Friday, August 24, 2012

Good News, Bad News

Good News...

I spent an hour or so this afternoon shooting photos of sassy colts and their mommas. I'll post more later, but here's one of my favorites.

(Better news? It might lead to more horse photography gigs!)



Bad News...

My 70 to 300mm Nikor lens won't focus, either in auto or manual.
Dang it.
Guess it's time for a check-up.

But Other Good News...

I finished editing photos from my first "Baby Bump" photo shoot and here are a few of my favorites... (do I really have to pick a photography'niche'? I enjoy them all!)







Monday, August 20, 2012

Life is Good


I've been in Florida for the past two weeks. 

Another family gathering, but under sad circumstances, this time. My husband's father suffered a stroke and passed away a few days later on the 9th. 
We were blessed to be at his side and to be able to stay as long as we did. After praying to find a full time job, I was giving thanks I hadn't found one yet so I didn't have to worry about the time away. 

It was a time of sadness, but also a time of laughter... a gathering of family from all corners of the country. 
Besides two weeks of celebrating Pop's life, Tom and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary, a nephew turned 12, and a brother turned 51. 

Life goes on, and it's good.  I know Pop would agree.

I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich. 
~ Dan Wilcox and Thad Mumford




The last photo I took of Pop, at our family gathering a month ago. 


A few scenes from the past two weeks...




Pop was included in the cribbage games




Sons and a grandson raise a toast to Pop in the Kenneth P. Shallue Honorary Man Cave 
(aka NWA... No Women Allowed)




I spent a morning at the beach, photographing another (younger!) Mr. and Mrs. Tom Shallue who are expecting Pop's fifth great-grandchild very soon!




The Knights of Columbus held vigil over Pop's casket at the visitation service and Rosary




A table for 45, please...




Tom with a few of Pop's brothers and sisters, raising a toast to Pop




Thirty years and still smiling (most of the time)




Nine good men and the woman who raised them, with Pop's help




More cribbage...




...and cousins playing a rowdy game of 3-13




Discovering the wonders of nature





Boy cousins. No other words necessary.




Uncles giving advice in the man-cave...




Happy 12th birthday, Tyler!




Happy 51st birthday, Russ!




Yes. 
Yes, it is.


You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. 
~ Desmond Tutu


(And I'm so grateful for the gift of two beautiful families.)