As I have been preparing the last few weeks for the upcoming Holiday season I have decided to offer a back to school special starting today the 3rd running to the 11th. An 11 x 14 Painted Portrait printed on fine art paper of one subject $175.00 (that is a 75.00 savings). This is only an Internet Special so contact me for you need to get your images to me within the time frame (3rd to the 11th). For those in the Atlanta area requiring a photographic session…just contact me to set it up. Oh….Gift certificates are not being offered as this is just an Internet special….you really must get your images to me within the time frame.

Last couple of days has found the Atlanta area with storms rolling through due to Fay. She has not yet fizzled out. We do need the rain so no complaints in that area….we can all do without the Tornado watches and of course the warnings. Sun is out at the moment so hopefully she has moved through.

Today found me standing in line at the local DDS for my license is about to expire. I could have done this online, however I forgot all about it until it was too late. So….standing on line and I noticed a young girl with her Mom. The young girl seemed so excited and very happy….seems she passed her test and was about to get her license. She was adorable and I so wish I had a camera for her expression was just priceless. I asked the Mom if her cell was a camera phone….why yes she replied looking at me very suspiciously. I smiled and said that a genuine look of happiness should never be wasted….as soon as she was given her license Mom should take a few photographs. The Mom smiled and said she had not even thought of that….out came the cell and a few photographs were taken.

Once back home I had so many things to do that, well are just not fun. Paperwork…sending out files to be printed…cooking a pot roast and making time to dust off the flash….something I just do not use that much and getting a few practice shots inside for I will have to use it this weekend. I have wonderful models If the weather holds out and sun continues to shine I will have to take them out back for some fill flash test shots. Always take a few practice shots when dusting your flash unit off…if it has been a while use fresh batteries….really, you will Thank me for that bit of advice

The above images are right out of the camera (just resized then cropped). Nikon D300, sigma wide angel and Nikon Flash.

Today found me in front of the PC finishing off a few portraits. Then it was time to turn my attention to the dogs, out for some fun…yippee. I brought my camera with me for the hawk has been hanging around and I would love to get a decent shot of him. Today was not to be that day for it seems the dogs are camera hogs. I mean really….why oh why would I photograph anything else but them

No matter where I went, or how I positioned myself…there they were front and center….just waiting for me to photograph them.

It always amazes me just how easy the pups make me smile… a good laugh is always had when we are just hanging out. I can think of no better way to spend an afternoon…can you

Nikon D300 and Sigma wide angle lens.

As for the hawk…tomorrow is another day!

I saw a tee shirt the other day and simply fell in love with it so did a very quick scribble and used Rocky as the model….yes indeed, he earned a cookie for being a wonderful model I am now sipping my tea in style.

**Please know that I would be more then happy to design something for your mug, however this design is not for sale. I will search the web to find the artist who so cleverly came up with the original

What can I say about Jin…to look into her eyes you just fall in love with her. She is a beauty and so true to her breed…fun, lively and oh so very curious about everything. Just look at those legs….she just makes me smile Converted the above file to a B/W file for the family to view for tee shirts and coffee mugs (available in sepia, color and B/W).

Took a close look at my calender today…can you believe the Holiday season starts in just a couple of weeks. Well…mine does anyway….remember to all those that will be wanting a photo session and or a Painting….be it a gift for someone special, or a gift for yourself…now is the time you want to get this done. It takes about six weeks during this time…and if I am verrry busy it could be longer to get something for the Holidays…add to that an early cut off date (will post more on that a little later). Gift Certificates are always available.

Earlier today found myself and my ever faithful pack wandering the yard….camera in hand and ready to stop and photograoh those findings that are interesting. The last of the lilies….seems such a short season however I know that this is due to me not feeing well and not making use of the camera and taking the time to enjoy the flowers in my yard.

While in the agility yard I watched all three dogs…last night I had a student from about 10 years ago stop by to introduce me to his new GS pup. What an adorable puppy Sasha….but then I have a thing for GS’s….love them. What a smart puppy, as she will again be stopping in next week and I will have a few pictures of her to post. Being a puppy she made use of the grassy area in the agility yard….while none of my dogs met her….they knew she was in their yard and this morning just had to investigate. Each had to reclaim what is theirs as they stopped at each location the little pup had urinated.

As all of my pups are now full grown we have been thinking of eventually adding another. Keep thinking something will just come along for in the past that is how we have gotten most of our dogs….or maybe another Golden for how can you just have one

What is it about sunflowers I adore… So very fragile looking with their long stems and large flowers…. Swaying in the breeze… hues of gold, yellow, brown and green. Standing so tall and proud… Always turning their heads towards the sun.

Taking a break and doing something fun. Hung out with the puppies earlier then sat and painted a few things…just because I felt like it and the fact I am not feeling well…Lupus…sometimes just has to rear it’s ugly head. I often think it does that just as a way to get me to pay attention on the “good” days….take in all you can, when you can

Add to the fact that while I so enjoy painting portraits, often times I have to do what the client wants for they want what they want and the fact the artist wants to be creative, well sometimes you just have to paint in a way that is more appealing to the one that will be viewing the painting on a daily basis It takes me a while to wrap my mind around making the changes that were requested…best to walk away for a day or so and then start with fresh eyes, and a fresh mind.

Managed a few shots of the puppies…very hot here in the Atlanta area and bad air as well….so early morning is the best times for us to explore for a little while.

I have never been into Sports all that much. As a young girl….well let me just say I was usually the one sitting on the sides. I do enjoy every once in a while watching the youngsters play, that is if the parents are not so very driven. It should be about fun and sometimes, well some people (the adults) tend to get a tad bit carried away

I am still here, although a little busy as of late. The Tee Shirt Give Away is coming along fine and I will be posting info on it very soon!!!