Object in Mirror is Crazy

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y 

FEBRUARY 26, 2010

 

 

This picture was taken on the way home from a long day of getting supplies for my show.  My mom drove me since the snow was picking up and my car is terrible in the snow.  And I decided to start come up with ideas for my next show.  I decided it would be called, "Drive by shooting."  It is a joke, people. 

I would be the passenger in the car and roll down my window and take pictures from the passenger side.  Get it drive by shooting, get it.  Okay, I thought it was hilarious.  I am not saying it was a good idea, but an idea that cracked my mom up, so I figured you guys might like it, too.

The idea maybe terrible, but I am going to say the photos would probably be worse.  So, that is something I will not pursue.

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Update: My show is coming together quite nicely.  Photos keep getting re-matted and matted again.  But I want them to be perfect.  I feel I have some solid stuff going on.  

I also, redid my flyer and think it looks quite nice.  Some of my fliers will be put up in local business around Akron.  So, keep on the support I could really use it in the next two weeks as it is winding down on crunch time.

Thank you guys for your love and support.

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

So what are your thoughts?

 

Diva Doxie

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y 

FEBRUARY 24, 2010

 

Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

I introduce to you for the very first time...

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 23, 2010

S T A R M O N K E Y!

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

I want to Play Drums Behind my Back

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 23, 2010

 

 

Today was the day, all right.  I woke up at nine am  and laid in bed until almost 9.45.  I didn't know what this was a sign of.  I could feel myself not having a good day.  I contemplated emailing the kind lady who was taking her time to show me around.  

 

I had a stomach thing going on yesterday, and today I could sense it was not going to be a good day.  I managed to roll out of bed and make myself look somewhat presentable.  Slightly agitated about everything, I managed to slide my shoes on and walk out the door, programmed my GPS twice --first time it failed on me -- buckled up and was on my way.   

 

It wasn't in the best part of Akron, but I felt safe enough when I got out of my car and saw four big guys unloading a truck full of food.  I wasn't sure if I should be nervous, anxious, excited, or what other emotion.  I think I was a little of each.  

I got a run down on some of the programs and got to tour the Salvation Army headquarters of Summit County.  Met a few of the volunteers and some of the employees.  

I was taken over to the preschool where I thought I would have the hardest dealing with.  It looked just like a preschool. The kids were polite and very friendly.  It made every emotion I had go away.  They were so full of life and energy and you could tell each one had a story.  

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As I walked into the 3.5 and 4 year olds' room, I saw this kid who seemed to be big for his age. But I could see some awesome energy brewing off of him.  As I stood in the door way observing the room, he goes I want to play drums and kept saying it.  I tried to interact with him but I think I drew away from what they were trying to do.  

The more time I was there the more he kept saying he wanted to play drums.  I replied, "Really?  That is pretty awesome!"  And he kept pretending he was drumming.  He goes I want to play drums behind my back and I want to play drums.  He was so excited to talk about drumming. 

I knew I wanted to work with Salvation Army in some way or another.  As I saw they wanted a photographer, and I knew this was the time and place for it to happen.

As we sat down to discuss a few things, I felt more comfortable with the whole situation.  I was then walked out and thanked for coming and checking the facility out. 

I was walking to my car, I wanted to run back in and say count me in.  I thought about it just to make sure as I drove around West Akron for a bit.  I got home and emailed the lady and said I would love to help out.  I even might be designing for them, too.  Two things I am passionate about and all for the good of helping others.  Killing so many birds with one stone.

I would say that signs lead me to where I am.  I know that little boy will never read this, but I want to thank him from the bottom of my heart for repeatedly saying "I want to play drums!"  I saw the passion in his eyes and the dreams he had, and I want to experience something so amazing and so touching.  That little boy made me smile for the first and only time today.  It was one magical moment and a sign saying, "this is where you need to be."

 

He also, made me realize that maybe he can help me cross off another item off my bucket list!

Little kids can be one the biggest blessings in your life.  I know there are rough days, but usually when there is a little kid right there with something so innocent and so wonderful to say.  

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

Everything.

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 22, 2010

 

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 A goal of mine is to make good and healthy decisions in my life.  Ones that will positively impact my life.  The kind that make you say, thank you and tell the story over and over again.  Those are the decisions I want to make.  I want to look back on my life and say, "WOW!"

 

I want to be inspired by my life.  

 

 As we get older, and reach the puberty of our adulthood we lose touch with our community and volunteering.  We are figuring out who we are and where we fit.  We move from city to city until we figure out where to settle, or where to sit still out until our next adventure.  It is almost exhausting.

Over the last month or two, I have had something weigh on my heart.  I tried to ignore it and the more and more ignored it the stronger it grew.  My mom talked about it to me and how she wanted to help  and the meetings she was going to just to do her part. 

I thought to myself --as selfish as it did-- I do not want my mother out helping homeless people.  I thought everything bad that could happen to her.  Going out on the streets at night helping homeless people-- or from my understanding.  It is something that did not settle in my stomach to well.  I need a mom & that mom would be her.  

The more I thought it, the more selfish it sounded to me. It broke my heart that I did not want homeless people to get help.  I believe everyone deserves the same chance.  Make yourself shine.

 

I came home one day from a meeting or a show or the studio, not sure which, but I sent out this text to some of my close friends stating what I wanted to do.  I dream big when I dream, and I gave them a detailed message unsure of how they would react.  There was a sense of reassurance that I was not off my rocker and it was somewhat realistic. [I don't going into detail what the item is on my bucket list yet.  I want to get more details put together before I share it.]  

I know right now that it is not physically possible for me to do nor am I emotionally ready to do so.  I looked online of ways I could reach out to the homeless -- soup kitchens, volunteering, etc.  And something told me to click on this volunteer link.  And there it was. A posting on becoming a photographer for Salvation Army.  

When I saw that it struck me like a bolt of lightning.  I sat there and cried.  I thought for a moment am I ready for this?  I opened up a blank email and started writing.  Not sure what I said or if my grammar was even correct, I know I wrote a fairly long explaination of how I wanted to help.  

A few days passed and I heard nothing back.  I looked back on the entry that was posted and it was dated back to the summer of 2009.  I figured the opportunity had passed me by.  I got back on and book marked a few more things.  I held off on emailing those.  I thought to myself am I really stable enough to be doing this? 

 

I was talking to someone about the whole situation.  They told to me think about long and hard before I made another decisions.  However, they told me it was healthy for me to do what I did.  It was just the reassurance I needed.  I waited another day and I woke up Thursday morning to an email in my inbox.  

The lady told me she understood and would be willing to meet me with me to talk me and show me around.  There it was in front of me everything I hoped.  Someone who understood me and was willing to put the time in.  

As, I write this I am sitting in bed with tears in my eyes and butterflies in my stomach.  Tomorrow is the day that I am one day closer to crossing off an item on my bucket list.  I am going to Salvation Army to meet with the kind lady who is willing the time to meet with me and help me get to where I  need to be. 

Tomorrow, I hope to leave you an amazing story about my adventure.  There is sunshine in my heart  and a thank you to everyone who has made my life a little bit easier. 

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Remember,  I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

I was Almost Honest

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 21, 2010

 

 

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 The title may throw you for a loop on this posting.  I can assure you it's not, and I am okay with that.  It seems awfully contradictory, but to me it is only the right thing.  

I sat in an English class my freshman year of college hating everything about it.  It was late at night and way overrated.  I hated the professor more than anything.  Everything I did for that class was very sarcastic, but I do not take a moment back of it.  As, I look back upon on it, it is everything that I feel today.  

We went around the class one day talking about where we saw ourselves in five years.  I didn't have much to say in class, so I just decide to say my dreams, but do it in a smart ass way because I knew everyone's dreams where straight off of MTV.  And to this day, I accomplished everything that I said in that class.  And I do not regret being a stubborn, immature freshman.  

I just started to look back upon that day not too long ago.  I often think of it randomly through out the day, should I?  I have no idea, but I am glad I do.  Dreams are something that some people make, but do not achieve. I dream them, and make them happen.  

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Tonight, I was listening to Cleveland music awards on a local radio station.  As each catagory was called, I would get more and more excited.  Clients of mine won.  The best vocalist is my very,very dear friend.  Best Rock Band are four amazing kids with such a bright future and best blues is a very amazing friend. 

I grew with excitement as if it was me who won.  Then I realized these people who are winning awards are people I am working with, and people who I choose to surround myself with and people I can consider friends.  It is such an amazing feeling to know that you are helping people's image as they are helping make your dreams come true.  

There are days I question what I do and why I do it --  I feel as if I am getting no where taking two steps backward for every half step forward.  But then there are days, that I want to high-five and hug everyone.  But my friends, family and clients I tell you this, you mean the world to me.  It is great to know that people out there trust me and trust my opinion.  You help me get out of the bed in the morning and put my shoes on and start my journey. 

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Who has helped your dreams come true? Or who have you helped to make their dreams come true.  If you think about it you are probably effected someone out there.  Yes, in a positive way.  I hope you understand that.  If you don't, I pray that you do.  It is one of the most amazing things to hear someone say thank you, you have made this better in my life.  If you don't feel you have ever been that to someone, please look deep inside of you.  You are absolutely beautiful.

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

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So come on let me see / I say baby you are amazing / I want to let you see / That you are everything and more to me / I will let you be I will I will. --Josh Kelley

Happy Plastic People

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 20, 2010

 

 

Saturday was one of those days where I wasn't sure what type of mood I was in.  Toward the end I realized I was fairly content.  Not happy, not sad.  Just somewhere in the middle.  It was pretty laid back with not too much excitement going on.  

 

I was on my way to church with my mom ad there it was -- that one bird.  When it happens I tell no one that it happened or there it is.  It is my one moment of serenity, my second of infinity.  That sign was just what the doctor ordered.  

As, I sat in church the deacon talked about how everyone has a story, some are good, some are bad, but everyone is different.  And everything that happens in life, happens for a reason.  So cliche, but something people need to hear.  What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.  Trust me, I know.  Early evening on Saturday was my moment in life that said, this is what life is all about. 

 

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Life is every emotion.  It is a roller coaster of things that you may not know why it happened or what it was all about, but forms you into what you are today.  

 

There are events I would change or actions I took, but I wouldn't change who I am.  Dealing with a quarter-life crisis, makes me realize that I am not destined to have the life I planned when I was a little girl.  All those ideas are now out the window.  A friend once told me, "life is what happens, when you are planning it."  Think about it.  It is true.  I will say I am now a believer in this saying.  

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I am no expert in life, but don't let it pass you by.  Let yourself be happy.  Nowadays people are too down about everything.  You turn on the news and it is who killed who, who cheated on who, the biggest tragedy, the largest recall and the unemployment rate.  

Skip all the bad news and have some fun.  Be sympathetic toward it, but don't let the negativity live inside of you.  Take a look around, life isn't so bad after all.

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

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Are we happy plastic people / Under shiny plastic steeples / With walls around our weakness / And smiles to hide our pain / But if the invitation's open /To every heart that has been broken / Maybe then we close the curtain / On our stained glass masquerade -- Casting Crowns

Just a Thought

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 19, 2010

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You can pick your friends, but not your family.  If you had a choice, would you pick your family?  Think about it.  It is a food for thought.

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley 

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Call it a clan, call it a network, call it a tribe, call it a family.  Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one.  ~Jane Howard

I have a Rock in my Nose

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 18, 2010

An oldie, but a goodie 

 

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Today, I stopped into the dollar store to pick something up.  I walked outside and as I was struggling to pull my keys out of my pocket, I looked up and saw a girl with big pink boots on and leopard print pants on playing in this puddle.  She would just barely touch the toe of her boot to the puddle and then would stomp her foot in it.  As her mom was yelling at her to hold her brother's hand because they were in a parking lot, made me realize being a little kid is something that seems pretty cool. 

As we grow up, we want to be grown up.  As I grow up, I want to be little.  Life isn't bad, but sometimes being a kid seems nothing short of amazing.  Riding your bike, coloring, nap time, and not even having to dress your self, how awesome are those things.  Things were easy then.  

Have you ever seen a kid in a store or place that was just so awesome you wanted to hang out with them?  You wanted to take an adventure with them to the moon in a refrigerator box -- and be back just before dinner.

Next time you are out, high five that four year old kid looking at you with amazement in his eyes.  Try on those light up shoes you still wish you had -- if they still fit.  Buy an Easy Bake Oven and make dessert for the fam in it -- who couldn't go for a bite size dessert and I am sure the calorie count is low for those calorie pinchers. 

Remember, life is what you make of it.  Why not have a little fun?  Release your inner kid.  It is okay to smile every once in awhile.

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

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"The box says you can't eat them if the seal is broken. I'm looking for the seal." -- A young son, examining the contents of a box of Animal Crackers

For more quotes by little kids go to http://www.rinkworks.com/said/kidquotes.shtml

It will make you smile.

Never Found the Way

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 17, 2010

 

 Have you ever drove around until you got lost? Did you do it on purpose or was it because you had nothing better to do and didn't care? 

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty! 

Lesley

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If you know my destination please buy me the fastest car and throw me the keys. / 'Cos what if what we see is all, is all we've got? -- Missy Higgins

Watching the Credits Roll by

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 16, 2010

Some days you can go from feeling great to dragging your feet. Yesterday was one of them.  

I will leave you with this, no matter what, there is someone always out there that loves you and will do anything for you.  Sometimes it's hard to see, but yes, someone out there cares about you and your well being.

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

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I lie awake. / I left the porch light on. / I hope it helps you to find your way. -- Bonnie McKee

It was one of those moments

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 15, 2010

 

 If you had one person to hug today, who would it be --dead or alive, close or far, known or unknown?  Why would you hug them?  Would you know them or not know them? What would the purpose of the hug mean -- is it a thanks, a hello, lets talk or just a plain ol' hug?  Think about it.

Something so simple is something so magical.  Today was one of those days where I felt warmth, love, compassion, and excitement.  I felt a tickle under my toes and a hug wrapped around me.  It was Motivational Monday -- and it was a powerful one.  I could of not asked for a more blessed day.

Today started as a normal day, wasn't sure where it took me, but it took me through my to-do list and even on to making a family recipe with no recipe card to follow [all from memory] -- and I nailed it.  My salsa and cheese dip came out awesome.  It was a little strong, but for the first time it was pretty spot on.  Onion was too strong, but that just gave it the right kick!  *hold your applause* 

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I ran into a wonderful family friend today while picking up some photos.  The brief chit chat I had with her brough sunshine into my day.  I got this feeling of uncertainty when I walked in and when I left it left me with warmth and hope.  Glad it did.  I sat in my car and opened my envelope of photos -- as the nerves hit, I realized these photos where spot on to what I wanted.  

I got home and put them on the counter.  Let them sit there until my mom came home from work, I showed her and I was determained to frame one.  After dinner was done, I pulled out all the frames I bought and all the paper and pictures.  I was so inspired by all the color that overflowed on our counters.  The picture I wanted to frame was not the right size neither was the frame. And as I started to play around with things and realized I had nothing I wanted my mom came up with the most brilliant idea -- and lo and behold another picture was matted and framed!  

I would post for you all to see, but guess what you will have to come out on March 12 to see it!  :)  

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What do you think would happen if you smiled to one person a day, held the door for an elderly person, smiled at someone who was different from you, or even gave a dollar to that homeless person standing on the corner right off the highway?  Are you to scared to because it is out of the norm, are you afraid someone is going to judge you, are you fearful that you might feel good?  Try it one day.  And come back and tell me how you feel, please.  I would love to hear your story or you could even email me.  I will give you a virtual high five and smile. 

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

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Save me from myself / You got my back when I need help / It's no one else in the world / You will always be my girl / You will always be x3 /My girl

Sometimes dreams they don't come true / I was scared that night when I met you / Well I stayed patient and I stayed kind / Telling you to take your time

Turn my life around / You made it okay to let you down / There's no one else in the world --Griffin House

I'm freer, and I'm wiser, and I'm stronger…

D E S I G N  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 14, 2010

First off, Happy Valentine's Day.  Hope you spent it with your loved ones.  Just remember, to show your love everyday just not today.  

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I made this poster for a project on Creative Allies.  I found it in a magazine advertisement.   The advertisement was promoting a design contest on how music inspires you.  I figured I had to check it out.  Glad I did.  I found what seems to be another social network for designers.  I thought I had signed up for a great portion of them, but I guess not.  

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Yesterday, I saw a guy propose to his girlfriend.  It was the first time I have ever seen that.  It was such a cool thing to see.  It made me treasure the small things, the greater things, the things not seen every day.  What is something that has made you feeled inspried in the last few days?  Anything?  Think about?  Have you seen or done something for the first time this week or last week?

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

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I try not to leave songs on here, just the chorus or a verse not the whole thing, but I think this song is pretty amazing.  It is very true of how I feel.  Read the lyrics and download it.  Beautiful song. 

Crushed and Created
By Caitlyn Smith/Sara Groves/Gordon Kennedy

Looking back on the things that found me
Places I would never choose
The same things that both haunt and heal
My demons and my muse

We are crushed and created
Melted and made
Broken and built up in the very same way
What I thought I could handle
What I thought I could take
What I thought would destroy me
Leaves me stronger in its wake

And there are times that I've underestimated
Both the grief and goodness found in something new
Where one thing dies, something else can be created
And though it's truth you find, it's innocence you lose

We are crushed and created
Melted and made
Broken and built up in the very same way
What I thought I could handle
What I thought I could take
What I thought would destroy me
Leaves me stronger in its wake

I'm not the me that I started with
My friends say my eyes are brighter
I'm not the me that I started with
I'm freer, and I'm wiser, and I'm stronger…

We are crushed and created
Melted and made
Broken and built up in the very same way
What I thought I could handle
What I thought I could take
What I thought would destroy me
Leaves me stronger in its wake...

It leaves me stronger

An Eye for an Eye

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 13, 2010

 

 

Need I explain more?  This is what happens when you give me an eye sticker while completely sober and extra time to spare in a valet waiting room.  

My cuzzy was kind of enough to snap this photo. 

The sticker was also a source of entertainment.  I had gone to the Amplexus show at the House of Blues and forgot my camera on the coffee table.  The lighting was perfect and left me a little disappointed.  I hate when I do silly things like that.  I am a photographer.  I should have my camera attached to my waist.  How sad!  Oh well, lesson learned, check your purse before you leave.

Hope your Saturday night was filled with greatness, love and life.

Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

 

 

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 ²³And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, ²⁴Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, ²⁵Burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. ²⁶And if a man smite the eye of his servant, or the eye of his maid, that it perish; he shall let him go free for his eye's sake. ²⁷And if he smite out his manservant's tooth, or his maidservant's tooth; he shall let him go free for his tooth's sake.

Independent Woman

D E S I G N  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 12, 2010

 

 

This was designed for someone that used to be in one of my classes.  It is a cd cover.  He wanted his face and a silhouette of a confident looking woman with him infused.  Not exactly sure if this was what he was thinking, but loved the design.  His face is actually the girl's body.  What do you think?

 

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley 

Won't you be my TV Dinner Date

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 11, 2010

 

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I know it is Saturday and I am just now posting Thursday's photo.  Oops.  It has been busy around here and I have been quite exhausted.  This snow is bringing me to complete exhaustion.

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Post cards are designed.  The red is one side and the white is the other.  What do you think? 

I wanted them to be contrasted, and I think that does it for sure.  

Now I am looking to do these for reasonably priced -- suggestions on printers?

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

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times are tough, and love it is always rough / you give your all, but your all is not enough / like a book on tape, digital escape / won’t you be my tv-dinner date / culture satiated with celebrity / all trying to look like the models in the magazines /where normallacy is the fallacy / why can’t we make this dream reality --David Ullman

Lets Catch Amnesia

P H O T O | D E S I G N  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 10, 2010

 Here it is.  It is finally done.  My shoot was not very successful but got a handful of pictures.  I have a bruised big toe, so the shoot was painful and I really didn't have the motivation.  I on the other hand was pleased with what came out.  Got quite a few good advertisements going on with the photos, however.  :)  Thank God for Photoshop.  

 

My saying for the show is "it's more than a hair color -- it's my photos".  I thought that was pretty unique and creative.  Well, at least for me, any way. 

 

Tomorrow, I am going to make the handbills, new business cards, and posters.  Anyone know of any place I could distribute those too.  I want to make this big.  It is my first showing and I want to make a scene.  I am good at that.   

 

The details are now released on the show.  Check the flier out for more details or feel free to leave me comments.  

 

I also, am going to be putting things on Etsy. I am all about this thing now. Photo of the day, framing photos, in which I framed my first photo yesterday for the show.  

I am moving right along.  I am pleased with the progress.  What do you say!

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This blog is getting quite lonely.  I want to hear from you guys.  You guys keep me motivated, but I am not hearing from you.  How about a hello!  Please!  

 

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

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Lets break walls, so we see through / Let love and peace lead you / We could overcome the complication cause we need to / Help each other, make these changes / Brother, sister, rearrange this / The way I'm thinking that we can change this bad condition / Wait, use you mind and not your greed / Let's connect and then proceed / This is something I believe / We are one, we're all just people -- Black Eyed Peas

Within yourself

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 9, 2010

 

 

Bring on the snow.  My fire was lit all day.  I ran my errands as soon as I got up and I came back home and snuggled into my sweats.  I was not going anywhere.  I parked myself in front of the TV with my laptop, Chex Mix, phone, and a cup of Cherry Pepsi.  I could not complain.  

I kept staring at the fire I lit shortly after noon, it was my motivation to leave myself parked right where I was.  :)  Thank you, Mr. Fire! I was pleased to photograph you even though you almost caught my hair on fire.  oopsie!

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I have been learning alot about myself lately.  I feel as if I am stepping away from the negativity and stepping toward the positive.  Thank you, God.  I like to smile and giggle more.  As before, I felt guilty for smiling or having fun.  But now I think I deserve that.  

A person can only handle so much pain and hurt before they have to stand up to it and face it.  It is a hard thing to face -- trust me, I know first hand.  Letting all the pain and hurt go is one scary monster.  Who wants to face that monster when there is a chance of getting eaten alive again.  

If you want happiness you got to find within yourself.  No one else is going to make you happy when the day ends.  You never know when that someone is going to be gone, whether it be a parent, a sibling, a lover, a teacher, a soulmate, a best friend.  They make you happy for the time being, but when they are gone what will you do.  

A very dear friend of mine always told me this.  I always thought I understood it, but I was fooling myself.  I didn't know.  I feel embarrassed for thinking I knew this.  Day in and day out, he always told me and still does, to find happiness within myself.  I won't say I am completely happy, but I am content.  If I can smile atleast once a week, I will consider that content.  

Take this time and reflect on something special -- a friend, a family member, a pet or a mentor -- where would you be without them.  Send them a card, give them a call or a text, some how thank them for being special.  They are the people that want you to wake up and be the best you can be. Please consider yourself blessed. 

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Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

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They say there's nothing more than what we see / Life is a mirage we are forced / They say that we must prepare to fail / I will keep fighting till I can't -- Mia Carruthers and the Retros

 

 

That Lady has Red Hair

P H O T O  O F  T H E  D A Y

FEBRUARY 8, 2010

 

 

Why is waking up always so hard.  It is something I hate doing.  I wish I could skip that and getting ready every day.  It just takes so much effort.  I showered last night before I went to bed just so I could sleep in instead of getting up and showering.  I really hate showering too, even though I do it.  Who really wants to get ready?  Really?

You are probably wondering what the photo and this have in common.  If you look at it, the answer is nothing.   However, I drug myself out of bed this morning got ready and said put your coat on and walk out the door.  Get in your car and leave.  That is exactly what I did.  I grabbed my camera and headed to the studio.  It was a very productive day there.  I got over 900 photos, of course more than half were bad, but a lot of good ones.  It left me motivated, which was perfect.  It is Motivation Monday.  Crazy, I know, but it is something I do every Monday.  I get a lot done, but also take the time out for me.  It is a great thing -- Try it!

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Today, I went to Target to get a few things, as I was walking out of the cosmetic department I saw this boy, who was no older than 4 -- I believe he was 3. He was sitting in the cart and just talking to his mom, then all of a sudden his eyes got to be the size of saucers.  He looked at me with amazement and pointed.  His mom politely told him not to point, and he could not find the words he wanted to say.  He opened his mouth in awe and yelled, "That lady has red hair."  And he kept saying or should I say yelling it.  His mom then said very hesitantly, "and it is very pretty." 

It was one of those moments where you smile and thank God for the little moments in life that keep you going.  I don't know who that little boy is, I may never see him, but I thank him for making me smile -- a genuine smile.   And in return, I hope I made at least one person smile today -- a real genuine smile.  I may never know, but I hope I accomplish it. 

It is amazing to know that someone is smiling because you smiled at them first. Smiles are contagious,  so bring 'em on! 

Count your blessings, shovel your neighbors driveway, put a quarter in an expired parking meter, or hold the door for an elderly person, but do them all with a smile.  Pass it on - it is contagious.

Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!
Lesley

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I'm all for love / But I can't see the light / Tell me how to do it / Tell me how I'm gonna get it right / I'm all for love / I'm gonna try it again / I don't wanna give up / Cause I'm all for love -- Serena Ryder

I wear no pants!

P H O T O  O F  T H E   D A Y

FEBRUARY 7, 2010

 

 

Since I posted a picture of my other dogs I figured, I needed to add the little princess.  The snow here is knee high.  Our little weeny dog can barely get past the drive way, even after we shoveled her a path.  She is looking out in envy of the two golden retrievers.  She gets jealous when she can't play the role of a big dog.  

 

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Update on art show: My other photo shoot did not take place today, but hopefully in the next few days.  Things are getting pushed around due to a rumor.  Rumor has it, another snow storm is coming this week.  So I am going to the studio tomorrow to get some more shots in for my show before the snow storm.  And then I can work on those and my shoot at home.  Hopefully the storm happens for the sake of me getting things done.  For those who have to drive in it, I apologize.

 

Also, I found a black leather jacket for my shoot.  That shoot is shaping up and I can't complain.  And will be amazingly good if things continue to go as planned.  

For once I feel I have planned things out.  Strange for me, I know.

 

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Count your blessings. And throw a snow ball at someone to start some fun.  Start a fire inside and cuddle with someone or something special.  Keep it real.

 

Remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley 

 

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Yeah gotta start / Looking at the hands of the time we've been given here / This is all that we got and we gotta start thinkin it / Every second counts on a clock that's tickin / Gotta live like we're dying / We only got 86 400 seconds in a day / To turn it all around or throw it all away / We gotta tell em that we love em / While we got the chance to say / Gotta live like we're dying -- Kris Allen

Love is like a virus that has no cure

P H O T O  O F  T H E   D A Y

FEBRUARY 6, 2010

 

I was trying to get back on track with the photo of the day.  Yesterday's photo shoot did not go so good.  So I opted out on posting any of those.  Didn't want you guys to think I was less than perfect.  I know that is hard to believe that I am less than perfect.  {I am kidding}

I however, carried on with my Valentine's day themed shoot.  I hung the hearts from the basement ceiling on wood beams.  I woke up to find half of them on the floor.  Extremely agitated that my foot  was swollen and it felt that I dunked my big toe in icy hot did not help.  But I sucked it up and went on for that was my game plan for today.

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Tomorrow, I am setting up my shoot for my art show.  I got the red shoes, some props, and the determination to finish up the advertising end of it all.  I want to go to print by Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest.  

With further updates on my show, I am up to six pictures frames and on Friday before the snow storm I got a few photos printed out.  Things are finally starting to fall into place.  It is a great feeling to feel a head of the game instead of drowning in procrastination which I am really good at.  

Last week when I went to the studio I got some great shots.  I think I will be going up there on Tuesday to get some more.  I really like how things are going and I feel things are going my way.  {knock on wood, right?}

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With feeling ahead of the game, my good friends, Amplexus, just released 3 songs total yesterday on facebook and myspace.  One of the songs overlaps but a different one on each.  As well as, the new song releases, they launched their new myspace in which, yours truly designed.  {not bragging or anything}  Check the guys out.  They might be a little heavier for some of you, but nonetheless check them out.  Great guys with big hearts.  Support what they do and keep the music scene alive.

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I hope this finds you well and you are filled with warmth and love.  It's a great day to be alive and for you to get up and hug someone or even smile at a stranger.  I hope you remember the smaller things in life are sometimes the finer things. 

And remember, I can make ugly, pretty!

Lesley

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Stuck in this town of phobias /  He has not grace but he's all heart / I am complete and not alone / And I made this just for you -- Amplexus