c.heis

Appreciating Warhol

2012-01-18T20:54:00.001-05:00

Lately I find myself eating large quantities of tomato soup. I'm not sure what that means, but I'm beginning to appreciate Andy Warhol more.

Five years with B.

2012-01-11T23:55:00.000-05:00

Five years ago it was love at first sight.

First Snowfall Chucks

2011-12-07T13:32:00.002-05:00

The bench I sat on to take this photo was very, VERY wet, but it was worth it. Let it snow! Let it Snow!

My Little 5D

2011-10-31T20:29:00.002-04:00

For over a year now I've been salivating over the Canon 5d MKII camera. It seems like every time I manage to save up the funds to purchase one of my very own, I have some unexpected expense that takes priority, like fixing the a/c in the car, replacing the furnace or paying for one Little Dog's recovery. (Being a responsible grown up sometimes just isn't any fun.)

That was what gave me inspiration for Bianka's Halloween costume this year.

On more than one occassion I've looked at her and said. "There's my 5d." But as much as I want that camera, that little face means more to me.

2011-10-23T12:50:00.001-04:00

A dirty nose is a sign of a good time

2011-10-02T15:12:00.001-04:00

A dirty nose is a sign of a good time, a photo by crysheis on Flickr.

2011-09-26T14:18:00.000-04:00

Converse & Gorilla tracks

2011-09-05T10:51:00.001-04:00

Road trip

2011-09-03T11:07:00.002-04:00

It's a holiday weekend and I know lots of you are hitting the road for one last summer road trip. Well not me. These shoes are staying home for a change.

Bianka 7 Snakes 0

2011-09-01T10:36:00.001-04:00

8/31/11 flashback

2011-08-31T17:07:00.001-04:00

Have you noticed on Facebook the little reminders of what you were doing on this day in 2010 and 2009? I'm not sure why, but for some reason I am constantly amused by these little status reminders. I guess because it reaffirms how quickly time moves.

For example last year I posted this image.

And not quite one year, later the scene looks something more like this.

Amazing.

8/30 never say never

2011-08-30T20:57:00.004-04:00

A few years ago, my cousin called me in a state of almost panic. "Crystal I need to ask a huge favor!" It seems her maid of honor had bowed out at the last minute, leaving her without an attendant just eight days before her wedding. She asked me to be what we call the EMOH (Emergency Maid of Honor.)

No problem I was honored and willing to step up to the task. She even gave me carte blanche with regards to attire, with one tiny request. "Please don't wear your chucks." Now deep in the back of my mind I was thinking "I would never think to wear chucks to formal occasion such as a wedding. What kind of person does she take me for?"

Well never say never.

This past week I traveled to St. Louis for my best friend's wedding. I was scurrying around trying to get ready and pack my gear in the car. That's when it happened. SPLAT! I fell down the stairs at my friend's apartment. And when I fall, I fall with gusto. I lost my footing somewhere in the middle and landed flat on my back at the bottom. Admittedly I was a little stunned by the whole ordeal but I tried to regroup as best I could. I just had one little problem.

I had ripped the heel off my one of my dress shoes. We were leaving for the ceremony in minutes, no time for emergency shoe shopping. This left me with two choices, wear my chucks or go barefoot.

I opted for the chucks. This pair would not have been my first choice by any means. I probably would've gone for something a little dressier, like my aqua chucks with the flower and butterfly on the side, but that's just me.

Meanwhile I have a bruise the approximate size and shape of Australia on my backside. (I have pictures of it but this is a family show.) And, the makers of extra-strength tylenol are pure genius.

8/20-- Embracing Imperfection

2011-08-20T18:31:00.003-04:00

Confession time. I did not take this image. My assistant at my most recent wedding did. I love the humor in it. It was just too good not to share.

Play Time

2011-08-19T10:37:00.002-04:00

I've spent most of my free time on the computer this last week. The Little Dog does her best to try to get me to play with her.

back [b]log + a teaser | Michelle + TJ |

2011-08-16T23:13:00.001-04:00

I know it seems silly to be doing a post of engagement photos just three days after the couple's wedding, but I'm invoking the August Break rules here. Meaning, there are no rules and I can do whatever I want. My apologies to Michelle and TJ for not doing a more formal blog post from their engagement session in a more timely manner.

I thought I'd start with this image because it kind of sums up some of the logistical issues surrounding their photo shoot. Michelle and TJ live in Ohio. I live in Kentucky, about two and half hours away. This wasn't really a big deal in theory because I was traveling to Ohio on three separate weekends in April. (Yes. Yes. These are from April. I've already told you I'm very late. Get over it already.)

After much juggling of schedules we came up with a day when they were both free and I was in the area. One little problem. It rained. Like all day rained. :( Remember all of those crazy storms back in April? This was exactly the time we were trying to work these in.

Knowing full well that no one can control the weather. We rescheduled for the following weekend and guess what? It rained. Luckily we had a small window of time when it looked as if the weather gods were going to cooperate. We seized this opportunity, keeping our eyes on the sky the whole time.

Thankfully, both Michelle and TJ have a go with the flow attitude as well as good senses of humor.

As it turned out it only sprinkled once or twice and we were able to complete our shoot.

Michelle and TJ even brought along a very special guest, Flyer, the newest member of their family.

Let's face it. It was really hard trying not to let this cute little guy steal the show. And as much as I love my little dachshunds, having a puppy on the photo shoot does present some challenges.

But in all seriousness. I had a great time photographing Michelle and TJ (and Flyer.) Lots of laughter was involved, and I got to play with a little puppy. What's not to love about that?!

After spending some time getting to know this couple and seeing how they took everything in stride when dealing with in-climate weather, schedule constraints and the added distraction of a puppy on the photo shoot, I knew they would be the same way on their wedding day. And it was true. Everything went off without a hitch and they were as easing going as can be. Of course Flyer wasn't there. :-)

Here's the wedding teaser image I promised.

Blue and Yellow Beacon

2011-08-14T16:04:00.002-04:00

Coming back from my weekend wedding, we were drawn in to the blue and yellow beacon of Swedish design.

I {heart} Photojojo and Polaroid

2011-08-12T17:05:00.004-04:00

So first of all, I love companies that don't take themselves too seriously. This is why I <3 Photojojo. (Well that, and the fact that there name reminds me of Mojo Jojo from the Powerpuff Girls.)

Don't ask me how I first happened upon them but I am so glad I did. They have just the right mix of cool photo gadgets and quirky photography related novelties. Seriously, I don't think there is a single thing in their store that I don't want.

I recently placed my very first order with them and it finally arrived.

Yes, I ordered Polaroid film. I've been dying to try the new Impossible Project film, and I have a very special project on the horizon that it would be perfect for. (PS If you don't know the Impossible Project story, you must go check out their site. It's wonderful.)

I also ordered these fun Polaroid inspired frames. How cute are they?!

Now, I know you are probably saying to yourself, "Is that a tiny dinosaur?"

Why yes you are correct. I had that same thought when I opened my shipment and there I found this little guy. (I'm thinking of naming him Ralph.) I thought "Surely, this must be an accident. " That is until I looked at my invoice.

So #1 I love that they have the good humor to add in a tiny little toy just for kicks and #2 They actually put it on the packing list. I <3 you Photojojo!!!!!

Hey...Do you like the faux-Polaroid look to the photos. I thought it was nice touch, but then again. I'm a photo nerd! :)

8/11

2011-08-11T20:23:00.001-04:00

Still catching up from the Kings Island excursion. I'm not as young as I once was. :)

8/11

2011-08-11T20:23:00.000-04:00

Still catching up from the Kings Island excursion. I'm not as young as I once was. :)

8/10

2011-08-11T20:19:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was summer fun at Kings Island!

8/9

2011-08-09T07:58:00.001-04:00

8/8

2011-08-08T22:14:00.001-04:00

8/7 Binx Stinks!

2011-08-07T18:39:00.002-04:00

8/6

2011-08-07T10:27:00.005-04:00

I've had a very domestic weekend thus far, spending a good bit of my day running down to the basement working on laundry. A year or so ago, the Little Dog would have accompanied me on these little trips, but after a post-surgery tumble down the stairs she has learned that she can't.

So instead she, waits patiently at the top of the stairs, and as I return upstairs I get this view. It always makes me smile.

It's nice to know that someone is keeping an eye out for you.

Where the Hell is Matt?

2011-08-05T08:42:00.002-04:00

A friend of mine sent this to me this, and I thought it might be good inspiration going into the weekend.

8/5 Instagram Love!!!

2011-08-05T07:49:00.000-04:00

Back in March or April, I got an Ipad. (I hate to admit how much I love this little piece of technology, but that is a subject for another post.) One of the first apps I downloaded was Instagram. After seeing all the examples my friends were posting on facebook, I knew I had to have it. Vintage photo borders, cool retro effects, tilt-shift options. Why wouldn't a self-proclaimed photo nerd love this App. Oh! And did I mention the price....FREE!!!! Love that!

So after several months of playing around with the app, I have noticed a strange phenomenon.

What is it about Instagram that compels me to photograph what I eat and drink?

I mean seriously. Do I think anyone really cares about this? No, but I still do it. And so do lots of other people.

It's kind of weird. Harmless but weird. I just don't get it.

Okay maybe food isn't the only thing I share on Instagram.

8/4 Bianka 4 Snakes 0

2011-08-04T07:46:00.000-04:00

Today it was so humid out, that my lens fogged up when I tried to snap a photo of Bianka Dog and her latest catch. Funny. It kind of works though. :)

8/3 breaking beans

2011-08-03T08:36:00.000-04:00

8/2

2011-08-02T08:44:00.000-04:00

Remember my little buddy Riley? Well, he's two and half now. This face just about says it all. :)

8/1 my favorite tree.

2011-08-01T23:00:00.000-04:00

August Break 2011

2011-08-01T22:39:00.002-04:00

So last week, when I went to post Bianka's latest snake statistic, my mouth hit the floor. The most recent post on my blog was from Mothers Day...MOTHER's DAY!!!! As in two and a half months ago! I knew I had been slacking in the blogosphere but I didn't realize it was that bad. I needed to something to turn this around.

Coincidently, my personal hero, Susannah Conway, put out on her blog a call to join her in her August Break. Although the concept of the August break is to just post a photo every day for entire month no pressure, no words required, and no rules, I am taking a slightly different approach. (There are no rules after all.) I am hoping to use this as a chance to get back in the blogging habit. We'll start with photos and hopefully the words will follow. ( PS A lot of things have happened in the last couple of months. It's time to get caught up. I'll be doing this same project on my photography blog as well, so feel free to check it out too.

Welcome August!!

Why I was late to work today

2011-07-28T21:42:00.004-04:00

This is why I was late to work this morning.

After twenty plus minutes of heavy negotiations, she finally relinquished her prize. Sigh....

For those keeping score. Bianka 3 snakes 0

Happy Mother's Day!

2011-05-08T12:16:00.001-04:00

Happy Mother's day to all my new moms out there

sneak Preview | Michelle + TJ (+ Flyer) |

2011-05-07T11:54:00.000-04:00

Can you guess why I chose this one?

Bright Eyes

2011-04-27T21:07:00.002-04:00

So I've completely lost track of where I am in my little project, and it really doesn't matter. I'm probably the only one keeping track anyhow.

I came across this image of Ms. B when getting ready to clear off some flash cards. Something about it just spoke to me.

Henry the Happy Baby!

2011-04-12T21:17:00.001-04:00

On my first pass through the images from this session, I came to this one, and I smiled and laughed out loud. Seriously, how could one not be happy looking at this face?

Don't forget to check out the sneak preview of Henry's session too.

Bet you didn't know.

2011-04-10T11:42:00.001-04:00

It's a little known fact that dachshunds are solar powered. It's true.

This one is recharging.

catching up 12/52

2011-04-06T08:14:00.003-04:00

Yeah I know it looks like I'm going backwards, but not really, I'm just playing catch up on my Project 52. That's the great thing about making up your own rules, you can change them when ever you want. ☺

I took this SUNday, when I noticed my first tulip of the season in bloom.

A new snake strategy.

2011-04-04T07:35:00.000-04:00

Now before you jump to conclusions. NO, Bianka has not started catching snakes this year. Actually, the little dog may have a slow start since she is still in recovery for 4 more weeks. That means no "off-the-leash" time. Yeah, like that's going to stop her.

Just yesterday she and I spent a good bit of the afternoon outdoors basking in the plentiful sunshine and warmer weather. Bianka immediately went to work searching for critters around our little pond, while I tended to the necessary outdoor chores, like mowing the yard. Now normally I'll see a snake or two long before the little dog catches her first one of the season. (I don't tell her this of course.) So, I thought it was odd that none crossed my path.

Maybe she's run them all off...or maybe the snakes are just getting smarter.

As I was leaving the house to run some errands, I looked over and found this guy hiding in my holly bush.

And when I say hiding in the holly bush, I really mean on the holly bush.

As you can see, he is far off the ground, a good four feet or so. Did the snakes finally figure out the dog is only 8 inches tall?

Could it be true that this their new strategy for survival? Have the snakes outsmarted the Little Dog?

Oh! Don't get cocky!

Happy SUNday

2011-04-03T20:09:00.006-04:00

What week is it? --13/52 ?

Yeah, I know I kind of dropped the ball a bit on the Project 52. Truth be told, two weeks ago it felt as if Spring had finally arrived. Then in a blink of an eye the weather turned grey, cold and rainy. It left me feeling blah, and uninspired. I'll also admit that my day to day life has been pretty caught up in keeping the little dog on the road to recovery. (By the way she's doing really well but that's another story.)

So here it is two weeks later, and the weather seems to have turned itself around. Today, I spent much of the day working outside in the yard, enjoying a very Sunny Sunday.

Happy SUNday

11/52- Oh happy day

2011-03-13T11:58:00.002-04:00

I'm always look forward to the first signs that the garden is coming back to life. Yesterday I spotted these guys poking out of the ground. Pretty soon I'll be feasting again on home grown vegetables. I can't wait!!!!

10/52-- morning light

2011-03-11T22:54:00.002-05:00

I literally snapped this just before hopping in the car to go to work. Every sunny morning I am struck by how pretty the back lighting is on my neighbor's plants.

cheers mate

2011-03-09T22:39:00.003-05:00

Several weeks ago my friend and co-worker, Kopana, was planning for her trip across the pond when she asked me what kind of souvenir I'd like. My first choice was of course Union Jack Converse, but I knew that would be a long shot. She suggested something commemorative of the upcoming Royal Wedding, like a Royal wedding barf bag. (No seriously. They exist.)

Instead of opting for that sort of high class souvenir, she found something more appropiate for me.

What could be more fitting than a Royal Wedding coffee (or tea) cup?

There was just one little problem...

It's kind of hard to enjoy a biscuit with your brew in this cup.

Then it occured to me that perhaps the cup wasn't for me.

No. It's even a bit small for Little Dog. Sorry Binx.

Aren't you forgetting the biscuit, Lady?

9/52 -- more Finn

2011-03-01T22:46:00.000-05:00

8/52 Sunday sunrise

2011-02-21T10:05:00.005-05:00

This past weekend I was visiting my parents in Ohio. After staying up late talking with my mom on Saturday, I was less than amused to be awakened extra early by a Little Dog, who needed to visit the great outdoors in a big way.

It is no great secret that I am not a morning person. I'm sure was grumbling as I made my way out to grab my coat and shoes. That all changed as I passed by the window and I saw this most spectacular sunrise.

7:06am

But, it was short-lived event.

7:18 am

Just ten minutes later the dawn was cloudy, gray and drizzly, but for a few minutes it was breath-taking. I so rarely get to see the sun rise from my own home. So I forgave the Little Dog for waking me up early. :)

7/52

2011-02-18T12:45:00.001-05:00

Have you every had days where you wish you had just stayed in bed?

Happy Valentine's Day [6/52]

2011-02-14T08:05:00.003-05:00

my etsy shop is open for business

2011-02-13T10:22:00.001-05:00

One of my goals for 2011 was to open my own shop on Etsy. Actually, it was a goal for 2010, that didn't quite materialize, but this year I decided I would really try to make a go of it. So a couple of weeks ago, I bit the bullet and listed my very first item, my "couples" photo. Within a week I received notices that the photo had been placed in treasury. ( I didn't know what a treasury was at first, but from what I understand it's a theme based collection but together by other etsy members.) How exciting!

Now a couple of weeks have gone by and I'm slowly adding more items to the shop. For now it's mostly photographs, but I hope to also include some of my hand painted silks. As with some many things, it is most definitely a work in progress, but it is a start. I'm very excited to see where all this leads.

You can visit the shop by clicking here. Alternatively, you can check out the mini Etsy located on to right of this blog. Please check it out and tell me what you think. I'd love to hear your feedback.

Thank you.

British Invasion

2011-02-09T21:16:00.003-05:00

It seems fitting that I write this on the anniversary of the day the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show, thus kicking off what came to be known as the British Invasion. But lately, I seemed experiencing my own personal British Invasion.

I suppose it all started last year, when I signed up for Susannah Conway's Unravelling courses listening to Susannah's video and marveling at her lovely accent. Next, it was my personal Jane Austin Film Fest. Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, Emma, BBC tv, or full length films, it didn't matter. I watched them all. After that I made my way to slightly more modern films and delving into PBS's Masterpiece Theatre.

My infatuation reached full force this past fall, when I came across Sherlock. Instantly, this was my new favorite show. I'm not kidding when I say I watched the first episode twice in one night. I cursed at my television at the cliff hanger ending of the third and final episode for the season. Once I found out that I could stream the show on-line, I was watching it every night as I cooked dinner. My previous crush, Colin Firth, was suddenly replaced by Benedict Cumberbatch. You would think it would have all stopped there, but no. It just got worse.

With only three episodes of Sherlock, I had to move on. A friend suggested another PBS show, Doc Martin, describing it as a British version of one of my all-time favorites, Northern Exposure. I started fixing tea and biscuits as I would settle in to catch up on the goings on in Portwinn. Then I noticed that my inner monologue was beginning to develop an English Accent. I had to resist the urge to add extra vowels to words like "colour". I started having dreams about driving on the opposite side of the road. One day, I even caught myself saying to the dog, "What's the matter Luv?" A sensible person might put a stop to this, but not me. I simply have expanded this obsession to include comedy....the Britcom.

If my life were to be portrayed as a television character I would be Miranda. Perhaps it's because the main character is in her mid-thirties and single. Maybe it's because she's also a bit of klutz. Or maybe it's because she's nervous and awkward in most social situations, but I find myself watching the videos saying..."Oh my God. That could be me. " The show is silly, and funny, and in my opinion, brilliant! (I sound so British when I use that word.) Big thanks to my friend Corrine, for introducing me to this wonderful little show. I have laughed out loud until my sides hurt. And, just in case you want to share in my own little British Invasion obsession I'm embedding season one, episode one. Give it a look. Hope you enjoy.

5/52 Healing

2011-02-09T13:33:00.001-05:00

4/52

2011-02-05T22:43:00.002-05:00

Again, I'm a little behind on Project 52, but since there are no rules, I'm giving myself permission to be a little behind. The last couple of weeks have been a little rough the Heis Household. Miss B. suffered a third back injury. Although this injury was not as severe, there were still many worrisome nights.

A little over a week has gone by and she seems to be doing better but we're still taking it day by day. Right now she needs lots of rest and time to heal.

3/52 Snow and Shadows

2011-01-24T22:10:00.002-05:00

I have a little catching up to do, but here is the third in project 52. When I set out to take this image I was already thinking it should be in B&W. I'm thinking it is a good time just to play in B&W a bit. Hmm... Let's see where this will take us.

Conversations with Bianka

2011-01-23T15:02:00.002-05:00

Mom, wouldn't you rather play with me than paint the hallway?

(Five minutes later)

Are you sure?

2/52 Riley

2011-01-09T21:04:00.000-05:00

1/52

2011-01-09T20:12:00.002-05:00

So I'm going to try to set a goal of posting at least one photo a week both here and on the photography blog. In a perfect world I'd be posting photos that I've taken that week, but seeing that I am about as imperfect as they get, I won't make that promise. I'll kick off this project with an image I posted last week on my other blog. This is little Pierce, but you can call him Baby New Year.

2010-12-20T13:25:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine posted this video on Facebook, and it was so cute I had to share.

2010-12-16T21:56:00.005-05:00

Right now everything here in Kentucky is pretty much encased in a thin layer of ice. And, when I'm not worried about the dangers like road conditions, loosing power or falling down and breaking my neck, I have to admit it can be really pretty.

I snapped these few photos as I was leaving work.

2010-12-04T13:07:00.002-05:00

It sure is much more fun to build a snowman than it is shoveling the walk.

A dachshund's odyssey

2010-11-21T19:04:00.003-05:00

Last year a dear friend gave me this book. I'd thumbed through it several times but never took the time to sit down and read it. So on this quiet Sunday, I did just that.

Spoiler Alert * It turns out Lump had once belonged to the photographer, David Douglas Duncan, who was a good friend of Pablo Picasso. On one of his many trips to Picasso's home, he brought Lump along. Lump surveyed the home and decided that it would now be his home too. The rest of the book is comprised of domestic photos of Picasso and his beloved dog.

hmmm Does this sound like anyone else we know?

With that in mind here is the latest video of another lovable dachshund. PS It was just one month ago today she had her surgery.

The highs and lows of the week

2010-11-13T13:17:00.003-05:00

This week has simply been a roller coaster of emotions. It started out on a high note with Bianka making some significant progress toward her recovery by standing and walking a little more with each passing day.

Then all of that progress came to a screeching halt on Tuesday, when the Little Dog took a tumble down a flight of stairs. Although she showed no immediate signs of significant injury, the next couple of days were spent in a perpetual state of worry and trying to assess if her behavior was normal. But at this point how does one gauge normal? After two or three days of quiet cage and bed rest, Bianka started becoming a little more active again.

Today being the beautiful day that it is, I decided Little Dog deserved some time in the great outdoors, carefully observed of course. She was outside less than two minutes before she started her search. I knew exactly what she was up to.

Yes I think things are getting back to normal around here.

2010-11-09T00:03:00.004-05:00

You know, I'm always amazed at how much I can out-nerd myself.

Here is the latest in Bianka's road to recovery.

One step closer (pun intended)

2010-11-04T07:49:00.005-04:00

It isn't very pretty and we still have a long way to go. :-D

Physical Therapy

2010-11-02T23:29:00.005-04:00

I now find myself anxiously waiting to see when not if Bianka will take her very first "post-surgery" steps. One week ago I wasn't sure if she'd ever walk again, so this is incredibly exciting. I'm really amazed at how fast I'm seeing new signs of the Little Dog's recovery. She gets a little stronger each and every day. I know this because she and I do a little bit of physical therapy each night. Here you see us doing B's exercises. (If you managed to sit through the first two minutes, there's a tiny surprise at the end that I don't think either of us were expecting.)

By the way, I want to send out a big thank you to those of you that been kind enough to watch this progress with me and have cheered the little dog along. We're getting really close.

A tiny milestone.

2010-11-01T23:23:00.002-04:00

To most this video would be dull as dirt, but but being able to scratch her ear with her own foot is a big step toward recovery. I never thought I'd be this excited over such little things.

Excited Dog

2010-11-01T22:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T15:00:00.003-04:00

I know. I know. It's not right, but I just couldn't help myself.

I love my little Franken-Dog.

Play Time!

2010-10-31T09:23:00.001-04:00

Bianka is a little fed up with this cage rest business.

It's hard to keep a good dog down.

2010-10-30T09:55:00.003-04:00

I made this little video to document Bianka's recovery. She cannot walk, but she seems to be moving her left leg to help push herself around the floor. (PS the video is a mirror image of reality.) Plus the tail still wags and there is seems to be some muscle contraction when I scratch that special spot on her chest that used to make her leg "thump."

recovery - week one

2010-10-30T09:37:00.005-04:00

When the vet first brought Bianka out to me, I saw her little tail wag and I burst into tears. I felt such a relief...so did she. When they handed her to me she ended up peeing all down my side. Luckily I was wearing a raincoat, and really I didn't care. I had my dog back.

After six days in the hospital Miss Bianka Dog is finally home, and her spirits are good.

She has a incision that's about 10 inches long running down her spine, and she cannot walk or stand on her own yet.

But this isn't what she's the Little Dog is sad about. No. She's not happy about the 2 weeks of cage rest.

It'll be okay Bianka. Just rest for now.

PS Bianka is still working on her "self-control" and in the mean time I continue to wear my raincoat when I take her out. ☺

Here we go again

2010-10-29T19:31:00.006-04:00

A week ago Wednesday was just like any other fall evening around the Heis house. Before the sun set, Bianka and I took some time to play in the back yard.

We had a great time. We played fetch for a while.

Bianka rolled.

And rolled....

... and shook. She was living it up, until....

Actually, I'm not sure what exactly happened. All I know is that all of a sudden was acting "off." I'd seen this behavior before and I was pretty sure I knew what the outcome was going to be. Bianka had injured her back....again. You may remember I just went through this last Thanksgiving.

I was hoping I was wrong with my prediction, but after another sleepless night monitoring and worrying about the little dog. I found myself driving at dawn to the emergency veterinary hospital.

The surgeon confirmed that she had ruptured another disc. This time higher up toward the mid-back. This is apparently a more common location than her previous injury. When I had left my house she could still walk. When vet finally saw her, she'd lost most of the function in her legs. Paralysis was setting in.

One saving grace of having just gone through this, was that this time I knew what to expect in terms of the procedure and the recovery. Although, as I have learned the location of this injury put more pressure on the spinal cord, and recover will take longer.

Even though I wasn't nearly as scared to leave her, it is never easy having to say goodbye to this little face.

She was at the hospital for almost a week. Now she's home and we're starting recovery. I'll keep you posted on how that is going.

Something to think about.

2010-10-19T22:30:00.004-04:00

I recently watched one of my favorite films, Lost in Translation. In this one scene, Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson) talks to Bob (Bill Murray) about feeling "stuck."

Charlotte: I tried taking pictures, but they were so mediocre. I guess every girl goes through a photography phase. You know like horses... you take dumb pictures of your feet.

I watched this scene and then thought to myself. "Oh my God. That's my life. Horses...photography...dumb pictures of my feet. Am I just a cliche`?"

I guess that's something interesting to think about and in the mean time, I'll still share this.

It's the Great Pumpkin Chuck Taylor!

2010-10-18T23:03:00.000-04:00

Got Margaritas?

2010-10-13T19:36:00.000-04:00

I saw this as I was leaving work last week.

Horse Shoes

2010-10-08T15:53:00.001-04:00

Still Free Range

2010-10-07T08:52:00.004-04:00

Tuesday as I left the office I was telling a co-worker about my father and his "free range" cow.

Wednesday morning this came through on Facebook from my mom.

Well, Steve has another free range cow on the loose. This one is hanging out near the New Life Penticostle church on Trebein Rd. Although we don't have 10 inches of snow on the ground and it is not 12 degrees outside, it is still a pain in the neck trying to chase down a stupid cow. I think we need prison high fences to keep this suckers in.

When I called home to talk to Dad, he sounded tired. Chasing cattle across the county 8 weeks after a hip replacement will take it out of you. I asked how he was doing, he said "Well. I have another flyer." Interestingly this cow came from the same original herd as the the first escapee. We're thinking it was a co-conspiracy or ... a cow-conspiracy. ( I know...I couldn't resist)

I found this article yesterday and thought it might be appropriate given recent events.

The Kentucky Gazette October 24, 1789

Sandcastle Art

2010-10-02T20:52:00.003-04:00

Who knew Kentucky had a Grandmaster Sand Sculptor? It must be because we have all those beaches. ;-)

I saw Damon Farmer working on this when I popped by Lexington Green last weekend. I stopped back by this evening and amazed at how quickly everything has progressed.

Check out more at Sandcastlecam.com

Happy Belated Birthday Pierce

2010-09-22T20:30:00.002-04:00

My dear, sweet friends Ashleigh and George welcomed their son to this world early Tuesday morning.

Happy (belated) Birthday Pierce!

Happy Equinox.

2010-09-22T09:58:00.002-04:00

little bits of gratitude

2010-09-09T20:54:00.006-04:00

Tonight I've been thinking a lot about the word "gratitude." There are so many little things in my day to day life that I'm thankful for.

For example, over the past few weeks I've come to realize how much my little yoga practice means to me. There are times when I've taken a break from yoga and I find my body crying out to me to go back. Then there is the mental component. It gives me that small window of time where I can tune out the noise of my life and just...well...be present.

So tonight I thought I 'd say thank you to all to of the teachers at Barefoot Works Yoga Studio. Almost all of them you see here in these photos from Sarah's wedding.

Plus, congratulations Sharon on Barefoot Works' Four Year Birthday!!! YAY!!!!

Sept 7

2010-09-07T00:01:00.002-04:00

One more of Brandon and Sarah

sneak preview from the photog blog

2010-09-06T15:53:00.001-04:00

I had so much fun photographing Sarah and Brandon's wedding, I thought it would be appropriate to have their sneak preview be a few fun images.

Come on. You know I love fun shoes.

Congratulations Saran and Brandon!

Sept 5

2010-09-05T09:54:00.003-04:00

Sarah and Brandon are getting married today!!!

ABC-- August Break Continued...

2010-09-04T16:28:00.001-04:00

Aug 30

2010-08-30T08:52:00.001-04:00

2010-08-29T10:42:00.001-04:00

Just one more cute sequence with Ashleigh and George.

I Joined - Have you?

2010-08-27T10:09:00.001-04:00

Aug 26

2010-08-26T01:12:00.002-04:00

Another image from Ashleigh and George's maternity shoot. Hop on over to the photography blog to see a bit more.

Aug 25

2010-08-25T01:23:00.000-04:00

When Ashleigh and I first talked about what she wanted for her maternity shoot. She said, "Do you remember the final scene in the movie Notting Hill? I want to do something kind of like that. "

Since it has been many, many moons since I recalled watching that movie, I actually had to look it up and I found this...

Oh yeah...It all came flashing back to me Julia Robert, Hugh Grant. American movie star falls in love with an Englishman that owns a bookstore, or works in a bookstore, or maybe just frequents bookstores. Something like that, but the plot of the movie really doesn't matter. These final minutes of the movie are all that were really relevant to me. We can definitely do something like that.

So here is our version of that final scene.

There is actually more to this story, but you're just going to have to wait until tomorrow for that bit. Ashleigh and George week continues. Stay tuned...

Aug 24

2010-08-24T18:41:00.001-04:00

I wasn't sure how this would out, but I have to say I kind of like it. At first I though the sun would ruin it for me but the more I look at it the more I'm thinking it works.

(PS. I think Ashleigh's shirt is too cute.)

Aug 23 -- Win Some Loose Some

2010-08-23T22:51:00.003-04:00

So the results came out around 3 o'clock on the Pioneer Woman Photography contest.

Sadly my photo was not chosen by Ms. Drummond as the winner, but I have to say I that if this had been judged by the audience, say like American Idol, I think I might have won. No hard feelings though. I'm just thrilled that my photo was even chosen and the feedback I have received has been amazing. The narcissistic side of me kept checking back and reading all the comments and replies to the post. I'd sit in disbelieve of all the wonderful things being said about my work. I almost felt like Sally Fields, "You like me. You really like me."

Thank you again Ree Drummond for picking me as a finalist. It was a honor.

August 22 | Ashleigh+George (+Peirce) |

2010-08-22T15:29:00.000-04:00

August 20 --feeling famous

2010-08-20T15:31:00.001-04:00

If you've looked through the past posts of this blog you already know I love this photo. I entered it in a contest on the Pioneer Woman website. PS I love Ree Drummond.

The theme of the contest is Love. I made it through the first round, and so many lovely people have said such sweet things about this little of photo of mind. It's a nice way end week.

Here's a link to the rest of today's photos. About 20 are chosen per day for a week. I'll keep you posted if I make it to the finals.

August 19 (a little early)

2010-08-18T19:53:00.003-04:00

~~Bianka 5 Snakes 0~~
Correction:
Bianka 7 Snakes 0
It's a good thing I have this blog or I'd loose count.

August 18

2010-08-18T09:40:00.000-04:00

Aug 17

2010-08-17T21:05:00.002-04:00

August 16

2010-08-16T22:35:00.001-04:00

Aug 15

2010-08-15T16:33:00.000-04:00

August 14

2010-08-14T01:21:00.000-04:00

Shameless plug

Aug 13

2010-08-13T01:32:00.000-04:00

This is not Bianka. This is my Mom and Dad's dog Gufu (Don't ask about the name.) He's been on my mind lately.

Feel better little guy.

August 12

2010-08-12T16:28:00.000-04:00