More than any other autumn season I've found myself really appreciating the colors and smells of fall. Tonight i saw the most beautiful sunset on my way home from work. If I wasn't stopping at Bed Bath and Beyond to get loads of Keurig coffee, I probably would have darted home to get my camera, and then to the Willows. The Willows is the only place I know close by to get a great view of the sunset over the water.
I've been trying to scope out more portrait locations for my clients. I was stuck in a Lynch Park rut, and wanted to explore all the different parks and recreation areas on the North Shore. I've only made it to a few so far - but have plans to hit more of them as time allows. I made it to Appleton Farms in Ipswich a few weekends ago for a Trash the Dress session. That place is HUGE and though I only walked in about half a mile with my client, I could tell there was LOTS to explore. The red, orange, and yellow leaves are so gorgeous- especially when the light is hitting them just so. Ya know, "magic light", as us photographers like to call it.
Well, just picked my parents up from the airport and I lost my will to write :) That's all for now!! I LOVE THE FALL!!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wahoo!
Every time I open my blog, I am disturbed that the post "bacon explosion" is the last item I felt worthy of blogging about. :) Well, it's been a super busy summer. I've had photo shoots pretty consistently every weekend, and when I haven't had shoots, I've had meetings with videographer Leeann to discuss our destination wedding marketing plans. I'm definitely excited about all the new possibilities. I think I'm going to be VERY busy next year between weddings and portrait sessions! And no plans to quit the day job anytime soon either. Changes to come in that area as well, but I'll know more after I meet with my boss next week.
In other news, just when I thought I couldn't cram any more vacation time into my schedule... Paul and I are going to Sedona in a couple of weeks!! We're very excited. We've been there before with my side of the family, and this time we are going with Paul's parents. They vacationed there last year, and loved it so much they purchased a time share. So lucky us, we get to take advantage of some free lodging! The weather will be beautiful and I'm looking forward to doing some hiking, relaxing, and just enjoying the outdoors! I'm sure I'll have PLENTY of pictures to share when we get back.
Well, that about does it for the superficial news in my life. Sorry for the lack of depth lately... but I usually get overwhelmed when I start thinking about anything I would want to write down!
Peace :)
In other news, just when I thought I couldn't cram any more vacation time into my schedule... Paul and I are going to Sedona in a couple of weeks!! We're very excited. We've been there before with my side of the family, and this time we are going with Paul's parents. They vacationed there last year, and loved it so much they purchased a time share. So lucky us, we get to take advantage of some free lodging! The weather will be beautiful and I'm looking forward to doing some hiking, relaxing, and just enjoying the outdoors! I'm sure I'll have PLENTY of pictures to share when we get back.
Well, that about does it for the superficial news in my life. Sorry for the lack of depth lately... but I usually get overwhelmed when I start thinking about anything I would want to write down!
Peace :)
Friday, July 10, 2009
Bacon Explosion
Apparently Paul was sent this recipe about a year ago:
http://www.bbqaddicts.com/blog/recipes/bacon-explosion/
He forwarded it on to some friends at work, and much to his delight, a co-worker actually made it last week. And the next morning, he brought in the leftovers! Paul was SO excited last week, he even brought some slices home with him from work.
In between last week and this, he had his cholesterol tested, and had great results.
So last night, he finds there are two slices of bacon explosion left in the fridge. Our conversation goes something like this:
Paul "Mmm, I'm going to eat the rest of the bacon explosion"
Amber "That's discusting, it's been there for a week"
Paul "I eat stuff all the time that you won't touch. Milk that you say is already BAD, etc"
Amber "Whatever, that bacon is going straight to your belly"
Paul "Try a bite, c'mon, it's cooking, it will be fine"
Amber "Not a chance, I would never eat that"
Paul "C'mooooooon" (endless)
Amber "The only bacon I'll eat or feed you is turkey bacon. "
Paul "Oh please, I just had my cholesterol tested, and it's GREAT, I can eat all of this I want".
Amber "I feed you turkey bacon so your cholesterol will STAY low"
Paul "I'll eat your disgusting turkey bacon for a thousand years if you take a bite of this"
Amber "I do not negotiate with food terrorists"
http://www.bbqaddicts.com/blog/recipes/bacon-explosion/
He forwarded it on to some friends at work, and much to his delight, a co-worker actually made it last week. And the next morning, he brought in the leftovers! Paul was SO excited last week, he even brought some slices home with him from work.
In between last week and this, he had his cholesterol tested, and had great results.
So last night, he finds there are two slices of bacon explosion left in the fridge. Our conversation goes something like this:
Paul "Mmm, I'm going to eat the rest of the bacon explosion"
Amber "That's discusting, it's been there for a week"
Paul "I eat stuff all the time that you won't touch. Milk that you say is already BAD, etc"
Amber "Whatever, that bacon is going straight to your belly"
Paul "Try a bite, c'mon, it's cooking, it will be fine"
Amber "Not a chance, I would never eat that"
Paul "C'mooooooon" (endless)
Amber "The only bacon I'll eat or feed you is turkey bacon. "
Paul "Oh please, I just had my cholesterol tested, and it's GREAT, I can eat all of this I want".
Amber "I feed you turkey bacon so your cholesterol will STAY low"
Paul "I'll eat your disgusting turkey bacon for a thousand years if you take a bite of this"
Amber "I do not negotiate with food terrorists"
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Yeah
I know, it's been FOREVER since I've blogged. But you know what - it's kinda hard to keep up with facebook, forevercandid, twitter, etc etc etc!! Check out my facebook www.facebook.com/mamber (along with my forevercandid fanpage) to see what's up!
Quickly - shooting a wedding this Sat (woo!). Going to St Thomas for a destination wedding from July 2nd - 6th (double woo!), and senior portrait shoot the Sat after that (woo?). I'll be editing those two weddings, along with another wedding that my sister is shooting, and then the senior photos during the weekdays + the rest of July until a wedding on August 1st. It's going to be busy around here! Oh yeah, there is my actual job, and then house renovation. I'm getting tired just thinking about it all! Ciao.
Oh yeah, currently reading "The Reason for God" by Timothy Keller. In to chapter 5. Maybe I can get it done this week, before the madness ensues. So far I really like it!
Oh yeah again, Kelly and Chris are moving to western PA in August, and my cousins Mary and Adam back to New York near the same time. I knew this would be a year of change (did I reference that in a blog a few months ago?), but so far I've been a little too acurate! But life is good. Paul and I are very happy. Wahoo!
Quickly - shooting a wedding this Sat (woo!). Going to St Thomas for a destination wedding from July 2nd - 6th (double woo!), and senior portrait shoot the Sat after that (woo?). I'll be editing those two weddings, along with another wedding that my sister is shooting, and then the senior photos during the weekdays + the rest of July until a wedding on August 1st. It's going to be busy around here! Oh yeah, there is my actual job, and then house renovation. I'm getting tired just thinking about it all! Ciao.
Oh yeah, currently reading "The Reason for God" by Timothy Keller. In to chapter 5. Maybe I can get it done this week, before the madness ensues. So far I really like it!
Oh yeah again, Kelly and Chris are moving to western PA in August, and my cousins Mary and Adam back to New York near the same time. I knew this would be a year of change (did I reference that in a blog a few months ago?), but so far I've been a little too acurate! But life is good. Paul and I are very happy. Wahoo!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
movie quote
This is completely random, but when I heard the line spoke it just hit me and I felt the need to blog it. This was me 4 years ago. It's amazing for to look back to then and see the difference between me then, and me now. It's amazing how love heals. And I know anyone who's experienced true heartbreak in their life will be able to relate to below on some level as well.
"I understand feeling as small and as insignificant as humanly possible. And how it can actually ache in places you didn't know you had inside you. And it doesn't matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends... you still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong or how you could have misunderstood. And how in the hell for that brief moment you could think that you were that happy. And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he'll see the light and show up at your door. And after all that, however long all that may be, you'll go somewhere new. And you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little pieces of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade." From The Holiday (spoken by Iris played by Kate Winslet)
"I understand feeling as small and as insignificant as humanly possible. And how it can actually ache in places you didn't know you had inside you. And it doesn't matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends... you still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong or how you could have misunderstood. And how in the hell for that brief moment you could think that you were that happy. And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he'll see the light and show up at your door. And after all that, however long all that may be, you'll go somewhere new. And you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little pieces of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade." From The Holiday (spoken by Iris played by Kate Winslet)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Be my guest!
A couple week ago my brother in law convinced me to audition for Into the Woods at Neverland Theatre. I haven't done a show in um 6 years!! But I thought since the timing was perfect (no weddings yet) that it would be fun! So ok, I learned Into the Woods, spend hours upon hours figuring out what cut I would use for my audition etc etc. I was ready to go. So on the audition night I actually had a wedding consult in Tyngsboro at 7pm. I couldn't make it to the audition until the end (around 9pm) so I e-mail the director and let him know. He said that was fine. Long story short I arrived at the audition and noone was there! AAH I was so frustrated. When I got home there was an e-mail saying he had to leave and would let me know if they ever did that show again. WHAT?? All that prep time for nothing?
Well about a week later I got another e-mail from the director saying that despite the good talent that auditioned that night, he just didn't have enough people, and was changing the show to Beauty and the Beast! Oook... so by that time I was over my frustration and decided to audition again! Well it's a few weeks later and last night was my final audition. I have been cast as Mrs Potts! I was not cast because I went in and blew them away with how motherly and old sounding I am (ha). I instead have a long history of playing parts for 10-20yr old girls. But anyway they couldn't find a Mrs Potts and asked if I would consider reading for her if they couldn't find someone more "rotund and older sounding". The call back was last night and after a bit of coaching (and confirmation that I can indeed do a Brittish accent) they apparently decided I can pull it off :)...
So I definitely never thought going into this I'd walk out with a challenging role (I was going to be happy being part of the ensemble). Now I am just hoping I don't have to wear a giant tea pot arm. Just google image search Mrs Potts and you'll see some of the horrible costuming that's out there... eek!
Friday, February 20, 2009
St. Thomas and Mexico!!
Well some exciting news in my world...
I have officially been hired for a destination wedding in St. Thomas!
I have officially been hired for a destination wedding in St. Thomas!
I am extremely excited as you can imagine :) I've been there before, but only on a cruise ship stop - so it will be nice to have a few more days to check out the beautiful island! The wedding is only July 4th. I am flying in with the videographer on July 2nd, and we are going to stay until the 6th so we have an extra day with no wedding activities. This will be a great opportunity for me photographically. I really can't wait to get the bride and groom on the beach!! We will have a blast.
In OTHER news, Paul and I finally bit the bullet (thank you Uncle Sam) and planned a vacation! It's been too long as far as I'm concerned anyway... the last time we went somewhere outside of Greensboro or Maine, was in April '07. A LOT has happened since then and it will be nice to get away for a week. The best part is we are leaving in less than two weeks - March 5th!!
Here I come amazingly warm weather, beautiful beaches, and fantastic Mayan Ruins!! We will be staying in Tulum, which is about an hour south of Cancun, and is where a lot of ruins are. Less touristy than Cancun with the same amazing beaches!
In OTHER news, Paul and I finally bit the bullet (thank you Uncle Sam) and planned a vacation! It's been too long as far as I'm concerned anyway... the last time we went somewhere outside of Greensboro or Maine, was in April '07. A LOT has happened since then and it will be nice to get away for a week. The best part is we are leaving in less than two weeks - March 5th!!
Here I come amazingly warm weather, beautiful beaches, and fantastic Mayan Ruins!! We will be staying in Tulum, which is about an hour south of Cancun, and is where a lot of ruins are. Less touristy than Cancun with the same amazing beaches!
Well, I just wanted to share what's been going on! It's been a while since I had posted, but there is definitely more to come... including the rice & bean dinners I will be coordinating during the Lent season inspired by Angela Austin's blog. :)
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Voice of Truth (Casting Crowns)
I was in the other room, and my new friend Pandora was playing in the other room. A song came on called the Voice of Truth and got my attention so much that I had to drop what I was doing and come bookmark the song. Anyway, I thought since it struck me so much I might as well share! Here are the lyrics:
Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says do not be afraid
And the voice of truth says this is for my glory
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are
What amazing lyrics and so true in my life. When there are so many things pulling me in 20 different directions, Jesus tells us do NOT worry and do NOT be afraid. He is the voice of truth, and I need to pay more attention!
Hope everyone has a great weekend :)
Oh,what I would do to have
the kind of faith it takes
To climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
Into the realm of the unknown
Where Jesus is,
And he's holding out his hand
But the waves are calling out my name
and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
time and time again
"Boy, you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
Oh, what I would do
to have the kind of strength it takes
To stand before a giant
with just a sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound
of a thousand warriors
shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand
But the giant's calling out
my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times
I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
time and time again
"Boy you'll never win,
you'll never win."
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
the voice of truth says "do not be afraid!"
and the voice of truth says "this is for my glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
But the stone was just the right size
to put the giant on the ground
and the waves they don't seem so high
from on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
when I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
singing over me
But the voice of truth tells me a different story
The voice of truth says do not be afraid
And the voice of truth says this is for my glory
Out of all the voices calling out to me (calling out to me)
I will choose to listen and believe (I will choose to listen and believe)
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe the voice of truth
I will listen and believe
'Cause Jesus you are the voice of truth
And I will listen to you.. oh you are
What amazing lyrics and so true in my life. When there are so many things pulling me in 20 different directions, Jesus tells us do NOT worry and do NOT be afraid. He is the voice of truth, and I need to pay more attention!
Hope everyone has a great weekend :)
Friday, January 9, 2009
Thoughts on The Shack
If you've read the book already, this image is already dancing in your mind, bringing back all sorts of memories! No spoilers though, so don't be afraid to read this... :)I first heard of this book while reading someone's blog comments. Didn't think much of it, until I heard someone talking about in the context of "people are sending it back to CBD (Christian Book Distributors) saying it's heresy". Well naturally, that got me curious! As I heard from more and more people about the book (mostly loving it), I decided it was a must. On my way home from Christmas in North Carolina, I picked it up in the airport. They were offering a 50% back deal if you returned it when you got to another airport, but somehow I knew I wouldn't want to give the book up after I was done.
First I'll say, I really loved the book. It wasn't at all what I was expecting (not sure what I WAS expecting). It forces you to use your imagination and think outside the box. I really enjoyed that part about it - kind of an escape from reality of sorts. I took many things from the book but what seems to have laid itself upon my heart the deepest is regarding the nature of God.
I promised I wouldn't spoil the book so I can't really go farther on that thought except to say this: my prayer style has changed. TANGENT WARNING. Suddenly it doesn't feel "right" to ask God for anything. Including everything from the mundane all the way to biggest things we cry out to God for. I feel I need to be more responsible for my own actions and personality. One of my biggest pet peeves (warranted or not) is when people say things like "well how could it be wrong, that's the way God made me". ACK! I truly believe God made us in His perfect image, and then gave us freedom to make our choices, which is where we royally screwed up. The way we ARE is a direct result of not only our choices and actions but fortunatly or unfortunatly the result of our nurturing and generations before us. How does this relate to the book, well, instead of just asking God to change me, I feel I need to ask God to help me be 100% more aware of the Holy Spirit He gave me. He has already given me my answer, the opportunity to change, and it's up to me to use it and make the effort to do so.
Read it!! :) Regardless of it's controversial nature (for the record, I did not find it very controversial. Different yes, controversial? Nah) I think each person will take something entirely different from the book. I think it will indeed be very helpful to anyone who feels the need to get a clearer picture of God. I will probably read it again at some point and definitely recommend it. Maybe later (after the novelty of it has worn a bit) I will write a post with greater detail!
What did others take from the book that have read it?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Another New Year...
The New Year comes with mixed emotions for me. So here is my little attempt at a year-end-review so I can remind myself of everything that happened! 2008 held many events that brought joy to my life...
1) Kelly being "done" with cancer (at least the chemo/radiation/surgery parts).
2) My dad getting super healthy and running the Boston marathon.
3) My sis-in-law Jen Shomo (now Rothacker!) getting married, and being able to photograph her wedding.
4) My best friend Kerrie getting married and being privileged as her matron-of-honor.
5) My kittie!
6) Visiting my mom-mom and finding old pictures of my pappy during WWII. Also seeing some of my cousins for the first time in a very long time..
Other mention worthy moments are Jen & Beth coming to visit in February, and the whole Chewning fam coming up in August. Amy and Drew moving here in Feb (or March?). Re-siding our house (another blog, another time). 5 year college reunion. All my photography endeavors. 4th of July at the Richardson camp & Casey's wedding (seeing the whole fam together). North Conway with Paul for our 3 yr anniversary. Hanging out with Heather and PJ twice when they visited from TN.
And somehow, after all of this.. I still feel like 2008 was lacking on some level! You can see from above that I have many reasons to be joyful, and I certainly am. However "happy" isn't a word that I have found myself using on a regular basis. For the sake of my readers it's certainly best that I don't go into detail here but I will say this: I've found myself less understood than I want to be, less involved than I want to be, and less respected than I want to be. In a lifetime where I am using to being a person who is trusted, loved, and accepted for who I am, I feel like the winds have shifted. Then again, it's only at certain times and in certain places I feel that way, and the majority of people in my life have nothing to do with this!! So sorry for the downer moment - but It's on my mind as I look into a new year. This year holds many possibilities - many of which I am greatly anticipating. My personal resolution is to be less complacent, to take action, to not fear wearing my heart on my sleeve, and to trust God more and more to be the person He has created and called me to be. It is my duty to love and be loved, and in 2009 instead of surviving, I'm going to try thriving.
1) Kelly being "done" with cancer (at least the chemo/radiation/surgery parts).
2) My dad getting super healthy and running the Boston marathon.3) My sis-in-law Jen Shomo (now Rothacker!) getting married, and being able to photograph her wedding.
4) My best friend Kerrie getting married and being privileged as her matron-of-honor.5) My kittie! 6) Visiting my mom-mom and finding old pictures of my pappy during WWII. Also seeing some of my cousins for the first time in a very long time..
Other mention worthy moments are Jen & Beth coming to visit in February, and the whole Chewning fam coming up in August. Amy and Drew moving here in Feb (or March?). Re-siding our house (another blog, another time). 5 year college reunion. All my photography endeavors. 4th of July at the Richardson camp & Casey's wedding (seeing the whole fam together). North Conway with Paul for our 3 yr anniversary. Hanging out with Heather and PJ twice when they visited from TN.
And somehow, after all of this.. I still feel like 2008 was lacking on some level! You can see from above that I have many reasons to be joyful, and I certainly am. However "happy" isn't a word that I have found myself using on a regular basis. For the sake of my readers it's certainly best that I don't go into detail here but I will say this: I've found myself less understood than I want to be, less involved than I want to be, and less respected than I want to be. In a lifetime where I am using to being a person who is trusted, loved, and accepted for who I am, I feel like the winds have shifted. Then again, it's only at certain times and in certain places I feel that way, and the majority of people in my life have nothing to do with this!! So sorry for the downer moment - but It's on my mind as I look into a new year. This year holds many possibilities - many of which I am greatly anticipating. My personal resolution is to be less complacent, to take action, to not fear wearing my heart on my sleeve, and to trust God more and more to be the person He has created and called me to be. It is my duty to love and be loved, and in 2009 instead of surviving, I'm going to try thriving.
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