Ushering out the old....

Happy New Year's Eve everyone!

I was thinking about making a post for a couple of weeks now, but I kept getting stuck.  I wished I had some poignant words, a poem, or  something deep, but honestly, 2010 wasn't really my favorite.

Don't get me wrong, there were some bright spots.
We got SNOW!! :) 
I adventured to Swan Lake-Iris Gardens, Savannah, and Myrtle Beach. 
I entered a photo in the Fair for the first time.
I got my tubes tied.
I won an online photo contest.
I got an iPhone, AND a macro lens!
Those are some pretty awesome things.

But the parts I didn't like seemed so much larger.
Ann Cunningham passed away.
KJ Bentley passed away.
It was the hottest Summer in years, and that made for poor flowers and photo ops. (Not to mention less excercising and being outdoors.)
I had to get a root canal.
My photo didn't get hung.
I didn't get to California.
Work has been slow, and co workers made life miserable. 

I am definitely ready for a new start. 
I have been inspired by my friend Kim Klassen to chose "one word" for 2011. 
Last year my word was Focus.
I did pretty well, but my word for 2011 is BETTER. 

I looked it up in the dictionary just to be clear...
"To improve upon, surpass, exceed. Increase the good qualities of.
Of superior suitability, desirability, or acceptableness. Larger/greater. To a greater degree. Improved health, completely recovered in health.

Preferable. Superior quality or excellence."

In 2011 I want to have Better health, eat Better, have a Better job, Be a Better Hairstylist, Girlfriend, Friend, and Photographer.
I want to travel to see Mel in Ohio, and home to California.  I hope to see some family and friends who come to the South!  I am open and willing for change and for Better to come into my life!

A photo contact put up this quote, and I wanted to share it with you:

"I wish you Health...

So you may enjoy each day in comfort.
I wish you the Love of friends and family...
And Peace within your heart.
I wish you the Beauty of nature...
That you may enjoy the work of God.
I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...
For those things that really matter in life.
I wish you Generosity so you may share...
All good things that come to you.
I wish you Happiness and Joy...
And Blessings for the New Year.
I wish you the best of everything...
That you so well deserve"

(I don't know the Author)

I will leave you with a review of my year in photos:

 
Happy New Year to you all!!
With Love,
Kelly

Happy Hollydays!!

Hi!!!

Just a quick note before I have to go.  I know it's been too long, and lots has been going on.

First, I have to tell you that woman at the salon quit! She left on Black Friday!

It has been so much more peaceful at work, and I have been SUPER busy! :)

Next, I Finally got an iPhone!! YAY!  I love it. I got the 3GS, and had to change to AT&T, sorry Verizon, I couldn't wait any longer.  If you're an iPhone user, and you play 'words with friends' let's play! :) (it's a scrabble game app) My username is Imskrappy.

I can finally get rid of my Palm Pilot, (it's been a great tool).

Not too terribly much time to take pictures, but I've managed a couple here and there. 

We had a lovely Thanksgiving in Beaufort with Chris' Mom and family.



Hi! :)



It's been literally FREEZING here. Most of the country is colder than usual, and it's REALLY cold for us in the South. Lows in the teens some nights. brrr!

I hope we get snow again this Winter.

OK, last, but not least, it's official, I'm OLD. Yep, I have finally had to break down and buy a pair of magnifying glasses! LOL Dang it!  I seriously can't see little print!  It just gets to the point where your arm just isn't long enough, or even far away doesn't really feel right.  Yeah...*sigh* A trip to the eye Dr. is coming, and I really don't want bi-focals, but I'm gonna have to figure something out.

So there you have it....a quick update until a good, long Christmas - end of the year - post can be made properly.

Love you all. Stay warm, and Happy Holidays!

November 2010

Hey everyone!

I am overdue with updates, I know. Let's see, where was I?

So, I got the job at Picture People and started training, but in the 4th week, I decided it wasn't for me. So much to learn in a short period of time, and only being scheduled one day a week, I wasn't feeling confident that I could do my best job for them. Also, I hadn't even shot one picture, and I don't think I was going to. So many reasons, but I feel better now. I am pretty sure that I don't want to be a mall studio photographer.

Work is a little better now. We had a salon meeting, and after a confrontation, the woman that had a problem with me has decided to bury the hatchet, and start fresh. It's better, but I will still be re-evalutating my work situation after the holidays.


                         

On a happy note, I won an online contest with one of my photos! Florabella textures are beautiful and some of my favorites. (for those who don't know, a texture is, (in the most BASIC terms) an image put over another image to create depth, color, or surface change. I entered one of my (Florabella) textured fair photos and won a chance to be a tester for her newest texture collection! Very exciting times! They are so beautiful and I am honored to have been picked to use her art to make my art.

The holidays are upon us, and I'm getting busy at the salon. Chris and I are heading to Beaufort to his Mom's house for Thanksgiving.

                      

We were recently in Beaufort to see Chris' Dad. He was in town visiting with Chris' sister and brother-in-law. That was a fun night. Chris' neice just made her school basketball team. It is really exciting for her to finally be playing at a higher level, and she has been practicing and working really hard. It's paid off, because she just found out she will be the starting point guard! Yay Mattie! We are so proud of her.

The Fall is beautiful here, even though it seems late. The trees are gorgeous, I just haven't had too much time to photograph them.

 

I hope you are all well and happy, and that you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. I am thankful for so much. Even when it doesn't seem like things are going well, I don't know what the grand plan is, and I'm ok with that.

                 
Thank you to all who have bought calendars! I am really touched by how many people have been interested and I appreaciate your support.  I still have a couple more if you are interested.

Happy Birthday to all November babies!

Savannah!

The second part is about new beginnings, and new adventures!

I had a very fun adventure last weekend with my flickr friends, Tina and her daughter, Melissa. We had been trying to get a trip to Savannah together for months, and it finally happened!

 

I met Tina on Flickr (the photo sharing site I use), when I realized she was living in Beaufort! That's where Chris is from and where his mother still lives. So last Thanksgiving, we met and had a fun photo day walking around Beaufort. They are so nice and fun, and we feel like family.

                          

I was glad to have a girl's weekend, and get to go explore a new 'land'.

Savannah is gorgeous, and I loved the perfect mix of old and new. Historic and modern. They showed me all around, and took me to their favorites.
Squares, architecture, shops, the river, history.
 
Paris Market and Brocante,

and Nourish...

We walked Broughton street, and had lunch at Vinnie Van Go-Go's pizza.

Then down to River Street.

                       

I love the old buildings, they have so much character and history.
                       

The girls knew the trolley routes, so they drove me around the squares and read me the information from the Internet! :)  (I love ingenuity.)

Forsyth park is quite impressive, and the fountain is the perfect center piece.

  

The homes downtown are also Historical, and beautiful. I would love to stay in any one of these! This the Magnolia House Inn, owned by the Savannah College of Arts and Design, which is very prominent throughout the city.

                                

My other news is that I got a part time seasonal job at The Picture People!  It's a portrait studio in the mall.  I started Monday, and am still training, but I think it will be fun.
It's more about sales than I figured, but that's retail for ya.  I'm just hoping to learn something while making a little extra money.  I'll keep you posted.  Of COURSE as soon as I got the other job I started getting busier at the salon.  It's that time, and we're gearing up for the holidays.
After the first of the year, I will re-evaluate all jobs and decide if changes need to be made. 

Thank you for all your comments and support.  I really appreciate all of your encouragement, and for buying calendars.

Have a great Halloween weekend. We're not doing much, just football and housework.  What about you? Dressing up? Going out?

Love you all!

Fair 2010

Oh boy. Busy busy! So much to tell. I'll have to do two posts, but first I'll start with the Fair! :)

Hi!

OK, so- as you may or may not know, I entered a photo in the Fair this year. I entered my textured Fair image from last year.

Long story short, I didn't get hung. :( Turns out the judge this year was treating it like a fine art show, instead of a State Fair, and stopped judging at one point, saying he was done, and leaving a whole wall that was usually covered, empty. Many of the workers were disappointed, and they had more complaints this year than ever.

Better luck next year. It was a personal goal of mine just to enter, and I'm still happy I did.

I went on opening day, thinking I was going to see my photo, but since it wasn't up, I went out and took more pictures!

This "swings ride" image processed with Florabella texture "allure"
from the first texture collection. All Florabella actions and textures are FABULOUS!  You can check them out here: Florabella Actions & Textures http://www.florabellacollection.com/ 

It was a beautiful day, and not too crowded as it was a Weds. afternoon. I wandered around the exhibits, admiring the displays, flowers and the sand sculpture they do each year.

  
                     

Chris and I went back one evening, and I got some first time night shots. I don't have the exposure settings just right yet, but I got some that I really liked!

     

This years' crazy food item was a Krispy Kreme doughnut burger! EWWW! doesn't that sound just disgusting?! gah, I really don't know how anyone could think that is a good idea. EVER. lol

                       

I have to have my yearly funnel cake, and Chris and I will partake in some fried mushrooms, but Fair food is mostly b_a_d.

(Except for these ?)

                 

                          

Coffee Date?

Hey all!

I learned about 'Virtual Coffee' from MadelineBea's blog.
I thought it was such a great idea to post a quick catch up on Tuesdays over coffee.

So, if we were having coffee this morning, I would tell you about my friend KJ who passed away suddenly last week. 

He was a good friend in High School, (we went to Spain together with a school group as seniors) and even tho I haven't talked to him in about 6 years, I always considered him one of the funniest, smartest, kindest men I have ever known. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing, and these are the times when I wish I were in CA so I could attend his services and give a hug and my condolences to his wife and family. 

Rest In Peace KJ, you were loved and admired by so many. He will be terribly missed.  

It's sort of fitting that it's raining these last couple of days, and the season is finally starting to change.  I am SO ready for some cooler weather!

Besides, I like taking 'after the rain' pictures.

I'm starting to walk again every morning. I feel so much better when I do, and I get to see how nature is changing.

Work is up and down.  I haven't heard from the Picture People place yet, but I am focusing on hair and marketing that.  I will start doing Brasilian Keratin treaments this week, and that should take off once a couple of people do it. It's that good! :)

I am also making a 2011 photo wall calendar of some of my nature pics!  They will be $20.00 and that will include shipping to wherever you are.

Leave me a message if you are interested (and your email if I don't have it) and I will get in touch with you. 

Here is the cover:

That's all I've got, I'll get us another cup, and then you can tell me all about what you're up to!  What are you up to?

tests, growth, and opportunity

Hi everyone!  Happy August.

It's still hot, and hUmid (with a capital U for UGH) here, Summer is here for a good few more weeks. I'm hangin' in there.

Can we talk? I mean, I think pretty much everyone who reads this is my friend. I hope so, anyway. While I try to keep this blog happy and peppy, life just isn't like that all the time.  Don't get me wrong, everything is fine, but I've had some drama at work, and I have never really had this kind of thing come up. (well, not since junior high)
I am currently working with a woman who is....hmm...well, let's just say she doesn't like ME. I just erased the details I started to give. They really don't matter, what matters is that I have had to take a really hard look at what my options are professionally.  I didn't think it would be that hard to find a good salon to work in here, and yet, that really seems to be the case.
Image Makers was the first salon I worked in, and it was PERFECT. (for me)
When it closed, I really felt stranded in this place.  Anyway, I prayed, and talked with Chris, and my manager, and decided to move my station and try to make that work. 
What do you do when someone who is old enough to be your mother won't even sit down with you to talk, or hear an apology, (I did take responsibility for my part and offered amends, but she really was just looking for any reason to be mad) or look at you, talk to you, or even acknowledge your existence? geeze.  I literally could feel hate radiating off of her. It's really sad. I have never come across anyone like this and it has affected me.
A couple of weeks have past, and I have found that her not talking to me is just fine. :) It still feels weird, and it's not that easy to just find another place to work.  If I did, it would be the 4th salon I've been to in 2 years! sheesh! that may not reflect well on ME.
I'm just trying to stay busy. When I'm busy, she doesn't bother me, it's the down time.  I don't stay there now, which could hurt me when it comes to walk ins.  Hopefully time will make it better.
OK...venting over. lol
One of my options is to maybe start doing photography. So.....I decided to apply for a part time job at the portrait studio in the mall!
I figure it will be a great learning experience, and if I like it, maybe I can continue on. If not, I won't! But it will also be a good way to make some Christmas money. We shall see! :)

This month started off with a continuing education class in Greenville (an hour and a half drive). We have to take CEU's in order to renew our Cosmetology licenses.  It was one of the better ones, and worth the drive to actually learn something and be inspired.

I am taking another this Monday on updo's! Yes, you heard me.

I have previously NOT done updo's, as I am not very good at them, and also because of the drama that tends to go along with them.  I think these guys can teach me some easy up styles, and I can then help Elizabeth with her weddings to make some extra money.  Interestingly, we have new neighbors at at the salon building. A wedding consultant business!! I think it's time. :)

With everything going on, and the heat, I haven't had much photo mojo. Just a few nature pics here and there.

 

Recent fun has been a postcard exchange with some Flickr friends from around the world!

My 4 year quit smoking anniversary was the 13th! Yay me!

My hair is getting long.   Hi! :)

Chris got a promotion!!! YAY Chris! He is a Supervisor now, and got a raise! I'm so happy for him! He deserves it, and works hard.

We have decided to move, and are looking to rent a house. I'll keep you posted.
I saw 'eat, pray, love' and would suggest you read the book first if you want it to be a better movie.

That's about it. Just life going on.  I hope you are all well and happy. I miss you all, and having my friends to talk to.  These are the times I miss being home, but it's all good.  Pray for us to find a nice, quiet, affordable house to rent, and for a drama free work zone for me! :) Thank you in advance!

XOXO
Kelly

Summer Vacation!

Last weekend Chris and I went to Myrtle Beach for a little vacation! His brother rented a house for the whole family to get together. 5 bedrooms, 3 baths for 12 people! We had 19 when Chris' Uncle, Aunt, and cousins came over! :) It was FUN! It was also our first official vacation together!

We stayed at a place called Ocean Lakes Campgrounds and it is HUGE! 310 acres of houses, RV spaces, camping, and people! (we were in C4 see map...one block from the beach) They have an arcade, a small miniature golf course, a big pool and (the coolest) kiddie pool, horseshoes, basketball, shuffleboard, etc, etc... Tons of stuff to do, when it's not a billion degrees outside, and it was a billion degrees outside. (it felt like it) And HUMID. I have never felt that much humidity ever. Just being outside for a couple of minutes my feet were wet in my flops!

Anyway, it was hot, but we were at the beach. :)

I was really excited to see what the beach was like on the East Coast, and there are a few differences.


1. The dunes and dune fences. The dune fences are so cool, and I loved taking pictures of them. They were the main subjects of my pictures.  (I did a whole series of dune shots you can see on my Flickr page)

2. Small waves, warmer and shallower water. I think it's the continental shelf, but you can walk out quite a ways before having to swim, unlike in CA, but not as far out as Hawaii.

3. More shells on the shore. You know how in CA as the tide goes out you can find the sand crabs by the V's in the sand? Well here, there are air holes, and if you dig, you find little bean clams! They're alive and have little mollusks in there, and if you set it down, you'll see it scoot itself back down into the sand! It's fun! I found a video on YouTube if you want to see it.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V8xm_6ht_I&feature=related

4. People go down early and set up canopies and chairs. Not just umbrellas like I'm used to, but good size canopies.

Now at this place, the golf cart is KING. Everyone has at least one. We rented 2. We parked some of our cars in overflow parking, and from then on, it was walk or cart! We had so much fun out in these carts!

It was a fun way to see the whole grounds, and cool down with the wind in your face! Some people own some over the top golf carts, and we could see some of these during the nightly teenager golf cart 'cruzin' up and down Ocean Blvd! HAHAHA! it was so funny!! from about 7:30 pm til 11:00 pm (curfew) a constant parade (hundreds!!) of golf carts full of kids holding out their hands for 'five' and teenagers being 'seen'. One night Chris and I tried to get in it, but by the time we found the end of the line, (far away) we sat, thought better of the whole thing, and took off. So funny.

I loved getting up early with my camera and jumping in a golf cart to go looking for places to take pictures. Then sometimes Chris and I would go out alone or with others to just cruise around. It was nice at sunset too.

So we hung out with family, ate, went down to the water, swam, picked up shells, played poker, went to the arcade, cruised, took pics, and had a nice relaxing time until we left on Tuesday.

Chris had the rest of the week off, and I was back to work on Weds. It was a lovely, and I'm so thankful to Chris' brother and family for such a fun time!

(ugh, I know this is a terrible pic of me, but wanted you to see our group!)

I hope you are all having a nice Summer, and tho I hear SoCal had a short heatwave, I hear it's quite cool at the moment, and I would like to say :P

I still hope to come back for next Summer and the Fair. Go say Hi to the Fair for me!

XOXO! Kelly

Sum, Sum, Summertime!

Hey everyone!

The World Cup final is on as I type, and it's been fun and exciting for me.  I've learned a lot about the differences in European and American ideas about fairness and officiating. I think we're spoiled here and have this thing about replays and accountability that apparently is not that big of a deal in other soccer, er, um football playing countries.  Regardless, it's been fun and may the best team win!  (pulling for Spain, shhh)

Well, Summer is here with a vengance, and it's been too darn hot.  Not much getting out in these 100* days.  But when I can, I try to get some pics of flowers,

and going to the butterfly exhibit to see the butterflies up close.

Chris and I are counting down the days until we go to Myrtle Beach.  I am really excited, and can't wait to take pics and see everyone!

Did you hear? USC won the College Wold Series?! :)  It's a pretty big deal around here, for good reason.  It's the first National Championship in a major sport. (Sorry equestrians and track and fielders)  They had a parade downtown and for one day flew the University flag atop the State House.

I want to wish My friends Flicka, Shannon and Melanie Happy Birthday!  Shannon is 30!! and Melanie is 40! Lordy, lordy! Also the lovely miss Gillian Licon is now 5! :)

I'm sorry I will be missing the OC Fair this year, but I think I read that it is not going anywhere. Thank goodness! 

I am happy to say that for the first time I will be entering a photo in the SC State Fair!  I've been wanting to do it for years, and I finally took the steps. So wish me luck, and win or lose, I'm proud of myself for trying!

The thunder is here of course and I have to go.  I'm rushing and i know I'm forgetting something, but it will have to wait.  I hope you are all well, and I promise to tell you all about the beach and have pics for you soon! :)

Love you all!

Kelly