Payson Anniversary

There are a few more to edit... but here is the first round. We spent our first wedding anniversary outside of Payson, AZ  in a cabin a family rents out when they are not using it. The place was spectacular! It had a treehouse, mini hiking trails, trampoline, wrap-around deck, all the amenities... it was a wonderful escape... next time we'll leave the dogs at home.

Christmas Cards!

Retro Wheel Green Christmas Card

Get custom photo Christmas cards online at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

This is the first year we will be doing photo cards... you'd think I've always used that method being a photographer and all... I guess I'm more of a traditional girl. Anyway, here's a sneak peak!

Photography provided by the wonderful Joyce Day!

Bikes & Stuff

You know how you sometimes meet people who introduce you to hobbies or other activities that you otherwise would not consider trying? Well, my husband has not only introduced me to motocross and dirt bikes, but now he has brought mountain biking into our house. We had some friends over to ride mountain, or moto, in the open desert behind our home. Here are some of the fun photos from the day.

 "The Boulders" (Mini Version) in our backyard.

 Mr. Expert Moto Rider

Mrs. Expert Moto Rider

 Ian and Jacie waiting to ride.

 Adam ready to lead the mountain bike expedition.

 Cris & Jen ready to go.

 Enjoying the perfect riding weather.

 Heidi rocks!!

 Check out that air.

 Cris popping wheelies and jumping her 150

 Bottoms up! (Lightpole out of the mouth.)

 Are you hungies after that long ride?

 Brewmaster & Cookmaster

 Blueberry Ale in sample-size.

Thanks for the good stuff, Cris!

The next day, Adam and I went on another mountain bike ride, this time to practice jumping. I still need lots of work in that area (on the dirt bike, and mountain bike!)

 Reverse Dork Fang

 Tackling the hills.

Catching some air.

Barely moving...

Visitor & Trail Ride

Over Veteran's Day Weekend, Adam's younger brother, Josh, came to visit. On Saturday we took a Jeep ride up the back road to Crown King, a small mountain village that used to be a booming mining town. Each year the trail changes with winds, rain, snow and shifting sands. This year it seemed more difficult than the last. We ran into a group of Jeeps, the Cactus Crawlers, and found that a few sections of the trail were quite washed out and a few of the Jeeps got stuck. 

Even with the emergency break on... Adam got through one of the most tough sections. Some guy with an F250, long-bed diesel got stuck... luckily someone gave him a ride to town. Once we made it, the Saloon rewarded us with cold beers, good burgers and live music. The Saloon is also dog-friendly. 

Quote of the day: "Why, you're prettier than a brand new chainsaw!" -- Crown King Local

(Fall leaves, abandoned buildings, AZ History at its finest beyond the cut.)

Junior

From the streets to a cozy, loving home:

One chilly March evening, we heard a cat yowling and tried to ignore it thinking the neighbors had a cat who wanted inside. 30 minutes later we realized the sound was coming from our back porch. A little white and tabby cat was sitting at our door, looking pitiful and hoping to be let inside. With two greyhounds who have a rather strong prey drive, and a husband who cannot breath when he's around cats, I regretfully closed the blinds thinking he would find his way home. Two hours later... Being the animal-lover I am, I couldn't let him just freeze out there. I rounded up some old blankets, a water dish, and even some of the dog food. The appreciative kitty ate the dog food, drank the water, and jumped into my lap, purring.

Oh no. Attached! But cannot keep! What do I do? ... Aha!

Mom and dad. Cat-lovers for LIFE!

Luckily they were able to take him into their home "temporarily" while I searched for a permanent home for the little cat. Once someone e-mailed me letting me know she was interested in adopting him, I called my mom to let her know the good news.

Conversation:
Me: "Mom! Someone is interested in adopting Telly!"
Mom: ... "Oh no Bee Bee. We can't give him up now!"
Me: "But you and dad said, 'no more cats!'"
Mom: "He's such a little doll, we're definitely keeping him. Look he's talking!"
Cat: "Meow, meow, meow!"

Now: Telly, Cairo, Spanky, Junior, Junie's (more nicknames to be determined over the course of his life...) is living comfortably at the Brown Family Home for Wayward Cats. Here are some photos of him when we attempted to make him a PetSmart model.

I  will steal your soul!

I will NOT obey you!

I'd rather play!

Or snuggle with my favorite person!

Thanks Mom and Dad, for giving Junior a loving home!

Gray Skies, Snarling At Me

On October 5th a freak storm hit Arizona. There were tornados touching down in the Northwest, East and in Flagstaff... Flooding, high winds, ominous-looking clouds, baseball-sized hail that broke windows in homes. Hail that totaled cars--that totaled our 2010 Subaru Outback that only had 14,731 miles on it... not that I'm bitter, just sad that our little Subie didn't get to make it to 200K miles, and play in the mud or take us on more camping trips. Yes, I know it is "just a car" or a "bucket of bolts"... but I am sad, but thankful that it protected Adam on that drive home, and thankful the storm didn't hit as hard in our neighborhood. Rest in Peace little Subaru Outback.

Here are photos from my hour-long drive home from work (a drive that usually takes 20 minutes). Taken while stopped in the Jeep... Well, mostly stopped. Photojournalism at its finest!

Crazy Weather in Arizona!!

Currently there is golfball-sized hail in Cave Creek AND Tornado warnings! These photos were taken around 12:30 today. Right now it is pitch black out. More hail and lightening... I might be here for a while!

When weather happens in Arizona, it is exciting! Especially after months of 110+ degree days. Bring it on, Mother Nature! Bring it on!

Fort Wayne, Indiana

This year I had the privilege of having my husband and his family, show me around their hometown! Thanks to his mom's hospitality, we had a comfy place to stay, good food, and we were out in the country nonetheless! I saw my first firefly, AND played with sparklers and fireworks!! It was pretty cool for a girl who grew up around the dry brush and wildfire hazards of the desert. Fireflies are much more friendly than scorpions and Arizona Sun Spiders.

As I am going through my photos, I have come to the realization the  G11 is getting WAY more shooting time than the 5D! It's so easy to travel with, shoots RAW, manual, and it's compact... I think my 5D is beginning to feel neglected, though it is the camera I use for all of my professional work, so it's had its fair share of usage. I like to rest it between gigs! My challenge to myself is to make the next post with work I did with the 5D, because it really is an amazing camera. Check out my website for photos taken with the 5D. (Takes a moment to glance longingly at the 5D, tucked away in its protective case.)

Sunset in Amish country. Splendid!

Storm rolling in over the Lake Adam Pub.

You mean, these are legal here?!

The power of machine and man. The Hanson rock quarry.