M Is For Me!

"M is for me!"

I entered this back to school photo in I Heart Faces  photo contest.  http://www.iheartfaces.com/2011/09/photo-challenge-school/

This photo was entered into the I Heart Faces photo challenge – www.iheartfaces.com

Back 2 School

Back to school.  Three words that excite almost any grade schooler, is dreaded by most older kids, and yearned for by many a parent. The sharp sting of early morning fall air at the bus stop; new clothes just waiting to be worn; school supplies crammed into a brand new backpack: all the signs of a new exciting school year about to begin.

I know two little girls who were so ready for school to start they were more than happy to 'play teacher' for me and try out their new outfits.  I had a great time watching these two sisters teach each other, color and cut out paper, and ride the imaginary bus in the old bus seat. It almost made me wish I was going back to school!

Caution: Laughter Causes Squinting


"But you're laughing, you can't keep your eyes open when you're laughing!" I responded when Jenn cheerfully scolded herself when she couldn't keep her eyes open, even in the shade. Laughter causes squinting. 
We had a great time sending the kids running through the hay field, knocking down their future allowance money. But they were having fun! I loved the "God fingers" of light that poked through the clouds, and when I delivered Jenn's order, those same incredible clouds and light rays were there again! Talk about living under some awesome skies... (and I just live down the road!!)
Getting 'Kenzie to smile was more difficult than usual since braces were now prevalent. We finally broke through and got silver to show... it's just part of where she is right now. And she has a great smile, regardless of the shine. :) 

I loved catching the moment between Russ and Jenn as they waited for me to get my light set up, although Russ had snuck away for a phone call and returned wearing his shades... it just makes him look cool !

 Every family needs a 'funny picture'... and mom's are always usually involved....

 And yes, horses were involved too...

No Photo-shopping Cows

It's always fun to take pictures of people in like environments of your own.  I recently photographed a family who is connected with us only Kevin Bacon could truly appreciate! Mike, father/husband works with my husband and is cousin to our best-est neighbors over across the road. Chelane, mother/wife is the sister of another co-worker. And, they live on the same road just down a mile or so. Yes, we live in a small world, I mean town. Like us, they have (more) cows, horses, work...  hee hee. There's always something to do around your place where large animals are concerned. Oh, I'm digressing, sorry.  Back to the pictures...  we took them around the pasture, including a cow or two. In fact, my husband said "How did you get the cow to look like that in the picture?"   (this from a cow man)  me- "huh? what do you mean?"  the hubs " Did you put her in the picture like that?" me-" She was standing there.... obviously she wanted in the picture."  No photo-shopping cows.....

The kids

This pic wasn't one of Mike's favorites because he was looking away. Chelane's response "But I like it. I look good !!"  If Mama's happy.....

The kids' pony even got in on some of the action. Isn't he just too cute?! What we do to the animals we love..

Mike's only comment while shooting in this pasture was "Can you photo shop out the black cow?"  He has all red but one, which was standing behind them.  What is it with photo-shopping cows??

Do you hear the beat?

Sometimes you just have to march to the beat of your own drum. Or guitar. Or camp songs... whatever works to get your feet moving! I had a fun idea I expressed to my daughter, who in her creativity ran with it. My idea was to have a stylized shoot with my vintage red radio, a couple other instruments and allow the girls to just 'dance like nobody was watching'. They did. They had some refreshments, some laughs, a little dancing and singing, and a lot of fun. And I got to capture girls just having fun....

The Seven Gables Pensione B&B

I love old houses. The history and architecture. The detail of old doorknobs, old glass windows, the way an old house just wraps it's history and warmth around you. Last week I had fun shooting a B&B in Prosser, The Seven Gables Pensione House. It's been one of my favorite houses in Prosser since we moved here almost 8 years ago, and I was so excited to see the newly refurbished interior ready for guests.

A friend of mine, Mary Hanlon painted furniture and painted and distressed the kitchen cabinets. It turned out beautiful! Enjoy this French country B&B in our little wine country.

Mary's handiwork:

Main floor bedrooms. Each bedroom has its own bathroom.

Upstairs

Full independent bath with claw foot tub.