We remembered our father’s life by reconnecting with family. Family that have been separated by memories and miles. My brother and sisters along with our mom said our final goodbye to a father and a husband this past week. We procrastinated, not quite ready to bring finality to his life. It’s that final moment where you walk away and know that you have only one choice but to move forward.

We began with a simple gathering of family on a beautiful cloudless day. A short memorial service that was exactly what he would have wanted. We were surrounded by family. A wife, a brother, nephews, grandchildren, daughters and a son. Before the service started we reconnected to aunts and uncles and cousins. There was laughter about how we all have changed yet it all seemed so very familiar. Like it should have been just a follow up to a recent gathering instead of years.

Afterwards we celebrated his life with a wonderful lunch overlooking Lake Michigan. He loved the restaurant so it was fitting that we chose it for our final goodbye. He loved good food, good wine and a good time. I think we did him proud on this final day. So long Dad…..

Remember these tiny little precious bundles of joy from just a year ago?  What a difference. Talk about two bundles of action. Their mom and dad have their hands full to say the least. I had such a great time visiting with this family. What a challenge is was to photograph two ONE year olds. They were always in motion so capturing their moments were challenging.

Years ago, my siblings and I decided to forgo all the gift giving that comes with Christmas. We could only spend $20 and it had to be on an ornament. This meant each year, we would be adding three new ornaments to our Christmas tree. This simple tradition has brought wonderful memories to me as I decorate my tree each year. My oldest son has started the tradition with us as well. He has been married for three years and they want to have special ornaments that bring special memories as they decorate their tree together each year.

The past few years, we have all bought ornaments from the same place. While, as luck would have it, none of us have bought the same ornament. Each year, for me, the hunt for that special ornament begins the day after Christmas where my dollar goes a little bit further because many of these ornaments go on sale! Each year, Vicki and I, shop together via long distance and discuss what ones we like. It reminds me of the times, when we were younger. Who doesn’t remember that fall day when the big Sears  toy catalogue would arrive? Who didn’t spend hours going page by page looking at every item and making a list? Funny- my kids did the same thing when they were younger every time the Toys R Us catalogue would arrive. I can still hear them saying ” I want this and this and this…”

If my brother or sisters happen to be reading this- This year, I didn’t shop at the same as all of you! I went somewhere different!

But this morning, I found this ornament in the Sundance Catalog and I think it would be JUST PERFECT FOR ME!

5/5/10 - Update- The Brownie camera ornament went on sale and I snapped it right up with a few extras in case I decide to do a giveaway during the Christmas season! The photo below is MINE!

Growing up they fought like cats and dogs. Chases that led to an emergency room visit for one and others that ended with a statement from their Mom with “Who started the fire?” Boys will be boys and brothers will always be brothers. No matter the distance, no matter the day, they remain brothers.

Their life paths are traveled in different states but their life’s passion is exactly the same. They still tease each other while they talk of plans for a vacation of adventure, whether it will be chasing storms or a trip to Alaska. They are each others best friends. When one needs the other, they are there. One is easy going and the other is trying to go easy. One is married while the other  is moving on from a troubled relationship. They help each other more than they know. They are all I have ever hoped for. I am so very proud of them.

I am loving my little Nikon Point and Shoot. My shoulder loves it as well. It was nice to have it on a recent visit out to see Mike. Just another scene from a small community on our way to Tanner’s. I was surprised to see that Rexall Drug stores are still in existence. (Not that I remember EVER going to one)

Lr Preset: Silvery Toned BW and Vignette: Dark

Spent the weekend out in middle America. I snapped this with my point & shoot Nikon. I am enjoying not lugging around my big ole D300 every where I go. Bring it into to Lightroom, add a preset or two with some creative cropping and you would never know I shot this through the truck window! We paid a visit to Tanner’s Orchard and picked up apple cider donuts, fresh cider and a few bags of apples. A great fall weekend and even better seeing with a great son!

You would think that I was Mrs. Greenjeans this summer by this photo. Not at all… Just pure luck. Lots of rain and a wonderfully cool summer. The tomatoes were happy in their containers and the basil loved hanging out with them. I gave them all little pep talks every day about growing big and strong. Did I have success with everything I planted? No- I killed the Rosemary twice….

I thought it might be good to see what presets I used in this photo. Surprisingly I didn’t over preset it for a change. Is “over preset” a post production term?

I have been drawing a blank when it comes to putting thoughts to my photos lately. I am not sure why. It just seems that every time I sit down to write-blank, nada, zip, zero. Ever have that happen to you? I want to write but I just can’t seem to string my thoughts together enough to put them to paper. I am not thrilled with this photo and am actually disappointed with how my camera has been behaving. Of course…I blame it on the camera. It has NOTHING to do with me and my capabilities. I love taking photos but am tired of lugging around a big heavy camera for just “snapping” photos. I am seriously considering just getting a point and shoot that fits right in my purse or back pocket. I take evening bike rides on a regular basis and would love to have a camera in hand. Just seems like the D300 isn’t going to be my first choice any more. Do you go through phases like that?

Below is a recent photo of my brother and my Mom. My mom has come to Chicago for her birthday since my Dad passed away. My older sister Vicki comes too. It is a great time and this year was perfect. My brother lives in Wisconsin but came down and met us for lunch at a great little restaurant bakery in Northfield. He kept us laughing all through lunch. I love his sense of humor. You can see in the photo below he is working his magic on his mom.

Do you think he is telling me to stop taking photos of him? LIke that is actually going to happen. 

Lightroom aficionados you should RUN not walk over to Kevin Kubota’s site. He has a wonderful DVD about Lightroom RAW workflow and 90 presets are included.  The price is 99.00 and I think it is money well spent. I used the “Old is New again” preset on the photo below. 

Most of the ladies from the Me Ra Workshop know that I am a HUGE Lightroom fan-so you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that I am going to the Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2 Live here in Chicago on July 20th. I cannot wait!

Pam-what do you think of Gretzky now? I think I like it better. Thanks for the suggestion.