HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Jason!

Just had to post another photo of my cool, little Nano. I’ve been experimenting with photo slideshows and adding video. I watched a bunch of photography podcasts while travelling to and from Ohio, too.

So, now – if your order qualifies for a DVD slideshow, I will also add the same slideshow to your iPod. My Nano is an eight gig and I must warn you, these files aren’t small.

BTW – the Nano is sitting on my Circa Planner from Levenger. This paper-based calendar system is working so well for me. I love being able to punch things like the prayer list from church and add it right into my church notes section. I have a plastic, zip-lock envelope in the front to hold my receipts and coupons. A divider in the back holds my stamps and return address envelopes. Everything seems to be right where I need it now.

My time lapse documentary photos are posted on the right – they record the changes in my backyard as we move to the first day of spring in NW Illinois. Oddly, and unfortunately, there haven’t been ANY changes except to get another 1/2 inch of snow yesterday. Aaacckkk -

I’m going to shoot out the back of my house to note the dramatic changes that will occur over the next month. It gives us hope! Yikes, what a winter we have had in 2008.

He looks older than that, doesn’t he? That’s because he was born 02/29/96 so, this is only the third time he’s had a real birthday. We had a great time celebrating with his friends at the skating rink and also seeing both of their basketball games.

He’s definitely not a little boy any more. Jason is becoming more independent, letting his hair grow, creating his own MySpace page and excelling in most everything he tries. He will always be my fist grandson and hold a special and dear place in my heart.

If you want to see more check out the video at:
Jason is Three

This has simply got to be THEE best part of being a photographer – seeing a newborn in the very first days of his life and capturing some of those fleeting looks. The wrinkly and flaky skin, skinny legs, curled up legs and wispy hair. Add to that two escstatic parents and it’s just beautiful. Meet Jacob at nine days old –

This time the news of the university shooting has struck VERY close to home. DeKalb is located seventy miles from Freeport and many, many residents either attend currently or have graduated from NIU – myself and my son, Andrew, included. When he called me last Thursday with the news at about 3:15 pm we had no idea it was going to be so disastrous. Andrew graduated with a Biology degree and I finished with a degree in Economics so, we are both familiar with the area of Cole Hall.

My heart goes out to the family and friends who spent some uncertain time waiting to hear that their loved ones were safe. It also makes me worry for my daughter who teaches at a law school in Iowa because we see, again, that it can happen any where. We have reinforced our knowledge of emergency procedures at the college where I work but we are still left with unease and worry.

I couldn’t wait to open the box with this sweet little bucket bag in it yesterday. I chose to have a photo on each side and black lining. It’s a heavy, tight lining with a zipper pocket inside and a key fob. It has a snap closure with these jaunty red handles plus four little metal feet. I got it just in time to take it out with me for our Valentine’s dinner at Imperial Palace. Wow, Freeport restaurants were jam-packed last night.

The length of the 20″ handles is just perfect and I could have chosen pink for the lining instead.

This was my surprise Valentine gift from my sweetie this morning. I thought he was getting me a plant! Our iPod is old but, of course, it still works. I have been yearning for a new one that lets me take my photos with me and listen to photography podcasts that are done in video.

I put all of Erin’s birthday photos on it this morning and it hardly used any room at all. I was able to set transitions for the photo slideshow and even add music to it. It’s just too cool!

I’m finally getting some things caught up and it feels SO good. While making this CD for my niece of photos that I shot last June (yes, it was a long time ago) I came across this one of my great niece, Abby Jo. We had a fine time sitting on the stairs of their beautiful home, just chatting and taking some photos. Little girls are such sweet subjects, aren’t they? Aren’t her pouty lips just lucious?

I received a new catalog yesterday from CWD Kids I just love these kid’s clothes but haven’t tried them yet so I can’t attest to the quality. The designs are really colorful and fresh.

Yesterday I had the privilege to meet and photograph some beautiful young people. I was asked to donate to the silent auction part of the Red and White Ball scheduled for next Saturday at the Masonic Temple. It is meant to be a fund raiser to help re-open the Boys and Girls Club. As Teresa and I talked, we came up with a plan to let people know who these kids actually are and what they look like.

So, I met them at the MLK Center which houses the Boys and Girls Club. Everybody showed up on time and looking fine. A few of the kids were a little nervous, but wow, do I love these images of them.

Here’s the link to a slideshow if you want to see a bunch more!

I started following a couple of photographers a few years ago when we were all very active on Two Peas in a Bucket. This is an all-encompassing site for scrapbookers: shopping, message boards, inspiration, etc. Two that I continue to follow as they have transformed into professional photographers are Tara Whitney, Brenda Acuncius and Marie Cox.

I always come across things that pique my interest on Tara Whiteney’s blog. This is from a recent post regarding a YouTube video:

BTW – YouTube is extrememly educational. I have found and watched countless tutorials on photography, lighting, photoshop, etc.