Wednesday, January 28

H.S. Seniors ...that get creative

This photo was taken last October. We had a beautiful day...as you can clearly see! The colors are so vibrant. Here is a little lesson... colors are vibrant because it was a cloudy day. The "subject" does not squint and the tonal values of the image stay close together. Thus, it creates very rich and vibrant colors.
The little "embellishments" on the photos are something new that I picked up at the National convention... my RIGHT (creative) brain was working overtime!! It was so awesome and overwhelming...I have many ideas.

Valerie

Saturday, January 24

3 weeks & 1 day into the world....


Today I got the chance to create portraits for a 3 week old baby girl, so sweet, so loved, so fortunate... and SO adorable! She has a wonderful, loving family that are all close by. Mom & Dad told me she loves to eat...2 small bottles in 45 minutes and we had trouble getting to stop looking at us, she kept sneaking peaks ....fighting the little nap we were hoping for. LOL!! That made me laugh, what can you do. 3 weeks old and we can only follow where she led us... i managed to get one of her sleeping in her car seat. Check out those teeny, tiny toes-how CUTE!!!!

Valerie

Wednesday, January 21

It was warm in Arizona


Hi to ALL, it was so nice and warm...this was me leaving Karen & Jim's house on our way to dinner. We went to this very authentic "cowboy" place in the desert with horse stalls out back. They had a fire pit in the middle of the restaurant and we all had fun. More photos to follow.

Valerie

Thursday, January 15

Exploring is fun

Today reached a high of 78, while at home it was 9 degrees during the dinner hour. I am pretty suprised that it is so cold yet so warm here. The jet stream deeps low right beside where I am at. Doris drove me me up into the mountains in Arizona and we explored a canyon... that was fun. Got some great shots... heard about a "teddy bear" cactus that can shoot out it's needle at you if you get too close. oooookkkay. Then we headed to a mission, it is currently being restored and actually has been photographed by a very famous photographer. That was cool to see the work and the photos.

Then I had a chance to breathe in....relax, breath out-sit in the sun on Karen's patio with an amazing view of the mountains.   We chatted and then went to dinner...we drove...and drove, down some dirt roads and into a very local, cowboy restaurant (that was a great margarita made of patron) that had this thin (paper grilled) pizza and all the meats and burgers were cooked over fresh mesquite pit that in the center in the room. The restroom was on the outside of the bathroom and here were rows of horse stalls. I visited the horses.

Tomorrow we are going to park next to the Mexican border...walk across, shop and photograph and head back to Green Valley, AZ. Then i guess we are going to a local "country band" and have dinner. OK...i am exhausted, heading to bed. This vacation and conference have been busy.

Valerie

Wednesday, January 14

Old friends.

Well...today I am off to see my elementary friend's Dad. I have not seen him for about 25 or so years. That should be a great adventure. I will be sure to post some of those photos after I get back home. Have to run since the car is coming to pick me up so that I can get a rental car. Yes, it is going to be 72 today and I am watching how ridiculously freezing it is in the north. yikes!!!
Valerie

Sunday, January 11

New goodies!

Hi ALL!
Sorry no photos with this blog. I am currently in Phoenix, AZ enjoying the warm and sun. Ya, I know that makes you want to click off this blog, ha,ha. BUT seriously, I am researching all kinds of new ideas and products to bring back to my wonderful clients. I found some cute whimsical hats for babies, some fun new products and got some ideas for next years holiday cards. Phew, that is allot of pressure-LOL!!

I also learned today that we are the first group (PPA) to be using the brand new Phoenix convention center. It is very modern, bright and eco-friendly. I also had to stand in line to get tickets to see Anne Geddes...yes, the Anne Geddes. So I am off to continue to work....well, time for a little schmoozing now.

Valerie

Friday, January 9

The weather can change....



Just wanted to post post these 2 little guys, they are so cute and all "American" looking. We picked the date but wouldn't you know...completely freezing outside. The sepia and B&W hide the red noses! LOL!! They did a great job and really smiled and fun.


Valerie

Saturday, January 3

old sweaters..donate them!

Happy New Year to ALL!!!! To kick off the New Year I decided to put a photo of me wearing some adorable, whimsical mitts (& the scarf) up. I found these mitts (thanks to Kay) at a shop in North Conway, NH. They are hand made by a lady in Maine who donates part of the proceeds to different places. For example the local library (local to her in Maine). I always like when I find items that help local charities at "home".

These mitts are wool on the outside, cute old buttons and fleece lined. I have 4 people stop me ask about them. I contacted the lady who creates them and she uses all kinds of items. If anyone has wool, flannel, or blended sweaters that have stains, rips or are too small now (kids out grown them)!! She only uses portions of them-please let me know or drop off at my studio on the steps. She uses flannel on the inside and any and all buttons that you may have laying around. You know when you purchase new items, they give you extra buttons...well, I have probably 100 of those and I am going to give them to her. Most of the clothes they below to are looooonnng gone.


Thanks in advance for the donations.
Valerie