Halloween Scary

324 Legs of Head Nurse and Candy Striper, Party at Robin & Greg's House, Sony Cybershot, Photoshopped, 10-31-09

Despite his hairy legs and chest, we matched from head to toe and nothing screams scary than looking and dressing like your husband!

Candy, dancing, and 3rd place in the contest. This day is complete! Happy Halloween!

Soil, Seed, Grow

325 Bridget and Jen, Barnes & Nobel, Scottsdale, AZ, Sony Cybershot, Photoshopped, Skin Even Effect, 10-30-09

I love my friends! They are wild and crazy, spontaneous, loyal, loving, compassionate, funny and hand picked by me because we fit.

Sounds pretty narcissistic, but the truth of the matter is, when it comes to searching, finding and securing good friends in your life...You have to think of it like a garden. You start with open soil and then plant the right seeds. Watering and tending your garden to make sure what you have planted takes root. As you go along, weeds will try to enter where your plants are growing and you have to be cautious about how you handle that as to not let the weeds overtake your treasured stock. Taking care of your garden is unbelievably rewarding, especially as you see how lush and beautiful the flowers and plants become with care.

What does your garden look like? I have what you would call the 'Variety Pack". Each one of my friends is unique and special and adds to my life so much that I honestly feel complete because of them. The meshing of our different lives, the stories that are shared, the secrets that are revealed and lock vaulted all become an extension of who I am. After this many years on earth, I am quite positive, the peeps I've gathered are for specific reasons and I feel I am a diamond that has the sparkle and luster I do because of who I have surrounded myself with.

Take care of your garden and treasure what you are planting. The value of each seedling, each transplant and each matured plant is palpable in the image of who you are. To my variety pack buddies...Thank you for being in my life and helping me grow! I love you all!

The Present

326 Lily, Scottsdale Cemetary, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 125, Photoshopped, Mosaic Tiled, 10-29-09

It is wise to think about the past and learn from it. But unwise for us to be in the past...It is also wise for us to think about the future and plan for it. But it is also unwise for us to be in the future...The present moment is the only reality we will ever experience. ~Spencer Johnson

The commitment has been promised. This is the day of new beginnings, stronger connections; The annihilation of destructive wrongdoings...All is good. :)

Training

327 LA Fitness, Scottsdale, AZ Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 125, Photoshopped, Cartooned and Framed, 10-28-09

Box checked:) Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday are workout with weights days and Tuesday, Thursday & Saturdays are cardio! For two years, with a regiment like that, you would think I'd be ready for my close up body shots and posing for SHAPE magazine, right? But, here is what I want the world to know, ummm, no.

What I have is, healthy. Or as my friend Robin says it, "Size Healthy". It's neither skinny, nor fat. Not all bones and certainly not all muscle. I still have a little buddha belly that I call, Emma and legs that have a few dimples in the back which my son, Bo, calls gross!

I wonder if I didn't keep this workout routine going, what the hell would I look like? It's a lot of blood, sweat and tears to maintain this, 'You are what you are look'; But hello, I wouldn't want to change the results because honestly...It feels great!

It's a euphoric high to hit the gym everyday, to know that in order to find balance in the movement of daily tasks, you first start with movement of the human body. Training of the mind and spirit after you train the body. Here's to your health everyone!

Resolve

328 Liz, Taken 01-09, Nikon D-80, f 4.5, 1/60, ISO 200, Art Fused by Nathalie Severin, Piece called "Damask Woman" 10-27-09

Some discussions are just so frustrating. Inspired by a movie, "Couples Retreat" communication minimal. He said, she said and no one is right. A lot of years of stored up perspectives.

Hopefully, the quiet of the night will soften or heal the open wounds exposed.

Faith Journey

329 Confirmation Class, St. Barnabas on the Desert, Scottsdale, AZ, Sony Cybershot, Photoshopped, Curved, Poster Edged, 10-26-09

Where we walk, talk and stalk matters! These are the faithful warriors of our Confirmation class who gather every Monday for two years straight. They are 14 & 15 years old respectively and brilliant beyond their age.

Being in their presence humbles me because they question and yearn with unconditional zeal. There is no motive for learning what we teach except the desire to understand.

Many a time have I been stopped in my tracks in the realization that where they are now, with their personal stresses, friendship hardships and temptations to drugs, alcohol, lying or cheating is absolutely no different than the world of being an adult. So, we surround ourselves with those that are like minded, hopefully. A circle of caring, loving and safe followers of Christ.

Walking the same path, towards God on a faith journey.

It's Messy

330 Max B., St. Barnabas on the Desert Fall Carnival, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.2, 1/60 ISO 125, Cropped 10-25-09

A sermon based on the Lord's Prayer followed with a chili cook off, jumpy houses, penny tosses and just good ole' fashioned fun. It's days like today that reminds those in attendance that life can be downright sweet!

We need to find more sweet and spread that around like frosting on a cake. Swirling, twirling and sprinkling those we touch with pudding pie, cake eating contest love. "Life is for living; Love is for giving!" Make it messy people :)

The Ring

331 Kate & Manny, Bloom Restaurant, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80 f 4/0, 1/60, ISO 125, Photo Shopped, Vivacity Clean 2, 10-24-09

"What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose - for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." ~Helen Keller

Do you remember the first person you ever loved? Other than your family, the first person you honestly fell in love with and gave your heart to? It's been so long ago that I scarcely remember the boy...Hahahahaha, okay I remember him, just as I'll never forget the pangs in my heart, the sick feeling in my stomach and the overriding desire to be with him more than anything or anyone else in the whole world!

It was high school and when the inevitable break up for college occurred, I was sure that I would never love another person like that again? I was right! I never did...I loved another even more and better. He is called my husband; But ask me if I will forget how my heart learned to love with my high school beau and I will tell you, no.

Loving is addictive and exciting and not exclusive to the person you are going to partner for life. It is a verb, an action that speaks volumes for what you give, you get ten fold in return. The quote by Helen Keller has it exactly right. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us. Forever tattooed on our hearts.

Congrats to Kate and Manny who have taken their love to the next level of showcasing on the outside what they have held on the inside for eight years. They are engaged!!!

Sweet Sixteen

332 Bo Vogtritter, Drivers License Victory, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.0, 1/13, ISO 125, 10-23-09

Quite possibly one of the most important days of your teenager years...The day you get your license!!! Bo's response when he plucked his card from the counter after the manish woman called his name, "I got my f*@^%&# license"!

Why his cussing should make the blog is for the pure enjoyment of those who know him and his literal explanation of his emotions. Using the 'f' word made this day that much more emphatically the highlight of his life thus far. And yet, even knowing this, I couldn't resist the karate chop to his arm at the shock of hearing him belt out that sentence and having everyone turn and stare.

Rubbing his arm, he shoots me a "Are you kidding me" look and then quickly shoves the card in his wallet with no remorse. Walking, (No, make that), skipping out the door, he digs in his pocket and pulls out his cell phone and calls the one person he shares every high and low with, his sister. This is a turning point for Bo...But, possibly more so for his Dad and myself. Our little baby boy just became a man. The turning of the pages seem to be happening so fast now...Sweet sixteen, driving a vehicle. Eighteen and leaving for college. Twenty one and drinking...

Guess, I'll stop the typing right there and enjoy the now moments. My son got his f*@^%&# license today, he rocks!!! :):):)

Good for you

333 Apple Bowl, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 125, Saturated and Framed, 10-22-09

Wouldn't it be awesome if the choices we make in life were always good for you. Food that was clean, activities that were healthy and a lifestyle that was holy.

Ummmmm...Hello? Would that be living? Is something wrong with me? I just can't imagine not having a goal of resisting sugar, bemoaning another workout or contemplating if I should go to church on Sunday because there is temptation of a lazy day instead...Seriously? Maybe in the bad choices, goodness is found and desired?

The sorrow of knowing that there is evil in the world is far out-balanced by the joy of discovering that there is good in the worst. ~Austin Fox Riggs

Bad is good!

I See

334 Sherry S. Eyes, Taken 03-09, Nikon D-80, Art Fused by Nathalie Severin, 10-21-09

Hello my "8 Followers"! So far, so good with the goal of a picture a day and corresponding thoughts, poems, quotes or stories to align with photo. As you can see by the number in upper right hand corner, the countdown is happening. But today I had a conversation with a self described "non-follower". He is my, (I think) one of many "When time allows & if I'm bored" viewers. In the blog site for a quick check at the picture situation and out before any words are read. So, I'm safe in my writing about him and his not knowing what I'm saying. Wink wink...Anyway, this "non-follower" informed me that the pictures I have posted are boring the hell out of him. Hahahahaa, what a brat! When I requested his evaluation of a picture that he has liked so far, he responded with, "When I see a picture I like, I'll let you know". Which leads me to believe it hasn't happened yet...Still giggling. I promise.

I truly am not affected, nor care if he likes any picture or reads one my blogs because this is not about the praise I could receive from others or conversely the disapproving remarks I may or may not get. This is about my goal, my desire to better myself and the pure pleasure I am experiencing from digging into this passion of photography/art! I hope all of you are finding something in your life that you are as focused on and desiring to do that makes you impervious to the thumbs up or thumbs down comments. 'See'ze the day and 'see' yourself the happiest you have ever been! :)

Passion

335 Fire Flame, Outside of Bamboo Club, Scottsdale, AZ, CyberShot, PhotoShopped, WaterColor-Curved, 10-20-09

Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must first set yourself on fire. ~Fred Shero

Hand Made Perfect

336 Kelly T., CHATS Toastmasters, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.3, 1/60 ISO 125, 10-19-09

At first glance you probably, like me, missed it. It's not really that obvious and the way she carries herself with poise and positive energy, you still would miss it in person.

The fact is, Kelly has a limitation. She was born with a left hand that was malformed. It's her story and I won't do it justice to repeat it here, but as a public speaker, her story is of shear inspiration.

Her message is a call to action, a relatable note that nothing should hold you back from what you want in this life. A physical limitation is no different than a mental block on things you are desiring to accomplish. It's all in your head. The secret is twofold 1) Visualize your success, (The end of the marathon, not the run). See yourself, your friends, the smells, the noises of what it looks like for you to attain your goal. 2) Don't ask how; Ask what. What do you need to do to get to that one thing that will allow you to be passionate and focused on your dream. Allow the how to come to you and 'mute' the, "You can't do that" you have listened to.

Kelly mastered playing the violin, I'm shooting for the reality of making money and gaining notoriety with my photography/art. What are your dreams? What makes you 'Hand Made Perfect'?

Hide Me

337 Bee Flower, Taken 04-09, Nikon D-80, Saturated in Photoshop, 10-18-09

Has it happened to you too? You know those foot in mouth experiences where you wish you could take it back, but you can't. Fortunately, there is always a lesson to be learned by the experience, but it doesn't negate the feeling of "Please, hide me".

Example of one of these moments happened today while at Alexa's sorority house brunch events. Families were invited and were treated to the yummiest food ever. Seating was first come, first serve and guaranteed with a group of people you didn't know. So it was for us...We sat with some of Alexa's older "sisters" who live in the house (Next year for Lexi). I got my 'chat' on with the girls and before I knew it, was crossing some invisible line of what to say and what NOT to say. Grrrrr...all these rules when it comes to communication. Apparently, I wasn't allowed to talk about the tailgate party or what a messy house the fraternity was in comparison to how classy the sorority house is? Who knew?

I guess it really is a rite of passage...I embarrass my daughter just as my Mommy embarrassed me (Mom, don't make me tell the 'Ernies Karoke' night story). Suffice it to say, my little girl got off easy. According to family track record, I'm a time bomb ready for detonation! So, the morale of this story is and will always be the following quote:

Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. ~Frank Outlaw

Ollie, ollie oxen free...No more hiding!

The Color Red

338 UofA Game, Stanford vs. Wildcats, Nikon D-80 Automatic, Wildcats 43-Stanford 38, Tucson, AZ 10-17-09

It was all about a first today...Attending a Fraternity/Sorority party with my husband and 16 year old son! Omg...If this is what they do when the parents are present, I am seriously afraid. Beer pong set up on tables every six feet or so. Boys rooms blaring music and showcasing beverages for shots, girls falling down drunk and dressed in t-shirts that were transformed into sexy halter tops, dresses and bustier'. Hello world...I am a naive mess!

Two things running through my mind...1) Why did I attend a church college? 2) Thank God I attended a church college! :) Game day at U of A is all about wearing the school colors and literally the entire city of Tucson wears these colors. There is a sea of red everywhere as the campus is converted over to the largest tailgate party on the planet earth. Up until this experience, I could have played the game, "I have never..."

Had it not been a bazillion degrees, I might have had just a tinge more fun, but I lost 10 pounds of water weight sweating and I'm still trying to pick off my jeans which melted onto my thighs. Next game day...shorts, halter top (hell yeah, converted and blinged, mama style) tiny back pack and no camera to capture the moments. They will be unspeakable, I'm sure! Go Wild Cougars, er, ummm...Wildcats!!!! :)

Butterfly

339 Alexa, Taken 2008, Nikon D-80, Automatic, Epiphanized by Manny Fimbres, 10-16-09

I remember the day she was born, the biggest eyes you have ever seen and lips that were puffed up so big they took over her face and omg, the dewiest softest skin with the most amazing color...And yet, I still told the nurse, "Seriously, I did not need to go through childbirth to bond with this baby. I soooo could have saved myself a few stretch marks, weight gain and creepy mood swings and adopted". Can you believe that?

Did I mention, creepy mood swings...Anyway, shortly after giving birth, I read an article in which another new mother was writing about her experience and feeling like it was the death of her and birth of her baby girl. At the time, I couldn't have agreed more. There is an incredible sacrifice of your personal self when you deliver an angel into your life.

Over time, however, I discovered it wasn't death as much as a cloaking of old to reveal a new. My moth like state being replaced by a colorful butterfly mindset. It's here, now, that the chapter in this story ends and a new chapter is opened allowing my beautiful baby to take flight and find her own colorful wingspan.

Visiting her college campus for family weekend and seeing her with her new friends, watching her write her life story, I can't help but feel sentimental as she flutters off...

Love Me

340 Mia, Scottsdale, Arizona, Nikon D-80, f4.0, 1/60, ISO 125, Nik Silver Efx Pro Black & White 10-15-09

Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

This was my model for the day...Adorable, lovable, completely in touch with her inner beauty, Mia! We all should take a lesson from the dog world and know our cuteness without the prop of a mirror to convince us otherwise...

Gotta love the "Love me" in all of us!

Let's Meet...

341 Chai Soy Latte, Starbucks, Tatum & Shea, Arizona, Sony CyberShot, PhotoShopped (Sumi-E) 10-14-09

It's my mom's birthday today and I'm feeling guilty. I wanted to send her a card, I wanted to write about her, I wanted to take a picture that represented her but, my big girl camera didn't come out once this whole day. In fact, this picture of my Venti Chai was the only thing snapped by my, always in my purse, CyberShot. Just didn't seem to be a day for pictures, more a day for thinking. Thinking of my Mommy when...

The spontaneous and always welcomed statement of, "Lets meet at Starbucks" came from my friend, Kathleen. That set my mind a racing. How is it that I know where every Starbucks coffee house is within a 5 mile radius of my house (and a few more outside that boundary mark too)? And then I realized, it wasn't about where the coffee was being served, but to whom I would be meeting. A friend...

One on one get together times with my friends at Starbucks are cherished because they offer a solid time to discuss, reflect and be completely in tune to what is being shared. It makes me sad when I have someone I'm trying to get to know and they don't drink coffee so they shy away from the very mainstreamed and totally popular, Starbucks. Cuz, honestly, it's not really about the coffee. "Let's meet..."

Coffee on me Mom when you get to town. Happy Birthday, I love you...

Rosary

342 A Painting by Liza Bell, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f4.5, 1/60 ISO 125, 10-13-09

She sits in my house, just off to the side by the kitchen table and chairs. Rarely is she recognized or acknowledged, but tonight while finding pictures to take for this blog, I turned the camera on her.

Hovering over the kitchen activity, she has seen and heard it all. From the kids' first day of schools, the heated arguments, the loving touches, meals being prepared, the hussle and bussle of this party or that and she has ever so quietly held her place and kept her vigilance of always looking upward and holding her rosary in prayer.

I look at her as a reminder that no matter how big or little you are and no matter what the circumstances, we are all illuminated from within and covered in love. God made us good. Thinking of you...Goodnight.

Afloat

343 Plumeria, Kauai, Hawaii, Taken 04-09, Nikon D-80, f4.0, 1/400, ISO 100, 10-12-09

It is one, only one and although it floats as if it doesn't matter that it is a stand alone...It does.

Surrounded by blessings, opportunities, friends & family, I am perplexed by my ability to still remain inexplicably "needy". Tomorrow I shall choose differently, but today I will find comfort in the following quote, "If God had wanted me otherwise, he would have made me otherwise". ~Johann von Goethe

Staying afloat as I say goodnight...:)

Pink

344 Susan B. Komen, Race for the Cure, Phoenix, Arizona, Nikon D-80 f5.6, 1/160 ISO 125, 10-11-09

We didn't do the run, we walked and walked, and walked. But, how silly to make note of the amount of walking when this event was for cancer and walking was the least of the worries for the day.

For some, this was a beginning, their first of many walks as they battle and overcome (hopefully) this disease. For others, as for my friend, Robin, this was a victory walk with 10 of her friends. We metaphorically held hands as we banded together and kept close to a woman who was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2003.

Overcoming and walking cancer free was just one of her successes over the years. For today, my friend, Robin was not only proud to be Mommy of two, loving wife, but she was also the reigning, "International Queen of Hope". Wearing her tiara and sash throughout the walk was a testimony to digging deep when the going gets tough, having faith and loving the color pink!

Family

345 Simon Says Family Night, Nikon D-80, Automatic, 10-10-09

Need I say more? How is it that 6 grown adults and one tiny itty bitty little girl could all partake in the ever popular game of "Simon" but, that we did. 7 bottles of wine and a six pack of beer might have helped, but wasn't required.

What is the proper conversation for said drinking and playing of game..."Oh, of course, dysfunctional childhoods".

It's nice to know that from a garden full of weeds, a crop can grow, mature and yield a healthy stock. I love my family~Older brother, Monty, his wife, Gloria and his amazing daughter, Tiffany with her husband, Gabe and her two children, Alex and Brianna, add in Scott, Bo, Alexa and I; Mui fabulous family get together!

Pure

346 Park Sink, Scottsdale, AZ Nikon D-80, f11 1/60 ISO 400, 10-09-09

I'm in conflict and it's all over the aspect of being pure. Pure to yourself, work, education, friendships or loved ones. What is pure? Merriam-Webster says it's an adjective that means, "unmixed with any other matter; free of dust, dirt or taint".

Maybe being pure is a lot like this picture I took...Running freely within but all mucked up on the outside? Maybe the attempts are made to clean up the exterior so the interior can be made known and experienced by others. What if there is never a 'clean up' process? Do you spill forth un-pure? Or what if you "pretend" to clean up and act as if you are, but really you're not?

Is anyone truly pure? The 'purest' person I know is someone who cleans my house. She walks one with God and praises him with almost every word she speaks, but occasionally, even she has her 'conflicts' with herself. She certainly seems to express out what she has expressed in, but I'm still curious...In order to be pure, should you be breathing out only what you have within? What would the world look like if we all exposed our pureness and didn't have the ability to absorb the darkness?

I'd like to think I see everyone's purity and when I'm in their presence I am blessed to be in contact with such grace. For an entry that is unquestionably dark...this is really about choosing to see the light! Loving your "pure"...

Cuddle Me Meds

347 Rotator Cuff Surgery, Scott, Scottsdale, AZ, Sony Cyber Shot, 10-08-09

Have you ever been "spooned"? If so, then you know the complete heaven it is. Crawling into bed and having another person wrap their body around yours, arm over arm, leg over leg. The whole snuggle is such a sense of euphoric high for me that I can barely handle travel nights when my cuddle partner is away.

But lately, I've been given time limits to my "next best thing to heaven" moments because a rotator cuff has rendered my man in too much pain to stay in said position for longer than 2 minutes:( And yes, I really am talking about cuddling and a rotator cuff (in case any of you reading this were thinking otherwise...Geez, get your minds out of the gutter).

Anyway, my new time limit is now must wait for 3 weeks minimum and maybe 6 weeks for my "spooner" to return. Today, Scott went in for surgery and came out with bandages and a sling. He has to sleep upright for 2 days and was given medication for pain. What does it mean when the doctor asked him what he liked for pain and I offered up smugly, "Heeee likes vicodin" :) Am I bad? Um hello, that stuff is awesome and did I mention that my husband won't be able to cuddle me for 3 weeks!

Moon Moments

348 Moon over Scottsdale, Arizona, Nikon D-80, Night Setting, 10-07-09

Part of the blessing about this blog and picture taking everyday is the undeniable gift of looking for the "moments". What to write about and what to take a picture of creates a world of seeing everything brand new.

For anyone who may read this, I highly recommend adding this newly acquired skill as it honestly is life changing! Alright, alright...enough dispensing with the "you should do this" instructions and moving onto the photo. This is first ever attempt at trying to capture evening and sky/moon picture. It's wildly obvious to me that I need to A) start carrying a tripod and B) work at this talent. But, I posted this because I wanted evidence of a beginning in this process. Throughout the year, I will attempt more shots and by this time next year, I hope to capture the perfect moon shot. Why?

Because great things happen under the moon and in the night. There is a stillness in the air, a calming to the light illumination and there is a sense of freeness that allows people to open themselves, be vulnerable and 'skinny dip' in the moonlight. Loving the moon moments.

Girls Night

349 Wine Art, Scottsdale, Arizona, Nikon D-80, Automatic, Photo Shopped, (Paint Daubbed for artistic effect) 10-06-09

It's a habit now, set in stone, just the way it is...every Tuesday. Anywhere from 4 to 12 cars will gather at a designated house and women will file through a front door carrying two things: Wine and an Appetizer.

After 5 years of gathering every Tuesday, there is a rhythm to the group, a hum of activity so to speak. Setting the food on an island, opening wine bottles and finally the first pour into the glass that was set out and waiting for your hands to pick up and drink from. Ahhhhh...This is divine, this is "Girls Night".

Bonded and tight, us girls have experienced together, birthdays, illnesses, accidents, break ups, make ups, baby showers, bridal showers, baby births, family trips, financial successes and failures, counseling, cars & clothes. We've shared our pasts, presents and futures together. We are each others inside track when you need anything and we have each others back.

Hopefully, that bond will hold and keep connected one of the girls who is moving within the week to Chicago. Taking with her, our wisdom and memories from our girls gatherings. She will be sooo missed, but we will keep in touch, speak of her often and every Tuesday, hold a glass of wine in the air and toast our friend in the success of her and her families move and transition to Illinois. Good luck Denise. We love you!

I love you Man

350 Scott & Phil, Taken 9-22-09, Santorini, Greece, Nikon D-80, automatic, 10-05-09

Yes, I traveled back in time to retrieve this photo because today was a day to reflect on the buddies in our lives.

Have you seen the movie, "I love you man" in which the lead character sets out to find a man friend. The movie showcases the difficulty that men have in relating, opening up to and being close to another guy. Almost as if their DNA renders them incapable, but my theory is they don't practice being a friend. Practicing being a friend is as important as being one. Meaning you have to check in to check out the blessings of having a friend! Calling, texting, writing or setting lunch dates to stay connected.

Phil called me the other day and shared his thoughts. He told me I was important in his life and of value to him because of who I was and how we share similar faith walks. He asked about Scott and where he was. He talked about the church service he attended that morning and then reflected on our recent trip. Phil was in the moment. I loved that call and will cherish it because I know it was a rare gift from a brilliant man who was practicing being a "best" friend.

When you find the people you want to be close to and share your life's ups and downs with...Remember, practice makes perfect! Thank you Phil, if Scott had been home and received your words instead of me, I know he would have said, "I love you man"!

Runaway Bunny

351 Alexa, Our pool Photo Shoot 5-09, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, Automatic, Photo Shopped and Design by Manny Fimbres

"Come visit me Mommy, come take me to lunch and give me hugs"...In an instant, I was taken back to a book I had read her long, long ago called the Runaway Bunny. The book begins with the young bunny who decides to run away: "If you run away' said his mother, 'I will run after you, for you are my little bunny". Time and time again the bunny tests his mother with scenario's that would make her become the wind to blow him back or a tree for him to rest near, but the underlying message is how much love a Mommy has for her babies.

This is my runaway bunny and today I ran to her as fast as I could get there...(two hours driving there and two hours driving home), but no worries because I couldn't wait to hold her, smell her hair and touch her skin (which is the softest skin on the face of the earth). She was full of life and ready with ample stories to fill up my "need to know" requirements when we meet. And as usual, she was smiling, laughing and sensitive to how blessed we are to have the bond we do.

We ate lunch, shopped for college needs and cleaned up the messiest dorm room ever and then we headed over to her new sorority house she will live in next year. Another new place for my bunny to live. Another new place I will drop everything and come to if she asks. Alexa Brianne is the bunny I begged God for, the baby that I didn't think we could have and the daughter that completes me. I love my LexiLoo, my baby girl and "I will run after her, where ever she is, because she is my little bunny".

Whining...

352 Wine Glasses, Scottsdale Arizona, Nikon D-80, Automatic, Nik's Silver Efx, 10-03-09

Bored and uninspired like this picture I chose for the day. Sorry, not feeling the love for being home alone.

Scott is on a trip and Bo is attending his very first homecoming dance at a place called The Venue. I dropped him off solo and unlike my daughter who had a bazillion friends at the house to get ready for such a special night, Bo had me. :) He looked adorable in jeans and a funky izod shirt and as he got out of the car, I had to stop and admire the man he's become and appreciate his willingness to march into a place he doesn't know to hang out with friends he doesn't know. Rock on Bo.

Me, I'm sitting here typing out this blog, falling asleep as I wait for the call to pick him up and wishing I would enjoy the quiet instead of bemoaning it. I should have cracked a bottle of wine, made some appies and listened to music of choice. Grumpy me...Tomorrow will be better...Goodnight.

Upward

353 Sunita, Fairmont Scottsdale Hotel, Nikon D-80,
Automatic, Photo Shopped, DryBrushed 10-02-09

"Knowing what to lean on, lean to and fall near when you are going through hard times is all about learning how to look up".

The photo shoot today was relatively short, but not without it's usual grateful moments of being able to see through a camera lens into another persons soul. It's humbling and exhilarating. It's beyond comprehension unless you are the one lucky enough to be called photographer.

I hear myself coaxing and cooing the words, "Look at me, look at my lens, look to the right, look off in the distance" and then as I shoot the picture and see beyond the physical features, I truly understand...It's really about how, why and when they look up.

Upward is good...

Game On

354 JV Football, Chaparral High School, Scottsdale Arizona, f5.6 1/4, ISO 400, Photo Shopped (Sprayed Strokes) 10-01-09

Striving to be a "Super Sophomore", #68 has set a goal...To go out for every team sport that the school offers in his Sophomore year.

He is after all, 6'3 and weighs a mere 200. Just turned 16 and by all appearances looks like he could master any athletic challenge in front of him. Never mind that two weeks before golf tryouts, he finally picked up a club and went faithfully to the driving range. Or for the entire summer prior to football, he practiced on his Wii and not on the field. Next will be baseball and the memory is pretty clear that the last time he picked up a bat and hit anything, it was 4 years ago when he managed to play right field with a Little League.

#68 is my inspiration. He is also my son...lovable, sensitive, cuddly and incredibly intelligent. He has Aspergers which forces him to live in a world of literal truths. He doesn't always understand emotional communication and simple sarcasm. But, he has practically a photographic memory and lives to give. So, when he says he wants to be Super Sophomore, I say, praise be to God. How lucky am I to witness the prolific words of Wayne Gretzky, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take". #68, Bo, is taking the shots and going for it. Making a team is not about being the best, but about being there. Taking a risk and not worrying what others will think if you fail, but more importantly about being honored for trying! I am proud of #68, proud to call him son, proud to tell the world, "I love my son"!