That Time of the Year

We visited our favorite Christmas tree farm yesterday, Yocum Brothers' Nursery to choose our 2012 tree.  Now that Alanna's 7th birthday has been well celebrated, we are ready to focus on Christmastime.  Anybody else that may have December birthdays to commemorate know that it's a delicate balance between the holidays, parties, activities AND all of the worthy celebrations that come but once a year.  This is a very busy time of the year for most everyone, so it's nice to take the family out for some fresh, evergreen-scented air, wander the hilly terrain in search of this year's Christmas tree and enjoy the traditions that enrich our family's holiday celebrations.  After all, we are building memories for our children to endure and want only the best for them.  I feel a strong urge from deep within my soul to make this Christmas extra loving and special for my children.  It will not include extra gifts under the tree, but rather extra hugs and time spent together, listening to one another, sharing laughter, playing games and loving one another.  A deep chord of sorrow sends shock waves amongst us right now as the town of Newtown, CT grieves the loss of so many innocent victims, and young children.  I can't even write this without crying tears of sadness.  I simply want to spend every available moment I can with my girls.  I pray that families everywhere will take time out to give extra love and attention to their children.  Appreciate your gifts of the non-tangible sense, embrace your loved ones, tell them you love them.  By doing this, by showing your love and affection, it's my hope that this will send ripples of sustaining love to help ease those around the world (not just the most recent tragedy in CT) affected by or suffering from loss.  Love is the greatest force in the universe and has the power to conquer sadness, grief, despair.   Let us love one another.  Forgive one another.  Embrace one another.  Be the light.  Let the healing begin.          

Thank you for viewing and for your love.  Be well, my friends and family and enjoy these busy days we have been given.  They are a wealthy treasure for us.  Happy Holidays!! 

With overflowing love,
Barb

P.s. I just love this Christmas tune by Ray Charles!  :) 

Project Pumpkin Seed Thanks YOU

I couldn't be happier with the fundraising efforts that took place throughout the month of November.  You may recall my blog post A Time to Give where I initially offered my intentions to give to the American Red Cross in order to aide the relief efforts needed for the victims of hurricane Sandy.  Together, with the help of my client-friends who were able to make purchases of prints, gift certificates, and session fees, in addition, those who made purchases through my Fine Art Gallery at SmugMug, we raised $175!!  Yowza!! :) :) Big smiles and great cheers of happiness! I couldn't have done this without your help, my dear friends. You all inspire me everyday and I cannot thank you enough for making Project Pumpkin Seed a winning cause!!   All the energy and faith put forward truly grew beyond my imagination's potential!  I had no idea this little idea of mine would grow so fruitfully!  I am grateful to everyone that participated and put my faith to the test in the process.  Thank you.  

With great appreciation & love,
Barb

A Longwood Christmas

A Longwood Christmas, a set on Flickr.

In the spirit of the holidays, please enjoy A Longwood Gardens Christmas!! I spent a wonderfully spring-like evening with some friends from a mutual photography group on Facebook at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa on Tuesday. A great time!! And, now, I'm ready to decorate for the holidays!!! Enjoy. :)

Good Things To Come

I've heard it said that good things come to those who wait.  Does anyone actually believe this?  I'm sorry, I don't mean to sound judgmental.  I'm sure there are plenty of good things to wait for - like grandparenthood. ;)  However, some things in life cannot be put on hold.  I guess, I could say that I have waited for this moment for a good long while.  The moment has arrived.  I am now the proud owner of my first full frame camera - the Sony A99.  YES!  I am super excited to own this camera and the amazing capabilities it holds for me.  I work hard at what I do, and good things come to those who reach out and grab hold of the time they are given, with two able and willing hands firmly extended.  I have just taken a really big leap forward, and, of course, I had to share with you on my blog.  

In a way, my timing was ideal.  We had been shopping for a new television (something we have never purchased brand new before).  They just seem so expensive to me and we only watch videos (no cable or paid tv here whatsoever - I despise commercials), so we were hoping someone would pass their old one along to us (we love hand-me-downs!).  It just so happened that over last weekend's sales happening everywhere, a friend posted a notice in our mutual Sony Alpha Photographer's Group on Facebook that Sony was offering a deal that I couldn't refuse!  If we purchased the A99, we'd also get a free television.  Too good to be true!  Something for me and my family, also!  Well, Santa couldn't say no to this deal.  

Putting faith, coincidence, and hard work to the test.  I leap forward.  Good things come to those who take chances, diligently work hard and set in motion their dreams.  My dream is coming true one chance at a time.  I am living the dream, my friends.  Waiting may be good for some things, but when it's time to invest in yourself, in your talents, in your dreams - the time is now. 

Thank you for viewing; thank you for giving my hands, mind and eyes work; thank you for supporting my small business; thank you for your friendship, supportive cheering on, your compassion, and trust.  I feel entirely blessed.  Now, I ask - What is your dream?  Are you investing in yourself; in your talents, my friends?  What are you waiting for?  Good things are coming - believe. 

With love & light,

Barb

P.s. the 1st six images were shot with a Sony a35 dSLT and CZ 24-70mm lens, and the remaining shots were made with the Sony a99 dSLT full frame beauty and my nifty fifty (50mm).  Mostly SOOC. 

P.p.s. Sony is the best kept secret!  Oops, I let that one slip! ;) 

it's a SNOW Day!

Let it snow!  I hope your day was fun also!! :) 

With warm friendship,

Barb