Agave Insomnia

When we moved into our home, the front yard was already landscaped. To the right of the driveway before the wild desert begins, there was a hefty agave plant. Beginning in November it began sprouting a long stem from the center. This week it began to bloom. Tonight I had trouble sleeping and my Honl Gel Kit I recently purchased from Tempe Camera was on my mind. I had not yet attempted light painting with my new flash and gels.

I only hope the popping of the flash did not startle the neighbors awake. I can only imagine how freaked out I would be if I heard someone crunching around in the rocks, and strange colored lights flashing form outside my window.

Results:

My attempt at a digital star trail... unfortunately I was not plugged into a continuous power source and my battery does not have the staying power to try the multiple shot method so I can merge in Photoshop. However, this has me fired up to break out my first camera with some of the color film that is stored in the back of the fridge and trek out into the spooky desert at night. While I was hanging out in the cool weather I heard some weird squawking sound, rustling in the bushes, an owl, and the squeak of a bat. I love where we live!

I will also note that Cleo and Sheba woke up for the action to keep me company and take a pee outside at 3AM. Where are they now? Crashed out, and I will be doing the same.

Creative Product Photography

One of my husbands colleagues reached out about having me take some product photos of her line of organic beauty products and home cleaning remedies. Along with beautification and delicious-smelling household freshening supplies, she also makes beautiful accessories for your hair!

Here is a quick preview of the first round of edits. Thank you to Becky for asking me to help her out... you helped me reconnect with my creative side!

The artist with her friends (and now, professional models!)

The Horacek Family

Heidi and I met our sophomore year of high school (the only year we went to the same school) and instantly bonded... Here we are 13 years later with wonderful husbands, naughty doggies, and in her case, a beautiful daughter, in our lives. Here are some of my favorites from our photo shoot:

Thank you for a fun morning and photo shoot Horacek family!

Welcome Graham to the Hoffert Family

My friend and colleague, Amber, and her husband Josh welcomed their first baby, Graham, to their family last month! They graciously asked if I would take photos of baby Graham. What a treat! Graham was the perfect little angel during his photo shoot. Who knew a heating pad could provide so much comfort to a newborn? Here is a preview of this adorable little boy.

Congratulations, Josh & Amber! We are so happy for the two of you. Thank you for the opportunity to take some of his first photos, it was an honor!

The Girls

After we lost Quixie in September, I could not imagine having another dog. I've had difficulty writing about the experience and would like to do a tribute post to him eventually. Despite his naughtiness he was one of the most handsome, snugly and mischievous greyhounds a girl could ever love. He was the last greyhound we will adopt... mixed breeds from here out... After he passed on, Cleo was noticeable despondent. She became more clingy, lethargic and whiny with her friend gone--losing two friends in less than 3 years has been hard on her. Even though we didn't feel completely ready to welcome a new dog into our home, we figured we could look.

The weekend before Thanksgiving we decided to check out the local Humane Society to see if any dogs called out to us. Before we left, I checked out which dogs were available, out of the 5 I wrote down, two were still available at the Campus For Compassion in South Phoenix.

"Gracie" was a small lab-mix who kind of resembled Cleo. When we walked  up to her cage, she ran up to us, pressed herself against the bars and made the most pitiful whine that made my heart swell. Adam felt the same way about her. After a positive introduction with Cleo Bug we decided Gracie would be a good fit.

I will not lie, it has not been easy having a 6-month-old dog... but it is fun seeing our 9.5-year-old Cleo rediscover her inner-puppy and find some happiness again in her golden years.

Losing a pet, especially when he is still young, is very difficult, but it makes you realize how many pets  need a home. We are not meant to have one animal companion throughout our lives... I think we outlive them so we have the chance to offer the chance for love and shelter to many little souls. Sheba (formerly Gracie), has made me realize it is possible to move on and that Quixie lives on in some of her naughtiness. It thrills me to see Cleo so happy and active again. Here are some photos from this morning when Sheba and Cleo chased each other around the backyard.