Today is my 30th day of blogging 30 days straight! Wow, a completed challenge...I'm totally psyched! There is more than one reason to celebrate today...six years ago I had a lumpectomy for breast cancer. A little history...it all happened so fast! Annual mammograms after turning 40. Called back several times over the first few years for second scans...but always told not to worry..."your breast tissue is very dense and hard to read". Then one of those years they sent me over to have a needle biopsy. Again, I'm told not to worry, 75% of these are not cancer...just precaution. So, I didn't worry. 24 hours after the biopsy I got the call that "it" was cancer. Did you know there is 14 different types of breast cancer? I was diagnosed with DCIS stage zero. If you are going to get cancer, I was told this is the one to get...again...luck of the draw I guess. Again, I was blessed, the cancer was in two spots, but close enough to get in one lumpectomy. I followed up surgery with weeks of radiation and have been cancer free since.
Now, second reason to celebrate? I sold a photo to Lupine two years ago...they make dog collars. I just heard today that the photo was published on a recent mailing. I haven't seen it myself, but it's a great feeling. The photo is of five puppies all laying side by side on a sofa sleeping. They all have Lupine collars on, in different colors. Here is another photo from that same session.
Thank you to all of you who have been following me this past month. Please come back and visit often, or request an RSS feed. I will be getting back to posting weekly!
Showing posts with label 30 day blog challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 30 day blog challenge. Show all posts
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Day 28 of 30.Cat Photographer at the Animal Refuge League
Alouette
It's not every week that I share the cat photos I take at the Animal Refuge League on my own blog, but lately I'm scrambling a bit for material, and since I do take cat photos on a weekly basis, so many beautiful cats in need of a home, why not share them?
Monday, May 14, 2012
Teddy the Golden Doodle.Scarborough Dog Photographer
Day 27 of 30.
Teddy was April's lucky winner of my free Dog photo shoot chosen from the entries at the Dog Wash Etc. When you wash your dog at the Dog Wash Etc you can enter to win a free photo shoot for your dog. If you win, we'll meet at the place of your choice and snap some great photos. I then pick my favorite, have it Artiplaq'd and hang it in the Dog Wash for a year. I put all of the other photos up in an online gallery for you to view, share, and purchase if you wish.
Now, about Teddy. He's a 17 month old beautiful golden doodle (that's part golden retriever, part standard poodle). Teddy is pure joy. He loves people, he loves dogs, he loves beach sand, balls, sticks, birds, water, and kids! The world is a big playground to Teddy...and I could have photographed him all day! When he showed up with his person, Debbie, she warned me...photograph him while he's still on his leash...because once the leash comes off it's playtime! She wasn't exaggerating...and guess where Teddy went after the beach? To the Dog Wash!
These photos were taken this past Sunday at beautiful dog friendly Ferry Beach in Scarborough.
Teddy was April's lucky winner of my free Dog photo shoot chosen from the entries at the Dog Wash Etc. When you wash your dog at the Dog Wash Etc you can enter to win a free photo shoot for your dog. If you win, we'll meet at the place of your choice and snap some great photos. I then pick my favorite, have it Artiplaq'd and hang it in the Dog Wash for a year. I put all of the other photos up in an online gallery for you to view, share, and purchase if you wish.
Now, about Teddy. He's a 17 month old beautiful golden doodle (that's part golden retriever, part standard poodle). Teddy is pure joy. He loves people, he loves dogs, he loves beach sand, balls, sticks, birds, water, and kids! The world is a big playground to Teddy...and I could have photographed him all day! When he showed up with his person, Debbie, she warned me...photograph him while he's still on his leash...because once the leash comes off it's playtime! She wasn't exaggerating...and guess where Teddy went after the beach? To the Dog Wash!
These photos were taken this past Sunday at beautiful dog friendly Ferry Beach in Scarborough.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Day 25 of 30.Maine Photographer and Mom Of a WMS band student
Are we all happy with the weather?! I'm writing my post now so I can get out and enjoy some of it!! This morning I drove to OOB to see my son Joshua perform in the Funtown Music Festival. These Westbrook Middle School kids did a great job...and now they are spending the rest of this great day outside playing at Funtown. I'm so greatful for todays weather...what a perfect gift! Here are some of the photos I took this morning. Josh was a bit surprised at the color of the shirts they received for this festival...but he wears it well! ...and yes...flipflop weather has returned!!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Day 24 of 30. Maine Photographer and Mother of Two Boys
Day 24 and today I'm ready to admit...I'M NOT PREPARED! So I'm going to wing it. Today was a great day, but a very busy one. It started with a visit to my Doctor, which I have been seeing pretty much on a monthly basis for manipulation...due to issues with my leg. (I have one a wee bit longer than the other...and my Doctor helps keep me in line...sort of speak)...anyways, it was a scheduled visit, but after yesterday's fall down the steps...it was a blessing to have an appointment waiting for me this morning. When I got up off the table I mumbled something about being sore and his quote was "you will be, I man handled you pretty hard"...that made me smile!
That appointment was at 8 am...and it's now 10:40 pm...I have had a very busy day, got some errands done, did a good volunteer deed, had a great lunch with my hubby, and I'm ready to put this day to bed. Thank you all for your support in this daily challenge I've embarked on...I'm having fun!
Yay...the Lilac's are finally out...and they smell gorgeous!
That appointment was at 8 am...and it's now 10:40 pm...I have had a very busy day, got some errands done, did a good volunteer deed, had a great lunch with my hubby, and I'm ready to put this day to bed. Thank you all for your support in this daily challenge I've embarked on...I'm having fun!
Yay...the Lilac's are finally out...and they smell gorgeous!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Day 23 of 30.Crock Pot Meatloaf
Ouch. I deserve a good cry, and I've already had one today, and just in case anyone else out there needs one, I've got a guaranteed one on the way, should you choose to have one.
This is how my day started.
5:45 my husband wakes me to kiss me goodbye. He's headed off for a days work in Bangor, and reminds me to wake up the boys and drive them to school.
6:05 my alarm goes off. I wake up my youngest to head in the shower.
6:10 I feed both dogs and a cat, and start the coffee.
6:15 I put on my rain boots and raincoat to walk the dogs, but realize it is pouring so hard I will just let them do their business in the back yard and try and squeeze a walk in later.
6:20 towel off the dogs and get back in the house.
6:25 enjoy a bowl of crunchy bran flakes
6:30 enjoy a cup of coffee
6:45 head out the door to drop the boys off at school
6:45:20 slip on the top step
6:45:21 air born
6:45:22 crash down and proceed to hit my lower back, butt, and head on the remaining 5 wet steps.
I completely lost track of time after that.
Both my boys help pick me up. At this very moment I'm wet, embarrassed, and hurting like crazy all over. Someone retrieves my keys for me, they too went air born. I climb into my vehicle and notice a drop of blood on my purse...and spend the next few seconds trying to find what part of my body it sprouted from...no big deal...a bit of a split on my finger and a broken nail. Luckily, our drive is short, and I am soon home again...still wet...still hurting...still embarrassed. I drag my wet self up the stairs, pour myself a hot bath, take two ibuprofen tablets, and proceed to try and improve upon the day. Still quite achy...but yes much improved.
When planning this weeks dinner menu I knew I had to work around two baseball games and a track meet, several scout meetings, and lots of rain. May doesn't usually register to me as a big crock-pot-meal-kinda month...but whatever...as long as I make a plan I can feel good about getting dinner on the table at a reasonable time.
On today's menu, crock pot meatloaf. Everything is put together, and I'm pretty much done with dinner prep already. I might even have time to grab the heating pad and put my feet up for a bit!
This is how my day started.
5:45 my husband wakes me to kiss me goodbye. He's headed off for a days work in Bangor, and reminds me to wake up the boys and drive them to school.
6:05 my alarm goes off. I wake up my youngest to head in the shower.
6:10 I feed both dogs and a cat, and start the coffee.
6:15 I put on my rain boots and raincoat to walk the dogs, but realize it is pouring so hard I will just let them do their business in the back yard and try and squeeze a walk in later.
6:20 towel off the dogs and get back in the house.
6:25 enjoy a bowl of crunchy bran flakes
6:30 enjoy a cup of coffee
6:45 head out the door to drop the boys off at school
6:45:20 slip on the top step
6:45:21 air born
6:45:22 crash down and proceed to hit my lower back, butt, and head on the remaining 5 wet steps.
I completely lost track of time after that.
Both my boys help pick me up. At this very moment I'm wet, embarrassed, and hurting like crazy all over. Someone retrieves my keys for me, they too went air born. I climb into my vehicle and notice a drop of blood on my purse...and spend the next few seconds trying to find what part of my body it sprouted from...no big deal...a bit of a split on my finger and a broken nail. Luckily, our drive is short, and I am soon home again...still wet...still hurting...still embarrassed. I drag my wet self up the stairs, pour myself a hot bath, take two ibuprofen tablets, and proceed to try and improve upon the day. Still quite achy...but yes much improved.
When planning this weeks dinner menu I knew I had to work around two baseball games and a track meet, several scout meetings, and lots of rain. May doesn't usually register to me as a big crock-pot-meal-kinda month...but whatever...as long as I make a plan I can feel good about getting dinner on the table at a reasonable time.
On today's menu, crock pot meatloaf. Everything is put together, and I'm pretty much done with dinner prep already. I might even have time to grab the heating pad and put my feet up for a bit!
Ok, now...about that good cry I promised you.
We all know someone who has suffered enormous tragedy. We all know that we are suppose to live today to it's fullest, because we never know what today has in store for us. OK, first of all, this next part is not about me. I came upon the blog post quite by accident. The post is written by a woman who has her first encounter with a medium/psychic. Now unlike this woman, I do have a strong faith, I do believe in God, and I can't imagine going through the loss of a spouse without my beliefs.
Now, just like I introduced you to Catherine's blog back on day 3, those of you who chose to read it are sharing a family's amazing story of miracles and faith.
The blog post I'm about to share with you, I came across simply because of my love of Bon Jovi. I do not know the person who wrote it, I do not even know the person who shared it. The title just caught my eye, and within minutes I was pulling napkins out of the napkin holder because I didn't want to stop to get up and get a tissue. Needless to say, I had my good cry. I am once again reminded that my day doesn't suck that bad...and I'm eternally grateful for the people who choose to share their personal stories with strangers all over this globe...for they are constant reminders that no matter what storm we may personally be going through, we are not alone.
Here is the post.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Day 21 of 30.Maine Dog Photographer
OK, today I'm getting a little personal...and a bit silly. Today I'm sharing my TV habits.
Ever since I can remember, I have always had a favorite show...one that I watched religiously week after week. Currently I have three favorite shows. Survivor, Grey's Anatomy, and Desperate Housewives. These I call my guilty pleasures. Rarely do I sit in the living room and watch TV with my family, so therefore, when I do, I call it my guilty pleasure. (I should add that I am the only one in the family who watches Desperate Housewives and Grey's...so these two shows I usually watch from the kitchen table while working on my laptop. Survivor...well...that's a different story. That we watch together...and for as long as I can remember. I got hooked, right after season one, when naked Richard took the million. My boss at the time, reserved a conference room for the morning after, so we could all talk about it. I hadn't watched but a few shows, but I was hooked, and talked my husband into watching the repeats with me (yes, season one was rebroadcast weekly in its entirety). So, we do make an effort to watch it together every week, as much as the family schedule allows. Here's one of my blog post from 2008
Now, the reason I watch Desperate Housewives is strictly for the entertainment. There are certain shows I cannot watch. I used to watch ER, but once I had my first child I found that show just freaked me out week after week. Some nights I went to bed with big red puffy eyes and a splitting headache from crying my brains out...so I gave it up...and I gave up others like it too. Grey's is borderline...sometimes I think I will need to give it up...but as long as Patrick Dempsey and the humor stays...so will I.
My all time favorite...to this day...guilty pleasure? Ally McBeal That show was pure entertainment to me. Quirky at it's best. Ally McBeal introduced me to Josh Groban, Barry White, and Vonda Shepard (who I saw in concert this past summer at The Landing in Pine Point...she is AWESOME!!). That is the show where I fell in love with Robert Downey Jr. I remember the disappointment and betrayal I felt when his real life ass was tossed in jail and he was fired from the show. I was so heart broken! Am I normal? I am so grateful today for his sobriety and for his wonderful career. My whole family knows how much I love him, and they have enjoyed accompanying me to the big screen for movies like Ironman and Sherlock Holmes.
So, as random as I've managed to be here, let me share why I was inspired to blog about this tonight. As I had feared...this being sweeps week and all...I must choose which one of my favorite shows I will watch Sunday night. Both Survivor and Desperate Housewives will be airing finales on Sunday night, at the same time. No...I don't DVR...in fact I don't own a DVR...but...I do have my laptop...and I'll be choosing to watch one finale Sunday night with my family, and the other finale from my laptop on Monday. Desperate Housewives has been my quirky fix for 8 years...and now I must find another guilty pleasure.
Ever since I can remember, I have always had a favorite show...one that I watched religiously week after week. Currently I have three favorite shows. Survivor, Grey's Anatomy, and Desperate Housewives. These I call my guilty pleasures. Rarely do I sit in the living room and watch TV with my family, so therefore, when I do, I call it my guilty pleasure. (I should add that I am the only one in the family who watches Desperate Housewives and Grey's...so these two shows I usually watch from the kitchen table while working on my laptop. Survivor...well...that's a different story. That we watch together...and for as long as I can remember. I got hooked, right after season one, when naked Richard took the million. My boss at the time, reserved a conference room for the morning after, so we could all talk about it. I hadn't watched but a few shows, but I was hooked, and talked my husband into watching the repeats with me (yes, season one was rebroadcast weekly in its entirety). So, we do make an effort to watch it together every week, as much as the family schedule allows. Here's one of my blog post from 2008
Now, the reason I watch Desperate Housewives is strictly for the entertainment. There are certain shows I cannot watch. I used to watch ER, but once I had my first child I found that show just freaked me out week after week. Some nights I went to bed with big red puffy eyes and a splitting headache from crying my brains out...so I gave it up...and I gave up others like it too. Grey's is borderline...sometimes I think I will need to give it up...but as long as Patrick Dempsey and the humor stays...so will I.
My all time favorite...to this day...guilty pleasure? Ally McBeal That show was pure entertainment to me. Quirky at it's best. Ally McBeal introduced me to Josh Groban, Barry White, and Vonda Shepard (who I saw in concert this past summer at The Landing in Pine Point...she is AWESOME!!). That is the show where I fell in love with Robert Downey Jr. I remember the disappointment and betrayal I felt when his real life ass was tossed in jail and he was fired from the show. I was so heart broken! Am I normal? I am so grateful today for his sobriety and for his wonderful career. My whole family knows how much I love him, and they have enjoyed accompanying me to the big screen for movies like Ironman and Sherlock Holmes.
So, as random as I've managed to be here, let me share why I was inspired to blog about this tonight. As I had feared...this being sweeps week and all...I must choose which one of my favorite shows I will watch Sunday night. Both Survivor and Desperate Housewives will be airing finales on Sunday night, at the same time. No...I don't DVR...in fact I don't own a DVR...but...I do have my laptop...and I'll be choosing to watch one finale Sunday night with my family, and the other finale from my laptop on Monday. Desperate Housewives has been my quirky fix for 8 years...and now I must find another guilty pleasure.
Monday, May 7, 2012
More Dogs. Maine Dog Photographer
Day 20 of 30. I'm sorry to say I do not know what I will blog about for the next 10 days...but I will give it much thought tomorrow. For tonight I'm just going to pull something from my archives. I love it when someone who likes my work buys a gift certificate for someone else as a gift. I do understand it's not everyone who prioritizes getting their dogs photo taken professionally, but if you know someone who owns a dog, what a great gift to give, one the receiver will cherish forever. Here are two of the photos from sessions I did for someone who received one of my gift certificates for Christmas. Ava and Margarita are the beautiful twosome, and Skipper is the solo little heart breaker.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Super Moon Maine Photographer
Day 19 of 30, in the 30 day self imposed blog challenge.
Those of us who love an excuse to practice our craft had a wonderful opportunity last night with the well advertised "super moon" upon us. I loved that the temps were mild last night also, and I didn't even leave my back yard for this photo. For those of you curious about the settings on my camera, let me first say I took a total of 30 photos. Many of them with great results...but this one ended up being my favorite. My shutter speed was 1/800, my aperature 7.1, my ISO 100, my focal lenghth 270mm. Even though my shutter speed was plenty fast enough I still set my camera up on a tripod and used the self timer mode to reduce camera shake.
Those of us who love an excuse to practice our craft had a wonderful opportunity last night with the well advertised "super moon" upon us. I loved that the temps were mild last night also, and I didn't even leave my back yard for this photo. For those of you curious about the settings on my camera, let me first say I took a total of 30 photos. Many of them with great results...but this one ended up being my favorite. My shutter speed was 1/800, my aperature 7.1, my ISO 100, my focal lenghth 270mm. Even though my shutter speed was plenty fast enough I still set my camera up on a tripod and used the self timer mode to reduce camera shake.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Day 15 Half way to 30.Maine Cat Photographer
I'm half way through my 30 day blog challenge. Thank you to those of you who have let me know you are enjoying it. I've already made myself a new challenge for when this one is over...but that can wait.
Photographing the cats at the Animal Refuge League gives me plenty of material for today's post. Also, if you are interested in being a foster home for baby kittens, please please click on the ARL link to see how you can help. It's that time of year, and there are all kinds of kitten needs...and people needs! So, if staring into lots of those big blue kitten eyes will fill your cup, then there's plenty of cup fillin' happening right now! But for today, here are some of the sweet older kitties looking for a place to call home.
Brittany
Fletcher
Little One
Tiko
Sugar on the right...and Plum on the left
Photographing the cats at the Animal Refuge League gives me plenty of material for today's post. Also, if you are interested in being a foster home for baby kittens, please please click on the ARL link to see how you can help. It's that time of year, and there are all kinds of kitten needs...and people needs! So, if staring into lots of those big blue kitten eyes will fill your cup, then there's plenty of cup fillin' happening right now! But for today, here are some of the sweet older kitties looking for a place to call home.

Little One
Sugar on the right...and Plum on the left
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