On a Happier Note

My last post was cleansing ... pun intended. Today, I decided to talk about something more joyful.

 

I finally got my friend and her baby's daddy to agree to let me shoot some photos over the weekend. They are both busier than me so I'm glad we were able to carve an hour out to meet at the park for a quick photo session.

 

I was so nervous. I'm not a professional photographer and don't pretend to be but I do love photography and learning about my camera. Anyone who will sit still long enough for me to capture them is a hero in my book.

 

The timing was hard because we met during full sunlight (5:00pm) and although light is everything in photography, too much of it is hard to work with. I got 70 photos and although there are better, more focused ones than this, the pose is what I think got the most likes out of the 40-some I posted. Matt is adorable and although I love all the pics that show his face, this image shows his personality more than any of the others, me thinks. At first, I felt a little frustrated that he wasn't looking at me when I started shooting but when I got home and saw this image on the screen, I realized that I have to step out of the way and let the picture be.  This pose was her idea and it worked. He adores her and their baby, who is due to arrive in July.

 

I posted the pics on FB and was thrilled at the comments people left for her. Her sister (a professional photographer) asked me to take their family pics when they visit this summer. What an honor!  Another friend said she's going to call to ask me to do their family pictures.  I couldn't be happier about that.

 

Learning to get comfortable taking people pictures is where I am at right now. My step daughter is a pro photographer and when I asked her how she got into it, she said, "just like you are doing right now .... practice with your friends". 

 

I've been asked to be the photographer at a friend's wedding in mid-June. I am nervous as hell but I said YES!  The wedding is at 2pm so I'm going to need all the practice I can get between now and then with outdoor lighting.

 

Do you have a craft you are getting better at? What do you do to push past your fears? Leave me a comment.  I love hearing from you!

 

love, susan

There, I Said It

Funny how some things trigger memories.

 

I was cleaning the stairs today and couldn't shake the dejavu.  I've been here before. Cleaning stairs.  Not these stairs, although I have cleaned these ones a few times.

 

When I was in high school, we lived in a great old two-story house that my folks rented for $100 a month. My sister and I had our own bedrooms.  Mine was always a horrible mess, hers was immaculate. I hated cleaning then as much as I hate it now.  Mom would just tell me to keep my door closed so she didn't have to look at it. It was the topic of conversation with relatives. Such a shameful example of a girl.  Lazy slob.

 

We had assigned chores which included setting the table, washing and drying dinner dishes, cleaning two bathrooms and dusting and polishing the stairs. My sister always did her chores right on time but I dragged mine out as long as I could, resenting every moment of it. I had better things to do. I still feel that way. I resent doing housework.

 

There, I said it.

 

While I was cleaning the stairs today,

 I remembered those wood stairs from 1975.

And, how I felt.

That was a long time ago.

 

Fast forward. 

 

Last week, someone posted a question up on FB. What is one thing you would tell your 12 year old self? I couldn't think of a thing until today. I would tell her that her mom was full of shit when she said "no man will ever have you because you are such a lousy housekeeper."  I'd tell her that her mom hated housework just as much as she does and her mom is only making her to do it because she's tired from working a 40 hour work week, shopping, cleaning, paying bills, checking homework, laundry, making dinner and all the other million things real women do. I'd tell her to get used to people stereotyping women.  I'd tell her that when she grows up, things are not always going to be fair and that people are still going to stereotype her.  I'd tell her that expectations are a set up for resentment.  I'd tell her it's perfectly okay if she'd rather be doing anything but housework.  I'd tell her that if someone only "wants" her for her domestic skills, she might wanna think about going it alone. I'd tell her it's not nice to call someone lazy.

 

Words spoken are hard to take back.  I've all but taken the word lazy out of my vocabulary.

 

Have things changed much since 1975?  Not really. I rarely dust. I clean my oven maybe once a year. I just ordered new reflector pans for the stove top because they are so ugly they are beyond cleaning. It's been two weeks since I changed my sheets. 

 

Go ahead, judge me.

 

.... this is just a bit of my truth.  Dude, I'm just getting started.

 

love, susan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making Plans

This week has flown by. Early yesterday morning, a friend texted to see if we could get together after work. We made plans to meet for dinner. It sure made my day go faster and it was way more enjoyable knowing I had plans later. Hubby had taken off on a motorcycle trip with our funny friend pictured here. I wasn't sure if he'd be back last night but he rolled in while I was out having dinner. He had plans of his own.

I like having some plans. My summer calendar is filling up with fun trips.  I had finished making reservations for a trip to the beach in July when I realized we'll be going to the Oregon coast three times between now and mid-September. I felt giddy instantly as each trip will involve different family members and to different beaches. Something to look forward to.

And, then there is today. I am meeting with some friends after work to celebrate the college graduation of someone special to me. Her accomplishment is something I've only thought about but never acted on. Glad I have something planned to get me through the day.

Next week I'm going to my friend's house to house/pet sit for two weeks while she goes on a cruise. I look forward to that as I'll get to spend some time with her fur kids, feed birds and maybe feed the snake. Not sure yet how often their snake eats but I suspect it can't go two weeks without a little something. It will be a first for me.  I'll document that with photos and get back to you on it!

In the meantime, I started a new training program with my little "Remi".  She has been with us a year now and was the most horrible walker I've ever had at the end of a leash.  I found a cool blog that gave me a little training tip so I made plans to get her out every morning for a walk and some training.  This is week two and I must report that she is a different dog. I'm using a clicker and reward system which was my last hope for her. I'm not a quitter. 

Well, my plan was to keep writing but my employer has other ideas so I'll wrap this lunch time post up in a bow. I plan to enjoy my afternoon here at my keyboard. 

How about you?  Got plans?

love, susan

First Trip of MC Season ~ 100 Miles

We took out first motorcycle trip of the season this weekend. It was a shorty to Hermiston and from there along the river towards Walla Walla and back home. Exactly 100 miles.

 

We left in such a hurry that I didn't get a chance to fill the thermos with coffee so we stopped at Safeway to share a super tall, hot cup of go juice to keep us alert. And, of course, the famous Safeway cheese-jalapeno bagel. My husband is addicted to Safeway's version of this fat pill. The bakery lady was just putting out fresh donuts so we added a maple bar on top of it.  Well, don't you know the salty, hot, cheesy bagel made the maple bar stand up and take notice, washed down with a nice blend from Safeway's partner Starbucks. Not a fan of Bucks coffee but will drink it when forced. 

 

On our way out of the store, we ran into a gal we know who runs in our circles. Haven't seen her in about a year but she greeted us with the biggest hugs and a little chit chat on such a lovely Mother's Day. She talked about graduating from college and a possible move to be closer to her grandkids.  What a super nice coincidence to run into her. It made my day!

 

On the way home, we took a slight detour to my favorite spot, McNary Bird Refuge. We spotted 10 turtles sitting on a log and this sweet little swallow sitting just outside of the viewing house. It sat here for the longest time on this branch, swaying in the wind. The birds are definitely coming in now and the sound of their music is sweet. I shared with Gene that if I should die first that I'd wish for my ashes to be left on this refuge. Kinda morbid but I felt the need to say it out loud.

 

I missed a called from my son but we finally connected. Besides my husband, he is the sweetest man I know.

 

It is notable that I "unplugged" this weekend. I started Friday night right after work. I texted my closest friends to let them know I was setting down my electronic device for a weekend to give my BEST, best friend some undivided attention. Note to self: must do that more often.

 

Well, it's back to the salt mine today. I don't mind going to work when I've had such a great weekend. I need the rest! I'll be working hard but thinking about the next adventure. Where to go next .....

 

What did you do last weekend?

 

love, susan

  

Penpal 101

Last night I was messaging with the daughter of a friend and she agreed to be my penpal so this morning I sat down and wrote her a card.

 

I got to thinking about it and I wonder if it is hard for people to start a penpal relationship.  It never has been for me but I've been writing to my friends and acquaintances for a very long time.  So I came up with a list that I think would be helpful for anyone who wants to be a penpal. 

 

I hope you'll try it.  I've been on a mission to bring back hand-written letters. I've never stopped writing and I hope if it is something you used to love doing that perhaps you'll just write one card to either a family member or maybe an old friend.  It's never too late to start.

 

If you are just beginning with someone you don't know well, here is an idea for getting the conversation going. Please, by all means, take what you want from this and leave the rest.

 

Dear (penpal):

 

I am happy to add you to my penpal list! I have a couple of people in my life who like to write. It's always fun to get mail. I love lists so here is my list of questions for you.  This will be fun!

• What is your favorite band?
• Where do you want to travel?
• What is your main study in college?
• What is your favorite thing for dinner?
• Do you have a dog?
• What is your favorite movie?
• What do you do for fun?
• Do you have many penpals?
• Is this too many questions?
• Will you write me back?

Truly yours, susan

 

Do you have penpals?  What do you write about?

 

love, susan

Zoo (A to Z Blogging Challenge)

 

We visited the zoo in Mexico City last October. I didn't know there was a zoo there until a couple of days before departing and we were discussing what we'd do while there. My hubby has been to MC before. I lit up when he said there was a zoo. Get this, the admission to the MC zoo is free. The only admission we paid was to enter the butterfly house which was $4 each.  WORTH EVERY PENNY! It was my favorite exhibit, second only to the bird section where the birds were "free range" and we were inside the caged area with the birds up close and personal. 

 

I had never seen a panda bear even though I've visited the San Diego zoo. The line in SD was too long and I have no patience for that.  In Mexico City, we visited on a weekday so there were no children. We practically had the entire zoo to ourselves.   The one downside to the MC zoo is that the bathrooms are far and few between. One thing to remember if you go to Mexico City is that you must pay to use the bathrooms. It's only a few pesos but can turn into a real emergency if you don't have any coins in your pocket. All the restrooms we visited were clean and well maintained.

I know I shouldn't love going to the zoo but I do. We live four hours from Portland, Oregon and have visited the zoo there a couple of times. My favorite exhibit there is the bat cave. They are interesting little creatures and it's a treat to watch them feast on fresh fruit, underground in a dark cave with only a plate of glass separating us. I can feel you shuddering.

 

Do you have a zoo in your area?  Do you ever visit?

 

Hey! I made it through the April 2014 A to Z Blogging Challenge without missing one day.  The best part for me has been finding some great new blogs to follow.  There were over 2,000 participants and the bloggers I've chosen to follow have all kept their commitment to this challenge. Thanks to all who have commented and are following me. I hope I always have something interesting to say and my goal is to always have a photo up with my posts.

 

love, susan

Yes (A to Z Blogging Challenge)





Several years ago I read the following article written by Tina Fey on saying yes. It had made such an impact on me that I copied it and shared it with a co-worker. Years later my friend mentioned she remembered this piece and it had served her well. I hope you'll take one minute to read it and leave a comment.  

 

Have you ever said YES and knew you'd figure it out later?

********************************************

 By Tina Fey

In 1997, I moved from Chicago to New York to work at "Saturday Night Live." I packed up and was going through my things to see what I would take with me and what I'd leave behind. I found an orange folder -- a regular school folder -- in a bookshelf. As soon as I saw it, I knew what it was. There were quotes written all over the front of it. Some of them were: "Greet everything with 'Yes, and....'" "Make statements instead of putting the burden on others with questions." "Stay in the present, as opposed to focusing on the past or future." "The fun is always on the other side of a yes." (emphasis added)

Years before, I was a student at Second City, an improvisational acting school in Chicago, and took a class with artistic director Martin de Maat. These quotes were some of the rules of improv he gave us. When I found the folder, I realized that taking that class had completely changed my life. It certainly sent me down a career path that I never would have ended up on otherwise. It also sent me down a personal path -- my friends were all part of the improv community. My husband was a piano player at the ImprovOlympic, and we met there. All those rules and exercises defined us and our outlook on the world. 

The things I learned in that class became part of the way I live my life. A couple of times I've been called on to do things -- jobs or whatever -- where I've felt, Maybe I'm not quite ready. Maybe it's a little early for this to happen to me. But the rules are so ingrained. "Say yes, and you'll figure it out afterward" has helped me to be more adventurous. It has definitely helped me be less afraid. 

"We're offering you a job here at 'Saturday Night Live' -- can you move here within a week?" 

 *****************************************

love, susan

XOXO (A to Z Blogging Challenge)

World's best kisser!

There are not many X words, have you noticed?  I Googled XOXO and there is a Wikipedia definition of kisses and hugs so I'm going with it.

On hugging.  I'm not a hugger by nature.  I grew up in a generation that didn't show a lot of affection, or at least that's what I tell myself in order to feel better about my lack of hugging instinct. I do not recall our folks randomly hugging us or saying I love you until we were grown up and out of the house. Once my sister and I had kids, things changed. Weird. My mother was the most excellent grandmother.  When the grand kids visited, they got her undivided attention. And, she hugged and kissed them a lot.  I shoot for that as a grandmother myself but I know I fall short. My grandkids have warmed up to my hugs but they are not a kissy family and I'm okay with that.

While I wasn't a hugger growing up, my first husband's family are huggers & kissers. My mother-in-law smothered me to death and it was pretty uncomfortable when I first met his family. She'd be standing at the door when we visited, which was often, and there was no getting through that front door without a hug. She always insisted on a kiss. OMG! I learned to love that and I miss her very much. I wish I had told her how much her hugs & kisses meant to me.

 

Not everyone loves to be hugged. We need to remember to be sensitive about it. May I give you a hug? is not too hard to say before you force yourself upon someone you don't know that well.

 

My hubby is a hugger. As I write this, I realize I don't hug him nearly enough. Note to self.

On kissing friends. I hate it when women acquaintances try to give me a smooch. What is that all about? We do not live in France, people. Stop it. It's stupid. I don't want your germs and, honestly, I don't know where your lips have been. Save it for your partner. Seriously. Stop it.

 

On kissing your lover. Now, I'm not going to get too personal here because that's just how I roll but I gotta tell you that I'm now married to the world's very best kisser.  I'm not his first kissing partner and he is not mine. Don't care. He knows how to kiss a girl and that's all I am going to say about that.

 

Are you a hugger and kisser? Do you hug and kiss your friends and family?

 

love, susan 



Woof ~ A Love Story (A to Z Blogging Challenge)

It was the 5th Annual Dog Adoption Day yesterday at Columbia Park. I grabbed my camera and drove over to see if I could find some subjects to shoot. I was not disappointed.

 

This first photo is an image I won't soon forget. A woman was holding this little sweetheart and her hubby was asking lots of questions about this full-grown mutt. I could tell they were highly interested in her. But when the Mr. turned around and took this little girl's face in his hands, as you can see here, I knew there was no way this dog was going back to the shelter last night. I didn't stick around to confirm that fact.  I just know.

 

The eyes have it. The eyes are why I have three active, hairy, bitchy, sweet, funny, exhausting dogs. And, one lazy cat.

 

I heard on the news late last night that at least half of the dogs brought to the event were adopted. How amazing is that? Now, some might think it's a horrible thing to have people just show up and adopt dogs without the shelters giving them too much thought. Does it really matter?  If you go to the humane society, you are required to fill out an application and if there is more than one person interested in a certain animal, the staff will choose.  Ask me how I know.

 

Missy with no coat.

My "Missy" was sittin' over at the HS when I first met her in 2009. I would not have given her a second look as she was scrawny with no coat whatsoever.  She had just dropped a litter of pups and her body was suffering the consequences. She was not a pretty dog. What I did notice was that among all the barking dogs in the kennels, she was not barking and was scooched up as close as caninely possible to the front of the kennel. She caught my eye and my search was over.

 



Look at her coat!

I took her out of the kennel for a quick walk around the area to see if she was leashed trained. She stayed right with me. Sold. I filled out the application and when I heard there were other applications for her, at the insistence of my dog-lovin' friend Becky, I went back THREE times to walk her and make sure they knew my name. She had to be spayed before they could release her but I felt positive I would be chosen ... and it was so.

 

Her coat came in the next winter.  Just look at the difference in her tail. She does not resemble the dog I adopted. If she had never grown a coat, I wouldn't love her any less. But I have to tell you that when we walk her, there is never a time we don't hear at least once, "what a beautiful dog!"

 

Thinking of getting a dog?  Why not save a dog from one more day in a shelter. My experience has been that rescued dogs will love you forever. Sometimes there are challenges but that's the fun in it all. Working through the behavior that re-homed dogs can develop. It takes time and patience but it's so worth it.

 

love, susan

 

Venture (A to Z Blogging Challenge)

Earlier in this blog challenge I used synonyms for a quick writing exercise. Today I thought I'd try it with antonyms.  Oh, yes. When was the last time you looked up an antonym?

 

My word is Venture and the antonyms are idleness, assurance, certainty, fact, inaction, protection, reality, and safety.

 

They say nothing ventured, nothing gained and I'll agree with that.  Idleness nearly killed my spirit in my first 42 years of life. Then, the fact is, something big happened and my reality changed.  I left the safety and protection of a daily battle with depression, fear and inaction and stepped into the sunlight.

 

It has been a little over 12 years now and my life has never been the same.

 

Have you tried using antonyms?  Try it! 

 

love, susan

 

U is for Upper (A to Z Blogging Challenge)

A friend napping on a camping trip.

UPPER:  Warm fuzzies. Goosebumps. Happy tears. Butterflies in the stomach. Laughter. Moments you know are special and you never want to forget.

 

Sometimes I'm able to capture them in my lens. Sometimes I have to stop and take a mental picture like  Claire in the movie "Elizabethtown" and hope it stays with me forever.



My son and daughter-in-law sharing a laugh
with her brother and friend. Priceless.

Today I am sharing a couple of photos I chose randomly that instantly bring back feelings of joy when I see them.

 

The last 12 years of my life have been non-stop experience in fun and adventure. I wish I could remember every single moment of it but the images I shoot will have to do.

 

These are just a millisecond glimpse of my life.

 

Best day ever spent with two great friends on a
day trip to Seattle. Epic fun!

 

Motorcycle trip with friends on a fine summer day.

I hope you have some epic moments in your life. 

 

love, susan