Sassy Dreams Awake

O COME, O COME EMMANUEL

2011-12-18T21:53:00.001-06:00

I know that as this week unfolds some might get caught up in the craziness that can distract from the true meaning of Christmas. May you find peace in the midst of all activities and experience the joy Christmas was intended to bring.

RECENT WORK

2011-12-17T19:35:00.001-06:00

See the full gallery on Posterous

I've had a bit of work this fall. Very grateful to be able to stretch myself creatively.

See the full gallery on Posterous

This talented singer is Rebecca Jordan. Check out her music!
It's been a hectic year and I have already vowed to do better in 2012! For more info as to why my writing has been sparse, check out my personal blog.

I NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE

2011-12-02T22:28:00.001-06:00

I have a yearly tradition of taking photos of my Christmas tree and ornaments. It's a way of documenting the holidays and seeing how much my photos improve from year to year.

It's been a rough year for me emotionally and physically, so as I cruise into Advent on autopilot, it's nice to see I see have some creativity left in me.

See the full gallery on Posterous

A WALK ON LABOR DAY

2011-09-05T19:49:00.001-05:00

I've been feeling better of late. Life is back to as normal as it gets for me. My new meds have left me nauseous and the dry air has kept my allergies irriated but I had wanted to get out and take some photos this weekend.

I went for a walk around the apartment complex to stay close and reconnect with the area around me.

My street was nice and quiet.

This photo illustrates just how desperately most of Texas needs rain. Trees are dying. Yards are drying up. Lakes, streams and ponds are so low.

I found a friend in a patch of flowers. The wind (leftovers from Tropical Storm Lee) was gusting so it made it difficult to get this guy to hold still.

This feather was so blue in the sun and I wanted to illustrate that.

I love taking photos of flowers and I love Lightroom presets.

I was amazed at how much trash litters the sides of the streets here. In the dry grass I found lighters, cigarette butts, napkins, a half eaten hotdog and several broken reflectors. I feel like doing a PSA for not littering and not starting fires in this dry grass with cigarette butts! People are careless. Way too careless.

I walked for about an hour and that felt good. No sunburn (I have my brain back so I remembered my sunscreen) but I'm still sneezing. I don't know what's in the air today (not moisture, that's for sure). It was good to get out and take photos though. Hopefully this is the catalyst for things to come. Time to get snappin'!

TIME TO GET BACK INTO THE GROOVE

2011-07-30T15:14:00.001-05:00

Since I wrote last, I have gone through surgery and radiation therapy to treat my breast cancer. You can read about that journey on my personal blog.

I need to pick up where I left off and steamroll into fall with saturating myself with creative projects, both in writing and photography. I believe those projects will help keep me sane as I endeavor to regain control of my health. Stay tuned for updates!

TAKE A BREATH AND SEE

2011-04-19T19:26:00.003-05:00

The past two weeks have been full of appointments. In the middle of the whirlwind, I stopped by Holy Name Retreat to take a breath and enjoy a bit of nature in the middle of the city. Here's a bit of what I found to help me relax.

The sun was bright, and I didn't get a sunburn. Must not be summer yet.

Though I wasn't feeling particularly lucky at the moment, I thought I'd see if I could find a four-leaf clover.

I was worried for some Who's and for Whoville.
After I walked for a while, I could feel my stress leave my body and I felt better. I love the world I see through my camera.

SUPERMOON

2011-03-20T12:52:00.001-05:00

Despite the cloudcover, I was able to get a few shots of the "Supermoon" last night.

See the full gallery on Posterous

PRAY FOR JAPAN

2011-03-14T22:03:00.001-05:00

Not sure where this originated, but received it via an rss feed of Eugene Cho. It serves as a reminder that, as with Haiti, it will take a long time for hundreds of thousands of people to return to their new normal.

THE REALITY OF VACATIONS

2011-03-12T21:05:00.000-06:00

Just posted about my vacation on my other blog.

CALIFORNIA VACATION

2011-03-12T20:34:00.000-06:00

I have been back about a week from my California vacation. I experienced the extremes of weather and some beautiful scenery. Here is a taste:

Pine Valley, CA

Downtown Los Angeles, CA

Hermosa Beach, CA

Painting in Yak & Yeti, Hermosa Beach, CA

Hermosa Beach, CA

Near Rancho Palo Verde, CA

Hermosa Beach, CA

VIVIAN MAIER, STREET PHOTOGRAPHER

2011-02-06T14:19:00.000-06:00

I stumbled across this photographer recently after becoming obsessed with street photography. Vivian Maier died a couple of years ago, unaware that her photography would become an important thread in the fabric of photography in general. She left behind hundreds of thousands of negatives, prints, and film that were discovered at a storage auction. She never sought notoriety, she was just passionate about taking photographs of the world that surrounded her.

The most inspiring aspect of her photography to me is that each photograph tells a story. While I love doing abstract, nature and fine art photography, portrait/posed photography is probably my least favorite style. Street photography appeals to me because those pictures are "life as it happens," which is my mantra when I take event photography. I pose subjects as little as possible and focus on candid interactions between people.

Today, I saw this video about the man who found her photographs and has taken on the job of restoring and showing her work. As my own style comes into focus, I am so grateful to have discovered Vivian and her legacy. Vivian was a storyteller, and that's what I strive to be with my creative skills.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 29

2011-01-30T14:57:00.000-06:00

White hot.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 27

2011-01-29T22:25:00.000-06:00

Reflection.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 25

2011-01-25T22:36:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I totally missed yesterday. I do think, despite that, this challenge has been very productive. I plan on reducing it slightly to a pic a week after January 31st, but I believe that will be enough.

As I was leaving HEB tonight, this was what I saw. The sky was gorgeous! It was a much needed reminder that the world is a beautiful place and I need to keep pressing on.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 23

2011-01-23T20:44:00.000-06:00

It's a Haikube, not a cheese cube.

Still not sure how many syllables this is, though.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 22

2011-01-23T18:10:00.000-06:00

Birthday activity.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 21

2011-01-22T14:59:00.002-06:00

My neighbor, Mr. Peacock.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 20

2011-01-22T14:56:00.001-06:00

If I have time to take out my camera and take this photo, this light is too long!

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 19

2011-01-19T21:55:00.000-06:00

I looked up and saw the light.

(or, funny things happen in parking lots)

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 18

2011-01-18T20:10:00.000-06:00

Leaves at Dusk

1 pic a day from 68 photos. It's so difficult to choose! So, here are some bonus shots from my dusk shoot. (I love light!)

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 17

2011-01-17T22:13:00.000-06:00

Peek

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 16

2011-01-16T22:28:00.001-06:00

Longing.

I'll admit, I took this last night, and then there were the screws pics, so I saved it for tonight. That's how strong the reaction was to having to stare at this sign for a few minutes, realizing how much I miss being able to eat chicken, that I had to go ahead and share this pic. (sigh)

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 15

2011-01-15T23:12:00.000-06:00

Three people, several boards and some screws later...

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 14

2011-01-14T20:14:00.002-06:00

Newest addiction. May need intervention.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 13

2011-01-13T20:01:00.000-06:00

Dr Pepper. Imperial Sugar style.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 12

2011-01-12T23:06:00.000-06:00

Sunset on a very cold day.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 11

2011-01-11T20:09:00.000-06:00

sundown

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 10

2011-01-11T00:21:00.000-06:00

Tonight's activity. No slight against Auburn, but BCS needs a playoff.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 9

2011-01-09T16:48:00.000-06:00

Seahorse

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 8

2011-01-08T16:02:00.000-06:00

I was thinking about Psalm 23 today and my favorite part of it is, "my cup overflows." I hear many people compare outlooks on life to glass half empty/glass half full, but I prefer to look at life in the perspective that God blesses me more than I could ever fathom.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 7

2011-01-07T23:27:00.000-06:00

I'm taking Christmas decorations down. This is usually a smooth process, but last year, I beheaded an angel. Since all the weight is held by her head, no glue I've tried has been successful in reattaching it.

This year, I amputated Santa's shooting arm.

We'll know next year if surgery was successful.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 6

2011-01-06T19:45:00.001-06:00

My favorite snack.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 5

2011-01-05T22:42:00.000-06:00

Fortune

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 4

2011-01-04T21:58:00.000-06:00

All the Children of the World

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 3

2011-01-03T20:26:00.000-06:00

Dinner.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 2

2011-01-02T18:23:00.000-06:00

I will cut down everything that gets in my way.

I have the tools now.

A PIC A DAY: JANUARY 1

2011-01-01T19:53:00.000-06:00

I've decided that my Pic-A-Day Challenge for January is going to be nothing in particular, just a snapshot of the moment of my month. Sometimes it will just be the pic. Other times, it will have a little explanation.

If I like what direction it's headed, I am going to try it for the year.

JANUARY 1:

I know the Southern food tradition on New Year's Day is black-eyed peas, but I'm partial to the Northern/German tradition of pork (usually bratwurst for me) & sauerkraut.

The Libby's brand is perhaps the best I've tasted. I didn't have to tweak the sauerkraut at all. I warmed it up and it was so good! Very tangy and crisp.

RAINY CHRISTMAS EVE

2010-12-25T01:12:00.001-06:00

Last year it was frigid as I tried to take pictures of Christmas lights. This year, it was very, very wet, with rain still pouring down. Obviously, I was not deterred!

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN

2010-12-25T01:03:00.000-06:00

This was taken the night after the total lunar eclipse on December 21st. If only it had not been overcast. Just think of what I could have seen!

A PHOTO A DAY

2010-12-06T22:07:00.000-06:00

I've been thinking about a photography challenge for myself for next year. I don't do resolutions anymore because January (Suckuary) is just something I charge through and by the time February rolls around, I have lost momentum.

I don't know if taking a photo every day is realistic, but maybe a weekly theme might do. I am taking suggestions and will try to come up with a list.

First, I want a specific challenge for Suckuary. I want to take a photo for 31 days, even if I do not do that for the rest of the year. I need to get that challenge settled first, then February - December.

I will keep you posted. :)

ENJOY THE WEATHER

2010-12-05T00:11:00.002-06:00

Last year on this day, it snowed in Houston. The next day, I went out and took engagement photos in temps in the upper 30's/low 40's.

One year later, it was nearly eighty degrees. A perfect day for a photowalk.

I went out with my camera and my new compact macro lens. At first, I started gathering fall leaves, which, in Houston, peak the first week of December. I had many to choose from, but they were all one shape.

Then, I started walking around the complex, looking for more leaves. I found a few.

Since I was out, I decided to check my mail and I saw some flowers and poinsettia's by the apartment office so I tried my new lens out on those.

I saw some white poinsettia's in the window of the office, so I went in and asked if I could take pictures of it. There was also a white poinsettia in the window by the pool.

For some reason, even though I knew the water would be cold in the pool, it called to me anyway. As usual, water always gives me great shots to take. (Try not to picture me lying down on the concrete poolside hanging sideways over the side as I tried to get these shots).

I had fun getting shots of leaves in the water. This required me to be thankful I do occasional yoga and that I was wearing yoga pants at the time.

I loved this leaf. It reminded me of a butterfly.

Then I gathered more leaves, and then took them back to my apartment for more fun.

All in all, it was a good day of photography for me. The new lens was interesting and I do like it, it will just take some getting used to as I continue to study the best way to get the best shots.

Tomorrow, by the way, it might get to a high of 57 degrees.

I LOVE SHOOTING THINGS I DIDN'T EXPECT TO FIND

2010-10-31T16:56:00.000-05:00

I was at a friend's house, attending an event in their backyard, and they had these lights hanging everywhere. When the sun started to go down, I decided to try and shoot them. I love the contrast and the extraordinary look of such an ordinary thing.

Then, there was the sun against these paper orbs that I couldn't resist.

I also shot some other random objects.

This one, though, just seemed to stick out, just in how simple it is. It reminded me of when I have ideas that I let sit and the cobwebs spring up around it, yet, the idea still glows.

My best photos come from just taking the camera with me everywhere and just seeing what's around that others see as ordinary, and turning them into something extraordinary, even if it is just for me.

PHOTOGRAPHY CHARGES - WHAT YOU ARE REALLY PAYING FOR

2010-08-28T19:59:00.000-05:00

I've been doing quite a bit of research on what to charge for my photography. I finally have good perspective on why a photo session costs so much and why it needs to cost as much. People don't understand that the one hour of actual photo taking really breaks down to several hours of photo prep and photo making.

This article on Caught on Film Photography explains it best. Price is something to consider and perhaps you will reframe your verdict when you want photographs and memories of a higher quality than what Aunt Judy took with her 5 megapixel point and shoot with half your head cut off in the frame from an angle that makes your chin look like a bullfrog's.

No offense to you or Aunt Judy - I know her pics were free. It really boils down to what you want to capture and how much you are willing to pay to capture it.

WHEN YOU LOOK UP

2010-08-07T22:06:00.000-05:00

TRAVELS - FLOWERS

2010-08-07T22:02:00.000-05:00

Tiger Lilies - Cleveland, Ohio

Bridal Bouquet (after a long day)

Rose of Sharon - Huntington, Indiana

Black-Eyed Susans - Huntington, Indiana

Field of Flowers - Huntington, Indiana

Black-Eyed Susans - Huntington, Indiana

Rose of Sharon - Huntington, Indiana

TRAVELS - ARKANSAS

2010-08-07T21:52:00.000-05:00

Arkansas Sunrise

GALVESTON

2010-08-07T21:39:00.000-05:00

I didn't grow up anywhere near the ocean. When I first moved to Houston, I was thrilled to go to Galveston and walk on the beach. All I would hear from people was how "ugly" or "dirty" the beach was. I beg to differ.

Some Sea Offerings

A little guy I hope will grow up to love the ocean as much as I do.

A Shell Lover's Smorgasboard

Sandcastle built by "grownups"

Survivor of Ike

PHOTOWALK - HERMANN PARK

2010-03-28T13:52:00.000-05:00

I have read about many opportunities in other cities to go on a
Photowalk, where photographers of all skill levels get together and walk and take pictures in various scenic areas of their cities. Photographers can share ideas, tips, techniques and get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

That I know of, Houston has yet to have an organized Photowalk, so a few Saturdays ago, my friend Mish and I went to Hermann Park here in Houston to walk around and take photos (and get my first sunburn patch of the year).

Mish has a Nikon that she shoots with and I have a Canon T1i. We started at the botanical gardens by the zoo and were quite pleased, despite our cold winter, to find some flowers had bloomed.

The good part of having a nice telephoto lens is not getting near these little guys (I'm allergic)

There were so many interesting colors.

These flowers reminded me of butterflies.

(Mish and her Nikon!)

Hermann Park has changed in the last few years. They have made a beautiful reflecting pool, and the Japanese garden is very peaceful to walk through. We spent about two hours taking photos of fountains, kids, ducks, turtles, puppies, and families enjoying the cool, sunny day.

I am particularly fascinated with water. Always have been, so I tend to take many shots like these:

All in all, it was a great morning and I had a lot of fun talking with Mish while we shot photos. I hope to do it again soon!

PLAYING WITH FOOD

2010-02-01T22:53:00.000-06:00

Once upon at time, at a place called, "Murphy's" we played with food.

This was before the bandaid was needed.

Yummy salad.

Alcohol was involved.

It was delish!

PLAYING WITH THE CAMERA

2010-02-01T22:46:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday, I decided to play with my camera and some objects I had in the house. This is some of what came of it all.

I now have some Strobist flash gels to play with now, so we will see what comes of that!

HALLIE & STEW

2009-12-19T19:36:00.000-06:00

My friends Hallie & Stew asked me to take some photos for their "Save the Date" card. Here's a sampling of photographs I took and the final Save the Date card.

TIS THE SEASON

2009-12-08T21:49:00.000-06:00

SNOW DAY IN HOUSTON

2009-12-08T21:22:00.000-06:00

It doesn't snow in Houston very often, and never two years in a row! Friday, I awoke to sleet and by the time I got to work, it was snowing. It wasn't until noon that the big flakes started to fall.

PHOTOS COMING SOON!

2009-11-22T19:08:00.001-06:00

I will be posting my photography here.