The Robertson Clan

A Christmas Quiz

2011-12-08T16:28:00.000-05:00

LOOK I'm BAAAAAACK!

'Tis the season for Christmas quizzes!
Stolen from Erika, because something are just better when stolen.

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?

Hot cocoa, but I'm a sucker for a good spiced cider.

Colored lights on tree/house or white?

A nice mix of both. White lights are chic and traditional. Colored lights are fun and festive. <3

Do you hang mistletoe?

Considering its poisonous and a tree parasite, no But I do hang up a cute little pinecone for strategic kissing.

When do you put your decorations up?
asap. Usually a day or so after Thanksgiving.

What is your favorite holiday dish?
Cookies. I'm a cookie whore.

Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
I have so many, and so far from my family I hold them all close to my heart. I do remember most clearly sitting on the arm of my parents couch watching them all and laughing. I really miss that. The people, the closeness, the love.

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?

I was a smart kid, I probably caught on early. The fact that I don't remember tells you that it wasn't really a traumatic moment in my life.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
No. We usually try to go do something fun. I really want to go ice skating.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree?

First it has to be the PERFECT tree. Then, after the whole business getting it straight and watering it and letting it stand for a while... Lights first, then trim, then all my ornaments. I have lots. Lastly the star.

Snow! Love it or dread it?

LOVE IT! Spent some time without it, realized I missed it. Theres just something about it thats magical. It can stop snowing after new years though.

Do you remember your favorite gift?

My parents got me dishes one year. and a toaster oven. it was awkward/hilarious.

What is your favorite holiday dessert?

My mommas cheescake. <3

What is your favorite holiday tradition?

I love going light-seeing. My mom and I used to do it every year.

Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?
YUM! in Cocoa with schnapps.

Favorite Christmas movie?
All of them. But I'm a sucker for the old Rudolph ones. <3

Saddest Christmas song?
I'll be home for christmas. I cry. Every time.

What is your favorite Christmas song?
All of them. Except Santa baby. Damn song. It's catchy though.

Hello World

2011-07-18T20:36:00.000-04:00

Hey Readers and Friends,
I decided to post because I want you all to know that I'm not ignoring you all. Nor I haven't forgotten you. I may not read all the blogs that are in my reader, but I skim. I read some and very occasionally I comment. If you blog has a capcha requirement, I comment less.
Its not because I don't care about you, neither is it because I got bored. Its just that I have other things in my life right now that are a lot more important. Like those sleepy sunday mornings on the deck with my husband. or watching family guy reruns with him and snuggling. I also have a new job at Joann's fabric and crafts. (if you live near Joliet, IL come visit us!) On weekday evenings Cali, Aedin and I snuggle and read on the deck and go for walks.
Although we are quiet settled into our new routines and our new apartment I am still nesting. I still like to keep my family close.
I'm still experimenting in the kitchen (a couple weeks ago we BBQ'ed Bread!) I'm still hard at work on my business. I'm still reading, still writing. I'm just not on the computer as often. and It's actually really nice.
I'm still on the net though.
I recently joined 500px, for photographers. Check me out, yo!
as well as Google+, email me if you want an invite I'd be glad you add you to my circle. (what is it with circles these days). I also added new photos to my store and have a whole line up of products I'm dyeing to make and sell. I need some overhead first though.
I'm on facebook, find me and friend me. While you're at it you can like my fan pages to. I'"d <3 you. Send me an email, or a text. I'd love to hear from you. h, and look for me on goodreads.com too!
Enjoy the summer, enjoy the little moments.

xo.
Holly

The Rose - Music Link up Week 10!!!

2011-04-28T17:41:00.001-04:00

“Love  is like a Rubix Cube, there are countless numbers of wrong twists and  turns, but when you get it right, it looks perfect no matter what way  you look at it”

Brian Cramer

Before I met Eric, I was rather jaded. I didn't find men good for much except sex (sometimes). Their where only a couple exceptions to this and both were close friends who just happened to have penises because obviously god cursed them. But underneath I remained a romantic with Hope for love. But not just love. I wanted a story book romance. I wanted a love story worth writing down. Boy did I get my wish.

I've always been drawn to this song. When I was younger it was because I did think love was for those who were lucky. I could never be strong enough to bear it.

As I got older I realized everyone has a chance for love. and I grabbed mine with both hands and held on tight. Love does take strength, but everyone has different strengths.

Some say love, it is a river

That drowns the tender reed

Some say love, it is a razor

That leaves your soul to bleed

Some say love, it is a hunger

An endless aching need

I say love, it is a flower

And you, its only seed

It's the heart, afraid of breaking

That never learns to dance

It's the dream, afraid of waking

That never takes the chance

It's the one who won't be taken

Who cannot seem to give

And the soul, afraid of dying

That never learns to live

When the night has been too lonely

And the road has been too long

And you think that love is only

for the lucky and the strong

Just remember in the winter

Far beneath the bitter snow

Lies the seed

That with the sun's love, in the spring

Becomes the rose

"The Rose" sung by Bette Midler was selected by the board of 'The American Film Institute' to make 'The 100 Years of the Greatest Songs' list in 2004. 'The Rose' ranked #83

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-27T23:11:00.000-04:00

Another almost wordless Wednesday. and some more changes to the layout. You may have noticed some of the clutter is gone and the tabs have changed. I really love having everyones buttons! But I was just running out of room. and everyone seems to have a different size. So now ya'll have your own tab. Still in the works, but I'm liking it. How about you?

My husband will be so surprised to come home to hardwood in the bedroom. hahahaha.

Thankfull and Guilty

2011-04-22T17:23:00.000-04:00

I've had a very cranky morose husband the last few weeks. Some of it was my fault. We've been in our new apartment for almost three weeks now. And well he hasn't been gettin' much action. So he funneled his frustration into apartment improvement and hauling boxes around. I'd spend the days unpacking and he'd break down the boxes. But while I was taking breaks when I got tired during the day, my loving husband was hard at work, at work.
What happened was that my tense, frustrated husband injured the muscles in his hip and his leg. To much work and not enough relaxing. Now he was in pain too. Which has led to me taking him to the VA hospital and pain meds for him.
But I have an Excuse. Not that an excuse is a good reason for ignoring ones husband. Though honestly I wasn't exactly ignoring him... The last couple weeks I've been a little internally preoccupied. I was very scared I was pregnant. Not that we wouldn't have been overjoyed if we were. Its just that I knew right now wouldn't be the best time, so I was hoping it was just stress making me feel head achy and ill.
So I have a new personal goal. To be a better wife. To not let my worries or my self esteem get in the way of my marriage. and I need to work on my communication, if Eric had known why I was off in my own world he might not have been so blue himself. So today I'm thankful I'm not pregnant and guilty I made my husband feel bad.

Happy Earthday,
Holly

Just a little bit

2011-04-19T12:29:00.000-04:00

Things I DIDN'T do this weekend. (ha.)

I did not spend two hours wandering around the grocery store looking for everything on my list.
I did not try to open my door with my car unlock key fob.
I did not get blisters raking up the yard.
I did not eat two doughnuts in one sitting and contemplate the other two.

I did not spend hours at menards discussing closet options with my husband.
I did not order a lemon drop at a bar and expect it to be a martini.
I did not bend my husbands multi cut cutting branches off the magnolia tree.

I think thats about all that I didn't do.

Now to make the printer work.

xo.
Holly

Music Linky

2011-04-14T14:41:00.001-04:00

'm trying out a new header today still in the rough in stage. But tell me what you think.

This is a song I discovered in college and keep going back too, over and over. I love the mixes of voices and sound. Head on over to Goodnight Moons Link up to check out other songs!

xo.
Holly

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T12:33:00.000-04:00

<3 you Momma

Photos of Our New Place

2011-04-10T15:16:00.000-04:00

gah. Stairs of Dooooooom.

superb example of the freakishly bad painting...

I didn't know it yet, but the Ipod I looked desperately for, for days and days was in this beanie...

We were really very lucky to get this place. Considering we had TWO days to find a place and start moving in, because Eric started work on Monday... we were able to move right in. The rent is higher than we were looking for, but the cheaper alternatives were BAD and in bad shape.
We are in the historic Cathedral district of Joliet and we LOVE our little neighborhood. Our downstairs neighbors are fun and quiet. Except when they are attempting to potty train their daughter.
The apartment is in need of some TLC and some good elbow grease, but we can do ANYTHING we want, with the exception of knocking down walls. It feels so liberating.

If you want a postcard from Chicago or Joliet, email me your email address!

xo.
Holly

Wordless Wednesday Spoof Edition

2011-03-23T14:06:00.001-04:00

Photo Credit of Eric goes to: ME!

Photo Credit of the Chewbacca watercolor goes to: Mike Kretz His whole gallery is amazing, check it out!

Top 10 Tuesday (warning bad lauguage ahead)

2011-03-22T20:43:00.000-04:00

With all the stress and traveling and job interviews Eric is doing, its easy for me to loose sight of our goals. Its easy for me to want time to move faster. Its far to easy to forget all of what we will be gaining when all I can think about sometimes are the friends we are leaving. Thats about all I'm really gunna miss (maybe the shroom and the clay spot too) but pretty much just our friends. Thats how awesome they are.
So here is my top ten list of reasons why I can't wait to leave. or My top ten reasons why I'm HAPPY to leave.

Top Ten

~~~~}@{~~~

10. I won't have to carry my groceries hundreds of feet, around the retard parked cars, around the rudely placed dish, up a flight of stairs and juggle two sets of locked doors.

9. No one will steal my new license plate. (fuckers)

8. NO MORE QUARTERS! Also my washer AND my dryer will be in the same building as me. No more lugging laundry through the rain or/and humidity. ick.

7. No more creepy crawly insects in my home! (because I'll be spraying and squishing)

6. A modern house... I'm dreaming of having enough cupboard space for my cookie sheets AND Tupperware. and a silverware drawer that actually can fit our silverware.

5. No damn neighbors with noisy annoying children that they let stay up past midnight.

4. No lazy ass, rude, inconsiderate neighbor that burns every NICE weekend. (my window is less that 100 feet from is burn pile) We are TECHNICALLY in the county, by about a black. But still in a residential neighborhood. Fuck you Albany.

3. NO MORE dealing with Mediacom!!!! No bad cable reception, no more random non working phone line, no more horrible customer service, and no more every time it rains nothing works!!!!!!!!!!

2. I'll be able to let my cat out in the yard and not have to tie him up or worry about him getting lost, stolen or eaten.

and my number one reason! is...

1. I can PLANT Flowers again. In dirt. and put them outside. No more windowsill gardening. No more bugs in my house. No more Aedin knocking them off and playing in the dift!

YEY!!!

Wish us luck, and cross your fingers for my husband, we really need this job!

xo.
Holly

Monday Madness slow down

2011-03-21T17:56:00.000-04:00

While we are wait wait waiting for a job answer I catch myself asking time to just hurry up.
and I sop and think... do I really want time to go fast?
or do I want to enjoy every second I have with my husband to the fullest?

Here's some reminders to stop and smell the roses once in a while.

xo.
Holly

Our St Patricks Day

2011-03-20T21:32:00.000-04:00

The coolest man I saw ALL day

My husband, two beers in by noon. (also the only beers he had that day)

a really really drunk ckick I wanted to smack

Weekly Etsy Finds

2011-03-14T16:45:00.000-04:00

Since my husband took my car to his job interview with His keys (we only have the one key to his truck) I'm more or less stuck here at home. So while I'm waiting for the laundry I thought I'd do a little etsy post on all my weekly favorites from last week (and today) even though I posted today. because I know soon, I wont be able to post at all because we'll be too busy. Hopefully REALLY soon!
Below is also a link to a giveaway at Tattertots and Jello who happened to post a giveaway to a shop that I love.

First is a lovely yellow rose bracelet from ChelseaGirlDesigns, who is donating 100% of the proceeds to the Red Cross for the Japan Relief. It is absolutely beautiful. and its for a good cause.

Purple satin peacock heels. How pretty. How retro. They're going on my must have list. Designed by LaPlumeEthere. Buy them before I do. these are size 7 1/5

Set of 10 Hello robot note cards in a sweet sunny yellow. So Adorable and funky! Perfect for sending a smile to anyone you know. Boy or Girl. Made by sweetharvey Add some sun to your life!

Pretty little Mr and Mrs antiqued sings. Perfect for your wedding day. Or if you're already married, over your vanity or sinks. Or even your bed! Made by SweetDesignsBoutique. Can be custom made to match your decor! How sweet is that. I'd get mine in cream and grass green...

*These signs are not part of the giveaway over at Tattertots and Jello. But the sign that is part of the giveaway is made by SweetDesignsBoutique. Head on over to enter and check it out.*

Next some sweet sunny beaded hairpins by BeadFloraJewels. In a bright yellow these are perfect for that rainy spring day when you need a spot of sun.

An absolutely stunning purple pomegranate vase. Its so pretty it looks good even without any flowers in it! Made to order by NewMoonStudio

PureHeartSoap makes this absolutely luscious soap. I have actually met the woman that makes it! Shes so wonderful and kind hearted. She gave me a sample of her soap at the South Perry farmers market (in Spokane, WA) It bubbles, and smells delicious and washes away all your troubles. Seriously! I love this soap.

A Beautiful, sentimental Mothers Day card by MamaTita A little early for mothers day, but why wait to tell the most wonderful woman you know how much you love here. Live everyday Likes its your last chance. and What better way to do it than with this lovely calligraphy.

The perfect way to dress up your shoes! These little moss green roses are almost to beautiful to put on your shoes. Available in many more colors by LindenLovebirds.

A pretty abstract stylized pillow by HoneyPieDesign in turqoise. I Adore this color but the husband hates it... He's such a nut. But this pillow is lovely.

Finally we have an undieing handmade bouquet from orlydesign. Perfect as a wedding bouquet or for those allergie sufferers who still love pretty flowers.

I'm lovely all the Bright Spring colors that are coming out everywhere! Happy Almost spring everyone and enjoy.

xo.
Holly

Hope (and a little tmi)

2011-03-14T15:08:00.000-04:00

For those of you who have been reading this blog of mine for a while, you know My husband and I have been struggling with my CD.
I say both of us, because he worried and suffered right along with me. Not always in the same way, but he's been by my side the whole time. Together we battled back the depression that I felt at my body betraying me, the pain and the seemingly endless doctors visits.
For those who don't know CD is Cervical Displasia. Which to me sounds as scary as it is. Soon after getting married and moving I got some old mail from my mom. In it was a letter from my old dr. diagnosing me with stage III CD. I was terrified. CD is the occurrence of abnormal cells. Stage four is cervical cancer.
After a few visits to the clinic on base I was referred to Dr. Michas. His constant reassurances saved me. He told me it wasn't as bad as I was made to believe and with treatment, it ofter heals it's self.
A few days ago I got an e-mail telling me I had a message on my e-clinical board.
My last appointment was Normal! I was healthy! Normal Normal Normal! I could shout it from the rooftops!
I still have to have twice yearly exams for a few years to make sure it never comes back. But all the horrible things I was envisioning are gone.

I'm so Happy! Have a wonderful Week everyone!!!

xo.
Holly

Late Link up

2011-03-11T13:21:00.000-05:00

ooopses, sorry Goodnight Moon!

I had a grumpy husband yesterday. and when he wasn't grumpy he was online and frustrated. So no link up yesterday.

He's going in today to re-do his resume for a federal job. just. in. case...
I had a different song picked out. But I figured something different was in order.

This is my favorite Happy pick me up song. <3

xo.
Holly

New Cities and Pretty Etsy finds (lots of Photos)

2011-03-08T19:51:00.000-05:00

Today Eric is finally getting phone interviews.
We still haven't heard from cummins.
He's on terminal leave... until April 11th.
He's got both phones ringing right now. Its kinda crazy.

So far here are the cities he's got potential jobs in.

Fayetteville, Arkansas
Moline, Illinois
Peoria, Illinois
Savannah, Georgia
Jackson, Tennessee
Storm Lake, Iowa

and Now onto some of my Favorite things. I've been stalking etsy lately (along with adding most of it to my amazon wishlist)
Here are a few of the pretty things I've found.
Perfect for Spring.

The Perfect Purse Pouch from Juju Baju

The matching Make-Up bage

and The perfect bag to put them both in. Fresh Fusion from FaithonEarth

This is my absolute favorite. It makes me wish Eric and I were vacationing in Ireland...

Both Beautiful metal free necklaces, perfect for either a day at the beach or a romantic night out. made by TomBjornDesigns

Also reminds me of Ireland. Perfectly pretty bobby pins by CreativeKates

Amazing for reasons I'm not sure of... I could never wear it but I love it. Made by RainbowMermaid

The Nerd Holder. Perfect for those always misplacing the earphones, or the CF cards (me) or your guitar pic... Made by Rockit Bot

For when you need a little LOL in the morning. Made by Knotworkshop

I'm not usually a ring person, except for my wedding band. But Hello! This is so beautiful!!! Made by: MaaPstudio

I've been looking and looking for a new camera strap. I really don't like the no slip grip on mine. When I sweat its all... ew. This is the prettiest one I've found so far. <3 Made by PhatStraps

Lately I've been super obsessed with Hydrangeas. Which is weird because I've never liked them much before. Maybe its because I've been cruising a lot of beach design blogs and these are a recurring theme. <3 Made by dedeetsyshop

Finally the Peacock Maxi Skirt. Um hello-early-spring-empty-beach-I-love-You. Also. Love the whole combo. I love extra long sleaves. Eric will roll his eyes, but he really DID marry a hippie (sorta) I love pretty comfy clothes and I NEED THIS in the way that once a month I NEED oreos. <3 Also, It's in my favorite color. Made By Idea2LifeStyle

If anyone wants to know what to get me for a house warming gift (when we MOVE) um, any of these will work. <3

xo.
Holly

Music Link Up

2011-03-03T14:53:00.001-05:00

These are my songs for Ambers Music Link Up, over at Goodnight Moon. She's amazing so head over to check out all the great music!!!
This week, like last week I just COULD NOT pick just one.
So duh, here are two. I totally love Music The first one is straight off the charts With Adele's "Rolling in the Deep". I am Obsessed with her latest album. I've always been a fan though. She's Gorgeous AND has a superb voice.

This next one is thanks to a friend. We did some music swap. I will definitely be downloading more of here music.

If you're noticing a bit of trend here I've totally gotten into this music lately. In the past I'd ~~steal from the internet~~ download music that I heard on the radio. Which wasn't alot. I had a few stations that I loved, but when the cool new stuff was on I was usually asleep or at work. Now that I have iTunes I've been branching out quiet a bit. Most of my music is hardcore rock with some classical... but I'm getting quiet a bit of outside the box kind of music.

enjoy.

xo.
Holly

Kinda Wordles Wednesday

2011-03-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

Our trip to Atlanta was hopeful. I don't want to jinx it, so more on that as soon as we hear back from the companies he interviewed with.

-edit-

I totally thought it was Thursday and time for Ambers song link up.
damn. I already had it picked out too!

O, I suppose I'll share one of my newly edited photos for a wordless wednesday.

This is my husband, in his new civies. ^_^ Isn't he handsome?

and he's ALLLLLLL MINE.

xo.
Holly

Attention and a link up (a day late)

2011-02-25T14:04:00.000-05:00

I feel like I can blog again now.

The news we held our breath for is official and I won't be bursting anyone's bubbles telling ya'll.

No, I am NOT pregnant.

Eric starts his terminal leave tomorrow. (friday)

Yea you heard me right. Tomorrow.

Our Official Last Day is April 11th. Thats when we turn in our id cards. Thats when he's officially no longer Sergeant Eric L. Robertson.

April 11th is when I will no longer be the sergeants wife. I won't be Jr's Wife. I won't be a milspouse. I have to scrap the badge off my car by then. I feel a little funny. I Married a MARINE. I know part of that will always be with him. Somethings you just can't change and he's excited for this. I just can't shake the feeling I lost something.

But for everything I may or may not be loosing I'm gaining too. My husband will be happier doing something where he feeling like he's making a difference. I won't get coins (not that I actually ever got one) but my husband will be able to stop at the store on the way home and buy me flowers. He wont have to carry civies in his truck. This past year I've felt like my life has been on hold. The things we couldn't or didn't do because we were "waiting". I feel like are life together is really starting. I am BEYOND thrilled I'll have my own little patch of dirt again for my flowers. I want to join a photography club. Take Yoga classes again. Maybe get certified. I am overjoyed to be moving to a place where I can walk outside at night alone and not be terrified. A place where I don't Need to carry mace. I'll miss my friends and a few things here that I have learned to love. But I'm very very happy to be moving. finally.

We still have NO IDEA where we are going. But his conference is this weekend. All of this weekend. So hopefully by Tuesday -crosses fingers- We'll have a new job and a destination. Then comes searching for a rental and the actual move. oh god.

We have most of our house packed up all ready. We kinda jumped the gun on that one but we just needed something tangible to DO. Ya know?

I'm all packed out for the next few days. I'm tired off boxing up my life when I don't actually know when its going to get UNboxed again. So today after Eric got off work I declaimed my mutiny and we got coffee and went to the mall. I got a book. All the others are all boxed up and I have two four hour drives a head of me.

Now for the link up. Here are two songs. The first is a new song I just downloaded from itunes for free. I regularly stalk itunes for free music. I live for music, well not really, but still. Its a huge part of my life. Not that I don't enjoy silence too, cuz I do.

I guess I've been feeling a bit nostalgic lately, with all the changes in my life. I've got tons of music on my ipod, from enya to nightwish and everything in between! Literally.

This is my go-to song for happy/saddness. A friend sent it to me and I feel like it kinda represents a lot of my life.

Gotta go. Chores to do.

xo.

Holly

Whats on My Phone Late Edition

2011-02-16T15:37:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I almost Missed this! Well technically I did... but that's just a technicality. The Linky's still open so I'm doing this. I've been looking forward to it ALL. WEEK. LONG.
So now for me week in photos. except for a few because when I texted them to facebook facebook ate them FU facebook.

This is a strange car I saw at Ross. The color would have been ok. Except that the entire interior was the Same Exact color. ew.

My weekly weather forecast. Eat that New York. er. I mean... I'm sorry you're still under snow. (hehehe)

I call the the drive and click. ok fine I was doing like five mph. No way I'd wreck my car. I'm a safe driver.

For this I was safely using my brakes. Promise. Look at all that... flatness. >.<

The Sky today. I love this color blue.

hahahaha. Eat this. Thats almost a FULL tank. AND I get 38 mpg. WHOO!

Cruising wall mart and I saw this. So cute. Perfect for my husband. I might just have to snap it up too.

We celebrated v-day with friends at the shroom. This is called liquid zanex. it was YUMMY.

Don't know if I've posted this yet. Midway into the tattoo session. I DO NOT recommend you tattoo this part of your body. But it'll look hella cool, once it stop peeling. ^_^

Pretty stamp. Onto my wish list it goes. I love this quote and I think it'd make a great card.

Me face. Out and about. PARKED, outside of the book store.. Now that my books are in boxes I luff me some bookstore.

Untill next time.

xo.
Holly

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T12:46:00.000-05:00

The doorway to hell?....

Command Station of Doom....

Empty Boxes, aka: Adein's cardboard jungle, for now.

This has become my life. Room by Room box by box, I think I'm may be packing my sanity along with my things. But on the other had, I've very excited for this. A new Home, a New community, a New Place....

now, if only we knew where that was.

xo.
Holly

V-day Swap Box

2011-02-14T12:02:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I signed up over at trying our best. And huge thank you to The Mrs. for hosting.

I mailed my box a couple of weeks ago, and I received mine last Wednesday. I'm pretty sure it was Wednesday. And the Eric came home, and Saturday I had my appointment at Trademark to finish my tattoo, then a bbq and then and then. ect. So today before I do ANYTHING else, I'm posting. and trust me I have a rather large to-do list today...

My swap Partner was Meghan, over at The University of Iowa. She was ahead of the game right from the start and she sent me the cutest little package.

As you can see the first thing I did was open the diffuser bottle to smell it. Just like the label it smells like strawberries and champagne. Even the Husband likes it. The strawberry is going to have to wait till we move.

And an adorable card. Call me sentimental, but I'm a fan of the boxed v-day cards.

Those chocolates didn't last 10 minutes. ^_^ nom nom nom.

Here the pic from her blog showing what I set her. I went with a cupcake theme, including pot holders and spatulas. We definitely shopped at the same store. ^_^ Great Minds think alike!

Thanks Meghan! and have a wonderful Valentines Day!

xo.

Holly

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T11:37:00.000-05:00

Whats on my Phone

2011-02-08T12:26:00.001-05:00

I decided, since most of the photos I post now come from my phone. To join the bandwagon over at Lowe Family News. Its such fun!

Now to start... my week in photos. Sorta.

Apparently Aedin's gearing up for the move too...

Eric's latest Ink

Starbucks, we loooove us some coffee. I loove me some sexy husband.

The starange car we saw at the tattoo parlor... weird. The brakes and rims were purple too.

Funniest poster EVER

My new book. Apparently also for "partners" as well as "couples" or however that works.

I love you Funny Face

Hop on over and link up!!!

xo.

Holly

Questions

2011-02-07T12:15:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about opening an etsy shop.

Would you recommend it, or is there another site that's better?

If I do, I'd have to start a second etsy page to correlate with my fine art photos, which is what I want to sell.

I'm also going to need a new blog title soon. Any ideas?

Whats the most you've spent on a purse?

If You do any designing, where do you get your material?

Do you have an photo/design tips to share?

Would it be faux pas if I started a donation pool to replace my lost cf card?

Where is a good place to print my paper designs (calling cards, posters, business cards, ect.)?

Is it raining buckes where you are, today?

xo.

Holly

Hello Friday

2011-02-04T11:47:00.001-05:00

My alarm didn't go off again. So no gym today.
Its rainy and cold... but Eric is home.
I have lost my CF cards for my camera.
My office looks like a home for lost boxes, (though Aedin loves it).
Currently Aedin is IN a box on top of a rather large Stack of boxes going nuts... chasing his tail.
I have five hours until dinner and then Eric and I are heading to the tattoo parlor, today is going to be interesting.

But my car smells like lilacs... <3 -le sigh-

Happy Friday!
xo.
Holly

Dreamin' of Sunshine

2011-02-02T15:16:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone, Welcome new readers! Today I'm in a list making mode.

Eric officially applied(es) for early release today.
We'll know by the end of next week.
I would be A LOT more excited if we knew where we were going. (talk about putting the cart before the horse.)
Only Eleven days till Valentines day.
Only 35 days till SPRING!
Dive it like a race car, baby - is my new motto.
Baby fever is back.
I have to physically restrain myself from buying more dirt and plants, as we will be moving soon.
I'm REALLY REALLY hoping we are moved by the time spring hits the north, so I can plant Something!
I'm probably going to finish my tattoo this weekend, or the next.
I'm scared and excited. I know its going to hurt.
I'm so jealous of everyone that's planning gardens I though I'd post a few photos of pretty gardens that I like.

Enjoy.

I would live here....

Hollyhocks, One of my favorites!

Happy Almost spring everyone.

xo.
Holly

We Have a Winner!!

2011-02-02T14:13:00.000-05:00

We have a winner for the CSN giveaway!!!

Dee said...: I would purchase this guidecraft easel :)http://www.csnstores.com/Guidecraft-G51086-EZ1149.htmldeeg131 at gmail dot com; January 14, 2011 9:56 PM; Nice choice Dee and congratulations! I'll be emailing you with your code.; Thank you to everyone for participating. Our next CSN giveaway will be at holly Robertson Photography later this week.

Otherwise known as Tattoo season

2011-01-28T22:09:00.001-05:00

To most of you the dreaded tax season is here -insert ghosty voice- Ooooooo. For Eric and I its tattoo season. Last year I started one of the attoos I'd wanted for a long time. I searched around the net for ideas, printed them and this is what came out...

The Rowan tree, that IS a rowan tree is a Highland symbol for protection and will be in greyscale except for the leaves with will be red and orange. I'm a fall baby. ^_^ The fox is my spirit animal and she will be white and silver. I've been playing with the idea of having her potentially morph down my leg. So she will show the stages of my life. The empty spaces that you see will resemble something like this...

via

Pocahontas is one of my favorite movies. I saw it on my fifth birthday with my grandarents the one time they came to visit. And just above the tree is a little butt-less firefly that looks pretty much like this one...

I'm pretty excited to put a butt on him finally. I LOVE fireflies, the represent a part of my childhood. A part that I loved. Someday there will be more than one. and maybe this year I'll add a few kodamas. They are the little tree spirits in the picture...

via

Arn't they just the cutest? Anyway its bedtime the sleep aid and midol are kicking in. Nighty night bloggy friends.

xo.
Holly

Blizzard Blog Hop

2011-01-28T12:13:00.000-05:00

hello, and Welcome to my Blog.
a Huge thanks to Ann Marie whose fantastic idea this was.
If you haven't heard of it yet, which isn't likely as I am late, again. Head over here to Household6Diva and join in the fun. Leave some comment love while you're at it too!

I guess it's time for an introduction.
My name is Holly. I'm 23, a spouse, a pet lover, an avid reader and a photographer...
I also answer too, Holly Anna, Holly Bear, Holly Anna Banana, Molly and Sarah.
My little sisters name is Sarah and despite the 10 years separating us, apparently our names are interchangeable.

This is my Momma <3

I am the oldest of Four Girls. Sammy, Travyann, and Sarah. I also have two "sisters" that I refer to on here. Jenna and Katie. I miss them.

Currently I/We are stationed In Albany... Georgia. Not the best place on earth, but I've made some wonderful friends here. My husband is a Sergeant in the US Marines.

If all goes as planned by April I will have to change my button from this one....
---> <---- to this one.

It's a little scary for me, but I think easier in some ways because we've only been married a year and a half come march. We were married 09.26.09. (this is our story if you are curious.) We have also lived off base the entire time. Which has been both a blessing and a curse. Hopefully soon I will be able to update you on where we are actually going next. There is NO WAY in Hell I am staying here.

Along with being a Marine spouse I am also a professional photographer. And I say professional because its what I went to school/am going to school for. I have a couple quarters left that I will finish as soon as I get near a school with the classes I need. My Photography blog is slowly getting started and actual website will be coming soon. I've very excited. You can also check out my fine art and my 365 blog. Unfortunately I have no etsy shop as they have listing fees which I just can't afford right now. However all of my art is for sale upon request.

I started this blog soon after I reached Ga as an outlet for my creativity. along the way it has morphed into a cooking and photography blog. As well as a place for me to share my stories about my marriage, both to Eric and the marines. Finally it morphed into separate blogs, this is solely for me and my thoughts, which come rather sporadically. If you had to sit on my office chair your blog posts would be sporadic too.

I suppose that about sums up who I am. Spouse. Cat Mommy. Pagan. Artist. Human. Woman.

Come back soon. I'm sure I'll have more updates on this hilarity I call life.

Happy Friday All.

xo.
Holly

Thursday Five

2011-01-27T11:07:00.000-05:00

This is my very first Thursday five, and its kinda cool. I've been kind off a slacker on the whole blog posting thing. I have a list of things to blog about and I sit down and open my page up and then... I loose interest. So today, keepin' it short, yo.

Patient

Joyful

Marvelous

Grateful

Wonderful

This last week has been not physically hectic (though a little) but emotionally crazy. Eric announced his Plan For Early Release. More on this later. So while my whole world is being thrown into a mixing pot again, I'm being outwardly patient with it all. And the fact that I now have empty boxes stacked in my office that Aedin likes to play king of the mountain on...

Despite the fact that I will be leaving my new friends. Again. I am extremely joyful about the fact that we are indeed moving. Somewhere. I am so happy that we are getting out of this city and out of this damn apartment.

While we were in Thomasville a couple weekends ago, I found a set of STERLING SILVER cuff-links that somehow magically had my dads initials on them. They are absolutely Marvelous and I can't wait to send them to him. They also have a patient number, how sweet is that.

Despite all this moving stuff going on. I'm very very very grateful to all my friends. I will miss you all so so much and I can't believe It's only been a year and a half, barely. Thank you for being the beautiful, wonderful, special people that you are.

To all my new followers... Thank you Very much and welcome. YOU are wonderful, and I'm grateful for you as well.

Don't forget about my csn giveaway that ends feb.1st. Click here to enter.

xo.

Holly

Will you Still Love me

2011-01-24T13:21:00.000-05:00

Among all the things I have been up too... like trying to START my bussiness. Host these giveaways. Do daily quotes updates on my facebook. Take photos, DAILY. Stay in touch with all my friends. Stay in contact with my blog friends. Shop for the V-day swap. Make dinner every night. Missing the links class (again). Starting Image Makers...

With all that and more, Eric has officially decided he's going to apply for early release. I wish he would have officially thought of that sooner. Because January came so fast, just like we knew it would. Our Hope-full early release date will be April 10th-ish. Plus almost 40 days of Terminal leave... leaves me feeling, well, I'm not really sure. I'm ready to leave, at the same time... I love the people here who have become our friends in such a short amount of time.

I'm not sure I can make all the things I'm feeling into a coherent sentence, so I guess my real question is. Will you still be my friends when I'm not a "military" spouse?...

CSN GIVEAWAY

2011-01-14T15:53:00.000-05:00

Lucky You! CSN stores has offered me a chance to host a giveaway for all my wonderful reader. (that would be ya'll) CSN offers over 20 online stores with incredible products and amazing prices. Like the Modern Bedding at all modern.com. Can you say Fabulous!?
They are offering YOU a $35 dollar promotion code good for anything you want!

I have been dreaming of getting new bedding for MONTHS now. And everything is just soooo beautiful. I don't think my husband would like all of the ones I do, but I do know we could both agree on these three here.

I love the delicate pattern on this one, and the neutral color, but the pattern is bold enough to suit my husbands tastes.

The beautiful zen-like quality on this one is so... zen. I love it.

And this one, oh so pretty. it reminds me of that vacation I've always wanted to take but never have. maybe I'll get it and have a mini stay-vaca in my bedroom.

Now on to the part you've been waiting for. All you have to do to enter is answer this question:

What would you buy if you won? (send me some links so I can see.)

For extra entires:

Follow my 365 blog.
Folly my Photography blog, Holly Robertson Photography. Giveaway coming soon on this blog too!
Follow my Recipe blog, The confectionery. Which also will have a giveaway soon too.
Like my Photography Facebook page. Leave me some love so I know you stopped by.
Like my Blog facebook page, Food, Photos and Tanks.

Contest open till noon, Eastern Standard Time, February 1st, 2011.

Can't wait to see what you all love. Good Luck
xo.
Holly

bzzz bzz bzzz

2011-01-08T18:23:00.000-05:00

This has certainly been a very busy week for us. The first full week of the new year has been full of surprises, more spending, and a lot of standing in line...
Eric had duty new years day and I spent most of the day looking for Rubbermaid bins. We need a few for storage, but mostly we want them to move with. Finding boxes here is harder than finding a needle in a haystack. I don't completely understand why, but whatever. We saved some apple boxes from our last move and I'm sure we can find a few. In any case I hit Rubbermaid GOLD at Home Depot. I was wandering around looking for the best deal when an associate asked me if I needed help. I told her I needed storage bins and that lowes had them on sale. She ended up calling lowes for me whose associate told us that there bins were 2/$5. I said Rubbermaid? and she said yes. Home depot told me they'd match it and beat it. I was ecstatic! When we got to the register I was told that they can't actually match competitor sale prices, but they would this time, since I had been told I could, but they couldn't beat it I said fine I still want these. I walked out with SIX Rubbermaid roughneck bins for under $15.00. Then I drove to lowes to see if it was true. But they had knock off brand bins for two for $10! and they weren't as sturdy. Their associate was wrong, but I got on hell of a deal because of it. JACKPOT!

The rest of the weekend was a whirlwind of shopping for suits for Eric. He hasn't needed any for so long he grew out of his. Tamps classes are next week, so he needs them now. I'm pretty sure I'm all shopped out. We went to almost every suit store in town. We finally settled on Pennys and we spent several hundred dollars on a pair of slacks, a vest, a couple jackets (NICE jackets) and some shirts and a couple ties. Everything was more than half off, it was great. However he still only had one pair of slacks. So today we went to target, the PX and finally Khols, again and we found another pair he liked that fit. we are STILL waiting for penny's to hem his pants (there was a mix up) so I will be hemming the others. He just left to go back to the px to pick up the khakis that I told him we should have gotten in the first place. In anycase, I'll have some sewing to do tomorrow. lolz.

We spent four days in Anniston Al, while Eric and Stacy did some tank stuff. I spent most of my time walking around the shopping center. I bought something or ME at Maurices. Remind me and I'll post a photo. His days were shorter, so he was usually back to the hotel by four or so. Thursday we went to Birmingham, "uncle" Larry told us that it was only about 45 min away. I wish I would have known that before!!! We went to summit, which is a GIANT outdoor mall with everything from SAKS to Barns and Noble. They had an APPLE STORE. It was pretty sweet. We did some looking around I found a cuff bracelet at Lucky Brand that I wanted superbad. This is what it looks like. Beautiful. But not exactly in my price range. That night we had dinner at PF Changs. I'll leave it at that, because I'm not sure I can accurately describe how utterly AMAZING it was. -cue angels singing- When we all got back to the hotel we realized it was still only seven thirty, so we said f this and went to lonestar for some drinks with Stacy. If anyone's Curious it takes one glass of Gewurztraminer(with dinner), two martinis, and a cosmo to get me well on my way. It was nice to know none of had to drive and just talk. For once I did more talking than my husband. Being the youngest I'm usually talked over when we go out with his co-workers, but it was only Stacy, and shes awesome. <3 and she has FABULOUS taste in books. All in all, great trip. My ass doesn't exactly agree with me but thats ok.

Oh! Almost forgot, Monday we finally had had enough of our tiny ass tv and we went looking for a new one. One I could actually see with my glasses. We ended up getting a 42inch Sanyo from walmart. For once Eric was happy to be in wal-mart. haha!

Tormorrow or Monday I'm got some resolutions to post. I've been thinking them over. I didn't want to do anything hasty I'd regret. :)

Don't forget to check out my 365, I just uploaded a whole week of photos!

xo.
Holly

Memories, Dreams and Reflections 2010

2011-01-02T19:34:00.000-05:00

Me! - picture of yourself.

This is definitely me, tattoo and all.

I Love You - picture of your husband, boyfriend, children, pets, etc.

My Loving, lovable husband

Still Laughing... - a moment you're still laughing about now...tell us a story.

This was halloween, pretty self explanatory. Eric was dressed as papa smurf and the gate guard could hardly keep a straight face....

Winter Wonderland - a picture that reflects Winter.

It actually SNOWED last february here. <3

Birthday - share a birthday picture (your own or someone you love).

Looking back through my photos I realized I'd taken this on cali's adoption day anniversary.

Friends - a picture with friends (this could be your friends or your children with their friends).

oh. man. National Grits Festival in Warwick, GA.

I Was Inspired... - could be a picture of your inspiration (person or thing), or inspired by...

Spring Fever - a picture that reflects Spring.

Travel or Vacation - a picture taken on vacation or on a recent travel experience, OR of a place you'd like to travel.

Savannah, GA

Summer Days - a picture that reflects Summer.

A Day In My Life - a picture of a typical day in your life.

All Smiles - a picture that makes you smile or of smiling faces.

Autumn Harvest - a picture that reflects Autumn/Fall.

Family - a picture of your family or a picture that represents family for you.

Celebrate! - a picture that reflects a celebration.

Let's Do It Again... - a picture of something you'd like to do again soon.

This will be getting finished soon

I Miss You - a picture of someone or something you really miss.

Beautiful - a picture of someone or something you find beautiful.

Dress Up - this might be a picture from Halloween or not...but someone who is all dressed up!

USMC Ball 2010

Macro - share your favorite macro image.

Holidays - a picture from the Holiday of your choice.

My Favorite - share your favorite picture or memory from 2010.

Don't Ever Change - something you love about yourself, someone, or something that you never want to change.

Just Because...So There! - share any picture(s) that you really want to share, but doesn't fit in any other category.

Hopes and Dreams - share what you hope to come or dream for 2011. Feel free to share an image of your choice.

I'm leaving this blank... mostly because I feel like when I really want something it usually falls just out of reach. So I'm crossing my fingers.

(Maybe I'll post a photo of my crossed fingers.)

We Have a Winner!!

2011-01-01T17:40:00.001-05:00

1.1.11

I wanted to start off the first post of the new year. And I'm happy to announce that we have a winner for my Art Print Giveaway, comment #4 is Elizabeth, over at The Young Retiree.

Congratulations Elizabeth!!!

♥ Elizabeth said...: I've been following your 365... and you're slacking, missy ;) I lost mine somewhere along the way. Started over though and going strong again!Email me with your new mailing address and I'll get that out for you.Happy new Year!xo.Holly

Mil-Spouse Round Up

2010-12-31T16:07:00.001-05:00

This week, the last week of 2010 has been busy for our house and at the same time very relaxing, I only had one shift this week and Eric only worked a couple of days. We've been able to spend more time together. It was wonderful. I also finished a couple books I've been reading. Did some cleaning, sorta. Spent a couple hours at the gym... But I've pretty much been off the computer. It was so... liberating to not be connected to the net constantly. I also cleaned out my side of the closet and donated all the clothes I don't wear.

Eric has duty tomorrow, so tonight will be rather non crazy. We're gong to our friends house. and I'm making my veggie Dip! and Cookies!

I'm very excited to be hosting the round up, I've always wanted to but never had the courage to ask! I hope you all have a very wonderful, SAFE, and exciting New year! To all those pcs'ing, travel safe, and leave the stressed packed in boxes.

Make sure to stop by next week at link up with Nicole, over at Flip Flops and Combat Boots. Thanks Nicole!

Good Bye 2010, Heeelloooo 2011!!!

xo.

Holly

Almost Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-22T15:29:00.001-05:00

Tag!

2010-12-17T12:51:00.000-05:00

Tagged by: The Ramblings of a Marine Wife

She tagged us all, So I'm tagging everyone too!

1. Four shows that you watch (limited since we've moved!)
Color Splash

Dear Genivieve

Family Guy

Bones

2. Four things you are passionate about
Books

My fur babies

The love of my Life

Photography!

3. Four phrases you say a lot (I had to ask hubby)
Shiz

oh snap

Aedin, No!

Hey baby

4. Four things you've learned from the past
Kick 'em to the curb if they don't resect you.

You ARE worth it.

Love will outlast everything

try, try, again.

5. Four places you'd like to go
Scotland

Ireland

Tahiti

India

6. Four things you did yesterday
Check the mail

napped because I was sick

blogged

ate a candy cane

7. Four things you are looking forward to
Christmas!
My husband being home

The future

My next paycheck

8. Four things you love about winter
Layers

Snow and everything that comes with it

HOT coffee at starbucks

Get togethers with Friends

enjoy!

xo.

Holly

Shoe Finds

2010-12-16T21:06:00.000-05:00

I haven't done one of these in a while... these are my favorite (current) shoes from mod cloth. So sweet and adorable, and perfect for ANYday... now... payday is coming, how exciting.

Add a sweet note of savvy sophistication to any melodious guise when you slip into these shiny black, faux patent leather heels! With a walkable chunky heel, a poshly rounded toe, a padded insole, and a lace-less silhouette, these on-trend pumps harmoniously accentuate both your ensemble and your undeniable panache. Add a pair of ruffled ankle socks and a flirtatious little black dress for a first chair, fashion-forward look.

Make your dreams of putting your most fashionable foot forward during the holiday season a reality with this 'gem' of a shoe. Thanks to its metallic sheen, this vegan-friendly violet pump packs some panache that will instantly elevate any LBD to a party-ready ensemble, while its sleek shape, alluring bow of brilliant blue, and coy keyhole cutout add attention-grabbing sizzle that's sure to garner many a compliment from your fellow revelers. Pair this stunner with a sequin-trimmed minidress, opaque tights, and a pom-pom hair piece for an outfit that celebrates the festive spirit in the most stylish way.

MY Absolute FAV!

East is east, west is west, and style is style! Donning these adorable, heather grey, platform heels, you'll stand apart from the crowd - all thanks to the darling, faux leather bows and buttons which femininely embellish the fanciful T-straps. A dainty silver buckle at the ankle, a posh rounded toe, and a sexy stiletto heel make for a versatile shoe you'll want to wear with frills and flowers alike. Dress this formal pair of heels up with black fishnets and silver accessories, and then add a flutter sleeve frock and ruby red lips for a youthful, vintage-inspired look worthy of song!

Your record collection is alphabetized, your bed is always immaculately made, and your closet is in complete order - it's clear that you like to keep your home flawless. With an alluring black faux patent exterior and an adorable bow with metal tassels at the toe, this pretty pump shows that your sense of style is just as impeccable as your apartment. Give the world a taste of your pristine fashion panache by pairing this gleaming beauty with a prim silk blouse, a perfectly pleated skirt, and tidy knee-high stockings.

If looking at these vivacious pumps sets your styling gears in motion, we don't blame you! How could you not want to create ensemble after amazing ensemble once you've set your sights on these vegan-friendly shoes, whose simplicity of structure is belied by their champagne and gold-glittery splendour? They're perfect for playing up a casual ensemble of a button-up blouse tucked into pegged trousers, adding a fun flair to a little black dress, or really jazzing up an already fancy frock. No matter how you wear them, they're sure to invigorate the sartorial senses!

enjoy!

xo.

Holly

Self Promotion Giveaway

2010-12-13T16:43:00.004-05:00

Its GIVEAWAY time!

I have just kept procrastinating doing one, but now is the time. ONE lucky winner will win a signed fine art print from Holly Robertson Photography. (8x10)

I'm really excited for this an I can't wait! But I will.

WIN THIS!

Rules:

Be Honest.
Please DON'T "follow" my blog and then unfollow it after this giveaway.
Be Nice

How to Enter:

Be a follower of this blog, or a New follower.
Follow Holly Robertson Photography.
"Like" Holly Robertson Photography on Facebook.

Extra Entries:

Follow Me on Twitter.
Tweet this: Art Print Giveaway @Caedeince ---> http://briardesigns.blogspot.com/2010/12/self-promotion-giveaway.html #hrpromo2010
Share Holly Robertson Photography on Facebook. Each "group" of five friends counts as ONE entry.
Follow my 365 blog.

For EACH entry you complete leave ONE comment. Please No Entries After December 31st, 2010

Thanks so Much and GOOD LUCK!

xo.
Holly

weather forcast and pet bribery

2010-12-10T12:06:00.000-05:00

So We pretty much completely skipped hoodie weather here. We had a couple days, that were interspersed with 80 degree weather. Weather here is so weird. I can't make heads or tails of it most of the time.
The other day it was so cold. It was definitely christmas time, but minus all the fun stuff like ice rinks, sleigh rides and sledding. However, no shoveling.
It always surprises me how COLD it really gets here. When I had to drop Eric off at the airport car rental so he could drive to Charleston we had to SCRAPE our Windshield. It was pretty early though.
While at work he other day we had snow flurries. Not exactly snow, because you could barley see them and the didn't stick. But white frozen stuff WAS falling from the sky. It was great.

I'm just happy it hasn't gone below zero yet, now THAT is coooold.

I busted out my camera and tripod today. My original intent was some nice ornament shots. But aedin decided to be cute and poke his nose in. Like usual. We both had a little bit of fun.

To get pets to cooperate pick a high shutter speed (obviously mine wasn't high enough), and bribe them.

I like this one too, so cute.

awwww. nom nom nom.

happy shoveling to all ya'll up north. hahahaha.

xo.
Holly

Wordless Wednesday

2010-12-08T16:48:00.000-05:00

today

2010-12-07T13:18:00.000-05:00

Today is... Tuesday. I think. Today I have a day off, today I need to go pick up my husbands jacket from the tailors.
Today I'm pissed off with facebook.
and I'm made that I think I suck at marketing.... or advertising or whatever.

Anyone want to host a giveaway? For a fine art print?

anyway. I need to go look for the pad for my mop. Somewhere between the washer and the closet it got lost.
Or SOMEBODY put it in the wrong place. We'll see.

Follow me on facebook, or networked blogs?.....

<<< over there.

xo.
Holly

December at last

2010-12-05T11:44:00.000-05:00

Its been pretty hectic around here. Not crazy, just busy. I've been working more at my job. Which is nice.

But I've been spending less time at the computer. In the evenings instead of blogging, I sit on the couch with my husband and read. Its nice.
During the day I've been painting. I painted ornaments for my friends for christmas.
I've been shopping too.

Last night we had dinner with some friends it was amazing. It was something I missed. A Lot.

Eric: "It embarrasses me when you do this in public."

We went to Red Lobster and spent the whole night laughing.

My mom has been texting me photos of the snow. All in all, glad I'm not shoveling it. But it makes me a little homesick...

I haven't been picking up my camera as much latley either. Which makes me kinda sad. But I'm afriad to carry it with me everywhere. For one its HEAVY, and doesn't fit in my purse. And Two, I really don't want to be mugged or get my car broken into...

So I'll leave you with this little gem untill next time...

xo.
Holly

Order xmas Cards: Check

2010-11-21T18:35:00.001-05:00

Snowflake Sprinkles Christmas Card

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Part of the Free shutterfly cards thing is you have to do another blog about your experience... I'm grateful for the free cards and I get the point, but really? Add another thing to my list.
So I'm keeping this short and sweet. I love shutterflys prices. I love their print options, but this whole card thing really pissed me off. Instead of being able to shrink my IMAGE to fit it in the specified photo area, all I could do was MOVE THE DAMN CROP BOX. How Annoying. So The beautiful card that I picked out and took photos Specifically for that card.... useless, for this topic anyway. Gah. I didn't want a card with red or green. And I didn't want it to say Happy Holidays OR Merry *Fricken* Christmas. I Like saying that!
Despite it all. I'm please with the results and will happily and gratefully send them to everyone on my list.

Oh and Eric gave me one of my little presents early. Seems he found a tripod at the px half off. And seeing me struggling to improvise he let me open it. What would I do without him? (I probably would have gone to the px and bought one)

Here are the photos I took. I really Love them. Not very creative... but still. You try getting creative with a 10 sec timer.

A little bit o' Sundays

2010-11-21T14:53:00.000-05:00

This weekend has been interesting. I worked last night. I helped restock shelves. So basically I did squats for three hours. Stand squat stand squat smile. Repeat. And you know what? I actually had fun. I LOVE helping customers. I'm still a little awkward, but I'm improving. I need to remember to slow down. This is NOT catered for You. My mission will not piss off the bride if I'm late. Walk with purpose, smile, greet and ask how I can help them today. Shouldn't be hard. But it is for me. I've discovered something... I'm SHY. I mean seriously, me shy? But I am, I feel all shaky out there on the sales floor. But I know it'll get easier. I was scared to carry campaign flutes, now I can do it with ease. Well maybe not ease, but at least finesse. ^_^
Before work we hit up rue 21, because I had a coupon. I got a shirt, a sweater, and three pairs of jeans, plus tights and a beanie for eric for $40. It was FABULOUS. Next time I plan on going to NY and Company. I need some nice fancy/casual clothes.

he's on his crackberry, as per usual <3

Friday night we actually went out for dinner, together. It was so nice. Of course we had pizza. It was lovely, to sit there, facing each other and talking. We didn't talk about anything special. Just plans, christmas, the food. It was wonderful. He looked so handsome in his polo (I bleached his blue one, whoops) Sometimes I take his wonderful smile for granted, I see it without really looking. So I looked my fill. I love the way his eyes crinkle. I missed his laugh, we laughed a lot. I played footsie with him under the table, and I held his hand. Who said pizza places weren't romantic?

Today we went to lowe's we need a new shower head. ours is crap. Had some lunch at the new build your own burger place, it was amazing. Their honey Dijon horseradish sauce was like heaven.
This evening we're going to take some photos for our christmas cards. I plan on dragging him down to riverfront park. It should be nice for us.

now if only I had a tripod release. dammnit.

Oh! and I got my Car decal from Simpee Vinyl. Isn't it sweet?

xo.
Holly

The Thursday Column

2010-11-18T13:51:00.001-05:00

I know... It's been a while. Time just flew right by.
My topic today is what makes a photographer. You may or may not agree with me. I have so many thoughts on this... I'll try really hard to make it literate.
Now as a photographer, my opinion is going to MY opinion and therefore, very biased.
So there, you have been warned. I would also like to add, that I'm not trying to Insult anyone, I'm just trying to make a point.

If you have a really big camera with lots of lenses, you are NOT a photographer.
If you have an off camera flash, you are NOT a photographer.
If you carry around extra CF cards in your purse, you are NOT a photographer.
If your digital camera has a zoom lens or a replaceable lens, you are NOT a photographer.
If you made your husband buy you an expensive camera so you could take photos of your kids, you are NOT a photographer.
If you think all the latest gadgets will let you take photos like in the magazines, you are NOT a photographer.

If your camera has an SD card, you are NOT a photographer.
If you have no idea what I am talking about, you are NOT a photographer.

If you've never had to choose between food or film, you are NOT a photographer.
If you've never had a film camera, you are NOT a photographer.
If you don't have business cards, you are NOT a photographer.
If you offered to shoot so and so's wedding for free, you are NOT a photographer.

If you indebted yourself to get a degree in photography, you ARE a photographer.
If you know all your equipment and what it does and how it works, you ARE a photographer.
If your greatest passion is sharing your art with others, you ARE a photographer.
If you know the pain of being passed over as photographer for so and so's wedding, you ARE a photographer.
If you are out at dawn in negative degree weather to get the perfect shot, you ARE a photographer.
If your car has your logo in it, you ARE a photographer.
If you belong to every networking site trying to get your new business out there, you ARE a photographer.
If it hurts every time you see someones "free" photos, you ARE a photographer.
If you know there isn't any real difference between nikon or canons, but have a preference anyway, you ARE a photographer.
If you can back your statement or preference up with facts, you ARE a photographer.
If you know all the expensive enquip-ment in the world can't make a good photographer out of someone who isn't, you ARE a photographer.
If you know that "photoshop art" doesn't make you a photographer, you ARE a photographer.

My Point being all the fancy crap in the world wont make you good, it has to come from the inside. A true Professional Photographer is born of the soul of an artist.

As a new business starter, no license yet, its painful to be passed over as a PROFESSIONAL photographer for someones friend who does them for free with there new slr camera. I can understand why the choose free over not. I really can. Free is good, free is Awesome! But what people don't understand is that it isn't really free. Every time you accept your friends offer to do your photos for free some struggling photographer doesn't GET any business. It costs THEM. As we struggle along dropping our prices lower and lower just trying to get some starters so we can expand... we have to compete with FREE, you can't compete with that.
Or can I? For all those who have "free" photos done of your pregnancy, years from now when that's all the memories you have left. Your little baby is getting so big, how great are those free photos going to look? Are you going to with you'd paid even a little bit of money to Immortalize that moment forever? Or will you have under or over exposed images with crapy flashes that are fuzzy and out of focus? Will you shake your head and wish you'd paid for better quality images? To all the brides planning your wedding... when your whole day has passed and you barely remember it because you were so stressed, what Kind of photos will you have to look at, to proudly hang on your wall in your new home? Do you Love them? Do they make you happy? Do they bring back memories?... or are they too bright or too dark? That zit you had, did someone take the time to edit it out of ALL of your wedding photos? Did your photographer smooth your complexion, do your colors look exactly like the ones you chose?
So remember, free isn't free it has a price. Even if you can't see it.

What will you choose?

xo.
Holly

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-17T14:58:00.000-05:00

xo.
Holly

Shutterfly Holiday Homework

2010-11-16T15:49:00.000-05:00

Shutterfly is giving away (50) holiday cards to bloggers. Which if you think about it, is a nice easy way to get loyal customers.
I'm a bit late on this one because I'm dyslexic and I was so busy that I failed to notice it said SHUTTERFLY and not snapfish, which is my usual go to place to print photos. But I'm always up for something new, and they have just a bit more to offer. I've long since planed to make a Photo Book through shutterfly, I did a little, ok a lot, of shopping around and they have the best prices per page. And they are lovely and completely customizable.
I also discovered their Calenders! Fabulous, instead of buying some premade one at the local book store, I'll be making one here for next year with all the amazing photos I've taken. Maybe I'll make two, one of my Professional photos for my office with my business logo and one for just us, that has all of our wonderful family photos. <3
However, for the holidays I'll get getting all of my christmas cards here, instead of walmart. Who needs walmart anyway!?
here are some of my favorites so far...

Have a lovely holiday season.

xo.
Holly

2010-11-16T15:27:00.002-05:00

New Post over at my photo blog.
Check it out.

xo.
Holly

I have a thing...

2010-11-09T14:22:00.000-05:00

... with peppermint. Nothing quite says the holidays to me like the smell of peppermint candies. There are a lot of other scents I also associate with Christmas time. But Peppermint is by far my favorite. Last December Eric and I were TAD for the two weeks before Christmas... and I got a peppermint candy nearly everyday. Ah! room service...
This year I'm going to be spending less time in the kitchen. For one I got a job. and We're tightening our budget a little. and we really don't need all that sugar. I might make a couple things for friends, but for the most part I'll be dreaming of peppermint, not eating it. So in honor of my Favorite candy... Im posting photos with links to everything I really want to make. If anyone makes any of the recipes... Please come back and tell me how they were! or send yummy photos. I'll live vicariously off your photos. <3

White Chocolate Pettermint Pie

Peppermint Bark Brownies

Peppermint Twist Cupcakes

Mint Chocolate Macaroons

Peppermint Bark

White Chocolate Peppermint Fudge

Red Velvet Whoopie Pies with Peppermint Filling

pepperming Fudge Brownie Bites

Double Chocolate Peppermint Biscotti

Cocoa Tassies with Peppermint Frosting

Chcolate Pepperming Mergauine Kisses

Cocolate Mint Divinity

I bet you're hungry now. hehehe. Unless you're weird and don't like peppermint. ^.^

xo.
Holly

insert title here

2010-11-08T21:32:00.000-05:00

Not entirel up to writting much right now. I have so much in my head I can't slow it down enough to get it out.

so here is some completely uneditided photos of my kittes lovin. Bad lighting, and I hate using my flash, so i didn't.

playin it coool

new...

2010-11-08T21:05:00.001-05:00

... post over on my 365 blog.

insert title here

2010-11-07T23:06:00.000-05:00

its sunday.
Tomorrow Eric will have been gone a week. A whole week. Seven Days, Seven Nights. All by myself. Usually... I really don't mind it. I grew up mostly an only child, so being alone is nothing new. Usually the silence comforts me, envelops me. But sometimes, its deafening. It hurts. It aches where I didn't know it could. There is a difference from missing your family and friends, and missing your soul-mate. Its bigger, deeper, wider.
Its getting colder here, and I definitely miss his warmth at night. I miss our nightly ritual, our strange conversations... I miss knowing if I have a nightmare, he's right there for me to talk to. It sometimes feel strange to me that I Do miss him. Is that weird?
I miss feeling safe. Having some to cook for, someone to do the dishes. Its not quiet the same just me and the cats. or one thing, they don't talk back. With words anyway...

I am off to bed, with my hot water bottle.

and thank you to the three of you who commented on my last blog. I really appreciated it. <3

dear blogspere

2010-11-06T19:27:00.000-04:00

Am I a boring writer?
or annoying?
is everyone just super busy?
do I not write ennough?
do I whine?
I know I don't always comment on blogs ...
but still
I'm feeling kinda lonely over here in my corner.
I mean, its easy to comment on my blog, no capchas or anything.

Why no love?

also, my wannabe photo contest is now closed. (sorry the young retiree ) Because I suppose everyone was too busy, or it was boring. Or no one took photos on Halloween... In any case, with only one entry it seems kinda pointless.

oh and fyi, my TABS up there in my tab bar, those are all SEPARATE blogs, not pages. So if you want to see what I post, you have to follow them. separately. sorry for the inconvenience.

Sincerly,
your very saddened writer

Conundrum

2010-11-02T21:57:00.000-04:00

So guess whos in a conundrum?
me.
Guess why?
Holiday cards.
Why holiday cards you ask?
Blame Hobby lobby.
They were playing CHRISTMAS MUSIC today. Do they not know how hard it is for me to Not buy all my Christmas ornaments right now. AH, how could they not know?! So they put them on sale. and played Christmas music.
Not fair.I will oder ornaments before december.... but I have to wait till after the ball. And I told myself I wouldn't start decorating till AFTER Thanksgiving.
But its all on sale NOW.
See, see what I have to deal with?

So I resisted the urge, didn't buy any holiday stuff.
And what do I get in my inbox....? a reminder from snapfish for HOLIDAY CARDS!
poo.
Soooooooo. I need your help. I seem to be picking out my cards.
So I can order the early. Unlike last year.
that's another story.

I'd like your alls opionions on the following greeting cards. Pleeeease?

Warning. there are alot.

As you can see, Im leaning away from cards that are red and green (red is NOT mu favorite color) and the cards that say happy holidays or merry christmas. I like to say those things, then I feel dumb when I just repeat what the card says.
I also like the bright simple cards...
and I'll probably get them on Stationary Stock, so I can write.

Now, to vote. (seems kinda appropriate, considering it's election week. haha)

also, check out my photo contest on my photo blog. Link is in the tabs.

xo.
Holly

News FLASH, Photo Contest

2010-11-02T12:50:00.002-04:00

You're Missing out if you haven't been over to my Photography blog yet! I'm having a photo contest.

oh, and maybe follow that blog while youre at it.

you know you want to.

please?

What we've been up too

2010-11-01T14:25:00.001-04:00

hmmmmn, where to start, where to start...

Alright, in no particular order...

I have cartoons on in the other room, I can't be home without my husband without background noise.
Saturday night I spent 3 1/5 hours painting latex on my husbands body.
Latex sucks.

see?

However the gate guards face made it ALL worth it. Well to me anyway. He's still picking latex out of his hair.

See?

We are watching what we are eating before the ball, and I'm craving sugar, BAD!
My ball dress came in the mail friday night and I put it on as soon as we got home. FABULOUS!
I dressed up as a witch for halloween.
I bought my dress from ross for $12 dolla. <3
It has pockets.
We participated in the ESC trunk or treat. <3 such fun. Kids are SOOO cute.
The husband and I went shopping saturday. He got jeans from penny's. I luff his butt in Lee jeans.
I found sweaters at Rue21 that were under 30.00 and ACRYLIC free!
We also got a half off coupon to use later this month. Heck yes!
We cleaned the house yesterday.
Today, you can't really tell. Thank you Cali and Aedin.
I got a job at Bath and Body Works, but I'm not on the schedule yet.
I used my 50% off coupon to buy a pretty white coat at old navy ast week.
Its still too hot to wear.
I want to bake a cake.

here are a few more photos from Halloween.

xo.

Holly

My Wednesday Night...

2010-10-29T12:08:00.001-04:00

So the other night, instead of giving the cat a bath, finishing up my chores and watching some tv at the end of the day.
I ended up in the emergency room. Well, ok. not ME, but I was there, with my husband. Who apparently didn't want to help give the cats a bath, so he got in a fight with a can lid. oh, and he lost.
Lucky for him I don't freak out at the sight of blood. Although I did freak out a tiny bit when it wouldn't Stop bleeding. So we drove to the emergency room.

See he's calm and collected, watching tv. While I tweeted about it. (I'm such a good wife.) I know it hurt though, alot. because he'd started to re grow his nerves, and actually had feeling in the thumb again.
-it was almost severed in Iraq, by an Iraqi with a machete.-
In anycase, it took us a couple hours, I think every nurse on duty stopped in to ask him what happened. But they finally sewed him up. Only TWO stitches, and put a splint on it so we wouldn't tear them.
He'll have to find time on TAD to go to the hospital and have them out.
The tetanus shot hurts worse than his thumb does. Poor thing.
Well, that was my evening. Now onward to the weekend.
What are you doing for Halloween?

The Thursday Column

2010-10-28T15:09:00.001-04:00

I have decided that I am going to try (emphasis on try, mind.) to write every Thursday. I want to work on my English a bit. Writing used to be one of my favorite activities. I'd like to use that part of my brain again. or at least some more. So on Thursdays I am going to pick something to write about... and write about it.

Disclaimer: it will all be MY OPINION. So please, no mean comments. If You can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all.

You can grab this code over in my side bar... >>>

What I really want to talk about today is well, the news, and why I stopped watching.

Thats right readers, I loath watching the news. The weather isn't bad, and, occasionally I will watch it. Though I usually wonder why I bother when the news is so easily accessed these days. On phones computers and ipads. In any case my desire to NOT watch the news started on that fateful day on nine eleven. Every TV in my high school was tuned to the news. You couldn't escape it. As a young photographer I was fixated by it you could feel the terror and the horror right through the tv. You couldn't not watch, though most of it was the same footage over and over and over. Until a news anchor started talking about a helicopter of army maintenance men who had just been shot down and executed. In that moment it was far, far to real for me. My uncle was in the army, he was over there fighting, he was part of a maintenance team. I was horrified that one of the men who died was my uncle. MY uncle teddy, who could be dead, right that minute from a shot to the back of the head. And I couldn't help but wonder, would that news anchor be going into so much gory detail if he knew one of the men, or if he knew that somewhere out there was one of those mens relations, crying. Would he have changed his language, would he have edited the photos?
It was a very long time before we found out that uncle teddy was till alive, safe, for the most part, on one of the bases and was busy fixing humvees. After that I couldn't help but think... if that really had been my uncle I would have hated to learn of his death so impersonally.
I took a whole new outtake on the stands of magazines, commercials on TV, the news. It all became so unbearable for me.
For example, Brad and Angelina's kids. Do you think they see the magazines they are in? When they are older will the know what people said about them and there family? If you were a parent would You care?
It seems almost cruel to expose our children to such... trash. To such harsh views on life.
I find society will read Anything. For example. Justin Bieber. He was on a couple tabloids, now he has a book? What is wrong with this picture?
So in retrospect I don't watch the news because its just one more journalist who has "the hottest story of the season" and the only reason they can report it is... people Like it.

one another note: please "like" my photography blog. I'll love you forever.

xo.

Holly

Wordless Wednesday

2010-10-27T14:57:00.002-04:00

Check out my other wordless wednesday over at my photo blog. The link is in my tabs. ^^^^^^^^^.

xo.

Holly

Shameless

2010-10-22T13:23:00.000-04:00

Today I am going to shamelessly whore out my other blogs. I'm feeling a little lacking in the whole... stalking department.

As you might have noticed, there's been a lot of changes around there here parts.

I'm still tweaking. But otherwise, I'm really happy with what I've done so far.

-happy dance-

So today

before you do ANYTHING else. Browse my tab bar. I've got some neat linkages going on.

or click here and here.

The first one is my recipe blog. and to be honest, that one has the least done to it. And no posts yet. Sorry.

the second is my photo blog, and though I'm still working on some stuff, its up and running and open for business

Everyone, have a wonderful photo filled weekend.

xo.

Love Bomb

2010-10-21T12:24:00.000-04:00

Hello friends.

Today I am stumped, today I am at a loss for words. Today... well I just don't know what to do. I am part of the love bomb team from it starts with us. and today's mission is heartbreaking in its clarity.

This is our mission.

Hey team!
Today’s mission is for Ellen, from central Florida.
She was suggested to us by Peg, one of our members. This was one of the toughest blogs for me to personally get through so far.
This is what Peg had to say: “She’s a very warm-hearted, kind and generous woman who has had more than her share of hard times, and she’s really scared and despairing right now. Please, she needs encouragement, and perhaps some practical help or guidance toward resources she can use. She must feel so desperately alone and abandoned!”
Ellen lost her husband and mother in the same month a couple years back, and has since been struggling financially, physically and emotionally.
The post we are commenting on this week is titled, “I Give Up” - and it broke my heart. She is close to losing her home because she cannot afford her mortgage or utility bills, and she is both sick and recovering from a triple lumbar fusion surgery that has left her almost entirely immobile. She has car trouble, and lost the two people that usually drive her to doctor appointments.
She is doing what she can to sell jewelry, but no one has been purchasing it lately, and her extended family isn’t coming around to help her out with the little things like driving her places or cutting her grass.
“I just need someone to come and put their arms around me and tell me it’s going to be OK and then help me to make it so, not by tearing me down as one friend has done, but by helping me to do things as I see they can be done to help, someone to encourage me to believe in me, just a little bit, so that I CAN do things, can succeed, can even thing positively again. I don’t need someone to tell me all that I am doing or have done wrong. God know I know all of that. I need someone to just see ME and love ME, as I am, to believe in ME.”
Guys, let’s please do what we can for Ellen - encourage her, support her, love her and be the family that she doesn’t have.
You can comment on her blogpost here: http://jemyl.livejournal.com/157796.html
Time to drop a Love Bomb, team!
Lauren
P.S. A couple of people have personally asked me recently if there is a way for them to donate or give gifts to the people we Love Bomb, so I am including Ellen’s paypal account. This is not the crux of Love Bomb, nor am I asking for you to support her financially. I am only including this for those of you who have asked for a way to give in additional ways. It is jemylfla@yahoo.com - Thank you for understanding.

Its hard for me to know that we live in America, but that there are still people, like Ellen, who struggle daily to just stay afloat. Shes facing the possibility of homelessness. Shes been trying to sell her jewlery online, but so far no ones been buying it. You can find her site Here. *edit.. I'm hearing shes having problems with her webpage.* She also has a new Etsy site, Here. My heart goes out to her. There are thousands everyday who struggle as Ellen does. This is our chance to make a difference. It all starts with one drop in a bucket. She doesn't need much, just a helping hand up.If there is anyone who lives near Hawthorne, Florida... She needs her grass cut, someone to help with her car troubles, someone to photograph her beautiful jewelry or make her a pretty etsy banner, someone to help her up the stairs. Her paypal account is listed in the mission letter if you would care to make a donation. No matter how small.
Thank you.

xo.

Cloud Nine.

2010-10-21T11:11:00.001-04:00

I ran across this blog the other day while I was blog stalking. erm. again. I do it all the time. Anyway She has this great photo hop going. And her blog is pretty sweet. Check it out.

This pretty much sums up a lot of my happiness these days. I love my cats, and I love my husband.

Oh, and check out my new photography blog. It's just getting started.

Here.

xo.

Wednesday

2010-10-20T18:39:00.000-04:00

{one} have you ever crawled through a window?Many times. I seem to always leave the house withOUT my keys. whoops.
{two} what’s one subject that you wish you knew more about?Art. I'm an art freak. Paining, drawing, photography, all of it.
{three} who’s your favorite villain?Poison Ivy. All the way.
{four} have you ever hit a jackpot on a slot machine?nope.
{five} what is your favorite disney movie?Oh man! SO HARD. Old School... Beauty and the Beast ties with Pocahontas.
{six} if the whole world were listening, what would you say?An eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind.
{seven} if you could choose one song to describe you or your life, what would it be?

Boats and Birds by gregory and the Hawk

{eight} your desk: messy or organized?An organized mess.
{nine} have you ever had surgery?Noppers.
{ten} if you could have any animal as a pet, what would you have?I'd just rescue more animals.

love this

2010-10-19T12:51:00.001-04:00

I was blog stalking today... and stumbled across some really great photos of some adorable homes.

I really usually don't like red. But I love the color combinations. LOVE the floor, and the wall color.

This is almost exactly my dream kitchen...

I almost ca't wait till I get my very own house to decorate, and make pretty. Apartment living grates my nerves the wrong way. But I don't want to spend my whole time here wishing I were elsewhere. I want to make the best of it. Enjoy it. I will never get this time back with my husband. We'll never be Here in this moment again.

Live like you'll never get it back.

xoxo

Finaly Finished

2010-10-15T17:48:00.001-04:00

I've been working on a few projects around the ~~house~~ apartment. Lets face it, I can't just do one project at a time. Last fall I saw this over at All Things Thrifty and I loved it!

It looked WAY easier than an acorn wreath, and cheaper too. Only one problem. I wasn't allowed to display anything on our apartment door. No wreaths, no welcome mats. Nothing. Ditto for the front window.

Last year was the first year I didn't have one or at least Something on my door. It sucked.So this year I decided to say screw you to our landlords/management. and I made it anyway! They need our business too much to kick us out over something so silly.

I ran into a little trouble with the wreath part. I couldn't find a white one to save my life. So I finally settled on a green one at hobby lobby. I KNEW I should have sealed the foam somehow, before I started gluing. Silly me. The foam just sucked up all my spray paint. lame.

I used a pound and a half of white lima beans. I bought FOUR bags (lb a piece) at walmart for $1.25

The wreath was... 7? dollars.

the ribbon was 6.99 (I'll use it for other stuff too. It was 10 yards)

The paint I already had. so FREE

and the sweet birds were $1.99 <3

My Happiness = Priceless

I should have gotten smaller beans and filled it in more. I tried to be precise about the lines. sorta.

My cat also tried to eat one of the birds.

I love it. and I'm SUPER happy that I finally have a holiday wreath! yey!

Old Glory

2010-10-14T17:13:00.001-04:00

My Name Is Old Glory

I am the flag of the United States of America
My name is Old Glory.

I fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
I stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I fly majestically over great institutes of learning.
I stand guard with the greatest military power in the world.
Look up! And see me!

I stand for peace, honor, truth, and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident . . . I am arrogant.
I am proud.

When I am flown with my fellow banners,
my head is a little higher,
my colors a little truer.

I bow to no one.
I am recognized all over the world.
I am worshipped.
I am saluted.
I am respected.
I am revered. I am loved.
And I am feared.

I have fought every battle of every war for more than 200 years...
Gettysburg, Shilo, Appomatox, San Juan Hill, the trenches of France,
the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome, the beaches of Normandy,
the deserts of Africa, the cane fields of the Philippines,
the rice paddies and jungles of Guam, Okinawa, Japan, Korea, Vietnam,
and a score of places long forgotten by all but those who were with me.

I was there!

I led my soldiers.
I followed them.
I watched over them...
They loved me. I was on a small hill in Iwo Jima.
I was dirty, battle-worn and tired,
but my soldiers cheered me,
and I was proud.

I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries
I have helped set free.
It does not hurt . . . for I am invincible.
I have been soiled, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country,
and when it is by those with whom I have served in battle . . . it hurts.
But I shall overcome . . . for I am strong.

I have slipped the bonds of Earth
and stand watch over the uncharted new frontiers of space
from my vantage point on the moon.

I have been a silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hour comes
when I am torn into strips to be used for bandages
for my wounded comrades on the field of battle.
when I fly at half mast to honor my soldiers...
and when I lie in the trembling arms
of a grieving mother at the graveside of her fallen son.

I am proud.
My name is Old Glory.
Dear God . . . Long may I wave!

Last Night Eric and I had the Honor of Viewing the flag that is currently traveling around the country. And will eventually be placed In New York. We also signed the book that will be going in the Memorial for nine eleven. The ceremony was very patriotic and touching. But most of all I loved the poem.

oh, and the several FANTASTIC images I was able to capture.

xoxo

Its been SO Long

2010-10-14T15:15:00.000-04:00

I've been MIA for a while, huh?

We've been so busy here. I've been concentrating on my Photography business. I'm really trying to pick a modern fun professional business style for my blog(s) and my business cards.

Its so hard!

Last friday my license plate was stolen off my car.

Seriously.

see? right off my car. fricken juiceboxes.

Someone just took it. Probably because the tags were brand new. So in the middle of running errands, we have to go to the police department and file a report. I was kinda shaken up. I mean I know it was just my plate. But it was MINE. and the TOOK it. I've never really had anything stolen from me before. I laughed mostly, kinda hysterically. After we filed the report we picked up BK for dinner. I was shaking and didn't really feel like cooking. Plus we were meeting friends at the fair in a couple hours. We'd also test driven a kia soul that day. and the idiots at the dealership Didn't Even TELL US that it was missing. I mean, what the hell. So if it Wasn't my car... how far would have we of gotten trading it in for a new one. really?

Friday night was amazing. We went to the GA state fair. and we spent waaaay too much money. But it was ALL worth it. But that is the kind of frivolous frittering away of our money I can approve of. (haha say that five times fast.) We had funnel cake, ice cream, taffy and pizza. and of course the rides. and dear lord I agreed to ride the FERRIS WHEEL with my husband. Don't know why I'm afraid of it, I just am.

Saturday we went car shopping. In Erics truck, because obviously, we couldn't drive my car. We took a look at some toyotas. and I came to the conclusion that if I was getting something new(ish) I wanted it to be different. The Scion was... nice. But I didn't really like it much. Eric convised me to look at the Hondas. I honestly didn't know they made other cars beside car looking cars. The had a new 2010 Honda Fit, and an 07 Honda fit, used with warranty for almost HALF the price of the new new one. -cue angels singing- Needless to say we went back Monday. After the whole police report thing and getting a new plate, and we test drove it, again. and they agreed to let us take it home so Eric could look at it the next day at the hobby shop. He really liked it. I loved it. We bought it.

Seriously. We Bought a Honda Fit!

I never knew how much my old car sucked until this one! Its a smaller car, but not a small one. Parking it is so easy! No shaking wheel, no wobbles, no noises. Its so Quiet! and it gets 38 MPG on the hwy. oh heck yes! and I can see everything, the windshield is huge. I'm already getting the hand of having the column shifter instead of on my steering wheel. Oh and it has cruise control... and a cd player. WHOO!

xoxo

Sharing Sunday

2010-10-03T17:48:00.000-04:00

My Birthday text to my husband

My Boo Ghost I painted

Saturdays BBQ

Andy and Kelton "playing" horseshoes

my loving husband

Sharing

2010-09-29T15:46:00.000-04:00

Introspective

2010-09-21T13:23:00.000-04:00

I can feel myself getting into an emotional rut. I'm starting to shut down in my head.

I'm having trouble concentrating on tasks I set for myself. I'll think of something to add to my to-do list, but by the time I find my notebook I've usually forgotten. (or my cat has puked on it again, shes done it TWICE in one week).

I feel like I'm walking around in clouds. I see things but they are muted and hazy and distant. and no its not because I've forgotten my glasses.

I had a temp job offer.

I turned it down.

Mostly because there were somethings coming up that I wouldn't have had time to do if I was working 40 hours a week.

But a tiny part of me was afraid. and a tiny part of me is still sick of being someones minion.

But a teeny weeny part of me really wanted that job. ok not THAT job, because it was a desk job and those inherently make me feel depressed.

But A job. Its not that I'm bored though sometimes I am.

Its that I want to feel like I've contributed to our life here.

I want to be a TEAM.

I feel like I'm lousing touch with myself.

I'm changing and sometimes I get scared.

I miss my friends from back home. I miss talking to them and I miss hugs.

But honestly, even before I left I was pulling away, pulling inward.

Where is the happy-go-lucky outgoing girl I once new? The try anything girl, no fear?

Where has she gone?

I sometimes have a hard time connecting to people.

But I have made Friends here! They are helping me become a new person.

I still feel awkward.

I don't like being away from my husband.

Weather I'm at Starbucks with friends or he's TAD... I hate it.

I feel like a part of me is missing.

I'm trying to start my photography business.

It's um, going I guess.

I know a few people that want photos...

but the economy has taken its tole.

I need to get more flyers out.

But fliers cost money.

I'm also having problems designing one in grayscale so it'll be easier to print. and I'm trying to link my photography blog to this one through my tabs.

I need someone to redesign my blogs for me, with buttons and such.

I can design for others, but it seems I suck doing it for myself.

Anybody want to do some designing for me? I'll barter. My art for your design?

There is a link to my Deviant Art through the Poster Print Photo.

I would LOVE some help. At least for the design stuff.

I'm sure I can figure out the rest on my own.

xoxoxox.

Day 04. Your favorite book

2010-09-16T20:23:00.000-04:00

I have had a lot of favorite books in my life.

I've read millions.

and while I have authors I go back to over and over.

There is one book by one author that I absolutely love.

... and this is why...

"When the day shall come, that we do part," he said softly, and turned to look at me, "if my last words are not 'I love you'--- ye'll ken it was because I didna have time."

I'd go into more deetail but I don't want to ruin any thing for those who haven't read!

If you have no idea why I'm talking about I would suggest this site. http://www.lallybroch.com/LOL/index2.htm .

And then I would suggest you run not walk to your local bookstore or library and rent or buy the whole set.

Seriously.

now, its late, so I'm going to go.

But I would love some comments on your favorite book (any book) and if you've read the series

which one and why.

Toodles.

Day 03 . My favorite television program

2010-09-15T15:04:00.000-04:00

Bones.
Hands down.
Definitely Bones.

Because seriously people. How could you NOT like this show.

Zach is socially inept. and so smart hes stupid.
Sweeds is pretty much comic relief.
Hoggins reminds me of a friend I have. and he owns the jeffersonian.
Bones makes me feel smarter. and shs's not the typical classical beauty we see so much of on tv. None of them are. :)

Because this snow never fails to make me laugh.

Because I can connect to there charecter personalities.
Bones is afraid of snakes.

oh and um. Because of this.

Bones is on TNT, cable chn. 32.
at seven. <3

toodles.

My Favorite Movie, Day two

2010-09-14T15:13:00.001-04:00

Ah, Day too....

First though I thought I'd tell you guys something Embaressing I did today.

I Almost Got in SOME ELSE' CAR!

I felt like a dumb ass.

It was parked next to mine, was black, and had a mclb sticker on the windshield...

and they didn't lock there door.

I know, because I opened it... 0.o

Onwards!

I have TONS of favorite movies.

Still Naussica of the valley of the wind was pretty damn good.

"The story takes place one thousand years after the "Seven Days of Fire", an apocalyptic war which destroyed human civilization and most of the Earth's original ecosystem. Scattered human settlements survive, isolated from one another by the Toxic jungle, a forest of giant plants and fungi swarming with giant insects, which seem to come together only to wage war. Everything in the Toxic Jungle including the air is lethally toxic.
Nausicaä is a charismatic young princess of the peaceful Valley of the Wind. Although a skillful fighter, Nausicaä is humane and peace-loving. She has an unusual gift for communicating with the giant insects (particularly with the Ohmu, gigantic, armored, caterpillar- or isopod-like insects who are the most intelligent creatures in the Toxic Jungle.) She is also noted for her empathy toward animals, humans, and other beings. An intelligent girl, and inspired by the Valley's Lord Yupa, a wandering warrior possessed of great wisdom, Nausicaä frequently explores the Toxic Jungle and conducts scientific experiments in an attempt to define the true nature and origins of the toxic world in which she lives. Her explorations are facilitated by her skill at "windriding": flying with an advanced jet assisted glider craft. Yupa is searching for the mythological man in blue who, according to the legend, will appear surrounded by a sea of gold and reunite the people and nature.
One day, an airship crashes onto the cliffs near the Valley of the Wind. Nausicaä tries to rescue a shackled girl of her age from the burning wreck, but the girl dies after revealing that she is Princess Lastelle from the kingdom Pejite and that the cargo of the airship must be destroyed. The airship is from Tolmekia and the cargo turns out to be the embryo of a Giant Warrior, one of the lethal, giant creatures used in the ancient war ... "

then again so was ponyo.

and Howls Moving Castle.

But I think Naussica has taken first.

for now.

Also squirrel update. He is now in the my ceiling/floor of our upstairs neighbor.

sweet.

Jumping on the Band Wagon. Day uno.

2010-09-13T14:06:00.000-04:00

I decided to do the whole 30 days of me thing.
So maybe I'd actually blog every day, like I told myself I was going to do.
whoops.
If any of you ladies have the original meme, that would be awesome-sauce.
If not I found one....

Meme:
Day 01 → Your favorite song
Day 02 → Your favorite movie
Day 03 → Your favorite television program
Day 04 → Your favorite book
Day 05 → Your favorite quote
Day 06 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 07 → A photo that makes you happy
Day 08 → A photo that makes you angry/sad
Day 09 → A photo you took
Day 10 → A photo of you taken over ten years ago
Day 11 → A photo of you taken recently
Day 12 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 13 → A fictional book
Day 14 → A non-fictional book
Day 15 → A fanfic
Day 16 → A song that makes you cry (or nearly)
Day 17 → An art piece (painting, drawing, sculpture, etc.)
Day 18 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 19 → A talent of yours
Day 20 → A hobby of yours
Day 21 → A recipe
Day 22 → A website
Day 23 → A YouTube video
Day 24 → Whatever tickles your fancy
Day 25 → Your day, in great detail
Day 26 → Your week, in great detail
Day 27 → This month, in great detail
Day 28 → This year, in great detail
Day 29 → Hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days
Day 30 → Whatever tickles your fancy

Oh man. My FAVORITE song. crap. I have soooo many. They change. Often. My media player Always has new song.
Right now I'm in withdrawals because media com disables my limewire. So I have to BUY my music. poop.
So right now... it hasn't changed to much.
Here's the newest one...

Right now I've been listening to a lot of Michael Buble too...

Whats YOUR favorite song right now?....

Nine Eleven - late

2010-09-13T13:49:00.000-04:00

This weekend my husband and I didn't go to memorial site. I didn't read everyone's 9/11 blogs (sorry) and we didn't talk about it.

I think a lot of things about that day, but not because of that day, but what happened after it.

I saw people take off there hats at baseball games.

I saw a whole Nation come together.

We united for a cause!

We came together.

I think now the cause has changed, we have become jaded to the add campaings, the news stories.

I hate how we've become anti Muslim, anti Iraq, anti everything else.

We forget that not EVERY Muslim is bad.

I'm so tired of hearing the songs like have you forgotten.

All the Go America lets cream them sons of bitches type of songs.

It makes my heart hurt.

I'm not saying we should forget.

I'm not saying we should nessicarily forgive.

But we should MOVE ON.

We have to make that step to consionsly move forward as a nation.

Our grieving period is over.

September 11th should be a holiday to remember the brave and the dead.

Not a day to remember and hoard our memories of hatred and pain.

We get so caught up in the little stuff, we forget the big picture.

"Kwan Yin of the gentle hands, with arms held wide in benediction: come between my enemies and me and join us together in peace."

"Hatred and conflict are often rooted in differences between people of different races and religions. We all need to respect people of different races as well as people of different faiths and religions. We need to unite by recognizing our common desire and need for a harmonious society -- a society in which we and our children and families and friends and communities can all live our lives in peace and harmony. Regardless of our race or religion, we all want and need such social harmony." - Jagad Guru

"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent."
-- Mohandas K. Gandhi

"We should take care, in inculcating patriotism into our boys and girls, that is a patriotism above the narrow sentiment which usually stops at one's country, and thus inspires jealousy and enmity in dealing with others... Our patriotism should be of the wider, nobler kind which recognises justice and reasonableness in the claims of others and which lead our country into comradeship with...the other nations of the world. The first step to this end is to develop peace and goodwill within our borders, by training our youth of both sexes to its practice as their habit of life, so that the jealousies of town against town, class against class and sect against sect no longer exist; and then to extend this good feeling beyond our frontiers towards our neighbours."
Lord Baden-Powell

"The Holy Prophet Mohammed came into this world and taught us: 'That man is a Muslim who never hurts anyone by word or deed, but who works for the benefit and happiness of God's creatures. Belief in God is to love one's fellow men.'"
Abdul Ghaffar Khan

Short and Sweet

2010-09-10T13:24:00.001-04:00

I haven't blogged ALL WEEK. I've been reading them all though.

I haven't been omenting though because honestly... those stupid capcha things are pissing me off! and my computer is having issues... >.<

So to those I follow, Ive READ your blogs. sorry about the no comment thing.

We got back from Savannah on tuesday... and I ran... I mean drove (in my husbands truck) to the grocery store.

We needed food stuff for dinner and milk. Why does getting back from a trip always require another one to the store.

The milk is Always bad, and nothing is ever thawed. I need a butler. ^_^

My husband took both out vehicles to the car wash... and washed them.

and waxed them.

The next two days were spent cleaning the house.

Because I knew I'd have to clean when I got home, so I hadn't before we left.

I saw no reason for the cats to have a nice Clean house to mess yp.

Today, I'm Supposed to be doing laundry. oops.

But after fit club.

The LAST thing I want to do is lug all the laundry to the laundry room (way across the complex) and then lug it back. WET. and then dry it load by load.

(we have a dryer hooked up but no where to put the washer)

Also, I have to roll out and unplug the Oven to plug in the dryer. uhg.

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

I decided I'd share this adorable little photo I took while visiting friends over on the coast.

Hes so cute.

We didn't do a whole lot while there. The one time we went to the beach I left my camera. I didn't want it to get all sandy.

We did a little retail therapy. and had dinner.

It was actually kinda nice not lugging around a camera.

I got to enjoy the MOMENTS.

Savannah's nicer in the off season anyway. ^_^

I'll take my camera and tripod next time we go.

Everyone have a lovely weekend.

Its Wednesday Again

2010-09-01T16:36:00.000-04:00

my how time flies.

I have one cat that sees it as a personal goal to sleep on Every horazontile surface.

I have another who is skittish, even of me.

I have a husband that watches tv through his eyelids.

and apparently I have a guard spider....

Our bedroom window...

Now isn't that just creepy as hell. Her web spans the WHOLE window. and now she's laid TWO egg sacks. Those may or may not be destroyed. only because I DONT want them inside.

I also have a pretty mint plant.

Soldier's dogs surrendered - HELP

2010-08-31T17:02:00.000-04:00

Soldier's dogs surrendered to AZ shelter - public help needed to facilitate a reunion

August 30th, 2010 7:22 pm ET

Two yellow Labs in a shelter run

Photo: Helping Orphaned Hounds

Arizona - Two Yellow Labradors recently found themselves in a precarious position. The dogs, owned by a soldier currently serving in Iraq, had been in the care of a friend of the deployed soldier. The couple caring for the dogs was entrusted with the dogs care until the soldier returned from duty.

Dogs cared for by a friend, and therefore safe - right? Not so fast. Apparently, legal guardianship was transferred to the friend for vet purposes, and the friend had a wife with allergies.

Despite being entrusted with the dogs' lives by a man off serving his country, the friend chose to turn the 2 dogs over to the Pinal County Animal Care and Control, rather than finding the dogs a guaranteed safe haven.

Thankfully, the shelter took pity on the 2 dogs, and contacted Helping Orphaned Hounds for help. Had they not, the dogs would have had only 24 hours to either be adopted or euthanized because they were considered to be an owner surrender to the shelter facility.

Boulder Falls Pet Resort wants to see the dogs reunited with their true owner and is currently housing them for free until every effort has been made to make that reunion possible. The rescue volunteers desperately want to contact the deployed soldier to let him know that his dogs are safe, and that they will be held until his return, but they have no way to contact him.

The friend that surrendered the dogs to the shelter refuses to release the soldier's name - merely stating that the person is deployed to Iraq. The public's help is needed to help locate the owner of these dogs. Someone is bound to recognize the dog's beautiful faces and can help to get word to the soldier to let him know what has transpired.

The dogs are approximately 2-4 years of age, one male, and one female. One dog is named Wyatt and the other is named Storm. If anyone has information about the person that owns Wyatt and Storm, they are asked to

contact Rhonda Wagner Kuehn at Helping Orphaned Hounds at 406-697-5975.

Please circulate this article and ask others to do the same. The more people that read about Wyatt and Storm, the better the chances of a happy reunion.

via: Examiner.com

Please Pass this around your blogs, and facebooks and twitters. Maybe we can help this makes its way to the dogs owner, wherever he is overseas.