deck roof project

deck roof project , a set on Flickr.

East Berlin Dreamin'

Nothing reinvigorates my creative juices quite like exploring a new town, a new adventure or the opportunity to photograph different scenery.  I also especially love meeting new people and getting together with my photography pals, too.  I had the chance to do all of the above last weekend when I spent a hot Sunday in historic East Berlin, PA (Adams County) with some friends from The Berks County Photography Facebook group.  The girls and I had lunch at a little gem called The Lady Bug Tea Room and I highlighted our experience on my "Focus on Local" blog.  If you'd like to see more, please visit "Tea with the Ladybugs" blog post.  Even better, you can sign up to receive all of my posts via email - just go to the link and add your email to begin receiving each unique FOL project!  Thanks much!  And as always, I am open to FOL suggestions.  Don't be shy - I'd love to hear from you! :)

This day had so many wonderful, invigorating surprises for me.  I would go so far as to call them serendipitous.  You know that feeling when something happens to you that takes you off guard in a very pleasant way - as though the universe is aligned just for you - even if it's just for a short slice of time.  It's simply the best feeling!  When it happens, grab it and enjoy every moment of it!  Yep, I certainly did!! ;)

After our lunch at the tea room, we met up with other friends and had a "photo walk" together.  I really love these photo walks.  It's fun to see what everyone finds interesting and to see a different perspective of the same things.  I had the chance to meet some new friends from our Facebook group also.  Such a great day!  

I heard my friend Tony saying, "Here comes a Model T!"  I looked around and saw it at the stop sign ready to cross the main street of E. Berlin, "King Street."  I had my camera poised to grab a shot or two as it passed by.  To my surprise the driver stopped the car and he and his traveling companion smiled cheerfully for a couple photos.  Then, as if in a dream, I heard him ask if I want to go for a ride around the block and waving his hand to summon me - "come on!"  Well, what would you do?!  Of course I went for it!  My friend Tony was also invited along!!    

As Mike, the driver, set off with Tony and myself in the backseat he began giving us the full rundown on how Henry Ford's innovative vision was well ahead of his time with "green technology" and lack of waste.  I really tried to listen to everything he was saying, but I was so excited to be taking this once in a lifetime ride that I may have missed a few things.  But I did manage to keep my shutter going!!  Mike's grandson, Gabe sat quietly listening and wondering what in the world this lady was taking photos of! ;)  

And that was my once in a lifetime, serendipitous 1924 Model T Ford ride around the block in East Berlin, PA!!  One of my photog friends said I was like a kid in a candy store!  I think she was right :)  It was a comfortable, breezy slice of heaven with a few fumes - but still, it was amazing!  Thanks so much, Dr. Mike and grandson for giving me this thrill. I'll never forget it.  

After the Model T ride I was floating on a cloud, however, I did manage to keep my feet on the ground and even found more gems along our walk about.  We happened upon this unique little furniture, antique, woodworking shop called Hoffman & Woodward.  

Everywhere we looked there was something interesting and unusual to admire.  This shop was filled with beautiful artisan style artifacts; grape vines galore; a lovely adorned garden; handcrafted furniture; antiques; apple vines (I've never seen those before!); young fig trees; pottery by the plethora; chickens wandering the grounds and one really cool cat!  We lingered here for a while.  A very interesting shop that made me feel as though I had stepped back in time!  If you'd like more info, check out  Jan and David's website:  http://www.hoffmanwoodward.com/

It was time to head back out into the heat of the day and admire more of the architecture of this historically rich town.  

Of course no photo walk would be complete without photos of my friends doing their "thing!" ;)  Here they are having a great time in a homeowner's well loved and cared for garden, and chatting together along the main street.  These friends are a wealth of knowledge, experience and are truly fun to be with!  Thanks again to everyone that made the journey!!  And thanks for all the timeless memories!! :)

Thanks for viewing, my friends!  Stay cool!

All the best,

Barb

For my loyal Client-Friends | Coupon Opportunity

I have been in an exceptional mood lately.  I have had some surprisingly great news, and things seem to be falling into place for me and my family.  I do not take this lightly.  I am naturally a grateful, spiritual person, and when good "luck" or karma or divine intervention comes my way, I feel the need to pass it along.  

I have an offer of gratitude to extend to my client-friends.  So, here goes . . . 

My offer is a $30 coupon to any and all of my client-friends that I have had the privilege and honor of photographing.  This is all encompassing - each and every one of you that I have done work for at any point in the past 2 1/2 years that I have been in business qualifies.  It does not matter if you won a contest of mine, or had a complimentary session with me - you ALL qualify for the coupon offer.  

How to qualify for your coupon:  What I ask of you is this - take a photo of your photos on display (in your home, in the office, at work, wherever they are displayed) then send me the photo(s) of my work in either an email, a private message on Facebook, or post the photo(s) directly to My 3 Girls Photography's Facebook page.  I will then add your photo(s) to an album on my Facebook page for all to admire.  I will also tag you on the photo(s).  That's it.  That's all you need to do to qualify for your $30 coupon!! :)  Sounding good so far?

Your coupon offer will be valid from now until December 31, 2012.  You may redeem your coupon for a gift certificate to be passed along or use it towards your next photo purchase after a full session with me. 

So, what are you waiting for?!  Show me, and our friends, how you display your photos of my work!  I consider this a *big hug* of support from my valued, lovingly loyal client-friends.  I am immensely grateful for you all.  Thank you friends.  

With love & hugs,

Barb

P.s. the deadline to submit your display photo(s) is August 31, 2012

P.s.s. For interested, possible new client-friends, please check out pricing options for a session with me on my website:  www.my3girlsphotography.com under "Book a Session"

 Sincere thanks! :) 

  

Reflections of Mansfield

Time has a way of sneaking up on us.  I cannot believe that my 1st daughter is 22 already!   As of her last birthday, I have been a mom for more than half of my life!!  But, you know, I'm not going to wallow in this, rather I celebrate it.  Yes, it's true that I am preparing my 3rd and youngest daughter to begin preschool this fall (which includes potty training!!), my 2nd daughter for 1st grade AND my 1st and oldest for her junior year of college!!  Some of you will more than likely read this and shake your heads in disbelief, however, I feel very fortunate and blessed to have such a range of ages between my 3 girls.  They are my life.  I love being their mom. :)

Speaking of college preparations, my 1st daughter, Chelsea and I headed north this past weekend to attend Mansfield University of Pennsylvania's orientation.  Just the two of us.  We left on Friday as soon as my husband got home from work and we could "tag team," or in other words, I handed over responsibility of our young 'uns with a high five and a kiss goodbye!!  Chelsea and I hit the open road bound for Mansfield, PA - way up yonder in the mountains of central Pennsylvania in Tioga County.  We were so excited to get there that we only made one quick pit stop!  Chelsea was in charge of DJ'ing our music selection (The Beatles, John Mayer, Norah Jones, Dave Matthews Band - to name a few).  We had great conversation, enjoyed the sights, and photographed every interesting thing you can think of!! ;)  Three and a half hours later we arrived.        

The closer we got to Mansfield, the more excited we became!  We were pleasantly blessed with a beautiful omen ~ a rainbow!!!  :-))

When we did arrive Mansfield, we drove straight to the college to have a look - see.  I was immediately struck by the architecture of some of the older buildings.  But I'll save those treats for a little later and further into the story! 

  

We then checked into our accommodations at The Mansfield Inn.  The Inn was comfortable, clean and budget worthy.  Just right for us!! 

We headed out for dinner at Gregory's Restaurant and Lounge just across the street from the Inn.  Our dinner was fine dining and delicious!  

It hit the spot!  We were ready to head out on the town to see what this quaint little Victorian style town had to offer.

  

There weren't many people out and about.  It's pretty quiet I suppose in the summertime as most of the college students are away.  We did manage to find some fun though!  Walking along the main street we took note of the small businesses:  antique shop, jeweler, a brewery restaurant, florist, hairdresser, garage, a coffee shop, Ten West Espresso Co. with live music being performed in their parking lot area, and a small bar, Chango's Cantina with a pool table.  Chelsea's eyes lit up when she saw the pool table and insisted that we go in and challenge whomever was playing so we could gain the table for ourselves.  Chelsea won the table!  But she didn't beat her momma! ;)  Chelsea's probably thinking "rematch! rematch!"  

We were tired and headed back to our room to get comfortable.  Our Saturday's agenda of orientation began sharply at 7:30am.  

Saturday morning came much too soon, as we stayed up until the wee hours watching one of my favorite movies on AMC, The Shawshank Redemption. 

If you have never seen this movie, I would highly recommend that you do! 

We arrived Mansfield University and were warmly welcomed by attending students.  Did someone say *coffee*?!  Oh, yes please!!! 

We visited the book store, Chelsea got her photo taken for her student ID 

and we found time to wander the grounds a little and, of course, take photos!!

Mansfield University is a large, sprawling campus consisting of 175 acres!  They have something for everyone!  Even their gymnasium offers an olympic size swimming pool!

We also found the game room in the Student Center.  I think she was sold the moment she saw 4 full size pool tables!!

She was ready to rack 'em up and attempt to challenge me once again.

Mansfield University traces its history back to 1857 when it was originally built as a seminary.  The now "North Hall Library," a 7-story Victorian building, overwhelmed me with its ornate, beautifully detailed architecture.  This building was built by master craftsmen of stone and brick masons.  

True artists of their time.  I couldn't take my eyes off of it!!  

According to Wikipedia:  "The building was closed in 1975, and was almost demolished. But pressure from campus and community leaders salvaged North Hall. $11 million was used to restore the building through state and private funding. In 1996 North Hall reopened as a library, providing state-of-the-art technology." 

Thankfully, this wondrous creation was saved… 

And yet another amazing creation of aesthetic beauty - Straughn Hall; named after Mansfield's first "president," William Straughn.  The auditorium can seat up to 1167 people.  An outstanding building and regrettably I didn't take any photos while inside.  (next time!)  I am not able to find much information on the origination of opening or construction of this exquisite theatre, but I did find a photo that was dated 1929. 

Chelsea navigates her way just outside the Student Center in order to pick up her ID and finalize the day's agenda before heading home. 

As I waited for her, I photographed this beautiful planetarium, The Grant Science Center.  I can't wait to come back and explore these buildings more closely! 

Chelsea looks happy and content here.  I believe she is ready to get started NOW!! 

Thank you, Chelsea for allowing me the opportunity to explore your new school with you, my love.  And thank you for obliging me by listening to my words of advice, even though I know you'll make the best decisions for yourself, it's just the mom in me that feels compelled to impart my own knowledge.  It's what moms do.  I had a wonderful time with you!  I am eager for you to dig your heels in and set off on this next exciting chapter in your life.  I want you to do your best and continue to shine your beautiful, creative light.  The world needs you and your vision.  It's time to put the past behind you and GO forth in confidence, diligence, and show us ALL what you got!!  :)

I love you. 

love,

mom

P.s. Aug 23 can't come fast enough! Yay!!!