2009: On Becoming a Good Steward...

Senior Saturday!

I had the opportunity this morning to photograph one of the gals I used to serve in Young Women's.  her family is moving to the east coast in a few weeks and her mom called and asked me if I could fit her in...having wanted to photograph this gal for some time, I made room post-haste and it was one of the most wonderful Saturdays I could imagine. 

We went downtown not just for the lovely landscape at Confluence park, but for the Urban setting.  This girl is definitely DEFINITELY urban material.  She's edgy...not in the bad way...just her look...exotic.  She's a lot like I was at her age.  Close to the cuff, friends mainly with guys...once again because she doesn't enjoy girl crap.  A young woman after my own heart.  I will miss seeing her in the halls of church when she moves.  I'll be even more excited to see what amazing things life has in store for her!

Number one question...

that I am asked as a photographer is "how do I take better pictures?"  I don't tire of the question, really.  I had lots of talented friends I used to ask questions like that too all the time...I still do...my questions are more specific now, only because once they were general and I got some great tips. 

I'm also not one to think that if I give away trade secrets I'll put myself out of business.  I believe in what goes around comes around, 10-fold.  So...I thought I would give a couple simple tips here and there to help those at home who want to take better pictures for scrapbooks and home albums. 

Tip #1:  The rule of 3rds.

• Most of us begin photography, casually or whatnot, by taking very centered pictures.  Now, centered pictures have a place, certainly they do.  But if your goal is intereting pictures you have to think a little differently.  In the biz we call it thinking in 3rds, or the "rule of 3rds". 
• If you look through your lens and think of a grid of 9 boxes, 3 rows down, 3 rows across, 3 boxes in each row.  It helps you mentally picture where to put your subject. 
• When you center your photo, you confuse the viewers eye.  It forces us to look at everything in the picture "equally".  Colors might be really nice and vivid, the couple or child might be particularly cute, but when centered it gives everything in the picture the same weight.  Your eye doesn't know what to look at...what you were trying to get me to see.
• When you move your subject to the first "column" or the last "column" instead of the middle my eye is generally drawn to it immediately because you've just put the "weight" on the left or the right.  My eye is going to be drawn right there.  And now I know exactly what you were trying to get me to look at.

This picture is center weighted.  Its a nice picture...but...

 Tell me this isn't more interesting?  Though their heads wind up in the middle, the majority of their body is to left, filiing the bottom third column and row.  Way more interesting, don't you think.  A simple shift of my lens and voila.  A totally more engaging photo! 

I hope that was helpful.  It was a real eye-opener when I started experimenting with that tip.  I couldn't believe how much more I enjoyed my own photography.  Now shooting this way is pretty much second nature!  So - there you go!  Your first tip.  Go put it to good use.  I hear its supposed to be a beautiful day here in the Rockies!

Ever had that feeling...

That there was something you were supposed to do...like tonight, after work...but you can't remember for the life of you?  I know I had a girl's night last week...and dinner with a friend on Wednesday this week...but I don't see anything scheduled for tonight.  Not a thing.  And I have that sneaking suspicion.  Guess I'll find out at some point, eh?  :) 

Nothing earth-shattering to report.  Got the piano tuned.  Can I tell you again how much I LOVE having it in my home.  How much I enjoy sitting at the keys and playing and getting lost and having peace.  My brain focuses solely on the music and that's a nice place to be.  At quiet in my head.  Except for when the kids want to talk to me while playing.  Its the downside of having a great room floor plan.  I so so so would never pick one again.  Everything is right there on top of the other.  Kitchen connected to the eating room connected to the piano connected to the family room.  I am much more traditional and want rooms that are separate.  A big eat-in kitchen, and a formal room for my piano.  Some day.  But not for now.  For now, I know, the house is adequate.  And it will serve us for a few more years.  Kind of like the house of my childhood. 

We moved in in 1976 (August 19 - that's for you Spot)...I graduated high school from that house.  Just like Jake most likely will.  We moved in just before his 5th birthday.  We'll probably be there through Kenzie's graduation.  Shudder.  But there's something to be said for that kind of stability.  The ability to have friends that carry with you.  Who know you.  I still know Kimmy (I'm sure she loves that I call her that still, at 39).  Kim and I met the first day we moved in.  We played hopscotch in the culdesac together.  We went for a walk with her mom and the baby who was in the stroller.  Back when strollers were really bassinets on wheels.  I wanted a stroller.  I wanted a baby.  My parents were, however, done with that part of their lives. 

Kim and I would play and fight and play and fight over the years.  We would find different groups of friends in high school, in junior high, well, truth be told, in grammer school.  But, we'd always stay friends.  And we still talk from time to time.  It would be easier if she were more tech-savvy.  I see her whenever I go back home.  I've known Kim longer than anyone else.  33 years.  3 decades. 

I see Kenzie who met Ryenne when she was 2 1/2.  They share the same friendship.  They pick right up where they left off everytime they are together.  Jake has Eyan.  They met in 3rd grade and refer to each other as "brudder".  Eyan has an open invitation to walk in our home at any given moment.  He's a great kid and like another son to me.  Leaving know would be harder on me in some ways...knowing I'd be separating them from friends like that...I know they'd adjust, but would they still know their "Kimmy's" 30 years from now? 

And Frank and I.  And the Burris' bunch.  I can't imagine not being down the street from our second family.  I could look high and low and never ever ever find another family that fits us that well.  Where there's a best friend for both Frank and I and they happen to be married.  So when we're all together we all talk and laugh for hours.  Our kids are intertwined...just like siblings.  They wrestle, and fight, and love each other.  Its like having had a huge family without the labor paigns!  And I love it.

So - I got from piano to here.  Some days my mind just wanders...and I'm glad I have a place to record it making more room for whatever other thoughts are brewing below the surface!

Show & Tell...

So - though I work in a large law firm, its not all stodgy and stuffy.  We have some pretty hip and cool people working here, like Laura.  One of the attorneys I assist.  I swore I'd never work for a woman.  But Laura, she's like me.  No girl crap.  I adore her.  We are a lot alike.  So - she, like me is an online shopper.  However, she ships the fun stuff to her house.  Where she is not during the day.  She's here.  And things arrive there.  And that makes for a very very long day. 

Yesterday her Kindle2 arrived.  Its really cool.  How do I know?  Because she designated today as show & tell day.  I brought my shoot sac and camera -- forgetting my cool new business cards :( -- and she brought her Kindle.  And I must say.  I now have Kindle2 envy.  Its so amazing.  And the complete works of Shakespeare or Milton or Austen is just like $5.  The COMPLETE works...how can you go wrong with that.  She downloaded the Denver Post today.  No more elbowing your neighbor or recycling or dirty hands...flip flip flip by the push of a button and you too can know how many people fell ill while eating pig parts...seriously...that was news-worthy this morning! 

Anyway -- working for someone like Laura has made the last few months tolerable.  We all know I feel like a caged animal here...not just here...at any job where someone tells me what and when.  But having someone who is as much like a girlfriend as a boss-lady...that makes getting up in the morning just a smidge less painful.

Not a phone-y...

I'm not a big fan of the phone.  I'm just not.  I used to be.  I think I talked so much to Megan when we were both first married that I spent all my desire-minutes to be attached at the ear.  As I always say...I would rather poke needles in my eye!  But there are a few I enjoy bantering with on a more regular occassion.

Rachel because Rach has just always been there with me through everything.  Talking to her on the phone is like being in a room with her.  And that brings me comfort.  I talk to Denise, of course, but she's a lot like me...not much for the phone.  Sometimes we talk long, but often its in short bursts; simply to exchange information...and then there's Alana.  Alana and I banter with the best of them and I find it makes my commute home tolerable.

Yesterday was especially entertaining.  At her expense.  And I only record it here because she already has.  We were talking about a citation she recieved from our HOA for her basketball hoop.  Its one of those moveable ones.  Her driveway is totally sloped so the boys keep it at the curb and play in the street.  Now, they are not a main street, and they are in an enclosed subdivision, so, no worries.  But the HOA said "move it".  She was irritated.  As I always am by the HOA.  I'm not HOA material. 

I grew up in the midwest where we simply respected our neighbors.  If we wanted to put up a fence we talked to Nick next door and generally, Nick would not only agree, but assist.  Not today.  Today we do nothing the HOA doesn't mandate and we talk often as little as possible with the neighbors.  I hate that.  Anyway -- as the discussion went on, Alana was really steamed at what we pay for what little we get.  "$60 is a LOT of money a month and we don't even have a pool!"  "$60 a month?  Alana, its $20/month!?"  "No...its $60."  "Get your coupon book."  "Well, I'll be..."  And then we laughed and laughed and laughed...mostly because it wasn't me!  Turns out...she now doesn't have to pay for 2 years and a quarter.  Not bad...still worth the phone call for me in the end!

Can you stand it?

  Seriously - is this just the MOST precious face?  Mel and I were cracking up when Addison gave us the "lip" yesterday...but I had no idea how very very cute it would be on the record! :)  Just had to share...wouldn't you?

Lucky 13!

Frank and I celebrate our 13th anniversary this year.  Staying with my committment to find things to love about Colorado, we're staying "local" to celebrate.  I just made our reservations at the famed, historic Stanley hotel in Estes Park, Colorado!  The hotel where the Shining was filmed!  Go ahead honey, roll your eyes.  You know you wouldn't have me any other way!  I even registered us for the "ghost" tour!  I'm so excited to have something fun like this to look forward to! 

Non-stop Monday!

Great day...but busy from start to finish!  Started by getting the kiddos off to school and then off to the store to shop for things to keep little ones busy while on a road trip.  Not MY road trip mind you, but a friend who is soon moving to California.  I remember the pain of listening to "DK Donkey Kong" on Jake's Nintendo all the way from Phoenix to Denver.  OMGosh...I thought I would lose my mind.  All the while, Frank was jamming to his tunes in the cab of the Uhaul...just him and Harley the whole way....niiiice.  Of course I'm still bitter...a little. :)

From there it was off to Ann's.  Ann is a talented photographer, though not professional...not yet anyway, she has an eye and I need a second shooter.  Which, mind you, I was explaining to another friend over the phone while I was at the store and it came out sounding like this, "I'm really excited...I think I finally found a second shooter..." mysteriously, my isle was cleared.  Ha.  And I don't even live in Chicago anymore!

Ann and I spent the better part of an hour just chatting and talking some shop.  She's about to purchase the same camera I have and that will work great.  I'm excited to work with her as my biz begins to roll.  And besides...weddings are always more fun when shared with someone else. 

After Ann's it was off to Mel's.  There's someone I haven't seen in forever.  We went to lunch, hung out, I played piano a bit for her.  That was fun.   On my brother's old piano.  I felt short.  Its a tall drink.  And older so the keys are SO much heavier.  I felt exhausted 1/2 way through Canon in D.  But it was fun to play for her.  I used to plink on the keys all the time when I was there, but now I actually play.  Anyway...we got back from lunch and after laying around chatting for a while we did a quick little shoot of Addison.  Missed getting the newborn photos so these are at about 9 weeks.  Cutie pie though.  Super squishy face...love that.  Looks just like the other two!  Its their last, which is bitter sweet for Mel.  But she's enjoying every single moment of this little one since she's the caboose.

Left Mel's around 4:15 to get Kenzie and I decided to take Ryenne with me.  She and Kenzie haven't had a play date in forever.  They were SO excited.  I have always loved watching those two interact.  They've known each other forever.  Literally.  They have no memory where the other wasn't in their life.  And they pick right back up where they left off every single time.  Its sweet.

And now its 8:15.  I'm working to finalize the album I created for the bridal show.  Its loading now, which looks like it'll take a while.  I'm just glad its finished.  Now its just about a back drop and a few rentals from a florist and I'm good to go! :)  Back to the grind tomorrow.  Can I tell you now un-excited I am at the prospect?  {Ugh}.

Sabbath...a good day...and a busy busy Monday ahead...

So - today is the Sabbath.  Sunday.  My favorite.  Quiet, peace, rest, centered.  All the things I love about Sundays.  They're never perfect, but they are perfectly wonderful!  And today was no exception.  I woke early.  So many changes going on right now that my body is just trying to figure it all out.  I was sick there for a bit so I was on steroids.  I have a love-hate with steroids.  They clear my lungs post-haste.  Open them wide like windows on a spring day!  But on the downside...they make me edgy, figdgetty, cranky, and ridden with insomnia.

Experiment #2.  Abilify.  I had my labs done last week and as ordered, began taking Abilify for my bipolar a week ago, tomorrow.  My doc said that for most people it tends to make them sleepy therefore it should be taken at night.  Which I've been doing.  However, he also warned that some people find it revs them up and makes it difficult for them to sleep.  And if that were the case, I shoudl take it during the day.  How will we know?  Trial and error.

So -- I'm not able to sleep.  Not much at all right now.  But I can't tell you what from.  Steroids?  PMS? Abilify?  All I know is I'm ditzy and tired, and I was off balance today.  Like, falling down and leaning to the right off balance.  Hopefully I'll figure it out this week.  I took the Abilify earlier in the evening to see if that helps.  And I have to admit...I'm feeling...well...sleepy.  What do I think overall of the Abilify?  Still too soon to tell.  A week barely gets it in the system.  And truthfully, I'm in an "even" phase.  We're watching to see if I avoid the really, really manic phase I'm due for anytime.  Guess I'll know more in a few weeks.

I worked this morning.  Which I normally avoid on Sundays.  But I have a wedding fair coming in a few weeks and I have a lot of design work to do before hand.  Studio albums to create (which is what I worked on today), new business cards to design, though I did that and price lists Saturday.  I'm excited to have gone through a pretty successful first year arriving at year #2 with a more narrow vision of who I want to be as a studio and how I will get there. 

When I was done playing on the computer, I got ready for Church.  I wrote my tithing check and paused to smile.  I smiled because I feel truly privileged to write a tithe check.  Not just because, so far, Frank and I are fairing well in this crazy economy, but more so because I know the blessings tithing brings.  I could write several blogs on the blessings I've received as a result throughout the years.  But this check was especially precious.  Its the same that I've been writing for a while (since Frank joined the church), so it wasn't the amount or the date on it.  It was just that I acknowledged that the amount is that of our combined increase.  Frank and I.  Its been a while since I really took in the amazing miracle his membership is.  How we sat there through our block today totally on the same page spiritually.  I didn't have to long for him to understand what I believe.  He now does.  And I love him even more through that connection. 

Then at Church, Bro. Telford stopped me to talk about starting Temple preparation classes for Frank.  He and I will be married a second time come April.  April 18th.  We were married the first time civilly ('til death do you part) and this time it will be under the direction of the Priesthood, in the Lord's House, for Time and all Eternity.  I've been trying to get us to these classes for months.  Since Frank made it clear that he was open and ready to going through the Temple.  I was so excited I could just burst.  If it wouldn't have been awkward (for him) I think I would have knocked Ted over with a hug right there during passing period! :)  So - that made it an especially good day.

After Church I came home and threw dinner together for Denise.  She's so funny.  Now that Cal is Bishop, Sunday is a busy, busy day.  And she's the YCL leader at Girl's camp, working from home (full time these last two weeks) and still schlepping around 4 of the 6 kiddos.  All she does with a thankful heart, but this woman is T-I-R-E-D!  And I didn't care if she already had dinner cooked and ready.  The least I could do was make her another meal for later in the week...and that's what I did.  I used to love casseroles.  And I make a mean one, let me tell you.  I can't eat them anymore b/c of the milk.  But I still enjoy giving them to others who appreciate them.  And who better than Dee?

Tomorrow has become exponentially busy.  Again.  One of the gals in the Ward is moving back to California... :( .  Its not like we were good friends, but she lives down the street and she's just the nicest gal.  Its a comfort knowing she was right there.  And her sweet little girls...it will be sad to not see them at church anymore.  Tomorrow is her going away luncheon, which I don't think I'll make.  I'm spending lunch and beyond with Melanie.  First time in MONTHS.  And in the morning I'm meeting with a gal re: photography.  Assisting me with some shoots actually.  My goal for this season is to have 2-3 backup/2nd shooters when I need them.  This gal has an eye and I'm excited to talk with her further.

Before those appointments I have to run and shop straight from dropping off the kids and I HAVE to hit the bank.  Honestly...I'll so need a nap sometime tomorrow and I know one isn't in the cards.  Ugh.  One of these Mondays I just have to stay home, shut off the phone, and pretend I am on vacation! 

Overall...good Sabbath.  Great weekend in general!  Hopefully the weeks will roll by and I'll have more free time before I know it!  Ha -- so not likely...

Girl's night out...

So last night I had the pleasure of a girl's night with "dos Saras" as my husband quipped.  Mostly because we were going for Mexican at my favorite restaurant (Guadalajarah's, which used to be 3 Margueritas, but they lost the name in a legal thing...just an aside) and both gals are named Sara, so Frank was being whitty! 

Anyway -- we hit dinner and chatted and chatted.  We laughed and we got sentimental talking about those that have suffered losses.  We ran into friends from our Ward and got caught in a sudden snow storm.  Not horrible, just a little unexpected. 

We left dinner after a few hours and drove up the hill to the theater.  One of the nicer additions since I've lived here in Castle Rock, having our own theater.  They put in a whole foods and I don't think I'd ever have to leave town again!  We decided on a chick flick, which in the end, would be suitable for both sexes.  We saw, "He's just not that into you."  It was for the most part, good.  The end was great, and a lot of what was in the middle was oh so so true.  And that's why it was funny.  I could see myself and all my girlfriends from high school behaving just as shown.  Too funny.

The only annoying part of the evening was the previews.  We first endured 30 minutes of TELEVISION previews.  I felt like someone had switched on A&E and then walked out of the room with the remote.  No way to turn the channel.  We saw info-mercials for "Motherhood" for "the Beast" and something else.  Suddenly it was 8:30.  Time for the movie...but first another 10 minutes of MOVIE previews.  More like we were visiting ComiCon however.  We saw the "Watchman", "Star Trek", and "Harry Potter".  FINALLY...finally the lights dimmed and the movie started.  From then on it was great.  We laughed and chuckled, and even teared in the end...at least I did.  I love happy endings.  I like closure.  I don't pay for "I wonder whats..." Drives Frank crazy.

It was nice to be out after so many weeks sick.  Nice to have a voice back and be at a point where laughing didn't steal all my air.  It was fun to go out with different gals than usual.  Anytime Dos Saras want to have another night out...I'll be first to the table!