we decided to do the start of the Zumba class. Time only allowed us to stay for half of the class, but I felt revived. Encouraged even that I survived a class and a half of such high intensity exercise.

Since the rest of you cannot hear the professors wonderful lecture, I decided to share this quote. It sums it up and will hopefully inspire you all in some way. It seems to be the reminder that I needed to keep my head up and my feet moving forward.

Friday Shoot-Out: Domestic Animals

2009-09-18T07:41:00.010-04:00

This week's assignment hit on my weakness or maybe my strengths. I guess it all depends how you look at it. I love animals and adore taking photos of them. I try my best to capture an emotion or personality in my shots.

As I was trying to decide which ones to post this week, I had a hard time leveling it down. I'll apologize for the number now, but I hope you enjoy them all.

The first one is a photo of my dad's bull. He has had him since he was a calf. He always has a standoffish look, but he's really the friendliest thing. He loves to play with dad and wrestle around. It's so cute.

The next two are some candid shots that I took at my little cousin's wedding. I love the puppy in the photos and had to post them again, even though I posted them after the wedding.

This is my cat, Precious. Napping as usual.

The next two are my dad's dogs. The first one he rescued from where he works. Some guys were threatening to kill him and he brought him home.

This guy was just recently dropped off on my dad's farm. This was right after. Doesn't he look so sad? I wish I had a more recent photo. He's such a happy guy now and he adores my dad.

My little Sable. You'll see a lot of her this week.

This is one of dad's cows. I was out with my camera and she followed me around. It was like she was wanting her photo taken. The minute I took her picture, she disappeared. Isn't she pretty?

Two little twins on my dad's farm.

Sable looking at the cattle. She loves and is intrigued by all other animals.

This is my little nephew playing with one of Keith's mom's cats. She's so good with kids and this is one of my favorite photos. I can't help at laugh at the size difference, though.

This is Princess. Keith's mom's dad that she rescued. She spent the majority of her life in a puppy mill locked in a cage. When Doris first got her she was terrified of people. Not she's stuch a happy and sweet dog, but sometimes she still gets a bit nervous.

This is another one of Doris's cats. I think he's just beautiful.

This is another one of her rescued cats. Actually, Keith's dad brought this one in. She's a bit hyper and loved to play.

Another of of dad's cows. I loved how he acted shy. It was an accident that I caught up using the bathroom.

Another one of my little Sable. I just love her.

Another one of dad's calves. I was drawn to its curiousity and big ears. Haha.

Can you believe it's another one of Sable?

Precious being her normal tempermental self.

Blue, another stray at Keith's mom's. His owner commited suicide leaving him homeless. He's a sweetheart that loves attention.

Another temper, temper shot.

I've shown this one several times. I love when Sable smiles.

Calm and curious.

She's cheesin. Too sweet.

One of her rare sweet moments.

She does like me and Keith, but really no one else.

Sleepy.

Another stay. This one was dropped at my grandparents. Mammaw asked me to come take its picture. It looks so rough here. It breaks my heart.

Being shy. Or maybe just wanting to be left alone. It's hard to tell the difference.

Old and Out of Shape

2009-09-17T10:48:00.003-04:00

This morning was one of the days this semester that I had to drive up to the college. It's only about a thirty minute drive, but it's one that I find so hard to make after getting used to taking the courses online at home.

Turning into the parking lot, I was reminded why young drivers are so expensive on insurance. (I know only an insurance agent would have this thought.) There were cars facing every direction. Some taking up two spaces, some pulled over the line, and some out in the main line of traffic. I was so grateful to be in Keith's Jeep instead of my truck. I would have never gotten out of that parking lot without getting hit or hitting something myself.

I made my way down to my class, which wasn't bad. I was a couple of minutes early and found that there are only three of us left in the class on Southwest's campus. The others had dropped the class. I kind of pity the ones who dropped. This is the easiest class that I've taken through ODU and I can only imagine that they won't be able to cut it in their other classes.

Class was pretty much just more details on an upcoming assignment and how to use the technology to submit it. It was over before I knew it. On the way back to my vehicle, I made a mistake. I decided to take the back way up out of the building.

This route led me to a big set of stairs and then out to the long walk back down the parking lot. I was already out of place in my work attire, dressed in black pants and a sweater. Thankfully, I had thrown on Clarks this morning instead of my usual heels. I could not have made it in heels. Looking around I was surrounded by young, fresh faces all clad in jeans and cropped shirts. For the first time, I felt old in comparison.

I think it had something to do with the fact that I was also heaving from the march up the stairs and the portion that I had walked through the parking lot. Gasping for breathe with each step, I was never so glad to make it back to my car.

I picked up my cell to return a call to Keith on the drive to work, still trying to slow my breathing. He picked up, "Hey. How are you?"

"I am a fat, out of shape, old woman who has no business hiking up steps on a college campus."

He burst out laughing.

Don't worry, this feeling passed quickly and I learned an important lesson. I will never go the back way up the stairs again. Or at least not until my Zumba classes kick in and I can do it without becoming an out of breathe mess.

Thankful Thursday

2009-09-17T10:34:00.003-04:00

1) I'm thankful for another day. The opportunity to get up early and go to class. The fact that I have a job to come into afterwards. Little things that sometimes I tend to take for granted.

2) My husband. I repeat this one a lot, but I have been very blessed with Keith. This week has been a hard one, filled with lots of classes and papers to write. Weeks like this sometimes get me down. Tuesday night, Keith was watching television and I was glued to the computer for a video streaming class. He looked over and said, "You know, I'm really proud of you. I'm proud you went back to school." It seems that he always knows what to say to keep my spirits up.

3) For my classes this semester. Up until this point, a good portion of my courses have all been research oriented. This time I'm actually getting to do a little creative writing and public relations. Two things that I am really enjoying.

4) For good friends. Someone I know committed suicide this week, something that I won't go into other than saying that I would have never expected it. It was a reminder that we truly never know what anyone is going through. As I've said before, I'm not much on sharing my feelings with just anyone. Thankfully, I've been blessed with the most wonderful friends that I could ever ask for who help me through the bad times in my life. Even when my family has let me down, they have been there to pick me up. I couldn't imagine not having them in my life.

5) For the rain today. I have noticed how the grass has started to turn brown and the trees. The rivers are back down low and streams have dried up. I miss the green and the flowing water. I hope the rain they are calling for this week replenishes everything. I'm hoping for a beautiful and bright fall.

A lacking blog

2009-09-15T10:31:00.003-04:00

When I first began this blog, I was simply looking for an outlet to express myself. To let go of the emotions and experiences, that were happening in my life. I was going through the hardest time in my life so far and being able to share here helped me tremendously.

Over time, my blog was discovered. I enjoyed the conversation, connecting with others, and listening to their advice. Then, I found myself being found by more and more people that I know intimately. Some I didn't mind hearing the true stories and emotions, others made me uncomfortable. I didn't want them to know certain things about me and my sharing became less intimate.

In doing that, I find not only a lacking blog, but also a lack of fulfillment to myself. In trying to keep my perfect image, I tried to carry too much silently on myself. It's no secret that I have a hard time sharing things. Very few people see the angry, sad, and confused individual that I am at times. The one that my readers had come to know and still love, which I appreciate more than you can imagine. To those readers, I apologize for becoming so distant.

So, today I'm making a vow. I'm going to reopen myself up, not just on here, but also in my everyday life. I know some of you will be glad to see this again. Others, may be terrified to see how much I keep inside. Regardless, it will be reality of who I am and what I am going through. That is all I can promise.

Quote of the Week

2009-09-14T18:58:00.002-04:00

"Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature....Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." ~Helen Keller

I am only beginning to learn how true this statement is. Security truly is only an idea. It never truly exists.

You would think working in insurance, I would have realized this sooner. That no one can ever be one hundred percent secure in anything. Their finances, marriages, other relationships, jobs, and every thing else that can be listed can change in a blink of an eye throwing your life into total chaos.

Why then do we even after experiencing these life changing events, still dare to think we have any security in this world?

Friday Shoot Out: Old and Weathered

2009-09-13T21:14:00.002-04:00

My Friday Shoot Out is very late and I apologize. This week was the county fair, a tradition to which I take my Pappaw to every year. That mingled with my normal busy schedule left everything behind. However, are four shots I managed to get on a little back road drive Keith and I took Saturday after a birthday party. It's an area I used to know well and a child. Now, it seems like a place time has truly left behind. It was perfect for this theme of old and weathered.