Graveyard Shoot

I woke up this morning at 5:45am to get ready to take pictures of Miriam in a graveyard near her house. Her friend, Ally (who I met very briefly at the Halloween party), was there helping with hair and posing. They also gave me a punk kind of make over. But for now I will simply post a few of my favorites featuring Miriam:

The photo above resulted in a very nice Ashley Tisdale expression. It wasn't even really part of the shoot as it was when Miriam changed tops and did touch ups on her makeup. 
It was really nice getting to do this shoot. For a long time I had wanted to do one in a graveyard (during the day). I hadn't honestly photographed anyone since her for Christmas. The beginning was kind of nerve racking, but the more we worked, but more accomplished we became = Successful day!

~ ✩ ✬ ✭ ✬ ✩ ☆ ✩ ✬ ✭ ✬ ✩ ☆ ✩ ✬ ✭ ✬ ✩ ☆ ~

I wish I had taken a few more behind the scenes photos, but I got this one of Miriam getting her hair fixed by Ally. And me posing with her after the shoot, which makes me look like a fan getting a picture while on set during a music video! :)

Benefit of Crazy

A couple weeks ago was Telecommunicator Week (April 9th-14th) and with my intense excitement for both Mix-Match Days, I won. On Tuesday, I was presented with a $10 gift card to Target. Yay! I had previously seen a notebook that I wanted, so I bought it today, along with a bunch of black photo corners. 

I had been wanting to put together a book of wide Polaroids, but sometimes even a fun hobby can seem like a daunting task. Luckily, I find simplicity to be quite beautiful. I've only begun, but here are some photos from August (when Michael bought me the camera) that I have added into the notebook already.

"def da best"

Today Sana came over around 2pm because we both had the day off from work. We went to the mall (and Platos Closet) to try and find a white dress for a possible anniversary shoot I would like to do with Michael ~ haven't mentioned that to him yet.. No such luck though and the other dresses I did try on looked much better on the hanger.

We had lunch at a place called Teak Neighborhood Grill. It really was back through all these nice neighborhoods. Sana said the menu looked good, as well as the reviews including one that simply said "def da best". After that we used the phrase to describe everything we liked. The place was small and although there were hardly any customers when we got there, the waitress seemed to take a while. She was nice though and the food was really good. I got the Hawaiian burger with a house salad. 

 They had some inventive burgers - such as one with two glazed donuts in place of a bun! This means I can add another tally to my "10 restraurants I haven't been to before". Afterward we stopped by the big Dollar Store. Sana was amazed that everything really was only a dollar, just as I was when I went there a couple months ago. I got Sasha a pretty rope for her to pull on. She likes it! 

Then I was convinced to drive back around near the Universal area to find Fresh Market. I got it confused with Whole Foods, but we still made it. I was very fascinated with the "per pound" area. But instead of candy (however, they had candy too) it was trail mix, pretzels, peanuts and dried fruits. I was feeling adventurous and got a good handful-sized bag of a few. Including dried strawberries, kiwis and cantaloupe! Sometimes I get really excited to eat healthy foods. Today it got to the happy point where I confessed that I was sad that we have been friends for three months and hadn't hugged yet. Ha, so we hugged right there.

I made it home just in time for the new Glee episode (Whitney Huston tribute). Michael got home around 9pm from another full day on the zombie shoot. Then we watched my Netflix movie, The Change Up with Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman and Olivia Wilde (Michael's new girlfriend). I liked it, aside from how many times the F-word was used and a couple other scenes, but it was rated R. It was nice getting to see him for a couple hours. Of course he is sleeping again and I still have one last load of laundry in the dryer that I probably won't get put away to until (honestly) Friday?

New Program

Because Picnik.com is shutting down tomorrow, I thought I would go ahead and try out another editing website that their page suggested: PicMonkey.com  ~It's actually very simple to use. I tend to get discouraged with some sites because I can't figure what each button means or when the site saves my photo, its not the original size that I uploaded it as.

All I had to do today was download a simple Flash Player. It really takes my photos from "I guess this one is okay.." to a magical, "I took this photo?! I'm a genius!" which of course makes me want to open my own photo exhibit. Ego boost! Here are my favorite effects - in order of how I like them, specifically for this photo.

Although I listed "Dusk" as third favorite for this picture, I can see myself using it on a daily basis, so look out for that in later posts!

*I used this "Intrepid" effect for the first two photos of my most recent post - flower yard and our lovely colored Polaroid pictures.. I hope you found this as interesting as I did! Xoxox!

You Are My Sunshine!

I meant to take photos of these flowers a couple weeks ago, but the following morning, the complex guys had cut the grass and since they are "weed flowers" and not part of the decoration landscaping, they were mowed down. So I got them today! Phew!

Michael is working another night for the zombie shoot. I'm not sure what production day # this is, but thankfully he isn't needed every night, so I have been able to spend a little more time with him than I was expecting. Its not as much as before since I don't get home from work until 10:30pm now due to my Phase 2 training schedule. (Although I complained about having to wake up at 4:30am for the morning shift last month, the time went by a lot faster those days. Hopefully I can get back on that shift & A side! when I'm done with training - around the middle of June.)

Anyway, Michael was kind enough to give me a few minutes of his time to snap these super romantic photos before he left to drive to the shoot. Hopefully it will keep my heart satisfied until he gets home again. 

*I totally wore my Jesse and the Rippers shirt while I watched a specific episode of Full House! The one where Becky finds out she is pregnant. She worried Jesse would be upset because they hadn't planned on having kids that soon. I laughed when Joey said, "Too bad you're not an elephant. They stay pregnant for two years! Then you would be right on schedule."

the Dog Lady

Over the past two days I have turned into the lady who treats her pet like a child. I'm sure Sasha doesn't mind the extra attention. I've been giving her lots of kisses today, even though she is quite stinky. She needs a spa day for sure! A good shampoo bubble bath & her nails need to be clipped something fierce. Do they make breath mints for dogs?

We had lunch (bagel bites) on the porch today, until her privileges got revoked from too much barking - again with everyone walking their dogs at the same time, geez. And we sat outside again while the sun was going down. It was cool out, so I had to put a sweater on and when I noticed Sasha was shaking, I got her fancy jacket out and her blanket. I wanted to show pictures of the few plants I still have too. (From top to bottom: Picotee Cosmos, the name sunned off of the tiny ones, African Daisies, Annual Flower Mix & regular? Cosmos) The older ones died - or they are about to. *sadness* (The pictures are a much better viewing size if you click them!)

I have been on <this> super cute family blog all day and the mom has a lot of high angled shots with the kids looking up and only their faces in focus. I stood on the wobbly chair (basically risking my life) to try a couple with Sasha. Its funny going backwards through her life, watching the kids get younger. Sasha & I went inside when it got dark to watch "the Time Traveler's Wife".

She stared at me to put the blanket over her but once I made popcorn, the blanket moved and a wet nose poked out. It was very funny. I didn't grab the camera fast enough, but this other one is still cute. I'm watching "P.S. I Love You" also because it definitely makes me never want to argue with Michael again, especially not to roll my eyes and walk away about such dumb little things. There is far too much love in our whole bodies to ever waste any precious second!

I Can Only Imagine

I don't remember these photos from the wedding video he made, but I sure am glad that I found them on his computer today. I can't stop staring at the little boy. My heart would constantly be conflicted: I'd want to keep holding him tight - making sure he knows how safe and loved he is, but then quickly I'd pull away so I could look at him, studying every feature before it continues to change and grow, then squeeze and kiss him all over again - those lightly freckled cheeks and perfectly stuck out ears. The girl is pretty cute too. =)

Our Baby

I know these next couple of years are supposed to be husband & wife time before a new life is created, but I don't get to see Michael very much these days. Especially now that he is working on a low budget indie zombie film with his friend Jared, who helped him out on Blood Widow. I am very happy for Michael - that he is getting paid side projects that he really enjoys, including sculpting, molding face casts and painting fake bodies. I enjoy my 911 job very much as well, but I miss spending time with him.
I began thinking about all the times we were able to spend together during Full Sail (photo by Ryan Walker, November 2009) and the frequent vacations we would take to Birmingham & the amusement parks. (However he did ask me the other day when we were going back to Typhoon Lagoon!) I even watched part of a Howard Berger Make Up Tutorial DVD with him this morning and felt guilty during my long shower for "wasting my opportunities". Unfortunately, he is in serious "Movie Mode" right now. I enjoy hearing him talk about what he is working on - and all the new ways he is able to accidentally injure himself (ugh, boys). But I am unable to discuss the future with him without him getting stressed. So on top of not seeing him, I feel like we aren't able to talk about much other than work.. But I know that there is so much more amazement to look forward to!

I've been trying to take advantage of my free time with Sasha, like taking her on walks (which can be very difficult when every other person is walking their dog at the same time and she turns into a vicious beast!) and snuggling with her more on my days off. Yesterday my "Mommy Mode" went overboard when I bought Sasha an 18-month Onesie (which I later de-haired and returned this morning). It didn't look as cute as I was hoping for. There was a small orange cat sewn to the front that said "Purr-fect".

Spring Break Reflections

It wasn't my Spring Break, it was Lindsey's, but I wanted to post this semi-random bird photo real quick for Mommy because of that picture she really liked at the Tioga Art Fair last month. I couldn't get any good close up shots because I didn't have the correct lens (zoom) on at the time. And none of them are running with drips of water/splash beads being thrown from their feet claws. They were calm birds. I hope this will do!

(I had to throw in a beach Picnik sticker since their website is closing on the 19th!) Okay, time for a super scrub down before bed. I've been feeling gross all day. And I only did 400 jumping jacks.

Post-Lent Lent

I feel like I barely did anything for Lent. Yes, the whole "don't-eat-meat-on-Friday's... unless you forget.." (haha) is the easiest because I've had practice most of my life. I knew from the start that my 2nd chance at New Years Resolutions was a bit over the top. I wanted to suddenly change into who I want to be, like BAM - GO!

But figured if I gave up chocolate for 40 days, I would end up binging and that would only make things worst. For the most part I didn't buy scrapbook items. I can honestly say that I haven't been to Scrappy Boutique in 6 weeks & that is an improvement. There were more, but I think I will just break it down by the week of what I SHOULD start to do.. at some point.. WEEK 1: No computer/internet. (Aside from at work, of course.) WEEK 2: No spending money! WEEK 3: No eating out & No chocolate or candy.  More ideas, please. Otherwise, I may have to simply repeat them. // For now I will leave you with some simple photos to get you through this week! Today Michael and I dyed eggs. It wasn't as eventful as I was hoping for, but I still enjoyed the company during the short celebration..  & Spider found a home in my Marigolds.  I think I accidentally killed the rest of my plants because they are all falling over (they have really long stems without anything to support them) and wilty. But every time I checked their soil, it was all dry!.. (Polaroids) Sasha by some of my newer plants. & Jet Ski sign at Ormond Beach. It made me think of when Michael and I rented jet skis on our honeymoon at the Bahamas - that was sooo fun!

& the Award Goes To...

Michael Gore for Best Special Make Up FX on Gruff's Bridge!

A few months ago, Michael was told that Full Sail submitted our 35mm project into the Florida Motion Picture and Television Association. Today we stopped by Full Sail around 6pm (it was quite cool and windy out) to get photos of Michael with the award for "Best Costume". Unfortunately, the award stays at the school, but he was able to get a certificate that he now has framed next to his diploma. 

Mabel and Julie are also listed on the award as they helped out too. Mabel was Production Designer and Julie picked out the 1940's themed clothing for the young female actresses. Our 35mm teacher/producer, Andrew Campbell took the photo of Michael and I. (Possibly a good one for the fridge?)

For old references, here is a photo of Michael touching up some make up on Gruff, back in January 2011 - taken by Josh "Jasper" Behrens:

James Christopher Kelly

I very much enjoyed being able to spend time with Jordyn and James. I made sure to bring our T2i to Ormond beach to get shots specifically like this.I got these cute ones of James on Monday. (The photos may look a tad grainy - I had to use a high ISO, 3200, because he was moving a lot and didn't want blurry cuteness.. just clear cuteness!)

I look forward to the conversation (in a few long years) when Michael finally agrees that we can create a tiny new life together! I don't think "ready" is the right term because I don't think anyone is ever ready just because it is such a completely new/huge deal, but a very special one.

Thoughts of Home

I've been wanting to spruce up my work desk area a little to make it more personal. I did bring a few photos in the other day to show my trainer, Kristen, then let the wedding photo lean against my monitor within easy viewing distance. So last night I quickly hand-crafted this frame complete with stand.. two thin pieces of cardboard glued and taped together.  
Hey, it works!