Southern Summer Sunset

I took this photograph on my way home one evening.  It was one of those moments when I was completely stunned that I happened to have my camera on hand. The sunset was beautiful- the colors were so vibrant... but seeing the moon and Jupiter just made it such a special moment to capture. I just couldn't let this photo pass me by. I was so excited it turned out as well as it did. I'm still not overly comfortable taking photographs at night... but I'm working on it. I think this photo represents a southern summer sunset, and I adore it :)

I'm back...

and man, it feels great!

Preparing for vacation, vacationing and unpacking have made me a busy little lady. I'm finally back and oh so ready for action! I've missed the blogging world mucho grande ;)

So, I just got back from Costa Rica, Central America. My family has gone on excursions each summer ever since I can remember. Before I got married and began my own family I was always apart of those trips. This is the first year Brandon, Ariston and I have had the opportunity to join them and I am so grateful that we did. 

Because we stayed at an all-inclusive resort there really was no reason to leave, we had everything we could imagine right where we stayed. We did take a canopy tour zip lining and sunset cruise while we were there. SO MUCH FUN! Thinking back, I believe the greatest experience was getting to see the wild monkeys. They were everywhere we went and so fun to watch. Below are a few of my favorite "nature" photos from the trip.

Happiness

Have you ever came across something that, well... for whatever reason every time you looked at it it just made you happy? Sure you have, hopefully every day... and if you're really lucky (or shall I say blessed) it happens to you multiple times a day. Now- I'm not talking about the obvious things we love like family and friends... I'm talking about something different. Something not expected and unanticipated that simply makes your heart smile every time you get a glance of it.

That moment happened to me today. After photographing little bunnies in my front yard (Oh, those make me happy too!) I began walking back in the house. On the way in I took one last glance at my "Julia Child" rose bush tree and thought, "Wow, those flowers make me so happy." Yes. I realize we are talking about a flower here, but truly, that little tree makes me so darn happy. I can't quite figure it out. I don't think it's the normal "girl & flowers" thing. I mean, what girl doesn't love flowers, right? I don't know if it's the shape of the tree (a little trunk with a ball at the top full of blooms) or the color and shape  of the roses (small, buttery yellow) or maybe even the sweet smell they exude... but whatever it is... it makes my heart smile.  I've wanted these trees for a few years now but haven't really felt like splurging on one ($30 each, I of course ended up getting 2- oopsy). Finally, after getting my little cottage *almost* finished on the inside I was able to start on the outside. Finally... it was time :) All I know is that whatever it is about those flowers that make me happy, it 's worth every penny. 

Life is good.

Today when I got home, my boys and I went on a ride out to the hay field after dinner. Brandon's grandparents own about 30 acres here where we live. They own this beautiful field. I've taken some photos there previously (very convenient I must say) and plan to take more before BomBom Jack mows it. I just love this field this time of the year. The contrast between the grass, hay and sky is so beautiful.

After our ride on the Gator out to the field, we also decided to take a ride in the Caddy. Caught a fun snap shot of Ariston enjoying the ride :)

Autumn begins... (but not really)

I've decided: editing & creating = just as much fun as shooting!

Snowy night in GA

I'm dreaming of a whiiite... Valentine's Day! What do you know, good ol' GA had a snow storm. It was absolutely breath taking. After watching the boys make a snowman, we headed out with my camera. I was on a picture hunt. I've never really photographed snow before... so I found it to be quite the learning experience. Although the scenery looked AMAZING, it didn't always translate as beautiful on film. I did get this one beautiful picture of a tree, and I love it. So fresh.

Over the hills.

"The Road Not Taken" by: Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth.

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same.

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

Flutterby Bliss

This is where I'm from...

Cumberland Gap, Tennessee. I lived there until the age of 6. The 1st photo I took at my father's land in the summer of 2009. The one below is an old barn right down the road from my Nanny's house. I've usually viewed the barn in a trail of dust coming from a four-wheeler. Both of these pictures stirr up so many childhood memories. I travel to Tennessee often to visit my family. These pictures do no justice to the beauty that lives there. If you're ever in need of a place to visit and are seeking to be refreshed and revived, this is the place to go. The natural beauty and slow pace is sure to comfort and relax any ol' soul. Rocky Top- you'll always be home sweet home to me.