Posts Tagged ‘ Family ’

Where’s Amy?

August 25, 2012
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Thanks to those who have questioned my whereabouts.  I’m alive, well, and still living in New Hampshire.

I have made some changes (btw, change is good).  I’ve changed my career direction and pick-up the camera part-time now.  I’ve been welcomed in the corporate world and love it!  For the last several months I’ve been transitioning into my new career and a lot of my energy has been devoted to this direction.

Just recently, I’ve returned from taking a vacation with family in FL.  Did I bring my camera?  Of course, I did!  What better opportunity to clean off the cob webs and use family as a guinea pig.

During my visit, I saw my talented nephew, David Simoneau, perform at the Tin Cow.  I brought my off-camera flash and captured DJ while he sang his heart out.

 

 Check out DJ’s latest competition entry: Mree / David Simoneau Competition Entry

 

Now that I’m becoming more grounded with my new career and direction, I will turn some of my creative energy towards updating my blog more often.

Thanks to my followers! :)

Father’s Day

June 18, 2011
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Happy Father’s Day to all of those who have raised or are raising their children.  This Sunday is your day.

I remember the day my father took me fishing for the first time.  The experience of hooking the squirming worm on the line… Spending long hours in a rowboat staring at the white/red bobber at the end of my fishing line… Waiting to test my reflexes while half asleep… Learning to reel the line in without hooking the bottom of the pond…

I had more surprises with capturing muck, sticks, and aged litter at the bottom of the pond, than an actual fish.  After many casts and friendly reminders on how to keep my line from dragging the bottom of the pond, I finally caught my first fish.  My dad was there… congratulating me on my “real” catch while encouraging me to stay with it (Keeping me focused on reeling my catch in).  As the fish got closer to the boat and visible under the water, my father reach over and grabbed the fishing line and guided the fish out of the water to avoid it from hitting the side of the boat.  Once the fish was brought on board, my father held the line and fish while bringing it closer for me to observe.  I starred, studied, and touched my first catch.  How big was it?  It was big enough to feed an eight year old girl. :)  I thought it was big enough to eat, but as my father carefully unhooked the fish and released it back in the water, I realized there are bigger fish to catch.  This was one of many moments shared between my father and me.

A shared accomplishment after learning from one of my best teachers…  Thanks Dad

Early morning fisherman on Powder Mill Pond. Greenfield,NH.

Dedication

May 8, 2011
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Not just another Encore Dance Recital.  

What brings me here?  Family and dedication.  My niece, Kaela, has been a dedicated dancer for Encore Dance in Pittsfield, NH.  This event was extra special for her.  She received a trophy honoring her ten years of commitment and practice toward dance.

It truly amazes me of the amount of dedication, not only from the students, but within the families.  It’s not just another show of what these students can do… It’s the hours of practice devoted from each student and the time and money invested from each family member every year.  Whether it’s transportating to and from each class, missing out on other opportunities, or each family member conforming to the schedule, it’s all worth congratulating.  So congratulations to the students and each family member for another year of dedication to dance!

It’s always a great joy to watch these talented young kids perform.  Since this isn’t my first attendance at an Encore Dance recital, I continue to have the privilege to watch the returning dancers advance in their performance and grow-up into adulthood.

Family Portrait

May 4, 2011
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A group photo with my three dogs.  How hard can it be to get all of them together?  Believe me, it’s hard to do.

 

After playing fetch numerous times with the dogs to tucker them out, I managed to find two of my three dogs sitting next to each other out on the lawn.  I went in between them, trying not to disrupt them, as I coaxed the third dog to join us for a group photo.  It work!!  I obviously couldn’t have gotten this picture without a good friend holding the camera, making composition, and enjoying the capture.  Unfortunately, no light modifiers and no fill light to cut in on the harsh sunlight.  So I went with some Photoshop tips I learned from Matt Kloskowski.

How do you get dogs to reposition themselves without losing one, two, or all three of them for a family picture?  Where’s my assistant?! Sometimes you just have to grab the moment as it arrives and maybe, just maybe, you’ll have the time to reposition dogs who are more interested in a tennis ball, not another unceasing moment of sitting still. Timing is everything.  Unfortunately, three dogs living on dog years’ time find a three minute photo shoot more like an eternity.

 

 

 

 

Long Winter Nights

March 9, 2011
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This post is dedicated to my brother, Dave.
This long Winter is almost over.
I share with you my favorite photo I took in January 2011. This photo has so much more meaning than just icicles, stars, and the moon with “good exposure”. I remember how cold it was the night I took this photograph. Before opening the door to head outside with my camera, I thought to myself how beautiful the night was without realizing how brutal the elements outside could be without mittens, a winter jacket zipped up, and a hat to keep my ears warm. In this photo, I was looking to capture my perspective of the winter nights here in New Hampshire. Little did I know, this photo I took was the beginning of a long, cold, snow-filled season.

It’s March now, and the cold nights and challenges with snow/ice are finally coming to an end. I’m optimistic plowing and shoveling are no longer a priority to getting to work in the morning. The last several nights I’ve been looking to the sky with a smile of hope knowing Spring is near. I’m anxiously waiting to hear the birds sing in the morning and for me to spend more time outdoors without my jacket zipped up.

For each day that passes, it’s clear to me better weather and better days are ahead.