Cassie Tedder

Spring...I can't wait for you to arrive!

2012-02-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

Ranunculus...the perfect picture of spring. I've been working on several spring series from images I took last year, as I get excited for what this spring will bring. I can't wait!

Fall Finds- A Time to Reminisce...

2012-02-02T08:51:00.000-08:00

I love fall...and I LOVE spring. Since it's currently neither, I have been thinking about them both and have been working on creating something interesting out of my old pics from my favorite seasons last year...

My new favorite textures...

from the Historic Sam Davis Home, 2011

To The Cotton Fields...

2012-02-02T08:48:00.000-08:00

The Historic Sam Davis Home, TN 2011

Franklin Christmas Festival & Sale...Don't miss it!

2011-12-01T14:43:00.000-08:00

Have you been wanting to give unique gifts for Christmas this year? Well, this is your perfect chance to pick up locally, hand-crafted artwork, while also enjoying a long-time holiday tradition in Nashville, TN!
Plus, part of your purchase will go to support AYD Ministries,
providing basic necessities for women and children rescued from human trafficking!

Come visit me at my art booth for my BIGGEST SALE of the year:

The Dickens of a Christmas Festival in Franklin, TN.

Dec. 10-11th, (Sat 10-5pm & Sun 12-5pm)

(More info on Historic Franklin Dickens of a Christmas here )

Family and friends that come out will enjoy a special DISCOUNT on any purchase at the event!

Be the first to see my new products...

beautifully framed fine art photography pieces, with both vintage and modern flares, home decor, window paintings, greeting cards, and more!

Here's a little sneak peak...

there is more where that's coming from : )...hope to see you there!

Gallery Exhibit, featuring Cassie Tedder Photography

2011-11-07T07:51:00.000-08:00

Come out and support the arts and the local artists in Nashville & Rutherford County at the:

Springhouse Gallery- Fall 2011 Exhibit

Opening Reception on Saturday, November 19, 2011, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, featuring Cassie Tedder Photography & Local Artists!

Springhouse Gallery, 14119 Old Nashville Highway Smyrna, TN

Come and bring your family and friends to the 2nd Annual Visual Arts Exhibition Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony, and VOTE for your favorite in the three categories, for PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS! We will have light refreshments, fabulous Visual Art and Music, Door Prizes and Awards, great conversation and more! Come and be inspired. See you there!

Woods & Sunset Photo Shoot

2011-11-02T12:44:00.000-07:00

Woods & Sunset - Images by Cassie Tedder

Such a beautiful evening in the woods and aren't these girls just stunning!?! Such a fun shoot!

a fall surprise

2011-11-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, I woke up...looked out....and was so happy: Fog everywhere!

I love fog. It's like a little surprise that you never know when you are going to get. But every now and then, it comes to visit and shows up at your door.

I was so happy I actually was able to capture it this time...and fall's beautiful colors made it even more picturesque!

Pop Up Photo Shoot!

2011-10-15T07:44:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the:

Life Point's Got Talent, Life Point Church, Smyrna, TN

Saturday, October 22, 6pm-8pm

You will get to:

-Pick between three awesome backdrops

-Use any of our fun, silly, vintage & fashion props provided

-Do as many poses as you want in 5 minutes

-Have tons of fun

...and in 1-2 weeks you will receive all your professionally edited images!

Come out and experience the fun...see you there!

Weekend Getaway in Birmingham - Sweet Spots & Affordable Vacationing

2011-08-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

HELLO, Birmingham!

Although our summer was both brutal and bizarre (see my previous post), there were several highlights!

My amazing hubby planned the most wonderful birthday/anniversary weekend in Birmingham, Alabama. I have always wanted to visit, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it there.

First off we read at the industrial park until we could check into our hotel (my husband got an amazing deal for two nights at an awesome hotel on Priceline - over 60% off!)

Quick fact: one of my husband's least favorite things to do is shop.

So...the fact he took me shopping for my birthday was a big deal and quite the show of love! He even figured out all the places he wanted to take me to....did I say places??? Yes!!! He took me to several shops and let me shop to my hearts content (with a budget of course). He got discounts for some of the shops too- 50% off from Living Social and Groupon. I'm telling you, he really worked hard to make this amazing and financially affordable!

First on the list was this adorable boutique, Charm.

Charm is a small shop, but packed full of goodies. I had a difficult time deciding between my top two picks (because I loved everything in the store!): an adorable scarf and a vintage necklace. I picked the necklace and to my surprise, they wrapped it up inside the cutest vintage popcorn bag! That vintage cash register, pictured above, is also the one they actually use to check you out with! I LOVED that! Shops like this make it high on my list, because they add such unique little touches to your shopping experience. To top it all off, we talked with the store owner for over 30 minutes and it was the most down to earth, delightful visit. Nothing says charming quite like all that!

We also hit up the Garage Cafe, a local bar and restaurant. I wish I had brought my camera because it was easily one of the coolest looking patios I have ever seen. Check out more of their pics, like the one below, here. Surrounding the entire patio are old buildings FULL of vintage items and garage "junk"...what I would do to thrift through that place! It was truly a unique experience-well worth seeing.

We visited the Botanical Gardens...which was free, by the way (on a roll here)! It was spectacular, in both size and variety. I can only imagine how stunning it is in the spring! If it had not have been so sweltering hot, we would have perused the grounds for hours.

We happened to run into my now, all-time-favorite coffee shop, [urban] Standard. Right across from Charm, it is the coolest coffee shop ever (in my opinion : ). Not only is the food and drink funky, delicious, and affordable, the place is decorated to eclectic perfection! It has the perfect mixture of modern, vintage, rustic, dainty...with personality and warmth. I am not much of a coffee shop goer, but this would be a hot spot for me if I lived in Birmingham.

Before heading back home, we finished off our weekend getaway with a bang...with lunch at Sirin of Thailand. We enjoyed the best Thai food we have ever tasted. It made us want more and more and more...so we bought a ton of Thai ingredients the following week for dinner meals.

Here is the best Thai coconut spicy soup...

Farewell, Birmingham...it sure was lovely! We hope to be back soon!

Love,

I Miss New Mexico

2011-08-25T12:00:00.000-07:00

I came across some old pictures today while I was cleaning out my hideously gigantic files (ugh...so much fun, I must say...but it must be done every now and again). I was overjoyed to find some great pictures in the process though. I even found some that I took at the very beginning of my interest and experimentation with digital photography. It was fun to see those!

But the ones of New Mexico made me stop dead in my, for the most part, quite tedious task. I let out a deep sigh and went, "Oh man...oh my goodness...it is beautiful there!

Here you go:

See what I mean? Geez...it's so awesome! These were taken the week before I got married. Most of our wedding party and my family went up to Tent Rocks to take in some good ol' New Mexican air...or lack of air, considering the elevation.

Fun Little Fact: You start at about 5,731 feet and end at about 6,300 feet.

Great hike...and beautiful, simply beautiful!

Finding Peace in a Most Unusual & Difficult Summer

2011-08-18T13:52:00.000-07:00

I usually post very little in the summer because I take a break from most of my art and business to rejuvenate and spend time with my hubby. However, due to unusual circumstances, I was unable to post a single thing! My apologies.

My husband and I were greatly looking forward to canoe trips, days at the lake, hiking through the woods and enjoying the outdoors to it's fullest this summer. But we made it the lake once and actually stayed inside 95% of the time! My husband got sick right off the bat. It turned into a severe case of pneumonia, and he was sick for 6 weeks. Immediately after he recovered, I got sick and have had bronchitis for 4 weeks now. On top of that, I had two adverse reactions to medicines I had to take, one of which put me in the emergency room, and the other left me unable to walk for several days. We also walked along-side several of our dear friends and family through tragedy and far more difficult circumstances than our own. In addition, we hosted people in our home for over 3 months, had lots of unexpected medical bills, two car breakdowns (one that I am so thankful turned out as well as it did because it could have been extremely dangerous!) and obviously, a lot more unexpected bills to pay repairs...repairs that ended up costing more than the car is even worth. Once again, everything we had saved was gone in a matter of weeks (I guess that is the point of savings, but still). Needless to say, it was the most unusual summer we have ever had. We did experienced some really great highlights through all that as well (posts to follow...), but it was quite a challenging summer.

For several weeks, I was honestly angry at God. I, for one, was so tired of having ongoing health issues again. But I also felt completely overwhelmed by how difficult life can be. When I was a child, I was sheltered from carrying this weight all the time...and I am incredibly grateful! As an adult, however, I am unable to get over just how broken our world is. Fortunately, through much honest prayer and tears with God, He has taught me a great deal about His peace through all of this.

I received an excellent devotional for my birthday, called Jesus Calling, Enjoying Peace In His Presence, and it was a true answer to prayer. I would highly recommend it!!! It has helped me deeply embrace Jesus as our only hope...and it is meant to be so. Although He does not promise to take away our difficulties (and actually tells us to expect them!), He promises His constant companionship through them. He promises His love, peace, strength, and rest...if we find it in Him alone. He also promises He will work everything out for our good (somehow, even though we can't see it usually), and He promises ultimately, that in the end, we will have an eternity of renewed, restored, and unbroken life with Him.

Here are two excerpts from "Jesus Calling", by Sarah Young that spoke perfectly to my heart this week:

"Anticipate coming face to face with impossibilities: situtaions totally beyond your ability to handle. This awareness of your inadequacy is not something you should try to evade. It is precisely where I want you- the best place to encounter Me in My glory and power. When you see armies of problems marching toward you, cry out to Me! Allow Me to fight for you. Watch Me working on your behalf, as you rest in the shadow of My Almighty presence."
"Come to Me when you are weak and weary...I do not despize your weakness, My child. Actually, it draws Me closer to you, because weakness stirs up My compassion- My yearning to help. Accept yourself in your weariness, knowing that I understand how difficult your journey has been. Do no compare yourself with others, who seems to skip along their life-paths with ease....I have gifted you with fragility, providing opportunities for your spirit to blossom in My Presense....Rather than struggling to disguide or deny your weakness, allow Me to bless you richly through it."

God has completely dissolved my bitterness and has richly blessed me through this unusual summer. He has renewed my trust and reliance upon Him, and He has helped me be at rest in Him, as my Peace.

The best representation of summer to me is Queen Anne's Lace. I was smiling ear to ear when I saw my first queen anne's of the summer! This picture also, named as such, sums up my summer perfectly...

"At Rest", Queen Anne's Lace, Tennessee 2010

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." - Isaiah 26:3

Recent Show with local Nashville RAW Artists

2011-05-31T16:19:00.000-07:00

I got to showcase my work through RAW Artists, an awesome organization who puts together events to showcase local artists of all kinds. It was such a great event, filled with incredible talent and entertainment.

There was fantastic music, fashion, art, and more! Here is just a small sample!

To see more photos and featured artists of the night, go here.

To find out more about RAW Artists, or if you would like to be a featured artist or attend one of their showcases, check out RAW Artists. Check out the Nashville branch here, where my work is also currently featured!

Thank you so much to those that were able to support me and come out to this event!

Photos by Carl Gillespie

NEW Spring Series

2011-05-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

Check out some of my newest spring photos just added to my website!

NEW Spring Series - Images | Cassie Tedder Art & Photography

This Week's Event...INCITE, a RAW Artist Showcase

2011-05-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

TICKETS & INFO: http://www.rawartists.org/nashville/incite/?artistid=13386

***Get your tickets by Monday, May 16^th and don’t miss this amazing night of art and entertainment! Support me by selecting her name in the drop box during check out. You will get the chance to win a FREE 8x10 photo of your choice!***

"Favorite Friday" Feature- Cupcakes and Joy

2011-05-13T15:04:00.000-07:00

"For a Special Day" 2011

I came across this picture this week and it made me so incredibly happy, I had to post it in my favorites! My cousin Brittany made these adorable cupcakes for her sister's b-day (nope, can't take the credit for making these delicious little guys...she deserves it all!). I was so excited about how the picture turned out because I felt it captured the fun and warm feelings you get when you celebrate anything special, especially a loved one's special day!

This Week's "Favorite Friday" Feature- "Tranquility"

2011-05-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

"Tranquility", Radnor Lake in Nashville, TN, 2010

About a year ago, we went to this lake and what a serene sight! I have been very busy for the past month and could use some tranquility, so I decided to feature it in this week's "Favorite Friday" post. I would really like to go there right now- sit on a blanket, surrounded by flowers, listen to the birds sing and watch the fish jump about...right at this very spot. **Sigh. Maybe I can make a trip out there this week. : )

New "Favorite Friday's" Series

2011-04-29T07:15:00.000-07:00

So I've been wanting to do a series of some of my favorite things for a long time now. I think that I have come up with a plan to get me to actually do it, on top of all my other projects. I decided to start a special weekly post called, "Favorite Fridays". Playing off the alliteration may be cheesy, but hey, I think it will be a lot of fun! The more I thought about it, every category I wanted to feature actually started with the letter "f"...family, friends, fun, food, flowers, photos (or at least sounded like it started with "f": ). Anyways, you get the picture. So to add even more alliteration, I thought, why not throw that in too!?! Obviously, not everything featured on "Favorite Fridays" will start with an "f", but I am going to attempt to see how long I can keep it up...just for the fun of it.

This past week, my sister-in-law's were visiting (insert lots of smiles here....I was sooo happy and I love them so much! ), and one of them pointed out a picture she really liked. I like this picture a lot too, but to be honest, I kind of forgot about it. It is a fairly old picture, one I took over 4 years ago. Nonetheless, the picture brought back several great memories and I wanted to feature it for my first "Favorite Friday's" post.

"Out For an Adventure", New Mexico 2004

New Mexico is easily one of my favorite places in the whole world. It is still home to me, even though its been several years since I lived there. I miss those mountains and that beautiful blue sky and all the wildly puffy clouds. I miss the views...and how you can see for miles and miles and miles.

Thanks Makayla for reminding me about this very special picture and as a result, all the warm memories it brought up.

I am itching for an adventure now... : )

ART Showcase Event: INCITE, Mercy Lounge, May 19th 2011

2011-04-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

I was so honored and thrilled to be selected for this showcase and plan to have several of my photographs on display at this event. Please come out and support me and other local artists at this multi-faceted artistic showcase featuring a film screening, musical performance, fashion show, art gallery, performance art and a featured hairstylist and makeup artist. These artists are all local, hand-picked talent who have been chosen and presented by the organization RAW, Natural Born Artists.

Tickets are $10 per person, for a night of diverse and quality entertainment!

By purchasing a ticket and attending this showcase, you support my ongoing effort to produce ART with a POSITIVE MESSAGE: emphasizing hope, healing and the beauty in nature that draws us to the Ultimate Creator. Through this event, I will have the opportunity to showcase my work to thousands of people and use my gift as a way to share my story, be a light, and glorify God in the art community.

Secondly, you support the work of RAW Artists, whose mission is to provide up-and-coming artists with the tools, resources and exposure needed to inspire and cultivate creativity so that they might be seen, heard and loved. RAW educates, connects and exposes emerging artists in 22 artistic communities nationwide through monthly showcase events. Join us in celebrating the work of these artists!

*****For more information and to PURCHASE TICKETS, go to:*****

http://www.rawartists.org/nashville/incite/?artistid=13386

http://www.rawartists.org/view-artists/userprofile/cassietedder

and click on the link, “Buy a ticket for this Artist”

2011 Spring Photo Series Underway...

2011-04-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

I am working on so many spring photos right now. I can't wait to share them with you and add them to my shop. Here is one that I finished today.

Vintage Embroidery Hoop Wall Design for Baby Room

2011-04-04T15:24:00.000-07:00

I got to do the cutest project this month! A mom wanted something funky to add to her soon-to-be baby daughter's room, while sticking to the vintage theme. She already had so many great ideas and wonderful things picked out for the room, but there was one wall in need of something...and something that would really pop. Well...embroidery hoops it is!

She had many special pieces to incorporate, including some of her grandmother's very own embroidery hoops, one of her old baby dresses, lace from her grandmother's wedding dress, and some vintage books, fabrics, and quilts. I made some collages using old music sheets and pages from the storybooks. I also painted a little "C" for her name, and we figured out how to use all the rest of fabrics and special pieces.

Then it was time to add them to the wall. And what a transformation it made!

Before

After

I can't wait to see this little girl enjoying her sweet room soon!

My Etsy Shop Now OPEN!

2011-03-15T19:47:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about my Etsy shop...and the arrival of spring seems like the perfect time to announce it's opening! I currently have photo prints for sale, but I will be listing many more items, as well as additional prints, so check back often. Also, please contact me if you are interested in a custom order or request. To enter my shop, go to www.cassietedder.etsy.com. I hope you enjoy!

What is Etsy???

Etsy is an online market place for artist, crafters, and vintage collectors to showcase and sell their work/pieces. It provides a completely unique shopping experience where you can personally connect with the artist and become a part of its friendly community. It is the perfect place to shop for unique and items or gifts, and in the process you get to know the artist who hand-crafted your item. Check it out by going towww.etsy.com or clicking the link above!

Baby Photoshoot- Cuteness!!!

2011-03-04T07:49:00.000-08:00

I had so much fun doing this shoot and I had the most fun I've ever had editing them. I was laughing and smiling the whole time because they were so cute, I could hardly stand it! I may be a little bias as her and her family hold a very special place in my heart and life, but there is no doubt-she is completely adorable!

Here I did an experimental overlay with Queen Anne's Lace...that hopefully does not take away the priceless expression on her face! : )

To the Clouds

2011-02-28T08:33:00.000-08:00

It is an incredibly dreary day today, so I wanted to post some of these bright and wonderful skies to brighten things up a bit. I also read this verse in my devotions this morning, and it couldn't be more fitting.

"For Your loving kindness is great to the heavens

and Your truth to the clouds.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God;

Let Your glory by above all the earth."

Psalm. 57:10

Artsy Senior Photo Shoot- Part 2

2011-02-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

We created a few inside sets for the second part of this senior photo shoot. It was a blast...and of course Makayla was gorgeous, wonderful, and a whole lot of fun to shoot! Here is just a sample...with more to come!

Want to see Part 1 of this shoot?

It was all outside, deep within the woods...with some artsy funk! Go to Artsy Senior Photo Shoot-Part 1

Keeping Focus

2011-02-08T11:37:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share some more pictures of moments I captured during my time in New Mexico over the Christmas holiday. Even more so, however, I want to share them in light of the truth they so purely display.

I have been very pressed to focus on that more lately. So...I've been making a more intentional effort to dwell upon what is good, true, and life-giving.

These images remind me of the ultimate Truth- that the heavens and all the beauty on earth tell of the loving, creative, and wonderful God....and He deserves praise! Below is a passage that I love-poetic and beautiful-stating just that.

Breathtaking scene...the view from our hike near my old home. I miss those mountains!

"The heavens are telling of the glory of God;

And their expanse is declaring the works of His hands.

Day to day pours forth speech,

And night to night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech, nor are their words; their voice is not heard.

Their line has gone out through all the earth,

And their utterance to the end of the world.

In them He has placed a tent for the sun,

Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;

It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.

It's rising is from one end of the heavens,

And its circuit to the other end of them;

And there is nothing hidden from its heat.

The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul;

The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;

The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;

The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.

They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;

Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;

In keeping them there is great reward."

Psalm 19:1-11

So delicate...so beautiful, this little flower (or pod- I'm not sure what it is..?)

Winter Wonderland at the Lake

2011-01-25T18:43:00.000-08:00

Combine snow and Tennessee and you get lots of days off from school. As my husband is a teacher, that means no work for him. Well, multiply that times FIVE and you get what we deemed our very cold but glorious week together. One afternoon, instead of staying inside where it was all warm and cozy, we ventured out to the lake instead. Not to swim of course, but to enjoy the serene stillness and winter wonderland. We set up a hammock over a rock ledge and even made a fire out there. Our dog took off in the woods and got some of his energy out, while we enjoyed a completely unusual but wonderful day at the lake.

Some of my renditions of the winter sights....

And our happy dog...this made his day!

Fall Creek Falls- waterfalls, canyons, farms....and pods!

2011-01-18T12:57:00.000-08:00

We went to Fall Creek Falls a month or two ago. I felt kind of ridiculous because I was on the ground taking photos of pods and small flowers most of the time while my husband and our good friend were taking in all the more obvious and spectacular views (...like HUGE waterfalls!) all around us...? I am totally weird! Nonetheless, I was really happy with my pod pictures...and when I was able to focus on everything else, it really was breathtaking! Here is a sample of some of the highlights of the day.

The drive from our house to Fall Creek is my husband's favorite...and with good reason. It is so beautiful, with valleys, rolling hills, ridges and views of good ol' country life. We also witnessed this while we were driving! This dog had incredible balance. He would stay up on this top ledge even during turns...and we were driving at a pretty fast speed. We could hardly believe it!

Standing up on a ledge, looking over the tops of these trees was simply awesome!

La La La & the Holidays

2011-01-09T15:47:00.000-08:00

We did all kind of traveling and wonderful things for the holidays this year. Lots of photographing and special shoots were also part of the agenda. The crazy things is that I did so much photography, I actually got tired of it-I can hardly believe it! I didn't know that was possible for me. : ) But it was all so very good. That said, I have TONS of photos on my editing list. Here are just a few that I've gotten to....and very special ones at that. They are from our trip to New Mexico. My husband surprised me with a trip home this Christmas, and it was so special to be back and visit with my family...and it satisfied my long awaited desire for a vacation.

Spring vs. Winter

2010-12-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

Why dogwoods take up the majority of my posts, I am not sure. Maybe they like their picture taken?! I do think they are easily one of the loveliest spring blooms. It is funny though- instead of posting pictures of our very first snow we got today, I post spring pictures. Oh well...I love spring. Winter, you will have some posts to shine in too, I promise!

Artsy Senior Photo Shoot

2010-12-05T14:50:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law was in town this week so we got to take some senior photos while she was here. However, neither of us are the traditional type, so we went for a much more artsy approach. It was so much fun! I realized just how much I love "staging" as well as hair and fashion design. My sister and I were the perfect match of artsy randomness and with her enthusiasm, photogenicality (I know that's not a word, but it's exactly what I mean)...and stunning beauty, we pulled off the look I think we were both hoping for! I can't wait to do our indoor shoot next. I have so many fun ideas I want to try...and unique props to use. Stay tuned... : )

Is she not the cutest?!? I mean, seriously : )

Night out on the town

2010-11-24T21:17:00.000-08:00

My husband and I were out for a date one night and we were driving by downtown Nashville just when the sun started to set and the city started to come alive. For some reason it was one of those moments...you know...where you simply want it to last forever...? The music was blasting one of our favorite songs, we were completely enjoying ourselves, each other, the drive... and life in general. Everything seemed to stand still for a lot longer than it actually was...and everything felt perfect. I love it when this happens. I pulled out my camera in an attempt to somehow capture this moment, but my lens cap was on. We both laughed, as this seems to happen to me nearly every time I only have one opportunity to get the shot. We already passed the city so I thought I wouldn't be able to get the picture I was hoping for, but we took an overpass and I had another chance. It was just a the last second that I snapped this. It was so haphazard and sloppy that I thought it was definitely a throw out...

But it turned out...and I loved it!

: )

Happy moment

Fall is Upon Us

2010-10-17T21:16:00.000-07:00

Fall is about to hit full swing here..and I got a few shots of the trees in their beginning stages of change. I can't wait to see all the trees in their fullest crimson and gold soon! You can expect more of these to come. I took an entire card's worth of just one tree...sigh. When I told my husband, he was not the least bit surprised by it! I thought it was hilarious. : )

This one, believe it or not, was actually this radiant of a magenta color...something I have never seen before!

Also, as some of you know, my husband and I love artichokes. I was making them for dinner one night and thought, "These are just so cool looking...they are definitely picture worthy! I mean, why not...?" So it was one of those random moments where I stop in the middle of dinner to do a photo shoot...not an uncommon occurrence-ha! It was also one of those moments where I thought, "Okay, this could look totally dumb, but whatever"...and to my surprise, the pictures actually turned out way cooler than I expected. So here is one...it is more of a reflection of the fun, random and spontaneous moments for me as a photographer than anything else. : )

Also random, was what I found sitting on top of our trash can one morning...a little grey frog! I am not sure how he even got up there, but he (why I assume he was a boy I am not sure...?) was as content as can be watching the neighborhood from up there. I love frogs, probably because my brother had so many as pets when we were growing up. So..it made me smile.

Walk through "Walden Pond" & Spring Reminisced

2010-09-14T16:47:00.000-07:00

A friend took my husband and I to a beautiful lake and nature preserve near our house for the first time this spring and it could not have been a more perfect time to witness it in all its beauty. I knew it would be serene and lovely, as it has been referred to as our very own "Walden Pond"...but as we followed the path deep into the woods, not only was it worthy of its praise, but wild flowers (in their very brief yet spectacular bloom) blanketed the entire forest ground. Deer, completely undaunted by our being there, quietly nibbled on them as we made our way around the lake. This made for one of my very favorite moments in nature. I greatly anticipated editing them, and was finally able to do it today. I so enjoyed it all, I couldn't wait another moment to share them!

In addition, I have so many spring pictures that I have yet to post, but here is a preview of what I've been working on...with many more to come : )

I am also excited to say that all of these are now available for prints if anyone is interested : )

Whew***Summer Flies!

2010-07-18T22:51:00.000-07:00

Apologies are in order for not posting in quite some time. However, I might have established a tradition in doing so- -taking a break for the summer. My husband is a teacher and since he already has summer vacation built into his job (so lucky!), I think I may join him, allowing us to really enjoy it together. This is primarily based on just how crazy our summer was this year. It was easily the busiest summer we have ever had together....quite possibly the most busy I have ever been in a summer. I am not even sure there was any time to create, much less blog about it. We moved into our very first home in June and have since been unpacking and setting up, but mostly spending lots of time with family. It has been so incredibly rich and wonderful, regardless of its fast pace. When I really reflect on it, I don't know that I would have done anything different. It was like an intense blast of "differentness"...all very good, just very much not normal rhythm. Yet it is still somehow perfect in its own little way. As fall approaches however, I am ready for it. I am....refreshed! It is odd to me that so much busy-ness has translated to refreshment, but I feel a renewed vigor to get back into the normal groove of life...and especially to roll my sleeves up and create.

So, I don't have many creations to share from the past couple months, but I did take one of my favorite pictures this summer and captured some really wonderful moments.

I have always loved Queen Anne's Lace. Growing up in New Mexico, this flower (yes...it is considered a flower there) was rare and quite special. It became one of my absolute favorites....I even included it in my wedding bouquet. Well, apparently, I moved to the right place to have as much of it as I wanted. The only problem is that here in Tennessee, it is so prevalent that it is considered a weed. Such a shame. I argue that no weed could ever be worth of such a royal and lovely name as Queen Anne's Lace...but to little avail. So while locals laugh at me picking weeds along the side of the road, I will gather my lovely bouquet of flowers and smile every time I see it. Weed or not...I absolutely love it. I even have high hopes of it blooming in our yard next summer as long as I can convince our mower that it is part of our garden and not in need of removal. : )

Our sister graduated and it was so fun to capture that special moment for her, along with her great party...including some of the unique touches.

We got to spend a good deal of time with our sister and her son....our cute-as-can-be nephew! He is so incredibly precious and such a joy to our family!

The incredible Natchez Trace...my husband biked 210 miles on this and got to enjoy sites like these all along the way! I was so happy to "have" to pick him up or I would have never known what I was missing! Just breathtaking!

We took up fishing a bit more seriously this summer, as our new house is only minutes from a huge lake and multiple rivers. Here we caught a small blue gill...not big enough to keep, but fun non-the-less.

Most of my creativity has gone into the beginnings of decorating our new home, but I saved some for our taste buds. I love to cook, but something about having a new and larger kitchen space paired with summer cravings for fresh and vibrant foods gave me all the more drive to prepared some fun meals this summer. Just to name a few- plum and blueberry crepes, smoked salmon with cream cheese, cucumber, and fresh chives, and hopefully to be photographed soon- our best homemade ice cream yet- walnut cinnamon.

Well, only 2 more weeks to go until the summer comes to a close for us. To many more summers just as wonderful...in their own unique ways.

the dogwood and other spring blooms

2010-05-28T14:13:00.000-07:00

I didn't grow up around the dogwood and saw it for the first time two years ago. Seeing its gorgeous blooms everywhere around Nashville has been a great delight. I definitely have fallen in love this tree!

Found some lovely water-dropped tulips, a classical and beautiful representation of spring.

Butterflies

2010-05-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

Butterflies are interesting little creatures. Catching sight of them always makes me feel childlike and carefree, even a bit lighter and free.
I've been taking a lot of time to study and observe little insects and creatures with the children that I take care of, and as a result, I am all the more aware of their presence and nuances. Butterflies are particularly intriguing to me, for they seem to flutter about in a cheerful dance about the sky....without a care in the world. Surely they are hard at work in their task of nature, but they appear to do it with such ease.

We happened to notice a butterfly "fest" on our patio this weekend. Fortunately, one butterfly was not the least bit camera shy. It did not even flinch when I positioned the camera inches from it's body! What a rarety....so I was thrilled to capture it! Here are some shots of them perching happily on our outdoor carpeted area.

2010-04-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

Here is an update on the robins, which we have nicknamed Ginger and Gilligan. The eggs must have hatched without our knowing it because one day we noticed a little bird's head peaking out of the nest. Too bad we missed that..if we were only a few feet higher, we probably could have seen them breaking out of their shells! But we are now witnessing their unbelievably fast growth into little birds. It's really a fun process to witness so closely the whole thing from the very beginning.

They made it through the storm this weekend, even with a tornadoe threat in the forcast. We found an empty nest strewn on the ground near our house, showing that some other babies were not so fortunate. For Ginger and Giligan though, the abnormal downpour has at least provided an ongoing feast of worms for their little ones. For the past few days, I've seen the robins doing nothing other than searching for worms, feeding them to their four babies and repeating the cycle all day long. Here are some pictures.

2010-04-26T14:03:00.000-07:00

Things have been really busy around here. I've been working a lot and entertaining, as well as hosting friends and family for visits...all of which keeps things very busy. It is a great blessing and leaves me very fulfilled although a little too drained to be very creative. One thing I have done in between the business is decorate my art work space and corner. I am doing a lot of brainstorming about decorations for our new home that we are moving into next month. As a result, it has excited me to see the evolving artistic passions spilling out from my interest in homemaking. I might be shooting too high, but I am determined to learn all things sewing in addition to my other media. I would love to upholster, paint and antique furniture, work on wall murals, make all our house linens and more to sell, and much more. Fortunately, I had a great sewing lesson this week from my mom, who is an incredible seamstress, quilter and artist herself. I am thrilled about having a larger studio in our new house, and can't wait to set it up to be even more inspiring and conducive to lots of creating!

I am beginning a new series on vintage windows like you see in the picture below. I have had many requests for them, so I can't wait to begin working on them!

Oh how I love Spring!

2010-04-09T14:03:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, glorious spring, how I love thee!!! I have been overwhelmed with joy over all the blooms here in Nashville this spring. For a week I felt submerged in this strange land with strikingly white fluffly trees everywhere. It felt like I was in a winter wonderland because they resembled snow so much. But it wasn't cold and so much new greeness accompanied the white trees' debut. I suppose this is what it would be like to have warm snow if there was such a thing. Anyways, these new signs of life juxtaposed with the white snowy-looking trees made for a strange yet glorious display!

I also have the most lovely drive to work everyday and it has become more and more lovely as the days progress. New trees are always budding and I have been blessed by their arrival. I get to witness their transformation each day as they reach their height of outstanding beauty. They come near falling over due to the weight of so many colorful blossoms. It is almost ethereal driving along the rolling hills dotted by beautiful mansions and grand estates dressed up by the wondrous lawns, forest woods and lots and lots of trees...and therefore dreamlike amounts of beautiful spring flowers everywhere.

Not only does my drive invigorate and inspire me, but there is plenty to take in at our house and everywhere else it seems. We even came home to a little surprise the other day. Amidst all the beauty of the spring flowers and green life, this was like the icing on the cake for me and my husband....a robin decided to start making a nest in the tree right next to our living room window! We are so excited to see little baby birds peeping their heads out of the nest soon declaring their arrival and new life in the world. Sigh. Such a fun time in the year-so much renewal, life and lush beauty to behold!

I am fortuate to have my camera back just in time...thank goodness! I have already captured some beautiful images and am working on some of my favorite overlays yet! I'm so excited to share them soon!

My Sister's Senior Shoot

2010-04-08T21:38:00.000-07:00

I got to do a photo shoot for my sister-in-law's senior photos this year and it was such a blast! She was so fun to photograph (and so beautiful!) that it made my job easy. We really had a great time and it will always be a special memory for me. I felt honored and joyed to do this with her. Not only have I eaten up this wonderful time with my new sister, but I am so proud of her and excited for her and whatever she does in the years to come! Here are just a few of the pictures from our shoots in Indiana and Nashville. There are more displayed in my flickr album, and even more to come : )

Reflections and Goal for the Week

2010-03-13T18:55:00.000-08:00

I have not had much time to pursue my creativity in the past weeks. Most of my time lately has been devoted to producing a more steady income through other work. Sacrifice for financial stability has proven just as much a necessity and goal as being an artist....as well as the catalyst to actually being the artist that I want to be. Eventually I really hope to be able to put more towards my art as a result. But for now, there are necessities that are difficult, but strangely....welcome. I have realized how it is somehow fulfilling to have to fight, sacrifice, push, pull, and work through obstacles to make my dreams come true as an artist.

I have also realized that frustration with things- life circumstances, finances, myself, whatever...has become one of my most effective tools. I really think and maneuver through things as a result of that irritation. I am able to formulate great ideas and get things done. I do things I would have never done otherwise. This has been a great discovery. Now, if I could wield fear in the same manner- that would be quite the victory! That is my prayer.

Its funny to me, that even as I write, all this art stuff is changing me so much! I am so grateful. I had no idea, nor could I ever have imagined that it could stretch me like this-to be more of what God designed.

I am trying to come up with some ideas to pursue art in new, unexpected ways. As my favorite means of creativity are currently unavailable due to needed repairs, I have not branched out much lately. I want to though...so I am in search of some things I can do that are:
1. Free 2. Currently available to me 3. Fun and not what I would call a "creativity frustrator" and 4. Different

That's my goal for the week. : )

2010-02-26T16:31:00.001-08:00

"Recovering an artist....is a tricky, messy, exciting, liberating, scary and frustrating job. I never realized this until I actually began thinking of what it would be like to really become an artist. I could hardly believe how many emotions went in to actually making the decision to do it. Fortunately, I've found great consolation, instruction and help from the book, The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron-"A Course in Discovering and Recovering Your Creative Self". I am only on week 5 of the 12 week study, but it has already altered my life in a very positive way.

I now know why it is so hard for me (and many others) to actually fulfill a passion or dream. So many obstacles lie in the way. Well, I have been realizing my greatest obstacle- it's not a traumatizing experience or horrible memory (which I'm very thankful for) ......its me. I am my greatest critique, antagonist, doubter, procrastinator...you name it.

In The Artist's Way, Julia guides the artist through a process of recovering themselves- recognizing and dealing with our struggles (outside and internal), our self-sabotage, our dreams, and our true potential. Today's topic caught me off-guard...although I am not surprised by that.

Here is powerful quote from the lesson. "If we learn to think of receiving God's good as being an act of worship-cooperating with God's plan to manifest goodness in our lives- we can begin to let go of having to sabotage ourselves."

Wham! I felt like, yet again, she hit it on the head. I definitely am really working through and towards truly believing that God intends for my greatest good. in addition, being able to accept the full meaning of His grace, receiving His overwhelming love, unmerited....that is indeed a life-long journey. Especially when I was beginning to really think about being an artist, I really struggled to accept that God could be honored by my being an artist. I had to let go of the concept that God wants me to do something really meaningful, hard, and completely self-sacrificing...and that definitely could not be art! But upon hearing again and again that this is a great gift from God, I couldn't help but give into the fact that this could really be what God made me for.

Well for those reading, I highly recommend The Artist's Way...as we are all creative beings, all have dreams and things getting in the way. Some of our obstacles can't be removed, but I have experienced so much more freedom not only as an artist, but as a wife, daughter, sister and friend. I can't say that I agree with everything she says, but for the most part, it I think it is a very helpful and powerful wealth of information.

As always, here are some of the things I've been doing this week. I am continuing to play with overlaying photographs and just letting the editing process go in all kinds of interesting directions. Unfortunately, my hard drive broke this week, and most of my recent edits are on there : (
But there will be many more of these to come as soon as I can retrieve those pictures.

"A thing of beauty is a joy for ever."

2010-02-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

I have been going through some old photographs and what I found was a surprising delight. Many of them were of old memories, some of when my husband and I just started dating and others of my family. But most of them were beautiful scenes from New Mexico. I was overjoyed as I looked through them. I thought, "No wonder I have always been a lover of beauty and the outdoors...I grew up around it, completely submerged in a vast array of it all the time!" The views, the sunsets, the unique wildlife, plants, and stunning scenes were on constant display everywhere I went. I remember growing up and discovering that the beauty and wonders never ceased- there were new and old wonders to be photographed, drawn, explored, and enjoyed every single day.

The last time I visited home, I shared with my mom that I felt as if I was having a reunion with someone I had greatly missed, like a dear friend I had not seen in far too long. It was of the beauty of my home that I was referring to...and how it had a unique way of drawing my soul ever closer to the One I love most. The beauty was along with everything (and everyone) else that I had been so excited to visit again. Like my beloved parents and old friends, beauty held its place as something I desperately needed to spend some time with again. My current home at the time, of course, did not lack its own displays of beauty...but the beauties of the southwest hold a very special place in my heart.

It is interesting to think about how I, and perhaps others, would (as a normality of life) become desensitized or take for granted the beauty around me...day after day growing up in such a place. After all, there are out-of-this-world sunsets almost every single evening, magnificent stars shining oh so brightly at night, and sun....lots and lots of sun, almost every single day, warming your skin and spirit. However, my repetitious experience of these things never dulled me. I could see how it could. But for me, I discovered that the more I took it all in, the more I fell in love with it. Every time I would sit out on the porch to watch the sunset, I fell in love with it more than I did the day before. I began realizing that in some interesting way, a relationship had been growing between myself and these beauties...but also through them---a powerful connection to God.

A window of time stands out to me as one of the most special times in my life- experiencing this connection. It was after living on the east coast for a few years and during the two years preceding my marriage and move to the Midwest. I was going through a time of great discouragement and illness, and I found incredible healing through this newly revived relationship with beauty and its Creator. I, almost on a subconscious level, escaped into beauty day, even if just for a short walk along the arroyo blanketed with spring flowers. The passionate sunsets and bold blue skies, the prickly cacti and silly lizards and all the singing birds and the steadfast...oh, so resolute mountains!...these began nurturing me in a curious yet powerful way. It was like they were my companions, soothing my heart...delving into my pain and my deepest longings. The more time I spent letting it all wash over me, the more fulfilling it became...and the more I was compelled to return again and again. I found so much rest and peace...and romance there. And I could not help but give in to the Spirit compelling me to it...and to Him.

I often wonder why I am such a beauty lover....why beauty overtakes my heart this way. I am sure it is much the same for those who love music. They love listening to it, writing it, singing it, and dancing to it. Music reaches them deep down into their inmost part and creates a joy that simply cannot be silenced. Beauty for me, must be my niche..my design...and I can't help but embrace it. I will look upon it, think about it, draw it, photograph it, re-create it, dream about it, be inspired, joyed, and healed by it forever, and wherever I am. I cannot escape it...it lures me in when I am walking down the road...as I am memorized by the strong branches of the sycamore tree or the tender flight of the snowflake.

God surely created me this way and along with all the other "beauty-lovers" out there. It is interesting to think about how much more He must love beauty and lovely things than I do. The power and connection within in it is indeed a great mystery...as is the beauty itself , partaking in relationship with God in a way...as poetically put by the psalmist, "The heavens declare the glory of God." His majesty, power and wonder are on display through them- they dance and shine so radiantly for Him, by Him, through Him. How wonderfully beautiful He must be!

Well, I can't go without sharing just a few of the beautiful scenes I photographed during my special two year return to New Mexico....very special memories for me. I hope you enjoy them.

Two of my favorite things...a valley full of flowers...and a rainbow!

A completely unedited sunset and view from our porch...breathtaking!

I am drawn to the poem by John Keats, for his same love of beauty and nature-and its power to soothe, undo, romance, and fill the soul.

"A thing of beauty is a joy for ever:
Its loveliness increases; it will never
Pass into nothingness; but still will keep
A bower quiet for us, and a sleep
Full of sweet dreams, and health, and quiet breathing.
Therefore, on every morrow, are we wreathing
A flowery band to bind us to the earth,
Spite of despondence, of the inhuman dearth
Of noble natures, of the gloomy days,
Of all the unhealthy and o'er-darkened ways
Made for our searching: yes, in spite of all,
Some shape of beauty moves away the pall
From our dark spirits. Such the sun, the moon,
Trees old, and young, sprouting a shady boon
For simple sheep; and such are daffodils
With the green world they live in; and clear rills
That for themselves a cooling covert make
'Gainst the hot season; the mid-forest brake,
Rich with a sprinkling of fair musk-rose blooms:
And such too is the grandeur of the dooms
We have imagined for the mighty dead;
All lovely tales that we have heard or read:
An endless fountain of immortal drink,
Pouring unto us from the heaven's brink.

Nor do we merely feel these essences
For one short hour; no, even as the trees
That whisper round a temple become soon
Dear as the temple's self, so does the moon,
The passion poesy, glories infinite,
Haunt us till they become a cheering light
Unto our souls, and bound to us so fast
That, whether there be shine or gloom o'ercast,
They always must be with us, or we die.

Therefore, 'tis with full happiness that I
Will trace the story of Endymion.
The very music of the name has gone
Into my being, and each pleasant scene
Is growing fresh before me as the green
Of our own valleys: so I will begin
Now while I cannot hear the city's din;
Now while the early budders are just new,
And run in mazes of the youngest hue
About old forests; while the willow trails
Its delicate amber; and the dairy pails
Bring home increase of milk. And, as the year
Grows lush in juicy stalks, I'll smoothly steer
My little boat, for many quiet hours,
With streams that deepen freshly into bowers.
Many and many a verse I hope to write,
Before the daisies, vermeil rimmed and white,
Hide in deep herbage; and ere yet the bees
Hum about globes of clover and sweet peas,
I must be near the middle of my story.
O may no wintry season, bare and hoary,
See it half finished: but let Autumn bold,
With universal tinge of sober gold,
Be all about me when I make an end!
And now at once, adventuresome, I send
My herald thought into a wilderness:
There let its trumpet blow, and quickly dress
My uncertain path with green, that I may speed
Easily onward, thorough flowers and weed."

A peek into some of my "art-ventures" of late

2010-02-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

A little collection of things here...I've been having a lot of fun experimenting with ink prints.

Also, a pillow I made with two different types of fabrics. I just love how it turned out.

This is one of my image transfer collage paintings. It is partly an image I took with my camera during the fall, with papers and paint added to created a completely new look. This actually went through many stages. At one point, I utterly hated it and put in the back of my studio closet for a few weeks! But in the end, it turned out..I didn't know what to expect, but I enjoyed the whole process and what it became. It is much better to behold with the naked eye, as there is a significant amount of layering and textures that a hard to capture in a photograph. Nonetheless, here it it is...

Our "Summery" Christmas

2010-01-24T16:27:00.000-08:00

We got to spend Christmas this year in Florida and as a result, I got some very "summery" Christmas photographs...odd subjects for such a traditionally wintry holiday. I, nonetheless, couldn't help but treasure the warmth and flourishing life. I was drawn to the trees more than anything (surprise, surprise). There is something mysterious about the trees in Florida. The Spanish moss draping so many of their ancient limbs creates such an austere, somber mood. Yet, as I dwelt in their midst, I felt compelled to regard them with reverence...like I would a wise historical figure or grandparent. Magnificent creations. Here are some of my favorite photos.

In addition, there were so many other great trees and all kinds of little beauties peaking out from every corner.

Layers and Layers

2010-01-10T14:31:00.000-08:00

I have been experimenting with combining multiple elements in photographs as well as hand-made art to create a whole new expression. These are few of some recent layered photographs that I love. I will likely use them as a layer itself in a final art piece, either as a background or base, or just as an element in the collage.

A Flutter of Wings

2010-01-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

So Caleb and I have been on an extended bird watch over the past few days in hopes to photograph all our little visitors. Snowy weather has made it easy to stay inside and watch them. We also picked up some new bird food and there has been a hay day on our porch ever since we put it out. Thanks to Caleb, we know what they are and can recognize each of their calls. So here are a few pictures of what we've gotten so far. They are fascinating little creature and so fun to get to know! I can't help being a little envious of them...getting to fly around all the time, hanging out with all their buddies and having a feast!

So far we have identified the: Cardinal(Male and Female), Downy Woodpecker, Yellow-Bellied Sap Sucker Woodpecker, Carolina Chickadee and Carolina Wren (my personal favorite!), Dark-Eyed Junco, and Titmouse.

We also received an unexpected surprise when we discovered a huge family of wild turkeys living in the forest next to our apartment complex. I walked out of the house the other day to about 30 of them pecking on the ground only 10 feet from me. I looked up, and 4 more were perched up on the top of the complex looking down at me, and more were swooping in right over my head to with such large wings, it was a little unnerving. Then the other night, Caleb took our dog out at night and was startled by them again...or maybe it was the other way around. All he heard was loud swooshing of huge wings...enough to freak anyone out in the dark!

Needless to say, we are loving all this wildlife!

The Beginning

2010-01-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

I have been excited for this moment...to start my blog. I was rather opposed to having my own blog for years, but since I have become an artist, I wanted a place to keep track of my work and share it with others. Creating it reminds me of just how exciting this journey has been..and IS. It is indeed an adventure and I am loving it! There are certainly many challenges, but I am pursuing a love for art that I never let myself do before. Of course, the timing is appropriate, and some "random" circumstances pushed me to give in. So I am giving in. And this is just the beginning.