Think About It

173 Kendall R., Paradise Valley, AZ, Filter-Palette Knife & Poster Edges, 3-31-10

It's crazy that last September, I set a goal to document a picture and some words every day for a full year? Because as I see the number dwindle down at the upper left hand corner of this blog, I realize just how much I'm going to miss this sense of creativity and freedom to express myself.

To be honest, it's been a big learning curve to trust that my thoughts and character flaws wouldn't be thrown back in my face...:) Tempted as some of you might be, no one has jabbed me even once. Love you peeps!

Thank you to those of you who continue to check in from time to time, monitoring my photos and words. It means a lot to me & I sincerely appreciate your feedback. Exposing your inner dialogue has it's pros and cons and up to this point, it's all good!

Doctor Visit

174 Wood Pelican Statue, Paradise Valley, AZ, Filter-Stylize & Curved, 3-30-10

Pelican pooped! As much as I wanted to take flight, it was a difficult day. This pelican was still grounded and sad :(

A shot of medicine in the rumpola, antibiotics and serious sedation in cough syrup...I should be good to go by Friday!!!

Love doctors...

Crisp Verbal Skills

175 Backyard Trees w/The Moon, Paradise Valley, AZ, Saturated, Filter-Accented Edges, 3-29-10

Have you ever been in the minority on an issue and still felt the need to verbalize your concerns? It's a little nerve racking to say the least especially when you opened up the discussion with a majority of people raising their hands in favor of the changes you were in opposition of?

When you feel strongly enough and have emotionally eradicated your feelings regarding the motion, it goes without saying; Crisp verbal skills is all that is required to make mention of your humble, yet experienced opinion. Don't ever let the "pack mentality" rule your gut instinct and sway your vote.

"Those who stand for nothing, fall for anything". ~Alexander Hamilton

Our Toastmasters meetings are successful because we have a formula for running the agenda efficiently and effectively. Every time, there is a new board of officers, we always see a new attempt to change what works perfectly. My inside voice spoke outwardly today and though it wasn't initially what the group wanted; They were given food for thought. Feels good to stay true to what you believe is right!

Pajama Day

176 Passion V., Paradise Valley, AZ, Filter-Fresco, 3-28-10

My buddy in crime (featured here) communicating with her eyes is definitely voicing the words, "Say what"? It was pajama day - All day!!! Major Yaaaay!

Nothing else to do, so I pulled out the camera to snap off a few pictures while I try to stay quiet and rest. Passion, our dog, always at my side and curious with what I was holding in my hands, held her position as I clicked this revealing picture. She is precious indeed.

Grrrrrrr my body and not healing. Maybe tomorrow I'll be better...So much to do! Hope you are all healthy and well. :)

Power Up

177 Henry M., Scottsdale, AZ, Sony Cybershot, Filter-Ink Outline, 3-27-10

"Charge up, get going again...Never give up, never give in". Ahhhh, the good ole' days, when that was one of my favorite cheers as a High School cheerleader! Not only did it rev up the fans, but somehow, when we would chant it either in the beginning of the game, middle or end, we, ourselves felt it's electrifying energy and would literally charge up ourselves!

Yesterday, it was the motto of the day as I muttered it to myself on the first outing out of the house in 3 days. Yes, I said 3 days...And it's not because I look like death or feel like I should die, but that I KNOW my body will rebel and kill me if I don't lay low. So, twas by choice that I puttered through photos, worked on paperwork and did some light housekeeping. Staying in was almost welcomed if it hadn't been for the coughing up a lung spastic convulsions that would ensue from time to time.

If you are one of those people that others think constantly sings, does cartwheels in peoples living rooms or chants endless positive cheer leading songs and you have a reputation for never giving in...Then my dear friends, don't. :) Just quietly take your 3 day sick leave and reenter the land of living after you've healed. Here's to you overly positive, disgustingly happy individuals who from time to time need to take a break, reboot the system and "power up". I'm with you. Proud to be optimistic, but aware of what it takes to be "on"...God bless you all.

Call In Sick?

179, 178 Scott M., Paradise Valley, AZ, 3-25 & 26-10

No matter how sick or what you are going through, the show must go on! Thursday's photo shoot was admittedly cut short, but luckily the model was easy and good.

Remember that, "If you think you can do it or if you think you can't do it, you're right"! ~Henry Ford

Sick Party

180 Bridgett, Me, Jennifer, Scottsdale, AZ, Sony Cyber Shot, 3-24-10

Buddies don't care if you are sick or not, they just embrace the moments of being together!

Celebrating Austin turning 16!!!

Race Against Time

181 Turf Paradise, Phoenix, AZ, Nikon D-80, Filter-Fresco, 3-23-10

Have you ever been so tired, you just literally want to fall into an embryo position, wrap a blanket around you and slip off to dream land...No matter where you are?

Happened to me today! I was rude, sad and had not a care as to who was in the room, but I couldn't keep my eyes open. So, I did what I hope a few of you would have done, I simply left the room where I was actually hosting 11 other women for our "girls night" and found my husband who was lounged in our master bed watching T.V. Placing my tired head on his warm and comfy chest and curling into his body, it took two seconds (no more) for me to promptly fall asleep!!!

Seems like we are all sooooo busy and accountable to our "duties" in life that we need to be reminded by our internal clocks to take heed. Only when someone outed me did the party break up, but I can assure you when your body says stop and sleep...It's heaven to listen and give in!

Mexico Madness

182 Alexa V. & Mackenzie M., Fiesta Night, Paradise Village, Puerto Vallarta, MX, 3-21-10

Last night in Mexico with the Mackay girls and Fiesta was the name of the game!

Lesson for life is "Don't give into peer pressure". No matter what the other person you are partying with wants you to do or say; listen to your instincts and be okay with your choice of not conforming.

Tonight, the value of being okay with saying "No"... Priceless.

Her is a He

183 The Blue Chair, Puerto Vallarta, MX, 3-21-10

Why is that these MEN look better in the Victoria Secret panties than I do!!! Grrrr these very talented and cute boys who dress up like the ladies, sing and dance and entertain the 60 or so guests three nights a week in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

What a great show in which Alexa and her best friend, Mackenzie, took home the first place prize from the audience participation game! (Alexa was ham personified). Does the apple fall far from the tree?

Lesson in life: Understanding that all people who understand who they are, embrace their life and their talents are truly gifts from God no matter if they conform to what society or religious sects would have them be.

Finding Shade

184 Puerto Vallarta, MX, 3-20-10

Sun Poisoning

185 Puerto Vallarta, MX, 3-19-10

Sun poisoning sucks...Hours in the sun with no shade or tree nearby to ward off horrible affects of sun. Hives, dehydration and welts followed inexcusable choice to not get out of harmful rays.

Rest of vacation will surely be with consequences for not being a big girl and choosing to NOT take care of the largest organ on the body, the skin.

Lesson of the day: Stupid is as stupid does!!!

Henna Hater

186 Puerto Vallarta, MXm 3-19-10

White trailer trash anyone? Looking for evidence of what that looks like? Please see evidence A (photo provided) to see hideous henna on inside of forearm. OMG...

In Sync Again

187 Puerto Vallarta, MX, 3-17-10

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Mui Malo

188 Puerto Vallarta, MX, 3-16-10

Let this be a lesson to anyone who is new to the world of partying or even for those returning guests who haven't hit the circuit in a while...Beware.

Day after is usually, "Walk lightly" moments and appreciative love thoughts of anyone who brings you toasted bagels. All of which is followed up with conversations to yourself that sound something like this; "What the hell are you thinking"? "Never again...Totally not worth it"?

Fast forward to the poolside jacuzzi 3 hours later...Waiter walking by and you hear yourself actually, out loud, choke out the words, "Dos bloody mary's por favor"! Aaaaackkkkk...People, don't do this...Listen to me...Take heed....

Fast forward 6 hours...Someone just called and invited us to a Fiesta that includes a mechanical bull...Yee haw, talk to y'all later!!! :) (Don't worry...I'm just here for the blog story)...

Party On

189 The Jungle, Puerto Vallarta, MX, 3-15-10

First time for everything. Partying with my daughter. :) Drinking before noon, check. Shots at noon, check. Drinky poo's before dinner, check. Shots at dinner, check...Shots after dinner, check...Shots at bar...Shots on the bar...Shots as we danced, check.

Hasty departure from somewhere downtown Puerto Vallarta, check. Black out, wake up...puke, check.

Money, fun & dignity left on the streets of Mexico, check! :)

Tan Away

190 Scott with Bo & Alexa, Puerto Vallarta, MX, 3-14-10

I'm white!!! No racial slur, but holy crap...My skin is moon glow glare. Scary. :(

Aged Beauty

191 Puerto Vallarta, MX, Sony Cybershot (Picture to Follow)

"It's ironic, isn't it Mom, that flowers look their prettiest right before they die"? As I took the picture of yet another amazingly beautiful bloom, her words ran through my mind...And she was right.

What if humans were like flowers and the moment you hit your peak is when your life would begin to be over? Or is that really how it is now, but our shelf life is different timing than that of mother nature plants and vegetation? Are we also, able to hold off our demise too because of medical technology and the likes of plastic surgeons?

Just thinking out loud...:)

Preparation Anxiety

192 Kade & Kyle M., Fountain Hills, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.0, 1/100, ISO 250, Filter-Fresco, 3-12-10

Art Night

193 One Lexington, Phoenix, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 250, 3-11-10

This art amazes me...It's my photography adhered to a canvas and then the hands of a genius, Diane, takes to the paint, applies strokes her and there and viola...a masterpiece appears. This piece (one of 3 different panels) has the feel of urban graffiti; it's wicked good!

Tonight, there was an opening and Diane had at least 30 separate art pieces bought and displayed in the building. I was truly so proud of her. I love when someone is passionate, driven and talented.

Stay tuned for more collaborations and creative ideas to bring more unbelievable art pieces. Goodnight everyone...

Date Night

194 Neil & Lynn B., Nikon D-80, f 4.2, 1/60, ISO 250, Cropped, Filter-Topaz Clean, 3-10-10

Seriously? A hopeless romantic, I attempted again something I should never do...setting someone up on a date. My track record shows zero for at least 8 love connection wannabe's.

I just want everyone to be in love and find friends along the way...Is that so bad? Here is the rub though...A lot of the people who I have brought together really do become great friends and the circles they each have become connected, but the actual love blossoming thing, never works.

Proving that when two people are meant to be together, there is a smell, an energy and a draw that is separate from relatable lifestyles. I'm gonna stick with keeping marriages together (which my record is remarkably high) and forget this non sense of match making. :) Goodnight friends...

Allie Oweee

195 Allie T., Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.3, 1/60, ISO 250, 3-9-20

"Don't worry, it's a treatable cancer & curable...But, will leave a big scar on my neck". Her words hit me hard as I watched her cuddle her 7 month old baby. Allie went in for Surgery on Friday to remove cancer from her thyroid. Thankfully, all was as she said, except for the fact that her body won't produce it's own calcium now.

Lots of prayers were said for her and especially on this day that I visited her, but you know what? I didn't pray with her. After I left the hospital, I actually had this horrible feeling like I had let my Heavenly Father down, but I poo-pooed my notion and carried on knowing she would probably be released later that day anyway...There will be another time, I convinced myself.

The next day I got a call stating that the numbers that were supposed to go up for her calcium count were actually going down. Strangely, I maneuvered myself to the hospital again and this time, promptly walked in, washed my hands and apologized to Allie for not following through with what my urgings had been the previous day. I then placed my hands directly on her scar and caressing her face, I prayed. God is good and all his angels are very hard at work, so how awesome to give thanks and call with intent on the needs at hand. :)

No matter what, don't ever be embarrassed or be afraid to talk quietly or out loud to your Heavenly Father.

*Allie's numbers improved for the rest of that day and she was released the next afternoon. Thank you God.

Seriously

196 Graffiti, Streets of Rome, Taken in November '09, Nikon D-80, Hue/Saturation, 3-8-10

When something difficult or painful happens, always look to see what it makes possible that wouldn't have otherwise been possible.

Like a new adventure, a closer friendship, or chocolate in your peanut butter.

Everything makes you better.

~This was the quote/wisdom from an email blast I get once a day, everyday, "The Universe". It was seriously perfect!

Like A Baby

197 James T., Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 4.0, 1/60, ISO 250, Niks Silver Efx, Framed, 3-7-10

Don't think you'll stand unless you fall

~Jim Clark

Centering Prayer

198 St. Barnabas, Paradise Valley, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 7.1, 1/800, ISO 250, Saturated, 3-6-10

Ordinary Awareness

Awakened Spiritually

Discovery of "True" Self

Divine Indwelling

The practice of centering prayer is consenting to Gods presence and actions...quietly.

For five hours, we were given the tools in which we could walk away and practice this method of meditative centering prayer. If you have ever been hypnotized and awakened from the trance that a facilitator put you in, you would understand the overall body transformation. You feel refreshed and keenly aware.

I didn't think I would be capable of 20 minute stretches of putting myself into a centering, quiet mode and disorient myself from thought, word and feeling...But, with God all things are possible and amazingly enough, it was "Centering" and peaceful. Twice a day, I will be finding an area of my house that is devoid of noise, a timer to mark off the 20 minutes and with intent, opening myself to God's presence and actions. God bless you all.

Firecracker Quiet

199 AZ Cactus, Scottsdale, AZ, Nikon D-80, f 5.6, 1/60, ISO 250, 3-5-10

Are you one of those people that hates to be alone? The house suddenly becomes alive with strange noises and the energy of your surrounding areas is vacant. Your mind races and tricks your psyche into countless drama filled moments you should be actively involved in.

Tomorrow, I will attend a workshop on how to tap into my spiritual quiet and welcome these rare sections of time when my family is away. I'll blog about it tomorrow, but tonight, it's horribly "me" filled, selfishly lonely. :(

Goodnight everyone...

Devil May Care

200 Bridgett, Me, Jen, Devils Martini, Scottsdale, AZ, Sony Cybershot, Filters-Crosshatch & Lighting Flare, 3-4-10**

Oh it's true, no matter who you are and where you go, there are temptations that are always present. The question is, do you give in? Do you take your personal goodness and run it through a mud puddle just for the sake of experiential understanding?

I'm just asking? Do you? Or do you gather your wits, guard your being and take a stance to fight the devil and win?!? Personally, I'd like to choose the good, see the bad and carry a check list of experiences to be repeated or not. No matter what you do, remember that you are "Fundamentally good because you are created in God's image". The devil may care, but God is always there. Goodnight ...

Sad Story

201 Still no computer :( 3-3-10

Happy Tired

203 Paradise Valley, AZ, Computer in for repair...Stay tuned. 3-2-10*

No C,D,E,

203 Computer Glich...Need to take Apple In, typing on different system :( 3-1-10

Drank Drunk

204 Too Much Martini, The Village, Scottsdale, AZ, Sony Cybershot, Filter-Paint Daub, 2-28-10

Ugh...More Ugh...Headache...Rooom still spinnnnnning. This is the day after because I drank until I couldn't speak last night. Why? No reason. Just hanging with a friend, hadn't eaten very much and the next thing I know is I'm calling my son to come and drive both my friend and I home.

Completely passed out and asleep by 9 p.m. Huh? Will blog more on the perils of drinking too much, but I need motrin now. Talk to you later...