People – Life, Love & Passion Through the Lens

Arizona January 2022

Landscape, Nature, People, Photography Meanderings, Wildlife

Well it’s been a while since I posted, but life took a turn for the busy. So here is what I have been up to:

Last year in January, I became a Nali (grandmother in Navajo) to a beautiful baby boy. My son and his wife gave me an amazing gift with this little boy as they announced they were pregnant around my birthday in 2020 with his birth being in early 2021. This year I wanted to be there for his first birthday and I took my sister with me (his great aunt). We had a such a wonderful time with family. I must say January and early February is the perfect time to travel to Arizona, it’s cooler and the dessert is always beautiful.

The flight was easy, and on time and without any issues. Still have to mask up, but honestly it’s not too bad. We flew over the Rockies as our first layover was in Denver. Just stunning from up above. Very little turbulence and lots of time to enjoy my sister. It was our first trip together and I know not our last.

Upon arriving, my grandson was a bit shy, but warmed up nicely. I had just seen him in early December and I think he remembered me. When asked where his Nali was, he would point to me and shyly smile. Most of the time was spent with the family at home, but we did take a couple of close to home trips; one was to hike into the San Tan Mountains and another to hopefully see the Salt River Mustangs. The San tan Mountains are beautiful!

As my sister found out, it the desert can be a dangerous place too, She managed to find a supersized sand spur (cactus spine)

Due to his Grandfather having to work on his actual birthday, Jaxson’s party was held on the following Saturday. It was wonderful, lots of really good food, presents, a lot of familymembers and a happy, but tired at the end of the day little boy. He was just so good, never didn’t nap and never fussed because of tiredness.

The day we went to the Salt River was beautiful. I lot warmer and just the perfect day. We had a picnic then went on a hike to enjoy the river and hopefully find the wild Mustangs. Jaxson and his daddy walked across. We didn’t see any horses here, but we saw fresh evidence they had been there earlier.

We decided to drive to where Jim and I saw the horses last year. We could hear them in the distance and didn’t realize we could walk to them. Once we found that out, we were able to get pretty close and I was in my glory! Wild Mustangs up close😍😍

This was such an amazing trip. I hope you enjoyed the bit of commentary and the photos. Until next time, I’ll see you behind the lens.

Update on Life

People, Photography Meanderings

So much has happened in these short three months. I moved to a larger place, I went on a quick girls trip to North Carolina with my best friends, I have been shooting concerts, and events like crazy and I did a maternity shoot.

Let’s start with the move. Back in early December a friend told me that there was a place to rent that was within my budget and much larger than where I was. I went from about 350sq ft to well over 850sq ft. from one tiny bedroom/kitchen living area to two bedrooms and two bathrooms and a large kitchen and living space. Oh, and I’m much closer to my day job. This move took what seemed like forever, it was just me doing the work with the help of a friend with a truck for my “big” stuff. (I didn’t really have that much, just the fact that I had to do it after work, and on my own time was exhausting. Then in the middle of this I had a trip planned to go to North Carolina early February. A trip that had been planned for about nine months or so.

Girls trip to North Carolina February 2020

After returning I finished up my packing and moving and I’m almost settled in……..almost, I still need a couple of pieces of furniture and a washer & dryer. But I really like the space, I had not realized it, but I was in a bit of a funk and moving has lifted me up. I was so grateful for that little mobile home and the timing of when I was having to move, but it was very small and seemed so far away from life.

After this March came roaring in with concerts and events and I’ve been crazy busy, but it’s back to doing what I love. A caveat to the move with the extra bedroom…..I have studio space and I put it to use with some beautiful family/maternity photos. I’m excited on this prospect and the fact that I can do some entertaining.

Life is really wonderful right now, I have a calming space I call home, my photo work is picking up, and I’m just getting back to having adventures.

Stay tuned……..Life as we know it has abruptly changed; update soon.

Road Trips

Architecture, Landscape, People, Personal, Photography Meanderings

Since I was a little girl one of the things I remember were road trips with my mom & dad. We would pile into the family car and my dad would just drive. Living in West Virginia, there were lots of scenic back roads and I would sit in the back and listen to my dad whistle. Long stretches of roads leading to nowhere in particular….

Seems as if in the past few weeks I’ve felt a need to revisit road trip travel and have several times over this past month.

The second weekend I had a trip with my photo group to Gasparilla Island on Boca Grande and photographed the lighthouses. It was a beautiful day.

The following weekend I visited Solomon’s Castle and vivid piece of architecture which came from the imagination of an incredibly talented and eclectic man. His art is whimsical and speaks volumes of the man he was, sadly he passed away several years back, but his home is open to the public for touring along with his private collection of art and pre – 1935 cars. Unfortunately due to his estate, we were not permitted to take photographs of his artwork (I may be able to find some from a past trip when he was still living).

Strolling through the grounds in the Florida heat & humidity, you simply take in the beauty of the land and his gardens, along with the beauty of the structure he built. Photos will never do it justice. The tour is funny, insightful and gives you a glimpse of what life was like for this eccentric junk collector; although to him it was art and not junk. If you live in Florida, this is a must see place, just remember however, they close from August 1 to October 2.

Sunday June 23 was my birthday and I decided to head over to the Avon Park area, hang out with friends at their church and be closer to attend the funeral of one of my cousins. I was able to reconnect with his daughters whom I’ve not seen in at least 50 years. It was such a bittersweet time. Oliver was probably my dad’s best friend along with Oliver’s brother Rich, growing up as kids. They hung out together and played as kids; Daddy was the oldest, however he was also the first to pass almost 36 years ago. Oliver lived to be 91. As a child I remember him being funny and always up to some shenanigans with my father. I know he will be missed.

This past weekend I headed back over to the Avon Park area so the I could participate in the Independent Day musical of a really good friends church. It was wonderful to be able to re-ignite another passion. Music Has been in my life since I was a little girl. My soul was so refreshed.

As you can see I’ve had a busy month traveling taking day and over night trips. It’s been refreshing to just drive the country back road Florida has.

Please enjoy some of my photos.

Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande

Solomon’s Castle, Ona, Florida

Cousins!

Road Trip to Nowhere

A Fresh Look, Nature, People, Photography Meanderings

Today I did something I’ve been wanting to do for awhile now. I took a road trip to nowhere. Well, you are probably thinking “surely you went somewhere?” To answer that it’s a yes and no. Upon leaving the house early this morning I had no set plan on where I was going to what I was going to do, I was just going to drive and see where my wheels took me.

My first stop was a nice little park to explore. Lots of great walking paths consisting of paved paths, boardwalk and natural trails too. I walked three of the loops and left the largest which goes by the river for another day of exploration. I took a few photos and some video in time lapse which is below.

I really didn’t see much in the way of wildlife, but we are almost into summer so most migratory birds are already gone. I had a noisy squirrel and a lot of Five Lined Skinks on the boardwalk portion of the trail.

Next I was off to my next adventure, this is where I simply got into my vehicle and drove. I always joke that all roads lead to Arcadia and so I decided to see if that was true, and yes, it is. I ended up in Arcadia, a cute older town, filled with old churches and homes from another time period. I didn’t stop to take any photos as this was a driving mission.

On my way back I stopped at a little farmer’s market/country store/cafe and grabbed some fresh produce and a bite to eat. Next to the road was a nice Sunflower garden. Who doesn’t like happy Sunflowers these giants were over 6 foot tall.

Sometimes you just need to get into your car go nowhere.

Another Year with Stars on Ice

People, Photography Meanderings

After feeling pretty bad about some shots I took from a couple of concerts, I was estactic to get a response from an email I sent out a few weeks ago regarding the Stars on Ice show here in Fort Myers at the Germain arena. I have been approved to be hired again this year to photograph the promo shot, and to follow them about their day from warm ups to dress rehearsal and the show.

I know I shouldn’t worry, but I do. Was I good enough? Do they want to use me again this year? All the questions I throw at myself in that negative self talk. Well, the email stated they were excited to have me back! Deep breath and a happy dance.

It will be much better this year, I’ll have a lot more confidence in what I’m doing, I will feel more at ease being with these young stars and Olympic medalists and I know what they expect from me. Last year I was quite nervous being around the production team; this year it will feel more like I’m an important part of the show albeit back stage and in the shadows. I’m looking forward to a wonderful day.

Promo-2 — Stars on Ice: Recognize any medalists?

A Whirlwind of a Month

A Fresh Look, Heavy Metal, Nature, People, Photography Meanderings, Wildlife

There are times when life slows down to a snail’s pace and other times I feel as if I can’t catch my breath. This month was one of those times.

I was supposed to have gone to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens with my photo group, but because I had such a late night the Friday before with the Garden Bros. Circus, I woke and decided not to push it. We have a horrible flu epidemic going around and the first thing I don’t want to do is lower my immune system and come down with the flu because I’m stressed and making myself over tired. I also had a large metal concert, RoxStock and I needed to be on my A-game while mentoring a young lady and wanted to give her my best self.

That Sunday found me doing a class on portraiture (always want to add some training to my time behind the camera) and then Sunday afternoon another event Clam Jam. So I cleaned house and just relaxed to some great Mozart instead of going to the gardens.

I had decided a few weeks ago to take the following Monday off because I was offered a behind the scenes tour at Calusa Nature Center with a fairly new photographer friend. It was a wonderful way to end the long weekend. The rest of February was pretty much a blur with concerts and side shoots throughout. I enjoy being busy and I see no let up in March, so keep a look out as I’m trying to also do more writing and sharing with my followers.

I hope you enjoy sharing my adventures as much as I enjoy sharing them. Until next time, get out there and shoot something!

Introducing……

People, Photography Meanderings

A little over a year ago I worked for a gentleman who is incredible with editing video. I asked him if he would want to barter with me; I would photograph him and he would create a video for me.

Our schedules didn’t always jive, so finally the first of the year I had my photographer/videographer son Tommy Owen take some footage of me working. I am happy to announce that it’s complete and it’s wonderful! A huge thank you to Mike Holiday for his beautiful work and to my son Tom for his great video, without either this would not have happened.

Another Year……Memories

Concerts, Landscape, People, Photography Meanderings, Rock

Most of the time I enjoy looking back on my year. However, this year I slacked, a lot, and I have to make some changes. I just didn’t get out as much as I normally do. Even during camping season it seemed it was always interrupted with something I “had” to do. I wasn’t as intentional as I had been the past few years. I didn’t create good content for my Facebook page and actually neglected it. I had something happen that set me off into the “not good enough” thought process, which in turn caused me to purge a lot of unneeded stress in my social media life. But I would go out and take photos and think, “these are not good, what am I doing trying to create good photos when I can’t do it?” I really had to shake that mindset; I am my own worst critic.

Life was disrupted with a move in the middle part of the year and it was during a very stressful time. I’m still trying to adjust. Then, in September we were hit by one of the largest hurricane’s in recent history. Irma totally upset my world, but I came out a whole lot better than many of my friends did and I can tell you I am most grateful for that blessing. Yet, the stress was still there and even guilt that so many lost so much and I didn’t. I can’t explain why it was that way, but it was; again I am so grateful to not have had any damage.

Sometimes life gives you those old lemons and it’s not always easy to make the lemonade. In fact, I have thrown a lot of lemons away because I just could not bring myself to make them work. Ever feel like that?

I’m looking forward to a clean start with 2018, I won’t make promises I can’t keep, but I will put a lot more effort into making it an incredible year personally and professionally.

Here’s a look back on what I did accomplish photographically:

A cute Super Hero

Four homes down from me.

Rod Stewart & Cyndi Lauper

Ted Nugent

Stars on Ice

The Late Chris Cornell, two weeks prior to his death

A wedding profile

Prom 2017

Camping & Superheroes

People, Photography Meanderings

I really have been negligent with my blog. I can only attribute it to pure laziness. I must get out of that mindset and really buckle down. I tell myself it’s because I don’t have any content, which really isn’t true, I have the content, I’m just lazy.

So here goes a new post, and hopefully this will spurn me into doing more writing and shooting.

This past weekend I took a much needed break and went camping. I got to hang out with my youngest son Tommy and we tried some night photography work, but the clouds wouldn’t cooperate so I really didn’t get much. We hung out with a giant snake and I took photos of Tom and he of me.

I also scheduled a portrait photo shoot with one of my favorite little girls. I really don’t take portraits of children often, because they wear me out, mentally & physically, but this little lady is so very special. I have had the privilege of taking photographs of her since she was about six months old and have every 6 months to a year since. She is on the cusp of turning four (December) and honestly you would think as a toddler, she would be all over the place, however around the age of two, I had her complete attention. I alway allow her to dictate when our session is finished (and she has), but she has always given me one hundred percent. I have asked her to pose a certain way and have shown her and she does it…..without question. This weekend was different. I still showed her what I was wanting, but I took it a step further and asked her how she wanted to pose; what I got was just incredible. This child micro-moves like a model. She also uses her eyes, and I just love that about her. Here are a few of her photographs showing her sass and Superhero self!

A cute Super Hero

If you like what you see feel free to visit my Facebook page and give it a like! and follow me on my Social Media sites.

Treasures of Time

People, Photography Meanderings

This past weekend I briefly took a step back in time. I attended a reunion of friends from my youth. As a young girl I attended a Baptist Church and became very active within the youth group. We had a Pastor who loved the youth as well as his entire congregation and we had a youth leadership team who led us, and encouraged us to grow and to seek Jesus, we had a bond that was unshakable. Yes, we would argue and fuss at each other, but we truly loved each other and knew how to say those two little words “I’m sorry” Still today some of my greatest loves have come from this group; my life long best friends, respect for leadership who treated us like their own kids, and a love of the Lord that has grown stronger through time.

I was asked to document the weekend through photographs, which I did with portraits and candid moments, a book will be created from this collection and I look forward to working on that project.

The weekend began on Friday night with an informal gathering, skits, fun, and fellowship, reminiscent from days past. And of course it would not be a Baptist get-together without food, LOTS of food, an entire row of tables full of homemade fare.

We told stories and shared memories and hugged each other, laughed and ate (did I mention we had lots of food?). One of the event organizers created a beautiful slideshow of those who were once a part of us, but have now graduated to heaven. I never made it past the second slide before the tears started, even writing about it gets me choked up.

On Saturday evening, we met at a local restaurant in a private room. Again with stories, laughter, hugs and lots of great food! We gathered with some who could not attend on Friday and caught up with their life. The evening ended with a group photograph and singing. I’m sure the restaurant has never experienced anything like us before.

Sunday we gathered for worship as a group, and were surprised to see our very own Pastor Hammond in attendance. I cannot say enough about this man. He is gracious and loves the Lord. We could not wait to see him and talk to him, many of us ran to greet him before he even sat down. I was one of those, and he greeted me fondly by the nickname he had bestowed upon me years ago………’Trouble’, yes, I cried just hearing him call me that. There is a story behind the nickname, someday I will share that story.

As I sat in the service, I really can’t recall what the current minister was speaking on. My thoughts were encountering past memories, treasures of the mind; and for a time, we were teenagers, Pastor Hammond was up in the pulpit Randy Willett was sitting next to him, Tim Davis was at the Piano and Steve Wright was directing us youth in choir, and for a moment, time briefly stood still. My heart is still full, and my eyes are still leaking with the thoughts of those I love. We all experienced this weekend, those treasures in time.

Until we meet again……continue to let your light shine. “You are the light of the world, like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.” Matthew 5:14

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There are times when life slows down to a snail’s pace and other times I feel as if I can’t catch my breath. This month was one of those times.

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