"M" Art

205 E2D Plaque, Epiphanized by Manny Fimbres, 2-27-10

Looky look...We are starting to get official here. :) Company is organically growing and I'm having the best time ever!

We need to update our website to really show some of the new art we've produced, but it's really exciting! Thank you to all the word of mouth advertising you've been doing for us. All love!

Hearts & Hands

206 Bishop Thorton & Reverend Erika, Hearts and Hands Event, St. Barnabas on the Desert, f 5.0, 1/60 ISO 800, Filter-Lighting Effects, 2-26-10 1/2*

"What are you wearing"? It's been the same question posed by everyone for the past two weeks. And it's always said one of two ways, either with dread or with too much excitement giving away the fact that the questioning attendee already had her dress. :)

The event is Hearts and Hands, a fundraising opportunity that raises monies for our outreach programs through our church. 'Our group' has taken on the notion that it is totally a formal (evening gown) event but in reality it's just a dressed up evening. For instance, a lot of attendees wore knee length black dresses, some had beautiful tailored beaded short dress suits too...But, a few of us went full out as we do every year. And every year I seem to say the same thing the day after..."Ugh, what was I thinking"!

Not that I didn't like or rather love the borrowed dress I wore, but it's a case of being appropriate? I do believe I'm earning a reputation as the one who shows "the girls". Tonight was nooooo different. Thankfully, I had a friend borrow one of my dresses thereby assuring her the same coveted title of, clear your throat, look away..."Nice Rack". :) Didn't I just blog a couple of days ago to be proud to be different and celebrate your individual style? Must remember this and forget that even though the choice of dress was beautiful at beginning of evening, after dancing and a little stretching of fabric, I was a "just barely covered" church going, God fearing woman. :~p Next year, I promise...

Bunchkins

207 Kayla, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 400, Filter-Accented Edges, Niks Silver Efx Black and White, 2-25-10

What's In You

208 Santorini Island, Greece, Nikon D-80, f 10.0, 1/400, ISO 125, Epiphanized by Manny Fimbres, 2-24-10

"It's not where you're from; it's where you're going. It's not what you drive; it's what drives you. It's not what's on you; it's what's in you. It's not what you think; it's what you know." 
 ~Gatorade Commercial

Toes Knows

209 Holly, Hara & Krys, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.3, 1/60, ISO 400, Cropped, Filter - Film Grain, 2-23-10

What is that joke George Burns used to ask in his stand up comedic show...The one that says, "Have you ever felt like you are a brown loafer in a world where everyone else is a black leather tuxedo shoe"? Is that how it goes?

Forgive me if I butchered the line, but I think you get my drift...In a world where everyone is one way and you feel you are another. Such was the case today trying to fit in, be like or basically just belong.

Sometimes, it's not supposed to be conformity, but confirmation of your unique "x" factor that makes you a standout instead of a stand in. Be proud to be the flip flip with a red under sole! It's taken way too many years in my very 'young' life to be okay with being me. :) I think I'm finally starting to enjoy the steps of being different. Here's to you who know what you know!

Mirror Mirror

210 Youth Group Disco Ball, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 400, 2-22-10

Behavior is a mirror in which everyone shows his true image.

~Johann von Goethe

Family Ring

211 Napkin Rings, Scottsdale, AZ, Sony Cybershot, 2-21-10

Birds of a feather flock together...A family that prays together stays together...Home is where the heart is. Are you familiar with any of these sayings?Having grown up with and now passing on to my own children, these generational colloquiums and others, have become a part of who I am. They sometimes define a day or curve discussions of importance. They are the staples and core reminders of my childhood and the foundations to which I pile on the current words and wisdom of today.

What are your stories, one liners or quirky characteristics that you carry and pass around like dessert chocolates? Doesn't it amaze you how full circle your life ultimately becomes? Here's to hoping your habits and words of yesterday hold and sustain you for the moments of today. Making you aware of the real gift of being with the present! "God Bless America"... :):):)

Gorgeous

212 Sarah B., Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 400, No Crop, No Filter, 2-20-10

I see the light at the end of the tunnel...:) What was so hard has now become doable, attainable and within my abilities.

If you believe strongly enough and stay true to your convictions, you can do anything!

Good is gorgeous!!!

Art Genius

213 Diane Rogers, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 3.8, 1/60, ISO 250, 2-19-10

Have you ever been in the presence of someone who truly answers to their unique brilliance and loves what they do? Honestly, there are so many talented people in the world who are stuck in other positions that they never tap into their gifts, or they are sheer genius at what ever they do, but they have no passion for their talents. Ugh...The last person just kills me because I'm so jealous.

But, omg...when you find that one person who sincerely honors their skills and fervently follows their passions, it is humbling to be in their midst. Such is the person above who is putting together a wall mural for a posh building downtown. Unafraid to splash too much of this or too much of that, she works with amazing creativity. I am seriously in awe!

Thank you to all the Diane's of the world who bring so much joy to the rest of us who are still seeking and honing our special talents. (Btw: That is my photography that she is painting over on this canvas). She makes me look good. :) Hugs everyone!!!

New Flower

214 Raintree & 101, Scottsdale, AZ, Sony Cybershot, Filters-Find Edges, Accent Edges, 2-18-10

Bursting from the underbrush, dirt and rocks, this flower emerges and blooms radiantly.

May you also find your 'new flower' moment and be noticed for your inner strength.

Give into the goodness within! Goodnight...

Dust to Dust-Lent

215 St. Barnabas on the Desert, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, 2-17-10

Tonight, those that attended Ash Wednesday service were given the challenge to wash their sins from their past and come to the altar with a renewed spirit.

Struggling to forgive myself for so many things, I bow my head and begin to pray that though I am not worthy, I might be healed. Walking forward, I stand before the Priest and giving myself and all my sins to God; the Priest dips his thumb into a bowl of ashes, raising it towards me, he begins tracing the sign of the cross against my forehead. As I make my way back to the pew, I can feel the blackened markings upon my skin as some of the ash falls off and trickles down onto the ends of my eyelashes, I am keenly aware of my promise to choose the right. I feel sealed for good...

"Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen".

Fat Tuesday

216 Spencer S., Paradise Valley, Nikon D-80, Slightly Saturated, 2-16-10

Ate anything and everything today! Omg...How can one seriously digest as much food as I consumed today??? Left over Valentines candy...check. Left over food from Superbowl party...check. Pancakes, bacon covered in syrup at Fat Tuesday event at St. B's...check!

Ugh....groan...Be still my aching tummy! Maybe this is why going into the Lenten season a person can truly pull back, can give up and live in sacrifice? Just maybe tomorrow, I'll be so grateful for all that I have that I'll understand how good it is to be satiated with just enough. :) Maybe...

Happy Fat Tuesday friends!

Inside Out

217 Cactus, Chandler, AZ, Sony Cybershot, Curved and Filter-Ink Outline, 2-15-10

Your vision will become clear only when you can look into our own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.

~Carl Jung

Puppy Love

218 Sophie E., Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 9.0 1/200, ISO 250, 2-14-10

Hello world...Is anybody looking at this picture? If you look up the word, ADORABLE in the dictionary, I'm pretty sure this is the photo they are displaying.

She came complete with a sibling who looks like a twin, no potty training techniques and a tenacity to chew up anything that her tiny, itty, bitty mouth can clomp onto.

No, she isn't mine because I come complete with an incapacity to tolerate potty training little varmits and a capacity to not see adorable when my rugs, shoes and sides of leather couches are used as chew toys. But, God bless The Evans who thought one of these scrunch-a-muffins wasn't enough. She and her sister, Bella, are seriously full of puppy love!!!

Oh My

219 Lexi M., Fountain Hills, AZ, Sony Cybershot, f 3.5, 1/60, ISO 250, Filters Angled Edges, Topaz Skin Even, 2-13-09

My mother always says, "You shouldn't put an adult head on a little child". And I'm pretty sure she means that you shouldn't place adult ideas, problems or anger on the countenance of a precious baby.

This little punkin' is knee deep in adult issues with her Mommy and Daddy separating. How do you protect her innocence while helping her understand the wicked truth of divorce? Hopefully, she will learn in time that their decision to break from one another is in no way a reflection of their love for her?

Little Lexi is growing up fast and smart as a whip. Please pray for her that her family maintains a sense of peace as everyone involved evolves into a healthier and better future. Thereby, keeping her a child as all the adults muddle through the mess. :(

Wine Conformity

220 Wine Styles, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.5, 1/60, ISO 250, Cropped, Filter-Paint Daubs, 2-12-10

Conform v. 1. To act or be in accordance with, conform to the rules. 2. To keep to rules or general custom, she refuses to conform.

It's wine tasting again. An opportunity for one bottle from the vineyards of Spain to strike a fancy with those in attendance. The room is filled with other wine tasters and our circle is only four tonight. Somehow, luckily, we acquired the only 4 leather wing back chairs in the building and it feels a bit like someone's living room. Nice...

Slowly, each taste is poured and each taste is drank. Pithy remarks are made about the tin or oak of a barrel and the grape in this region or that and if you were a fly on the wall, you'd believe we almost know our business. But, here is the real story...and shhhh don't tell anyone you heard it from me...secret scoop:

The wine either appeals to our palette or it doesn't. We either like the label on the front of the bottle or we don't. The price of the bottle and the amount of money in our wallet decides if we actually make a purchase. :) When you think of wine tasting, it's a lot like the dating world; People appeal to our palette or not, we like the way they look or we don't and the way they like to date and the money in our wallet determines an actual connection! It's fun to confirm a union of compatibility instead of a conformist thought process on what should be. :)

Cookie Messages

221 Fortune Cookie, Scottsdale, AZ, Sony Cybershot, Filter-Topaz DeGrunge, 2-11-10

What are the odds? Eating dinner with my son and we are talking about difficult issues at school. As usual, I travel back in time and start relating my own experiences with dealing with some tough subjects and peer pressure moments and I think that some of my wisdom might actually be penetrating this young strapping boys mind.

Hahahahahahaaaaa...Um, nooooo. Help me Jesus. In one ear and out the other as was confirmed when he said to me, "Mom, nice try with going back in time to the dinosaur era and sharing, but I'm going back up to get more food". "See ya". Left chewing on my chicken skewer ala Chinese version and wondering why do I try?

Meal complete, bill delivered and cookie packages opened. This is what I looked at...Coincidence? You be the judge. :) Love and kisses everyone!

Hug Me

222 Snowman, Prescott, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/80, ISO250

Ever feel like one of those days when all you need is a hug, but because you are frozen from the inside out, no one comes close to you?

Today was that day...Sad about friends relationships, marriages and life being in upside down modes. Absorbing their pain and feeling hopeless after a 5 minute phone break with one of my best buddies, I slip back into Youth Leader Retreat and submerge myself into the Bible study.

Instantly, a thaw begins to happen and my insides begin to feel warm again. With God all things are possible. Take heed friends that how ever cold it is, there is a warm and gentle breeze that will melt the frost and repair your needs. The love of Christ in me is seeking the love of Christ in you...

Singing Praises

223 Jeremy, Prescott, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.0, 1/60, ISO 250, 2-9-10

"It is not so much what you believe in that matters, as the way in which you believe it and proceed to translate that belief into action." -Lin Yutang

Snow Time

224 Snow! Prescott, AZ, Nikon D-80, Filter-Silver Efx Infrared Soft, 2-8-10

It is snowing in Prescott and we are here on a Youth Leader Retreat. The soft white flakes blanketing Chapel Rock are creating a scene right out of a movie set designed to replicate heaven. It's euphoric to be in this setting, with the people gathered here and to be studying the Bible.

But to be honest, it's exhausting. With every step I take in a new appreciation for scriptures, I feel I take two steps back in my own acknowledgment that I am not worthy. With renewed commitment to find study time/quiet time to be introspective and reflective each day, I hope to find the piece of me I've neglected over the years, my passion for God.

Seeing the smallest of particles fall from the sky, but having the largest of impact on changing an entire landscape reminds me that just like this freshly minted wonderland, we too can be given new life with the simple snowfall of biblical teachings:) Goodnight everyone!

Saints Win!

225 Scott Victory Jump, Superbowl Sunday, P.V., AZ, Nikon D-80, No filters, No Crop, 2-7-10

There it was again...the promotion of another superbowl party? Ugh, really? Why is it that my husband loves to have parties and I am the complete opposite? Seriously, what happened when we were both growing up that gave him the nurtured desire to be the host of all hosts and me the DNA to be mutant in the corner, finding her moments of insanity to scream out in rebellion. And when I say scream, I mean, lose it with frustrations.

Admitting up front that parties to me, at my house, are shear terror. Terror and horror that my house isn't 'show' ready, isn't equipped enough and certainly not pretty enough to house 30 of our nearest and dearest friends.

But, this year, I settled down. Told him, it was his party. His invites and his decorating (lack of decorating), shopping, cooking and cleaning. And guess what, HE did it! He delegated invites, food and wine. Did what he thought was good for decorating and managed to throw a pretty darn good party. The saint in my husband proved to merge into the game of the day and The Saints bested the Colts in a great Superbowl party! Saints win...always:)

Centering Light

226 St. Barnabas Courtyard, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 8.0, 1/250, ISO 250, Filter Render-Lighting Effect, 2-6-10

Mark your heart with an "x" and let people see the light from within you. :)

No Place Like Home

227 Christy D.Feet, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.3, 1/60, ISO 250, Filter-Accented Edges & Lighting Effects, 2-5-10

Look At Me

228 Alexa V., Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, Filter Topaz-Curly Smooth, 2-4-10

On The Fence

229 One Lexington, Phoenix, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 250, 2-3-10*

Isn't life great? Always there for another day, another decision, another lesson, another chance at loving anew.

Today is about finding all the reasons to be good and getting off the fence. What ever you are contemplating on doing for the right or what ever task you are wrestling with as being worthy...Stop it. Make it happen! Release your mind and become the intended brilliant person you are meant to be.

Here's to your picking a side and losing your perch!

Yearly Fun

230 Guess Where, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 3.5, 1/40, ISO 250, Filter Topaz-Cartooned, 2-2-10

Sorry boys, this one is for the girls...Lucky us! :$

Puzzled

231 Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 3.8, 1/100, ISO 200, 2-1-10