Day 58

Erica is just beautiful. Wearing a Twozee and 2 cuffs from The Canteen Girls latest collection.
Canteen Girls awesome cuffs.

Canteen Girls Military jacket...WAY COOL

Love the cuffs and Erica is wearing a Twozee as a skirt. I LOVE their Twozees. Can be worn so many different ways.

Erica wearing Canteen Girls jewelry and another Twozee as a skirt.

Erica rockin this look...love this cuff.

Canteen Girls necklace, very cool.

Canteen Girls cuff and necklace. I LOVE this cuff, it is so cool.

My favorite cuff from the new collection.

Erica is great. Look how beautiful the necklace from the new collection is. I love the lines in this image.

Erica looking into the vintage mirror. This necklace is beautiful on her.

Erica looking fierce. This is a beautiful Twozee and great cuffs.

I love this piece form the new collection. What talented artists the Canteen Girls are.

Look how beautiful the back of this cuff is from the new collection.

From the new collection...

Day 58

Fashion is not in something that exists in dresses only. Fashion exists in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.

-Coco Chanel

Today I had the pleasure of photographing the beautiful and talented Erica. She was modeling for The Canteen Girls. The Canteen Girls are the coolest chicks on the planet. Kathryn Malo and Marilyn George have been designing one-of-a-kind clothing and accessories since 1990. They incorporate vintage materials into their designs so no two items are alike. Their cuffs are my absolute favorite, but they really knocked my socks off with some of their gorgeous, to die for, necklaces. They also make their Twozees (named Twozees because of the many ways you can wear one piece) The Twozees are so versatile...elegant or casual, whatever you feel like. Here is a sneak peek at some items from their newest collection. To purchase their items, you can contact them at kassavoovoo@yahoo.com or www.canteengirls.com and you can also find their collections at Linda Dresner in Birmingham, Michigan. Erica is a former Elite model and still working, but now residing in Michigan. If you would like to hire her, please send me a message and I will forward it to her. What a great day!!!

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 57

This tree looked so beautiful and peaceful in the middle of the corn field. It was snowing so hard, visibility was very low. This is on the road to my studio.
Love this tree!!! I am going to blow this up and hang it in our bedroom...

Day 57

Not only is there a right to be happy, there is a duty to be happy. So much sadness exists in the world that we are all under obligation to contribute as much joy as lies within our powers.
-John Sutherland Bonnel

I had to run to the studio today to pick up some lighting equipment for my Canteen Girls shoot tomorrow. It was snowing so hard, visibility was very low. I managed to fire off these shots on the way out there. Isn't this tree so beautiful and peaceful? I am so glad I went to the studio because my mom was stranded at the house (waiting for Mark to plow her out) so Bessie and I took her up town to get some necessities. On our way to town, we saw a little dog (a Yorkie) running around frantically in the middle of the road. We held up all the traffic and were able to catch the poor, scared little girl and we were even lucky enough to find her owner. YAY!!!! I love happy endings. What a day!!! I am back to using the SLR...need to read my G-11 manual more thoroughly.

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 56

This old mail Jeep was given to my Dad from a great friend, but now I use it as a prop for photos at my studio. Isn't it cool? Look how hard it was snowing...
I hate this place...this is veal farm down the road from my parents farm. I passed this place twice a day, everyday while on the bus, riding to and from school. I could NEVER and WILL NEVER eat veal after witnessing the way these poor calves are raised. So sad...I cannot stand commercial farming, it's so cruel.

Old fence and lean-to on parents farm.

This is the house I grew up in...What a great place to grow up...on 100 acres and LOTS of hard work.

Day 56

You're happiest while you're making the greatest contribution.

-Robert F. Kennedy

Some shots of the farm where I grew up and where I have my studio (with the exception of the veal farm...down the road from mom and dad's place). I miss the country, we worked so hard, but were so much better for it!!! It was snowing like crazy out here and just beautiful.

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 55

Shaddy playing in the backyard at night...the only shot I fired today...busy day!!!

Day 55

The most satisfying thing in life is to have been able to give a large part of oneself to others.

-Pierre Teilhard De Chardin

This quote reminds me of my dogs...always giving love and never expecting anything in return. I love my dogs. I am still experimenting with my Canon G-11...point and shoots are not that easy, my SLR seems so much less complicated. I WILL CONQUER THE G-11...IT WILL HAPPEN!!!

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 54

Janel at Lil Chef...notice her cool Olympic sweatshirt...her sis was fortunate enough to attend.
"My sister went to the Olympics, and all I got was this sweatshirt..."

Day 54

To have that sense of one's intrinsic worth which constitutes self-respect is potentially to have everything.

-Joan Didion

After work, Mark, Janel and I had dinner at Lil Chef...YUMMY!!! Still playing with Canon G-11...not getting as many shots as I would like.

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 53

Sleds in the neighbors yard...love the colors.
Jobie with a snow mustache...

Day 53

The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt to the world himself.
-George Bernard Shaw

Today was just a beautiful day. LOVE the snow. Playing with the new Canon G-11...trial and error!!!

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 52

Jobie has had enough of the snow...waiting to go inside. I love how his tail started wagging furiously when he realized I was coming to let him in. His tail is a blur in the photo...Jobie is too funny, he's a good boy, but he collects snowballs and has to be blown dry.
The view from the back deck...snow is so beautiful, but I can't wait to sit on the patio and feed the fish with Mark and the boys in 75 degree weather.

Day 52

When I first open my eyes upon the morning meadows and look out upon the beautiful world, I thank God that I am alive.
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

A snow day today...YAY. Mark, Matt, Dallas, Nick and John have been plowing since the wee hours in the morning, Mark just got home to sleep at 7pm. Plowing for about 16 hours and still have to go out to do more...HOLY COW those are brutal hours. Thank God for the snow. I got to work from home today, it's easier to go to work than work from home...not as many distractions...Anyway, happy to get my work done and now I am off to bed.

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 51

I got this awesome chalkboard/shelf from my mom and dad for my birthday today. I LOVE it. My mom knows me soooo well. They got it for my to hang in the studio, but I see a perfect place in the house for it...decisions, decisions. Oh yeah, and YES, my mom and dad still call me Mugs, some things never change!!!

Oh Yeah...I got the G11 for my birthday from Mark, the boys and my in-laws...I am so excited to use it. Be on the look out for images I have taken with this amazing little point and shoot...that shoots RAW!!! Love it. Thank you guys!!! XO

Janel got me this tiara to wear at my birthday lunch and I did...she's so sweet.

My cake cut in half...it is actually 2 cupcakes...how cool is that? It was VERY yummy!!!! Thanks Janel

Janel got me this cake for my birthday. Isn't it cute? Looks like my old Maltese, Stubby!!!

Janel got me this super cool camera necklace for my birthday...the lens is a rhinestone. How sweet is that??? Thanks Janel!!!

I also got this wedding photography book for my birthday, from myself.

Day 51

Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.

-Franz Kafka

Today was my birthday, it was a great day. Mark brought me coffee in bed and then we all (Mark, Sebby and Zack) went to church where Charles (stand in pastor for Ray) was ON FIRE...he was terrific. Then we went to lunch at Lil Chef where mom and Janel met us and we had a little birthday celebration. I got such cool gifts, but the best part was spending time with my friends and family. I really missed out on so much when I was always crazy busy working so far away from home and never around. I love that I get to see my friends and family so much more now. That is a great gift in itself...Then mom, Janel and I went to Barnes and Noble and Costco for a few things and then home to relax. I was able to fix the Blog issue (with a few little posting issues, but for the most part, it's all good and I am now caught up...yay) and I now get to play with my new camera...USA beat Canada at the Olympics...and my family is happy and healthy. I am blessed!!! Thank you to all my facebook friends and their Birthday wishes...yu are the best. Life is not good, it's GREAT!!!

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 50

My new favorite scent...when Aveda discontinued my all-time fave scent ever, Mizan, I literally spent about 6 years trying to find one I liked as much...this is a close second, but nothing will EVER replace Mizan...Aveda, bring back Mizan. I used a cool technique taking this image too. It literally was VERY bright in the room I took this in...cool, huh???
My favorite piece of English Chintz...I LOVE Chintz, but I am making an effort to USE it as well...what's the point of having it if you aren't going to use it. I already chipped it, but I don't even care because it makes me smile every morning when I use it!!!

Pete waiting for me to drop some food in the kitchen.

Day 50

We are reminded how short life really is, and how we are just passing through. So, all the people you haven't told you love lately, tell them, and live your days like you mean it.

-Hal Sutton

Today was a great day. Had a work meeting in the morning where I got to see some of my buds and my mentor, who is the coolest guy ever (and also a total bad a** blackbelt) then I went to see Bev at Body and Soul in Brighton. The wellness center is one of the most awesome places I have ever been to. Great energy there, all wonderful practitioners. I will be doing more on them as time marches on. I also enjoyed a yummy lunch with my husband at Lil Chef and then an early dinner with Bev. We had a great conversation, I love her company, she is an amazingly cool gal. Later, Mark and I (and Sebby once in awhile) watched Couples Retreat...HILARIOUS. It was a great day. Life is good!!!

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 49

Sebby getting ready to go snowboarding. He is so handsome.
Sebby giving Shaddy alittle love before he hits the slopes.

Day 49

Whatever they grow up to be, they are still our children, and the one most important of all the things we can give to them is unconditional love. Not a love that depends on anything at all, except that they are our children.
-Rosaleen Dickson

Had a great day with Sebastian. I miss hanging with my kids, they are so busy with their own lives, friends, girlfriends, etc...sometimes it really stinks getting older. I love my kids, they are so cool, unique and beautiful. They are fiercely loyal friends with big hearts and unbelievable talents. They are AWESOME!!! Mark and I are lucky to have them.

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 48

An apple a day keeps the doctor away...I am believing this is true!!!

Day 48

This bright new day...complete with 24 hours of opportunities, choices and attitudes...a perfectly matched set of 1440 minutes. This unique gift, this one day, cannot be exchanged, replaced or refunded. Handle with care, make the most of it. There is only one to a customer.

-Unknown

I almost forgot to take a picture today because I was so swamped. I did manage to take a photo of my favorite snack...a Honeycrisp apple...yummy!!!

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 47

This is Pete...this is Pete's ball...
This figurine of this dog sits in the kitchen window at our home. I was washing dishes this morning and he was looking at me, I thought he needed his portrait taken...I bought him one day while at the Livingston Antique Outlet in Howell because he looked so pathetic, I love him though.

Day 47

If your dog doesn't like someone, you probably shouldn't either.

-Unknown

Had a busy day, but managed to get a couple of shots of Pete with his ball and my pathetic dog in the window...pathetic dog should have a name...any suggestions????

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 46

This is my favorite image from David and Victoria's maternity session
David was such a good sport...he is the sweetest husband and will be the greatest dad.

I LOVE this image of the belly.

Victoria is a really adorable mommy to be

Victoria and David decided NOT to find out the sex of the baby...I'm guessing it's a boy. What do you think???

Day 46

Train yourself to listen to that small voice that tells us what's important and what's not.

-Sue Grafton

Today I was so happy to have the honor of photographing David and Victoria's maternity session. This was so cool because I have known David since he was a little bean in his mom, Danielle's belly. I was blessed to photograph his senior photos, his wedding and now this. I love my job!!! David and Victoria also showered me with gifts of AMAZING coffee and MORE flowers...THANK YOU GUYS!!! I am a lucky girl...did I tell you I LOVE MY JOB???? Stay tuned for the newborn pics and maybe, if timing permits, birth photos...YAY!!!

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 45

Some of the beautiful flowers I have gotten lately.
More flowers I have gotten.

Day 45

Enjoy yourself. It's later than you think.
-Chinese Proverb

I am amazed by how many flowers I have gotten this past week. I took a couple of photos to share on the Blog. I LOVE FLOWERS!!! Thank you to Mark, and my amazingly cool friends who have showered me with gifts and flowers. XOXO

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley

Day 45

I love this old barn and it's windows...these had to be great windows for a barn in it's day. Everyone and everything has "it's day," there is still beauty in it even after...character and beauty.
Old out building by mom and dad's

I love this beautiful old windmill by mom and dad's

This would be why the deer are so plentiful by mom and dad's...the farm is surrounded by cornfields.

Birds lined up on a wire by mom and dad's

Day 45

You can become blind by seeing each day as a similar one. Each day is a different one, each day brings a miracle of it's own. It's just a matter of paying attention to this miracle.

-Paulo Coelho

Today I went to the farm and spent some time with mom and dad. LOVE when dad comes home for his visits. Dad is winning lots of races now...THANK YOU JESUS!!! He really needed it. I took some pictures of some of my favorite "landmarks" out by the farm. I LOVE it there. I am so fortunate to have my studio on such beautiful land and I get to see more of mom and dad...BONUS!!!

Until Tomorrow,

Shirley