Archive for 'The Latest'
We did it :)
Posted on 08. Mar, 2010 by maryanne.
There has been so much going on in my world just in the past week, but I would be negligent if I did not blog the result of ”Operation Jewelry Organization”. My fabulous mom came out last week and we spent four hours taking a mass of necklaces, earrings, rings, pins, bracelets and anklets and putting them all in their proper place. The results are fabulous! I not only thoroughly enjoyed spending quality time with my mom, but I got the benefit of having a clean and clear dresser top. I can now freely pass by it without hearing mean comments about myself, and I even hear an audible sigh of relief every now and then. I promised myself when she came out that I would ONLY focus on the jewelry that day. I am glad I did. One step at a time. (I am pretty sure my closet is next).
Mom and I spent time reminiscing about old pieces and laughing about pieces I have kept just for sentimental reasons, all the while both agreeing that they were, mmm, how should I say? Unsightly. “Um,” she would say every now and then,” I think I would throw that away”. And we both would laugh out loud. So cleansing to have your mom’s approval to throw something away! It was good on so many levels. We ended up with a pretty good size bag of things to take to the jewelry swap at her church as well.
I am truly beginning to see that organizing your world around you is a way to love yourself. I cannot explain that fully, and those that are already organized are probably nodding their heads in agreement. Those of us that struggle in this area often feel defeated. I am so thankful for my mom who was willing to the time to help me, while putting aside all judgement or critical statements. I feel loved every time I walk past my dresser now. I can now display the things that matter to me most, like the anniversary heart Chris gave me. Thanks mom. 
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Valentine Cookie Therapy
Posted on 12. Feb, 2010 by maryanne.
Today was a hard day. With Valentine’s Day only a couple days away, I am feeling even more deeply the absence of my older two children. With one daughter studying abroad in Spain and another away at a school in Atlanta, I have only my almost seventeen year old son at home. I know Valentine’s Day is supposed to be a sweetheart day, and if my husband were away, I most assuredly would be complaining about his being gone as well. For now, it is my girls. We girls just love Valentine’s Day. Let’s face it. It is our day. I have received more Valentine’s gifts from my friends, sisters, and mom in my lifetime than I ever have from a sweetheart. We just seem to know that our hearts need it. We love surprises, and being thought of in general, and Valentine’s Day seems to bring that home. But, my girls are in faraway places, so I decided to try some Valentine cookie therapy on my own. I posted that idea on facebook, and almost immediately got a couple great recipes to try from friends. So I did. I think it was helpful, playing the John Mayer genre on Pandora, and dancing in my kitchen.
Making a big mess in the kitchen, even when you are alone, is still very therapeutic, especially when it involves lots of powdered sugar and pink icing. I decided to post a few pics from my therapy session. I still miss my girls, and I realize that eventually I am going to have to come to terms with this new phase of my life. Yes, in time, I guess I will. Hopefully, it won’t be one cookie at a time. That might bring on a whole new set of problems.:)
I am including a few other heart images I have captured this week as I am learning to play more and more.
Happy Valentines Day everyone.
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Jasmine and Jeremy’s Fall Wedding
Posted on 24. Nov, 2009 by maryanne.
Jasmine and Jeremy were married on a beautiful Fall day this November. I think it was God’s way of blowing them a kiss, giving them a kaleidoscope of colors in the trees and sweet sunshine. They agreed to see one another before the ceremony and were able to share some sweet moments before all the busy plans of the day began. They truly are made for one another and it was such a blessing to photograph them in their joy as they made their vows and gave sweet kisses to one another.
Blessings, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis. May your life together be full of laughter, love and hope for the days ahead.
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The Riley Family
Posted on 13. Nov, 2009 by maryanne.
We had so much fun shooting the Riley Family last week when the Sugar Maples were at their glorious peak in the season. Looks like fairy princesses were at their peak as well, as we stumbled upon a beautiful one with a lolliop as twilight began to settle in. What a beautiful day for a family shoot. I think they will have some wonderful memories from this season in their lives together as a family when they look at these photos.
Thanks for trusting me with your magical memories, Riley Family. Much Love!
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Those Crazy Kids
Posted on 27. Sep, 2009 by maryanne.
This year, Johnny had his first homecoming dance and date. It was a big deal to us both. He asked if I would be the photographer for the group, as I have photographed his sisters’ groups in the years past. ( I miss those days!) Of course, I jumped at the chance! They had 12 in their group and they were so excited about their pictures. Unfortunately, it rained. I mean it RAINED. There were even flash flood warnings and severe weather alerts. So, our lovely outdoor location was a no-go. Thus, my trusty ( but small), studio came in very handy. I ran to the local Kroger and picked up 12 red helium balloons and dozens more to toss on the floor. This is what we came up with. They had so much fun, and of course I did too! We played music and danced and snapped some great shots. I am going to miss these days.
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rain rain go away
Posted on 22. Sep, 2009 by maryanne.
It has been raining here in Atlanta for weeks now. We are breaking all kinds of records and several lives have been lost. It is very hard on everyone, the constant day in and day out of rain, rain, rain. We have also had all kinds of sickness going on in my house, including a stay in the hospital with my youngest last week.
So, I am continuing to stroke the chords of hope and creativity by looking through some of my favorite photos, and happier times. Here are a few more of my favorites. I am hoping to hang some of them as canvasses someday soon. Praying for sunshine…
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some favorites
Posted on 20. Sep, 2009 by maryanne.
I have been thinking a lot lately about my nature photography and how I miss it. I want to get back to it. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE shooting people. People’s spirits mingled with beautiful light is a magical mixture I hope to always capture. However, I do miss this, and need more time for it. I find God in the dew drops, the evening and morning light, and in yellow flowered pastures. He tells me He loves me in these things, and my life and soul are enriched in finding and capturing them. Enjoy some of my faves I recently put together as possible wall canvas ideas.
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Evan Raines
Posted on 17. Sep, 2009 by maryanne.
I had the joy of photographing this handsome senior a couple weeks ago. Evan loves nature and the water, so we chose to go to Hurricane Shoals Park , where there are plenty of places for a young man to explore. Aside from dropping my pocket wizard in the river ( which Johnny retrieved and rescued!), it was a very restful and enjoyable shoot. Here are just a few of our time with Evan.
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Sutton
Posted on 12. Sep, 2009 by maryanne.
I had the pleasure of photographing beautiful Sutton for her senior pictures last week. As you can see from the photos below, she is stunning and so at ease in front of the camera. The best part is, Sutton has a beautiful heart too. I have known her parents for many years and they are such wonderful people.
Blessings on your senior year, Sutton. May it be your best and most favorite year in high school!
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New Blog and the Night Sky
Posted on 04. Sep, 2009 by maryanne.
I have a new blog!!! I wanted larger images and a more earthy feel to my pages. If you miss my old blog you can still access it here.
First of all, I would like to say thanks to my beautiful and talented designer, Sheryl Mangold of huiadesign. She is a rare gem in the industry. I met her on the iStockphoto forums several years ago, when I was trying to figure out my first website and business card design. She lives in New Zealand. From across the world, we have worked on projects for my business and become friends. She is so intuitive and she just gets me. Every time I ask her for a new design, she seems to know exactly what I am looking for. I highly recommend her! Love my new blog!!!
Secondly, the night sky rocked my world last night and I just had to try to capture it. With my camera on a tripod and and my wide angle lens, I got just a few of God’s magnificent sky. Then, Johnny and I had to play a bit. We had fun trying different techniques to capture flash and ambient light at the same time, and maybe getting him some slamming profile pictures at the same time.
Great night.
