Just Shoot It.

Work Ethic 101

2012-01-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

Extracurricular sports. When your child is involved, so are you. To an extent you never imagined possible. My daughter played club/ HS soccer, club/HS swimming, HS track, club Lacrosse, played Violin in district Orchestra and participated in Art Club. Year 2009 added an American Foreign Exchange Student , my incredible girl, Inken who played soccer, diving and lacrosse. All of which I showed up to participate in. And actively supported with my checkbook .

And I am not complaining. Some of the most important moments of my life happened on the field/at the game. Winning goal against Madeira 2009...my daughter(assist). Alternate for State Swim team (she ended up having to swim because 3 members of the team got suspended). She received the Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award and also the Warrior Award (most leadership oriented player) her 2009-2010 season. The Most Improved award for Inken who learned something like 17 dives to compete in the High School District meet (she had not been a Diver before).

All this time and energy and expense. Is she a collegiate athlete now? NO. Do I care? Maybe a little. But very little. She loves college and she actually has 2 jobs and likes "working". Imagine that, a young woman who says, "l would rather work enough hours to pay back my loans than take a partial scholarship, which probably wouldn't cover my time to run on the track team". She still may decide to run track at some point - I know she misses the team effort - and if so - I will probably make the 3 hour trip to watch. I'm so tired of listening to politicians bitch about over-spoiled college students who don't want to work and slide through on loans. But the message any parent should take from this...extracurricular matters. Encourage it. Pay for it. Do it.

One of those Swimming Moments

2012-01-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Driving somewhere with my daughter in Winter 2010, a song comes on the CD player and she starts giggling. She explains, "mom, I forgot to tell you about this, it was one of those true swimming moments". She swam for Mariemont High all 4 years and started her swimming career at 6 with our municipal pool in the Village. The song on the player was "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus. She went on to explain. At their Toledo Invitational meet she reminds me how the first seeded swimmer in the final heat gets to pick out a song to walk out on deck to. It's the last race of the day - Boys 400 Freestyle Relay. She says 4 young men saunter out onto the deck to "Party in the USA", then she says, "the most amazing moment happened...everyone in the natatorium stood up and started doing the "Miley dance" - hands up, swaying their hips...", she kinda sing-songed. We were both laughing so hard. When I caught my breath, I said, "you know that only happens with swimmers, no football player would ever be caught dead "swaying their hips". She said, "I know, it was awesome, swimmers are so cool."

The photo above is a capture of the first time she broke a minute for her 100-Free - she was the swimmer in Lane 2. Watching your child attain their goals is precious time spent. Few things are so gratifying. The date on this picture is February 14, 2009. That's how a swim-mom spends her Valentine's day...at the meet.

It's Just Stuff and Things

2012-01-17T08:07:00.000-08:00

passante


only hearts

church

it's green...

changeling

I am Danger Girl; where's my damn cape?

2012-01-15T06:53:00.000-08:00

I had another little mishap with glass, my old nemesis, last night. It wasn't very pretty and this time I decided to drive to the ER (I didn't last time; ended up taking massive antibiotics only to find out I was allergic to Penicillin which really messed my system up, it took months for me to feel healthy again). 6 stitches, a very sore ass and bruised ego. Fun.

Am I accident prone? I remember my dad having lots of these "mishaps" as I was growing up. I'm a lot like him. I think it comes from not paying attention to our own good sense and trying to do too much at one time. Last night, I showed some of my photography at Arnold's downtown. I drove home, stopped to get a bottle of wine (no, it wasn't the wine bottle this time), got out of my car and attempted to carry the wine, all 9 of my glass framed photos and my 25-lb camera bag into the house. Common sense was dictating in my brain "take TWO trips" but did I listen? Nah. My front stoop is small, probably around 4 feet wide by 3 feet deep - with 3 steps. I have a heavy old wooden screen door which sticks. Pull on the door, lose my grip, step backwards - to nothing there - with a 25 lb bag on my back. Physics apply here. I go down backwards with a whole lot of glass following me. To the camera bag's credit - I didn't lose one lens or damage my camera (it's an Emera bag) and it broke my fall a bit. But one of the glass frames broke and ended up lodging in my outer wrist. It's been almost a year since my last encounter with "laceration" and when I looked into the cut, made an instant decision to listen to the inner voice screaming "Emergency Room". See? I can be taught. I'm just stubborn about it.

So the packing will go slower today. With a wee bit more deliberation in my thought process. Glass is sharp, flesh wounds bleed, bones can break. I need to be more careful with me.

Just some awesome.

2012-01-14T09:42:00.000-08:00

There's one advantage to being 102. There's no peer pressure. ~ Dennis Wolfberg

2012-01-10T21:14:00.000-08:00

I like old. Functioning, for sure. But old. I guess that should translate to people as well. But the population of humans that send me over the edge are usually those over the age of 75.. especially if they aren't functioning properly. This probably makes me sound mean. I'm pretty sure this animosity comes from fear. I really don't want to be them. But I guess it's just a matter of time.

My new/old oven is original to the house. My landlord told me they tried to move it to their part of the house - but they couldn't get it through any of the doorways. It's destined to be in my apartment. Like me. Matches made in heaven. I like those.

"It's a good day when no one is shooting at you"

2012-01-06T21:10:00.000-08:00

This piece of perspective was given to me by someone I used to know: "It's a good day when no one is shooting at you." He said he was a Marine, so I felt it was a relative statement. I don't know if he really was, a whole lot of things about him turned out to be lies, but these words stuck with me. And I have used them more times than I care to remember in the past 5 years.

Perspective is all relative. When I told someone that my move is taking place in February, she looked at me kinda horror-stricken and gasped "oh my god, what if it SNOWS?" Really? That's the worst possible scenario that comes to mind for her? Wow. She puts into perspective for me that saying about "we aren't given more than we can handle". But then, I did move from California to Pagosa Springs, CO in February of 1993 during the biggest snowstorm the San Juan mountains had seen in a couple of years. I'm pretty sure I drove into town as more than 20 inches of snow fell; as did my mover. I had a 1-year old and a 13-year old disabled child to care for by myself. I remember there being so much snow packed up in front of the front door that we had to enter through the garage, open the front door from the inside and dig out to clear a path for the movers. So, I've "been there; done that". I'm certain that snow isn't really an issue for me. I also remember that was the first time Ceeanna ever saw snow and she squealed with joy playing in it. She still loves it. I can count this as a good memory.

I recently ran across a blog that linked back to this First World Problems collection . I laughed so hard I cried the first time I saw it. My favorite on that list is "My laptop is low on battery, but the charger is over there..." How many times a day do we say these things in our head (or some of us out loud so we can truly prove what whiners we are)?

In my favorite movie the character, Richard from Texas says to Liz from New York (or as he called her; Groceries) "Groceries, you need to learn how to select your thoughts, just the way you select what clothes you're gonna wear everyday." I'm going to add that we can learn to choose our perspective as well. You can see the world through a dark, grimy window or the beveled glass one that produces shards of beautiful refracted light. It's a choice.

Thank you notes.

2012-01-04T17:42:00.000-08:00

Thank you notes. Write them. Make your children write them. I know, it's no fun being a nag. For years, I have made my daughter sit down and take the time to write a simple note to people that have given her gifts, helped her, employed her, etc. Up until a year ago, I always had to remind, prod, cajole - "please, send (insert person here) a thank you note - they were so generous with you, it's kind to let them know you appreciated it." Even though some of the Christmas thank you notes went out in April, they still went out! This year has been a nuclear fall-out in my house for the holidays. Moving boxes everywhere, pictures off the walls, her stuff home from school, her packing up stuff to get rid of for my move. House a'la refugee camp Zulla. That's us.

She wrote her thank you notes without a reminder from me. They sat on the kitchen table - un-addressed - until she left for school on Monday. "Mommy? Will you mail these for me, I never got to it..." Of course I would. I took them to the office and started to address envelopes for them. I read the one she wrote to my Dad - who has helped her pay for college and went in on an iPad with me for her Christmas gift. Along with the thank you for the iPad, was this:

"you should come up to Athens with my mom some weekend and see the campus of OU so you can see the school you are helping me to get through, you would like it."

My eyes filled with tears. I didn't tell her to write that. She gets it. All those years of nagging about the thank you notes paid off. She has mastered the art of gratitude. It's a tough one; but so worth learning. I know that her life will be full of joy. When you give...you receive back so much more than you ever dreamed. An amazing circle.

Raise Your Hopeful Voice

2012-01-02T20:57:00.000-08:00

I've mentioned my obsession for Eat Pray Love before. At one point in the film, Ketut, the elderly (or not so) Balinese Fortuneteller tells Liz she should "smile" through her meditation. I have failed miserably at any form of meditation, prayer or mind-travel. Always. The scene in the movie where Liz tries to meditate and all she can do is think about decorating her new meditation room doesn't even come close to how lousy I am at focusing my thoughts. Years ago, when I was responsible for every toilet in our company (around 50; I was the Property Manager) someone arranged a "mini-vacation" brown bag lunch at our home office. I thought that sounded nice. So I packed my lunch, arranged to fix toilets in the morning and showed up for the "mini-vacation". Wow. What a mess that became. As the "mini-vacation guru" described my beachfront destination I quickly descended into desolate, inconsolable depression. And began sobbing uncontrollably. In front of my entire HR department. It was pathetic. I had to run out (never ate my lunch) and sat outside for at least 45 minutes to calm down. When I returned to my office, the mini-vacation lady (read: evil negative thought provoking lady) was waiting for me. I actually made eye contact. She started: "Are you ok?"..."um, yeah." "This happens every time"..."Really?".. "Yes, really. There is always someone in the room that is running so hard they never let anything catch up with them...when they finally slow down enough for that to happen, it washes over them like a wave and they are swallowed up by it."

I was laying in bed tonight with my headphones on and listening to music and I realized I had a smile on my face. Maybe we just need to find our proper form of "mini-vacation" to escape to. Maybe mine is music.

"Words fall through me and always fool me and I can't react. And games that never amount to more than they're meant will play themselves out.

Take this sinking boat and point it home; we've still got time.
Raise your hopeful voice, you have a choice;
you make it now. Falling slowly." ~ Glen Hansard

Seems Simple.

2012-01-01T06:48:00.001-08:00

"We Choose...therefore we are."

2011-12-30T07:32:00.000-08:00

We watched 127 Hours last night. Spoiler alert: I'm going to write about his "desperate measures to extricate himself". If you haven't seen the movie and want to be surprised by the end, you should stop reading now. Most of us heard of the young man Aron Ralston (played in the movie by James Franco) who became trapped in a canyon in Moab, Utah when a boulder pinned his hand and he ultimately came to the decision after 5 days to cut off his arm to save his life.
One thing I can tell you about this movie, even though I knew the end, I sat on the end of my chair and barely breathed for the entire film. My daughter and I watched it together, and after I said for the sixth time, "you should always tell someone where you are going; never just take off like that"...she said "mom, I get it". At one point, she said "I wonder why he cut his arm off so high up; it was only his hand that was pinned?" When it finally got to the scene where he makes the decision to take off his arm the realization hits that he needs to break the arm first and then cut through - as he didn't have a tool sharp enough to cut through flesh; let alone bone. Just before he started to use his arm as a fulcrum to break itself; I said "that's why it's up higher - it broke at the weakest point". So, could I do the same, confronted with that decision? I think so. Not because I am brave. More for fear. Fear of what I would leave behind. My daughter, my dogs, my life. Fear of the pain I would cause for my daughter by not having enough courage to endure what is essentially a relatively few minutes of excruciating pain in exchange for a chance at life. My own mother decided to give up on her chemotherapy and died of cancer. I am still angry at that choice. Hers to make. But the hole she left behind in my heart will never heal. Can I for certain say she would have survived had she continued the chemo? No. But without it, her chances for survival diminished greatly. In my mind, she gave up and chose death (no more pain) over pain. But, she didn't have the benefit of knowing what the aftermath would be. I do. So it would make my choice to live easier to make, if I had to.

What about those choices we make everyday that aren't life or death (in our minds)? How about the cigarettes we continue to smoke, drinking too much, drugs, eating more than we need, not exercising enough or spending money we don't have? All of these choices can lead to ruin and/or death over time. Most people don't make the choice to quit smoking, until faced with a diagnosis of cancer - by then - too late. Same for liver failure, diabetes, heart disease, and relationship/financial disaster. It's just easier to continue our behavior when it takes longer than the very condensed decision Aron Ralston had to make to survive.

Choices shape us. In the movie, Aron has 5 days to reflect on who he is and how his selfish choices have impacted those around him. He never took time to return calls to family & friends. He didn't share his life with those around him - thought that he alone was in control of it all and above needing help from anyone. I can relate to this. Party Of One. The most gripping part of the movie for me is when he makes it out of the caverns, sees people in the distance before him and starts yelling for help. His cries are muted and music is playing so it's hard to make out what he's yelling - but you can read his lips and the final plea "I need help" leaves it's impact on me. Would Aron have learned to reach out and trust had he not experienced his life/death experience? Maybe. Maybe not. I don't want to have to be faced with that decision. So, I'm going to try harder everyday, little by little, to make better choices.

(Photo Credit: I took a photo of the DVD case; it's a film still from the movie; I'll just credit Cloud Eight Films)

"Oh the Places You'll Go"

2011-12-29T12:30:00.000-08:00

My amazing daughter bought me this bracelet for Christmas. I know we all think our children are amazing. But, Ceeanna and I have a pretty incredible bond built by years of having to be there for each other. It has been just the two of us since she turned 4 years old. We had our moments - as all mothers/daughters do - but they never lasted more than a few minutes; an hour tops. We both love Dr. Seuss and she thought this bracelet was perfect to remind me of all the new adventures I have coming up this year. She's the one who actually found my apartment. We were driving around the Brewery District downtown and she saw the sign on the fence and wrote down the number, then texted me the next day at least 3 times to ask if I had called it. I finally did and everything fell into place from there. She's so much more proactive than me; I'm trying harder to be more like her. On her visits home we will be having breakfasts of Dojo Gelato (peanut butter/sriracha is my fave; she likes the caramel/sea salt) or Taste of Belgium for freshly made Belgian Waffles.

"And when things start to happen,
don't worry. Don't stew.
Just go right along.
You'll start happening too.

OH!
THE PLACES YOU'LL GO!"

"Stuck" in Cincinnati

2011-12-28T09:29:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine posted this excellent article on Facebook today (thanks, Kim!). Among other things, it reminded me of all the awesome that is Cincinnati. Being winter, I find that I kind of get down on our city, not being a big fan of cold weather. The impending move to downtown has rejuvenated my spirit - so I will list here what I'm looking forward to most in my new/old Over the Rhine home:

1. Walking to Findlay Market on the weekends and doing my shopping there.
2. Dojo Gelato for breakfast on Saturday mornings.
3. New photography projects in OTR.
4. No more yardwork.
5. Using the the Main Branch of the Public Library; Cincinnati's public library system is amazing.
6. Hanging on the doggy patio of Neon's in the summer; I'm not sure how Evildog will behave but I'm gonna give it a try. dumBella will not be trying.
7. Making new friends and meeting up with friends that already live downtown.
8. My new (old) kitchen stove - it's original to the 1860 house I'm moving into. It's so cool.
9. The architecture. Did you know that OTR has the largest collection of Italianate architecture in the US?
10. Did I mention NO yardwork?

Ruin is a gift. Ruin is the road to transformation...

2011-12-27T14:07:00.000-08:00

I'm going to admit that I have watched Eat Pray Love at least 12 times. And will probably watch it many more. The book has been read as well. Which is even better than the movie. I can so relate to Liz Gilbert in the story. My life is at a crossroads and 2012 will bring many changes. I would love nothing more than to pack all my shit into a 12x12 box and move to Italy...but the reality is that I'm a mom and the breadwinner (as little as my bread is) and taking off for a year isn't in the stars. Or my budget. I've lived in the same house and neighborhood for the past 16 years and put the second floor on our little home. My daughter and I picked every tile, paint color, fixture and hardwood plank up there. And now we are losing it all. I gave it everything I had (and a lot I didn't); but it will now go back to the bank. So, I'm moving downtown to fulfill a lifelong dream of living in a city. My new digs will be a 650 sf second floor apartment. I've decided to blog about the upcoming move and changes in my life. I'm not much of a writer; but I think it will keep me from spinning out of control and stay focused on what's truly important. I have a roof over my head (and my dogs' & my kid's heads), I'm healthy and employed. My house holds so many precious memories, but is now an albatross around my neck and a source of financial ruin. The quote from Eat Pray Love about "Ruin being a gift; ruin is the road to transformation" holds special meaning for me now.

My daughter got me this book for Christmas. I'm just going to go on faith and agree with her.

Jitters

2011-05-13T16:02:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I had the opportunity to shoot my first wedding. Jennifer Prine & Andrea McClain of Luv Bug Photo (and the bride & groom) were kind enough to let me tag along on their photo shoot so I could get an idea of what to expect as a photographer. I was nervous - what I call the "jitters". Steve & Heather Gabbard decided on a "First Glance" style wedding - where photos are taken beforehand and the Bride & Groom see each other prior to the ceremony. We took pics of the groomsmen/groom first. I took several shots of Steve with the "jitters". Then the bride and her bridesmaids came out and my first few shots of Heather are full of "jitters" too. I didn't feel alone anymore. And I realized their "jitters" go a little deeper than mine as a photog there to help record this very important occasion. No more baby steps, this was the BIG step forward. But as soon as they saw each other and hugged under the gazebo, the "jitters" melted away. They took comfort in each others love, as they will for the rest of their lives as husband and wife. Congratulations, Heather & Steve Gabbard!

My Two Cents

2011-01-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

I recently read a photography blog (wish I could remember which one) that talked about the importance of clients purchasing their pictures in some sort of printed form from the photographer. There were lots of good points in the blog, but the comments made by other photographers gave me much more insight and info than the actual blogpost. Her point was, by "giving" the client the digital images on a disk and not requiring a printed purchase the Photographer was falling down on their job. It's a huge debate in the photography world...part with your digital images (the negatives) or don't. The comments provided me with some much needed info; which was that photography pricing and product is ALL over the board. I don't think I saw two comments/Photographers in at least 50 that priced or produced the same. Some people just charge for the photography session and produce a Hi-Res disk with images, some require printed sales, some do both, some charge more for Hi-Res, etc. ad nauseum. My head was spinning!

But, last night I came to a conclusion. As a Photographer, I should provide a number of proofs (that I select based on my skills as an artist) and put together a printed product. It will be part of my package from this day forward. I was of the crowd that did the shoot, PP'd a given number of images and loaded them up to a disk in Hi-Res. I don't want the hassle of picking out albums, photos, mugs, blankets, whatever the client wanted to see their photos in/on. I still believe that the bulk of that decision should be left to the client - there are far too many options for me to limit their choice. But, the vast majority of people that receive a disk, do only two things - load some of the images up to Facebook (which resizes the photo to crap) and then put the disk in a drawer. Oh, and a third thing....never get around to putting together an album.

See, last night I came across my mom & dad's wedding album. It's one of those beautiful white leather bound books with brass corners on each heavily matted page, protected by thick vinyl on the outside and each page encased in cello. The front is embossed in gold with script that says "Our Wedding Day". The first two pages are heavy stock paper with places to fill in the date, names, place of the wedding, guests, etc. Guess what? NONE of it was filled out. My mom didn't even take the time to fill in a few blanks. She died 25 years ago, my dad remarried and entrusted me with his & mom's Wedding Album. It's a rare glimpse back to who she was as a young woman. Back then, the photographer provided the couple with proofs and they picked which few would forever more be the memory of that wonderful day. And I get to open the album from time to time and remember what a fun, beautiful woman she was.

What's that worth? I can't even begin to put a price on it.

It made me think that everyone should at least have a few prints from their photoshoot. If my mom didn't even take the time to fill in a few blanks, how in the world could I expect someone to filter through over 300 digital images and put together a 20 page album? It's too overwhelming for most people. As a photographer and artist I have the skill, creativity and knowledge of what will look best in print. I have not photographed any weddings...yet. It's still a little out of my comfort zone. But I do family & senior portraits, pet shoots. I always pick out the shots I think work best (with input from the client) and post process them. I don't give the client a disk with 300+ images on it. Quality over quantity.

I haven't decided on how I will produce the printed product yet. It may just be a simple 10 page mini-photo proof book with 4x6 prints. But there will be something to look at other than the CD. With my logo on it. And my business card in it.

2011 - My next 365 project

2011-01-03T05:27:00.000-08:00

2010 was probably a good year to skip. Some good things happened to be sure; but overall not my best vintage. So here's to 2011. The year to re-define me.

Observing several college students hanging out at the pipeline in Richmond on New Year's Day, I was reminded of my own daughter off at OU for her first year. So much new stuff to do, explore, learn.

I guess I'm kind of in the same spot. Just older. And wiser. But maybe I can learn a few new things too.

The Tribe

2010-12-11T08:07:00.000-08:00

My friend Jen's family. We went to Cincinnati's Krohn Conservatory to take some pics for her to use for Christmas cards. At lunch afterwards, at Allyn's Cafe (best dang Quesadillas) she was trying to figure out how to word the card. Jen's last name is Harten, her 3 daughter's are Finucane, her grandson is Masur and her oldest daughter, Addy's bf is Eubanks. I jokingly said, "Just say Merry Christmas from The Tribe". Then I said, "it doesn't really matter, as long as you have love." Which she does. Merry Christmas, Jen!

Do we really want to know?

2010-11-29T20:41:00.000-08:00

We went to the Cincinnati Museum Center on Friday after Thanksgiving to shoot some photos and then took in the The Hubble Movie on the OmniMax screen. Amazing film - if you haven't seen it - go see it. It will restore your faith in this country we call America.

I said to Dave as we exited the movie "You know, this is Cincinnati - a pretty conservative town. This movie was sold out every show for the last two days. People are interested in this - do you remember hearing anything about this repair work mission performed by the Space Shuttle Crew in the mainstream news?" He answered it wasn't really mainstream (and I consider mainstream NPR) but he followed it on NASA's website and other Space websites. What struck me is that News Media Moguls have decided that we are more interested in "Bored, Attention Deprived Housewives" or "Dancing Politician Offspring" or "Misguided Politician Lifestyle in Alaska" or "Animal Abusing Thugs who can play football" more than we care about "Incredible Real Life Hero Astronauts That Risk Their Lives to bring us Amazing Real Life Science in Space".

You don't need to oppose crap media. Just don't frequent it. Demand excellence. And excellence doesn't include the intimidating fear-mongers catering to the fear-ridden consumers sitting on the other end of the cable in the Family Room.

The Appointment more unwanted than the Dentist....

2010-11-18T17:19:00.000-08:00

A few years ago, I went to my dentist for a cleaning; he commented that "you're a bit overdue - but I understand, I'm the last appointment you want to make". Clarification Dr. Toothman - 2nd to last appointment.

I fulfilled that number one hated appointment today. My MD, who I like and trust, has a new practice, which is much further away from my office than it used to be. I stuck with her. My first appointment today in her new office went like this: I show up 5 minutes early. Sign in; fill out all NEW paperwork (have these people ever heard of a database?) Get my blood pressure - it's always low so it impresses the nurse and makes me feel superior - until I have to sit in an examination room for 40 minutes with only a sheet to cover me. Really? I'm on my lunch break, folks. Why in the world do I have to sit there for 40 minutes? I am at a loss. So when she finally shows up for the appointment with her trusty laptop and has not BOTHERED to review my file before she meets me to get caught up with my history - I am slightly annoyed. She asks me what my past 2 year history is. I understand it's my body - but I also expect some level of professional review of my file before you walk in for my appointment. Honestly, if I showed up as unprepared for a client meeting as she did - I would be fired. And would expect to be. Consider me in the market for a new doctor.

But, I did get to review a pretty cool decorating magazine with some photography that I wanted to get the same look through processing - so it at least stimulated some creative thought while I sat there contemplating how often they wash those hand crocheted mittens they slide over those foot stirrups....

Joy & Creativity

2010-11-12T11:01:00.000-08:00

I found this blog, Ordinary Courage. In her interview with Myriam Joseph, Myriam says:

My greatest creative barriers are the groups of squatters that take up space in my head. They lay around all day, shouting their bad advice and accusations, they don’t work, they don’t pay rent, they just talk, talk, talk.

This is so true. I am sure I'm my own worst enemy.

Myriam Joseph is a Social Entrepreneur with a website that sells t-shirts for toddlers made of organic cotton and bamboo each printed with one of 4 words. Words which represent the gifts she wishes she could give every child - Joy, Courage, Humility & Compassion. And also gifts that she wished she had received. To date she's raised $15,000 to rebuild schools in Haiti and support teachers there. Her t-shirts can be purchased here. I only wish she had Adult sizes! Would love to get one for my "baby" at college!

The Pursuit of Sweet Potato Souffle

2010-11-10T16:50:00.000-08:00

Someone reminded me of a recipe I made many years ago. She loved it so much, she is still singing it's praises to people I work with. I had totally forgotten about this dish. I don't think I've made it in at least 7 years - but her insistence at me bringing it to a Thanksgiving get-together our office is planning sent me digging through my favorite cookbooks - this is Sundays at Moosewood Restaurant from 1990. I also have a Cook's magazine from 1986 that I routinely use recipes from and my hand written recipe book circa 1980 prior to my first marriage 1981. When discussing the Sweet Potato Souffle recipe with my friend, she talked of handwritten recipes from her grandma that she still uses but is sure no one will ever be able to decipher after her. My friend is at least my age (49) but I think older. I'm a horrible judge of age.

Anyway, this forgotten recipe will find it's place on my Thanksgiving Table this year. Do you have a favorite recipe that you only make on Holidays? Feel free to share here.

Shooting Seniors

2010-11-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

I usually edit in-camera; getting rid of shots that won't work for the client - eyes closed, out of focus, funky poses - all of those exemplified here in this shot of Sarah. But this shot is Sarah. We struggled with a constant breeze during her photo shoot. I can't even remember how many times I said "um, fix your hair". She's a great sport and put up with me bossing her around. She was a joy to photograph. And her Dad was a whiz at the light reflector. Score!

See the entire photoshoot at CNZ Design Studio

It was a tad chilly.

2010-11-07T18:06:00.000-08:00

Early morning photo shoot for Senior Portraits this morning. Close to freezing temperatures. So I decided to bring some hot cocoa along for my client. I think she liked it.

Hot Cocoa

Combine, stir & boil for 2 mins in the top of a double boiler over direct but low heat:

1 cup boiling water

1/4 cup cocoa

1/8 tsp salt

4 tbsp sugar

then add:

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Then add:

3 cups scalded milk

Stir and heat the cocoa. Cover and keep over hot water 10 more minutes. Add:

1 tsp vanilla

Beat with a wire whisk before serving.

See the photoshoot here: CNZ Design Studio

Recipe copied from The Joy of Cooking

2010-10-31T18:41:00.000-07:00

Halloween. I did not expect to be in this house for another Halloween. But for the first time in about 5 years I had a ton of little kids come trick or treating. The owners of the house next door (which is also on the market) came to me last week to ask about the amount of kids that come out for Trick or Treat. Mind you, they own the house, but do not live there. I mentioned that the previous owners used to shut off the lights and leave for the evening; so it effectively killed any participation of kids coming to my house (last on the block). She showed up tonight with bags of candy and her dog to hand out treats. How cool is that? I'm gonna miss this neighborhood. A very special place.

Daughter & Mom

2010-10-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hannah was a beautiful senior to shoot. Her mom, Rebecca came along and we did a Corporate Head Shot for her business as well. I enjoyed the time we got to spend together. They were fun to be around - their relationship reminded me of mine with my daughter, who is off at college for her freshman year. Lots of smiles & encouragement for each other. Very cool.

Go to to my Facebook Page to see the entire shoot.

the newest addition

2010-07-09T11:47:00.000-07:00

My most recent photography shoot. I asked S & B if I could take "belly" shots of her for the experience as I had never done a maternity shoot before. At first, it was just going to be S and then hubbie B decided to join us! The pics turned out better than I hoped for. I'm looking forward to seeing her new son - he should be here any day now!

Lauren & Landon

2010-05-25T09:45:00.000-07:00

Landon joined the Masur/Mattix/Finucane/Harten clans on May 22nd, 2010. A quiet little fellow; he weighs in at 7lbs and 11 oz! He & Mom are doing just fine.

Shooting Seniors...

2010-05-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

Ceeanna, my daughter, asked me last summer to take her Senior Portraits. This soon included Sanam, her best friend and I was thrilled to have 2 beautiful models to work with. Ceeanna is THE best soccer player I know and will be attending Ohio University, Scripps School of Journalism in the fall. I couldn't be more proud.

Sanam, Nam or Say-nam and other derivatives that we make fun of others trying to say. One gorgeous girl. More confidence than you can shake a stick at, this girl fills the space with beauty and force. She's playing collegiate Soccer for University of Cincinnati in 2010 and entering Pre-Med. And I couldn't be more proud. And I hope she forgives me for the 11 year old birthday invite "faux pas" that's French for "fuck up" Nam... :)

So my next subject was Lauren (Lowen) and we had a great time. Cloudy day. Her mom joined us on the photo shoot. Her mom is awesome and had some great input. Lauren has a golden heart and volunteers her time in Haiti along with her family. She is an excellent baker/chef and a beautiful /intelligent young woman. She will be attending college at University of Alabama, majoring in Culinary Business. And I couldn't be more proud!

Kelsey Anne. I've known this soft-spoken, beat the shit out of the other team, soccer player forever. She rocks. And delivers. Kelsey was named to the National Soccer Coaches of America Girls’ All-American team with 26 goals and 10 assists this past season. She plans to play soccer for Heidelberg in the fall of 2010. I talked to Kels about her plans for a career; she likes the idea of teaching little kids. I can see her teaching and coaching soccer to little ones - and letting them know - "this is NOT a tea-party, Offend, Defend or Get Out of the Way!" But guess what? They will know how to play soccer! And, yes, I couldn't be more proud!

Ellen. What a beautiful girl. She was such a part of my life when she was younger so I all I could remember was "little girl" Ellen. Here, I was photographing "grown up" Ellen. She's stunningly gorgeous and very organized about her future. She's attending Culinary school in the fall, Ellen is a fabulous chef! She earned GOLD in the 2009 FCCLA Regional Competitions and was a state qualifier in Culinary Arts. I couldn't be more proud.

Life in a Dog House

2009-08-09T07:20:00.000-07:00

It's been said that I pay the mortgage and the dogs just let me live here. When I look around my house there is evidence of of teens (lots of clothes, why do they think the entire house is their closet?), evidence of me (lots of stacks of paperwork and bills, a half consumed glass of red wine) and then the dogs. Lots of squeeeeeeky toys, balls of fur, muddy paw prints and chew bones on every piece of furniture. When I visit other people's houses I envy how sparkly clean and organized they are. Then I look around; no dogs. I can imagine what life would be like without them (cleaner) but less joy. I'll take messy joy.