Olfactory Challenge

82 Harkins Theater, Scottsdale, AZ 6-30-10

My brother by marriage, Chris Hanson, started a new company, Aromyx Corporation. Inspired by his website...today's homework for the day, The Olfactory Challenge? Find something to photograph that when you see the picture, you think of the smell simultaneously with the visual.

Are you smelling popcorn???

www.aromyx.com

Revolutionary Advances in Olfactory Biosensor Technology
Aromyx Corporation is developing proprietary technology that will enable the discovery and design of unique olfactory products – for appetite control, pheromone-based behavioral cues, flavors and fragrances, and to spur consumer buying and otherwise affect the human brain and human behavior.

One Drinky Poo

83 Scottsdale, AZ, 6-29-10

For everything you have missed, you have gained something else; and for everything you gain, you lose something. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Whisker Soft

84 Feral Kitty, Paradise Valley, AZ, 6-28-10

Peacefully scoop in the minutes of your day that seem ever so easy and "whisker soft"...

Because as difficult as some trials are at this time, hold fast to the reality "That this too shall pass"...

It really will get better friends...

Big-hugs-love

Revealed

85 Ra Restaurant, Scottsdale, AZ, 6-27-10

Do you ever feel like you are a mess? Just making a mess of things and the more you try to clean up, the more messy you become?

Face it friends, we are of human flesh which makes for experiences that cause us to be simply put, "A Mess". I keep thinking I'll personally be able to overcome and rise to the top of my shortcomings, but sadly, I cannot. :(

I carry my humble, sinful, horrible choices across my countenance like a pocketful of sand. Kind of hidden, but burdensome none-the-less. The sermon today was of "Resting in Christ's peace". Planting your roots on that which is of your good. Placing focus on what you can do that is right and growing your fruit from your tree of goodness.

Knowing we are all a mess, try to reveal your light from within and find God's peace in what you are doing that is right. Goodnight friends.

Moon Over Paradise

86 Moonlight, Paradise Valley, AZ, Photoshopped and Filtered, 6-26-10

"Go outside and look to the East where you will see the most beautiful full moon"! With my camera in hand and phone still attached to my ear, I ran outside as commanded and shot this perfectly round shaped moon.

Don't you just love when others know you so well that they completely identify your obsessive need to shoot the 'perfect' moon. Oh, okay, maybe you don't want the ultimate moon shot, but I did and my husband calling from California to usher me out to capture this moment was beyond sweet.

Give thanks for those in your life who step beyond themselves to allow you to find your "moon over paradise" experiences. :) Love you honey!

Point Taken

87 Marriott Camelback Spa, Paradise Valley, AZ, 6-25-10

Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Love the ones who don't treat you right, just because you can. Believe everything happens for a reason...
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it.
Kiss slowly.
Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy. He just promised it would be worth it.

Mexico Blues

88 Nuevo Vallarta, MX-Paradise Valley, AZ 6-24-10

Home today, leaving my Silent Retreat Resort behind. Doesn't the picture showcase what hell I might have had to endure? :)

Things don't change. You change your way of looking, that's all. ~Carlos Castaneda

I've already spanked myself for not doing what I write about constantly, which is...Capture the moments by photographing and publishing your best shots.

My focus was all off for my holiday of quiet and only because I didn't choose it. What might have been my words, had I been the one making the request for such a time to reboot and center myself? Remember to let go of the control long enough to see the beauty before you. Goodnight friends...I'm happy to be home.

Stone Silence

89 Stone Statue, Nueve Vallarta, MX 6-23-10

That's it my friends...Someone can take the candid camera off my existence here. I am very ANTI SILENCE and somehow I have been cast to this exclusive resort knowing no one and wishing to know no one; Alas, my predicament.

What predicament, you ask? (Clearing throat) Weeelllll....I, apparently, am on a silent retreat that I didn't sign up for? It's weird when you don't use your voice? I wonder do your jaw muscles atrophy in a few days of not moving the tongue to talk?

My phone is without service and there is not a stitch of internet service except by the pool and it is very hit or miss. Yes, yes, I know...Some of you reading this are scoffing my silliness at being quiet and I'm at a beautiful hotel...But, HELL NO...It's scary to be stone silent. Ugh...I'm ordering another drink just so I can assure myself that I have vocal chords. Hee hee Love and Hugs Friends. Wish you all were here.

Show & Shell

90 Neuve Vallarta, MX, 6-22-10

The beautiful part about being secluded, alone and 'muted' vocally is your observation skills escalate to new heights! For the first time in my ENTIRE life, I looked around the pool today and noticed:

Every body type possible...Pimpled, dimpled and wrinkled skin. Great bodies, sad bodies and all in between. Fake boobs, real boobs, much needed lifting of boobs. Tatted & hairy backs. Hairy legs, toes, arms and noses. Doubled over bellies, washboard 6 packs and distended middles. You name it, I saw it and you know what? It's all just an exterior shell.

Why is this amazing and earth shattering after all these years? Because I've been all too consumed with my own personal flaws to recognize the world over has them too! :) Lord have mercy...I ripped off my bathing suit coverup and paraded around the pool as if Hollywood was paying me to do so! Free yourself Friends if you haven't done so in the past...I truly don't think anyone really cares. Be healthy and love the skin you're in!

This Same Chair

91 Beachside, Puerto Vallarta, MX, 6-21-10

It is what the camera captures, isn't it? Or is it what you choose to point the camera at? Here is my choice today and I think it represents my emotional neediness fairly well. :)

Hard to be sad and lonely in Mexico with the waters edge in front of you, the feel of a soft breeze against your face and the sound of waves spilling over itself in the background...But, that I am.

Instead of seeing how awesome the moment is, I'm out and out choosing to be woeful in my movements and wishing I was with friends or family to enjoy the views and frolic in the water. Call me brat and unable to sustain 5 minutes of alone time with any cheerfulness! :) Lesson of the day...Change the picture you take with the image you want. :) It's beautiful here friends!

Boys Rule

92 Larry S., Puerto Vallarta, MX, An inversion of colors on Larry and Photoshop of sunglasses, 6-20-10

Just boys having fun on this special day!

Happy Fathers Day to all the Daddy's out there!

Volleyball Vixen

93 Meagan, Puerto Vallarta, MX, 6-19-10

New friends are almost easy here in Puerto Vallarta. Why not? Light conversation, poolside cocktails and plenty of sand volleyball. Everyone is your new BFF.

This pictured cutie patootie was a 2 hour volleyball tournament teammate, but overly gregarious and memorable for being genuinely unique.

It's always a blessing to meet and get to know someone who knows who they are. Be yourself friends, it's a good thing. Goodnight...

Bumps Again

94 Sunflower, Puerto Vallarta, Filter-Curved, Painted Sky, 6-18-10

What is it about the sun in Mexico that totally refuses to just tan my skin, but somehow turns my arms into mirror images of a sunflower center? Grrrr...

Scott's first buddy arrived today for the week long "boys golf" outing for the year. Bo and I move down the road to a new hotel, Alexa left for home and I'm beginning to see what a mistake I might have made in not accompanying my baby girl home.

Very lonely and sad without her. Lesson of the day: Too much of a good thing, REALLY is too much. Goodnight friends...

A Favorite

95 Seahorse Statue in the Center of Puerto Vallarta, MX, PS Filter-Invert, 6-17-10

Seahorses are truly unique, and not just because of their unusual equine shape. Unlike most other fish, they are monogamous and mate for life. Rarer still, they are among the only animal species on Earth in which the male bears the unborn young.

Did you happen to read that...They mate for life and the ONLY animal species on Earth in which the male bears the unborn young. I LOVE THE SEAHORSE!!!

When Scott and I first married, I would compulsively collect seahorse jewelry & figurines simply because I loved their ballet-esque existence and found the concept of once mated, they would stay together for life a marker of hope for my own relationship.

How good is God to give us one species on this entire earth that really and truly will stay devoted to the other for their their whole life. God is sooo good!

Flowers Edge

96 Sky Preferred Flowers Edge, Puerto Vallarta, MX, 6-16-10

When you look for the edge and the sky is all you see, how bad can it be? Think about it?

Seek the edge of your brilliance...

Hugs friends.

Blossom Awesome

97 Front Side of Bloom, Puerto Vallarta, MX, 6-15-10

Favorite line of the day from new friend, (20 year old) Jordan:

"When in Mexico, standards go to a different low"...

:) That's just funny considering it's always about perspective.

Here's to you knowing your beautiful bloom no matter where you are temporarily rooted!

Remember Me

98 Other Side of Bloom, Puerto Vallarta, MX, 6-14-10

Painful. Standing at a chest high counter top trying to type out something of meaning or relevance about the picture to the right...

I think for the rest of the week, you shall see photos and no words. Forgive me my faithful followers but this typing at weird angle of computer has me discombobulated.

The flowers here are more than amazing...Maybe I should photograph a series of the gorgeous visuals? I mean seriously, they are at every other step around this awesome vacation spot called Paradise Village. We'll see...Goodnight my friends. Lots of love.

Let God

99 Singer at Brunch, Puerto Vallarta, MX, Filter, Sketch-Niks Silver Efx, 6-13-10

Favorite line of the day from Alexa:

"This Sunday church outfit is exactly what I wore last night including hair and makeup".

It's good to sleep until 5 minutes before we leave. :)

Mexico Must

100 Puerto Vallarta, MX, 6-12-10

Once again we are in the (family favorite) vacation spot of Puerto Vallarta. It's lush with beauty and ready for the Vogtritters to party!

Camera, computer, family and love...How else does one navigate towards Fathers Day?

Happy day people!!!

Questioned Path

101 The center of our coffee table plate, Paradise Valley, AZ 6-11-10

It is good to have an end to journey toward, but it is the journey that matters, in the end.

~Ursula K. LeGuin

Your Choice

102 Stained Glass Window, St. Barnabas on the Desert Church, Paradise Valley, AZ, 6-11-10

Everyday, live knowing that your actions for this day will create either a clean spirit or darkened experience. Be accountable for both choices and acknowledge the reasoning for being dark or light requires a rationale that is purely filtered and based on the moment. These moments give neither credibility or distraction for who you are, but rather insight to know and hopefully, desire to be a better Christian & Friend. :)

Your choices matter! Goodnight friends...

By Example

103 Paradise Valley, AZ 6-9-10

It's easy to see the good in someone when they are showcasing their positive side, but what about when they're not? What side of the 'protective or judgmental' fence do you jump to when a friend or family member you know is being their Evil Twin...(You know the Evil Twin that is psychotic, unpredictable and completely socially unacceptable)? If you are scratching your head in confusion as to the possibility of you, yourself, being a person with ET capabilities, please do not read any further...You are too good for this blog. :)

But, for those of you who can relate to the dysfunction that rears it's ugly head from time to time; What is your stand? Someone said something about a friend of mine today, who I know can get cranky with body ailments or low blood sugar, and for all the good this person is accomplishing, the words of those who were in attendance of their "bad" day, it was as if there were no redeeming qualities. :( Very sad for I know differently...

Those of you who bloom to the top are at great risk of being pruned with whomever is ready to cut you down at the earliest sign of a wilt. Have faith. Everyone should lead by example, but sometimes, when circumstances are what they are, pray that grace is amongst those who know you and love you best. Try to keep your ET in check, be nice and stay on your path of right...:)

Yes 'Eye' Can

104 Sherry S., E2D "Eye Series", Paradise Valley, AZ, 6-8-10

Recently, there was a task at hand that had me grumbling under my breath. "Really, I'm too old to learn something new". Have you been there? You know the spot where you know it's good to be on a edge, but the fear of the experience starts the negative chatter in your brain.

The picture here is my first attempt at photoshop madness with actual layers and backgrounds. For those of you who know of this magical world, you know how crazy I am to be frightened by this new lease on creative energy, but people, I'm scared.

Will I remember the steps to make it right, will I be able to duplicate and use knowledge on a different photo with a different meaning? Here is the answer I hope you all are saying to yourself..."Don't think, just do"! Friends, dive in...go for it and express what you impress. Showcase the baby steps of your brand new skills, what ever they may be. Yes, you can! "Yes, Eye CAN"!!! :)

Recoiled

105 Curled Edged Fern, Picture Taken on Molokai, Hawaii 4-10, 6-7-10

Today the message is, release the stress. Understanding that when you are in the middle of something you wish to recoil from, it's really an opportunity to blossom and get ready for growth.

If you are on the cusp of something dramatic and the aspect of it is too much...Do not recoil. Find strength in a coiled position for purposes of stability and movement of reaching further than you thought possible.

Here's to your growing healthier, stronger and more vibrant!!!

Learning Curve

106 Paradise Valley, AZ 6-6-10

Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. :)

Boo Bear Love

107 Stef, "New Baby-Noah", Teddy Bear, Paradise Valley, AZ 6-5-10

To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly. ~Henri Bergson

The Phoenix

108 Lisa C., Photo&Graphics by E2D, Paradise Valley, AZ 6-4-10

If you have made mistakes there is always another chance. You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing we call "failure" is not the falling down, but the staying down. ~Mary Pickford

Muse Me

109 Mikayla C., Scottsdale, AZ 6-3-10

Muse ~ A poet's inspiring goddess, a poet's genius.

Today the 'Terri Hatcher' wigged goddess is the one pictured here. Beautiful, vibrant and full of life and while the picture is playful and happy...Three days from now, there will be no photo of the hell this adorable woman will be feeling.

This is Mikayla, unafraid as they insert a cup full of "The Red Devil" (Chemotherapy) into her veins via the port just above her left breast. This is Mikayla, laughing and joking with her friends gathered while she drinks in her chemo-cocktail. This is Mikayla, my friend...

She is here, fighting, loving and understanding the realities of cancer...She is here. Please pray for her.

Hidden Purpose

110 Laura M., Part of the 'Femi9' Series, Photos & Graphics by E2D, Paradise Valley, AZ 6-2-10

Even in the deepest sinking there is the hidden purpose of an ultimate rising. Thus it is for all men; from none is the source of light withheld unless he himself withdraws from it. Therefore the most important thing is not to despair. ~Hasidic Saying

Generational Blessings

111 Lisa & Kyha C., Paradise Valley, AZ 6-1-10

Have you ever thought that you won the, "Where, when and who you are born to" Lottery? Seriously, of all the places, people or the era you were birthed into, don't you just feel 'silver spooned'?

If you don't, you should. We are blessed my friends. But, just because you are given certain birth privileges, it doesn't negate the effort it takes to still make your life with meaning and of significance.

Find the experiences that allow you to remember there is always someone less fortunate than you, someone suffering more than you or someone in a greater need than yours and then do what it takes to be an instrument of peace and understanding. Giving when you can, learning where you are, and returning when you should. Generational blessings...pass them on. God made you good! :)