A quote: “It’s good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”  Ursula K. LeGuin

Something personal: It’s been a while.  I know.  A long while actually.  The fall was busy and then I fell off the photography planet and into another world, otherwise known as “my life.”  I’ve spent time with my family, time cooking (and even BAKING), I joined a running club with the goal of running my first 10K in March, I’m eating healthier.  I have also been spending time being creative in other ways that give me joy, like planning ridiculously cute details for Jake’s third birthday party (even though it will be super small) and thinking of ideas for Kylie’s possible “Pirate Birthday Party” in March, and even MY fiesta in April — the BIG FOUR-O!!  In short, I’ve been enjoying a life of what some people would call “leisure” and I’m trying not to feel guilty about it.  Would you believe I actually started designing MY OWN family album from our beach session last October?  *GASP*  All of these things happen between carpool, laundry, dishes, childcare, and husband-care (is that a word), but I have enjoyed every minute.

I cannot promise when things will get back into full swing for Tiny Heart Studios, as I’m taking a little break right now.  I have some other projects in the works, one involving the Atlanta Children’s Shelter.  And I thought I would share a recent project that got my work on the cover of the 2012 Winter/Spring WHERE Atlanta Street Map & Visitors Guide!  I did some pictures of some well known Atlanta landmarks and this one was picked up by the Publisher of Where Atlanta.

The original image:

And the map:

Here are a couple other images – the Atlanta Fish Market and one from the World of Coca-Cola:

I don’t really consider nature/landscape to be my specialty, but I had fun dabbling.  ;)

Something helpful: So maybe I’m behind the times, but I rarely (if ever) go to YouTube for anything.  I joined the facebook wave, and I do have several Pinterest Boards, including one dedicated to what my dream home (specifically the kitchen) would look like!  But, I guess I always thought of YouTube as a venue for a bunch of teenagers to make videos of themselves doing silly things.  I know, I know, it’s SO MUCH MORE.

So for anyone else who is maybe a little like me, and just doesn’t think of YouTube as super helpful, here are a couple videos that I think ARE pretty cool.

Recently I linked over to this video about how to curl your hair with a curling iron and it was really quite helpful.  The link, of course, was from Pinterest.  That got me wondering how many other helpful videos might be out there – and there’s A LOT!

Gordan Ramsay taught me how to chop an onion (I was doing it all wrong)

This one showed me a MUCH better way to cut a bell pepper into strips

And the parents that caught this on video and put it on YouTube should be given a hefty sum of money.  Hilarious!

That’s all for now!  Happy Monday!!!

A quote: Tradition is the illusion of permanence. -Woody Allen

Something personal:  What an interesting quote by Woody Allen.  After giving it some thought, I can truly understand the sentiment.  My view of tradition has always been centered around the holidays and various milestone events.  In my quest to have special traditions, I often find myself wondering what I’m so obsessed with.  Ah-ha!  My quest for things to always stay the same.  I became more obsessed with creating these traditions as my children started growing up.  Jeff often gave me the “what’s the big deal” speech when I would obsess about something as simple as what would be for breakfast on Christmas morning.  Of COURSE it’s a BIG DEAL!  I want my kids to do the same thing, year after year, and maybe then, JUST MAYBE, they will never grow up and leave…… or forget about me!!!  It’s funny, I just thought of that — but it must be what I’ve been thinking all along.   And, in hindsight, I didn’t have too many traditions growing up so it could just as well be a childhood issue for me.   Anyway, probably too much information, but just thought I would share.  :)  And on that note, here is a tradition that I started when Jeff and I got married.  I bought my first Swarovski snowflake in 2004 to hang on our tree, and I’ve bought one every year since then.  The process of opening each ornament and putting it on the tree reminds me of how far we’ve come in our 7 short years of marriage.  I feel very, very lucky.

And another tradition….. attempting to get a cute picture of my kids for our Christmas card…. not so pleasant.   I had this crazy idea that I would get some fake snow and have them lay on the ground with their heads opposite each other and get the perfect smiling photo.  I forgot to have them put coats and hats on (in my rush to do this in 10 minutes) which makes the “snow” seem kind of silly.  And Jake refused to lay “upside down” next to Kylie, which destroyed my vision.   So, our xmas card will have something else deemed more perfect (HA!) and I thought I would share this picture, cuz it did turn out cute!  :)

Cool Shopping Find:  I ordered this Mini Air Hockey table from the Land of Nod for the kids for Christmas, and I can’t wait to watch them play!  It’s a great deal for just $69.95 and free shipping too!  :)

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

A quote: No cowboy was ever faster on the draw than a grandparent pulling a baby picture out of a wallet. -Author Unknown

Something personal: ‘Tis the season…..to be busy, right?  I’m not even sure that I ever posted Halloween pictures (or Thanksgiving pictures) on my blog, and Christmas is RIGHT around the corner!  Sheesh!  We really are enjoying the season though, despite all of the hustle and bustle.  A few weeks ago, Nana and Grandpa came to town for Grandparents Day at Kylie’s school.  She was soooooooo happy they both came, and I think everyone had a wonderful time.  I snapped these pictures of Kylie and Nana making cookies that afternoon, and when I looked at them on my computer I was struck by how grown up Kylie looks.  I still see her as my sweet baby girl, but I know she’s getting bigger (and smarter) every day.  At times I forget how much she is capable of doing herself.

And just a few short years ago…..

Happy Monday!!!

Enjoy!

My niece, Ally.  Wonder what she’s thinking??

Kylie and Jake.  I think he needs another year to adjust.  ;)

Ho-ho-ho!!

A quote: I am thankful. -Crystal James

Something personal: I am on vacation this week (and I created this post ahead of time!).  I will be visiting some extended family (and friends) and spending time with my kids and husband.  There’s not much more I could be grateful for…… except maybe Thanksgiving dinner!  ;)

Here are some more of the wonderful pictures Andrea Halsey took of my family during our beach vacation.  Beautiful times, beautiful memories!

Until next week…… Happy Thanksgiving!

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

A quote: For disappearing acts, it’s hard to beat what happens to the eight hours supposedly left after eight of sleep and eight of work. -Doug Larson

Something personal:  Can I have some more please?  More time that is.  It seems to be doing quite a disappearing act lately.  In between complaining about not having enough time, I am trying to appreciate the time I do have (instead of thinking about all the other things that I should be doing).  This is especially true when I’m with my kiddos.   Having a flexible schedule is great most of the time.  But when there is more work than there is time (which is often), I find myself distracted no matter what I’m doing.  If I’m working, I’m thinking about my husband, kids, house, chores, etc.  When I’m taking care of my kids, husband, house and chores, I’m thinking about my work.  Then, if there is any time left, I might complain about not having any time for myself.  Sounds awful.  But it isn’t really.  I’m living the dream.  I have my health, the best hubby in the world, two awesome kids, and I live in this big beautiful home…. the list goes on.  I have it good.  Really good.  Nothing to complain about at all.  Well, except for maybe that lack of time thing…..  ;)

So last Friday Jake and I spent the morning together.  We explored this really pretty park I found, and he let me take a few pictures of him.  It was nice.  Really nice.

Simon says “put your hands up!”

A cool shopping find: In the spirit of the holidays coming up, here are a couple more cute stocking stuffer ideas I found at the Container Store:

My kids love flashlights, so these wobbly Chill Pill Lights would be a hit!  $4.99 for a 2-pack

For those who like variety, the Designer iPhone 4 Case (each case includes two silicone inserts to change the color). $32.99 (3-piece set).

I would love these Clip-Tabs since I have a dedicated “idea” binder where I write down everything.  I’m currently using sticky tabs or notes – which look pretty messy.  This would be much more stylish!  $3.49 for 36

Clip Tabs

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

A quote:  “You are the apple of my eye.”  - I have no idea where it came from, but here’s the meaning: Originally meaning the central aperture of the eye. Figuratively it is something, or more usually someone, cherished above others.

And so, I wanted to share a cute collage I did for one of my clients.  Because this little girl is definitely the “apple of their eyes.”  :)   Shown in the Mary Ann style frame from The Organic Bloom (available in my studio).  I think it would look really nice in dark brown as well, but I didn’t have the digital file with that color.  ;)

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

As I sit here working and stalking, err I mean waiting patiently, for MY family portrait session to be posted on another photographers blog, I know how hard it is to wait after a session to see pictures.  So, here is your sneak peek Suzanne!  And a few extras to tide you over!  Thanks for your patience!  XOXO

A quote:  Vacation used to be a luxury, but in today’s world it has become a necessity.  - Author unknown

Something personal: As many people know, we recently took a family vacation to the beach.  October is a difficult time for a vacation due to my crazy fall portrait schedule and Jeff’s 4th quarter travel schedule.  However, since Kylie started Kindergarten this year we wanted to work around her Fall Break.  I forgot how nice it feels to do “nothing” all day.  Mostly because I never, ever, EVER, do nothing.  It’s impossible for me.  We went to the beach every day, but the last day was the best.  A high of 80 degrees, full sun, and a whole day with nothing to do.  Bliss.  Kylie had her friend Ainslee to play with and Jake loved the sand and water so much, we barely heard a peep from him.  Unfortunately, my point and shoot had a dead battery and I didn’t feel like bringing my BEAST to the beach everyday, so most of our vacation was documented with the new iPhone 4s.  Over the last few years I’ve come to accept that all of my family pictures don’t have to be perfect.  As long as the story is there, and the moment is captured, I’m happy.

So here is a collage of my perfectly imperfect iPhone vacation pics, edited on my iPhone with Instagram.  :)

And here are a few pics of the girls on the beach, taken with the BEAST!  :)

A cool shopping find: I’m a little behind on my Pinterest boards, but I found these cute stocking stuffers in the Chasing Fireflies catalog.  Just thought I would share.  I’m trying to get ahead this year…..  :)

Some all-natural Piggy Paint xmas polish:

Holiday Pez Set:

Festive Hands Temporary Tattoos:

Construction Plate & Tools:  Jake would LOVE this!  I thought it might be a fun gift for him.

** All pictures from the Chasing Fireflies Website.

****HAPPY HALLOWEEN*****

Enjoy your sneak peek!  :)