Where do I live?!?

So, if any of you have been watching the news for the Pacific Northwest (i doubt many not up here do) then you would know that the weather we are having here is...well unusual for lack of a better word. Growing up I think I saw, at most, 2 inches of snow...that stayed and didn't melt on the ground. Other than that snow sightings required me to drive to the mountains or find a deserted field. Needless to say, snow is not a common issue for people who live in large cities around here.

However, that didn't stop God from answering all those little kid prayers for a White Christmas. They must have has some power in those prayers because he really dumped it down! I'll admit, the snow is pretty. However, as my good friend Erin says "It'd be a lot cooler if I was 8 years old." Amen to that.

So at my house, currently, I have almost a foot of snow. A FOOT! . So Jed and I have opted for some wonderful snow watching from inside with cocoa and a blanket. The other day we walked through the park.

I have to say watching those kids sled down the hills...well it looked like too much fun. I could feel my inner child kicking and screaming "Do It! GO GO GO!". We then giggled as we walked past some VERY confused birds that were now required to walk across their pond.

Today I bought a sled. It was $30, which normally to me would be a lot. Given the amount of snow we get and the wrestling that I did with my inner 8 year old, I broke down and am more excited to use it than ever. I can't wait to race down that hill squealing with joy and adrenaline. To feel that cold breeze numb my face and hold on tight with everything I've got to the plastic steering sides to the sled.

We did venture out to a Christmas party. It was very fun. We were blessed enough to have real German spiced wine made by a real German friend! The party was great. Halfway through, we watched the snow pore down. Our wonderful friend decided that pushing off 3 inches of snow, that accumulated in 3 hours, was not the most efficient way. We have since then learned that sweeping a car is much faster :)

Christmas is wonderful. A White Christmas is cherished. Embrace that inner kid and GO SLEDDING!

A Very Kitty Christmas

Have a Very Merry Kitty Christmas

Oh the holidays! For anyone with cats, or a relentless anima, they know what I'm talking about. It always starts with the decorations and then moves on to the tree. Usually the tree topper for the grand finale.

You set these up and instantly their eyes widen with excitemen. Their little minds start spinning with ways to obtain that shiny obect on top of this bright, colorful, oversized outdoor kitty condo. The lightbulbs offer a sort of luring in, while they stay for the ornaments.

Anything glass or breakable is bound for disaster. If you're in my house, the tree also should be either in a VERY secure stand or bolted to the wall. Even when you've surrendered and the tree is sitting sadley in a box, there is no mercy.



The killing of the tree continues long into the night. Once the tree has finally realized Christmas this year is not happening, it's onto the snowflakes. There is no mercy for anything bright and colorful.

Sanity Insurance?

'Tis the holiday season and the postal trucks are running in full force! With all these packages going here and there, one has to wonder. Will my package get lost? Now, I don't need to send any gifts since I have the fortune of having family nearby. However, I do need to ship my brand new, barely use, much loved $700 camera for repair! Of course it breaks during the holidays! Did you expect something less?

So there I am handing my baby over to a person I've never met. Continuing to express my love for bubble wrap and insulation to make sure no further damage is done. Watching my camera be taken to the back where I will see her in who knows how long.

I stand there and check the little box that states "DUH! I want insurance on this!" That's not what it says, but it's what I'm thinking. Now, I've worked in the postal industry before...things happen. You can't lie to me. I know that my baby will probably be fine and that eventually I will be able to prance along the streets taking photos yet again. But for now, I sit there and stare at the only piece of reassurance that they can offer...if we break it or loose it, we'll give you money for it.

Gee thanks. I feel so much better now. So what about insurance for my sanity? What about me worrying about the thing I just spent hours upon hours working to buy, saving my money for this prized possession. I doubt in the creation of this form they thought to put a line in that said "Don't worry, it'll be taken care of"

So there it goes. Off on the grand adventure to the Camera doctor. Be safe, don't take to strange parts. Come home safe. Lord knows I don't have the money to buy another one of you

Zoo Lights

I thought this involved the zoo animals too. Not true. Pretty, but like it sounds. Lights decorated around the zoo. oh and there were like a million people there.

Zoo Lights! Pretty!

My Best Friends Wedding

Well considering I just edited 150 photos...the description to my trip will have to come later :)

Sarah and Tom's Wedding Photos


San Diego & Sea World

Art

Funny how the ways of life strike so fast. One minute you're barely remembering the past and the next you're fighting to take as much in as possible with us. The world moves in a funny way, sometimes faster than we think. Preserve what you can and don't regret what you can't. My thoughts, monitor the phone. Hoping the words are never uttered. The tears will never fall. A goodbye will never be said. Our hearts desire time, when there is little left.

I sat there, next to him. My head on his shoulder wishing it could stay there forever. Pushing sleep aside, my eyes stare. I focus, trying to memories every piece of him. From the moment I arrived, time slowed, the world didn't matter. Only life, the here and now stood above the rest.

So I sat there. Staring. Trying to ingrain the image into my mind. I wanted to remember every wrinkle, every grin, every gray hair. His eyes are soft, full of love, memorizing the world in his own way. They light up as we talk about the wisdom he's gained over the hears. Little tan boots cover his feet, slippers that have seen many mornings and many evenings. Red bathrobes now hold a special place in my heart as it, tied perfectly around his waist. Slowly a smile cracks across my face as I notice his political pajamas.

My heart pours out love for him. So much so that it hurts that time is not enough. This man means everything to me. More than I think he will ever know. The kindness that seeps from his heart, slowly into the lives of others is intoxicating. His heart pours joy. Once a heart that carried him from WWII, to births, to deaths, to love and everything in between. Now beats slower, steadier, time limiting the days. The heart is tired, but the spirit still kicks strong.

My hero, my love, my one and only. Conversations, memories, laughs and loves...treasure them. Only the Lord knows the number of our days. In the end, the only thing that matters is what you can take with you from this world to the next.

Art, I love you. To me, you are a hero. To me you are the most important thing, you are my Grandpa. To me, you are in my heart.

A Movement of the Soul

Last night I was blessed enough to attend the Ray LaMontagne concert with Leona Naess opening. This was my birthday present to myself and let me tell you...it was the best one yet. My amazing friend Chauncy attended with me for an evening of food and fun. Our parking experience was one of the funnest memories I have of us. Between the two of us we can parralel park and drive a stick shift...although we can both only do 1 of those :) Needless to say I'm sure we got some looks of confusion as we laughed in an awkward hysteria.

The show was held at McCall Hall in Seattle. The structure itself should not be counted out due to the medium size. The inside welcomes strangers with glass and a lightness to it. Since it was my birthday present I decided we were going to have good seats. The entrance to the lower level is a long hallway only lit by the small circular track lighting. The crimson red paint from beginning to end puts a sence of eagerness and excitment in all that walk these halls. Only to open up to a wonderful sea of chairs complimented by the green, brown and blue colors.

The show started and Leona Naess appears on stage. Her bairfeet make a distant sound as they grace the stage. Her orange summer dress pops in the black background. She begins to sing and the room is filled with a light, airy, yet jaw dropping grace. She sings awkwardly with her body moving to the emotion that floats through the air. There is a timidness to her that is cute and almost childlike.

I highly reccomend checking out the true talents of Leona Naess.

Then, the moment came. My heart begins to beat, my arms tickle with goosebumps. I am ready to see the man who has settled my soul for many days. "123 and" he whispers and the sound begins. An upbeat version of "You Are the Best Thing" opens the show. I can't help but display a large smile as my favorite artist whails into the night. His knee buckles as he dances, moving to the beat of his own music. His arm stokes the guitar in a very fast, not to mention visually strong, motion. Almost as if it was mocking a Metronom, swift and cutting it it's movement. He speaks little. Saying only a small handfull of sentences, still with a humbled shyness and meekness to his voice. He stands, graciously on the stage, thanking the stagehand each time he brings a new guitar. The mention of his first show in Seattle brought smiles and cheers. His hopes of 80 people were blown away at what he described as 400 waiting fans launching his success. He thanks 103.7 The Mountain for taking a chance on this man quiet in personality, yet loud in music and emotional expression. He is my favorite artist and his lack of words don't mean a thing when it comes to talent.

His music is a gift to this world, powerful and connected.

Photos for Thoughts

Here are my learning photos and others that I thought would be fun to look at. Tell me what you think? Suggestions?

The Wedding Slideshow

So, I've finally figured out out to enter a slideshow. This was the most fun I ever had taking photos.

Attempting to Edit

So, I finally purchased an editing program. Needless to say these photos were taken with a general lense and no external flash. I've never taken a photography class or anything of the sort. I'm excited to display my "work", but also I'm suuuper nervous at the same time.

When I photographed part of my friends wedding, there was a real photographer there. I'm very glad for that since, I was nervous enough taking some hair photos. I had a lot of fun. I've discovered how much fun I have when I photograph.

Anyways there are two links. One for the wedding and one for some random edits. I'd LOOOOVE to hear what you think.

Please don't hold back.

Andrew and Megan Gohl's Wedding

Random Edits and Things

Ahh the Dreaded Wedding Dress

As some of you may know, I am in love with Project runway. Last night was a very surprising and stylish episode. Since the 4 bombed dreadfully their "music theme/eavening gown" dresses they were all sent home. Their challange was to make the line they'd show at Fashion Week as well as 1 to be glorious wedding dress.

I was sooo surprised when they went to visit Kenley. Her's was flat out amazing. The girl may be a bit...well a lot...of rough around the edges but she can sew. It was nice to see her out of her element and doing something different to. There was tool of course, can she do without it?

Leanne had a naturally gorgous dress as everyone knew she would.

Korto had a surprisingly over frivilous dress. I would have thought with all of her style and love for the natural she would have toned it down a bit.

As always Jerell's was waaay over the top with stuff everywhere.

His line I didn't like at all. Who wants to go out looking like a person who has been covered in matalic paint? It's just too much for one body to wear. Koto's line was surprisingly boaring. Alide from the cool stitching and interesting layering, there was nothing else but the main color. No diversity in the dresses. They were beautiful, but they lacked a punch. Leanne's clothes are very amazing. They blend well, they are beautiful and have this silent peace about them. I am sooo in love with Kenley's line. It is truely aww inspiring. Her dresses are some that I would kill to wear. After all her fighting, I believe that girl knows what she's talking about. However, my only fear is that the judges will think that she didn't make them blend. They were wide, yet amazing, in variety.

In the end I must say that my as always opinion stands. I hold out hope for kenley. She may be rude, but her fashion sense is undeniable. Leanne has a way of making a woman feel truely beautiful. My money's on one of them.

A life Once Lived

Recently it seems that many people I know have lost those they love. If their life is not gone, it has been going. Slowly, day by day, in the quiet sound of a cough or ache. Today, I got up, got ready, went to work, was upset that I couldn't find the supplies I needed on my lunch break, check my email and froze. There it was. A close friend of mine had passed. Out of the blue, leaving behind heartache and memories.

Some would be mad, some angry that a higher power decided to take this one from us. That why could another go instead. And then I think of how beautiful the love that is washed in after this moment. Because when they are taken there is this light that they left and it seems to grow only larger with each passing second. It grows and pull in energy from people near and far, memories once forgotten, friends banding together to reel from the sudden loss. This light grabs hold of those who loved them.

I'm not saying I didn't cry, I'm not saying I don't miss him, I'm not saying I wish he were still here because that would be the best gift anyone could offer.

But the important part is that what they left behind was beautiful. They left those who were blessed enough to hear their laugh, to share a hug, to know this heart was pure and loving in a different sense. With a different thought on life. With a calm in their heart, a memory in their soul and forever a tear on their heart.

I'm so sorry for the losses that you my friends have had. You will truly be missed. I love you.

It's Alive! It's Alive!

My Tivo has come back to life! Oh how I love premier week. Who's the father? Who's shot who? Who's being replaced? Will the team get back together? Will they ever get married? The questions that were burned into our minds, while on the edge of our seats clutching the pillow or the annoyed boyfriend next to you. A familiar time honored tradition that our nerves seem to repeat season after season. No one can resist the first show of the season.

What do I tivo? Only the best shows of course ;) However, my ultimate favorites are Project Runway and The Big Bang Theory. Although you wouldn't know it from my closet or even at times my appearance, fashion is a beauty that I cannot resist. The colors, the flurry, the ideas that go into every stitch fascinate me. The drive behind these designers, and often divaness, is something I cannot, or do I want to, stop watching.

For those of you in a beauty and the geek sort of relationship, you MUST watch this show. The "geeks" associate only with themselves due to the large lack of social confidence. That is of course except the woman obsessed nerd who purchases his clothes from the 1970's. For example, there was a joke about some math formula that I cannot repeat due to my extreme lack of love for math. Jed bursts out laughing and almost, yet totally un-timed, in sync I as well as the "cute girl neighbor" on the show look at the amused math man and ask "What? I don't get it". The season premier officially made this my favorite show ever. Jed and I do not do well with the laundry. The process of completing laundry has, on many occasions, been as a preview of WW III. There is a method, and I do mean a perfect and thought out one, to folding shirts depending on their style. Also, there are not just 3 types of loads...we're at more like 5 or 6 types. Now the conflict comes because I have 2 types...whites and pretty much everything else.

So...when we saw the clip below, we ended in a truce, tears flowing and laughter booming :)

Watch The Best Episode Ever!!

Every Girl Wants a Fairy

I finally have my fairy!! Ever since I was a little girl, my wondrous Aunty would send prints and such to me and my sisters. The pieces so beautiful and wide in variety. The use of color illuminated the emotion that was proudly painted into each stroke.

Yet one piece instantly became a favorite. Glenda the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz has and always will be near and dear to my heart. Something about staring into her eyes when I was younger, imagining her leaping from the pages and into my world brought a special feeling to me. The print safely tucked with my other possessions has been loved over the years.

Finally I was blessed enough to have Glenda arrive all the way from Atlanta upon wings of the postal service she safely landed on my doorstep. The paper so lovely, yet so thin I feared an accident. So I decided to have this piece framed with the intentions of passing the painting along to the little ones I someday want to have.

The day is here! She is finished and ready for a proud display of her color. Thank you Aunty for your generous gift. She is my most prized possession :) I love you and I love her :)

The Big Fundraiser

Thank you so much to Val, Hunter, Megan, Andrew, Riz, Chauncy, Eric, Jaime, Megan, Allison, Beth, D, Melissa, Aymee for coming to my benefit. A Huge thanks to Jed, my dad, Erin and Jeremy for staying the entire 4 hours at Chopstix! I had a lot of fun and was much more entertained than if your presence had not been in attendance. The event went really well. As some of you know I'm a huge "fan" of the Chopstix telephone system so I have yet to find out how much they will be donating. However, generous hands and pockets led to the raising of $327 in table donations. I want to tell you all just how much fun I had. Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!

The signs that did no good, but took hours ;)

Balloons that are still dying in my car

Thank you for everything!

Ahhh Fishing. To some a sport, to others a past time, to us a relaxing hobby with no real goals in mind. What better idea to kill time before Jed's delicious ribs which were currently deliciousfying in the oven since early in the morning. As Jiggles rested from the over stimulating exposure to that many smells we hopped on the bikes to a river to quiet our energy. Jiggles happily gnawing on the bone in her carrier securely attached to her daddy's bike. There is nothing like the sounds of a river folding over itself. Combined with a hot sun, a cool breeze, a cold beer and a couple of friends to forget life. Although the trip was not successful in the addition to dinner, it was the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

The Life

Hunter & Jiggles

Bridge Fishing

Dirty, Smelly, Wet, Tired, but oh so happy

Perfect Afternoon :)

Amen

Good 'Ol Bridge

Jigglestopia

What better than a day filled with pooches as far as the eye can see. With bones to be chewed, butts to smell and pampering, Jiggles eagerly stared down the door. As if she knew what lied ahead that sunny morning. Then off we were to Jiggles-topia. A land (park) filled with new friends and new smells. I have yet to see some cuter faces than those on 4 legs at that park. Their licks and wags and happy thoughts eased the hanging reminder that my benefit was only a day away. Nothing sooths the nerves like an honest, whole hearted lick or nudge from a heart that only wants your love. Even if it is for the time being.

WhatchaDoin'CanIComeBallBallBallI'mHungry

Easy Access

.....You smell funny.....

This melted my heart

A water dog at heart

GO GO GO GO GO

She SMOKED the dog before her

Beautiful Dog

Like the collar says "Bad to the Bone"

A bond not easily broken

Val thoughts "this is why dogs bite people"....hehehe

The happiest dog on the block

Wonders of the Women's Locker Room

Ahhh yes, the gym locker rooms. One of the reasons some of us don't even bother going to the gym. There's the hassle of bringing your entire bathroom from one location to the other. Most often of which these contents must be compactly packed into a cute, but somewhat conventional, gym bag only to appear that you are an avid member.

The gym locker room holds all of our deepest secrets. The imperfections we stare at in the mirrors for hours, the gossip about who said what to who at work when so and so was just around the corner, the struggles and success of our battle with weight and fit. These secrets are safely tucked away in those old dingy lockers, most of which also hold our contents we pray will be there when we return. Although the thought of finding a lock, remembering the code and actually utilizing this item can seem more of a hassle then the worth of the contents.

These lockers are our sanctuaries away from our home sanctuaries. With the large vanity mirrors wrapping around the wall, only to allow as many women can fit to prepare for the day. Sockets abound, the sound of hair dryers float from row to row mixing with the smell of lotions, shower steam and of course the always unmentioned sweat. The "get ready room" as one would call it sits open and waiting for makeup, hair product, styling tools, clothes, tooth brushes, hair brushes and often more lotion. This is the bathroom many of us would want, or at least the size, but do not have to pay for. We load our belongings on the shelves, carelessly. Spreading out our morning routine for as far as the eye can see. Often we do not even know the magnitude of our collection until that first trip.

So to the gossip, the secrets, the mirrors and the wishful closet space...you are more than you know.

My New Camera