Super Fast!!! {Lynchburg, VA Family Photographer}

So recently I realized that the speed at which one can download using a public wifi signal is significantly faster than one can upload images while using a personal high speed internet signal. A lot faster!  While taking my grandmother to a recent procedure I tested out the wifi signal at the hospital and uploaded an entire gallery in a matter of minutes.  I had been spending days uploading pictures for galleries.  I would hit upload turn to a page in the book I was reading, read a few pages and wait for it to upload, and then repeat the process.  This was tedious.  Very.

So here I sit at Barnes and Noble typing out this blog.  I came to upload a gallery and decided to go ahead to do the blog post while I was here since uploading will be faster.  I may reserve a spot by the window for future use.  There is a glare, but it is warmer by the windows since it seems to be freezing in here most of the time.

So here's to faster uploads and free wifi!!

I had the chance recently to snap some shots of this lovely young lady, Shaina.  After shooting a few of her I asked her mom to join in.  I got some shots of them relaxed and laughing.  A great mother/daughter moment.

Shaina was very relaxed in front of the camera.  No forced smiles and just did what I asked.  Easy, peasy.  Cute shoes too!  Thanks ladies for making that short time with you fun.

I love to get pictures of people genuinely laughing.  It's so great to see.

Martha Stewart would be proud! {Lynchburg, Va Photographer}

Yesterday I told you about Rose and how her party decor was fabulous.  Her mom worked hard to make a lot of the decorations and get it all set up and ready.  It was all in the details.

Things were decorated that usually aren't even thought about, like the water bottles and chandler in the room.  The different shades of pinks and textures all came together so beautifully.

You know all the party planning idea pictures you see on Pinterest that you pin and think, "One day I'm going to do this for a party."  Well this party should be one of those pins and featured in Southern Living Magazine.  Really, no joke.  You can see for yourself below.  I had a lot of fun taking the pictures of the decor.  I am usually taking pics of people so to have the chance to shoot the details that were so gorgeous was a change and I really enjoyed it.  I could have stayed for hours getting just the details.

Below is the main table, with the cake, cupcake tree, party favors and etc.  I love, love, love those paper flowers and shapes above the table.  I want them in my house for a party, I'm thinking in red, white and blue for the 4th of July.

The large "R" below was made by Rose's Mom.  I remember 3 of them in different spots and from what I understand it took a long time to make these. These would look nice on the wall in Rose's room.

Below shows what's on the above step table.  From little boxes saying Rose's first birthday to suckers telling their guests Thank You.

The guest's cake.  I remember the top layer was key lime pie flavored.  What a wonderful idea especially for the summer time.  The other layers were other flavors, but I don't remember what.

If I remember correctly both cakes were from Select Cakes in Lynchburg,

This is Rose's cake before she dug into it.

What a great idea.  She hung up some of Rose's outfits on a close line in front of the window.  The other window had pictures of Rose on a clothes line.

I'm a sucker for a pinwheel.  Love them!  This is so cute.  I want one on my table.

See water bottles.  I wouldn't lie.  I wonder where she got these?

Pretty awesome, huh?  Didn't I tell ya!!!

Evan Monster turns two! {Lynchburg, VA Children's photographer}

Recently we celebrated my nephew's second birthday.  He is a bundle of cuteness.  We had a cook out with some neighbors and family at my sister's home.  The kids played and were running from the Evan monster.  It was all in good fun and I think he enjoyed running around after them.  Until the bubbles came out.  That kid is crazy about some bubbles.  

Happy Birthday Evan.  Welcome to your terrific two's.  (Isn't that what they call them?)

Ruger {Lynchburg, VA Family Photographer}

A few weeks ago I told ya'll about my friend who's dog, Ruger was sick.  Unfortunately, he lost his battle with prostate cancer on April 12th.  I had a chance to get some shots of Roo before his passing.  I've taken a lot of pictures of Ruger over the years.  He was energetic and loved to snuggle.

When he would come over he would always run as fast as he could inside, run across the living room through the kitchen and slide into the rug at the back door.  Its just what he did.

It's funny. . . our relationship with our dogs.  It's a unique relationship.  They do everything with us.  Sometimes we take them for rides to no where.  Sometimes we take them for walks, to the beach, or to the lake.  When we go on vacation and Rocky isn't with us I worry about him.

It's so great when they greet you when you come home.  Tail wagging and a smile on their face.  It can brighten your day so much.  It's funny to think that while you've been off doing what you were doing, they were home waiting on you.  I know my husband doesn't do that.  I think it can be a similar relationship that you parents have with your children.  They depend on you to live.  Except we know they won't out live us.  And that is a tough realization.  No matter how well you take care of them or even if they are perfectly healthy they don't have the same life span as humans.

Yet we still get them, still love them, and still grieve when we lose them.  Because for that short amount of time they made life better.  They add extra flavor to the everyday.  And that makes it all worth it!

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” ― Josh Billings

Below are a few of my favorites from my last session with him.  We miss you Ruger!

Of course he slept on the bed. . . with his head on a pillow just like a person.  He loved looking out the window too!

He looks like a puppy here.

He loved his Momma and his Momma loves him!

Below is my friend's blog post about her loss and she  posted some pictures of their everyday life together.  Check them out.  Some are sweet and some just make you laugh.

http://freefalling22.blogspot.com/2012/04/all-dogs-go-to-heaven.html

Ode to a special Dog!!! {Lynchburg, VA Photographer}

My friend Marcie has a dog, Ruger, whom she loves very much.  Her and her husband got him during their honeymoon and he has been a big part of their lives ever since.  From fishing, to lake trips with us and other friends, to going to the beach or just going to the bank, he has been there every step of the way.

Unfortunately, they recently found out he has cancer and it can't be removed.  So Marcie made a bucket list for Ruger.  Things she wanted to do and memories she wanted to make with him during the short time he has left.

Since we do a lot together, I went along on one of those bucket list trips.  Going to Petsmart.  Of course I took my camera to remember the day.  But first we stopped at Moe's for some lunch.

No we didn't give him any Burritos.  Giving Ruger diarrhea isn't the kind of memories she is going for.    He did get a few chips with a tiny bit of cheese dip on it.

Next we went on to Petsmart.  He was so happy sniffing everything.  So many smells from food to other dog smells.  He didn't know where to put his nose first.

Below he is picking out some doggie ice cream.  Which was another item on the list.  He has never had doggie ice cream.  My dog Rocky loves it!  I don't remember which flavor he got, may have been peanut butter.  But Marcie said he loved it.  I got Rocky some too.

He picked out quit a few other items.

He had a great day.  I hear when he got home he was so tired out he slept like a baby.  He really is a special dog.  We keep him when his Mom and Dad go out of town and has become special to me a well.  I am very sad about his diagnosis, but am so glad he has been able to have such a wonderful, active life and that my family has got to know him.  Rocky and him are best buds.  Marcie is blogging about their adventure.  Check out her blog at.

http://freefalling22.blogspot.com

Here is one last pic of Ruger.  Love you Rudy toot :)