Ida Lee's Birthday

Last year, I missed Ida Lee's 90th birthday celebration. I had a wedding to photograph. Because my job is conducted prominently on Saturdays, (not very many of you want to get married on a Wednesday, even though I usually have that evening free...hee hee) I miss out on a lot of family gatherings. It's sad, really, because when theis family gets together, it's FUN. Lots of FUN. It was a reat treat this year to be there and share in the excitement of another year with Ida Lee!

Her brother DJ and his wife, Nell were there. That made the evening especially nice. And we all helped with the meal, even though David had the hard part. RIBS. They were soooo good. The kids, (Kalyn, Summer, Dalton and Kate) had a wonderful time playing together, so that freed up the parents to really enjoy each other. Enjoy the wine, the food and the fellowship.

F U N

After the dinner, Ida Lee shared her favorite cable program with us., Big Joe's Polka. I'm not kidding. Apparently twice a week you can tune into Big Joe and all the Polka bands he features. Apparently this is a BIG hit in the upper Midwest. NOT that there is a thing wrong with it! The music is lively, and "hoppy" and the outfits the dancers were are soooo much fun to make fun of, Elizabeth and I had a grand time, doing just that. It was better than an Adam Sandler movie for me, and I'm sure he would have had a field day on this. But to see Ida Lee enjoy it and even get up and dance a few, well, that just made Big Joe dear to my heart, for a lifetime. Thanks Joe.

Wanted to share a few photographs with you. Family is so important that please, no matter how tired you are, no matter how much wine you've had to drink with your in-laws, please photograph these moments! You will love having the memories to look at one down the road.

If you would like to see the rest of the "party pics", just click HERE.

mini session with my girls

I've been itching to shoot. My 20d, which is my main camera is in the shop and I'm stuck with my old 10d, which is YUCH compared to the former, but I'm managing. I gave a quickie interview to www.bludomain.com for a blurb about "Photographer of the Day" and I mentioned that I like to sleep with my 85 lens. Well, mentioning that made me yearn, literaly YEARN in my loins, to shoot wide open with beautiful light. My living room has huge floor to ceiling windows that point south, which all natural light lovers know, is prime lighting. These are what I managed to squeeze off in 20 minutes or so, of my girls and of course our dog, Canon. If you are on the floor you are in his world. His domain. So, lots of lickey kisses.

You can read my online interview HERE. Scroll down to the bottom for "all about me". Excuse the spelling mistakes. I honestly thought they would edit them. Seriously...and some aren't even mine. Such is life and this only points to my motto that used to be a screen saver on my main PC...if you want something done, do it yourself. Should have used that in the interview, huh?

lonestar in roundrock, tx

We were in the Austin area over the weekend. Kalyn had a soccer tournament and we made the trek with Devin's parents in their van. Can you say Gilmore Girls? Great way to spend 4-6 hours. Especially if you have headphones and the guys don't have to hear.

Lonestar didn't play very well, and we didn't place in the tournament. A first for our little team. Kinda depressing. But a life lesson all the same. Kalyn handled it pretty well, and despite a bruised foot and some stuffy nose problems, managed to have a fun weekend. I did too.

Here's some highlights and you can find more photographs HERE.

bring me a rose

Meet Father James.

I had the pleasure of spending my Tuesday morning with Father at his home in Mercy Center. Busy fellow by body and spirit, he's always planning his next project, which usually involves some dirt and hard labor. He's never one to shy away from the work zone.

Father was a priest in my parish, St. Joseph for several years before he retired, and he's always soft spoken and exemplifies such a kind spirit. In photography, we look for male models with angular faces and square jaws. Bold masculine faces that jump out at you make you feel a sense of strength. That was not Father's face one bit. As he told me, "my mother gave it to me", when I inquired about his blue eyes and round face. It's a soft spirit that surrounds you the second you are in his presence. And you are simply happy.

I know he doesn't have time for "blogs" and keeping up with my whereabouts, but I know friends of his that do. So, to you'all, please thank Father when you see him. Give him a hug and tell him I enjoyed his blue eyes. But most of all, tell him thank you for the song. It's always my favorite when he sings it.

lonestar 94 in roundrock, texas

We were in the Austin area over the weekend. Kalyn had a soccer tournament and we made the trek with Devin's parents in their van. Can you say Gilmore Girls? Great way to spend 4-6 hours. Especially if you have headphones and the guys don't have to hear.

Lonestar didn't play very well, and we didn't place in the tournament. A first for our little team. Kinda depressing. But a life lesson all the same. Kalyn handled it pretty well, and despite a bruised foot and some stuffy nose problems, managed to have a fun weekend. I did too.

Here's some highlights and you can find more photographs HERE.