Blue skies

It has been an exceptionally rainy fall. I am missing blue skies and sunshine, and especially the green of the fields and of springtime and early summer in Iowa. I am looking at these photographs and feeling more homesick than ever. Dad, this one is for you. This photo makes me think of you and the lessons you taught me.

drifting

Yesterday, for the first time in a long time, I unplugged. Laura and I went hiking at a local nature reserve, packed our lunches, and spent some amazing time outside. I am glad I brought my Nikon along. I caught a few shots that show you how tranquil and perfect a September day it was. Now, the crazy week lies ahead! Wish me luck with all the rehearsals!

missing this place

The picture of beauty...newness...and color. This is a peaceful place in this photograph...a place full of memories of a really awesome childhood. I wish my adult life could take place there, too. I have been having a good time being back at it in Bloomington, but when I look at this picture, I miss the peace of this place.

Kat

I like taking photographing babies. This one is such a cutie...my sister-in-law's niece. She had such a sweet personality, and she was SO cute! I wish I could have even more opportunities to photograph children.

made for walking

Though I miss home, it has been a lot of fun being back in Bloomington and spending time with friends. I am blessed with some beautiful ones. This photo is one I took last spring when Laura and Sarah and Joni were willing to pose for some shots for me. Sarah's boots are fierce...and so I I couldn't help but give them some extra attention.

shameless

I was just thinking to myself, 'I shouldn't blog two pictures of my adorable niece in a row,' but you know what? It's my blog. And my sweet little Toots McGee is just about my favorite subject. So why shouldn't I blog her twice in a row. Plus, doesn't that smile just make you want to melt?

what it's all about

I wish I could stay at home forever.

after the rain

It has been so humid lately. Last Sunday, I was just getting over being sick, and I took my camera out into the ridiculous humidity to get some photographs during a lull in the thunderstorm. I had to carry a chamois so I could keep wiping my lens until it got acclimated...but I got some lovely shots along the way.

laughter

I just love being here with the people I love. I have an awesome family.

hinged

There is just something that is so cool about rusty things. I love photographing all of those forgotten little rusty things around the farm. I think they're beautiful up close...and so interesting.

In Bloom

The past couple of days have been B-E-A-U-TIFUL! I love Spring! I wandered out back behind my apartment tonight to catch some of the blooming trees.

blue skies on the farm

Aaaah! I can't wait to go home to the farm this summer...it is such an interesting place to photograph! I'm also so excited that it is SPRING! Warm weather and blue skies do wonders for my mood!

respite

With Spring break passed, I am looking forward to the close of the semester. I've got all kinds of new photographic goals for the summer, among them photographing some lovely seniors in the town where Ayron teaches. I took so many photos over break, including photographing my first wedding (scary!). Despite all the shuttersnapping that happened that day, I still took out my Nikon over break and photographed some lovely images around the family farm as well as my Dad's cousin Bruce's farm. I got some stunning images I'm excited to share. I find myself missing my family a lot...and that includes Lucky. He follwed me around for a lot of my wandering afternoon around the farm, and I got a shot of him here taking a break from playing with a neighbor dog.

lucid

I'm almost done! I just have to photograph a wedding on Sunday, and then I'm off to the farm for break. And I get to see my man. This week has been totally nuts...without a moment for pause. I have been running and running, and today I get to relax and recharge for tomorrow. And I'm thankful.

frozen again

This past week, the weather has been beautiful and warm. Skirts without tights, shorts, tanks, and flip-flops are making their appearance again. I am so ready to get started on my garden. Next week, I'm going home for a few days and I'm gonna get a few heirloom tomatoes & some herbs started for summer. Soon, everything is going to be green again. I'm sayingmy last farewell to some of my winter photos...I'm ready for spring!

what beauty looks like...outside & in

This is my friend Shareese. Isn't she beautiful? She is inspiring and has an amazing outlook on life. Shareese is for me one of those people you come across who you just know is going to change your life for the better. Sometimes when we're having a conversation, I feel like we're a single soul stuck in two bodies. Girl, I hope I get to know you better over the next couple of years. You're wonderful.

those were the days

There's a reason this is covered in the dust & dirt of misuse. It makes for a nostalgic picture, that's for sure. I'm not really sure I can be nostalgic for something that didn't happen during my lifetime.

sleeping

I spent a few hours in Brown County over the weekend, exploring the location where I'll be photographing a wedding in March. The couple was just beautiful and I feel very blessed to be a part of their special day. The location itself was charming and full of character. It was one of the most interesting places I've been to photograph since moving to Bloomington.

dreaming in green

It is that time of year when I start yearning for green of the summer. I want fresh produce again and I want to feel my hands in the earth. I will probably be taking classes here for most of the summer, which is unfortunate, because I want to be there to see the garden come to fruition. I know I'll be planning it and planting it and getting it started at least. I wonder if my landlord would be opposed to me tilling a small area behind my patio to plant some veggies? Ha.

spur of the moment

I've been really low energy the past few days due to my body recovering from steroids + all the rehearsing rehearsing rehearsing, so when it came time to make supper tonight, I didn't really feel like it. I threw together some pasta, garlic, tomatoes, parm regg, and an aged gorgonzola, and then I tossed a fried egg on top. For a fifteen-minute meal, it wasn't too bad.

music for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

As this is dress week for IU's production of Massenet's Cendrillon, I feel stretched pretty thin! Although my schedule isn't too bad, and I'm grateful I have an hour or two to relax each afternoon & eat supper before the nightly marathon rehearsals. I am proud of all of my friends and colleagues in the production...it is going to be so beautiful. I am starting to get really excited about singing again. This week, it is all about OPERA! Hopefully I'll remember to grab my camera one of these next few days to snap some candids of the cast and chorus.

sunlight on a simple life

I have a resolution to eat up all of my whole grains and quit buying new. Doesn't this Kamut look pretty in this antique ball jar? The sunlight caught it so beautifully I stopped and snapped a photo.