Changing it up again

After sitting on it for a while, I started to think the brown cover was to subtle for the black and white feature card inside. I tried out this orange and it really popped! It has a metallic finish and feels very professional. Trying to decide on a logo and cover art. I thought this was going to be easier then this???

I'll keep on trying until I get the feel I'm looking for. My goal is to have a branding that is somewhat modern and cutting edge but not too much where it turns the traditionalist off. I think the word would be contemporary with a hint of traditional.

Captivating

That's the word that come to mind when I see this photo of Anthony. Those gorgeous eyes that seems to be piercing right through the viewer. This is a photo I'm adding to my new portfolio that's currently in the works. I thought the B&W turned out pretty cool. The book will be hardbound and made by Blurb. I've used them before for wedding books and like the products they turn out, their prices are pretty reasonable. Can't beat that!

Yearning to play

Scoots favorite spot in the house. A lookout post for him to see the world outside. He's always ready and waiting for a chance to go outside so he can chase the rabbits into the woods.

Self Promo

A new handout/design for my "Cigale" photography business. The idea I have in mind would include this 5x5 enclosed in a square coco brown wallet packet with the outside having an opaque vellum band with my logo embossed in the center. Additional info as well as my business card are included. I finished the piece by enclosing it in a vellum envelope. The photos are presented to showcase some of my work, which include children, teens as well as engagement photoshoots.

Note: white around border is just for posting purposes

Guest room redo

Bits and pieces of my newly decorated guest room.

I'm delighted with how this room turned out. It all happened by happenstance. The original plan was to integrate a steel blue damask fabric and linens from Pottery Barn but when I cast my eyes on the orange pillows at Belks (with a discount), everything changed. I love it with the browns in the room!

Family Snapshot

What a cool photo of our family in the 60's. I've often wondered how Mom did it with the 4 of us and one on the way? She sure had her hands full!

Photo Restoration circa 1938

BEFORE AFTER Photo Restoration of my Mother (Beverly) and her brother Don

My word for 2009

FEEL:

to undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind;

be conscious of a physical, mental, or emotional state;

an intuitive awareness;

undergo passive experience of;

Every year Ali Edwards blogs about finding the word that gives significant meaning for the upcoming year. I love this philosophy and the idea it evokes as I'm for certain not a resolution maker for a new year. I think choosing a word is empowering and meaningful. Giving purpose to what you want more of in your life as each year presents us with new challenges. I posted this comment on her blog this morning. Check out her blog! I'm sure you'll find inspiration in many different forms.

Last year was full of the unknown. My husband suffered a heart attack in August of 08 and needs 4 operations including open heart. We have one surgery completed and 3 more to go in 2009. The doctors also found a mass in his chest cavity that they're trying to diagnose properly. The fear of losing him was all consuming last year and robbing me of my present joy while I have him with me today. My word is FEEL. I don't want to dwell on the "what if' of tomorrow. I want to feel today and what it feels like to have him with me right here and now. With this word as my focus, I believe, I'm better equipped to put the uncertainty aside as I feel (acknowledge) the moments that arise with gratitude. This way I can ensure I won't miss a blessing that could be right around the corner. I need to remember this word as we meet the challenges ahead of us.

Also, I need to remember it's OK to feel sad or want to cry. This does not mean you lack courage or are weak. To feel this way is a natural expression of feeling as well. If I continue to suppress it, as I so very often do, I can miss the opportunities of joy. By embracing it and dealing with it when it arises I acknowledge that I'm human and that all our feeling are valid and integral to our life and our personal expression of how it's felt within. I just hope there is much more peace and laughter as we head into the uncertainty that a new year brings to all of us.

What's you word?