New Years Eve

262 Marriott Hotel, Seoul, Korea, Nikon D-80, Curved, 12-31-09

Happy New Year Everyone!

Live Zen

2010

Bridging Understanding

263 Yeouido Saetgang Culture Bridge, Korea, Nikon D-80, Saturated, Filter-Fresco, 12-30-09

Korean Cranky

264 Seoul, Korea, Nikon D-80, f 22, 1/200, ISO 250, Saturated

Bye Bye Beijing

265 Alexa & Bo, Beijing Airport, China, Nikon D-80, 12-29-09

Communist Christmas

269,268,267,266 Beijing, China, Nikon D-80, Pictures are varied in Photoshopped with Saturation, Niks Silver Efx & Filters. 12-25,26,27,28-09

Blogs were delayed and suspended due to Chinese Government control over internet programs i.e. Facebook and Blogs.

The following are pictures of our time in Beijing.

Judy, (American name);

Shopping at Pearl Market;

Yao Ming & Alexa (He was staying at our hotel and conducting interviews in the Executive Lounge...Crutches are due to an ankle injury from Basketball);

Smoke stack just outside our hotel.

Ho Ho "O's"

270 San Fran Airport, San Francisco, CA, Nikon D-80, f 4.0, 1/60, ISO 250, Saturated, 12-24-09

Happy Ho Ho "O" Holiday to you!!! Christmas Eve and just a few minutes before we board the flight bound for Beijing...

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

Travel Time

271 Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix, AZ, Nikon D-80, 12-23-09*

It's been a long time since we've had to choose where and when to celebrate Christmas. Having 25 years with United Airlines, the last time he had to fly over the holidays was when the kids were very little. So, we will do now what we did then...travel as a family and be together on Scott's trip!!!

Our list of what of what we will bring...One roll-on suitcase, (No checked luggage), passports, visa's, money and love! Check!

Here's to talking to you from San Fran tomorrow and Beijing & Korea from then on...Big hugs my Followers!

Xmas Love

272 Grammy Margie and Alexa, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.8, 1/160, ISO 250, Niks Silver Efx, Antique Plate II, 12-22-09

Celebrating our Christmas three days early, we opened gifts, shared in a ham dinner and snuggled together gathering generational hugs!

Life is good friends!!! Care, be aware and declare your love...

Count Zero

273 Holly R., Birthday Celebration, Kate's House, Phoenix, AZ, Nikon D-80, Vivacity, Photoshopped-Saturated, 12-21-09

A friend is -- a push when you've stopped; a word when you're lonely; a guide when you're searching; a smile when you're sad; a song when you're glad. ~Charles "T" Jones

Sunday Servant

274 St. Barnabas on the Desert, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/100, ISO 800, Saturated, 12-20-09

"I'm not worthy, but only say the word Lord and I shall be healed"... This is my silent prayer every Sunday before communion. I really am not worthy or remotely good enough in thought, word and deed to be taking communion.

Are you asking why do I take it then? Why don't I cross my arms and accept a blessing rather than sharing in the sacrament of my Lord? The answer is without logic and without the perfect scripture verse to back up my actions, but plain and simple...I'm a sinner and I'm praying that by renewing my soul with the Body and Blood of Christ, I might start anew.

Today, the calling was to serve. "The blood of Christ, the cup of salvation"...Those were the words I repeated as I held the cup of wine for my brothers and sisters to dip their wafer into. Looking into their eyes, holding the chalice and still not worthy, I am deeply moved by the power of the Holy Spirit and whisper to myself...Thank you God. I am your servant, He died on a cross for me, lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. Again, today, I start anew...

Blurry Fast

275 Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.5, 3.0, ISO 400, 12-19-09

Everything flows, nothing stays still. ~Heraclitus

One week before Christmas and there isn't time to breathe! Slow down world! Really...As the movements of the season take over our beings, remember to avoid the blur and forcibly stop your steps.

I was in a total funk today, hormonally challenged and stalking available friends to entertain me, but it wasn't going to happen. Everyone was either as crabby as me or too busy for idle play time. Sooo lucky for them, because I was a toot for sure.

Do you ever get like that? Where you are almost on edge with needing someone or something to remove the cloud cover that you, yourself forced over head?!? That is where I was when my big strapping 6'3 boy came bounding into my room and asked for a snuggle. :) Instant state change. Moments to be thankful for...Look for them while you stumble in the lurky muck. After our snuggle, we had dinner together, wrapped presents and slowly, very slowly...My sweet personality returned.

While everything is blurry fast, remember to be quiet and methodical in your refocus of the special people, places and moments of your life. Blessings...

Miss Manners

276 WineStyles, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/125, ISO 125, Photo Shopped Curved, 12-18-09

The year was 1984, it was a two bedroom town home overlooking a beautiful canal on the island of Oahu. Newly married and celebrating our first home together, we invited my husbands Mother and Father over for dinner.

As she walked through the front door, she already seemed to be upset with something, but kept her thoughts to herself. There was small talk and big talk and nothing was easing the growing irritation within her. Finally, we offered her a cocktail knowing our choices were limited by our inexperience with drinking. Beer, wine and maybe the ingredients for a strawberry daiquiri?

It was then that the straw broke the camels back. We were spoiled brats with a beautiful first home, we were grossly happy and insanely enamored with each other and to top off the reasons for anger, we were idiots at entertaining. "When you invite someone over to your home, you offer them a drink. This is after you have called prior to their arrival and know what beverage they prefer to drink". Hers at the time was 7up and Jack Daniels. Seriously? The rest of the evening involved a trip to the store to collect proper libations, continued 'Miss Manners' lessons and a strong desire to shove an etiquette book right up her you know what.

For years I have recounted that story and have always made my mother-in-law out to be the biggest bi-atch of all time, but tonight...Yes, that's right...tonight 25 years later, the table was turned. Turns out, she flippin' was right! I've put on and been to hundreds of parties since then and because it's done so effortlessly, there was never need to take note...until this evening. We arrived, were greeted nicely, noticed a circle of 10 people playing a card game and that's it, after that we were never looked at, talked to or acknowledged again. The person who brought me to the party was the sister of the host so she was comfortable enough to walk into the kitchen and made HERSELF a drink.

Is an apology after 25 years too late? I was young much like the college grads gathered in the room tonight, but I now see the wrong in not making a guest feel right.

Saint

277 Dayami P., Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.3, 1/60, ISO 250, Niks Silver Efx, Filter Cutout, 12-17-09

I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying. ~Nelson Mandela

Naturally

278 The Zellers, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.3, 1/160, ISO 250, Niks Silver Efx - Antiqued Plate, 12-16-09

What is your family like? Are you best friends with your siblings? Or do you wonder how it's possible you came from the same mother and father?

It never ceases to amaze me that 'like blood' & similar DNA often times produces complete opposites in family similarities. Take my family for instance...4 children (I'm the third) and all of us are night and day different! Really...None of us look alike, act alike, talk alike, walk alike. It's weird?

What is even more weird is that when you put us all in a room together, we fold into each others lives, arms and love as if we did look, act, talk and walk alike! We are each other's advocates, critics and biggest supporters of good times and bad. And when the going gets really tough, the first people we reach towards are one another. The same people we tried to beat up, abuse and mess with their minds when we were children are the same people we know have our backs as adults. Your blood is thicker than water and proves itself more so as you age. Family is forever, naturally!

My Village

279 Girls Night Xmas, Nikon D-80, f 4.0, 1/60, ISO 400, Vivacity Clean, 12-15-09

Once again, the cars cascaded into and onto my driveway and one by one, they trickled in. Holding children, food, wine and tonight the extra bonus of a wrapped present to be placed under the tree for a gift exchange later.

Marriages, relationships, spiritual walks, dating, children, college, careers and life are topics discussed randomly and openly. This is my village!

A look around this town and you will see women empowering women to be all they can be and more. Loving, nurturing and giving...The gift exchange this night, far beyond the presents under the tree! Merry Christmas my family, my friends...I love you all.

Tomorrows Dreams

280 Institute of Technology, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 125, Saturated, 12-14-09*

A tomorrow's structure is just like your tomorrow's dreams...Out there and not always in sync with it's surroundings, but there, none the less, shining brightly and full of hope.

When my business of Epiphany2Design came into my dreams, it was so far out of my realm of reality that I honestly didn't know if it could or would come true? But, the feeling of making it happen was overpowering and the vision of what photography would look like combined with art and graphics was beyond real in my mind. Throw in a few really brilliant, completely creative and talented friends and viola...Dream revealed!!!

Visualize your future by taking steps of action today. If it is something you want and feel will be, then it's a 100% guarantee, it will be!

Durable

281 Airport Truck, Sky Harbor Airport, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 125, Niks Silver Efx, Antique Polarization, 12-13-09

Is it just me or does everything look like a camera? Talk about photography taking over my every thought. :)

Actually, this picture inspired the thoughts of we all need to be sturdy & durable. There are so many forces that would have us be weak and small wheeled like.

Take ahold of your day and think diesel strong. Be forceful with your intent and make your movements powerful. You are made for a purpose. Keep on trucking!!! :)

Take Flight

282 Jessica C., Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, Epiphanized by Manny Fimbres

People who soar are those who refuse to sit back, sigh and wish things would change. They neither complain of their lot nor passively dream of some distant ship coming in. Rather, they visualize in their minds that they are not quitters; they will not allow life's circumstances to push them down and hold them under. ~Charles R. Swindoll

See It

283 Jennifer C., Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 400, Epiphanized by Manny Fimbres, 12-11-09

It started out as an invitation, kind of a secret, but, he was adamant that we be ready by 6:15. What was the occasion and what were we doing? Jen's birthday and we're going country dancing? Huh? "Dress in your best cowboy outfits"...

Scrambling at 5:50 p.m., we were still searching for the attire requested and finally Scott and I donned our best country look and headed out on time. Feeling old and foolish in boots, straw hats and multi colored clothing, we were silly. First stop was at a wine bar in Kierland Commons. No "country" look required and admittedly, waaaay out of place, but never mind that as we walked up and made eye contact with Jen who was NOT in a western outfit and who was NOT in the mood to celebrate her special day. She had just been in 'discussion' with the conspirator for this evening, her husband, Phil, and the bucking bronco ride started in the car ride over. Let's just say, we needed to send in the clowns...

30 minutes prior to all of us meeting at Kierland, Phil had roused her out of sweat pants and into street clothes. Quite an undertaking as she was nursing a headache and convinced that her birthday meant she could do what she wanted. Hahahaha, really? Phil plucked her up and off the coach, coddled her with wine at the wine bar and when she cooed the words, "Can we go home now", we headed straight for Handle Bar J's, (Country bar with dancing). Poor Jen didn't have a chance to hate on her special day as Phil took control. Amazingly, we ended up having the best "rodeo" day ever! Cowboy outfits, drinking wine, dancing country...I see now. I see that when you allow the strong to lead, the followers are happily led. Sometimes when you least expect it and begrudgingly move with it, a good time can be had! :)

Happy birthday my bestest friend! We rocked it country style...Hee haw!

Brilliant

284 Sam S., Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/125, ISO 400, Vivacity, Waterpaper, 12-10-09

Do you know who you are? If you do know yourself; Is it beauty you see from the inside out? Each of us is incredibly gifted with our own unique stamp. And because of this, it's worth repeating over and over again...You are brilliant.

When ever I take pictures of people, I'm always, I mean always, humbled. There is something very intimate about looking through a lens and requesting a tilt of the chin this way or ever so slightly, a wink of an eye that way. Never is any two pictures identical and so during the course of a photo shoot, taking hundreds of pictures, the camera has a way of unmasking the outside layer of everyone.

I call it photo time travel because it feels like the years are rolled away, leaving the core of my models open and pure. When this happens as it usually does, I feel chills run down my arms and sometimes tears pool in my eyes. I love people...really and truly love them. Again, repeating over and over, you are uniquely rare, amazingly beautiful and a stand alone, one of a kind...Brilliant!

New Life

285 Nicole & Sean, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.2, 1/60, ISO 400, Niks Silver Efx Invert Black and White, 12-09-09

If We've Ever Needed You

"//If we ever needed you Lord/it's now, Lord, it's now/We are desperate for your hand/We're reaching out, we're reaching out//" ~Casting Crowns

Tree of Life

286 Hayden Park, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 8.0, 1/250, ISO 125,Vivacity Flat Style, 12-08-09

During the Sunday sermon, the question was asked by Father Clark, "Where is your wilderness"? The rest of his words were wise and amazing, but I couldn't get the original question out of my head and honestly, this is what I heard, "Where do you find your God, meditate and center yourself? Where is your 'Tree of Life'?"

Seems as though lately, I've forgotten I had a wilderness to run to? A place of comfort to study and pray. I feel as though the path that was so illuminated in the past has been shadowed by my own doing.

Even though through the darkness, I appreciate the light, I've missed being hand in hand with my Abba. Just like the tree with the reflection in the picture here, one would assume on a cloudy day, there would be no evidence of such, right? But, just like God, it and He is always there...Be with light. It's awesome to be reminded to seek refuge, refill the spirit and walk anew. Where is your wilderness?

Target Angel

287 Angel Tree Shopping, Indian Bend Pavillions, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 400, Vivacity 12-07-09

Wrapped with papers and bows, the presents line the room and are readied with numbers and addresses for those lucky enough to volunteer and deliver gifts to tiny ones with parents incarcerated in prison.

What do these child recipients look like? Innocent faces, many just babies, drinking coca-cola from baby bottles while standing nearby, their siblings showcase sleeping arrangements of a mattress or if they are better than some, mattresses (plural) smack on the floor of the living room. Grandma's, Aunties and Uncles huddle together waiting for the love of the Angel Tree organization to pour into their humble surroundings and watch in bewilderment as strangers walk through their front doors laden with gifts for the true angels on earth, the children.

Christmas time is not necessarily about the presents that are showered on the kids in these places or of these circumstances, but on the people who come together to give and to receive. We are one with Christ...no line to draw a mark and define us by race, color or creed. Tonight shopping for, next week delivery of. God bless us all.

Your Scene

288 Oregano's Restaurant, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 6.3, 1/160, ISO 400, 12-06-09

Have you ever been to an outing or an event and just thought to yourself, "This isn't my scene"? It's weird, but no matter how old I get, I still seem to put myself in situations where I just don't belong?

Oh, sure, to the outsiders eye, it might appear that all is as it should be, but on the inside, I feel as odd and out of place as a square peg for a round hole.

How comforting it is to be in the surroundings I call home, taking pictures of people I call friends and enjoying a family I call love! That's really 'my scene'. Goodnight everyone.

Sing It

289 Broadway Bash Event, St. B's, Paradise Valley, AZ, Sony Cybershot, Niks Efx, Pinhole

The past cannot be regained, although we can learn from it; the future is not yet ours even though we must plan for it...Time is now. We have only today. ~Charles Hummell

Liquid Thoughts

290 Burrio's Restaurant, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/200, ISO 400, Photo Shopped-Fresco, 12-4-09

Yes, I titled this blog 'Liquid Thoughts' for a reason...It's the season! Seriously, I'm almost tired of drinking too much wine :) Too much wine, too much food makes for too much Misty!

Remember that awesome entry not too long ago about being happy with the yummy moments and talking yourself thin? Yeah, that's all crap! You are what you eat! (And drink) Ugh! I'm ready to be brutally honest and admit I don't like being up on the scale (as I sit here typing and eating peanut m&m's). Someone shoot me before I eat and drink more!!!

I've even resorted to naming my additional girth around my middle, Emma. She is gaining in size and if I didn't know any Peri-Menopausal different, I'd run out and buy an EPT. Lord have mercy! So, that's my day...Happy, right? Thank goodness these are liquid thoughts that will run off the page and be forgotten tomorrow. Goodnight skinny people!

I Heart You

291 Two Cacti Merged Together, Paradise Valley, AZ, f 5.0, 1/40, ISO 400, Color Saturated, 12-03-09

There is not a heart but has its moments of longing, yearning for something better, nobler, holier than it knows now. ~Henry Ward Beecher

Completely inspired by the above quote, I challenged myself today to search and shoot anything that looked like a heart without actually manipulating the scene.

Do you want to know what happens when you purposely set out to find anything with a heart? You absolutely look and see things that would have been overlooked before. Twigs, flowers, leaves, bark, light switches, furniture...everything has new meaning. Just for fun if you're out and about, think about trying to find a heart shape in the world you live in. Including those that you surround yourself with...

We can get so caught up in finding and seeing things that aren't right or aren't what they should be that we forget to look at what is exactly as it is, perfect! Here's to you seeking & discovering the hearts all around you! Goodnight.

Take That

292 Wilson T., Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.8, 1/60, ISO 400, Photo Shopped-Sumi E, 12-02-09*

Hi-ya...Take that! It's been said that once you decide to make a change, then the change that you seek will be 100% effective. The key is that you DECIDED to follow through with what ever your goal was. You might be re-reading those words and looking back at your own life; thinking to yourself and evaluating the prospect of what you desired and wanted to achieve was truly at the inception of finally deciding?

My mom quit smoking the day she "decided" to. Not for her children, her doctors recommendation or for her partner who also was hopeful to make a daily routine without a cigarette. Making the decision to decide to change is your secret formula. Your very own magic potion to drink when you really want to be different, live different or aspire for different.

Saying the words, "I hope" or "I'll try" are words of excuses where the eventual fallback is long term failure. Make it a point to say instead, "I decided to"...See what happens? I say, "Hi-ya...Take that new life of mine, I decided to be a photographer with a blog". I DECIDED TO! :)

Perfection

293 Lyndsay L., Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 400, 12-1-09

Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.

~David Frost