Memories, Dreams and Reflections 2012

Hi everyone! Happy New years to each and every one of you! I hope 2013 is a year of fulfilled dreams, good health, happiness and prosperity for each of us! Last year, I joined Ashley Sisk's Memories, 

Dreams and Reflections challenge. I enjoyed it so much, I decided to do it again this year. Here are my photos for the year.

ME

My beloved Maddux and I.

I LOVE YOU

To me, this picture represents love. You can just see it in all their faces. This is my newest Grandchild Brady, his Mother Jess, and my Dad. We dont know what the future holds, Dad has a brain tumor and has been steadily going downhill. In this picture, you would never know. Taken at Christmas this year.

STILL LAUGHING

It takes 2 pictures to explain this one. My Sister-in-law Kim and I were on a nature walk this past fall, 

when we came upon this snake on the trail. Without thinking, I laid right down on the ground close to it and began shooting many pictures of it. At one point, I decided to get my macro lens out (Top picture) and take several shots that way. My hand was actually on the lens cap in the bottom picture for a few 

shots. The snake was very patient, letting us take lots of pictures, but eventually he started sticking his tongue out. I said to Kim "Isnt that how they smell"? Right about then, the snake has had enough and 

instead of coming after me, the person who is 6" from him, he decides to go after Kim, who is a good 6 feet away! She lets out a scream and goes running down the path away from the snake who is chasing her a good way down the path. I was laughing hysterically, and so was Kim, once the snake veered 

off into the brush! We still laugh about it today, and I am still shocked I was so close to the snake. 

WINTER WONDERLAND

No explanation needed!

BIRTHDAY

My newest Grandchild, Brady Alan, born August 10th, 2012

FRIENDS

Maddux and Kileigh were the best of friends. He loved her as much as she loved him. 

I WAS INSPIRED

Inspired by nature, one of my goals for this year was to get some larger birds of prey pictures. While 

out driving around, we came upon this hawk on the side of the road. He was very nice to me and let 

me takes lots of shots of him before flying off.

SPRING FEVER 

Early last spring, Kim and I came across these beautiful Coma Butterflies drinking the sap from the 

trees. I loved how the background is such a soft brown, and the tree bark is almost the same shade, 

then there is the pop of orange in the butterfly. One of my favorite shots of the year.

TRAVEL OR VACATION

We couldnt afford to travel this past year, so instead we take lots of road trips and I take pictures along the way.

AUTUMN HARVEST

Not exactly a harvest, but a beautiful fall sunset!

SUMMER DAYS

Kileigh in her pool last Summer.

A DAY IN MY LIFE

I spend as much time here as I can, all year around. It is heaven on earth for me.

ALL SMILES

Grandson Ethan opening his box of Dinosaurs for Christmas.

FAMILY OR HOME

I love coming home to this face.

CELEBRATE

Ethans 3rd Birthday celebration.

LET'S DO IT AGAIN

Hubby and I went for many long walks in the woods this past year. I hope we get the chance 

to take many more. This was one of a set of twin fawns we saw on one of our walks.

I MISS YOU

Maddux. As many of you know, I lost my best friend August 28th to renal Failure at just 8 years of age. I miss him every second of the day. I love you Maddux.

BEAUTIFUL

Simple picture of a dead thistle against water. It came right out of the camera like this. I dont know why,

but I like it. It is a natural black and white. Think this one is going an a canvas.

DRESS UP

My daughter Courtney and her daughter Kileigh. We did a photo shoot

for their Christmas cards this year.

MACRO

Brown Fruit Chaffer Beetle on blossoms. Love his little antennas!

HOLIDAYS

Ok, getting these 3 munchkins to cooperate was next to impossible! Still cute though. Left to right, 

Ethan, Kileigh and Brady.

 MY FAVORITE

Ok, so I couldnt actually PICK a favorite. This is one of many! This little Mink was so curious about me. He would keep poking his head out in different places and made little noises at me. Finally he couldnt resist and just ran out and by me.

DON'T EVER CHANGE

My son Aaron and Grandson Brady, both born August 10th.

JUST BECAUSE...SO THERE!

I dont know why I like this picture of a Blue Heron so much, but I do, so there!!

HOPES AND DREAMS

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!

2013 Bead Journal Project

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have joined the 2013 bead Journal Project. I am hoping to be much more involved this year. Last year was tragic on so many levels for me, and I am hoping to wipe the slate clean, and start anew this year. As many of you know, I have many passions in my life. My family,  my Shar Pei dogs, Nature, Beading, and Photography. I have decided to combine the last 3 of my passions for my BJP this year. I have always loved anything nature, and have been an avid bird watcher for many years. A little over a year ago, I invested in a much nicer camera, a Canon 60D, with the hopes of getting better results with my photography. I set out a couple days a week to walk in the woods, on a trail, or along the river to see what subjects I can find to photograph. In the past year, I have added over 60 new birds to my Audubon Life List! I have photographed each of them as best as I could. When trying to decide how to journal my experiences through the BJP, I decided to combine my photographs with beadwork (specifically bead embroidery) and document some of these new species of birds.

I will embroider 12 birds on Nicoles Beadbacking (love this stuff)! My size is yet to be determined, but I am thinking 3" X 5". My January piece will be an Eastern Bluebird. I first photographed these beauties last February and have loved them since. Below are a couple of my shots that I will base my piece on! Thank you for looking! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

I did it!!

I did it, I joined up with Robin Atkins Bead Journal Project again this year. I have to admit, last year was a complete flop for me. I never started or completed a single piece. My life last year was a mess. I had some serious personal issues, some medical issues, suffered some tremendous losses and also experienced some tremendous gains. We added a beautiful new grandbaby (Brady Alan) to our family and said goodbye to my sweet boy Maddux. I am hoping 2013 is a much better year for me and my family. I would love a calm and peaceful year this year please?? I look forward to seeing everyones work and being part of the wonderful community the past years BJP has to offer. I am still working on my ideas for 2013's project. Since I didn't complete any pieces last year, I may go with the same idea I was tossing around then, or I may go off in an entirely different direction too. I have about a month to think of an idea, watch for a post here when I finally do.

Happy Birthday Ethan!!

3 years ago today, a wonderful boy came into our lives. Ethan Michael is a special little boy. He is funny, adorable, smart and sweet as can be. Our family and friends celebrated his birthday on Sunday with pizza, snacks, cake and a big birthday party. Ethan, you have brought so much joy to our family! You make us laugh with your goofy sense of humor, make us smile with your excitement upon seeing one of us, and your big hugs and kisses, amaze us with your memory and unbelievable knowledge. Mostly you just show us what love is all about by just being you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweet sweet boy. I love you with all my heart and am proud to be your Grandmother!

Nuture Photography Week 6 11-09-12

Week 6 of the "Nurture Photography Photo Challenge" is here. Only 1 week to go! I have posted at least 1 photo for each week. That is an accomplishment for me. This weeks prompt were Brown/Food. I didnt really do much cooking this week (lucky me) but I did manage to snap a picture of a dinner I made a couple weeks ago. It was yummy!  Have a wonderful week, come back next week for the finale.

BROWN

It was a wet, dreary dark morning. I decided to take a little road trip to see what I could see. I came across these poor horses huddled together under a tree trying to stay dry. I loved how they had golden colored leaves on their backs. Looks like they have been standing there awhile.

Perfect heart in the wood grain on this post.

How now brown cow. Sorry couldnt resist! Little calf I came across on a road trip. Shot through a fence. You can barely see the fence lines.

FOOD

Turkey Meatloaf, peas and roasted potatoes = yummy!

Going to the Birds

HI! I finally had a little "ME" time and decided a trip out in nature was what my soul needed. I went to my favorite place in the world and was able to soak up a little sunshine and get my nature fix, all in one. I have to say, I feel human once again. Sometimes all it takes is some time alone with just my camera to readjust my attitude. Here are some of my favorite shots of the day. Enjoy! I know I did.

I love getting these bird in flight shots. The Red-Bellied Woodpecker is one of my all-time favorite birds. I love his flashy black and white feathers with the accents of red-orange.

Chilly little White breasted Nuthatch