Birthday Fun in Julian

Up in the hills, not far from San Diego, is the charming town of Julian - famous for their apples and apple pie.  My awesome hubbie took me there for my birthday - after a delicious lunch at The Rongbranch Restaurant (the Pulled Pork was YUMMY!) we explored the cute town, cameras in hand.

This week's Photo of the Week (hosted by Jessica Rogers Photography) is from my Julian collection.

The Old Well

Although it was a warm day (mid 80's) the signs of fall were creeping in - a few leaves turning shades of yellow, a nice breeze...

We never got around to having a slice of Apple Pie on my birthday. We were way too full from lunch! Next time - hopefully soon, I will have that pie with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream!

I had a fantastic birthday! A big thank you to my husband who made sure I felt loved and taken care of and to all of my friends around the world who took a moment out of their day to wish me a Happy Birthday! It was a great way to start off a new year of life and I can't wait to see what is in store for me.  So far, its been great!

On Location

Next week I will be doing a family portrait shoot for a good friend and her lovely family. Its been a while since I've done portraits so I'm really looking forward to this shoot! My friend wants to have the photos done near Otay Lakes so I took a drive out there this afternoon to see what I'd be working with.

Isn't it gorgeous? I'm really looking forward to using this location as my backdrop!

I can't wait!

I'm so ready for fall! I've been telling myself that I need to wait until October to start decorating my house for fall, but I just can't wait!

A few weeks ago I came across an idea for an adorable project on The Swell Life for Candy Corn Vases so I bought my supplies and made my own version this past weekend.  I absolutely LOVE them and couldn't wait until October to put them on display.

It didn't help that on Monday I went to Trader Joe's and found pumpkins - big ones, little ones, mini ones!  The mini ones are oh so cute and go great with my Candy Corn Vases.

Yep, I'm definitely ready for Fall!

Sweet Simplicity

For this week's Photo of the Week (hosted by Jessica Rogers Photography) I bring you a single stem of Lavender.

Sweet Simplicity in a Single Stem

Lavender from my garden, sitting in a window sill, catching the soft afternoon light. I had a bit of Photoshop fun with this image using OnOne's PhotoFrame to apply the texture and flourish. 

Have a beautiful weekend!

9/11/01 - Never Forget

This collection of photos was taken in August, 2002; just 11 months after our country was attacked.

Winter Garden at the World Financial Center (Notice the cranes inside making repairs)

The wounds of 9/11 were still fresh - streets were lined with objects remembering those who were lost.

Never forget!

I will never forget where I was, 10 years ago. At home, getting ready for work, watching the news - seeing the towers come down.  The fear, not knowing what to do. I went to work, but my building was soon evacuated since we were next door to a Federal building. I grabbed everything important to my company and headed home and waited to see what would come next.

In the days that followed there was a deep sadness for those who were lost and those who gave their  lives to save others, but I will also never forget how American people came together in a way I'd never before witnessed. Political views, races, income levels, etc. didn't matter so much anymore. We were all AMERICAN!

Never forget those who gave their lives for others and for our freedom.

Never forget those who were senselessly killed on September 11, 2001.

Never forget that we are a people united under one flag.

Never forget that we are American!

In the Edna Valley

I was lucky to grow up somewhere as beautiful as the Edna Valley, just south of San Luis Obispo, CA - and I'm luckier still that my parents still live there! Last weekend I went up to SLO for a bit of work and play and took a little some time to wander around the Old Edna Townsite - an area that has been charmingly restored to include a deli, wine tasting room, bed and breakfast, and all sorts of antiques whimsically decorating the property.

Photo of the Week (as hosted by Jessica Rogers Photography) is taking a break from the regular series, but I'm not! This week's photo is one of my favorites from my exploration of Old Edna.

In The Tin Gallery

Here are a few more shots from around Old Edna:

I hope you enjoyed a peek at where I grew up. Have a great weekend!

Inspiration from the Kitchen Sink

When it comes to photography I find a great deal of my inspiration by traveling and exploring - getting out and seeing new places.  I tend to get a bit creatively blocked when I'm at home, doing all of the things that need to be done around the house. It can be hard to make (and take) the time to get out explore near home.

I think that is why I'm in a bit of a creative slump again. I haven't even posted a Photo of the Week for two weeks! This week I decided that needed to change. I looked around my home for inspiration and found it in the oddest place - the dripping of my kitchen faucet.

Drip, Drip, Drip

I gave myself the challenge of capturing a drop of water, mid air - and let me tell you, it wasn't easy! I really like the image that I captured, though, and I'm glad I made and took the time (even though there were a thousand other things I should have been doing) to creatively explore in my own house.

I'm still struggling with my creative block, but I also know that it takes time and effort to be creative and I just need to make myself do it sometimes.  I'm always glad when I do! Even if I don't capture the best shot, any time I bring the camera to my eye it is good practice and ultimately I'll become a better photographer for it!