Nebraska Corn fields during the summer
The clouds in Nebraska take on a life of their own and offer a landscape panorama that takes your breath away
This year is my daughters first year at prom. She did what all teenage girls do before prom, searched for her dress (bought it online), had her nails done, her hair done and then had her Mom take way too many pictures before prom.
Elmwood-Murdock does prom a little different than the bigger schools where kids rent limos which takes them to dinner and prom. The school prom committee raises money throughout their high school years and rents coach buses which picks the kids up at the school, where everyone rides together to a dinner, dance, and then takes them to the after prom party. This years prom was held at Dave and Busters in Omaha.
Students walk out of the school on a red carpet while parents get a chance to take pictures paparazzi style. Really a lot of fun, at least from the Mom perspective. Enjoy the images of the Elmwood-Murdock 2012 Prom.
Red Carpet Walk at Prom 2012
Glamorous Hollywood Walk at Prom 2012
My daughters yellow Prom Dress and corsage
Blue Prom Dress with Sequins
Prom Dress Fashion Shoot
By the way, all these images were edited in Lightroom 4 (still in the 30 day trial period) starting with the RAW files. I seriously miscalculated the exposure and almost all the images were over exposed. I am now soooo super impressed with Lightroom capabilities.
Oops, did I really say that? Flower porn? Oh, I said it again. I’m really into Flower porn (not human kind so stop there if you are and just leave), which is very close up shots of naked reproductive parts of flowers, the stamen and pistils. I just can’t help it, I have to not only look but point my camera at those intimate detailed parts.
Week 12: Tulip flower porn
Some of my favorite flowers to expose are Irises, check out my shots fromlast year.
Iris's Galore
Macro Peony
I don’t ever remember wearing shorts in March, not in Nebraska anyway. But when the temperature reaches into the 80′s the winter not only do the white legs come out, but the trees start blooming.
A photographer client told me last week he had just returned from the Smokie Mountains where the cherry blossoms were already at their peak. Six weeks early. By the time the Cherry Blossom Festival arrives there won’t be any flowers.
Not sure what species of tree this is, but it was pretty, and in honor of spring it’s my photo of the week.
Yes, I admit it, I love Pinterest. Maybe because I’m such a visual person. Half the time I search Google by Google images, so why didn’t I think of Pinterest? I have a Favorite Foods (surprised, not) board that I’m going to have to divide into sub categories pretty soon.
Below is my rendition of the Low Fat Baked Onion Rings. I had my doubts that oven backed rings would be crunchy. Not only did I like them, but so did every one else. They were soooooo good. Thanks to Skinnytaste.com for posting them originally
Since I adapted the recipe a little (don’t I always) I posted my own picture, but if you want to check out the original visit my Favorite Food board
Lorie Line During Lenten Vespers
My favorite church season of the year is Lent. It’s the time of reflection and I get to play the piano in church every Wednesday night. Lorie Line is my favorite pianist and has amazing piano arrangements just perfect for Lent.
I have played the piano for Lenten services at for Trinity Lutheran Church since 1997 (I think) and sometimes I think I should change up my music. But I keep going back to the Heritage Collection II because I love these standard hymns. They are friends, they give me comfort. I played this book during a very stressful time in my life and sitting at the piano at the front of the church listening to the reading of the passion served as a therapy.
Hymn included in the Heritage Collection
I have played this book from front to back and most pieces are at the intermediate level and have a strong arpeggio style which is easy to play but very stylish and sounds wonderful.
As the journey of Jesus takes me through Lent, Good Friday and Easter I am humbled, I pray for peace, I glory at the promise of resurrection on Good Friday and celebrate Christ resurrection on Easter.
Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s
It’s that time of year again. March 1st, the day I can officially enjoy a Shamrock Shake (ok I bought this last night, I couldn’t resist) I’m also not one to be trending either, but on Twitter, #ShamrockShake is the promoted trend today. According to McDonald’s 2012 is the first year the Shamrock Shake is available nationwide. Wow, didn’t know that.
Last year I learned a few historical facts about the Shamrock Shake. Maybe those in the Midwest don’t relate, but since it was originally released in Connecticut I have very fond memories at an early age.
Why is it that a mint flavored shake is so tasty? I mean really. Mint? Should make you pucker just at the thought. But McDonald’s has found that magical combination of sweet, smooth and minty in one combination that is just delectable.
There is such a passion for this frosty drink a website tracks the appearance every year. Shamrockshake.com tracks the locations where they can be found, and yes, I added the McDonald’s 1-80 Gretna Exit to the list.
So until they run out enjoy the “Luck of the Irish” and St. Patricks Day with a Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s.
17 Birthday Candles
My daughter turned 17 this month and it’s one more year closer to independence, one more day closer to college and one more year closer to moving into a dorm. Every day brings me closer to the day where my “baby” won’t be within hugging distance. It seems that with every year comes remarkable changes that leaves me in awe.
College brochures arrive in the mail, scholarships , ACT tests, all signs of the future to come. Right now I’m just going to bask in the glow of the candles of my daughters burning light and enjoy the short time I have left and enjoy each day.
Week 4: Project 52
In honor of National Chocolate Day, National Candy Day, or Valentines day (hey you pick, I don’t need an excuse for chocolate) I’m presenting one of my favorite candy recipes. Chocolate covered cherries. They are a favorite and even people who say they don’t like chocolate covered cherries like these.
I normally make them at Christmas, but this year was a little busy and these take a little time. It’s not a mad almond bark dipping marathon with these delicacies. Enjoy, I don’t think mine will make it to Valentines Day
Ingredients
Directions
Don’t have the patience, or time, or ambition to try them yourself, then you can buy Chocolate Covered Cherries and no one will complain. a
Week 3: Project 52 Nebraska Sunset
I think I’ve found a theme for my Project 52. My commute to work. Some people hate the commute into work, it’s stressful fighting traffic and dealing with road rage. I love my commute, it’s relaxing and inspirational. The vista of the open sky throw colors and clouds that can just take your breath away.
The first fifteen minutes of my drive takes me on rural roads and highways where I might see a dozen cars in a twelve mile span of road. When I can see four tail lights in a three mile stretch of road ahead it’s considered rush hour in the country.
In my mental preparation for work I think of the day ahead and at the end of the day the images I’ve seen from various photographers inspire me to look for my next great image. I’m hoping to develop a better eye, and learn more about my new camera.
So, be prepared for lots of Nebraska scenery, wildlife (deer, turkeys), livestock (mainly cows), fences, barns, and some trees (yes Nebraska has trees). Throughout the year I will deviate from my theme, as family activities and events take place. But my goal this year is to improve my photography to the point where I can create framed art and canvases for my new house.
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