Chihuly in Arizona

While in Arizona, we were told that we absolutely had to see the Chihuly exhibit at the Desert Botanical Gardens.  I'm so glad we listened, because it was one of the most gorgeous things I've ever seen.  We spent the evening photographing as much as we could, and I'd like to share a few of my images here.  When we asked if we were allowed to post our images from the day, we were told that the artist has graciously allowing photographers to post their images as long as they didn't sell them.  Without further ado, here's my humble attempt to share Chihuly's amazing work.  No flash has been used so that his art pieces may be appreciated as they appear in person. 

This one is my favorite from the day.

Sedona

While in Phoenix, Becki, Elise, and I took a day to drive to Sedona and photograph the area around the town.  We had a fantastic time, and even stayed to see the moon rise over the red rocks.  

Sedona seems to be the capital of psychic energies.  There are aura readers, and vortex scouts - you name, they've got it.  We found these rock formations near a trail where guides will take tourists on energy vortex tours.  We guessed the two were connected.  

This is Snoopy Rock at sunset.  

Moon rise.

Nevada

This week was the annual Professional Photographers of America convention, and this year it was held in Phoenix, Arizona.  Becki, Elise, and I headed out there for some sun and some new photography knowledge.  We had an awesome time, and we learned a lot.  Before flying to Arizona, I decided to take a little detour to visit my aunt and uncle in Boulder City, Nevada.  While I was there, my aunt was nice enough to take me hiking around some of the slot canyons in the area.  I was blown away by the beauty of these places, and I wanted to share a few of my images with you all.  

Photos of Phoenix coming soon!

Christmas with the Family

For Christmas, my husband and I flew to Kansas to be with my family for a week.  I promise not to bore you with all 300 of the photos I took that week, but I wanted to share a few of my very  favorites from our time there.

My sister and I were raised with two other families, who aren't strictly related to us, but are family none the less.  These are the kids and their spouses, or soon to be spouses in a few cases.

And these are the people responsible for us. . . 

My beautiful sister, Stacey, and my perfect niece, Amelia Wren.

Amelia with her great-grandmother on Christmas day.

Deciding whether she prefers Jake's present to her own.

Amelia and my mother.

. . . and with my father.

One last photo of mom and dad on Christmas day.  

Free Ice Cream!

Today was Ben and Jerry's annual free ice cream cone day, which benefits Habitat for Humanity.  Of course, I went to Friendly Center with a friend to try one of their new flavors.  We weren't the only ones with this idea.  In fact, there were bands and at least two children's groups there to entertain the hundreds of people who came out today.   It was a beautiful day and everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time.

This is one of the children's groups, the Jazzy Jumpers.  They jumped rope to music, and performed quite a few tricks for the audience.  We were all very impressed with how talented they were.

A Relaxing Evening at Home

My husband and I love a good campfire, especially when we have a good bottle of wine with which to enjoy it.  In fact, when we first bought our house, we bought a patio set with a fire pit in the middle of the table so that we could sit in front of the fire together whenever we liked.  We took advantage of the break in the rain over the weekend to sit outside and savor a quiet night at home.  

Jayhawks are national champions!

For those of you who don't know this about me, I am a Jayhawk.  That's right, I went to the University of Kansas, where basketball is a religion.  And last night, for the first time in twenty years, we won the national championship.  I was watching the game downtown with a group of friends, and that last three-pointer that put us into overtime was a beautiful sight.  I'm sure Lawrence was an amazing place to be last night, and I'm sorry I missed it.  But not to worry, we celebrated as best we could here in Greensboro, North Carolina.

I'd just like to say to Jayhawks everywhere, ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK, KU!

My Honey and Me

Our good friend, Jonathan McCardell, was nice enough to take a few photos of my husband, Phil, and me a few days ago.  Here's my favorite from the bunch.  I'm not trying to be superficial, but I gotta say, I have a handsome husband!

Under the Sea

Becki and I spent our last day in Atlanta at the amazing aquarium.  We had more fun than most of the kids there, I think.  And, yes, there were LOTS of children there.  Becki took this one of me petting a shark, which was very soft.

This guy was one of my early favorites, and man did he like to have his picture taken.  He posed for me for several minutes.

This photo was taken while walking through the tunnel that leads under the world's largest tank.  

This guy was kind of eerie.  Maybe he thought we were all there for his amusement.  Well, what else is he going to do all day?

Of course, it wasn't long before I became more interested in the people than the fish.

And finally, Becki and I felt that we needed a photo of ourselves that fit the theme of the day.

Snow Day!

Two nights ago, there was the most gorgeous snow storm in Greensboro, North Carolina.  I'm from the midwest, and I have never seen such a storm.  The snowflakes were huge, and they swirled around my yard in such a way that I felt like I was in the middle of a snow globe.  It was incredibly beautiful, and I couldn't wait to get outside the next morning to take a few photos. Here are two of my favorites. 

Hello and Welcome

Hi, and welcome to my new website and blog.  I am so excited to share my work and my life with you, and I hope that you'll check back often to see what I'm up to.  I'd like to use this first blog entry to acknowledge some of the amazing people in my life.  You see, this has been an incredible year of growth, and with that growth came a few growing pains.  Now, I don't get all mushy too often, but this time I have to make an exception.  If it's all just a little too sappy for you, then I'll spare you the details by telling you the gist right now:  I am the luckiest person I know, and I am constantly awed and humbled by how loved and supported I am.  

First and foremost, I need to thank my amazing husband, Phil.  This is a man who, when I told him years ago that I wanted to be a photographer, told me that I needed to quit my job immediately and follow this dream.  Mind you, we didn't have much money, and the prospect of quitting my job was terrifying. But he was so sure that I would succeed, I felt I couldn't fail.  And his support of me hasn't waned once in all of this time.  Whenever I begin to doubt myself, he encourages me and convinces me that I can do anything.  I have never felt so loved or so supported, and I am forever grateful that this extraordinary person is in my life.  

Okay, stick with me if you can, and I promise to keep the rest of this as short as possible.  I am grateful for my parents, who are always just a phone call away to tell me that I am loved.  I am continually amazed by the wonderful friendship of Renee and Jonathan McCardell, of McCardell Photography, who have been the truest of friends.  I cannot thank Cyana enough for taking the time to teach me when I had no experience as a photographer, and for cheering me on to this day, years later.  Thank you to Becki, who is the very definition of a natural artist, and who continually challenges me to see things in a new way.  I feel blessed to count Jarvis as a friend, someone who picks me up when I stumble.  Thank you to Elise, for a friendship that I continually appreciate.  And finally, thank you to everyone who gave me permission to use my photographs of you on my new site.  I loved working with every one of you, and I cherish the friendships I have with you.