Rest in peace, sweet Sparky

Inspiration: Laundromat has never been this cool

I love reading cool blogs about all different subjects. (My Google Reader feed agrees. 421 unread entries!) They provide me with ideas, hopes and inspiration. Photographer blogs are some of my favorites. These folks capture the true emotion and joy of people unlike your standard portrait vendors in the big stores. One I particularly enjoy in Millie Holloman. I saw this session where they took photos of a young lady in a laundromat. A freakin' laundromat. And it was AWESOME! My only wish is one day to be that cool where I can photograph a place most people wouldn't and make it beautiful.

Seriously, is this not awesome and original?

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day. Let's toast to a fabulous week!

Sunrise 5/6/11

My workbound view this morning

A gift for me?

Sorry about not posting recently. I really do want to set a schedule of ideas for blog posts. I have been obsessed with clouds and I think one day might be a sky photo day. Things inspiring me, craft ideas, each day has a theme. By the end of this month, I will post a tentative schedule.

I have some ideas rolling around in my head about Mother's Day present after Steven asked me today what I may want. Here are two things I would love to have but I wouldn't ask for. Asking for a $2,000+ item for Mother's Day might give my family a good laugh.

Bernina sewing machine & Nikon D700

I hope everyone has a wonderful Friday. I have work, rehearsal dinner and most likely a movie date with Lefty to see Thor.

Life and the Pioneer Woman

These two don't actually have anything to do with each other, just two random subjects stuck together because my A.D.D. won't let me concentrate long enough to come up with something witty.

Things have been rather complicated around my house lately. Steven started having knee pain almost three weeks ago. According to him, it wasn't his "normal" gout pain. The pain was so bad, he would be breathing like he was in labor and would cry if he had to move the knee certain ways. Three doctor appointments and an MRI later, his primacy and orthopedic doctor each had a different diagnosis.  The downside of this whole situation for him is he hasn't been able to bowl. AT ALL. That and the fact we changed health insurance coverage. I stayed on the normal PPO due to my endometriosis problems. He thought it would be better for him to change to the high deductible HMO. He still has to go back to the primary and orthopedic doctor. Not looking like the best plan now.

On to the next topic. This weekend, Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) is coming to my town for a presentation and book signing. I have Ree's cookbook ready and I will have my camera with me also in hope that I can snap a quick picture. Remember my post about being famous? Maybe I am getting  closer. What famous person can I meet next? Any ideas from my three or four readers? I already have my Keith Urban concert tickets for August. If somebody could hook a girl up with a chance for a photo with him, I would be in heaven. Jennifer, the next big plus size celebrity. I have no acting skills, no speaking skills. I am a mediocre cook. I am hella clumsy and seem to be emotionally stunted. Can you be famous for being an epic fail? Oh yeah, Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan.

I heart you peeps who read my musings, Ambien rants and raves I may not remember the next day. My Zyrtec-Ambien combo is starting to take it toll so I am ending this post now.  See y'all later!

Biltmore Estate in Asheville

Last weekend, my best friend and I decided to take advantage of a long weekend and discounted Biltmore prices to go visit America's largest home. My mom and our daughters went with us. I wish I could have taken pictures of the inside, but it isn't allowed. During the time period Biltmore was built, the level of extravagance is something that was unheard of and I tried explaining that to diva-child. I think the girls might not have appreciated the experience, but I loved it. Us adults loved it so much we upgraded out tickets to twelve month passes. I look forward to visiting the week of my birthday during the Festival of Flowers and also during the Candlelight Christmas Evening season. And the free wine tasting at the Winery. And a specialty tour. So many experiences, hopefully I will have enough time to do it all.

One of the highlights of our trip was when I pulled out two clay mustaches from my camera bag for us to wear when they take your portrait inside. The photographer mentioned he wish he had one. Sorry Mr. Photographer, I didn't even have enough for us or I may have given you one. There is always next time when I will be more prepared with mustaches for all. Okay, not all because I am not making hundreds of mustaches but at least one for Mr. Photographer and one for each of us in the picture.

I'll quit rambling for know. Enjoy a slideshow of some of my pictures. A professional I am not, but I enjoy taking photos.

I love you and you too

I am stuck at home sick today. My hormones are off the charts. I may still have a bit of stomach virus. What a Valentine's Day. Despite all of this, I am still thankful. 

I love what everyone brings into my life. Good or bad, each person has taught me a lesson about different things in my life that I might not have learned otherwise. My wonderful husband who is understanding about my struggle with endometriosis and the possibility we may not be able to expand our family with another biological child. My diva-child daughter who is attempting to teach me patience and many other things. My parents and their many life lessons. My best friend since middle school who despite our many differences, find common ground and has not abandoned me when life circumstances may have prevented our friendship. My family and network of friends, you are a support system to me of which you can never imagine.

I love you all. Today, I even love butterflies. Not really, but I will pretend.