Laughing Animals

Sometimes I think animals look creepy. You have no idea how much I hate cartoon animals that have the computer imposed denture looking smiles. Matthew loved seeing these animals as the two of us took a country drive. He has been talking about emus ever since. They both had such different personalities as I took their pictures. Seriously the emu was staring at us in this threatening "don't mess with me" kinda way....and the horse, well doesn't he look like he is smiling?

Creepy fetching animals!

Goodnight Sun

The crazy mixture of rain storms combined with moments of spring have led to some gorgeous sunsets. They are "perfect" for only a few minutes. I have missed taking pictures of several because my camera was not by my side. The few minutes it would take to grab my camera resulted in an instant change to the contrast of the colors painted across the sky.

DETOUR: On the way to school

I am not going to lie. I set out to take my kids to school and became very distracted. Matthew asked "Aren't you taking me to school?" Not yet boy, check out those clouds!" I am posting more than one photo today. Maybe two. I dunno, I might post more. *evil grin* But that is where my spirit is! And for some reason, my spirit needs a lift and pictures seem to be the remedy!

Peaceful things.
Old things.
My things.
Enjoy.

Thank You

Today was a day blanketed in sadness for many people in the Central Valley. Last week a tragic and selfish act took the lives of two men who served our police force. I did not know these men, nor did I know their families. But today as I watched a funeral courageously shared through the local television, my heart felt of sadness and loss. I was reminded that the men and women in uniform are more than protectors of our community; they are parents and friends - to many.
Many businesses showed respect as the flag flown at half staff in mourning for this loss. This photo was taken from the Cal Fire station in Sanger. It was only a few minutes drive from the location of last weeks life changing events.

To those who serve....Thank You.

Just An Arch

I think I am getting a little out of control; I have begun to carry my camera with me everywhere. Even to dinner. This arch is on the outside of a wonderful Indian restaurant in Clovis. I was very hungry but I really wanted to get a picture of this arch. I admit it: I ate my Indian food first then snapped my picture before we drove away!

Peaceful Night

Let me start by confessing that I have already posted today. But my habits are addictive by nature and this blog is not excluded. So here I am again and apparently so are you!

Tonight Jessica packed her little Saturn with all her clothes, shoes and a mini fridge. She is ready to move to Temecula, CA with her good friend. School, growing up, and experiencing life is a mere few hours away for her. Her last chosen meal: my fabulous tacos...and she is ready to go. Moments before we are walking my oldest baby to her car, my youngest baby Matthew runs in yelling about how the sky is on fire! Did I run to shelter my children? No. Did I grab a bucket of water? No. Let's face it....you know what I did: I grabbed my camera. I have no regrets because my son found a gorgeous sunset which he could only describe as fire. I realize that from a photographers perspective there are many obstructions when dissecting this sunset photo. But capturing a moment on film that was magnificent in my three-year-old's eyes makes it a priceless memory.

Especially on a night where I watched my first baby bird fly away from the nest.

What A View

Sanger sits quietly nestled against the foothills. On a clear day the mountains seem only arms length from my own backyard. Today the snow-capped mountains peaked brightly just beyond the nearby orange orchard and vineyard. As I was driving I noticed my co-pilot, trying desperately to take a picture. I say desperately because her attempt was with a cellphone...through a dirty car window... from a speeding suburban.

I appreciate that Jaye can see the simple beauty that lays just outside a car window. I knew it would be a perfect time to stop and snap a picture...with a real camera.