Some of you may be wondering why I have been so neglectful with my blog updates.  Well, it all started with my recent move in January.  It took me a couple of weeks to get all settled in my new place and rest up from the exhaustion that comes with moving.  Just as I was about to dig in and focus on marketing and some other things that had stayed on my to do list far too long, my sweet cat named Cleo (who is about 13yrs. old) ended up getting really, really sick.  Cleo ended up being hospitalized for four nights and had stopped eating and drinking entirely.  Because her liver and gallblader counts were so high the vet thinks that she is afflicted with Fatty Liver Disease.  It literally seemed like one day Cleo was fine and then a few days later almost dead…so it probably comes as no surprise that the last couple of weeks have been exhausting and emotional.  Anyway, I am happy to report that Cleo is slowly coming back to life after being fed via a feeding tube for more than two weeks.  Tomorrow the feeding tube will be removed.  I really hope that Cleo will be able to resume eating normally without to many setbacks.  While the whole deal has been really expensive and I could have bought a Leica for what I have spent in vet bills, she is worth every penny.  Every time I feed my loving and faithful companion I am reminded of the times when she saved me.  I only hope and pray that I can do the same for her this time.  Her light may be a little dim right now but I don’t think it’s time for it to go out just yet…not if I have a say in the matter.

Loving on Sweet Cleo.  She NEVER tires of the attention!

Yesterday I needed a “little pick me up.” The two things that always manage to accomplish this is either buying shoes or jewelry(I’m not talking expensive either). At any rate, I found this cool vintage choker at an antique/junk store in my neighborhood. My mission was fully accomplished when I managed to photograph Cleo and Sheba wearing my new necklace. They were not exactly thrilled with the idea, but did appease with a few shots. I love my girls!

Sheba (a.k.a. Polly Prissy Pants) looking pretty!

Sheba’s favorite napping spot the bathroom sink!

Sheba in the bathtub try to escape her crazy mom!

Cleo looking pretty!

Cleo sort off enjoying the attention!

Our lives are constantly intersecting with others, that is unless you never leave your house. Last Saturday, while on my way to Huntsville to see my relatives, I stopped in Ardmore to photograph an old house that looked like it had been abandoned for quite some time. As I was walking back to my car I was approached by two little girls. One was holding a turtle. Dad was nearby so I introduced myself and asked for permission to photograph his daughter. It turned out that the little girl(Alex) loves animals. Without me even having to ask she said “this is Rose.” Of course we connected immediately and I shared a few of my animal stories with her. While I only spent 10 minutes with Alex, I walked away feeling happy…feeling grateful for the little exchange that had just taken place. For 10 minutes Alex’s story became mine and vice versa!

Abandoned red house

Alex with Rose

Rose was being shy and didn’t want to come out of her shell!

Alex petting Rose

Brandon is my 11 yr. old cousin that lives in Alabama. He is such a cool kid and I really enjoy spending time with him. The images in this album are of Brandon and his pet Parakeet named Rainbow. The two really have a sweet connection!

A couple of weeks ago my photographer friend Angie and I(we like to refer to ourselves as the A Team) decided we needed to share a morning of fun and creativity together. We had a great time browsing the antique shops and photographing whatever caught our attention. Here are my images from our morning of fun!

Nolensville Feed Mill

Carriage In Front Of Nolensville Feed Mill

Eggs Allsorts!

Amish License Plate

Old Rusted Gas Pump

Old Red Chair

Vintage China

Paper Creation

Cute Little Cottage

Cafe’ Chairs

Old Chest Makes Me Think Of Wither, Blister, Peel!

Funky Little Clock

Birdhouses

Clown

Scorpion & Worm Suckers…yum?!!!

Another Photo Of The Gas Pump

Wall Shot At Martin’s BBQ

More From Martin’s BBQ

Another Martin’s BBQ Shot

The second photography class that I ever took(which was about 12 yrs. ago), was an Abstract Photography class at Watkins College Of Art, Design & Film. The teacher, Steve Reid, was an amazing teacher and photographer! What I loved so much about the class is that is challenged me how to see differently. It challenged me to look at something that was not abstract and photograph it in a way that was. One of our classes entailed a studio shoot photographing glass, while the light was modified with colored gels. This exercise forever changed the way I looked at glass. While the shots below are not abstract shots, however I will always enjoy photographing glass, be it in an abstract or non-abstract manner.

My yard is a bonanza of babies lately! In less than 24 hours I held, and photographed, a baby bird and chipmunk. Smokey Robinson is the one to be credited with finding these little rascals. Surprisingly when I approached Smokey Robinson and the baby chipmunk, he walked away and let me take the chipmunk from him….this usually does not happen. I am hoping that Smokey’s game will switch from hunting to hide and seek! I didn’t name this little guy because my time spent with him was very limited before I hid him in the yard. I hope that he returned to his parents safe and sound. Wow…what an amazing day!

The images in this album are of Ray Charles, the baby bird I found Smokey Robinson trailing yesterday evening. Last night I fed and sheltered the little rascal. This morning I took Ray Charles outside, and placed him by a little bush, to see if mom and dad would find him. I took a seat within earshot of his little chirp and patiently waited. In just 45 minutes Ray Charles was found by his excited parents, thanks to to his beautiful and unrelenting voice! It was such a privilege to witness the tearful reunion(I say tearful because I was so moved by the whole deal that it got a little choked up by the whole deal)! Following a good and hearty breakfast, Ray Charles spent the remainder of his day getting flying lessons! I hope you soar little friend!

As you have probably noticed by now, there are a many different types of people, places and things that I enjoy photographing. Several years ago I went through a rust and vintage car phase. It’s not that the phase ever ended, more so I got distracted with a different phase! At any rate I am re-visiting the vintage car phase and am reminded how much I love the colors and adornment that went into these old cars. There will more of of these types of images to come but these are my current favorites!

This shot was taken at “The Rite Car” in Old Hickory, TN

Kenny “my model” works for “The Rite Car.” Kevin was a great sport as you can probably tell!

It’s amazing what we see when we pause for a moment and pay attention!