Monday, January 19, 2009

Good-bye

Today we said good-bye to my husband's grandma. She was the last grandparent that my husband and I had left. It was a tough service to attend (of course they all are), but to me it was hard because Granny Velma was so much like my grandmother who has been gone for over 2 years now. It was kind of like it happening all over again.

At Granny's service, the pastor read a poem, to which I was surprised I had never heard before given the number of funerals I've been to in my life. I thought it was so perfect -- at life and death. Hopefully we can all strive to be better people....to be like the Granny Velmas and the Grandma Neumanns.



The Dash
by Linda Ellis

I read of a man, who stood to speak,
at the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone,
from the beginning, to the end.

He noted that first came her date of birth,
and spoke the following date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all,
was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time,
that she spent alive on earth...
and now only those who loved her,
know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own;
the cars... the house... the cash.
What matters is how we live and love,
and how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard...
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough,
to consider what's true and real,
and always try to understand,
the way other people feel.

Be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more,
and love the people in our lives,
like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile,
remembering that this special dash,
may last only a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read,
with your life's actions to rehash,
would you be proud of the things they say,
about how you spent your dash?

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Drum roll please!

On Saturday, I stopped by the Heart of Minnesota Animal Shelter to present the funds raised from the 2008 Holiday Pet Portraits.

I am very proud that we raised $425.00 - and all thanks to YOU out there!

That equals out to roughly:
28 days worth of food
OR
giving 8-9 sick animals a visit to the vet
OR
providing a spay/neuter to 5-6 animals
Just think - it costs over $400.00 to feed the animals - that's not even for a full month! And, that doesn't include the special diet food that some animals need to be on. I'm sure you can see now why it's so important to give to this organization (or others that your heart is with).
Some interesting information I found on the internet (and all sites varied a bit with the stats but pretty much are all very close in details):
CATS
Average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year: 3
Average number of kittens in a feline litter: 4–6
That means in seven years, 1 female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats.
BY FIGURING OUR DONATION WITH THESE STATS,
WE PREVENTED POTENTIALLY 2,352,000 UNWANTED CATS!
DOGS
Average number of litters a fertile dog can produce in one year: 2
Average number of puppies in a canine litter: 6–10
That means in six years, 1 female dog and her offspring can theoretically produce 67,000 dogs.
BY FIGURING OUR DONATION WITH THESE STATS,
WE PREVENTED POTENTIALLY 375,200 UNWANTED DOGS!



Friday, January 16, 2009

Did Hell freeze over?

Wow, it's cold out there! I don't understand why the dogs keep wanting to go outside either. I think it takes me a good 20 minutes to warm up just from opening the door.

I had planned on posting more since the madness of the holidays is over but then Carver (kiddo) was sick, then I was, then Travis (hubby)...not to mention Dodger (dog) has a ruptured ear drum and now Playdoh (dog) is limping. And just moments ago, Carver says his head is cold. Now I realize it is chilly outside, but when he of all people asks to put something on his head, somethings a'brewin'.

Off for now to try to stay warm and will post more soon!

Monday, December 15, 2008

So you think your kids are bad?

Everyone has their own experiences to share when taking their kids to be photographed. It doesn't matter where you bring them .... if they don't want their picture taken - they will make it known. And let me tell you - a photographer's child is probably THE most difficult to photograph. They've been plopped infront of a camera and studio lights more than the average kid - and they're sick of it!

Exhibit 1: The "Look what I can do!" pose
















Exhibit 2: The "I don't want to!" pose















Exhibit 3: The "I don't want to wear this STOOPID hat! Aren't we done yet?" pose



















Exhibit 4: The "I can't take it anymore!" pose

See -- I too have that child who doesn't want their picture taken!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Thought I'd share a recent senior session ... Justin and his family were great to work with. His session was a lot of fun and I've got to hand it to him - he was kind enough to hold his laughter until I was gone, I'm sure. You see, we were at the revamped dam and as it's full of huge rocks. It's a very cool place to photograph -- not the best to manuver -- especially when trying not to drop your camera on the rocks. Well, down I went right on my butt and he didn't laugh (not in my face at least!). It was quite amusing and no cameras were harmed - phew!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Rejoice - Hwy 7 is open!

WHOOO HOOO!!!

Thanks to everyone who came out while 7 was closed. No more detours to get to me - finally!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

The Emmys

Congratulations to our friend Luke who was part of the team from KSTP who won a regional EMMY AWARD for website design! He is so modest and we barely knew about it.

Here's a huge CONGRATULATIONS to you!!

Web Site Design/Usability – Affiliated"Twin Cities Live Website", KSTP-TV, St. Paul, Melissa Sweeney, Senior Graphic Designer, Project Manager, David Arago, Web Developer, Lucas Tordsen, Web Developer, Don Riepe, Web Developer, Amanda Grosser, Executive Producer, Kate Bendell, Project Manager, Curt Cruz, Art Director, Andrea Creech, Marketing Director, Bill Langley, Director, Information Services