I ♥ Faces Week 51 - Hilarious Outtakes Photo Challenge

I was so excited when I saw what the photo challenge was this week! This is the first one I'm joining and it's been a funny day looking at the other entries.

Loving random shots and just starting my photography business/hobby, I've had quite a few funny shots pop up. I picked one from a session and the rest are from my personal collection of outtakes.

Personally, I find that the outtake shots are some of the best!

Let's begin, these shots were from a head shot photo shoot that I did for a friend. These were not used, but I love them!


This little grouch is my nephew. This was his third birthday and we had just tied settled him down for a few photos with his buddies and he had enough.
Don't ask why but I can tell you what. No this is not a hairy thumb, this is the back of my uncles head. I found this on my camera after a family wedding and ranked it as my #1 strangest photo.

This is also at a family event. My brother and his sweet dog, Lola. She loves giving kisses and was supposed to be posing with my brother, but darn dogs, they just have a mind of their own. Shucks.

Join in and share your Hilarious Outtakes at I Heart Faces!

Birthday Girl

Today is my cousin Eileen's birthday. The above photo is from a maternity photo session I did with her a couple of months ago. She is about ready to pop now!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, Eileen, my cousin, sister, and friend! I LOVE YOU.

It was a notable day...

Christmas is over, the lights are turned off, stockings are empty and my heart is full.
Christmas day had it's tough moments with my sister not being here and me being sick, but being with my family is the greatest gift. I really do love them.

Christmas Eve is always spent with my mom's side of the family and this includes the one little person that gets all the attention. My nephew, Cristian aka Iron Man aka Avatar aka Green Power Ranger. Use one of these and he will love you forever and may even let you hug him.

Christmas decorating is big in my house. I didn't get any photos (worth posting here) except for this one that I love. This magical village is setup on our built-in library. Something a little disturbing about the baby faced man...

We sk*yped with my sister and her family on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. I had them cluster together for a family photo. haha.

Among the wonderful gifts that I opened on Christmas morning was this furry hat that I loved! I don't usually wear hats, but I keep putting this one on. Makes me feel a little French... and maybe like I'm 12 but I still love it.

This is my Gramms and I on Christmas Day.

The next big anticipated event is going to take place in mid January and I cannot wait! My Niece will be here soon and if it's a natural birth I'll be able to see her come into this world. So excited about this!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and an even BETTER New Year!

Christmas Memories

Christmas is my favorite time of year. Celebrating the birth of the most glorious, magnificent Savior and re-living memories and making new memories with your family that God has blessed you with is what it's all about. The gift giving isn't half bad either...

(Christmas morning at my home)

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU... Isaiah 9:6

Just not gonna happen...

Did you think that was me taking a picture of our beautiful trees? hahaha, uh no. Not me. Reason being, I still haven't gotten around to it. What else is new?

Here are my excuses: Bedridden with a severe case of... the cold? Hmm. Yes it's true. I got a cold and it turned into an infection which turned me into my bed. What bad timing. But no bah humbug here just yet, I got me a bottle full of horse pills antibiotics and I'm on the mend.

I seriously doubt I'll get those holiday home photos up, but if I do manage it I suggest that all you wonderful people that read this blog write a comment. Since I know you are out there... okay so maybe you're not. :) I'd like to think you are.


Merry Christmas and Happy Shopping,



(Photo courtesy of Livia)

Piper II

Her name is Piper II. Piper the 1st never came home since the owners wanted to keep her. I wanted to cry my eyes out at first since I got attached to the her before she came home, but once I saw Piper II I was in love.
:
I thought she was sweet and cuddly. She is in fact, feisty and fearless.
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When I first saw her, I was picking out which puppy I wanted from a litter of five. I immediately picked the runt, Piper I. As we were looking her over in her bed with all the other puppies on the dining room table, I saw a white fluff slowly fall off the table and onto the tile; the noises and sounds from the puppy were petrifying. I won't go into detail on how traumatizing that night was for me, but I came home shaken and had nightmares that night.
:
My older brother, who was with me, called the next day and said that the puppy had died... after I gasped and tried to control myself at work, he laughed and said "just kidding". Hmph. I quickly hung up the phone in his ear. That poor puppy was on my mind and I was sure she would have something wrong with her in the weeks to come.
:
Fast forward 6 weeks: Once I found out that Piper I wasn't coming home with me I was given Piper II. The dog that fell off the table.
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I kept saying, I can't believe I got the dog that fell off the table. She was the last dog I wanted. I thought she would be retarded or some sort of mental issue. But, thank God, she's fine. Maybe a little crazy, but fine. Wheew.
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I said all that to show you these... Introducing my first dog that I can call my own, Piper II

Piper and her big sister (full blooded) Lola

Deb

Have yourself a stressful Christmas

No, Scrooge did not high jack this blog. It's just me, venting to you.

I want to sit down, sip some hot chocolate and just take a deep breath. Sigh.

I'm not sure what it is about this year, but Christmas isn't the same. I look forward to Christmas all.year.long. This week it hit me that I'm just not ready.

I've purchased very few gifts and have not done anything I've wanted to do. I am determined to do the following this weekend and I will squeeze it in no matter what.

Bake goodies to give away
Bake cookies to eat ;)
Snuggle in my parents car with a hot chocolate and look at Christmas lights in Laguna
Send out Christmas Cards (this is a huge iffy)
Go through Starbucks and order a hot chocolate (a must)
Do a blog tour of our Christmas setup at home
Actually POST the blog tour
Send out my sister's Christmas goodies
Finish Christmas shopping (hmm)
Thank the Lord for being my Redeemer (absolute must)
Watch Home Alone 2 (I love it)

Christmas shouldn't be stressful... why do we make it stressful? Just let it come and everything will fall into place. (not really but that sure sounds good.)

Bring it on, Christmas. I'm ready for you!

Happy Stressing and Merry Christmas.

Deb

Photo courtesy of (Jay Birdie)

I ♥ Faces Fix it Friday

ORIGINAL
















I didn't crop since this shot shows great action. Tweaked a few things and like how they came out. If you want to join in the fun, go to - Fix it Friday at I ♥ Faces.

Colorful Edit using PW actions and tweaking it a bit.


Rustic Edit

When I grow up I want to be her...

Okay, so it's a little late for that. The growing up part that is... or is it. Considering I do still have my moments when the crazy 18 year old in me comes out but I quickly draw it back in and act my age. Ha.

Do you know her? No? Well, you are depriving yourself. She is known as the pioneer lady. Married to a cowboy (have I told you I like cowboys? I do.), She cooks with your taste buds in mind and she takes exquisite pictures of anything and everything. AND she loves Nikon. Need I explain more?

I'm sure you're wondering why in the heck I'm talking about the Pioneer Woman like she's the newest celebrity out there or Colin Firth. I find myself turning on my laptop, opening my Explorer (not a Mac girl)and going straight to my favorites and there before me is what I am aiming for - http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/ . Treat yourself to a few minutes on this site and maybe you to will want to grow up to be her... trust me. Her recipes are mouth watering with full photo details and her writing is sarcastically funny.



I think the below is one of her easiest recipes, it doesn't hurt that it consist of chocolate and peanut butter. Two of my favorite combinations. I'm going to throw this one together tomorrow and not share. Okay, so I have to share since once the house smells peanut butter they'll come running.


Now I'm headed off to roam the Pioneer Woman's site do some much needed cleaning.

Deb

*Photos from The Pioneer Woman and Southern Living

All I want for Christmas is...

My brother-in-law has been pulled in full force into the craziness of our family, but I'm sure he didn't expect to find out that we are completely spoiled. Every year around October, I start hounding everyone to get their Christmas list together... this isn't just 'socks, underwear, gift cards...'; our list consist of complete details on what to get and what not to get. We even sometimes go as far as lising what we don't want... no one wants to make someone spend money on something that will be pushed to the back of the closet. I never thought anything of it until I sent my list to my sister and brother-in-law. This is their first Christmas together and he had no clue what he was getting into... After he looked at my list my sister told him in so many words (okay, so I'm really forgetful, but this is how it went down from what I can remember.) "uh... you don't want to see my list then." hahaha.

Here is a little insight to what we (my sister and I) have on our Christmas list. This yearly list goes out to everyone on our email list and copies are made and passed out to anyone that comes into our home. Ha! We're not that bad. The only people that ever get to see these list are blood relatives that actually buy us gifts every year and they too make their own list for us. ;)

Some highlights on my list:

(So you don't get scared off, I'll start small.)

Seaside Letters by Denise Hunter (I must have a book every Christmas)

Persuasion DVD

Flat Screen TV

Bedroom Set ( Must be chocolate brown)

Camera Strap Cover (from Etsy)

Shoes

Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Zoom Nikon Lens (MUST be VR)

I always add a Louis, hoping I'd get it... this year I didn't add it but I still hope.

Not so bad, right? One year I asked for a car and nearly got it! I don't think you're supposed to tell your daughter that you "nearly bought everyone (the "kids") the same car and then came to my senses". That's what my dear dad said.

Now onto my sister's. (Sly Grin)

My sister is the one who taught all those after her how do the list right. She's the one to blame! Wouldn't you know it... her list was so practical this year AND it had kitchen and home items. KITCHEN ITEMS! Not my pre-married sister. AT. ALL.

My sister's list:

Home stuff – Sheets (Queen), Towels, Dining Table décor, accent items, baking pans, toaster, kitchen gadgets, cookbooks, etc.

Shoes She loves her shoes

Digital Camera

Bath Stuff

Perfume

Okay... so you must be thinking that I'm the one that's completely spoiled. But I am telling you the truth... someone has stolen my sister's real list and put this fake one in her place! Kitchen stuff... seriously. When did that happen? :0

I am going to give you a cliche' line - I would rather give than receive. It's cliche, I know. BUT It's so true. There is nothing like seeing that persons face when they open up the thing that you took such care in finding and putting down your hard earned cash for. I would spend all my money on my family and friends if I could.

Now, to make you not think I'm that great and loving person, I am spending a chunk of my families present money on myself. Yep. I am. This is what I'm buying:

She has a name which I will reveal to you once she's safely home... on Monday. Isn't she a cutie?

Update: I found out that the little runt that I've been waiting to bring home for 8 weeks and named may be taken away from me by the owners. Sad day. Praying and keeping my fingers crossed that they change their minds.

Merry Christmas (no Happy Holidays here) and Happy Shopping! ;)

Deb

I ♥ Faces - Fix it Friday

I just stumbled on this site and LOVE it. As you know I am not a trained photographer, but I want to learn as much as I can since I think I think I have a knack for it... just got to learn more as I go. This site is w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l. I am joining in for the first time for Fix it Friday.

I'm sorry to say that I didn't pay attention to the steps I went through to edit this weeks photo since I was in such a rush to just get started. :/ I will be sure and do better next time, but I wanted to share my photos anyway. I took a few minutes and this is what I came up with... I prefer a cleaner look to over edited photos, so here you go. :)

Before Editing in Photoshop CS4


After Editing


Black and White


Check out all the other entries at I ♥ Faces.

Deb

Vintage Christmas

Christmas time brings commercials galore and pretty soon kids start asking for this or that they saw on the TV... I got curious and looked up some vintage ads. I LOVE them, but I must say... we've really come a long way.

(You wouldn't find an ad like this out today)

(All she wanted was a Hoover! Is that love note she's reading? Puzzling)

(I grew up without a TV and any kind of video entertainment, so we played old time radio shows. Every night like clockwork. 9PM sharp. This was one of the commercials that played out on every Jack Benny show.)

(Pre-fondant... this looks gross and I must say, fondant isn't much better.)

(Before the laptop... I'm so glad I don't have to type on one of these.)

I must say, I would trade this crazy world for the old vintage world that used to be... one thing though... must have the Internet! ;)

Deb

Bumble Photography

My Photography blog/website is up! It's not completely done yet, I still need to add a few more links, but the design part is done, thanks to the Design Girl.

Check it out and tell me what you think.

www.bumblephotography.com


Deb

6 months and counting...

6 months ago today my sister left California.

She's been back once for a short visit, very short, and we saw her for her wedding in July, but it's still hard not having her around.

Just last weekend, I laid in bed and pouted for a little bit because the house was so quiet. Sometimes I like it, but then there are those moments when I wish they lived closer.

Email excerpt from today:

....today, the 23rd, is exactly 6 months from the day I left California. I can't believe how the time has flown, yet how much has happened along the way... I just thought I'd remind you that half a year ago Paul and I were headed out the door to a new and exciting adventure! So far, it's been the ride of our life!!!!

6 months can sometimes seem like forever...

Deb

Diary of a mad... little girl

I've always kept a diary. Since I could piece together words, even though no one else could understand them, I would write down my thoughts and feelings.

For some reason family members always gave me diaries or journals (I figure they're the same thing with two different names). When I turned fifteen, my paternal Grandparents (Gramms & Gramps) gave me a diary with a lock and key. When you're fifteen, you need a diary with a lock and key... and if you have two brothers in the house, you needed a safe place to store it. Of course, no matter where I hid it, it would go missing and show up under my brother's bed when his friends were over. *cringe*.


At some point as a little girl I got this diary... my very first.

I wrote down problems such as...

I was scared of two things, one being '... when I go on the pot. That sumthing will bit [bite] my botom.' Okay, first off, who calls the toilet the pot? lol apparently I did.

In reference to a friends diary, 'she told me she had a wrell [real] nice wan [one] But mine is nice too well I better go.'

'I like my mom and I dont like my friend's sayn [saying] bad words and I like my dad.' What a good girl I was! *proud me moment*

'What a day I had, were goging [going] to yereka [Eureka] and I had to pack all buy my self.' What a difficult life I led.

This entry was the kicker that made me want to post this... even now I am laughing and can hear my little girl voice.

This one entry speaks to what I am even today! Jumping from one thing to the next is what I do best. haha.

'Touday I went to church. there was lots of kids and viseters [visitors] We hade Donits and milk. Then we made hands out of mantanel (I have no clue what that is) then we had kids cawier [choir]. We had to sing the cors [chorus] that was kind of in Barisin [embarrassing] alote in Barisin. My mom sher [sure] gets mad when I Dount [don't] miend [mind] sotimes I wish I could go shoping but my mom won't.'

If this interest no one else, I know my family would find this extremely interesting.haha. Walking down memory lane can sometimes be no fun, the past is the past... but looking back can be a real eye opener...

I'm sure that deep thought concerning the 'pot' will come in handy some day. ;)

" just can't do it" and other work related stuff.

Okay... so I tried to take a nice long break, since I was doing that unintentionally anyways, but I'm having blog withdrawals. :/

I've been blogging for too long to say goodbye now and my other blog for my photography is not up yet and I'm not sure when it will be, so I MUST post something here.

So Goodbye is still pending. :-)

::

Today is a big milestone for me... well yesterday was, but officially celebrating today. I have been with my company for 5 (long long long) years. 5 years! Me, the fickle person who can't decide on anything, has kept with something for 5 years. 5 days a week I've seen the same people (well same handful of people). Of course my job has changed and my check has gotten bigger, but I feel like I've been doing the same thing.

First off, let me say, I love my job atmosphere. I really do. The people are good to work with and I've been blessed beyond measure with good boss'.

I just wish, every day, that I could go back to being self employed. Once you have a taste of the freedom of 'bossing' yourself around, nothing quite matches up.

I can honestly say that I don't want to be here another 5 years. If God so wills, I pray that I am full fledged, knee dip in photography by this time next year. I can only hope.

So happy 5 year anniversary to me. God's truly been good to me.

::

Now to my second job/hobby. Photography.

Who would have thought that I'd get so into this? Not me. I.absolutely.love. taking pictures. Especially of people.

I've learned so much over the past couple of weeks and I can't wait to share some of the sessions I've done recently. I'm booked through Christmas! (little girly squeal)

Here's a little sneak peak:

Sigh! This girl is happy.

Deb

Goodbye...

Goodbye blog...

Who likes goodbyes? Not me. And this one is no different.

There is too much going on and I've neglected my poor blog for far too long. I'm not going to cancel it, but just take a break.

To add to my full plate, I am having a Photo blog/site designed and will be on that blog most of the time that I have free. (I'll post that link when it's up)

So long for now...

Deb

Happy Birthday, Catherine

I was born 7 1/2 years after her. She is my only true-blooded sister. My best friend and one of the dearest people to me.

How sweet right? Okay so the truth is we fight like cats and dogs. Seriously. Which makes me appreciate her even more. We are very different in most ways and the same in others. She is out-going and enthusiastic, always the chatter bug and friends with everyone while I'm not that out-going and usually keep to myself since, well, I don't like people that much. lol

My sister, Catherine, as you know, moved to Mississippi to marry her childhood crush and is now living happily ever after in a whole other world that is completely beyond me. A world made up of her and her husband. I've never see her so happy...

I was thinking back to her last birthday and never in a million years would have thought that 2000 miles would be separating us only a year later.

::

Cath,

I wish I was there to celebrate with you, but you'll be here with me in 48 hours! I hope you have the best birthday yet and all your dreams continue to come true!

Love, love and more love!
Deb

Happy Birthday, Dad

Today is my Dad's birthday. I feel like I just wrote a birthday post for him... time is flying by.
We will be celebrating at our favorite Italian restaurant and maybe even adding in a roast... since it comes so easily when celebrating with my dad. haha.

Happpppppy Birthday to my wonderful Dad!

Deb

Randomness

It's 6something in the AM and I have a rare moment of nothing to do but sit and stare at the computer. I woke up from a horrible dream and pooped(Haha! So much for proof reading... that's too funny not to leave. But I popped) myself out of bed. I can sleep after church today. But right now, I am going to sit my behind down and jot down a much needed blog post.

"WHAT!?" I've noticed my hearing is changing... not going! But changing a tad. My mom started losing her hearing when she was twenty-five, which is when I started noticing it. Her tubes (?) fused together, and they say it's irreparable, but we now found out they can probably do surgery. Anyway, we were in the store and I wasn't wearing my glasses (I never do if I'm not driving) and I was squinting and trying to see what "those things are over there". My mom was walking behind my elbow and whispered...

"I'm tired and depressed."

GASP. What? how did I miss this... tired, yes, but depressed!? I stopped suddenly and looked at her...

"what did you say, mom?"

"I said, that's the tire and lube department."

We had a good laugh over this and then a more serious one about getting those darn ears checked!

NEW PUPPY I have put claims on a new girl puppy to be born the end of this year or early January. I am so excited! She is from the same 'parents' as my brother and sister-in-law's dog, Lola, so they will be sisters. Something special about that to me. I will be the one you see walking with my little dog in a stroller or have her all glammed out in cute clothes and bows...of course I may be broke and have to starve, but my puppy-girl will be beautifully decked out. ;)

WALLPAPER FUN I am in the process of removing blue-striped-wallpaper from my bedroom walls. It is hell! I am telling you! I dislike wallpaper and can't imagine why, oh why the previous owners of our home out it all over... okay, so it's really nice wallpaper... but who can live with blue stripes forever. NOT ME.

BAKING I love to cook and bake. It relaxes me and is comforting in some strange way. I made a cake for my boss' birthday. He loves German chocolate cake, I dislike it. Not to gross you out, but the fresh coconut in the frosting makes me think I'm eating little bugs, Andrew* Zimmer*man style. ugh.

I decided that if I was going to eat German chocolate cake I would make it fresh. Night before the birthday, I got lazy and bought German chocolate cake mix. BUT I did do the rest from scratch. It was so gooooooood! Yes, coconut bugs and all.

PRAYER On Wednesday night we had such an incredible service about prayer, intercessory prayer. More than ever it's been on the minds of our church body that prayer is the only thing that's going to get the job done. We fight today more than ever before. We have a world to reach with this incredible news of Jesus' saving grace and love. But we must pray. I'm not talking a little pray before you go to sleep, it's time to be in a committed prayer relationship with God. Be faithful... I have this little card on my desk at home (in front of me now) that says, 'God is only a prayer away'. I bought this when I was struggling with fear and felt like I had nowhere to turn... I saw this little 'sign' and taped right where I can see it as a reminder... He really is just a prayer away.

What a good God He is!

Happy First Day of the Week!

Ths is my 351st post... :)

~*~
Deb

Baby Jigs - Part 2

I mentioned in a previous post that my nephew, Cristian, loves to sing. Some of his favorite songs I have never heard before and he, at three years old, knows the words! He loves the song 'Poker Face' by Lady Ga*ga and it cracks me up every time he sings it. Here is a short video of him...

Purpose

Have you ever had a moment where you stopped in the middle of your busy life and asked, "What am I doing?"?

Purpose. That word has been on my mind for the past few weeks. I feel like I am on a road that leads nowhere. Who am I and how did I get here? Questions have a way of drawing more questions and there are no answers in sight.

If you have no purpose than you have nothing pushing you forward. No goal. I am a firm believer in the fact that God ordains each and every step and avenue in life. For each and every person. Whether they know Him or not. Ultimately His purpose must be fulfilled. He will use anyone or anything to get it done.

Going back to "what am I doing?", I seem to be asking myself that a lot lately. If I'm not working towards God's purpose, what the heck am I doing here? Why am I wasting my time? Serious self examination. Painful, scary and so gut wrenching.

I spent some alone time reading through my notes from the last few services and cried my heart out asking God to take me as I am. ALL my faults and failures, every sin and struggle. Take me as I am and change me so that I can be used for His purpose. Use my weakness for His purpose to strengthen me instead of getting the best of me.

Don't you get tired of doing the same thing, day in and day out with no eternal growth to show for it? I sure do.

I am determined to work towards figuring out God's purpose for ME. And then I am going to do whatever it takes to get THERE. THERE is where He wants me to be and I am the only one that can stop it. Me, myself and I. No one else to blame.

Purpose is the name of game... Do you know what your purpose is?

Baby Jigs

My nephew Cristian has his own taste in music. He's three years old and knows the words to "Poker*Face" and "Apologize". He is adamant about not listening to any other channel but Hip Hop and he knows when Michael Jackson's music comes on... I don't even know the words to the songs he knows... some songs I'd never heard of. Kids now days are growing up WAY too fast!

This was way too cute to not share... haha.



This is one of the songs that my nephew sings and now I know the words too. LOL
MUST watch the kid in the red...


Happy Friday!

- Deb

Bloody Papermate

I went in for routine labs yesterday. I am not paranoid about seeing my blood. No.big.deal. I'm a little paranoid about seeing the needle go in but yesterday seeing my blood made me sick... but I'm so glad I watched...

My lab is in a really swanky part of town so even the labs are new and nice. Each person has their own private cubicle with cushioned chairs. This was going to be a breeze.

Not so. The technician kept saying, "you have little vein"... "baby vein". After digging around he found one that might work. Ten minutes later, and three vials, he realized that this wasn't going to work. The vials were not even 1/2 full so he did what all good technicians do...

Opening up the vials, he poured one from the other to make one full vial of blood. I figured, he's doing this where someone can walk by and see, so I guess it's okay.

I look over and what do I see... the man has a paper*mate pen in one of the vials. He dropped something in there while he was pouring one to the other. Immediately an alert went off. Ink and my blood. Hmm... no.

He finally got some help to fill up one more vial and I whispered to her and the other technician while the first was out of earshot, "Can I ask you something?" They smiled, "sure".

I then asked them if it was a big deal that he opened the vials and stuck a pen in... the looks on their faces was answer enough. They immediately said that they would be retaking my blood.

Good. Done. Get me out of here.

An hour later I walked out of there, weak and disturbed. After being called to a back room with a lead supervisor, I was told that this man would be written up and all these other things that made me hope he wouldn't find out it was me! Oh vey.

My uneventful blood work turned into a drama. I'm sure this man will learn that Paper*mate ink and blood don't mix.