...so I can fly far, far, far away!

So I tried to come up with cliches about butterflies, but the only one that I could come up with was: "butterflies in my stomach." I think this one gets a thumbs down. I thought that there was one about letting it go and if it comes back to you then it was always your's. But not so much! Oh yeah, let me not forget the Michael Jackson song.

This picture was taken in my sister's back yard. What you don't see is four kids standing right on my back yelling, "There's the butterfly! Take it's picture!" That's great training for taking a picture. It's almost like being a sniper, and not being distracted by any sudden movement. Now talk about an analogy. I really like this picture even though it is a little out of focus. The colors on the wings are beautiful!

Not that I'm into nature pictures, but when you have your nieces and nephews yelling at you to get the picture you have no choice but to oblige.

So question: Do you have any butterfly cliches? If so, share.

a few things about me...

This is a picture of my boy. We have been friends close to 15 years. He text me today and said he cannot believe the MJ is dead! That led to a 30 minute convo about MJ. I believe these are the conversations that made our friendship last so long.

After my celebration of MJ with Phil (we discussed our favorite song and album), I went online to read some blogs. I always start with Kelly Willette's blog. It is amazing and full of such bright colors. She is an absolutely amazing photographer who started out as an English teacher. Her creativity is so explosive that she had no choice to become a children's photographer. Check out her website http://www.willettedesigns.com/ SHE gave ME the push to start taking pictures and blogging my photography. She is an open book, and is always willing to give me advice about my own photography. This is what I admire the most about her. So while reading over my blog, I noticed that I don't tell you a thing about me.

The things you should know about me is that I love my family, my friends, my music, my tv shows, my car, my work and my camera. Sharing makes me shake! And, away we go...

Outside my window...A tree and a fire hydrant.

I am thinking...that I need to go out and shoot.

I am thankful for...all of the people in my life.

From the kitchen...nothing tonight. I am home alone and hoping someone invites me out for dinner.

I am wearing...my work clothes, but I really want to be in my pjs.

I am going...to go back to school. Hopefully!

I am reading...blogs about scrapbooking, even though I don't scrapbook. My favorite is http://www.jamaicamakes.com/

I am hoping...that the man of my dreams will come in to my life soon.

I am hearing...NCIS in the background. It's gross, but good!

Around the house...I like the hum of the ceiling fans.

One of my favorite things...is a good laugh with a great friend. You know the one where you can't stop laughing for 20 minutes.

A few plans for the rest of the week...I'm going to Northern VA, having a birthday party for my nephew, visiting with my dad and being productive.

A moment of silence...

So today two American Icons passed away: Farrah Fawcet and the "King of Pop", Michael Jackson. The biggest icon of our generation! I dont' know much about Farrah except that she was a Charlie's Angel and to some a sex symbol. But for Mr. Jackson, I grew up with him, own his cds and lived for his epic videos. I know many of my friends did too. His catalog of music is so powerful that I bet everyone can name a favorite song.

Mine -- Off the Wall! Who doesn't love to "leave the nine to five up on the shelf, and just enjoy yourself"? I can remember dancing with Phil, Pablo, Beth, Bryan and Brian to DJ Feelgood's mix of this song -- classic! Can you remember where you were when you first saw the 'Bad' video, 'Black and White' video or 'Smooth Criminal video? All exciting times in history for those 25 and above. That may be a little generous! Oh yeah, and who didn't want to live on the Neverland Ranch or try to moonwalk. Don't be ashamed -- we all did (some just better than others).

So when you think about Michael, don't think about the accusations. Think about his lyrics:

"Do what you want to do
There aint no rules its up to you
Its time to come alive
And party on right through the night"

And remember: "Who's bad?"

Summer, Summer, Summertime!

I have not written in a few weeks. Mainly because most of the pictures that I have been taking have been of people, so I've been debating on whether or not I should post them. But I had to post this one, because I think it defines summertime. Think about when you were young and how much a cool, orange popsicle refreshed you. The more you had on your face, the better it taste. Remember how vivid the colors were when you were young. I'm not sure if that was because we were less jaded, but I am trying to see the world like that again. That is why I love the colors, especially how her shirt matches her popsicle (on the stick and her face.)

Now she is so easy to shoot because -- as you can see -- she is gorgeous. On top of her beauty, she also knows how to pose for a picture. I also had the chance to shoot another kid at the same time I shot her. His picture will be posted later. I absolutely love shooting children, but I don't always find it to be the easiest thing. Some don't want to sit still for you and others cover their face. But the challenges are what make the end results worth every bit. So more pics are to come.

Real or fake?

Not that I think this picture is great or anything to write home about--I just think it's cute. The fact that painted on kids are looking through a fake window and a real-life person is sitting in front of it makes me laugh. I guess I also laughed because this would never happen in true life. This was a day of just needing to get out and shoot something. I am still learning about my camera, so I make myself get out and shoot as much as possible. Some quality, some not and some are just like this. I guess the weird thing that happened to me on this outing was that a bum hit on me. Not this one, but another one asked me if I wanted to get with him. Now, I'm a scared so I picked up the pace. He laughed and I thought later that maybe I should have asked him if I could take his picture. Smart or dumb?