Brag Alert

I know I already posted about Jay's wonderful work but I had to add to it. Last night we went up to the house with the pond to photograph everything at night. Jay does a lot of creative "Lightscaping" and this home's property was a dream to do for him. It definitely seems unreal when you walk up to the pond, the lights create such depth and beauty. There are lights that simulate moonlight shining down on the lawn, specialty lights shining up, Level of brightness, color of light...it goes on and on. All that this means is that when you walk up to the pond you feel like you are somewhere magical. Wish I could bring you there but the photos will have to suffice


This is a shot from the home's driveway. Even from out in the street you can see a little bit of the feature.

Jay seems to know which trees to feature and then designs around them. Here he added a softer light to the rocks at the base of the tree as well as some lights going up the tree. It just looks amazing as you walk up on it.

This is one of my favorite shots and spots. Just sitting there in the evening would be a joy. I don't know, maybe the homeowners will find me out there every once in awhile LOL. The landscape designer's pond stalking wife.

Uppercase living alert

I finally got a chance to go through my starter kit for Uppercase living and decided to play with a word for my front door. UL has a pack of transfers to use on your door for each season of the year. There is a Happy Harvest for Fall, an Enchanted Spells sign for Halloween and so on. I decided to put the Welcome on our main door. I was amazed at how easily it went on and how great it looks. I can see this is going to be dangerous... don't stand still next to me or you may end up with something rubbed on to your forehead ;)

Boasting Post

Ok, If you don't like smarmy boasting posts just pass on by. I am so impressed with Jay's creativity and skill in design. The other day I went to visit him on a job. He had designed a pond and series of waterfalls for a client not too far from home and I wanted to see them. I could not believe that this pond was not naturally in this backyard- It was just so well laid out. He has also been working on the lighting and I will head there one evening once he is done with it to get some night shots. But just look at how beautiful this project is- jay you are awsome!

Andiamo Bike Ride

This morning was the Andiamo Bike Ride heading out from Creskill. Jay is one of the sponsers of the ride and her always gets a group to meet up at his shop before heading to the ride. This morning there were over 30 motorcycles there before 8:30. A quick bite of a bagel, sip of a coffee and they head off to meet up with the thousands of other riders. This year SHelby rode with her dad and I grabbed a few shots before heading to church.

Women Of Faith- Philadelphia

Its that time of year again... the time when I pack up with a group of friends and head to some city to attend a WOF conference. This year it was Philadelphia again. We went to the Franklin Institute of Science to see King Tut- see if you can recognize my friends on the pendulum staircase..You win a prize if you do. This weekend is really about Christian Fellowship with these ladies and I am so thankful I am able to make it.

Those little blobs up there really are my friends

Carol and Leah enjoy a wonderful, strike that, nutritious, strike that, edible?, box lunch

This weekend isn't about the food, its not about the museum, its not about anything more than spending some time with friends learning more about our relationship with Christ Jesus, Amen!

Downtown South Philly

On Friday, after the daytime class but before the Conference start there is a few hours to kill. We have learned to jump on the Broad Street line of the subway and head out for an early dinner. We found a great Italian restaurant Called Crimiti (I think) that is in a building that once had been a church. There is a beautiful stained glass window in the dining room and they serve wonderful food. Before heading in for dinner we took a walk up broad street. Not sure what is in the water there but we found a hospital and 6, count them 6 funeral homes... does not speak well for the hospital that 2 of them were just across a street from them. Here are some shots from our walk...

 

2 of the funeral homes were right next to each other

 

 

There are always guests who come and speak or perform at each conference. This year there were a number of them. Dr Henrey Cloud spoke about achieving the dreams that God has given you, Mandissa shared her testimony and sang (can you say WOW?), Nichole Nordiman sang (What beautiful music and meaningful lyrics, "I Am" just about cried me out it was so beautiful), Sandy Patti, and Anita Renfrew( A Depends moment girl) what an incredible lineup this weekend

 

Dr Cloud

 

Mandissa

 

Nichole Nordiman

Patsy, Marilyn and Luci

It is no secret that these three women are some of my favorites from the whole conference- Patsy is just a tiny bundle of amazing energy. Her story of breaking free form the fears that filled her life is so inspiring. Her recollections are so funny, her mannerisms are hysterical and yet her message hits home hard. I have learned so much from her - like don't drink a lot of water prior to her session- you just might laugh too hard.

 

Marilyn is a brilliant woman who has a quirky sense of humor. You just know I have to love someone with a quirky sense of humor. But in all her off beat anecdotes she really teaches you great lessons. Her understanding of people make her sessions so worthwhile.

 

And Luci... Wonderfully adventourous Luci. As much as I would like to spend time with any and all of the women from Women of Faith, Luci is the one I think I would have the most fun with. She is creative, a photographer and a great traveler. Her ability to teach you with simple but funny stories makes it worth the wait for her session. One might wonder why I chose this seemingly unattractive shot of her but if you were albe to listen to her story this conference you would quickly recognize her imitation of a man she met at a meeting.

 

Sandy Patti was amazing- no surprise. She can really belt out a song.

 

And final shots of my friends- inside the conference...

 

and out. So long Philadelphia, we had a great time

 

Head shots

When I signed up for the Photo Walk (http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/169824/)I got an email requesting a head shot for a security badge. I had to laugh... I always take pictures of people but get one of myself? And one that would make a good head shot? Yeah Right! So this morning I headed outside with my tripod and camera set on timer, a head shot to get. Would that you could have seen me.. it was too funny. As you can tell by the first shot, there is a learning curve on how much time you have to press the shutter and get into place. I realized I was aiming too high and did not have enought time to scramble over the rocks, through the bushesand onto the rock bridge ( I know.. I think I am 18 and in the best of shape- oh what a rude awakening.) Take 2, or was it 10....OOOOOPPPPS, zoomed in a little too much on that one. Phew... this was hard work, it was hot, I was sweaty and my hair was now about 5 feet high on its own. Inside to get a hair band and try it in there... then onto the porch. I am sure the drivers of the cars passing by were laughing as I would keep jumping from the camera to a chair. After about 26 shots I finally got one that would work. Forget that old saying that a lawyer who represents themselves has a fool for a client- a photographer who shoots their own portrait is just plain crazy.

 

 

 

Woodcliff Lake Fireworks

Last night our town held a night of fireworks in a local park. Jay has been involved in the running of this each time the town does it. His ability to organize everything and get things going is always amazing to me. This year was no different. The fireworks display was nothing short of spectacular and even the hard to please people who were sitting in front of where I was stationed ended up being pleased (All they were talking about before the show started was when would this start...how long will it last...how many more people would be showing up, yadda yadda yadda.) I felt that this year was the best yet and I was so proud of Jay and all his hard work. Following are a few of the shots I took during the show but none really does credit to how great it all was.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finale

The whole show was pretty amazing but the finale was spectacular. At one point there were so many different exploding colors over my head I truly felt like I was inside of a kalidoscope. Well done Jay, well done!