GETTING READY TO TRAVEL..........YEAH!

Crazy week!
I realized when we went to Buffalo that my passport was due to expire. I couldn't apply for my new one until that visit was out of the way. Tuesday, I got up early and went and had passport photos done (gosh, they sure don't compliment one)and then drove to Whitby, Ontario to apply directly at the passport office. Fortunately, it wasn't busy so got to an agent right away. After the application was approved I agreed to pay extra to have a rush put on it and now I can drive back up to get my new passort on September 10th.
I'm going to North Carolina on September 19th to spend a few days with my family down there so really needed it. My daughter has her birthday on the 17th, so we'll celebrate a couple of days late.
My husband was suppose to go to Boston area for a meeting, but when he got to the border, he was turned back as they said he needed a special visa to go down as a consultant. There's no point in creating any kind of issue because you will lose. So now he has to see about getting this special visa....oh, well.
I had all kinds of errands to do this week. I peeled and bagged 15 quarts of Ontario peaches. They taste SO good come winter time! Lots of work, but worth it.
My priority, however, was to complete the editing on the wedding photos and get the DVD burned to give to the bride and groom. I was so, so anxious about this! I learned a whole lot about that type of photography, but the main thing I learned is to have a better camera! I am now saving to buy a really good SLR...probably a Canon or a Nikon.
I was SO nervous when I handed over the DVD and waited to see what the feedback was after they had a chance to look at all the photos.
When I received an email from the bride stating most of the photos were exactly what she was looking for, you can imagine my relief. I know I could have done better, however, I felt out of 460 photos, she'd find some she and her husband would like and be able to put a nice album together. This couple was so great to have such faith in me and I appreciate that very much. I played with one particular photo of the bride and kind of turned it into a 'Warhol' type print....she loved it!
Saturday, I went to my friend who owns the B & B (Aye Lighthouse at Gore's Landing) for what she chose to call a 'Girl-Fest'. It was really great! There were approximately 35 women there and it's so interesting meeting new people and finding out about their lives. We had an opportunity to be 'read' by a numerologist...wow....interesting to say the least. I've never done anything like that before and it certainly makes you wonder.
Unfortunately, I had to leave early. Sadly, I got news that one of my aunts had passed away. It's tough, when you know these family members are at the age now when it's inevitable, and yet still so sad. Her funeral isn't until Wednesday and then the family is having a get together at my cousin's house afterward. This coming week, I truly hope to get caught up on other projects. Our gardens look so pitiful. I want to buy more bulbs to plant as well.
I need to start posting more photos in my Etsy shop and iCraft. It all takes blocks of time that I haven't had recently.
Well, let's hope it's a productive week.
Just as I do an favourite Etsy shop owner once a week, I'm thinking of posting a favourite recipe once a week...hmmm, we'll see.

GETTING MARRIED, GOING TO A BLACK TIE EVENT? ..... VISIT MY FAVOURITE ETSY SHOP # 4

This is a really 'elegant' Etsy shop. Cheri is also another fellow Canadian, living fairly close to me. Her work is beautiful! If you have a daughter getting married or you have a special affair to attend, her jewellry should definitely be considered.
I wish I had known about her shop when my daughters got married...I would have recommended Cheri to my own girls.

Please go visit her shop and appreciate some beautiful, beautiful, creative pieces... YOU MIGHT FIND THAT PERFECT PIECE TO WEAR TO YOUR SPECIAL EVENT!

www.eleganzbycheri.etsy.com

In her own words, here is a brief bio:

Hi my name is Cheri.
I am born a true redhead, with a passionate and fiery personality that comes with having red hair, and a Dutch and English background too.

I was born and raised in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada for most of my life, with the exception of living in Toronto for a brief time. I sometimes felt like an the odd child of the family, because I love acting, going to the theatre, singing, traveling, and art.
I love all of my family very much despite my somewhat different personality, and I also have my two cats that I love dearly, rescued from the street.

I have always had a creative side, which started with artwork, then singing, and as I grew out of my younger years, I developed a love of jewelry, as I have always loved to dress up, and to look elegant.

I married my best friend of four years at the age of 30, and he has always been supportive of my projects, even the ridiculous ones, and my creative side.

After years of being disappointed in many, many, retail jobs, and with the love and support of my husband and family, I decided to start making jewelry for less cost than in the stores we find today. With this in mind, I decided to open a store on Etsy. Now, I have expanded into doing what I love the most, which is very elegant and beautiful Bridal and Special Occasion Jewelry. With a positive outlook for the future, my dream is to succeed and possibly see one of my creations around the neck of a celebrity someday.

I love to make handmade beaded jewelry and have been creating my own designs for a long time. I enjoy beading and have fun in everything I do.
your visit.
Thanks
Cheri

Female, born November 21st.

CONTINUED SUCCESS, CHERI! I'M SURE YOUR 'CELEBRITY' DREAM WILL COME!

ALMOST OFFICIALLY OLD.....

This past week has been crazy, crazy busy. I officially turned 62 years old last Thursday and started the day with our usual Thursday family breakfast. I then had shopping to get done for both groceries and had three different baby gifts to buy. My husband asked me if I wanted to go out for a birthday dinner and I can't believe it, but I said no. He then offered to cook dinner. I needed to tell him what to get out of the freezer and what to have with the meat. It was really good! He did pork chops on the BBQ, baby potatoes, asparagus, and salad. I had a homemade carrot cake in the freezer so that was my birthday cake. I've been 'on the go' so much lately, it was nice to have a quiet evening. I can't believe in three years I can collect Old Age Pension...whew!
Friday I spent a portion of the day editing the wedding photos I took. I still have many more to go, but I'm making progress. I told the bride I'd try to have them ready by the weekend or early next week.
Saturday we drove to Buffalo to help a special couple celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. When my girls were younger they twirled baton for a twirling corps called the Twin-Ton-Ettes for approximately 5 years until we had to move to North Carolina. 'Miss Gail' as the kids called her was the leader of that corps. We had some wonderful years with this group. The kids had great fun and so did the parents. It was really good to see some of the parents again. It's hard to believe it's twenty five years ago now...WOW! Again, another reminder I'm getting old(er).
Sunday, we went to a corn roast........and I wonder why I'm tired!
The next couple of months for me are absolutely nuts! My sister-in-law and brother-in-law are arriving from Calgary mid-September. Two days later I'm driving on my own to North Carolina to spend six days with my grandson, my daughter and son-in-law. I'm only back two days and then driving on my own again down to Princeton, NJ to spend a week looking after my little grandaughter while my daughter and son-in-law go to California for a wedding and a day or two of R&R. I'm also trying to get a Christmas stocking made for my grandaughter. I've made these heirloom stockings for each of my immediate family members and she will get her own this year.
I make these beautiful glass blocks for seasonal occasions and have to get 50 made for a three day Art and Craft show in November. The following week after that I will be donating a decorated tree to our local 'Festival of Trees' which raises money for our local hospital.

MY FAVOURITE ETSY SHOP.....# 3 .... TIDDLYWINKS!

My third feature in this series is focused on children. Having an almost five year old grandson and an almost two year old grandaughter, I'm always on the look out for cute things to buy them. They are children who lack for nothing, but 'Grammie' likes to find something 'special' for them once in a while and also for birthday and Christmas. This artists work certainly fills the bill. These are cute, cuddly, and quaint and provide a gift that is special in so many ways.

You really must go take a look at her shop!

www.tiddlywinks.etsy.com

In her own words, here is her 'profile' for you to understand her passion for what she makes.

I am 30 years old, happily married for 7 years now, with 3 kids! A 8 year old son, 5 year old daughter and an almost 4 year old daughter, and 3 crazy kitties.

I have been sewing since I can remember. It's big in my family. Everyone sews, knits or quilts. Always have. I learned it early and it's just a part of me now. Imagine my suprise and delight when I found Etsy. I thought...hey I can do that!

The best part of all of this is the thought that little toys I've made are sitting all over the world being played with by all different children. I've sold dolls to places I've never even heard of! And EVERY single sale feels like my first one, I haven't gotten over that yet.

I strive to make sure everyone leaves happy, and wants to come back. If you are unhappy with your encounter here at tiddlywinks PLEASE let me know, and I will do everything in my power to make it right by you!

If you are curious about me and my little family, or you'd like to see all the dolls I've created, not just the ones available to Etsy please feel free to peek at my Flickr album at http://flickr.com/photos/hilliardpics/ It's updated very regularly, and I love visitors.

HOT DAY...BEAUTIFUL WEDDING...

Well yesterday was the hottest day of the year, so far, in this neck of the woods. My task from about 2 pm. until 6:30 pm was to photograph a wedding which was held outside at a golf course...HOT!!! One saving grace was the course is kind of at the top of a hill and near Lake Ontario, so there was at least some breeze. I felt most sorry for the groom and his party as they were dressed in black pants, black long sleeve shirts, red vests and jackets...whew! Oh yeah, they wore top hats as well.
All in all, the day went rather smoothly. I was quite nervous as I've never done this type of photography before and was totally aware all day, how important this type of assignment is to the couple. I hope they won't be disappointed!
The ceremony was short but very poignant. Her son stood and mouthed all the words to their vows...very touching.
The bride looked absolutely beautiful and once we got the standard family photos out of the way, we went out with a golf cart and took some 'fun' pictures of just the bride and groom. It will give her more of the shots she wanted and it gave them some quiet down time as well. They are really cute together and I really wish them the best. They are now off on a week's honeymoon fishing and some R & R. Best wishes!

TODAY.....WEDDING DAY!

This afternoon I will be doing my first wedding photo shoot. I'm both excited and nervous about the prospect. I'm more accustomed to photographing nature mostly, so people are not my forte. Having said that, I must admit this could be a lot of fun. This couple definitely aren't conventional and some of their ideas wouldn't be typical wedding shots, but it's who they are and it is their wedding after all.
It is suppose to be unbearably hot today so we will see how we all stand up to the heat.
We went through the rehearsal last night and came up with a couple of additional ideas. Although it wasn't part of my contract with this couple, I shot some pictures to include in their final CD.
I wish them well and hope they truly enjoy their moment! They truly are in love and both deserve a great future together.

STILETTO HEIGHTS.........My favourite artist # 2

Well, I'm about to present to you another one of my favourite artists on Etsy.
Her name is Jennifer and her creative ability produces such enchanting, colourful, nostalgic acknowlegement of women in particular. Although she does other pieces that are also beautiful, I personally love her 'women'.

You MUST go take a look at her Etsy shop!

www.stilettoheights.etsy.com


In her own words, here is the profile of this talented, interesting artist:

I (Jennifer Gordon)am a writer and mixed media artist originally from Manchester NH, about 45 minutes north of Boston. I graduated from the acting program at the New Hampshire Institute of Art, it was there that I got the chance to work as an artist model as well as work with the innovative professional theater- New Art Theatre.

It was during my years at the Institute that I fell in love with art in all of its forms.

After five years of regional professional theater I decided to express myself in other mediums as well, finally stumbling on the combination of writing and art.

I decided to go back to school and study English and Art History at the University of New Hampshire while working as an assistant gallery director at the Art 3 Gallery in New Hampshire.

After several years I decided to move to Columbus Ohio, to be close to the love of my life ($700 cell phone bills just seemed like a waste).

My mixed media art creations are another form of storytelling- my love for antique letters led me to an exploration of the hidden stories of letters of the past.

My work has been shown in several galleries in the New England area, such as the Carney Gallery and Art 3 as well as being sold throughout the Midwest at trade shows.

My art has also been seen on the cover of the indi book "Johnnie Zombie" as well as the literary journal "The Poet's Touchstone".

Mixed media collage art created by someone who is far more Kate Hepburn than Audrey Hepburn.

Art2ArtColorado..........My first personal favourite featured Etsy artist..!!

As promised last month, this is the first of many Etsy artists I hope to feature on this blog. I just LOVE this woman's work! I'm drawn to the colour, the variety, the subject matter and her unique style(s). I especially love her digital works. I can absolutely imagine some of her pieces hanging in my home.
I really recommend that you go visit her Etsy shop as I can't possibly feature each of her pieces here. I have picked three of MY personal favourites but go and pick your favourites and let others know about this terrific artist. Her Etsy shop is:
www.Art2ArtColorado.etsy.com
In her own words, here is her personal profile. Please read and enjoy!

My name is Cheri and I've had a love for art my entire life. I received my degree in art in the 70's with my major emphasis in jewelry design and painting. Since then, I've studied in Mexico on two occasions, along with traveling to Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Canada, Guatemala, Amsterdam & Hawaii.
I have won several awards in art and have been represented in numerous local & regional galleries & gift shops.
In 2005, I was thrilled to have an oil painting accepted into the highly-competitive Arts for the Parks International Juried Competition, in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Sadly, this organization went under due to budget constraints, but I was very honored to be included with some of the very best contemporary landscape painters for a brief moment in time.
I am interested in ancient & Pre-Colombian art, iconography, symbolism, mysteries, enigmas and legends. I am drawn to earth sciences, the natural world and space exploration.
I have been involved with conservation and wildlife issues since the 1970's, with specific interest in the illegal poaching of species. I detest that animals are poached, especially as a dishonorable recreational hobby or for the sale of body parts.
I have a deep respect for modern & contemporary art and will forever defend basic human rights, women's rights, artistic freedoms and the right to be free from religious persecution & extremes.
Liars, Cheats, Crooks and General Thievery are often GREAT fodder for my more critical work. I also tackle difficult subjects such as incest, abuse, pedophilia and other crimes against women & children.
I am a native of Colorado, single and I love the Rocky Mountains. My Dad shoved me off a mountain on skis when I was two & I started riding horses when I was 2.5.
I took a year of freestyle skiing back when it was a new sport and then there was a year of running chairlifts at Keystone/A-Basin after college. I played competitive softball until I was 45 and that was when my arm fell off. I won't even go into the forest fire fighting nor the six-year Fire Dept. stint, but they were two of the most rewarding jobs I've ever had.
I feel like I deserve free stock in BenGay for all the years of loyal support.
I have a cabin in the high country where I can take my dogs and get away from it all. I love to read, fish, shoot photos, target shoot, embroider, etc.
I am not conventional nor do I live by a black or white mindset. I love taking the road less traveled. I am very grateful to have the chance to do my work without constraints and I have to say that this is the best I've felt in years!

If you'd like to take a peek into my world, photos can be found at flickr, under Art2ArtColorado.

You can also find more of my work at:
digisbycheri.com (member of Artspan)