Expressions

Polk County Fair 2009

We've been at the fair this week taking pictures. I will start posting galleries and more peeks after this holiday weekend. Check back soon!

I provide one 8x10 image to the FFA and 4-H leaders to give to the buyers as a thank you for supporting the kids & the Fair. If your showman/animal was in the Auction and you would like a personal photo, I offer a professional 8x10 print at a 50% discount (only $7.00) for these fair images.

Feel free to call, e-mail or face book me with any questions or orders.

Thanks for stopping by!

I need more room!

Tornado, photos and My Inabilities

I was so torn about photos and the tornado. And, I hated that I was! There were so many compelling, historic, poignant image opportunities. These were going to be once in a lifetime shots! I planned to return after the first light Friday morning to capture them. I packed my equipment and made a special trip to Mena to shoot photos.

I just COULD NOT make myself do it!! I tried. I could not even get out of the vehicle. I wanted to so badly. But, it felt invasive. I felt insensitive. Peoples' jumbled lives and shattered houses were strewn everywhere. They were in various states of emotional shock. Their stuff was exposed and, they were vulnerable to anyone passing by. My camera no longer seemed to be the appropriate equipment for the circumstances, to me.

We let our son take these out of the (moving) car window and, just went back home. My husband returned the next morning to our friend's home with a chainsaw instead. That seemed more useful to us.

I have seen some amazing photos and, I am glad they are there. I am a little disappointed with myself that I could not do it. I just didn't have it in me. I learn more and more about what I can, can't, will and won't do as I age. I guess I just discovered one more thing I couldn't do. My 'finish line' for that day.

Mom-Made Booties

I just had to share this photo from my recent maternity session. Mom-to-be knitted these tiny booties for her baby. After we set the booties on her tummy and I slid under the dining room table to get the shot, (we were in tight quarters), the baby started kicking. The little booties were just dancing on her tummy. It reminded me of the time my oldest daughter kicked a plate completely off my stomach. Apparently she took offense to me using her as a table top?!

The booties in the picture are a gender neutral color because mom has chosen not to be told the sex of her child before birth. What fun to be surprised at birth. Reminds me of the 'olden days' when I had my first baby. My granny was certain we were having a boy. So, we painted the nursery blue. She has turned into a fine woman despite having started out in a baby blue nursery.

Ice Can Be Beautiful

I don't like to be cold. If I were in charge, I'd set up 9 months of summer and 1.5 months each of spring and fall. Yes, I'd completely skip winter. Thank God, I am not in charge! As I looked out my window this morning and saw my son excitedly running through the pasture, camera in tow, with that dense fog exhaling from his lips, I noticed he was in quite a rush to make sure he captured as many different visions of ice before the sun could melt away the unique crystals. I was promptly reminded to cease mumbling about the cold and at least consider joining him. I almost missed the wonder. As I peered out across the field, I was encouraged by how intricately each blade of grass was decorated by God for us today. So... I got off-task and off my chair to grab my camera. I rushed outside to catch up with Sawyer and share in his wisdom to record some ice memories. I just wanted to share a couple you. I hope you enjoy. Have a blessed day!

Sunday Afternoon Happenings

I had this bright idea that Sawyer and I need to be more active. David agreed and decided to join us on our nine week commitment to the Couch to 5K program.

Today was day one. We took running shoes and camera's and hit the woods. First we watched deer and took pictures. The guys definitely did not want me running and panting through the wood BEFORE pictures. that would have surely scared all the deer into the DEEP woods. After photos (see below).... we started our timed jog-walk combinations.

Well, now that it is all over, we feel better for having done it. DURING the process... that is a different story for me. At one point, I could no longer feel my legs and thought I might pass out trying to suck air into these apparently under-used lungs. About 3/4 of the way through, I noticed an old familiar feeling sneaking up on me. At first I couldn't identify it. Then, it hit me! This is exactly how I used to feel in high school at the end of the first day back to basketball practice after a long summer of being lazy. Do you remember it? ... that feeling of wanting to puke your guts up (and sometimes doing it)! I didn't puke today, but I did consider it once or twice. The good news is that I have launched myself off the couch at least for day one :-)

Look West, Young Man!

Our dog has been running to the highway the last couple days when he is taken out to do his business. Yesterday, I decided I would take over the outdoor duties and "train" that dog. I failed miserably and, he is still running to the road today. He will be neutered tomorrow. Girl Chaser!

Anyway, on one of my many trips out yesterday near sunset, the whole front yard had a strange deep red glow. As I peered out the door looking for the alien ship... I saw this amazing sunset just west of our front porch. I knew I just had a few minutes at best to capture it digitally. At that very moment the dog darted to the highway--and completely ignored my calls to return! For just a moment, I toyed with the idea of letting him play in the highway while I IGNORED him and took sunset photos. But I decided that would be selfish of me and dangerous for him. Shoot! So, as I chased the dog back to the house threatening a beating --if I could ever catch him-- I passed by Sawyer's window and yelled at him to get his camera and capture this sunset. Look at this one. Isn't it gorgeous?! God does good colors!

Pneumonia and Medicine

I have not been posting images lately. First, I took a small vacation. Lately, I have been nursing my son back to health from pneumonia. I spent New Year's Eve morning in the Walk-in-Clinic. He worsened all night despite the anitbiotics. He and I spent New Years Day in ER getting chest x-rays and IV antibiotics. He has had pneumonia several times in his 12 years. I am always so SUPER grateful to God for the Rocephin that seems to be a miracle for him.

The waits the last few days gave me time to ponder how helpless and frightened my own grandmother, Isabelle, must have felt as she watched her 7 year old son, Jerry, battle pneumonia in the 1930's. She was forced to helplessly attend his bedside while he continued to deteriorate, day after day, without the miracle antibiotics available. Near the end, Jerry asked his mother, "Can little boys cross that?" She told him little boys could do anything they wanted. And, he passed across. My grandmother and neighbors prepared his tiny body. My grandfather built his tiny coffin. What suffering!

The following year, Jerry's little sister, Ina (my mom), contracted pneumonia as well. Her parents were justifiably terrified that she was going to die also. The doctor that came to the house excitedly told them about a new drug, penicillin, that he could try this time. She improved almost immediately and returned to health rapidly.

While thinking of my grandmother's situation, I thought of a song by Natlie Grant called, Held. Here is a you tube link if you wanna check it out, just copy and paste.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTPaCqiia6k

We are so blessed to have antibiotics --we need to use them sparingly and wisely.

I like it better BEHIND the camera

Being in front of the camera for David to take the family picture below was more complicated than being behind it. I am the worst on-cue smiler alive. Why is that so hard for me? I smile all the time, but when ask to do it....this weird uncomfortable smirk appears. Or, could it be that I really always just weird smirk... thinking I am smiling? Never mind, don't tell me. I like denial. Anyway... as I was editing the image, I was a little freaked out! There are things on my face that I do not want to know about at 300% zoom. In my brain, I'm still about 27 years old... my skin is like 55! And, I think I saw signs of brain damage! Not kidding (that should explain a lot for my friends). That is another one of the downfalls of having a masters degree in mental health... you do not necessarily always want to be able to identify your own potential brain-damage. My beautiful 70 some-thing year old mother has this GREAT skin. I got my dad's skin. Apparently I also inherited his chest...but that is a complete other story. Maybe I will be able to get the rest of the family pics worked up this week. It has been rather traumatizing for me so far ;-)

One of my son's Christmas presents

Sawyer had wanted a sugar glider for almost 2 years now. Finally this week he found one in his price range (that means his granny and sister bought it for him). So, Joey is a new member of our family, thankfully, the only marsupial. I tried to take pictures this morning. It was TOO FUNNY! Sawyer had a hole in his pants and Joey found it! He quickly darted in the small hole and would not come out! When Sawyer would try to get him, he would make this EXTREMELY WEIRD SOUND (they call it crabbing). It was especially weird coming from inside my child's pants! I could not get a good picture for laughing while Sawyer was giggling and shedding his pants! I definitely will post more pics later. Joey is quite photogenic --but QUICK!

NEW CAMERA !!!! :-)

EEEEKKKKK!!! Have I mentioned yet that I have a new camera? ...No? Well, I do! YIPEE! I have not been able to play with it much yet (Christmas cards). It has been staring at me from the case taunting me. It has been killing me to say no and finish Christmas cards and orders. I got to stop and play for just a little today... and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! Look at this beautiful quail photo BELOW. This is pretty near straight of camera. I just bumped the colors a tad and did one sharpen. ..... sigh... I am in love!

Christmas is rapidly approaching!

Trusting His leading

Someone forwarded me something about this book "The Shack". I ignored it for two primary reasons.
1. I don't have the time to read anything right now.
2. If I did have time to read, I would not choose fiction.

It came up again in another situation. I tried to ignore it again. A couple days later, I had to order some other books. This one automatically popped up as a 'suggested' read. Since this was the 3rd or 4th urge I had tried to ignore, I felt like God might be directing me. I finally gave in and quickly added this book to my order, grumbling a little under my breath, about not having the time to read it anyway.

I dutifully started it a couple nights ago. It started so painfully slow and was just not holding my attention. I wanted to skip it. Over two nights, I was able to make it to chapter 5 and 6.

Surprisingly, in Chapter 6, it suddenly exploded into the BEST fiction book that I have ever read. I stayed up until it was finished last night while my family periodically peeked in on me as I laughed, cried, was encouraged and challenged. I cannot truly describe to you how sweet it was. I am so grateful I read the book. I wish I could 'download' the read directly from my brain to yours :-) I highly recommend it! Especially if you have ever ached so much that you questioned why 'bad things' happen if God is really all good.

Fall colors and friendly neighbors...

Drinking Beer Overseas? (Warning: This post has NOTHING at all to do with photography)

October was quite a tax burden month for us. As we struggled to survive the onslaught, I remembered a conversation I had with our accountant once a couple years back. I asked him to tell me the rough TOTAL percent of our income that ends up being paid out in various taxes (federal, state, income, sales, property ect). He tried to avoid answering my question --for my own mental health, I think. But, I asked again. He said, "You don't REALLY want to know".

Could I let it go and be happy with that? NO! I insisted he tell me what he knew... I said, "I want to know, just give me a ball-park range". So he did: "50-70%"!!!

Did I hear him right? Do we work half the year for our family budget and the other half the year (at the BEST percentage) for the gov't budget? Yes. That was honestly what he told me. This is why two incomes are more necessary than in the past. It takes one income to provide for the family and the other income to cover the taxes.

If you find yourself weary of all things political this approaching November... you may want to skip this post! I do not want to be responsible for depressing anyone! Denial is one of my favorite coping skills. I use it whenever I need. I've certainly lamented over demanding that little tidbit of information from the accountant... WHY?! Why, did I insist on knowing the overall percentage? Cuz, that is who I am... always asking silly questions!

Well, it has recently become one of my goals to find ways to LAUGH at the days ahead --like the Bible says a wise woman will do. If you are like me, and want to try to find the humor in the sorrow... forge ahead: And, PLEASE... remember not to take this too seriously --just laugh!! It really is sooo much more fun than sobbing hysterically.

(I did not write this. This has been attributed to more than one author and apparently has been modified more than once. it is just a simple illustration about the way the American tax system works).

The Tax System - Explained With Beer
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this: The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. 'Since you are all such good customers,' he said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.'Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'

They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly applying the same percentages that each man paid to the new $80.00 amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now paid $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 ( 25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 ( 22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.

'I only got a dollar out of the $20,'declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,' but he got $10!'

'Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!'

'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. 'Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!'

'Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!'

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

Sawyer's Awesome Photography

Sawyer loves to take photos of wildlife. Some of his homeschool work this semester is developing his photography skills. Learning to use a camera's settings to acheive different exposures can be a very mathmatical expreience ... shhh! don't tell him that --he just thinks it's fun! Anyway, he came running in the house today yelling, "Is there a card in the camera?!" --This is his first question because that is one of our constant struggles around the house --cards full of customer pics and no room for family pics :-) I am trying to get better! Well, he had captured another coon and wanted to take photos of it as he released it. This would not be our first rodeo. He has repeatedly tried to get photos of coons he released in the past. He usually gets excited and shakes or the coon runs into the woods too fast to get more than one or two, usually blurred, photos. But today.. he did it.. SUCCESS! he was ready and then, this little coon would NOT run off. Sawyer had a blast taking his portrait from several angels and adjusting the camera settings in between. This went on for several minutes. We actually had to shoo him away from us after about 20 pics. This photo below was Sawyers first pick from the batch today. Maybe we'll post some others in the next few days as he learns to process his photos. Great shot, buddy! I love it!

Scheduling and my evolving priorities... and CHRISTMAS!

I promise.... I have not forgotten the rest of the fair photos. I committed to the Auction and, it is complete. The pre-orders I took are also complete. I am in the process of completing a few other orders from those families who have contacted me to specifically request images from certain events. Whew!

Several unexpected things happened (isn't that just like life?) the day after fair ended. Way too many doctor appointments... and, still two more appointments just this week. My daughter is going to need (another) surgery on her feet this month.

I am my son's full-time teacher for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, 9 months a year. He is in 6th grade... have I mentioned 6th grade math seems harder now? ;-) Interestingly, all this coincides with my regular BUSY SEASON (seniors, fall families and Christmas portraits & cards).

In February when I am lonely & cold... I'll be wishing for all this. But, you'll most likely be doing what I will be doing: hunkering up trying to stay warm, pining for an early spring and bright sunshine to chase away the lethargy that several gray cold days in a row bring.

I enjoy the busy-ness of fall and Christmas! I do wish I could do ALL that I want to do everyday... but my body keeps reminding me that I must sleep occasionally. And, that if I don't participate in some family down-time periodically... I just become grouchy, boring and less creative.

So --as is typical in my life-- I am constantly re-evaluating my priorities... what are today's, this week, and this month's MUST do's? In that process, I ending up having to make the decision to let any unsold fair images wait until I could complete my already sold images from my regular portrait business.

I can never say anything in a brief manner (sorry!) You got all that information so you could know that if you are still wanting one or more FAIR images and you do not see them in the current galleries, please contact me by phone or e-mail to let me know so I can pull those images and put them on my priority list to do ASAP. I don't want you to have to wait too long.

While discussing scheduling... October is full. November still has some openings. I will not be scheduling sessions that require a PRE-Christmas delivery of prints after November 22nd this year. So, if you are thinking family photos and Christmas cards, give me a jingle so we can get you down on the calendar.

Thanks for stopping by! Happy Fall!

Beautiful work & one tough senior!

Ok... it is definitely too early into this session to choose a favorite. Especially since this is only the first photo of the session that I have processed. Still, I do love this one! This is David's work. Don't you think he did a great job?

I have to give credit to this senior. She is one tough gal! We tromped through her family's farm --fields, hay and way too many FIRE ANTS!! She just kept on smiling. LF, thanks for letting us share in your senior year. We were honored to be able to take your portrait.

Sharing the love....

I got the sweetest card today in the mail box from my grand-daughter. She is almost 3 years old. She 'dictated' the words inside to her mommy to write down.

This treasure unashamedly loves her Momma G.! Oh, if only that lasted forever! We have these amazing conversations. She is wise and has interesting insights into many matters.

Of course, she is equally honest in those conversations. Let me share a recent example... a few weeks back, I was standing in Eva's hall with my back-side toward her-bent over getting something out of the closet. She turned the corner to come down the hall --expecting to see her mother's (much smaller) back-side. After her shock... she came up beside me, put her little hand on my leg, looked into my eyes and gently asked, "Momma G, do you have a big hiney?"

Did Jesus really say the truth shall set us free?!

Fair Orders and Discount details

HTML is making my life complicated again... so this is my contingency plan to get the fair discount applied to pay pal orders by tomorrow:

1. If you planned to order one of the Polk County Livestock Auction photos on-line from my web-site, be sure to choose the 8x10 fair special from the drop down that is HALF-PRICE ($7.00) --rather than the regular price 8x10.

2 If you plan to order any other fair pictures (which all qualify for a 15% discount off your total order) please follow these steps: Send me an e-mail or call me with your order. I will figure your total and, send you a discounted pay pal request or invoice.

For any of you who prefer not to order on-line, please, feel free to e-mail or phone me. I accept cash, checks or pay pal.

Thanks for checking in with Expressions!

Fair photo update

I have completed the photos at the auction with the buyers. I delivered those Friday (9-12) to the Ag teachers and 4-H leaders.

I have also completed the market lamb show gallery, but still have showmanship to complete.

I will continue working up more and more candid shots of the cattle, goat, hog chicken and, dog shows. I have to mingle them in and still complete my regularly scheduled sessions this month. I've started with the images of kids whose parents contacted me during or after the fair asking me for photos.

Thanks so much for your patience and, for checking back with Expressions!

Polk County Fair 2008 update, details and DISCOUNT!!

We shot well over 500 photos at the fair this week. I intended to get started Sunday on uploading galleries. We spent the day in the ER instead (no worries, we are OK now.)

I will start processing Sale photos with the buyers first thing Tuesday (9-02-08). I will need about 1-2 weeks to have them complete. Then, I will finish up all the other fun stuff. Feel free to keep checking back to the fair link below this post to track progress as I work.

You need to know about the DISCOUNTS!!! I will be discounting 15% off each livestock showman's photo order. Stay tuned for details of how to get your discount applied to your total order. And, a SUPER DISCOUNT for participants who made sale. Sale kids may receive an 8x10 photo (taken Friday evening with the buyer) for HALF PRICE --only $7.00 each. Congratulations on making sale! And, thanks for letting us share the week with you.

His thoughts are higher than our thoughts --Isaiah 55:8-9.

Perspectives –

Imagine, if you will, that there is a world of two-dimensional beings, much like those in the book "Flatland." They live their existence in two spacial dimensions, experiencing and understanding their surroundings in two dimensions, as we do in three spacial dimensions. As would be expected, they marvel at the wonders of their world – the magnificent precision of the polygons, the precise interwoven fabric of beings and shapes throughout their world, and it seems that there must be intelligence behind its creation. They understand that the intelligence must be of a being at a higher dimension, a being whose existence they can conceive, but can't picture, or fully comprehend. Of course, if there's intelligence, then there must exist underlying truths. As intelligent beings, they seek out truth.

Over time, perhaps with guidance from a higher being, they discover some truths. One group looks and sees truth as a rectangle, maybe with a width five times its height. But another group sees truth as a circle. Here we have agreement and disagreement. They agree that both can't be right, as it is obvious to all that a rectangle is not, and can never be, a circle, nor can a circle ever be a rectangle.

They will always be mutually exclusive. Of course they disagree on which is correct. Since the area to perimeter ratio is maximized in a circle, the circle denomination are sure that truth is maximized in a circle, so they are right. On the other hand, the rectangle denomination points out that a rectangle has four right angles, so they must be four times a right. The truth being obvious to each, they are unyielding and see each other as ignorant of the truth, if not outright enemies of truth.

Finally, some turn to seek the wisdom of a higher dimensional being to find out which one is right. The question goes up, "Is truth a rectangle, or is truth a circle?" The answer, from a being living in three dimensions much like us, after a pause is, "Yup" (obviously from west Texas). What? How can this be? You see, from one dimension higher it is easily seen that the object called truth is a cylinder, much like a paper towel roll. Looking at it from the end, this truth is certainly a circle, while looking at it from the side it is certainly a rectangle. What seem to be contradictory views of truth in two dimensions is obviously a single truth when viewed in three dimensions.

People are adamant about their views of truth, as well they should be, but none of us can possibly see truth from the perspective God sees truth. We too often divide ourselves by concentrating on arguing about the differences rather than embracing God. I imagine people asking a question of God like, "Is predestination true, or do we have free will?" God replies, "Yup."

I need to realize that God sees everything from a completely different perspective than I do. I also need to remember that God is always 100% right – while I’m not.

Learning more...

Yes, I have been neglecting the blog recently.

Whew! Developing the new website literally dominated my life for a few weeks. What is HTML? And, whose idea was that?! There has to be a simpler way. I've heard friends dream out-loud of being able to afford a full-time house-keeper. Not me... I just dream of having access to a part-time computer geek... It warms the heart to imagine someone who can connect all the wires ... and all the wireless things that make digital things appear on my big ole flat screen -in the correct form- to be used by more simple minds --like mine. Wake up girl! You don't have time to dream. You have wires to connect and work to do!

When the graphic designer told me how much it was going to cost to get the graphics I needed created for the website... I (once again) broke out mounds of books, searched tutorials & help menus, called friends, completely obsessed and stayed up (way too late) many nights... but I did it! Success! I created my own stuff and I am glad I did. It is just more personal now, really mine.

So anywayz... with website semi-completed, I definitely had to dedicate some real hours to relocating the floor of my house. I eventually found it down there --underneath the papers, books, lists, photos & empty cheese stick wrappers.

One of the papers I found in the pile was my final photography asssignment from New York Institutes of Photography. I completed those assignments last week as well. This wraps up a 1.5 year course of study in Photography for me. Whoo Hoo!

This week, I am packing and planning for a couple thousand mile road trip first to Cincinnati, Ohio and then on to Baltimore, Maryland. I get to do this while hanging out with one of my daughters, her best friend & one of my photography mentors and friends. We are getting to attend a fantastic workshop on studio & natural lighting --specifically focused on newborns & infants.

Have I mentioned that photograhy is my ultimate job-match?

*It has allowed me to tap into a creative side of me that remained submerged for years.

*I get to work at learning something new --everyday... if I want.

*It 'necessitates' study, reading... and travel too, right?

*It demands an out-of-the-norm perspective to peek image interest.

* It ain't easy! But, I really, really like the challenges.