Fresh Cut

Moving! Won't you come along?

2011-09-01T23:56:00.006-06:00

For those of you who follow me via google reader or other rss feeds, this site will no longer get blog updates. I have gone ahead and moved over to wordpress, which I have quickly fallen in love with. ALL of my old content is over there along with new posts, new photos, and new pricing on sessions. Come on over and take a look, don't forget to follow the NEW site and sign up for some Fresh Cut Love to your inbox for promotions, giveaways and first dibs on goodies.

Find the new site by clicking below or at www.sharonjohnsonphotography.com

A Winner and a Hiatus

2011-08-22T13:07:00.002-06:00

Emily, you won! Email me and let me know who you would like your 2nd copy sent to!

With that I'm bidding the blogging world farewell for a short while, or at least me blogging consistently. Today was our first day of school (it was AWESOME), Kerry has a new job, and business is going well and getting a 6 week course kick in the butt so I have A LOT of work to do. Have a great few weeks with your kiddos or your kiddos back in school. Summer is coming to a close, soak it up while you can. I'll be doing just that in all this extra free time I have laying around. (?)...

Utah Portrait Photographer :: Teresa Pinkal

2011-08-19T08:00:00.006-06:00

A few of my best friend T.P. (Teresa Pinkal.) Mamiya 645 pro 400h film.

Shot in my window light in front of a draped sheet.

Teresa Pinkal is a first and last name type of girl. I don't know what I will ever do when she gets married and changes her last name... I'll still just call her Teresa Pinkal.

She lives very last min, which I love. She never knows what she is planning on doing until she does it. If she does have plans, they change, and quickly.

She has been in LA interning for the Clippers all summer. I haven't seen her or talked to her in far too long.

She studies harder and has a better work ethic than anyone I have EVER met.

She dropped a week of her life, deciding the night before that she would join Blair and I on a Mexico, Copper Canyon school adventure.

When she went on a mission I'm pretty sure she got her papers in only a few days after deciding to go. Like I said, she doesn't really plan.

She is silly, and crazy, and perfect for doing nothing and/or everything with.

I adore her.

She makes the best brownies and muddy buddies.

"Fat Kid" parties with Teresa are the best.

Her hands and fingers are stunning, scroll back up and take a look.

She can make an award winning halloween costume with brown paper bags, construction paper and scissors....in 15 mins.

Teresa is such an amazing listener. I have spent many nights walking the streets of Provo talking and talking and talking her ear off.

I miss her.

I love her.

We met in college, my first semester there. Our meeting was completely inspired... I believe most relationships are coincidence, but then there are the few that have to happen. It seems the world would've exploded had it not. I'm glad we met, and the world didn't have to explode. Love you TP.

Cucumber Varieties

2011-08-18T16:27:00.009-06:00

Before this summer I never gave cucumbers much attention. Yes they are good to throw in a salad or whatever but ... it is a cucumber....big whoop, but the garden we pick from has 4 different kinds of cucumber and I have fallen in love with this odd little vegetable. They are growing like mad and we can keep up with harvesting them all. This is what is grown:

Pickle Burpless Armenian

Lemon

All of these cucumbers are great to just eat off the vine or throw into a salad but each does have a distinctive taste and texture and some are better for some ways of cooking that others.

Pickling Cucumbers are short, flavorful and versatile when cooking. Great for eating raw or pickling. Throw these in a mason jar with vinegar, dill and salt, process, and a few months later you have a pickle. I enjoy fresh pickles which take 3 mins instead of 3 months. Slice cucumber and drizzle some balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper on there. Yum.

Burpless Cucumbers can typically be found in your grocery store. They are the ones all wrapped up in plastic. These have a thin skin and small seeds and are less flavorful than the other varieties of cucumbers. Great for salads, no need to peel or seed.

Armenian Cucumbers are not only delicious but also really quite pretty when cut up into thick slices because of it's deeply ridged skin. If you like crunch, these are the cucumbers to get. The outer veggie is very thick and very crunchy. No need to seed or peel, great eaten raw and they look stunning on a veggie platter.

Lemon Cucumbers are considered the gourmet cucumber. The skin is thin and yellow and the taste is sweet and flavorful. They are really pretty just kept in a large bowl on the counter. They do have little prickles that scrub off easily. Great eaten raw and do pickle well.

Your local farmers market should be supplying beauties like these in abundance if you'd like to obtain some to have in your home.

I Like You :: Children's Book Feature :: & Giveaway

2011-08-17T11:12:00.021-06:00

Written by Sandol Stoddard Warburg and illustrated by Jacqueline Chwast in 1963. This simply illustrated and adorably written book captured my adoration a few years back while browsing through the children's section. Since then it has become my favorite children's book (possibly my favorite book) and copies of it have been found in many of the hands of people I like. I chuckle every time I read it through (which is once or twice a day as it is Lus' favorite book too) and am always impressed with how a silly little children's book can say just what "i like you" really means.

I've included some of my favorite line from the book. Scroll down and enter to win a copy!

I like you

And I know why

I like you because you are a good person

To like

When i think something is important

you think it's important too

We have good ideas

When i say something funny

You laugh

I think I'm funny and

You think I'm funny too

Hah-hah

I can't remember when I didn't like you

It must have been lonesome then

If I pretend I am drowning

You pretend you are saving me

If I'm getting ready to pop a paper bag

Then you are getting ready to jump

HOORAY

That's because

You really like me

Don't you

And I really like you back

And you like me back

And I like you back

And that's the way we keep going

Everyday

Find your copy HERE.

Or.......

enter the giveaway and win one! AND, when you win you get to pick someone you like too, who has also entered the giveaway, and I will send them a free copy too!

BECAUSE

I like you

and you like me too

How to enter:

Step 1: Comment here. Who are you going to give your winning copy to? Grandma, hubby, boyfriend, baby, or is it going to yourself because heck, you like you too!

Step 2: You get 2 extra entries for Posting this to your facebook or twitter or pinterest, or blog or any of those fancy social sites. (Tell your friends that if they win, they should like you and show you by choosing you for the extra copy.)*make sure to let me know in your comment*

Step 3: Check back to see the winner which will be picked, at random, on Monday.

Isn't it fun to be liked?

My F/8

2011-08-16T01:27:00.005-06:00

Several months ago I was asked by 2 complete strangers if I would like to hangout with them and 3 others once a month...

I am grateful everyday they did.

Photo by the talented Leslie Krout.

(go take a look, her images will melt you)

Wool Dryer Balls. Felted Yarn Balls :: DIY

2011-08-15T13:18:00.004-06:00

I started making these after learning to make my own Laundry Detergent. They are handmade, "green" and good for those kiddos that have extra sensitive skin. They go right in your dry cycle with your clothes to replace dryer sheets. They work wonderfully and I hear they last for years and years and years. Not only do they keep the clothes static free, if you use enough of them in one load it will cut your drying time in half in some cases. I typically throw 5 to 10 balls with each load, depending on the size of the load. They are incredibly easy to make, so much so that I will spare you a lot of directions and let the photos do the talking.

You need yarn that is 70% wool or higher. I suggest using a yarn that is thicker, the thinned stuff didn't felt as well. Start by making your core. Wrap tightly!

When finished this should be 3-4 inches diameters in size.

You are now going to felt your yarn balls. Put yarn balls in a nylon, placing a knot tightly between each ball. You can do this by washing or boiling the yarn. I opted for washing as it was much easier. Put in your washer on high heat and run a cycle, soap free. Then throw it in your dryer with a few towels and run for 2-3 dry cycles. Your yarn is now felted together and cannot be unwoven!

Now for the outer layer. Knot your first go around together and just start wrapping.

The ones we made were quit large, about 10in diameters round. 7 is plenty big, and you will save yarn doing them a touch smaller.

Felt again. Back in Nylon, wash then dry.

If you can find a toddler to help you with all of this then you get to rewind the same ball or yarn over and over, it is quite find and I highly recommend it *cough cough*.

This is the "if you don't wind it tight enough or put a tight enough knot in the nylon your yarn will fall out of place and it will look like this" photo. So don't do that. Wind tight people, TIGHT.

The finished product!

Place in the dryer with your wet clothes and let them work their magic. Funny how gorgeous they are as well. I made a bunch of extra along with some super small ones and they sit on my table as a center piece. I'm sure there are a million crafty and decor things that could be done with this concept. Link if you have photos or ideas for these. I'm curious as to what has been done.

Questions about this DIY? Did I leave something out? Comment and let me know!

Baby Rebekah and the Robinson Family

2011-08-12T13:32:00.008-06:00

A quick easy shoot down at the Robinsons. Boy do those girls like to pose, can you tell?Freaking adorable! They will teach Miss Rebekah well. Thank you Claire and Denim for having me down and into your home!

Check out the blog Let the Kids Dress Themselves today. I'm featured, with photos as well as a little write up and and list of

to do's and a what I do when photographing children.

Apricot Freezer Jam

2011-08-11T11:48:00.007-06:00

This is the basic of the basic. If you are one who has never canned and the process seems intimidating, this is the place to start. This isn't even really canning, it is just cooking and freezing, you don't even need Mason jars.

I don't have any secret recipes for my jams. I just keep it simple and use the Sure Jell Pectin Recipes found on the inside of the pectin box. Easy Peasy.

Ingredients

2-1/2 cups prepared fruit (buy about 1-3/4 lb. fully ripe apricots)

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

5-1/2 cups sugar, measured into separate bowl

3/4 cup water

1 box SURE.JELL Fruit Pectin

Instructions

Rinse clean plastic containers and lids with boiling water. Dry thoroughly.

Pit and finely chop unpeeled apricots. Measure exactly 2-1/2 cups prepared fruit into large bowl. Add lemon juice. Stir in sugar. Let stand 10 min., stirring occasionally.

Mix water and pectin in small saucepan. Bring to boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Continue boiling and stirring 1 min. Add to fruit mixture; stir 3 min. or until sugar is dissolved and no longer grainy. (A few sugar crystals may remain.)

Fill all containers immediately to within 1/2 inch of tops. Wipe off top edges of containers; immediately cover with lids. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours. Jam is now ready to use. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or freeze extra containers up to 1 year. Thaw in refrigerator before using.

-Found on the Sure Jell Website

Carolee Beckham :: Wednesday Blog Feature

2011-08-10T11:34:00.008-06:00

Carolee Beckham is an extremely knowledgeable and talented photographer located in northern Utah. She graduated from BYU with a BFA and has extensive knowledge and skill in both film and digital photography. Her images and blog speak for themselves, go take a look.

Her work is peace to me, it is a whipser, it is a childhood memory I cling to, it is the moment right before I fall asleep. How is it possible that her work can be subtle as well as impactful? I don't know but she conquers it with such ease and beauty.

I have had the great opportunity and blessing to become good friends with Carolee over the last several months. Our chance facebook encounter, which led to a small dinner and chat, which led to a friendship with her and others that will last forever, was nothing but inspired. I am grateful everyday this woman found me and introduced me to a passion and love for education and art that I admire and long to have.

Carolee just recently wrapped up a very intimate and personal project she has spent the last 8 months working on. The project documents her pregnancy with fruits and veggies. She wrapped the project up this week with the birth of her baby, Mr. Emerson Locke (great name, right?) Following are a few images from Carolee's project, they are sweet and inspirational.

Check out the rest of Carolee's Pregnancy photos, along with an image of the newly born Emerson, Here.

Do you have/know of a great blog that fits FreshCuts style? Get it featured. Email me. sharonjohnsonphotography@gmail.com

Soaking it in :: Grace Idaho

2011-08-09T17:06:00.004-06:00

400h. minolta x-700. Girls camp 4th year overnight.

My Someday Library

2011-08-08T10:26:00.007-06:00

Will look something like one of these:

found via Pinterest. Come Join the party.

Are they not stunning? I am astounded by large home libraries and I dream of the day I have one in my home. I picture mine having large built in white shelves with a circular stair case climbing to the balcony that surrounds the open 2nd floor. Oversized love seats and wing-backed chairs are a must and possibly even a hammock placed somewhere in the corner. Of course the entire room will be surrounded by massive windows which prevent me from ever needing to turn on lights during the day to read.

I remember seeing My Fair Lady for the first time and falling more in love with Professor Higgins library than Miss Dolittle's ball gown. Much of the inspiration for my future library comes from this stunning room.

I crave the day I get to create my own library and save the books that are so precious to me, in a place that is deserving of their storage. Kindles will not be allowed, no nooks, and no i-pads. Only tangible, hard-bound, crisp, paper smelling books. Until then, I'll look to my one shelf library and continue to dream.

School has My Knees Shaking

2011-08-05T10:01:00.005-06:00

Like many of your small children, I too start school in 2 weeks. I am extremely excited but also, I have never been so terrified of the first day of school in my life. What about having a kid turned me into such a huge wuss? First tubing done a river causes me to curse in front of my innocent Young Woman, and now a clock tower and tests have me knees quivering. I WENT THROUGH NATURAL CHILD BIRTH!!!!! I CAN HANDLE COLLEGE!!! ... Right?

Maybe it is because I'll be leaving Lus on a consistent basis, or because last time I went to school I failed miserably (too much playing), or maybe I'm nervous I'll feel old as I'm surrounded with a classroom of 18 year olds and those girls thighs will be the size of my arm. Or maybe, and more likely, I am a Mother, a Wife, and a Homemaker and already I'm feeling pulled in too many directions and I'm nervous that one other thing might make me break. Just maybe that it is.

I know there are tons of woman with children and families that go to school, turn in papers, take tests and still make it home to clean up, make dinner, run off to meetings, and read bedtime stories. I KNOW that. I KNOW I can be one of those woman. I went through natural child birth, I can do anything, I can do this, and it will be awesome. Right? Right.

Wish me luck, cross your fingers, send some good organizations vibes my way, I'm going to need it. This semester (I can start measuring in semesters now. that is neat) is going to get crazy.

Summer Vegetable Salad

2011-08-04T08:00:00.004-06:00

School starts in just 2 weeks, thunder storms are rolling in, and I just picked the most delicious apricots off a neighbors tree. Fall is just around the corner folks and at my Mothers place that means a steamy kitchen, veggies and fruit everywhere, and mason jars stacked 3 high.

Already there are so many vegetables to pick I'm finding myself coming up with all sorts of concoction just to have something to do with them all. I'll have so many "Harvest" posts you'll be ready to go out and scavenge a garden yourself. On that note I'd like to Introduce you to THE HARVEST. Every Thursday I'll be posting a recipe, how to, or tips on canning and cooking your harvest. This will continue until Sept 10th when we finish the Harvest off with a week of everything fall and food posts.

First up, Summer Veggie Salad.

Featured today on the great blog Whatever Dee Wants.

6 servings. 20 mins to prep and cook.

Ingredients:

4 large Red potatoes

1 small zucchini

1 small yellow squash

1 red onion

2 handfuls green beans

Dressing

3 tbl extra virgin olive oil

2 tbl red wine vineger

2 tbl finely grated parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp garlic

1/2 tsp italian seasoning

dash of salt

dash of pepper

Wash all veggies then chop into large bite size pieces. Keep the green beans whole, only snipping off the one end where it was connected to the plant.

Prep your stove top steamer. Fill 3/4 full of water and place on high heat stove. When boiling, place potatoes in the bottom pan. Your potatoes will boil on bottom while your other veggies cook on top. Cook 8-10. Layer other veggies into top steamer. Green beans, onions, then squash and potatoes. Place lid on top and steam until the the squash is easily poked with a fork.

While your veggies are cooking, make dressing. Mix all ingredients EXCEPT the cheese. I am a tasting cook so season as you like it! Add more or less of what you do or don't prefer. Set aside.

When your veggies are done strain in sink. Rinse for 30 seconds in cold water (this prevents the veggies from continuing to cook and become over done.) Place in bowl or on platter.

Toss dressing onto veggies, be gentle so your potatoes stay together. Sprinkle with Parmesan and serve.

This salad is great served warm or cold, and with any fresh vegetables you pick from the garden, use what you have on hand.

I'd love to invite some guest bloggers onto harvest week to share incite and recipes for the harvest. Send me a note if you would like to share!

linked on"

Too Big

2011-08-03T12:55:00.002-06:00

Happy 17 month Birthday bobo. You are just getting too big.

Interview with Jonathan Canlas

2011-08-02T13:16:00.021-06:00

Jonathan Canlas, the creator, photographer, and author of the FIND Guide: a Digital Photographers Guide to Film, was nice enough to stop by and answer a few questions for us today.

Jon is an 100% film shooter that lives in Lehi, Utah with his spectacular wife and 5 kiddos (soon to be 6! congrats!) Jon's work is heartfelt and stunning. Jon shoots anything from Xango magazine shoots, birth stories (here is Lus'), to families and weddings. He also puts on a phenomenal workshop several times a year, which I was luckily enough to attend Oct '09. Jon He has recently released a breath taking 96 page e-book sharing his decade of experience and knowledge, as well as love for film and photography, to assist others in becoming better photographers and even just better picture takers.

Some photos by Jon:

You are an extremely talented guy that had the opportunity to go in to some other great fields of work. Why did you choose Photography?

I did not choose it per say. I never really said, wow, I want to a photographer, let alone a wedding photographer. I got into it while living in Japan when a dear friend of mine lent me a Canon AE-1 with a 50mm 1.4 lens. And it all went from there. I actually got a degree in Japanese and Asian Studies from BYU before I went back and did a BFA in photography.

What is your main purpose and goal when going into a shoot?

to capture the light in people. or to find the interesting or beauty in the mundane.

What suggestions do you for families with small children when preparing to get their photos taken?

plan around nap time for sure. and let them just BE. don't force certain looks on them. i like to go to places where i can let them play and be together as a family. because as much as they want that one family shot for the wall, they also want the moments in between. they just may not know that yet until i show it to them.

You take A LOT of photos of your family and kids, do they show any interest in Photography?

meh, not really :)

You shoot a lot when you are on vacation with you family. Does photography ever get in the way of spending time with them and giving them your full attention?

i would be shooting as much as i do weather i got paid or not. it is a part of who i am. there are times where i consciously put the camera down, but those times are rare. shooting film give me a lot of time to give my family the attention they deserve and need.

What 3 things would you advice someone who wants to get into photography do and learn first?

learn your camera in and out before you start. you should be able to show up to a shoot without having to think of the technical so you can just create. don't care what anyone else is doing. and last find your voice, and realize it will take YEARS to find it and it is never found in your paid work. it is found by shooting copious amounts of personal work. so shoot for yourself ALWAYS.

You are all about finding your personal voice in photography. Where do get inspiration to find yours?

my family. my beliefs. that is how my vision was formed.

What was your main purposes behind writing the Find guide?

to gather all that info people spend hours upon hours trying to search on the internet. also, to help people possibly save a couple hundred bucks in mistakes. i put it all out there and if i don't answer everything, there is always my formspring.

My readers are mostly artistic Mothers, just wanting to take good photos of their children, is the FIND guide for them?

for sure. knowing how to shoot film will make you a better digital photographer as you will get to know how your camera is going to react to different lighting situations. with film there is no chimping [looking at the back of your camera to see the digital image]. either you get it right, or you don't. and not having the crutch will force you to get better. regardless of the medium.

Jon is a busy man, it is MUCH appreciated that he took his time to answer a few questions. Thanks again Jon!

Jon's new e-book is absolutely phenomenal. It is informative, it is visually stunning and is easy to read and comprehend. It will help you become a better photographer, it will help you take better photos of you children, of your life, and as Kim Orlandini wrote "It will change your life if you let it."

The book is available for immediate download for $149. Worth every Penny. Type in SUMMER at check out and get an extra $10 off. Better yet? The first 20 people to purchase the FIND GUIDE from the link below will receive 3 free rolls of Fuji 400hPro 35mm film. Every sale you refer after your purchase will get you an additional 2 rolls.

I love and am so inspired by this book that I have become an affiliate for the Find Guide. For every book I sell I receive a small percentage of the sale. That being said, I would push and coax mothers and every photographer to purchase this gorgeous book, even if it meant I didn't make a dime.

Buy the book, shoot a TON and enjoy!

Salvaging Tom

2011-08-01T15:38:00.012-06:00

My feet haven't seen the inside of another shoe since April (not counting church).

I LOVE these silly shoes and wear them everywhere (minus the above mention church.)

I was pretty devastated when my big toes started peaking through the large holes they had created a few weeks ago. Solution? Just cut them off.

Hellooooo Toeless Toms!

I think I love them even more.

Linked on:

Out "Camping"

2011-07-27T07:27:00.000-06:00

I'm out camping with these crazy teenage girls from Church. Wish me luck.

I'll be back Monday with posts!

The website

2011-07-26T07:37:00.003-06:00

is finally done.

I am ecstatic. Click HERE to check it out.

Logo by Adam Thomas, (he's picking up a limited amount of client's right now!)

HTML coding by Jeff Hogg @ BossHoggDesign.

Web design by Me and Teresa Pinkal.

Storage Space: Kick Board Drawers

2011-07-22T11:28:00.003-06:00

Every kick board in our place is a drawer. This doubles the storage in our kitchen and bathroom.

My landlord is an Architectural Genius.

Design by Ken Reed at ZHousePlans.

Check out this blog: A Number of Things

2011-07-20T23:34:00.007-06:00

A blog by the most creative, genuine and talented person I know, Rachel Smith:

A Number Of Things

Follow it, love it, and tell her to blog more because we need more Rachel and her inspiring and uplifting life and art in our everydays. Go and just look at the header, how does someone just throw that together and have it turn out that beautiful? She did, promise.

She is an artist in every sense. I adore her.

Here are just a few of her creations (some of the drawings are done by her husband, apparently their children are just destined to be gorgeous and artistic in every single way.)

Rachel also sings, and beautifully, and of course she writes her one music and lyrics. I met her while in college, she was BFF's with my BFF. While I did not get nearly enough time with Rachel and we don't know each other as well as we ought to, I adore her and feel like we might as well be BFF's anyway. She has been and is one of my favorite people in this world. I miss her, her soft voice and her guitar curled up on our living room floor.

Go check out her blog to find more awesomeness and I'm serious when I say comment and tell her she NEEDS to blog more. I know she has more to share.

Do you know of genuine and inspiring blog? One you think Fresh Cut needs to share? Email me a link at Sharonjohnsonphotography@gmail.com and it might just be the next feature.

Chelsie and Michael

2011-07-19T09:54:00.004-06:00

I love everything about this bride and groom, their wedding, and these images. I have yet to have a more gracious and sincere bride and groom. Thank you Chelsie and Michael, you are fabulous, and your family was a pleasure to spend all day with. (Oh my, and that cake! I think that cake is just stunning, loved it loved it.)

To see the wedding in it's entirety click HERE.

Joni Hepworth from Plush Design did the wonderful reception decor and all flowers center pieces.

I am currently taking a limited amount of weddings for this fall.

Please contact me at sharonjohnsonphotography@gmail.com for information, pricing and to check availability. Weddings range from $1200-$3000

Burma the Service Dog

2011-07-18T10:18:00.009-06:00

Burma's owner, Lori, asked me a few months ago to come and shoot some photos before Burma would be placed into service training. It was such a great shoot, so easy and chill, I really enjoyed it. I was incredibly interested in the Burma and her program, it is great there are organizations and people that are so willing to take their time and effort into training these amazing animals to help those who will benefit from it. Lori kindly wrote up a some info for me to share with you all. Enjoy!

"Meet Burma, she is a CCI Service Dog in Training. Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) is a non-profit organization that has placed over 3,000 dogs since 1975, free of charge.

I was introduced to CCI by two extraordinary puppies at last year’s CFC kick-off. I’m still amazed every day by Burma, a carefully crossbred Lab that is sweet and smart; she picks up new commands almost immediately. Upon approval, my husband and I received her at 8-weeks old with a scheduled turn-in of May 2011. Before turn-in, she’ll learn 26 commands and be socialized to a variety of venues so she’s calm and obedient in any situation. We’re responsible for her health and safety, provide food and vet care, and report our progress monthly to CCI.

At turn-in she’ll be evaluated and trained for one of four team categories; Hearing, Service, Facility or Skilled Companion. If she is ever released from the program, we get first dibs on her.

When people hear about turn-in they always ask: How can you bear to give her up? The other question is: What’s that blue thing around her nose? The blue gentle leader is part of her uniform. When I put on her cape and headgear, she knows it’s time to go to work. If you meet a dog dressed like this please ask before petting. At night when I take Burma’s uniform off, she’s just a dog. She plays and wrestles with my 95-pound Golden, loves being outside and is really enjoying the snow.

CCI’s website and YouTube have wonderful videos of dogs successfully placed with a companion. When I see the joy and freedom on their faces, the question isn’t “How can I bear to give her up?” but instead “How can I not?”

For more information go to www.CCI.org or call 1-800-572-BARK."

Update: Burma was honorably released from the program last month due to some anxiety she exhibited in crowds. She returned to Utah to live with Lori and her family, they are excited to have her back. They have since received a new puppy that will once again be trained and turned in to CCI in hopes to be placed as a working service dog.

Emma Watson on "sexy"

2011-07-15T11:46:00.012-06:00

Seeing how we saw Harry Potter last night, I thought this was an appropriate share. I've always been impressed with the way Emma Watson portrays herself to the public and media. Any teenage girl who cuts her hair that short, knows who is she is and what she is doing in this life and this quote really proves it.

"I find the whole concept of being sexy embarrassing and confusing. If I do an interview with photographs people desperately want to change me - dye my hair blonder, pluck my eyebrows, give me a fringe. Then there's the choice of clothes. I know everyone wants a picture of me in a mini-skirt. But that's not me. I feel uncomfortable. I'd never go out in a mini-skirt. It's nothing to do with protecting the Hermione image. I wouldn't do that. Personally, I don't actually think it's even that sexy. What's sexy about saying, "I'm here with my boobs out and a short skirt, have a look at everything I've got."? My idea of sexy is that less it more. The less you reveal the more people can wonder."

-Emma Watson

Discovered via Gardenview Cottage

ps. The movie was good but leave the theater 5 mins before it movie ends. Much better ending that way. What did you think of it?

Peak at Michael and Chelsea's Wedding

2011-07-14T02:56:00.004-06:00

Shooting this wedding, and seeing the results have made me seriously contemplate picking up more weddings to shoot. I loved this wedding, I am loving the photographs, and I'm really excited to share the rest with you. I'll have the wedding post up in it's entirety on Tuesday. Happy Thursday, ( not Friday or Saturday, I've been thinking it's Friday for days now.)

My Ramblings

2011-07-13T07:00:00.005-06:00

I build up a random chunk of thoughts and events that, for some reason, I feel the need to share on the World Wide Web every few weeks. I completely invite everyone else to share as well, because sometimes, you just need to say it to someone, even if it is a computer screen and a few hundred people you have never met.

The 27th through the 4th was a horrible and crushing week for me. Aspects of it are still lingering (or rather completely engulfing my mind.) Yet, I can now carry on and really I'm happy it came. Remember? I asked for it?

I lost my light meter in Salt Lake on Saturday the 3rd. If you found it, it's mine. Can I please have it back? You don't even now what it is or what it does or know how much I need it... please? It looks like this:

Marriage is awesome but really hard. Anyone that says otherwise either hasn't been married long or isn't trying hard enough.

I have an awesome husband who tries hard at marriage, like really really tries HARD. I know there are SO many husbands... (and wives for that matter)... that don't. I am so glad he does, and I'm grateful y he puts up with my craziness and inability to express any rational thought or feeling.

My phone broke, again, and it will probably be that way for sometime. SOMEONE (see picture from yesterday's post) threw my phone off the deck and now I can receive calls but the caller can't hear a dang thing on my end. So sure, call me, just don't expect to hear anything on the line, I'll press a button 3 times if I got the message you were trying to relay

.... just text me.. I can text.

Being poor totally sucks but in some strange way I totally love it.

We are now seriously looking at and weighing our options for grad school. I'm excited but also terrified to move. Yes we will be going out of state next year. I know it will be an adventure and really great and I know I am the one saying "We CANNOT stay in Utah for grad school" but I am still completely terrified.

Sunday night Kerry, Lus, and I slept out on our deck, which doesn't have a covering (it kind of rained) which is above a parking lot, which is positioned on state street. It was completely spontaneous, odd and the best idea we have had in ages.

I don't think I've been this chill over the last week and "whatever" about life since... freshman year of college? yes, freshman year of college. That was the greatest time of my life, I loved every second about it and being chill and "whatever is even better with my little family then it was 6 years ago... and that is saying a lot.

My baby is no longer a baby... and I want a baby so badly I ache.

Kerry cut my hair 10 mins before church sunday. I mentioned how I wanted it chopped and he jokingly said "I'll cut it" ... except he wasn't joking and cut out a big junk of my hair before I could protest. He then "had" to finish it and tt looks awesome. Kerry is now considering skipping grad school and becoming a barber.

(note that A: my hair really does look awesome and B: Kerry isn't a jerk for snipping a chunk out of my hair. It is well known that I don't have much attachment to my hair and am typically up for any hairstyle.. which brings me too...)

My favorite thing about me:

is my awesome hair.

God has blessed me with a phenomenal head of hair that really, can pull of any look (minus the bowl cut my mother gave me when I was 5.. MOM what where you thinking???) It is thick, grows quickly, lays nicely, .. I have loved every hair cut and color I have ever had. Though there is no need to be too jealous. This blessing came with a curse, that being I will be completely grey in 5 years.

Yet, I'm convinced I'll even be able to pull that off.

That is it for now.

Your turn.

My Partner in Crime

2011-07-12T07:00:00.004-06:00

This is who I get to hang out with every min of everyday... I have it good.

Lemon Strawberry Jar Cakes

2011-07-11T11:16:00.018-06:00

I've been drooling over some mason jar cakes on Pinterest lately and finally decided to try it out. I made these up for Mom's birthday last week, and they were delicious and quite the hit. They were a lot easier to bake than I imagined,....

....of course that is after I learned how NOT to make them.

I've included the "Easy, not crazy" recipe and directions as well as my Do's and Don'ts.

While these are delicious and cute I think my favorite part is that they are portion controlled and contained in a jar which is nice for messy kids (not that it really helps either THAT much.) Here it is, Enjoy!

Lemon Strawberry Jar Cakes

Cake Ingredients

1 box lemon cake mix

1 small lemon jello instant pudding mix

4 large egg whites

1 cup sour cream

1/2 milk

1/3 cup oil

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup butter

1 tsp vanilla

4 cups confectioners sugar

2 tbls Milk

Berry Filling Ingredients

Thick strawberry (or raspberry) Jam

Candied Lemons Ingredients**

(totally not necessary)

2 lemons thinly sliced

1 cup sugar

1 cup water

If you are going for the gold and making the candied lemons, they need to be made a day or two in advance (I had no idea). Boil sugar and water in a sauce pan over medium heat. Place slices in pan and simmer for 5-7 mins. Place lemons on cooling wrack and cool until hard. )A really long time.)

To the cake:

Preheat oven to temp indicated on your box cake. Mix cake ingredients for 2 mins. on medium setting. Fill sprayed and floured mason jars half way with batter. Place jars in a 9X14 pan that is filled with a 1/4in of water. Place in oven and cook for 30-45 mins (depends how large your jars are, the small ones I did took 30mins, the 1/2 pint jars took 35. Insert fork and just test every 5 mins to see when done.)

While cake is cooking make your frosting. Cream butter and shortening together then add sugar,vanilla and milk. You might need to add more sugar or milk to thicken or thin. Place in fridge while waiting for cake to cool.

Once your cakes are done place jars on a cooling wrack and wait until they are 100% cooled. If you decide that just spooning jam and frosting on top isn't "cool" enough or rather the cake to frosting ratio just won't cut it, then you can be ambitious and layer. Knock the cake out of the jars. You'll have to rewash the jars as they are all crumby and not nice looking. Cut cakes into 4ths, place one layer into jar, spoon in a dollop of jam then frosting, place next cake slice and repeat with dollops and layers. Top with frosting and lemon slice.

Walahh.

Sometimes I get a little too ambitious, this was one of those times.

You got the "easy" recipe, keep it that way. Here are the Do's and Don'ts I learned on the first go around of these delicious cakes.

DO stick to a recipe.

DON'T think that because you don't stick to recipes while cooking you can do the same thing while baking. Baking and cooking are totally different.

DO use milk when the recipe calls for milk.

*DON'T use whipping cream in place of milk thinking that it is "heavier" and "yummier" and therefore will make the cake taste better.

DO use jam for your berry filling.

DON'T try to make your own berry filling, especially DON'T use cornstarch and gelatin to thicken your mashed up strawberries.

DO start with a small amount of milk *not whipping cream* when mixing your frosting, add more later if you need to thin.

DON'T dump in a large amount of milk all at once and then have to use an entire bag of powdered sugar to thicken resulting in a week of frosting sitting in your fridge and you eating a spoon full every time you enter the kitchen.

In the end, this CAN be super easy, make it that way.

(No this isn't a cooking blog but yes I have been cooking whole lot lately, hence the posts.)

Enjoy.

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Fresh Cuts of the week

2011-07-09T08:43:00.005-06:00

I'll give you the do's and don'ts on these Lemon Strawberry Masonjar cakes on Monday.

Until then, these links should hold you over. Have a happy weekend!

THIS made me squeeze Lus a little tighter.

Have you seen THIS bathroom redo? i LOVE the "get naked" tub.

If you are a blogger mom, or don't understand blogger moms, you should read THIS.

My library of the week.

and Check out THIS fabulous site. Love all of their products.

Have a good weekend. See you Monday!

Tips for Grilling Shish Kabobs

2011-07-08T10:57:00.005-06:00

Tips for Kabob Grilling

Wooden skewers are the way to go, soak in water at least 30 mins (I did mine 5 mins... they were fine) so they don't catch fire on the grill.

If you prep your veggies ahead of time put them in cold water so they stay fresh and crisp.

Let people skewer their own kabobs... everyone likes to (except Emily, so make hers.)

If you really want to get fancy, parboil (it just mean partly cook by boiling... yes I wikapedia-ed it) your zucchini's, carrots, potatoes, and other dense veggies before skewering and grilling. Your veggies will now be completely done the same time your meat is done.

Put dense/stiff veggies at each end of skewers to act as book ends for your bobs.

Leave a little bit of space on both sides of your meat when placing on kabob. This will allow the heat to circulate and cook the meat quicker.

Find some more good tips:

Here, Here and Here

It's not the Stove

2011-07-07T00:45:00.006-06:00

Leslie brought this to my attention, Jessica blogged it, and now everyone else in the world should re-blog it because really, everyone needs to read this. YES EVERYONE.

Source: frenchbydesign.blogspot.com via Sharon on Pinterest

Does a nice stove help when making a meal... maybe.. but can you create great food without one? uhmmm yes! BUT, can you create great food with a great stove if you know nothing about cooking and nothing about a stove? No sir.

Why do so many people think this does not apply to cameras and photography?

I don't know.

I wish they did.

The Norris Family

2011-07-06T18:04:00.003-06:00

The largest compliment I have ever received about my work came a few months ago when Jackie Norris asked if I would shoot her family photos. Her work is stunning and inspirational and the fact she chose me over some amazing utah photographers blew my mind. I was slightly nervous and extremely flattered. Go check out her work, she is awesome and she seems to ba a just as amazing cook. Check it out HERE.

Thank you thank you Jackie. It was such a pleasure to meet you and spend time with you and your family.

See the rest of the shoot HERE.

Bandana Pleated Flags

2011-07-01T11:21:00.005-06:00

I have to say I have the cutest place on state st. right now. Seeing how a Junior High, a Church and Wendy's are my neighbors, there isn't much of a competition ... still...it is really cute.

I adore pleated flags and my place is the perfect set up for them but A: they are like 15-25 $'s at the store.. each! and B: I could not find a tutorial how to make them myself any where online. As simple as it may seam (hahaha... oohhh), I am NOT a sewer by any stretch of the imagination and it was the measurements that intimidated me. You have to have the right width to the right length in order for it to hang just right, and I wasn't about to bust out a calculator.

****So the "how to"***

So I did the lazy thing. I purchased a bunch of Bandanas (.99 at Hobby Lobby) cut them into 4ths, sewed them all together, and hoped the width/length would be just right.

They totally were

What is great about using bandanas is they are pre measured so you don't have to get our your board or roller cutter out at all. I just folded them in quarters and cut at the creases. Easy.

Sew the matching colors together first to make long stripes and then sew the stripes on top of one another. The sewing is by no means precise. The edges where all off so I had to go back and cut and hem them (which I really didn't need to do), and my "pleating" was me just folding the fabric over as I sewed. I pleated that top edge 3 times, each time with the pleats getting smaller and smaller. I didn't use a single Pin. No need to with a project like this, it doesn't have to be perfect.

The key to this project is seriously to THROW IT TOGETHER. I think I spent 10mins on my last 2 (the first time it took me some time to realize it didn't matter.) No need to make it perfect, no need to stress. It will be up for a few weeks, outside getting thrashed, and then in a bin for the rest of the year. Plus no one is looking at it closely to say "wow sharon, you really messed up on the hem".. like they would say that anyway...

I'll be back on the 5th with photos from some weddings, family sessions and I'm sure some dinners or something or the other.

Be safe and have a fabulous holiday! Happy 4th of July!

Step by Step Instructions

2011-06-30T04:00:00.004-06:00

Some weeks I find my To-do list becoming more detailed with little things like "eat lunch", "brush your teeth", and even "get out of bed."

And then there are really hard weeks,

with days that a to-do list is the farthest thing from my mind and I literally need to be told to

BREATHE...

and to get on with the day.

I know that when I am in that zone I can't even begin to think of what will get me out of bed.. and HOW to get out of bed. So I made a list... and turned it into a giant poster...

...It will soon be a 24X36 on my wall RIGHT by my bed.

(And yes bright green... I can't be able to ignore it.)

You should make a list up for yourself, at least to fall back on when you are having a bad day. What will get you out of this funk, or at least out of bed?

You can even have mine. My little "Grand opening" gift from e to you.

Take the PSD so you can personalize it or choose the JPG to print directly.

I recommend MPIX for printing of EVERYTHING. Easy to use and great quality.

Please print and share responsibly.

PDF JPG

What is going on your list?

Out with the Old

2011-06-29T12:20:00.005-06:00

A LOT of thought has gone into the swapping of blogs names and design the last several months. With heavy heart I let go of the old and with with a happy one I am letting in the new. I am hoping this new layout and design allows me more versatility in my postings, in more sharing, and in me being more comfortable with sharing my all.

The last several months I have been punched in the face with motherhood, ... with homemaking, with being a wife AND a mother and an artist. Feeling like I was losing myself in dishes, dinner, laundry and work was crushing my creativity, crushing my work, crushing me. No one told me it would be this hard, no one told me i would have to change my entire thought process, my entire life... well actually, they told me, you told me... but I had no way to understand.

This new blog is me stepping off my soap box and embracing what I am terrified of but I so badly want and need.

I am a mother.

I am a homemaker.

But I am also

an artist,

a lover,

a writer,

a photographer,

and an extremely passionate slightly crazed girl.

I know, for me, if I don't embrace the dishes, the laundry, the DIY projects, the little creature that talks nonsense to me and dances to Ray Lamontagne and Justin Beiber, I will lose it all... I will become just the slightly crazed girl... and that is all. Motherhood will make me better, it will make me more.

Time to embrace, time to create, time to be the best damn mom you have ever seen.

Blog redesign by Jenna at qa design.

Lus' makeshift "swimming pool" and Bummis

2011-06-28T12:09:00.005-06:00

If you drive through Clearfield much, most mornings you will find Lus half naked out on the porch playing in her "swimming pool." Kerry has made an awesome little fountain out on our deck every summer and we have always enjoyed it distracting (or rather adding too) the hustle and bustle of State st. Plus its just super pretty. This year it is doubling as a swimming pool. I no longer fight with her on this one as it's hot out and our apt is super small. I'm glad she has an outside place to roam free and cool off, even if it is just our little deck and a make shift fountain.

Go check out Bummis.I'm a big fan of this swim diaper. I was getting sick of purchasing the expensive disposable ones and more than anything I hate pulling those off of her when she makes a mess or even just when they are wet. she HATES it. Be smarter than me and purchase 2 so that when you are at the pool and your little one does make a mess, you have another diaper to change them into.

You can purchase your own HERE. Amazon. Or find a local retailer of bummis.

4th of July and Flag Jello

2011-06-24T22:49:00.011-06:00

First and foremost:

4th of July is my most favorite holiday, and I am SOOO excited for it this year. I'm not sure why but it has always been my favorite holiday. Maybe it it the sense of community, or that it is the pinnacle of summer, or you get to lay around all day and do nothing if you want, or maybe I've just always had REALLY great 4th of July's. It's probably a combination of all of the above tied with the fact that there isn't ever that much expectation that comes with this holiday, so whatever happens can be fabulous. I have yet to be disappointed on a 4th of July.

(knock on wood.)

Secondly:

I'm not typically a cutesie-make jello into crazy holiday caricature or turn cotton balls into various woodland christmas creatures- type. But... the 4th of July rocks, and deserves Jello, and preplanning. This is the first year that I have actually had time to decorate and think about and plan for this fabulous holiday.. and I WILL go all out.

Thirdly:

I'm not a recipe writer... I'm a photographer. Try and stay with me, I hope the photos help immensely.

Flag Jello

4 (3 oz) packages of some sort of red jello

3 (3 oz) packages of blue jello

4 packets of KNOX Gelatin

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Lots of Boiling water

Blue Jello:

Mix your 3 packages of Blue Jello with 1 package of KNOX and 3 cups Boiling water. Mix until all is dissolved and then pour the entire contents into a 9x14 GLASS dish. *the dish NEEDS to be see through, you will understand why at the end*

Set in refrigerator and let sit for 30-45 mins (this depends on how cold your fridge is, mine took 40.)

While your blue Jello is setting prepare red and white jello.

White Jello:

Mix 1/2 cup COLD water with 2 packets KNOX, let sit for 2 mins. In another bowl mix 1 cup BOILING water with your sweetened condensed milk. Then mix 1/2 cup BOILING water to your gelatin mix. Once Gelatin is all dissolved, mix with Milk Mixture. Set aside.

Red Jello:

Mix your 4 packages of red jello with 1 package of KNOX and 4 cups Boiling water. Mix until all is dissolved. Set aside.

Because you will be using both the RED and WHITE over a long period you need to keep it semi warm so that it does not set. AFTER both had cooled a significant amount I simply put the 2 bowls in a sink of warm water.

Take out your Blue jello from the fridge after it has set enough to not leave on imprint when you touch when your finger to it. Get a sharp knife and run under hot water. Cut Horizontally across the pan, 1 inch strips. If you run your knife under hot water after each cut it cuts much more smoothly. Now....remove every other strip of jello.

Add 3tbl of red jello to each empty strip.

Place back in fridge for 15 mins or so take out when jello passes the finger indent test.

Add 3 Tbls of the white jello to each strip containing just red. (If this doesn't bring it right up to the same level as the blue jello you can either add more white or place back in fridge and add another layer of red until it evens out.)

Once again, place in fridge.. you know the drill....

*at this point your jello should all be the same level.*

once set, Add 1 and 1/4 cup of red jello... this will cover your entire pan

Let set in fridge

Add 1 and 1/4 cup white jello

let set

Red

White

Red

White

Until you run out.

Let set at least another Hour or so before cutting to make sure all of the layers are jello-ed together and well set... waiting longer will probably be better.

Check out the side of your pan, start cutting horizontally where the blue begins. Cut on that same side of the blue on every strip of blue. Then cut jello vertically, I like "flag sized" pieces so I kept them about 1/2 inch apart.

See the flag? Its upside down but it is there! Cut out, flip over, serve on dish and walah!!!

You are eating our US flag...

YUM.

You better believe there is another DIY for the 4th coming next week.. maybe even 2...

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Give credit where credit it due

2011-06-23T08:44:00.006-06:00

Not everyone fully understands when giving credit to someone's work is appropriate or necessary.

The answer: Always.

Whether it is a photo, idea, video, quote: It is ALWAYS appropriate.

General rule: If you didn't make it, think of it, create it, shoot it, make it or say it, you should give credit.

So HOW do you credit?

I found this awesome Poster on Design Sponge, (a great blog I just recently discovered.)

This poster is Helpful, practical, and of course... super pretty.

Poster created by PIA, ERIN, YVETTE.

So spread the love, be courteous, be kind, and credit appropriately.

Hard at Work

2011-06-21T08:49:00.007-06:00

She is an extremely good helper... obviously.

Because both Lus and I are SO hard at work we are taking a small break from blogging for the next little while. I might post here or there but overall it is going to be sparce and close to nothing for just a bit.

The last few months have prompted some great changes in my personal and business life which has resulted in me "needing" to change everything relating to the two. SO, I'll be returning with daily posts July 1st with a new blog, a new website, new shoots and some new insight.

I always thought growing up was kind of lame but really... it has been quite awesome as of lately, I am enjoying it thoroughly. I'm really excited to share my new found love of being "homemaker" with everyone (it only took me 16 months to come to grips with it) , and how I go about mixing that with business, photography and being Mom and Wife.

Until then, have a fabulous fabulous few weeks, Ciao!

Utah's Pretend Beach

2011-06-15T07:00:00.001-06:00

Nice work Antelope Island. I think you pulled it off well.

(Though the hot husband and adorable baby help quite a bit.)

Pineapple Mango Pork Salsa and My Kitchen Concoctions

2011-06-13T12:56:00.005-06:00

Now that I am home to actually cook I've been doing a lot of playing around in the kitchen. Sometime this "playing" ends in absolute disaster and we all end up at Wendy's for dinner but typically I am pleasantly surprised with the results of my little concoctions and we all end up well fed and happy. I'm glad Kerry is a sport and eats what is on his plate, regardless of how it looks.

My concoctions start out usually on the internet and with my nose in our cupboards and recipe books. I get a good idea of what we have for ingredients and then search to see what sort of dishes sound good. When reading different recipes I just pull general ideas of what goes well together, how to cook and so forth then I head to the kitchen and don't look back. I hardly ever measure (this applies to cooking NOT baking, baking I measure) and throw in everything "to taste" (there is a lot of double dipping going on when I cook....eash.)

I have found that cooking this way I have learned much faster than when I used to cook straight from a cook book or recipe. I have found out quickly what spices go well together and which ones don't as well as what cooking techniques are really necessary and which ones can be bypassed. For me, I am a visual and "experience" learner, by doing it myself, messing up myself, I learn much quicker than just by reading and doing (unfortunately this learning technique was much of my problem in my teenage years. )Try it out, I dare you. My recipes will make you try as, like I said, I'm not much of a measurer.

Pineapple Mango Pork Salsa

2 Thick Pork Chops

1/4 Pineapple

1 Mango

Brown Sugar

Garlic Salt

Pepper

Sea Salt

Sprinkle pepper and Sea salt on both sides of your Pork Chops. Brown on both sides in a skillet on the stove. After browning (seriously it's like 30secs on each side) I place the entire skillet in the oven at 425 degrees for 15-25 mins. Cooking time totally depends on how thick your Pork is. Because I have a freakish phobia of eating uncooked meat, I always cut open and make sure it is totally done. It always is, but I still check.

While that is cooking I work on my salsa. Coarsely chop your mango and pineapple and throw into a metal bowl (it doesn't have to be metal but for whatever reason I really do find it helps it marinate with the sugar a bit better.) Add a TBL or 2 of brown sugar, a dash of garlic salt, and a little pepper. Season to taste. Mix. Let sit until Pork is done.

Take pork out of oven, place on plates and spoon salsa over pork.

That is it! Easy Peasy. You could throw the salsa in a pan and heat if you would like or even add the salsa to the pork in the oven right at the end of it's baking time but for me, it is just as good cold and then you have one less dish to do.

Let me know if you try this Pork out, and what you did do, what you didn't do and what you thought with the finale. It's a good one, and super hard to screw up, if not impossible.

A new blog: Let the Kids Dress Themselves

2011-06-07T07:00:00.006-06:00

Update: They totally featured my last Birth Story! Go check it out, thank you Wendy and Tory, you are freakin awesome!

Some wonderful photographers and friends of mine, Tory and Wendy, just launched their new blog,

LET THE KIDS DRESS THEMSELVES.

The blog is set to feature some amazing work from extremely talented photographers. I'm so excited to have a blog out there featuring portrait sessions

(SOOO sick of wedding blogs)

and from heartfelt artists

(that aren't having to pay or do sessions with railroad tracks, suitcases, and vintage cameras to get their work featured.)

This blog features gorgeous photography from family, children, maternity, and other portrait sessions. This is what honest photography looks like people. Go check it out, follow along and help in crossing your fingers that some day I'll be featured (if I ever get the guts to submit.)

30 for 30: Hairstyles-My Yellow Sandbox

2011-06-06T09:38:00.001-06:00

I did some photos for Abby over at My Yellow Sandbox the other day. She just finished up doing a 30 for 30 hair tutorial. It is awesome, go check it out. Too bad I have short hair and this just made me want my long locks back.

Funny story how I know Abby...She may or may not have been the girlfriend Kerry dated after he dropped me with the line "I don't want a GF right now." I don't think I have to say that I may or may not have somewhat.."hated" Abby for a large part of high school. Luckily she got dumped as well and we became friends talking trash on his new GF.... thinking about it now... I wonder how many girls were talking trash on me when we "Dated".. aka... where kissing and I thought I was his GF and he just liked kissing me. But don't be too hard on Mr. Johnson. I may or may have not kissed another boy when we were really dating the first time around and he might have been a little bitter towards me

.....wow I'm glad high school is over.

Oh how I miss them

2011-06-04T15:53:00.007-06:00

My niece and nephew went off to their home in Cheyenne for the summer. It has only been a week and I miss them terribly. Yes my house is clean and I'm actually getting some tasks done for once, but how I miss them so! I hope they have the greatest summer ever! Can't wait to see them, hopefully, soon.

Shot on portra 800 loving ps. Not as much of a punch as the 400h but the skin tones are spot on. Loving the extra stop of light as well!

Make Your Own Laundry Detergent

2011-06-01T08:21:00.046-06:00

The Goods:

Washing Soda:

THIS IS NOT BAKING SODA!

Cost: $2.50

Borax:

Also in the Laundry aisle of any grocery store.

Cost: $1 something

Soap:
You only need one of the brands, and you will need 2 bars of the Fels Naptha if that is what you go with. I also just found out that you can use Ivory soap, yep, the kind you wash your body with.
Cost: all are about $1 each
You can find Zote in the Mexican Products Section, and Fels Naptha in the Laundry section.

How to:

Grate Soap
This is the only step that takes much effort and time.
I would think a box grater would be great for this.Ikea has a good cheap one.To Grate, I use the parmesan grate, I like to make the shavings a small as possible.Depending on which bar you use, you could end up with left over, or need an additional bar.
Mix2 Cups Grated Soap1 Cup Borax1 Cup Washing Soda
Put in ContainersAdd 2 Tbls to each load of Laundry.
Why go to the effort you ask?A: Cost. After some math I have concluded that I can get about 300 loads done for about $9, that is compared to $9 for 40 loads with Tide.B: Better for those with Sensitive skinC: it is "green" if that does it for you
I discovered this after attending a Relief Society Fair and decided I had to try it because of the savings. I have done a few tests and comparisons and have really fallen in love with this. The Only flaw I have found with this Recipe is my whites are not as white as I like them... and we do a lot of loads of just white. I have corrected this by adding 1 Cup or Oxi-Clean to the batch. A whole container is about $6, so the price is now about $15 for 300 loads of laundry.
A few things you can do different:You can add a few drops or essential oils if you would like your soap to have an aroma.You can actually turn this same recipe into a liquid detergent. Get those instructions HERE.Add the oxiclean to only the white loads instead of adding it to the recipe.
Try it out, you will be surprised I think! For those of you doing it, have any tips for us?And I'll be showing how to make dryer balls to replace sheets in the upcoming weeks so come back soon!
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Chelsie's Bridals

2011-05-25T23:46:00.000-06:00

I forgot how lovely shooting weddings is. Today Chelsie and Michael got hitched, it was wonderful.
They are off to New York and then a awesome cruise to the Carribean (she still doesn't konw) as we speak. Stunning Wedding... Stunning. I can't wait to show you the photos!

I apologize for being so completely MIA the last week. SOOOO much is going on and I'm trying to keep my head on straight and sadly blogging is typically one of the fist tasks to get crossed of the list.

What is going on? I will tell you.

My sisters kids are leaving for the summer 1 week earlier than planned...I am heart broken. If you don't know I watch them 3 days a week, they are my kids, they are my joy and my frustration. I was so looking forward to that last week with them, we had so many plans.. now i'm trying to smash it all into 2 days.

Kerry is at school full time for summer semester as well as working graveyards full time. I miss him, we do not see one another often enough.

Lus has been waking up at 1 every night... I think she is teething. Makes me so sad, she will be up for hours and then fall asleep on my chest.

Being in my ward Young Woman Presidency... enough said.

Trying my best to train for the Wasatch Back which is in less than a month... I might die running this thing... I am NOT ready!

Bad side affects to the new meds... Doc says I can't go right off of them either... I have to wait a month... I'm frustrated, can't think straight, headaches and pain... "I am frustrated" is the only way I know how to say it at this point.

Just being Mom.

I will say though, yesterday I took a tour of the LDS Humanitarian Center in SLC.
It gave me some perspective, along with everything going on in Joplin and the surrounding areas.
I AM BLESSED
I have food, I have shelter, I have safety, I have my family, I have my body and it is capable, and I have awesome resources at my disposal. I will never REALLY know suffering.
I AM BLESSED.

I'll get through these busy few weeks with a post here and there but I will be back full force mid June.
New Website will be done, and the Blog is getting a COMPLETE overhaul and will blow all of your minds when I come back for reals.

Until then, Ciao!

Summer = Dandelion Wine

2011-05-20T15:15:00.006-06:00

I Love this shot from my most recent Bridal shoot. It reminds me of sun and summer and how it all mushes together in one magnificent blur. I wish summer would get here... soon... this rain is torture.

Every year in preparation for Summer I start reading Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury. I typically throw it in my purse and carry it around with me all summer, reading excerpts as I lay in the grass or by the pool, or when I find a good hammock, and finishing it up as the days of Summer close. It is the type of reading that requires a perfect atmosphere. I need to make my environment as much like what it is in the book as possible so that I don't get horribly depressed I'm not actually in it.

Maybe Summer isn't here yet because I have yet to start it. I'll start today, I just need to find a good place to be barefoot and reading it... maybe a tanning bed?

Some Oldies: San Diego

2011-05-19T00:30:00.004-06:00

I'm pretty positive that my Kerry took most of these. He is awesome.

RIP Mamiya 645... you served us well, I hope to get a new body for you soon.

I'm barely keeping afloat this week. Sorry for the MIA of posts. I'm happy, just busy.

Quote of the week goes to Kerry. After asking me for 30mins why I was acting so weird he spouted out.

"I think I figured it out. You are happy! "

So sad... so true.. and it's about time! I'm glad to be back.

(Thank you happy pills and going to bed at a decent hour every night.)

Newborn Oliver

2011-05-16T14:31:00.003-06:00

Remember Oliver's Birth Story?

This session was just as enjoyable. He is adorable and his parents were a pleasure to spend time with and the home we did the shoot in was an inspiration just to be in. Let's just say it was 90% of what my dream home tries to be, I was in awe.

Great week ahead:

look forward to learning how to make your own Laundry detergent! (I know... WHAT?)

A few DIY's and recipes (of course with pics)

I'm sure I have a few dozen shoots I have yet to post.. i'll pick out a good one

and of course a lengthy thought or two.

Hope your starting your week out well, thus far, today has been fabulous!

Saturday Mornings

2011-05-14T08:02:00.003-06:00

I like Mom's that let their kids wear christmas socks in April.

Have a happy saturday!

ps big big changes are coming to the blog in the next month or so!

I'm excited to share soon!

Mother's Day

2011-05-13T11:31:00.005-06:00

Was Magical.

I LOVE being a mother.

How was yours?

How did I just discover Pinterest?

2011-05-10T21:08:00.006-06:00

I'm in love with it... madly madly in love.

It is like one massive, collaborative, inspiration board.

How did I shrug this place off before?

If you don't know what I'm talking about GO...

RIGHT NOW! GO!

http://pinterest.com

and if you do... you already know.....

come follow me and better yet! I'll follow you!

http://pinterest.com/sharonjohnson/

She is Mine

2011-05-09T23:46:00.004-06:00

I know this photo should really be HERE but I am going in over there so it would have taken forever for me to post this and I just couldn't wait.

This started a few weeks ago when Lusi trudged into the kitchen while I was doing one thing or another. I realized a few mins later she had been in there too long and it had been far too quiet from something not to be going on. I then walked in on Lusi and holy moly! she had found a pen, as well as the fridge, and discovered what happens when they make contact, a lot of contact.

I FREAKED OUT.

Like jumping for joy, almost crying freaking out. I tore out the paper and any writing utensil I could find and we spent the next several hours making masterpieces and me drifting off imagining Saturday mornings on the warm deck with a paint brush in hand and my darling artist companion at my side dabbling away on her mini easel...oh...the day!

Paper is now plastered on the lower half of most of my walls and book shelves, and colored pencils are freely spread across the floor for whenever she needs them.

I don't think this baby girl could have been made any more perfectly for me.

She is definitely my girl and I can't wait to see what else she will do.

Chelsie and Michael's Engagements

2011-05-07T12:33:00.010-06:00

As I'm sure you could tell that I have mostly steered clear of wedding and engagements as of late. It isn't because I dislike shooting them, I just got burnt out after shooting FAR too many for FAR to little $. I thought it did me in for good but after shooting these... I'm madly in love, once again, with shooting couples.
This was a fabulous shoot, Chelsie gave me free reign so I got to play and experiment with blur and glare... it was completely refreshing and motivating! I feel too often stuck on this little box of what my work is "supposed" to look like. It is incredibly stifling and hard to produce anything of worth feeling that way. I'm really working on taking all ideas of what I think my work should be or what I think other people think my work should be and tossing it out the ... it is hard... but I'm getting better at doing it. Because of it I'm really starting to feel and see a definite style to my work, which is motivating, ...........and the results are completely different than what I thought I wanted to produce.But I'm in love with where it is going, it is realit is me and I'm excited to see it grow over the next few years.
Anyway,Can not wait for this wedding. Knowing Chelsi, it will be epic.Check the rest of their engagements HERE.
P.s. What do you think of the new layout for photos? Like, dislike? huh huh?

Do you ever wish for...

2011-05-05T22:58:00.004-06:00

suffering?

Not upon someone else but suffering for you? Is it odd that I do? You do, I'm guessing, and you ask your own, (and I'm now just asking it as well)

Why would you ever want suffering? WHY? why? .... why?

I guess because I think by going something really really hard, it makes it easier to:

feel happiness, to feel anything.

have a good reason for being so not-happy.

be taken from monotony.

have a hard push towards better.

...

To be closer to God.

I am feeling far far away from him right now. I miss him, I miss how we were, I miss KNOWING him and having him consume my thoughts. The frustrating thing is I know how to fix it all, and I know who and what I am supposed to be and I'm not it, I don't even feel like I'm even on my way to it right now. So why don't I just do it then? Why can't I just leap? What is it that is holding me back from it all? It is daunting. The simplest tasks and questions seem so daunting. People always ask in movies,"Where are you God?" I'm here asking "God, Where am I?"

My relationships are good, my business is good, I'm not doing anything negative, some would even say I'm doing good ... I SHOULD be happy, I SHOULD be doing MORE,

and I'm not.

So if life is great and I'm not...

maybe if I was suffering I would be...

I may or may not have started another blog

2011-05-05T00:26:00.002-06:00

I thought I needed something else to pile on to the stack of

"things I do everyday that I don't REALLY have time for"

don't worry, I signed up Kerry to help me with it.

So I guess, WE started another blog.

(got it Kerry?... do you like the idea? thought you would)

eh... oh well

Check it out

HERE

and yep that is it.

We have HUNDREDS of these photos in our home (not of us making out... well those too... but I'm referring to the film and camera...so I will rephrase) we have hundreds of INSTAX pictures around our home. It seemed excessive to post them all here every other day so, these little guys get a blog all on their own.

FUN.

This one time my sister got married

2011-05-04T23:55:00.005-06:00

........aaaaaaaaaand then she got married again.

Relief.Joy.Healing wounds. Love.Family.Spread the love.Hoo. Ray...

...Finally.

A full court wedding post coming... eventually...3 crazy kids included.

Oliver's Birth Day

2011-05-03T09:22:00.000-06:00

Oliver Taylor
19 inches

5.15 lbs

born 1:32 am

The DAY AFTER Katie (Oliver's mother) put down her deposit she text ed me that her water a broken. The last email I sent to her before that was, "give me a call so we can chat and our first meeting doesn't have to be while you are in labor." ... I'm sorry I jinxed you Katie.
Katie was nice enough to send me a small write up of her experience of Oliver's delivery as well as having me be there to document it:

"The day Oliver was born was nothing like I ever dreamed it would be. I was not due for another 3 weeks when my water broke. Labor and delivery were much faster than what everyone told me to expect, and before I knew it it was time to push-he was crowning-he was out! I held my baby boy on my chest for just a few seconds before the nurses noticed something wasn't quite right. The hurried and took him to be evaluated, before I could even really look at him. He eventually made his way to the NICU, where he spent the first week of his life. He is now home and is a healthy, perfect baby boy (although still a little small!)

Having a photographer there for Oliver's birth was a total last minute decision- I contacted Sharon and booked her just a few days before he was born. My husband and I are very private people, but instantly felt comfortable when she walked into the delivery room. She was wonderful and sincerely cared about our family. The day was so hectic that its all a blur in my memory, but we have these amazing photos to bring those feelings back. Anyone debating having their birth story done should not hesitate-the pictures are something that will be treasured forever. Thank you so much Sharon for sharing the most amazing day with us-you are wonderful!!"

-Katie
Read the story in it's entirety HERE

Oh the angst of not being able to see or hold your baby in the first minutes of his life! I had such anxiety for Katie, I was trying to hold it altogether but really, in my head and chest, I was a wreck for her. She on the other hand...She was SO well composed and trusting and calm throughout the whole delivery and post. Mike, her husband, was equally as amazing, he was incredibly supportive and loving through the entire process. They are an extraordinary couple and I feel privileged to have been there to document such a significant event in their lives.

Thank YOU Katie and Mike, it was amazing to be there!

see all images from Oliver's birthday here

What Everyone is Talking About

2011-05-02T21:25:00.015-06:00

Last night Kerry and I came home from a small getaway to see the news plastered with celebration. When I heard what "we" were celebrating, my stomach dropped. My heart and mind have been heavy over the matter all day. I am saddened by "our" reaction.

I do not know much about politics, and I am horrible at debate, and I have now re-written this post a number of times. The bulk of today's post has now been deleted because the following quotations (which I'm sure you have already read at some point on the net today) says more of what I am feeling than anything I have come up with...(even if it is a fake MLK quote.)

I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy.

Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that

Celebrate in life, and in hope and in LOVE.

Lus learns to eat with a Spoon.

2011-04-30T00:15:00.004-06:00

As you can see, it went extremely well.

I realize these would be much more intersting in color but

A: I didn't realize I had BW in the camera and

B: the color would be quite disgusting anyhow, so this worked out well.

I apologize for being extremely lax in posting this week...aka... not posting at all

It is Kerry's ONE week off in between school semesters (I thought he had 3!) so every free minute has been spent with him. I'll be back to never seeing Kerry along with blogging next week.

You can expect :

a Birth Story

Newborn Session

Maybe some venting on people who pick up cameras to only make money and who care nothing for the art...grrrr

Lus

a Sneak at my Sisters SLC court wedding

... oh ya.. and maybe something on Mother's Day.

I'm off to spend my last 48 free hours sleeping, snuggling, and not thinking of school.

Cheers!

Hoppy Easter

2011-04-24T08:05:00.001-06:00

Baby Simon and the most Confident Woman I have EVER Met

2011-04-23T14:44:00.005-06:00

One of my dearest friends and my very first college roomate, Sheena.. .and her new little boy Simon.
Shooting newborns makes me want to have one...
gosh he is adorable! I got to spend sometime with these two last week, it was quite the experience for me...which will lead us into this overly long blog post:

I preface this post with this:
I have been completely drained the last few weeks. Emotionally, socially, mentally, physically...
I was just SO TIRED,...and then Last Weekend Happened... and

Last weekend was phenomenal.

It started with Saturday when I shot some (AMAZING) engagements for cousin Chelsie. Kerry and Lus tagged along and I got to watch them out of the corner of my eye play on the beach of antelope island... he really is the best Dad ever. Afterwards I drove down to Sheena's , just me, to meet her and a few other fabulous and dear dear best best friends. They sang me happy birthday while candles stuck out of a bowl of muddy muddies and gifted me with a pair of Toms (yes they are as great as everyone says they are.)

The best part of the entire weekend was staying up giggling that night and...
wait, nope, it wasn't giggling... this was rolling on the floor "please stop because I will pee my pants" laughing. IT. WAS. GREAT.

it's been too long since I've laughed like that.

In the morning (oh yes we slept over) I opted out of church when I realized that if I didn't go, I'd get one on one time with Sheena. Her girls went to church, the rest of our friends went... and I sinned : ) Sometimes... sometimes you just need a break, from everything, and if anyone was going rejuvenate me and kick me out of this slump... it would be Sheena.

You see,

Sheena is the most confident woman I have EVER met,

no exaggeration.

Her confidence can't be contained... it just spills off of her.

Anyone that comes into contact with her leaves her presence feeling ...

feeling better,

feeling beautiful,

feeling loved,

feeling AMAZING...

and it just dawned on me,

When I leave her presence I feel loved, and how I think God sees me, which is pretty freaking astounding.

Now, I have been really contemplating friendship the last few months, REALLY thinking about what kind of friend I am, what kind I want to be, who are my friends, and what relationships are worth trying to save and which should I have stepped away from of long ago.
I'll talk about that more in a different post but I mention this now because, this much needed time with Sheena, gave me tons of insight into what kind of friend I currently am and what kind of friend/person I want to be.

I JUMP at the chance to see Sheena because she fills me up instead of drains me.
She cheers me on, she adores me, she thinks knows I can take on the world.
I want to be like that.

I don't want to drain my friends, I don't want to drain my family, I don't want to drain you, I don't want to drain the checker at the grocery store!.... anyone!
I want people to feel like better when we say good bye and to feel loved.
and...I want to suround myself with people that do the same for me...
It's a kick in the face realizing there are so many relationships and friendships I have drained and killed.
I think it's an even more slap in the face, and really hard, realizing there are friendships I need to let go.

It was a phenomenal weekend, I am grateful for times I am shown my weaknesses so that I can receive more Joy in Life and more Joy in Others.
Thank you Sheena, and for friends and family who lift me.

My last class was AWESOME... and most of you missed it.

2011-04-21T17:56:00.009-06:00

Images from my latest 101 class.

Cupcakes made by the oh-so-talented Jamie Hill. Her work is gorgeous and ... delicious.

I absolutely ADORE teaching these classes. This was the 3rd go around and each time they just get better and better. I think I'll start calling it something like: "an entire semester of photography 101... on crack... and in 2 hours... class." We cover basics and manual settings, you know, (or don't)... shutter, iso, fstop....things every person with a dslr or slr or really any camera should know. Suprisingly, and sadly, there are even a lot of pro's that could benefit. And FUNNY enough... there is always a person or two in my classes that has taken FAR more photography classes than me.

What are they teaching in college photo classes? I'm coming to understand more and more that... I really don't need a degree in this. I say that because I have been struggling with the decision on what to get my degree in once I head back to school, and honestly I have photography degree graduates tell me all the time... I don't NEED school. Now..... before I get a bunch of angree comments from other BA's reading this: I am NOT saying that being educated in photography and photography history is not important, or that anyone can just pick up a camera and learn the basics and go or that school isn't extremely beneficial.....

I AM saying that:

you learn more from practice,

not copying other people,

striving to find your own place and voice,

and studying and being educated,

than anything else.

shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot

........and then shoot some more.

Thoughts?

I have my Minolta back & Lusilia Lou 6.0

2011-04-20T09:25:00.004-06:00

Test roll, making sure the old minolta x700 is really fixed this time around. This sweetheart camera was the first film camera I ever owned, it was my grandpa's, and I'm mad for it. There is just something about the old school 35mm's where you have to advance the film yourself... LOVE that sound and feeling... yummm. I haven't used it since the FIND workshop catastrophe and I've missed it the last 1.5 years since. Finally got it back from Kew's, glad you are back in the family Roger, we missed you.

(ps I just read on an old blog post quote,

"So, I have been shooting film like mad and incorporating it more and more into my shoots. I'm crazy about it, crazy crazy! One day ladies and jets... one day I'll shoot 100% film."

How fun is that!!! huh!.)

anyway....

It has been awhile since I've had a Lusi exclusive post. I've been holding back, I do literally have hundreds of photos of her to share.

Isn't she big? She is so funny. Can you tell she has started to somewhat pose for pictures? haha. oh... she kills me. What's up with the sock you ask? not sure. I just know that if we put a sock on her hand she will leave it there, and she's probably leave it forever if we never took it off.

Mother's Day is 3 weeks away!

2011-04-18T15:05:00.007-06:00

SO, this one time, my Kerry took this amazing photo of the Salt Lake City Temple:

I'll be honest.... I am/was jealous. His natural talent kills me. He doesn't seem to put much effort into learning or practicing photography often, but when he shoots... holy moly... kind of makes me want to puke... in a good way of course....of course.

Anyway, after that, long story short... (kind of short, are my stories ever short?) We had a Young Woman's auction and we gave this print away... all framed and gorgeous and stunning, like this:

It. Was. Awesome.!

And we decided that everyone should have one!

Naturally, We can't afford to give Everyone one so... we are giving away One.

and you can win it for your mother-self or your wife or mother HERE.

Not LDS? Or just want some other options?

You can pick one from 7 other prints:

And if you really can't wait until mother's day and NEED it NOW?

You can purchase prints and frames Here.

Gift Certificates are available as well!

Katie :: Utah Senior Portrait Photographer

2011-04-16T00:01:00.000-06:00

View the entire session HERE.

A few things to point out....

A: She is stunning, and I'm super jealous of her red hair... I've always wanted hair exactly like it.

B: I was neighbors with Katie and her siblings when she was just this chunky, kindofbratty, little girl. Far from it now...obviously. (Or maybe I was the brat.)

C: I didn't know what I would really think about shooting senior portraits.

D: I LOVED LOVED LOVED it. I hope to get a few more sessions in before graduation.

E: You know what else I LOVE LOVE LOVE? Fresh cut flowers in my room.... On my night stand, in my living room, and on my kitchen table. I DO NOT love that they are pricey and that I am not the kind of girl that has that kind of budget...

F: SO... because I need fresh flowers in my house ASAP and YOU know people that need senior portraits done, YOU get a $50 print credit for every referral that books a senior session. If you are the one to refer yourself? You get the $50.

mmmmHHMMMMm..... smell those peonies!

Patience II

2011-04-15T08:51:00.002-06:00

“Give me patience to wait until I can understand it for myself.”

The rest of the images from Katie's Senior Session will be up tomorrow. See you then!
Patience I

Happy Birthday To Me

2011-04-14T23:57:00.001-06:00

Today you are you! That is truer that true!

There is no one alive who is you-er than you!

Shout loud, "I am lucky to be what I am!

Thank goodness I'm not just a clam or a ham

Or a dusty old jar of sour gooseberry jam!

I am what I am! That's a great thing to be!

If I say so myself, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes.

It was a fabulous day!

Quarter Life Crisis Anyone?

2011-04-14T00:01:00.009-06:00

I haven't thought much about tomorrow. Tomorrow I will be 25... in 40 mins I will be 25 years old. I haven't thought this over for a number of reasons, I've been overworking myself, the slight concussion from the fall last week has jumbled my thoughts, and I have been thinking for the last 2 months that I will be turning 24 when the clock strikes 12... not twenty-five.

The oddest thing to me about turning 25 is that 25 seems so legit, so grown up! The problem? I sure don't feel it. When you are young, no one tells you that. No one tells you that Mom doesn't feel like "Mom", that you still screw up... even worse than when you are little, that you still are trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up, and that your questions continue to grow... and multiply... and most of them can't be answered with a simple fact.

I'm glad... I don't think I ever want to feel grown up, or at least what I thought growing up would feel like.

Why does this feel like a door is closing? Why am I just now weighing so much on this one day? Seems so silly. Tomorrow nothing will REALLY change. But... maybe it will....I NEED it to.

Maybe I need that door to close so another one can open.

Maybe I need to move on and be someone else.

Someone better.

Someone more like me.

So in 28 mins I'm 25. I could cry... (already there but not why you think), I could reminisce or

I could complain that I spend mornings looking for and pulling grey hairs from my head.

But in 27 mins I will be 25 and I'd like to send those last 27 mins of being 24 happy, at peace,

and ready to show the first quarter century of my life what. is. up.

So my list, of what I will do with the next 25 years of my life... starting in 18 mins.

I Will...

...bike coast to coast. Atlantic to the Pacific baby! (On a bicycle mind you, not with a motor)

...hike Machu Picbhu

...learn how to get myself out of and in bed early

...work hard

...love more

...discard negative relationships and cling to and find positive ones

...learn to live without guilt. (Either fix it or throw it out)

...graduate with a Bacherlor's degree (In SOMETHING... doesn't matter I just want that degree)

...drop unimportant events and mind consuming thoughts to spend time with those whom I love

...learn how to use "whom" "who" and "affect" and "effect" properly

...give

...read a lot

...grow numerous gardens while teaching my children to work hard

...be a mother

*8 mins*

...learn to keep a clean home

...go to Europe

...compare myself, my life, my family,what I do, and what I accomplish less with people who are not me.

...learn to ballroom dance with my Kerry

...restore an old home and make it ours

...move out of this state for at least several years

...talk to strangers, listen to strangers

*3 mins*

... I will better, I will be stronger. I will make less stupid decisions and more good ones. I will beomce astounding. I will help others know and feel they are astounding and LOVED. I will smile, cry, and scream at the top of my lungs more. I will hope, I will feel, and I will DO MORE. I will RELAX. I will

PLAY. I will change the world...............

*12:00*

starting now.

A Thought or Two... and a baby goat

2011-04-13T12:54:00.003-06:00

....If I could only shoot one event, it would be births. (people not goats) I shot another birth-day last night, baby born at 1:32am, it was awesome. You know, I cry at every birth-day I shoot. I didn't when Lus was born, maybe it was the adrenaline rush from being AWESOME and birthing a child that stopped me. Yep I think that was it. So, I now want another baby just to go through labor again, that experience was absolutely incredible for us. Excited for it again... some day...

...I'm currently eating a chicken nugget banquet dinner frozen meal. It's disgusting, yet tastes so good...

...I can't remember the last time I went grocery shopping...

...The photog 101 class last week went great. It's nice to have a smaller class and just kind of sit back and chat and laugh. I hope to do a few more 101's this summer, except they will be called "a semester of photography 101 in 2 hours... and on crack....

...My friend Emily gets to go on a last min trip to Paris...... we're not on speaking terms right now. The whole reason I became a flight attendant a few years back was to go to Europe. I never got there, because ... just because I guess. I'm an idiot...oh well....someday...

...OH MY GOSH... I totally forgot to mention that I fell down my stairs!... I'll try and find a pic...

...Kerry's has finals next week and then NO SCHOOL, for 3 weeks. What is something cheap and fabulous we could go do? We both need a break!...

...Why isn't my "Older Posts" button working? The one at the bottom of my blog on the home page? I don't know. Do you?"

...Here they are! My horrendous stairs to my apt. I fell with 5 stairs to go holding my MAC! I sacrificed myself for my beloved computer. My toosh has quit the massive bruise and I'm suffering from a slight concussion... totally worth it. It was a great wake up call for me to slow down and think about what is going on apposed to everything else swimming around in my brain. I don't even let myself thing about what would have happened carrying my girl.. blah... moving on...

...My sisters and mother insisted I run the Wasatch Back with them this year. It's in 2 months and I have barely started training. This race really might be the death of me...

...ps, I hate running...

...and lastly-------My birthday is tomorrow.

I keep think I'll be turning 24.

NOPE. 25

let the sobbing commence. But heck, I can rent a car now without having to pay the absurd extra "below 25" fee. I guess that is pretty sweet. What else can I look forward to now that I'll 25, anything? and if not what should I do today, my last day of 24?...

Photobucket just got fired

2011-04-12T12:55:00.003-06:00

I apologize the blog is lacking in photos right now.

I know... it looks super professional.

Being a photographer, it isn't important to have photos on my blog is it? No I didn't think so.
Photobucket has been down for... I don't even know how long at this point, but too long, especially without some sort of explanation.
So it's nixed.
Sorry again, hope it's back up soon and if not I'm working on changing providers anyway.
Photobucket, you are fired.

Baby Macy :: Utah Newborn Photographer

2011-04-12T10:49:00.003-06:00

Las shot is my absolute favorite.
View the session HERE.

When 30 for 30 become 31...32...33... and 34.

2011-04-11T11:03:00.000-06:00

So 30 days ago you heard about my 30 for 30 challenge...

The plan was to take photos everyday of our different outfits...

Day 1 we took these pics:

I think we took 3 more days of pics... and then nothing.

no pictures

no blogging

Just 30 days of horrible-sticking it out-ness.

horribleness??? maybe not so horrible but... it was hard.. and kind of lame.

Let me explain:

First: YES we did do it.. maybe my 30 turned into 33 or 34....maybe... but we did it!

We didn't buy any new clothes, we wore the same 30 to 34 clothes (shoes included) for 30+ days.

Second: I learned a lot, and got a lot out of doing this, NOT what I thought I would but, I did benefit from it.

What I learned:

I hate all of my clothes.

Every single article of clothing I own I only own because it fits and it gets me by. This is much harder to notice when you have 60+ articles of clothing to choose from everyday, sure they might all suck but you don't notice because it's a different pair of sucky-whatever to choose from each day. When you have to choose the same things over and over and over, you start noticing.. and it is not awesome.

You really only need 30 pieces of clothing to have a decent good wardrobe.

The key is to have solid staples that be layered and switched around and added to. I discovered this when I went through all of my skinny clothes with my best friend Teresa at about day 7.

My skinny clothes... oh my.. the are gorgeous. They are sophisticated and sleek and stunning.. and I MISS them. Lucky skinny Teresa got 34 articles of my skinny clothes for the duration of the school semester... lucky girl.

Clothes MATTER.

Not quantity but

quality

style and

fit.

Clothes can make you feel better

.... or worse, or sexy, or stunning, or grubby, or whatever!

I have always been pretty confident but until this challenge I never realized how much my clothes affect my mood and confidence.

So....

it was a painful 30 days

that brought me this decision:

Either lose 20 lbs and get my fabulous banana republic and anthropology wardrobe back

...or buy clothes the fit me well, that are gorgeous and make me feel wonderful.

20 lbs is sounding a lot cheaper, healthier, and more rewarding.

*grumblegrumblegrumble*

NO!!!.. MOTIVATION!... EXCITEMENT!

Ready. Set. Go.

Lillian and Sophie :: Utah Children's Photography

2011-04-07T02:15:00.002-06:00

Aren't they adorable? Yes is the correct answer, and OH my gosh, they are the strangest funniest little buggers. I can't wait to see who these little girls turn out to be, they will be amazing, and REALLY funny. They were fabulous to photograph and 7 months became my new favorite age to document. Brittany, the mother of these 2 darlings won the valentines day giveaway a while back.

How do you do it miss Brittany? I can't imagine having 2 Lus' running around ... boggles my mind... and completely overwhelms me.

Brittany is amazing, you can read all about her and her twin adventures on her super popular and hysterical blog here.

Click HERE to see the rest of the shoot.

Win a Spot To FIND .... MAUI

2011-04-04T17:46:00.004-06:00

Ya... I know...

I'm freaking out.

I want this.

I NEED IT.

(but incase I don't win it, one of you should.)

Enter HERE::

Workshop Sweepstakes

Don't know what FIND is?

It is a workshop, of epic proportions.

You can read about my experience with the FIND workshop HERE.

And..... she walks

2011-04-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

and she loves it.

Baby Macy Preview :: Utah Newborn Photography

2011-04-02T09:07:00.000-06:00

Little Macy.

This little bug is SOOO tiny. She was at 5 lbs something at the time... so so little.

Macy reminded me of the way Lus smelled before she got big. I LOVE the way newborns smell, that alone makes me want to have another one. That mind sound odd but if you are a mother you know exactly what I'm talking about.

Anyway... I can't wait to show you the rest (or see the rest as I haven't even gotten them all back yet :) )

Full post coming soon.

On a Saturday note:

Kerry and I haven't seen each other in literally DAYS (he works nights and goes to school full time... yes, so that I can stay home with Lus and drain our bank account trying to "make it" as an artist... YES... he is amazing.) So this weekend especially I am SO glad it is Conference weekend. We get to spend the next 48 hours in pj's, snuggling, eating, and being inspired and motivated to be better and to be happier.

Bring on the french toast and smoothies!!!!

I hope you have a Fabulous Saturday too!

Until Next Year Mr. Snow

2011-04-01T11:52:00.002-06:00

Snow, it was fun

but I am SOOOOOOO glad you have melted away.
See you later.
(and I better not see you around these parts until November.)

Lu Lou's Birthday

2011-03-31T14:18:00.005-06:00

Fabulous Day,... in which she slept through most of.

and p.s.-

That flower power wrapping paper has been around for most of our family birthday parties since my oldest sisters first!

It will be a sad sad day when it's gone.

Back from a Small Hiatus

2011-03-29T07:51:00.014-06:00

I have been completely MIA from the Internet this last week

... and it has been wonderful.

I often have spurts, like most of us often do, when I lose site of WHY and WHAT I am.

These spurts are always accompanied with depression. I'm unsure of what causes what, if it is the loss of direction and then the depression that comes or the depression and then the loss. Either way, when it happens life is miserable....actually "miserable" probably isn't the best description...

my mind becomes flooded with yards and yards of unnecessary, doubtful, and entangling thoughts and every small task feels like trying to run in quick sand..

yep...that sounds a bit more accurate.

Probably my biggest problem, and it's here whether I'm lost or not is that I feel the need to do everything perfectly

I have to run 5 miles.

clean the whole house.

give my full attention to Lus all day.

book 4 sessions in a day.

shoot, upload, edit, facebook, blog, email, get prints.

finish website and redo the blog.

make breakfast, lunch, and dinner by scratch.

make it to every meeting, every gathering, and answer every phone call...

etc.

YOU know what I am talking about

I HAVE A HARD TIME DOING THINGS HALF WAY

so most of the time NOTHING gets done...

I rather (and I have been like this since I was 5) not do it at all than not do it PERFECT.

This week I unplugged from all the the unnecessaries in my life and decided, for once,to do everything half way, and justified that just that half, (or that quarter), could be perfect it that's what I need it to be.

I didn't run 5 miles, I walked 3.

I didn't clean the whole house, but the dishes got done.

I booked one session, and stop thinking about it.

I had more hours than ever playing with Lusi and giggling.

I scratched the website and blog design this week, that for next.

I shot, like mad, and didn't even think of worry about post or blogging or everything that comes after the shutter clicks.

We ate out and I cooked when I got the chance.

I hungout with my husband and my daughter, without thinking about everything I hadn't done in the last day and week.

It was a spectacular week.

So I'm back to blogging. It more thank likely won't be every day like it has been lately, I might get lucky with 2 0r 3 a week. But when they come, they will be awesome.

Hopefully I get this whole life/mom/wife/artist/business owner/church member thing figured out someday, I'd like to think I'm getting closer.

Cheers!

400h canon elan ii sun-streaming-through-the-window light

I had to explain to them what Film is

2011-03-23T09:26:00.007-06:00

YW's activity.

4 girls and 2 few leaders.

15 mins explaining composition + 5 mins explaining how film works

(because they have NO concept of it and asked)

= 20 mins of "lessons".

A church sunday school room.

2 lamps from walmart and daylight balanced lights.

BW400cn film+35mm.

and

A bunch of white sheets of paper taped on the wall.

I threw the camera at them and said "ready go!"

This is what they came up with...

To clarify, this is them taking these shots, not me....

and I'm beyond impressed.

(you can tell they are SUPER thrilled to be the models :) )

A Thought or Two

2011-03-22T09:21:00.007-06:00

Random thought posts are always my favorite on other blogs,

especially Emily Something and Design Mom, so I thought I'd have a go at it today.

...Lusi is sick, super sick. I don't know where it came from, she was totally fine 2 days ago. I wish the doc would just give me one of those ear flash light things and I could just check to see if it's another ear infection myself. Instead we will go to the doctor, wait 2 hours, and have him look at her and in 30 secs tell me "it's a virus. come back in 3 days if this continues." She'll probably pick up something else while in the waiting room. AWESOME... can't wait to go...

...Rent City Island from Netflix. Somewhat predictable but extremely entertaining...

...Netflix has revolutionized my life. I now watch nothing but documentaries and "cool" movies no one has ever heard of... yes I now feel that much cooler...

...I haven't purchased bottled water or drank (drunk or drank?) from a new bottle of water for... almost a month now. Go watch Tapped...

...I have the most gorgeous baby and husband (that's them on top.) Just thought I would tell you if you didn't already know...

...You have until Sunday to sign up for THE class and get the early registration price...

...30 for 30 is not doing what I expected it to do for me, which isn't bad, just different. I got burnt out at taking daily photos of myself after 3 days. I'll post a long post on that when I'm done with the 30... which may or may not be 33 for 30 right now...

...I am going through a spring cleaning of the "business" portion of my work. Trying to make it more simpler, shoot more, and stress less. I even adjusted my pricing a bit. The whole new "business plan" gets 6 months to show me whats it got, then it up on the chopping block. Why can't I just take photos and someone else can take care of the business and marketing aspect of it all? Some day...

...Kerry eats paper. Married 2.5 years and JUST found this out. At least I know now where Lusi gets it from...

...I mis Emily F. dearly and the thing is we never even hung out that much!... wishing we had...

...I'm thinking of switching over to a wordpress blog. I really don't want to but they are just so pretty!...

...This is the coolest thing I have seen on the internet this week: Enjoy!...

Little Magic Stories from Chris O'Shea on Vimeo.

...sometimes I'm extra chatty. Please excuse the extra long winded post today...

Creepy Little Clowns

2011-03-21T22:41:00.008-06:00

(mamiya 645 400h, scanned and developed at THE laboratory)

McKenna and Grant and had a great Lusi's birthday!

(I love that birthdays are more for the older kids than for the actual kid having the birthday.)

That day was actually one the the most fun days I have had of watching the kids. They were happy helping decorating and coloring banners and signs, and when the slightest whine sufacedI would just threaten them with not being able to come to the party and wahlah! no whining ... it was great! Things really got crazy when they decided the birthday hats were clown hats and needed accompanying red noses.

"ya guys, that is awesome and super silly... and not creepy at all......."

I'll post an entire post dedicated to Lus' big day but how could I NOT give these little squirrelies their own post?

ps. Did you hear about my new pricing?