Swim Time :)

Summer in Texas is HOT and there is nothing like a little dip in the pool to cool things off. While attending a work meeting in San Marcos, Hallie and I decided to do just that. I continue to expose her to the water hoping she will develop as great of an affection for it as I have. Most of our time at the pool, however, was spent chasing the little "toot" around the perimeter all the while struggling to keep up. All and all, we had a fun time and I do have to admit Hallie looks much better in her swimsuit than I do in mine!

Momma Shell and Po-Po's

There is nothing like a relaxing holiday weekend with friends and family. More and more I am finding out that now-a-days those rare occasions tend to be away from the piles of laundry, dusty floors and explosions of Hallie toys that constantly await at my house. It is a vicious cycle of chores and I just can't seem to relax unless I escape it all. Thus Hallie and I headed to my parents house in Graham for the weekend while Cody attended his annual river fishing trip with the guys. I love Momma Shell in Po-Po's house simply because it is not my house and I am not constantly "working". Hallie loves Momma Shell and Po-Po's house because she gets to do whatever she wants. All and all, it was a fun filled weekend and truly, "there is no place like home".

The Trail to Santa Fe...

A couple of weeks ago, Cody and I were fortunate enough to attend the most amazing wedding for one of my most favorite people in the world, Marka. Lucky for us, the destination happened to be the enchanting, but quirky city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. I have to say, it was fabulous and all I had expected. It is quite a melting pot of cultures, art, cuisine and libations. The ceremony and reception were perfect and could not have been more picturesque. The bride was of course radiant and simply gorgeous to say the least. I made a decision that evening, however, to kick back, relax and let the professional take all the wedding photographs. I certainly had plenty of time to capture the details of downtown Santa Fe in the days that led up to the big event. I can truly say I had a blast taking pictures...walking around by myself, at my own pace while my husband was equally happy fly fishing. Also, one of the more exciting aspects of this post, is the fact that I have not mastered, but began exploring PSE actions. It has opened up a whole new world of photo editing for me and I can't wait to continue exploring.

Down the Road

Last weekend, while on the way back from our weekend adventure in Santa Fe, I spotted this incredibly photograph-able vintage sign right off the road.  We were traveling Highway 285 South and let me just mention that New Mexico might be "The Land of Enchantment", but this particular portion of New Mexico was less than enchanting.  Never mind the fact that I was suffering extreme exhaustion and a slightly more than slight hangover.  Somehow I persuaded Cody to pull over for just long enough to snap this picture.  To some it might not seem like much, but the more I look at it the more I love it.  The colors are vivid and fabulous while it sports just enough "vintage" to add visual interest.  The exposure is spot on.  A few slight edits in PSE 10 and voila!  Most importantly, for me, it proves that my pictures continue to improve.  I have managed to make it another mile down the long, winding road of digital photography.

 

The San Antonio Woods

Despite an unconfirmed illness, time crunch and extreme fatigue, a couple of weekends ago I managed get a little time off and travel to San Antonio for a photography class I had been looking forward to for some time.  For a country girl, the city brings opportunity and excitement.  I am always overwhelmed with what to eat and where to shop during my short visit to civilization.  However, along with the excitement comes traffic, parking, lines and of course loads of people...all less than ideal for an impatient, bad driving individual in a very long pick-up with a standard transmission.

The best thing about San Antonio, I have to say, is the Woods.  The "San Antonio Woods" that is.  They always welcome me with open arms and I truly always look forward to my stay.  After my photography class, I was literally "chomping at the bit" to get out and snap some shots using my newly acquired knowledge.  Fortunately it was a beautiful day and the "San Antonio Woods" were looking for a reason to "Christen" their brand new pool...so that is just what we did.

Hoppy Easter!

Spring is such a busy time a year and it seems as this spring has been an especially busy one.  Because West Texas is still in an extreme drought, we decided to take Hallie to the Brewster County Courthouse lawn to hunt Easter eggs after church...it is one of the only places I have seen with semi-green grass.  I also wanted to attempt a few pictures of her in her Easter dress since most of the time now-a-days she resembles "Pigpen" from the Charlie Brown cartoons.  Most pictures ended up being mere snapshots rather than portraits, but I did manage to capture a few.    

The Perfect Model

Every spring, like little children on Christmas morning, my sister and I anticipate our annual photo shoot. It's a time for us to dress in our wildest couture and attempt to imitate the pages of a high fashion magazine. It's a time for us to bond as sisters, be silly, creative and usually end up having "words" with each other before it's all over...just for old times sake. This year I was even more so excited than usual as I was eager to put to use my last few months of sporadic photography study. I have to say the results were all I was hoping for and more! I learned a lot about lighting and feel like my photographs and editing skills continue to improve. Best of all, I have the perfect model who naturally I don't mind bossing around just a bit to get the shot. Not only that, she is one of the most beautiful people that I know both inside and out. How lucky I am to have the best sister in the world!