Kaylie Mae Photography

2011-12-28T19:44:00.000-08:00

I am leaving the blogging world for now. Don't know when or if I'll even be back. You may find me on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaylie-Mae-Photography/176650109083877

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2011-12-15T12:06:00.000-08:00


If only we had our snow. Where art thou, oh snow?

I figured since its the middle of December already it was about time to post something relating to Christmas. Hope you all are having a wonderful time with your families and loved ones this holiday season!

2011-12-15T11:33:00.001-08:00

Lack of will power has caused more failure than lack of intelligence or ability. - Flower A Newhouse

2011-12-06T11:53:00.000-08:00

Mount Baker

Sauk Mountain

2011-11-27T08:17:00.000-08:00

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant." - Robert Louis Stevenson

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T10:46:00.000-08:00

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues." - Cicero

Another Post!

2011-11-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

Yey another post in one day! That hasn't happened in a long time. I'm obviously extremely happy to have my lens back. I just can't stop taking pictures now, it's so fun! This time of year is especially beautiful. Nature just continues to amaze me. It's just so wonderful and beautiful and so perfect.... Words really can't try to describe it. Another note: The Trumpeter Swans are all coming in. I saw my first one on October 31st. They are something else, really, Simply magnificent. One of my favorite birds. In the photos below... I was only about 30 feet away from them! It completely made my day, completely. Not to mention going on a long car ride with my dad to take these photographs! Fun times, fun times.

Ah. How thankful I am for days like these. Clear blue sky. In the 50's. Sun. Absolutely perfect for this time of year. Not to mention the fact that I was home from college by 10am finished for the day. More time to enjoy the outdoors.

Hope you like the pictures. Do you have a favorite one?

I know it is a little early, but Happy Veteran's Day! Thank you to all of you who have served, we appreciate it!

New Pictures!

2011-11-09T13:04:00.000-08:00

Sauk Mountain

So, I just finally got me lens back. It needed some repair. Let's just say I really missed the macro feature it had on it, a lot! I especially love the way this shot turned out for some reason....

My Family

2011-11-04T16:51:00.000-07:00

The family

We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together.

~Erma Bombeck

(Yes, some of these pictures are quite old, but that's what makes it fun)

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu

And thank you for a house full of people I love. Amen. ~Terri Guillemets

My Family.

I wouldn't trade my family for anything in this whole world.

They mean more then gold to me and are more precious then one million rubies.

They help shape who I've become.

They are always there for me in everything I do.

Shoulders to lean on when times are tough.

A constant companion.

Share your thoughts with.

Encouragement.

My mom is my best friend.

I don't know how I could ever live without my dad.

My siblings are most amazing.

It's been a blessing having my grandparents live so close.

I am thankful for them each and every second, even in the roughest of times.

I don't know where I'd be without any one of them.

My family.

Lately I've been going through some really rough times. Many changes and challenges in my life right now. Then I remember at about age 17 - 20 are some of the most exciting/challenging/scary/etc... parts of ones life. So many new experiences. No matter what - I know that my family will always be there for me.

Have a blessed evening!

Now Available!

2011-10-30T11:16:00.000-07:00

A selection of Kaylie Mae Photography Greeting Cards will be available at the Skagit Valley Food Co-op beginning the month of November - as one of the local featured artists.

2011-10-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

"The only way to have a friend is to be one." -Ralph Waldo Emerson

I miss you Angela - you always make me smile

2011-10-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

These definitely aren't the nicest of pictures, but I just haven't gotten any really good ones lately. Quite honestly, I haven't even taken that may photos as of late. I guess it's time to go out and photograph something really exciting!

2011-10-21T19:38:00.000-07:00

Man is not an aquatic animal, but from the time we stand in youthful wonder beside a Spring brook till we sit in old age and watch the endless roll of the sea, we feel a strong kinship with the waters of this world. - Hal Borland

(Note: Photo Credits to Casidy)

A Bunch of Randomness

2011-10-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of the most assorted blog posts I've ever done. Just a bunch of random things that caught my eye. Sorry for not posting more - I feel like I have really neglected this blog. I have been extremely busy though. Hope everyone is having a happy October and enjoying the cooler weather. Along with the changing of the leaves, vivid colors, fresh pies, apples, warm cider, fall clothes and cozy blankets near a fire!

Have an excellent week.

Something to Chew On

2011-10-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

Here Kitty-Kitty

2011-09-23T19:12:00.000-07:00

Lazy Daisy

A cat isn't something that I would usually find interesting to photograph, but nonetheless here are a few random photos....

2011-09-18T19:01:00.000-07:00

2011-09-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

2011-09-12T12:47:00.000-07:00

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Plato

The Bounties of Nature

2011-09-10T18:57:00.000-07:00

Any spider experts out there? I'd love to know what kind this one is. (Sorry if you hate spiders, but I just thought this was such a neat picture)

Bee Hive - our neighbor discovered this, what a nice find!

Check out that fine detail! Ever wonder why nature is such an inspiration for people? Everything in a spider web in SO perfect. The way it is designed, just everything. It's amazing.

Fledgling Woodpecker - not sure what species it might be - I have a general idea but am not certain, so if you know... please leave a comment.

Hollyhock Flower

Majestic Morning

Hope ya'll are having a great weekend.

a weeks worth of pictures

2011-08-27T20:50:00.000-07:00

Wow. This week has definitely been one of the craziest in a very long time. Which also means, I haven't exactly set a camera down since Monday..... hence all these pictures. The following are quite the assortment of images, but like I said, we've had a crazy week. Hope you like the pictures - I know some of these shots are my new favorites for sure! Have a lovely weekend.

Love,

Kaylie Mae

Canada Pictures

2011-08-23T19:50:00.000-07:00

I was in Canada quite recently. Surprisingly though, I didn't take very many pictures. Here are just a couple that I liked. Enjoy.

Bubbles & Girls

2011-08-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

Bubbles & Girls....

What could be cuter?

(Note: Each of these girls are my cousin.)

Downy Woodpecker

2011-08-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

Ah, how I love birds! If you could be anything but a human for one day, what would you be?

(I'd be a bird!)

~Dearest Angela~

2011-08-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

~ Dearest Angela ~

Goodbye is not forever,

Goodbye is not the end,

It simply means I'll miss you

until we meet again.

(One of my favorite poems and just exactly what you did)

To A Friend

YOU ENTERED my life in a casual way,

And saw at a glance what I needed;

There were others who passed me or met me each day,

But never a one of them heeded.

Perhaps you were thinking of other folks more,

Or chance simply seemed to decree it,

I know there were many such chances before,

But the others-well, they didn't see it.

You said just the thing that I wished you would say,

And you made me believe that you meant it;

I held up my head in the old gallant way,

And resolved you should never repent it.

There are times when encouragement means such a lot,

And a word is enough to convey it;

There were others who could have, as easy as not,

But, just the same, they didn't say it.

There may have been someone who could have done more

To help me along, though I doubt it;

What I needed was cheering, and always before

They had let me plod onward without it.

You helped to refashion the dream of my heart,

And made me turn eagerly to it;

There were others who might have (I question that part)-

But, after all, they didn't do it...

I love you, Dear Angela!

A Best Friend

2011-08-09T20:34:00.000-07:00

Where would I be without you? You make me laugh... When I am having a bad day, you always seem to be there and cheer me up.... You never stop encouraging me to pursue my dreams.... Always so sweet and nice.... An enormous blessing in my life.. We share way to much in common..... Thanks for the fun times.....A true friend you are! I love you, dear Angela.

It's a Beautiful Day....

2011-08-07T15:54:00.000-07:00

It's a beautiful day for pictures....

It's a beautiful day to go for a walk....

It's a beautiful day for gardening or mowing....

It's a beautiful day just to sit under the shade of a tree and read....

It's a day to be outside....

It's a beautiful, warm day today....

Are you having a beautiful day?

Do share!

It's a Good Day

2011-08-04T17:55:00.000-07:00

I couldn't of asked for a better day then this one. It was amazing in every single solitary way. From being just inches away from wild birds, to having a 360 degree view of mountains, warm weather, to swimming, to laughing and having a marvelous time with my family..... I feel so blessed and God is wonderful!

A Little Bit of Everything

2011-08-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

Lovely Lavender

Hovander Park

Daisy Delight

Clematis

Thistle

Fence post (I especially like the depth of field in this shot)

Some Weed (Even a WEED, of all things can make a unique composition.)

Unknown (I'll try to get the name of this 'specimen')

Fern

Have a wonderful week, dear readers.

An Awesome Quote

2011-07-31T18:32:00.000-07:00

Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. -Benjamin Franklin

Happy Belated 4th?

2011-07-30T21:02:00.000-07:00

I know, I know... It's going to be August before we know it and I don't even have my firework shots up yet! Crazy. But that is all going to change. Very soon, actually. By the time you are done reading this nonsense the pictures will be there, I promise. I had some issues with the memory card, 55mm lens AND the computer decided it didn't want to work either. Put that together and you have one frustrated photographer. But thank the Lord, all is well and back on track. Mostly. By the way this is year number FOUR that I've tried so desperately to get ONE decent firework shot. I believe I got about ONE times TWO HUNDRED really awesome shots. I'm so happy they turned out. For some reason it all clicked. It is so simple too! No way on earth am I going to load them all here, you'll have to come over and I'll give you a slideshow, seriously. Without further ado, hopefully.... :P Here are the pictures. I shall stop rambling now. Critiquing please!

P.S. thank you to 'a few people' who again so graciously gave me suggestions as to photographing fireworks. Your advice is always much appreciated. ;)

~ Kaylie Mae ~

Friends are the Flowers of Life

2011-07-29T20:59:00.000-07:00

Senior Pictures Continued: Lindsey

2011-07-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

Lindsey.... Is one of the sweetest, nicest and funniest people to be around. Between her horse, outfit and beautiful smile... it was one of the greatest sessions ever!

Thank you Lindsey for the splendid evening - hoping you liked your pictures.

Three Sister's

2011-07-25T22:07:00.000-07:00

Kaylie Mae, Casidy Lynn & Samantha Ashley

Three Sister's ~ By Francis I. Gillespie

We are three sisters
Three sisters are we
I love each of you,
And I know you love me

We’re not always together,
Life sometimes keeps us apart.
But we're never separated
We’re in each other's heart.

Now I know we've had our troubles,
But we always get thru.
The real message is you love me,
And I also love you.

We have had lots of good times
That we'll never forget
Sometimes we worry
And sometimes we fret

But if God ever gave me
Something special you see,
It might have been the blessing of,
Three sisters are we.

The Lord above has gave me lots
Of happiness and glee
But the most special thing he did was
Make us sisters, all three.

1,2,3 Smile!

2011-07-25T16:35:00.000-07:00

Families are Forever - I had the opportunity to photograph one big family last week. It sure was a lot of fun! Thank you for the great evening!

Isn't he just the sweetest?

That's all for today.... Hope you enjoyed the pictures.....

{Senior Session-Sneak Peak}

2011-07-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

~Miss Lindsey~

A Great Quote

2011-07-24T21:22:00.003-07:00

"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none." - William Shakespeare

2011-07-17T22:26:00.000-07:00

Nothing is more beautiful then a freshly picked bouquet of flowers from your garden.

Random Pictures

2011-07-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

These are a few random pictures from the past. The Mac is still down unfortunately, so here are a few old photos. I believe the first shot of the butterfly was taken back in 2008. Please forgive me if you've already seen these. I still have the firework shots from the 4th I've yet to upload. Soon hopefully. Hope you enjoy the pictures. Happy Saturday!

Iron and Coal Mountain (view from yard)

2011-07-14T22:20:00.000-07:00

“Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.” - Ashley Smith

2011-07-13T17:53:00.000-07:00

When you feel like giving up and you feel like you are near the end of your rope, hold on. Don't let go. Don't get frustrated. Don't give up. No matter how difficult it is, no matter how impossible it seems, no matter how long it takes, just hold on. It is through our challenges that we push ourselves to grow and we truly do grow through times like those..... And through weakness, we are made strong.

Just a thought..... that came to me..... as I was struggling through some math problems. :)

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

2011-07-11T22:53:00.000-07:00

Just a Note

2011-07-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note.... My computer is currently down, so I don't know when I'll be able to upload more photos. Plus I am doing summer school at the college until the end of August. I am uncertain as to when I will be posting again. Stay tuned.

Have a wonderful summer everyone.

If you need to reach me, please contact me via email - kayliemaephotography@gmail.com

Blessings,

-Kaylie Mae

Summer Fun

2011-07-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

Opportunity

2011-06-26T18:10:00.000-07:00

Opportunity....

Is a word that I would often times disregard in some fashion or another. But, not anymore. Opportunity... Was once a word that I would think of as "it would come again" And. "I can wait until the "next time" to do this, or to go see that." Well, maybe I could wait until the "next time." But, that may not always be the case. It could be to late.

Just today I was invited by a friend to spend a day in Vancouver, Canada at some point in the very near future. I have really come to the realization that this life is short enough as it is. I should welcome all opportunities and take them all in with a big smile! I am not letting this opportunity go down. I have a whole knew positive outlook on life now. Things are changing. For the better. Many, many opportunities are coming.

So. When opportunity comes knocking at your door, go for it!

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. -Thomas A. Edison

Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Something to think About ......

2011-06-25T21:00:00.001-07:00

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." ~ Leo Tolsto

A Wonderful Opportunity

2011-06-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

We (as in our 4-H Club) had the wonderful opportunity to go up in a helicopter or plane and tour the Skagit Valley. It was an amazing experience, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity. The photos were the fun part. Totally different then being flat on the ground - it was fun! If you ever have the chance to go up in a helicopter/small plane, DO IT... :D

My sister and I

A Quote

2011-06-22T13:18:00.000-07:00

Just thought I'd share this quote with you .

E.B. White once wrote - "I arise in the morning torn between a desire to save the world and a desire to savor the world. This makes it hard to plan the day."

Flowers & Hummingbirds

2011-06-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

Shall I just admit... I haven't put a camera down in days... more pics to come later on, I assure you.

Portrait Time

2011-06-21T19:58:00.000-07:00

I had the opportunity to photograph a friend and her siblings last week. It was a fun session and I hope you enjoy the pictures. Here are a few of my favourites.

Summertime Fun

2011-06-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

Miscellaneous

2011-06-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

These are photos from this last week. I am just now getting a chance to upload them to the blog.

The Cutest 3 Year Old in the World

2011-06-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

Anna Belle is one of the most cutest, adorable and sweetest 3 year olds I have ever known. She is like a dear little sister to me. I am so thankful Anna lives down the road. (The lighting was rather harsh during this photo-shoot, but here are some of the okay shots.)

I am the statue of liberty.

Her smile is soooooooo precious. Don't you agree?

I am a ballerina.

...And, she is quite the natural model too!

1, 2, 3, Leap for Joy

The End....

Hope you enjoyed the pictures as much as I enjoyed taking them!

Today

2011-06-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Barn Swallow

Pink Dogwood

Bamboo

A Single Stem of Grass

Oddity

Reflection

You are Invited to an Art Show!

2011-06-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

You are Invited...... Stop by Sedro-Woolley's "Blast from the Past" and visit the 1st Annual Art Show and see some local artists, including myself. This Friday-Sunday (June 3-5) in the old Oliver and Hammer Building (Metcalf Street - Sedro-Woolley) All the artists will be donating a print for the raffle as well. Also, the largest Northwest Quilt Show will be held in the same building.

Time?
Friday -12pm - 6pm
Saturday - 10am - 8pm
Sunday - 10am - 4pm

Hope to see you there.

~ Kaylie Mae

Special Offer!

2011-05-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

Special Offer!

I'm offering Individual, Engagement, Senior, baby, toddler and Family Outdoor Photo-shoots this Spring in Skagit County. One-two hour session for $100.00 which will enable you to receive a CD with all of the pictures, so you can do as you wish with them. I typically take between 150 - 300+ photos that will guarantee you some excellent choices. We can recommend locations for you to print your photos if you would like. Will also travel to Whatcom and or Snohomish County for additional travel fee. To get in touch please email me kayliemaephotography@gmail.com

Thank you

Samantha Ashley

2011-05-30T09:59:00.000-07:00

What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it? ~Jenny DeVries

A sister is a forever friend. ~Author Unknown

Things that Caught my Eye

2011-05-28T19:49:00.000-07:00

Liloc

Maple Leaves

This is a Barn Swallow nest. The same pair builds their nest each year in the same exact spot. Kind of neat.

Sunlit Fern

Pink Elegance

The New Edition

2011-05-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

Day-Star is the sweetest, most gentlest, friendliest, cutest, littlest lamb. We have only had him for about six hours, but he is a definite favourite out of all our animals now.

The lamb was supposed to be much younger, but they couldn't catch the little guy, so we got Day-Star instead.

I'll post some more pictures as he grows.

Nature

2011-05-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

Just playing around with macro filters.

Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher.
-William Wordsworth

I really like these bleeding heart shots - they almost look like they were water coloured in a way.

Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature.
- Gerard De Nerval

I love to think of nature as an unlimited broadcasting station, through which God speaks to us every hour, if we will only tune in.
-George Washington Carver

By the way, be sure to check this out when you have a moment. It is pretty fascinating. http://skysurvey.org/

A Lovely Flower

2011-05-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

Just a lovely purple flower.

Randomness (For lack of a better title)

2011-05-14T10:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a wonderful 70 degree day. One of the warmest days of the year, I believe. The picture below says it's 69, but I am certain it read 70 just a second after taking this shot. Then we have some bleeding heart and cherry blossoms. Next, a robin's nest. Sure can't wait for those eggs to hatch! Finally we have a pile of helicopter pictures. They were doing some work on the telephone poles. It was interesting to watch, that's for sure. That pretty much wraps it up in the day of picture taking.

Enjoy.

Happy Saturday.

-Kaylie Mae

Just One More Post

2011-05-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

Tasha! Is my wonderful cousin. I saw her the other day for the first time in ages it seemed. Thanks for the fun day.

An Old Shack

2011-05-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love photography to the moon and back 10 trillion times. it is just amazing. It's just yourself, the camera, the subject and the light. You can position and create the photograph how you want it to look via the lens. It's just, words can't describe it when you get the perfect shot!

Happy Sunday!

Red-winged Blackbird

2011-05-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

{Portrait Time}

2011-04-26T18:43:00.000-07:00

So, I think one of these days I am seriously going to go into portrait photography as a profession. I absolutely love it! Just something that's so special when you capture that persons sweet smile at the right moment.

I've always thought bricks and train tracks would make awesome backgrounds, which they certainly did the other day. . In order: Casidy (my sister), Samantha (my sister) then the last two girls are two really sweet foreign exchange students. One is from Italy, the other is from Germany. I happened to meet these two at an Easter dinner on Sunday. It sure was a pleasant surprise. Thank you for the amazing day! Here are just a few pictures from a great day of shooting. Hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

{Sneak Peak}

2011-04-24T19:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for being such gorgeous models! :-)

Today was spent taking pictures and pictures and even more pictures of people...

More to come soon.

And, Happy Easter.

-Kaylie Mae

A Visitor

2011-04-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

The lonely visitor in our yard this morning. I promise I didn't set this shot up. I was following him/she(?) around for nearly half an hour with my macro filter. This is the only one that is decent in the bunch.

Enjoy!

Simple Pleasures

2011-04-21T20:45:00.000-07:00

(I kind of wish the fence wasn't in the background, but it's okay.)

Dark Eyed Junco - lately I have spent a great deal of time near my bedroom window. Just mostly meditating and watching/photographing all of God's beautiful creations. Mainly, the birds near the feeder and surrounding area. I mean, how wonderful is it to hear the rain on the roof.... while the birds are singing their melodic tunes... and the rainbow out in the field?

The simple pleasures of life.

Flowers too. Who doesn't like flowers? From the great scents, to photographing, to planting, to whatever. They are an amazing creation. Even the bees and hummingbirds enjoy them.

Ah, I just love nature.

Have a great night!

What are things you find pleasure in?

This Blog is Alive!

2011-04-19T19:15:00.000-07:00

Northern Flicker - this bird has been invading our bird feeders, which is rather odd behaviour for this woodpecker. It's been fun capturing it on camera though!

The following is just having fun with water droplets. With of course, macro filters!

Bleeding Heart

Then, it snowed!

After it snowed for a few hours..... the American Goldfinches arrived at our feeder!

Strange weather. We must be in Washington State.

They're Here

2011-03-24T15:09:00.001-07:00

Yep. The Rufous Hummingbird just arrived. I think my little post last night about the nectar really helped, don't you? :D

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Hummingbird Feeder

2011-03-23T20:13:00.000-07:00

4 cups of water and 1 cup of sugar = homemade hummingbird nectar.

This year I finally put up a feeder near my window - I can't wait until the Rufous Hummingbirds arrive! Great picture opportunity coming up real soon, I hope!!! :)

"The Waiting Game"

Sisterly Fun

2011-03-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

Samantha - I love you!

So... we arrive about 20 minutes early for Speech/Debate meeting for my sister. What to do? What to do? My mom and sister are waiting in the car.... while I'm outside enjoying the sun. A minute goes by. I shout out quite excitedly - SAMANTHA, LET'S DO A PHOTO-SHOOT!!!! Samantha says, "do we have to?" If you've been around me I've most likely photographed you a thousand times, and If you are my sibling, well, photo shoots aren't any fun. Oh. Did I mention that it was a wonderful 65 degree day? It was amazing.

Blessings

Spring Has Sprung!

2011-03-22T18:21:00.000-07:00

Spring is finally here, and boy do I like it!

All the flowers are starting to bloom, the migrating birds arriving, frogs croaking all night long, beautiful sunrises, long days.... Spring is awesome in so many ways!

So now... a few Crocus pictures....

What do you enjoy about this time of year? Do tell.

Happy Spring

Love, Kaylie Mae

O Spring.... Where Art Thou?

2011-02-23T18:10:00.000-08:00

Today it has snowed, and snowed, and snowed, AND SNOWED even more. We have about eight inches and counting. Just last week it was a beautiful 50 degree day... with lots of sun... clear-blue sky.... I thought for sure spring was just around the corner, but nooo. Winter is still here. But I am pretty certain this is the last of the snow. Warm spring days will be here before we know it, well, I hope!

Impending Absense

2011-02-07T19:20:00.000-08:00

This blog is temporarily out of service.

God Bless.

Random Pictures

2011-01-30T16:11:00.000-08:00

The sunset last night

Mostly just playing around with my macro filters....

Have an excellent week!

I'm Back

2011-01-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

As something dies.... there is always life after it......

Blog Break

2011-01-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

Due to a busy/stressful school load this blog will be taking a serious break.

Family...

2011-01-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love my family. They shape who I am and what I become. I have no clue where I'd stand without anyone of them!

The love of a family is life's greatest blessings

The Importance Of A Sister - Shiv Sharma

A sister is someone who loves you from the heart,
No matter how much you argue you cannot be drawn apart.
She is a joy that cannot be taken away,
Once she enters your life, she is there to stay.

A friend who helps you through difficult times,
Her comforting words are worth much more than dimes.
A partner who fills your life with laughs and smile,
These memories last for miles and miles.

When she is by your side, the world is filled with life,
When she is not around, your days are full of strife.
A sister is a blessing, who fills your heart with love,
She flies with you in life with the beauty of a dove.

A companion to whom you can express your feelings,
She doesn’t let you get bored at family dealings.
Whether you are having your ups or downs,
She always helps you with a smile and never frowns.

With a sister you cannot have a grudge,
She is as sweet as chocolate and as smooth as fudge.
Having a sister is not just a trend,
It is knowing you can always turn to her, your best friend.

The Best of Friends

Families are like fudge - mostly sweet with a few nuts

- Author Unknown

Families are the compass that guide us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter. - Brad Henry

Nature... is amazing

2011-01-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

We still have snow.

Though it's frozen snow.

And nature is just amazing. The things that it can create just blows me away! This first shot looks like crystals and the second shot looks like enlarged snowflakes. Do you ever wonder why nature inspires people?

Kinglets

2011-01-02T19:12:00.000-08:00

Kinglets... are very difficult to get pictures of, or even getting close to one is quite the challenge. They are fast little things - darting in and out of the bushes like a lightening bolt across the night sky. However, today sure was a rare/special treat. Along the trail in front of me were all these Kinglets flitting to and fro amongst the grass eating insects. They were literally, no joke, about 2 feet away, and they weren't even frightened! Definitely made my day. Ah... the simple pleasures of life. Have a wonderful evening.

Ruby Crowned Kinglet (Notice the ruby colored head?)

Golden Crowned Kinglet (Isn't that yellow beautiful?)

2010

2011-01-01T14:28:00.000-08:00

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man." - Benjamin Franklin

The year 2010 has definitely been a good year, but also quite the sad year too. Here are a few of the exciting moments/events that the year brought.

1. Our family trip down to Death Valley and surrounding area in Feb/March.

2. The Canadian Rockies trip back in July.

3. Acquiring my driver's license.

4. Coming in 1st place/overall with my photography at a local fair in August.

5. My very first photography show.

6. Attending college classes. That was a big shock.

7. Seeing an Anna's Hummingbird at the feeder. Finally after having those feeders up for nearly 8 years, I lured an Anna's in!

8. Learning to shoot in manual.

9. When my 2 year old cousin came up to me and said, "I love you Kaylie." (She has never really liked me all that much for some reason, so that just made me smile.)

10. Lastly, and most importantly, I survived 2010.... thank the Lord!

What has made 2010 a good year for you?

Happy New Year! I hope you and your families all have a wonderful, healthy, productive, safe and fun new year.

And now for a little Robert Frost. Remember, always to take the road less travelled by... that will make all the difference.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

2010-12-31T17:05:00.000-08:00

Today is my Grandma's birthday. And we also happen to have my two younger cousins up for the week, so we decided we'd spend the afternoon out in the snow sledding and playing around. Here are a few shots from that adventure.

Mount Baker

Mount Shuksan

Icicles are just amazing... They are so unique!

The hill that was used for sledding.

You are never to old to have some fun!

Hope you had a good day, Grandma!

Snow

2010-12-30T14:52:00.000-08:00

If anyone has a better title, well I'm willing to use it! Just some more snow related pictures. A whole bunch of everything. Despite the fact that is it about 25 degrees outside, I've spent a good majority of my day out there walking around and snapping pictures. Chickadees, Northern Flickers, Grosbeaks, Hawks, Woodpeckers, Juncos, Sparrows and a bunch of other species of birds are all out there too... I'm really starting to think that this is my favorite time of year for photography. Just something about it...

Randomness

2010-12-29T13:38:00.000-08:00

I awoke this morning to an unexpected, pleasant surprise. The ground, the trees, and everything else was white. It had snowed! And snowed and still continuing to snow. I excitedly grabbed my camera bag and headed out the door. For Christmas I got a few new photography related items. So, I just had to try all those out. A few different filters (including macro) and a macro/wide angle lens. After about an hour of playing around I decided that was enough, as my fingers were getting pretty cold. Anyways, we didn't have a white Christmas, but today sure made up for it! Hope you like the pictures.

"Snow Globe"

"Stillness"

"Winter Wonderland"

"Flock of Grosbeaks"

These birds are so awesome. We must have around 100 now. Flying all around our property... Did I mention they let me walk RIGHT up to them? I was about 2 feet away and this was taken with a 55mm! :)

"Yellow Joy"

"Friends"

"Birds of a Feather will Gather Together"

Dark Eyed Junko

Male Evening Grosbeak

Female Evening Grosbeak

The Lone Pond

"Simplicity"

The View?

Okay, so I was playing around with some filters in this shot.... The purple is kind of cool looking....

"Falling"

"Silence"

On Old Houses

2010-12-27T08:23:00.000-08:00

A little information about the house in the first picture:

The simple little house in the photo was built in the 1940’s. The sweet little English lady who resided here was born in London, England to a British seaman and his stay at home wife. She was about 5 foot 2 and drove a 2 door 1928 model A Ford car. She never mastered backing up, so if she met someone, the other driver would get into her car and back it into the nearest turnout. Your great great Grandmother and this dear lady drove into Chilliwack to attend a movie; a night out on the town in the 1940’s. What a delightful sight. This lady had few wants except to play scrabble and read books and magazines. She was very intelligent and was a book of knowledge. Her faith was Roman Catholic and she married an atheist, so sadly her marriage ended, but they had a son to whom we all know and he still survives. I talk to him frequently and sadly he is quite ill at the present.

The little house sits empty, but isn’t it a beautiful picture? It has been vandalized but it still stands up here on the hill reminding us of a happy simple way of life.

I mentioned that Mrs. Ross had few wants in her life but she travelled the world. On one occasion while crossing the ocean in rough seas, she was the only passenger that was in the dining room for breakfast. All others were seasick. She lived a full life and passed away at the age of 90.

-- Information from my Aunt

Evening Grosbeaks

2010-12-22T10:40:00.000-08:00

Birds... are my most favorite subject matter to photograph. My most favorite animal. And if I could be anything but a human in this world, it would be a bird. I mean they are so graceful, so beautiful, so much fun to watch, so fun to listen to and so many others things too. But one must have a lot of patience when photographing birds, I mean, A LOT of patience. I spent about half an hour outside photographing them this morning. The pictures didn't turn out nearly as nice as I thought they would of, but here are four of those pictures that are okay. The Evening Grosbeaks absolutely love sunflower seeds. They can devour all of our feeders in just about an hour - we have about 6 feeders. This morning we had a flock of about fifty. Now that was a lot! They definitely made my day.

What is your favorite thing to photograph?

Leaves, Barb Wire and Dead Plants

2010-12-21T13:53:00.000-08:00

Yep, the title pretty much sums it all up. Some pictures of leaves, barb wire and dead plants.

Even though today is officially the first day of winter, it certainly doesn't feel like it here. It is a beautiful, clear blue sky, sunny, 50 degree kind of day. A day that feels like the first day of Spring, definitely not Winter. But that's okay. Trust me - I'm soaking in all this sun because the rest of the week is supposed to be nothing but rain, rain, and did I say rain? Ah well... Looks like we won't be having a white Christmas, which is kind of too bad. Anyways, I'll stop rambling on now. Enjoy the pictures!

Who would ever think that something which is dead could be so beautiful?

These two barb wire shots are my personal favorite.

Lookout!

2010-12-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

There has just been a "Christmas Ornament Explosion"

This afternoon I finally photographed every ornament at least TWICE on our tree AND uploaded well over 200 shots.... Everything is starting to look rather bland. Something a little more exciting perhaps would do.... So I headed over to Grandma's house. (She always has some of the nicest ornaments.) Spent a good 45 minutes snapping away - here are just a few my favorites. Ah I simply love this time of year! Wow, two posts in a day?! I haven't done that in a long time.

Have a wonderful evening!

Christmas Ornaments!

2010-12-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, so lately I have been deleting more picture then I have taken, which is quite rare for me. For the pasts two weeks I've been patiently trying to get some half-way decent shots of ornaments. I tell ya it doesn't come easy for me, that's for sure! It's a pile of work to - constantly lowering or adjusting the tripod, changing the shutter speed and aperture, constantly re-focusing. No matter how frustrating this may be - I actually greatly enjoy it. Finally after about 15 minutes of playing around I think I got a few okayish shots...so I am now satisfied... for the moment.... :-) By the way, we have quite the interesting assortment of ornaments here, so they all kind of vary in these pictures. Enjoy. Hoping you and your families all have a wonderful holiday Season!

Little Girls

2010-12-12T16:32:00.000-08:00

A girl without freckles is like a night without stars.
-- Author Unknown

Giggles and silliness

Her smile beams like sunshine, which fills our hearts with love.
-- Birgit B.

This one is always curious....

Tell each other secrets......

Little girls bring such delight with hearts so warm and smiles so bright!
-- Author Unknown

Anna Belle.... this girl makes my day!

The Trio

Dresses, flowers and smiles.....

Who would ever know that a hug could be so painful?

Sorry I haven't done a post in a while. The Christmas pictures that I've been patiently trying to capture just aren't turning out... Looking through all these past pictures today inspired me to do a post. Majority of the people pictures I have were all "little girls" Enjoy! I'll try to get some Christmas associated pictures up soon.

Pictures!

2010-12-03T15:33:00.000-08:00

Have you ever taken a picture of yourself through a Christmas ornament? It's kind of fun...

Not a very exciting title, is it? My creative side for coming up with names for a title are gone. But nonetheless here are some pictures! It felt so great just to take a break from my busy schedule and go outside to shoot some pictures. I haven't done that in a long time. My favorite subject matter is now chains. I found these old chains wrapped around the hitching post... they sure are interesting things! All sorts of fun angles with those. If you have some old chains lying around, go and take a few shots of those - of course you don't have to, but it's fun, trust me.

It is already December 3rd. Can you believe that!?!? This year literally flew by. What's the best thing that has happened in the year of 2010 for you? Just to name a few for me - our Death Valley trip in February, visiting the Canadian Rockies and meeting some friends in July, acquiring my driver's license, my first photography show and starting running start at college.

Have a good evening.

A Little Contest

2010-11-28T14:35:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I thought it would be fun to have a little contest. The point of this contest is to forget about all the photography rules out there and the like, and just have fun editing any photo of your choice. Make it as messy and exciting as you can! Here is mine. It's supposed to be an orchid. Attach your photo in the comment area below and we can have fun commenting on each other's photos.