Drained

232 UofA, Tuscon, AZ, Drain, Nikon D-80, 1-31-10, 1/2*

Taken by ambulance to the hospital, Alexa was drugged at a party. It is my belief that she had the angels working overtime and was spared the unspeakable of circumstances involving this drug, rape or worse yet, death.

What she was given was a life lesson on who do you draw near. Those you surround yourself with become a direct reflection of who you are. In a room full of strangers, it is a coin toss on who is there for your best interest or in this case, who wasn't.

Seek out those that move in a positive, upward motion. When you find or stumble on the few who gravitate towards the opposite, let them and the messages involving them trickle down the drain. Wash yourself from the negative, emotional fall out. Take the wisdom gleaned and share with others your life experience. Thanks be to God.

Group Gathering

233 Lake Louise Skiing, Sony CyberShot, Cropped, 1-30-10

Boys in Banff

234 Phil, Scott & David, 1-29-10

Banff Birthday

235 Banff Beauty, Phil's Birthday, 1-28-10

The beauty here is unbelievable! Sitting in the back seat on the way back from snowboarding and quietly looking out the window. Just the right time and the right place...

Everyone agreed with me that the mountain was beautiful, but no one wanted to pull over for my obvious photo obsession. So I did what any novice photographer would do, I rolled down the window, pulled out my point and shoot, Cybershot and clicked off 3 pictures as we maintained 55 mph speed.

I'm still overcome with how amazing this sight is. I love how the picture truly looks like a painting...Wow, is all I have to say. :) Here's to your special moments when you get to say, "Thank you. Right time, right place".

Phil United

236 Carrolls Home, Calgary, Canada, Nikon D-80

Bruised and Banff-ed

237 Jennifer & Me, Banff, Canada, Sony CyberShot, 1-10

Had to miss yesterday and will write about why later. :( Love to all!

Banff Bound

238 Mia Whidden, Calgary, Canada, Nikon D-80

Poor little Mia. She has the look of what I was thinking about how cold the air was in Canada. "Seriously Calgary is frickin' cold".

Stuffed in her obvious attempt to humiliate all little doggies everywhere, Mia shows the camera what a fashion 'don't' her little red snow jacket is!

Calgary Calm

239 Peter, Joanne, Tara, Jennifer, Jessica @Flames Hockey Game, Nikon D-80, 1-10

It's very sad, but I do believe the picture postings won't be happening for a few days as I've not been able to log onto my own computer. This writing is taking place off of a borrowed phone from Jessica Carrol who has service here in Calgary.

Much to write when I can find an internet cafe...Goodnight friends.

Beautiful Chaos

240 Tapestry Art, St. B's, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, Creatively Set and Designed by Manny Fimbres, Liquified by Me, 1-22-10

"Omg...what! Scott, are you serious? I'm not packed, not showered, have not a stitch of makeup on and the flight leaves in 75 minutes. Are you crazy?"

Crazy is as crazy does...Fast forward 50 minutes, pulling myself and travel bags out of the back of suburban and running, not walking to ticket counter. Purchase a ticket while ticket agent assures me the flight is closed and I would not make it to the gate in time. Yes, I tell her, I'm aware of the time slipping away, but would she allow me the simple act of trying? She then handed me the ticket and said with the kindest voice, "You have 5 minutes to make it through security and the gate is farthest out, doubtful".

"Please don't hate me" as I pushed my way to the front of a 50 person line. Smiled politely at the security officer as he did the permanent marker seal of approval on the ticket and motioned me to another 15 person line to get through the screening devices. "Please don't hate me-flight leaving in 5 minutes", I reuttered and sputtered as I ran to the front again, threw my bags on the machine and proceded to rip off my boots, belt and jacket. Not amused the man looked at me as if I had lost it and secretly my inside dialogue was telling me I had. But, it was a matter of principle now. The ticket agent had laid the gauntlet, I was rising to the challenge.

Grabbing my bags and not stopping to put back on belt or boots, I scooped up all items and began the run of a lifetime. Damn A21 really was the last gate, the ticket agent didn't lie...People in my way, were hollored at before I reached them, "EXCUSE ME"...

As I'm running, I look at the window and still see the plane parked at the gate...Yes, omg...I think I can do this! Turtle neck sweater was not a good choice for travel attire under these circumstances and I'm dripping sweat while the hair on my head is now glued to the front of my face. Looking like a crazy psycho monster from sci fi movies of past, I run up to see the door closed and the gate agents pulling the last of the paperwork off the computer, closing shop. "NOOOOOOOOoooooooooo..."

Pathetic looking and dejected, the gate agent says in the kindest of voices, "Calgary"? "We've been waiting for you"...:)

Sometimes...when you try really hard and you stay really focused, you are blessed with the most beautiful rewards! Thank you US Air!

I'm Free...

241 Bridgett M., Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.5, 1/60, ISO 200, Niks Silver Efx, Filter Topaz-Crisp, Diffuse Glow, Cutout, 1-21-10

Takes Courage

242 Sunita, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.5, 1/80, ISO 400, Epiphanized by Manny Fimbres, 1-20-10

Digging deep for the courage required right now.

Candle Bright

243 Church Candle, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/20, ISO 125, Curved, Filter-Picnik Wobbled, Saturated, 1-19-10

Wish Come True

244 Jennifer C., Flagstaff, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.3, 1/60, ISO 200, Epiphanized By Manny Fimbres, Titled Princess of the Femi9 Series, 1-18-10

A musician must make music, an artist must paint, a poet must write, if he is to be ultimately at peace with himself. What a man can be, he must be.

~ Abraham Maslow

Word of God

245 Father Clark, St. Barnabas on the Desert, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 1000, Filter-Topaz Flat Style, 1-17-10

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uniformed. 2You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. 3Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says 'Let Jesus be cursed!' and no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except by the Holy Spirit.

4Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; 6and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. 7To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit. 10to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11All these are activated by one the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

I love this letter from Paul to the church in Corinth because it gives credibility to the fact that I believe people are honestly born with certain gifts. What gifts were you given and are you honoring & using them? Sometimes it takes a while to understand and have faith in what you are supposed to do, but just as I am writing this to you now, it is for you to be aware and hone what God has bestowed within you. This is the year of the 'awakening'. God bless you all.

Comforting

246 Chicken Pot Pie, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.0, 1/60, ISO 125, Filter Topaz - Curly, 1-16-10

The instructions or theme of the night was 'comfort food'. Each of the 5 couples gathered were to bring a piece of the menu to complete a dinner. The picture you see here is what the host provided, homemade chicken pot pies. Uh, hello, heaven...thank you. I am complete now and can die with a smile on my face.

My contribution? Homemade blackberry pie straight from the Village Inn restaurant. :) Grrrrr, those losing Cardinals that had a game right during the time I should have been baking. Turns out, (And this is very strange indeed) but, no one really bakes blackberry pie? What the heck? I had to eat humble pie and bring a berry pie with vanilla ice cream to the party. Did anyone notice? Nope!

Good company, awesome conversations, bellies full...It was comfort food for sure. Awwww, too bad the evening ended with a disagreement with Scott otherwise night would have been pure eutopia. Night night everyone.

Desperate For

247 Hands., Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.8, 1/60, ISO 125, Picnik Filters, 1-15-10

When you look at someone's hands, don't they tell a lot about a person? (Don't look at these hands pictured because I purposely tweaked with photoshop and added texture for the vibe I was hoping to creatively set) But on anyone, the hands are the first tells of their age, their job, their gentleness, their personal hygiene...

Look down at your hands now and try to determine what people would see in you. Me? This is what I see as I bring my hands into focus...My hands are gigantic and I clearly should have been a basketball player.:) They are always with nails because I think as long as they are big with fingers that extend out across America, I might as well highlight their length? But, I love my hands because in all their hugeness, they allow me to be incredibly soft.

It is when I'm touching the faces of those I love, pulling back the errant strand of hair, tickling their skin or taking the fallen eyelash off their cheeks and making wishes as I blow it away, that I think my hands are the most beautiful. I hope you find and think of the exceptional reasons why your hands deserve your gratitude today. And no matter what is happening and what you might need, your hands will always be reminders of two things you and they are gifted with; One hand is for giving and the other for receiving.

Brilliant Promotions

248 Me & Kathleen T., ABC 15 News, Phoenix, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 3.8, 1/60, ISO 125, Cropped, Filter-Render (Flare), 1-14-10

Yes, another TV stint in which Kathleen wowed her followers with pithy remarks and had amazing repertoire with her Sonoran Living host. While, I, on the side modeled (crabby like, according to my Mommy who said I didn't smile enough) her products from the Brilliant Baby line. Hee hee. In San Diego, the producer said I smiled too much?

I could get used to being the older, wiser Model for the New Moms Getting Fit theme. It's quite fun indeed! Loving the smiley moments in a day filled with lots of ups and downs emotionally.

Brilliantly smiling now...Hope you are too!

On The Bubble

249 Tanner F., San Diego, CA, Taken Two Days Ago, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/25, ISO 125, Cropped, Curved, Lighting Effect, Topaz Filter - Clean, DeGrunge & Cartoon, 1-13-10

Be Here Now

~Ram Dass

Fox Fame

250 Fox 5 News, San Diego, CA, Nikon D-80, f 4.5, 1/80, ISO 125, Cropped, 1-12-10

You know the saying, everyone will get their 15 minutes of fame? I figure I have about 9 minutes and 42 seconds left as I was asked to model on Fox 5 San Diego morning show by my good friend, Kathleen.

The products were in line with fitness for the "New Mom"...Yes, yes, I know...disconnect? How far am I from the new mom? Lightyears? But fun it was and if there is a motto in life for me, it would be, "Yeah, why not"?

How many times have you found 25 reasons why you shouldn't or can't? How many times have you wished you would have or could have? If you had any numbers in your answers, it's time to open up and make some changes. Life is too short and without a surety of when the living is over. Seize the day, grab the opportunities and give in to the unexpected...15 minutes are extracted one second at a time. Make the most of your precious moments...

http://www.fox5sandiego.com/videobeta/watch/?watch=17d809b9-7235-4773-a236-56c2ff63d402&src=front

Hold Me

251 Justin & Skylar F., San Diego, CA, Nikon D-80, f 5.3, 1/60, ISO 125, Cropped, Filter Niks Silver Efx - Solarization, 1-11-10

He who holds the hand of a child, holds the greatest blessing on earth.

~~Anonymous

On The Edge

252 Kathleen T., San Diego Beach, CA, Nikon D-80, f 8.0, 1/250, ISO 125, Slight Saturation, 1-10-10

As Pastor John Huffman spoke on The Power of Sheer Obedience, his words dripped into our ears and rested on our countenance. Not one in the room was free from the challenge of staying true to the biblical writings.

But as he continued, there was a collective rising of hope. If not yesterday or the day before or even years prior to this lesson this morning, why not now? Changing your mind and responding quickly when you are being called to be obedient has realized rewards.

Sometimes when you feel like you are upside down and on the edge, its good to hear the words that affirm the decisions in life to be obedient and do what is right. Goodnight everyone.

California Baby

253 San Diego, CA, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/400, ISO 125, Saturated, Filter-Sprayed Strokes, 1-9-10

On the six hour drive to San Diego, we traveled through the most amazing rock formations that looked like the sky had opened up and let fall from the clouds every shape of rock imaginable.

I was transfixed and amazed and am promising to make a days journey to the area near Wi Ko Pah Park where I may be allowed to photograph till my hearts content. But today, was a mission to make it to our destination and only allowed for a quick pull over to the side of the road to snap a couple of pictures from the passenger side window.

Traveling with Kathleen was easy conversation that never ceased and the theme for the day was love. How ironic that in the short and only stop for our trip was near a rock that had the words written on it, "I will always love u". :) Sometimes, the messages you need to hear are simply a matter of making a commitment to stop, look for and be open to receive them.

It's Right

254 St. Bernadette's, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 10.0, 1/200, ISO 125, Photoshop Saturation, Filter-Render Lighting, Resaturated, 1-8-10*

Even when the path you choose is sincerely right, the ground before you can feel all wrong...

At some point, it really comes down to keeping the faith. Keep steady, stay focused and if your feet balk at the new movement, push forward with the thoughts that His way is the only way.

Today was hard...Goodnight my friends.

Camp Gear Highlight

255 Nathalie S., Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.3, 1/60, ISO 250, Filters-Fresco&Topaz Cartoon, 1-7-10

Camping was one of the highlights of my childhood years. Four kids, a single mother and some accompanied friends would head out to a nearby campground and set up our one tent city.

Each of us with our own responsibilities would pile out of an overstocked toyota and begin the process. Usually there was bickering and whining like "Mom, Cheri won't let me do this or Mom, Scott isn't doing his job". Where upon Mom would raise her non-lady like voice and bellow for all of God and other campers to hear, "Cheri, Monty, Scott and Misty...Get your asses to work. We're losing daylight and I'm over the fighting". Isn't that beautiful?

After all was constructed and laid out and our duties completed, a bon fire was built and we would gather as one around it, roasting hot dogs, popping pop corn and topping it all off with marshmallows melted by the embers of the fire. It was then and only then, that we would look around and see our scruffy, hat and jacketed bloodline and realize what it was to be connected to the quiet of the trees that surrounded us and the bonds between us. Those were good times.

Remembering your past makes for the most enjoyable today. It's all about the highlights!

Cuddles Missed

256 Sam & Spencer, RA Restaurant, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.5, 1/60, ISO 250, Filter Crosshatch, 1-6-10

If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together.. there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart.. I’ll always be with you.
-- Winnie the Pooh

I'll miss you Sam...Hurry home.

Learned Love

257 Christopher E. & Alexa V., Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/250, ISO 250, Filters Accented Edges and Halftone Pattern, 1-5-10

Let's face it...Relationships that are good require a lot of TLC. Much like the first day of school or your first day on the job, your relationship in the beginning is exciting, tummy turning and exhilarating. Fast forward a few months, a few years and what you have is a full time commitment.

And just like your school or your job, once the newness wears off, you have obligations and responsibilities to put in a lot of effort. Often times, recurrent training is required and recommended. Same is true for your love, friendship, relationship, marriage. As you evolve, training on learning your love story is essential to stay fit, toned and connected.

Each chapter in the book you write together is magical. Find the beauty in the good times and bad and remember to learn, relearn, grow, glow. Learn, relearn, grow, glow.

Wide Open

258 Christy D., Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, Cropped In, Epiphanized by Manny Fimbres, 1-4-10

Alrighty then, it's been a while since I really sat here at the keyboard and punched out some words. Seems like the Communistic shut down on my blogging forced me into a hiatus of sorts.

But, I've blinked, remoistened my eyes and I'm back! Wide open and ready for pure vision and 20/20 clarity.

Here's to 2010 being the best year yet! Winking at the past and wide open for today!!!

Consistent Path

259 Brick Walkway, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/500, ISO 125, Filter-Stained Glass, Saturated, 1-3-10*

Perseverance

"It's a little like wrestling a gorilla. You don't quit when you're tired ~~ You quit when the gorilla is tired".

~Robert Stauss

Blue Eyes Sick

260 Me, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, Epiphanized by Manny Fimbres, 1-2-10

So sick. All day in bed appreciating moments without coughing and hot soup! Just can't see me being ill anymore. :) Here's to a healthy and happy new year!

Electronically Home!

261 San Francisco Airport, CA, Nikon D-80, framed, 1-01-10