In the picture

I got some alone time to play with my new toy today.

I hinted via pinterest for this Ring Flash Adapter and got it for Christmas (thank you baby!) I'm sure I won't use it for many portrait sessions which is why I didn't want to get the more expensive Ring Flash, but I do like the softer light and the cool reflections in the eyes it creates.

It's a "just for fun" toy.

And I was having fun playing with it for sure.





Speaking of self portraits Christy of Urban Muser is putting together a community self portrait project called In The Picture. I have never been shy in front of the camera but I find it very difficult to "shoot blind" in a way (with out my eye in the viewfinder.) I want to take the time to come up with a concept, create it, and shoot it with out having to delete 100 shots before I click one that is acceptable. I am hopeful this project will help inspire and give me the much needed practice to reach this goal.

So... I'm excited. Something to look forward to in 2012.

Being reminded

After stuffing ourselves with yummy deep dish pizza at Zelda's downtown my family and I were out front saying our goodbyes when he approached us with guitar in hand. Knowing my son's love for guitar my dad asked if he could play...with his thick accent he said he'd been playing for years.

He got down on one knee and played a beautiful song for us.

My son was delighted.






I don't know his story, but I'm sure it's a fascinating one.

We are always being reminded to be grateful for our blessings, to be kind to others, and not to underestimate anyone.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

One more day!

Tonight the house will be bursting with family and food and love and laughter...

I can't wait.

Rolling in someone else's shoes

It's too true that we take so much for granted.

After over 4 weeks with out being able to walk I'm getting a small glimpse of what life is like for so many. I find myself looking for the paraplegic signs to know where I can find a ramp to access the sidewalk and steering clear of the places I know I can't squeeze my wheel chair in between the isles. I have probably said "excuse me" more in the last month than I have all year, not that I don't mind my manners but I usually just move myself around the oblivious person in front of me which is not so easy these days. I find myself asking for help from strangers to hold open doors and I'm pleasantly surprised when they do it with out me having to ask... and seriously annoyed when they don't. I have rearranged the floor plan of several shop displays in order to get to the item I'm shopping for, sorry folks, but mama's gotta shop.





It's a new perspective. One I am beyond grateful is only temporary for me.
I have a new found respect for those that have to spend their lives always looking up to people, depending on the kindness of strangers to get out the door, having kids constantly stare (which doesn't bother me much but only because I have a young one that is just as curious,) and miss out on antique stores because they are just way too cramped. I never noticed before that on the short walk to the park in our neighborhood there are no ramps on and off the sidewalks. So I had to wheel in the street and pray the cars saw me.

The plus outside of the fact I should be walking again in 2 weeks is I may end up with some serious forearm muscles when it is all over.

Disney Classics and a Goofy Mama

I am missing my camera time so much!

E and I were watching Pinocchio and he was holding fairly still
so I took the opportunity to hoist myself on the
ground and snap some of his sweet face reacting to the movie.

It may not look like it, but I do enjoy the Disney classics.

Not surprisingly the whale scene brought out the best expression
and a request for a rewind.
I love his love of whales.

This mama's going a little stir crazy on the couch!
All I want for Christmas is to drive myself somewhere
remote with my camera and take a walk!

Thursday Flickr Faves/Christmas Edition

Thursday Flickr Faves/Christmas Edition, originally uploaded by KJBehavior.

Oh how I wish I was wandering the town shops, taking trips to the snow (except there hasn't been any near here,) and just capturing Christmas. I'm enjoying it, just not capturing it much this year. Thank God for flickr...I get to feast on the warm reds and cold snow featured in these talented photog's photos.

My superstar

He LOOOOVES music. And everyone got to see for themselves at his preschool Christmas presentation last night. I was beaming with pride. :)






The video's I took are hilarious. He was so animated and moving to the music non-stop I couldn't stop laughing. I tried to post one but it wasn't working. :(

Wide-eyed wonder

An inexpensive and simple addition to the Christmas decor and his face lights up and sparkles to match it. He's loving the Christmas music and seeing the lights around town. However, getting him excited about waiting to open presents is another story.





Point blank, Christmas with kids rules.

Parade of lights

My boy was in his first parade this weekend. Sutter Creek, an adorable old gold country town about an hour away from us, held it's annual Parade of Lights on Saturday night. I'd never been to this quaint little town but I will be returning with out a cast and wheel chair to hit the tiny boutiques and antique stores.














The Railroad club my dad participates in had a float and he and my boy got to ride and wave in. Elijah was overjoyed! I was propped up on a balcony, freezing my feet off, but I was able to get a great view and snap a few shots of his enormous smile!












The parade was so fun. A small town feel but with a nice size crowd, lot's of friendly smiles and just an overall wonderful vibe through the entire event. I'm so glad we were able to go and even more excited for E's experience.














Small town parades are the best!

Not giving up

Dang.

You ever experience a time when all signs point to "YES" and what you've been hoping and praying for is so close you can taste it then BAM! someone or something throws a wrench in the plan and it appears to be a dead end instead?

Sucks, huh.

That's where I am this morning. Discouraged but not giving up hope.
A few inspirational quotes from pinterest,
a read of Psalm 43,
regroup and keep on truckin.












After all...

It's beginning to look a little like....

I did my best to capture him putting ornaments on the tree from the piano bench.
Now the bottom half of the front of the tree is decorated. :)












I hope you're savoring every moment of the Christmas season.

I got myself a new Christmas CD , We took E to see The Polar Express at the IMAX last night, decorations are slowly but surely getting pulled out of the garage...I do love Christmas.

The window light got me off the couch

From my domain on the couch I spotted E playing with his train in a lovely patch of window light spilling into the kitchen.
The light was so sweet I had to...
I slung my camera around my neck, grabbed my crutches and hobbled over.












These are all SOC.
I started to convert them into b/w because of his attire.
You can see he's dressing himself these days.
Those yellow sweats are a favorite of his even though they are 2 sizes too small. The warm light and his warm skin didn't remain in the b/w so I left them as is.









In other news:

I had my check in earlier this week and got a new cast. They let you pick a color and I chose blue because it's my son's favorite. One of my super cool, creative girlfriends had a vision of cookie monster and came over to bring it to fruition.

The result: Coolest Cast Ever.

Wildlife Thursday

Since I can't get up and take photos I'll post some more from the Wildlife
Sanctuary in Namibia. After all I did promise more. Enjoy!