Cute Hair Clips

Have I ever mentioned I love hair-clip flowers? 

They go in hats, hair, pretty much everywhere.

Teaching

Today I went and spoke to a 4-H group about photography. 

I officially have at least five more recruits for my photography classes!! 

That makes seven or eight kids I'll be teaching!

The Shiny New Bow

I know a package from Cabela's doesn't excite most girls, 

but it excited this one!! 

My bow finally came today! 

I can't wait to get a hold of a bowstringer and start practicing!

Adorable Black Shoes

Today after speech class, 

my mom and I stopped by PayLess 

and got me some capitol shoes. 

They're AE and I love 'em!! 

And, I discovered that I might be in fact, 

a size 9 instead of the previously thought size 10. 

Huh.

Purple Roses

Today I finished a painting that was a bit of a challenge for me. 

Despite this, I had a blast with it! 

I'm thinking I'm going to be doing more flowers 

in this new style I've seemed to pick up.

Artistic Doorknobs

Some friends and I were discussing my daily photos this morning. 

One mentioned how it'd be interesting to try and make a doorknob look artistic. 

Well, here's an artistic doorknob!

Valentine's Day

Today's photo is from the bag that my mom gave me my Valentine in. 

Whether you are single or otherwise, 

remember today that you are loved!!!
Happy Valentine's Day!

Smiling Faces

I had an absolute blast photographing these two beautiful young ladies today! 

If only my camera battery hadn't died. 

Oh well, just an excuse to go out and do it again!!

Locking My Keys in the Car

Keys. 

Never, ever leave your car without them. 

Especially when you expect to lock your car. 

This statement is taken from a rather... recent.. personal experience.

Fill Up My Cup

This is kind of a "filler" picture. 

Due to certain circumstances 

that later became associated with the photo I captured and selected for today, 

I decided to delete it and not use it. 

So, as my second choice for a subject, 

I selected the special journals I purchased yesterday after speech class.

How To Wash a Cat

Today I gave my first speech class speech. 

It was to be a demonstration. 

So what topic did I pick? 

How to wash your cat! 

It went really, really well. I had a blast.

Living Out of a Suitcase

My mom came home with the coolest suitcases today. 

Definitely taking one of these to TeenPact events, speech tournaments, 

and whatever other epic travels are in store.

The Blue Boy

This is Boo Beau. 

The cuddliest, stupidest, floppiest, craziest kitty you will ever meet. 

And I love him.

A Rose By Any Other Name

This is the rose I put on my fedora. 

I felt kind of random today, so I selected this as today's subject.

Music To My Ears..

Today I decided to wear a hoodie I hadn't worn in quite a while. 

When I put it on, I slipped my hand into the pocket and pulled out... my purple headphones!!! 

I've been looking for these for a long time and was quite pleased to find them.

A Dog Named Max

The other day, we exchanged one foster dog for another. 

This is foster dog number four for our family. 

Appropriately dubbed Max, he is fitting in well with our family! 

Hopefully we'll be able to keep this sweet boy!

Oh, What a Beautiful Morning!

When my alarm went off this morning, I was, as usual, not too happy about it. 

I clicked it off, and started to burrow back under my blankets. But my eye caught something out my window. 

As I sat up, I found myself gazing upon one of the most gorgeous sunrises I had ever seen. 

I popped out of bed, pulled on a sweatshirt, my socks, and my shoes, grabbed my camera and ran outside. 

And just in time too--after a few shots, the brilliant orange had faded.

God's creativity is amazing.

This picture does not do it justice.

I'll Tip My Hat To You

I wore my newsboy cap today, 

and just couldn't resist the urge to take a picture of the "buckle" on the hatband. 

It's just so.. artsy and cool and awesome. 

Actually, the whole hat is. 

I love it.

Country Life

I went out to the barn with a particular picture in mind, but the pitchfork caught my eye instead. It was like my brother had stuck it just so into the hay bale with me and my photographs in mind. I will at some point get the other picture I had in mind, but this opportunity was too good to pass up.

A Fedora, a Canon Rebel, and a Smile

Today was declared "Fedora Day" by Kiefer and Katy, so I decided that today's photo would be a little different. I know I only took one of the photos in this collage, but hey, when there's fedoras, Canon Rebels, awesome photographers, and great smiles, who's complaining?? Not me!

The Unchangeable Word

This is the front of the Bible I found in Salem. 

I purchased it to take to college to have in my satchel ready-to-go for chapel. 

I'm hoping to get a giant, wide-margin Bible for graduation. 

I saw one of those in Salem too, but couldn't afford it.

A Sad Little Story

Today I started reading "The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" again. I'm doing an excerpt from it for my Dramatic Interp, and wanted to re-familiarize myself with the characteristics and mannerisms of Bruno and Shmuel.

Everytime I read this story, my heart breaks.

And the Two Shall Become One..

Congratulations to Josh and Layna Bowman!
May God bless you two now and forever!

Poetry At Its Finest

We have these magnetic words on our refrigerator.
My dad wrote this using those several weeks ago.
No one has changed it (which usually happens by now).
I think we all just love it too much.

Deliciousness is on the Menu

This was dinner.
Leeks and chicken.
And when it came out of the oven, I added raw onions.
Pure. Deliciousness.

I Am Beautiful [and so are YOU]

Psalm 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:
marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

In honor of I Am Beautiful Day,
today's photo is a reminder to every girl that they are beautiful.
Don't be afraid to shine and to believe that you are beautiful.

Ring, Ring; Sing, Sing

I was feeling kinda blank on what to take a picture of today. While I was trying to think of something, my phone buzzed. After I responded the message, I set my phone down on my notebook with the slider open. Contemplating it, I put my ear buds on top. And snapped a picture.

Front Porch Swing

I love, love, love my mom's front porch swing. I love taking a good book and my iPod out there to just read and listen to music. Since it's so cold in the winter, I haven't had the chance to do so in a while. This warm spell, while weird, has me anxious for the weather to continue warming up so that I can sit out there again.

Green Grass... in January?!

 

 While I love grass and spring and summer, I was kind of disappointed when I realized the snow was melting. Now, the snow is basically gone. There's bits here and there, but pretty much nothing of note in my yard. It's all wondrously green grass. It feels like March or something around here. 

Take A Shot

Today, my dad, brother, and I went out to practice for Robbie and I's upcoming shooting competition. After we did some shotgun practice, Robbie pulled out his Mosin Nagant (Russian WWII rifle) and his Enfield Mk. 3 (British WWI rifle). I got to shoot five bullets out of the Mosin and one out of the Enfield. It was awesome! After shooting the Mosin, I scooped up my bullet shells and set up a photo op once I got home. 

Pretty Colors

One of my 4-H leaders generously donated a whole stack on beautifully colored paper to print our meeting agendas on. I can't wait to pass out next month's agendas printed on a lovely bright green!

A Puppy Named Pippin

My sister recently got a rescue dog. 

First, his name was Pippin. 

Then it was Poe.

Then, it became Bandit. 

Next, he was dubbed Pirate.
Soon, Pirate became Henry.
Later, Henry became Jake.
And now, Jake has gone back...


To Pippin. 

A Bug's Eye View

Why yes, yes I did lay down in the middle of the road to get this picture. 

It was a little nerve-wracking at first. 

But then again, I live on the road less traveled, so I had almost nothing to worry about.

A Dog Named Fireball

This gorgeous Golden Retriever has been in my family for almost eight years. She's a sweetheart, and loves being outdoors. She always aims to please and loves being petted.

What You're Aiming At

Tonight at 22 practice, we practiced using the competition targets in anticipation of our upcoming qualifier. A pile of them in the back room instantly became the perfect photo op.

A Silhouette of What it Was

At first, I didn't think I was going to like this photo. But when I got it onto the computer, I fell in love. I've always wanted to try silhouette photos, but can never seem to get them right. This one, however, turned out perfectly.

The Last of the Snow

Here is one of the last pictures I took before all the beautiful snow and fog went away.

Writing

I took this at my writer's club today. What you see before you is the arms of a fantastic writer and her notebook. I love this club.

A Dog Named Biskit

My sister has this.. long-haired Chihuahua. But, to tell you the truth, I'm not sure that it's a real dog. It's like this random creature, living carpet... thing... we have wandering around our house. Either way, she's absolutely adorable.

A Pretty Face

Today, Emma got her braces off!!!! I was teasing her and saying she looked like a bunny because her front teeth look rather large at the moment. I'm sure it just comes from not being used to see her teeth.

Play Me a Song On Your Guitar..

I spent a nice amount of time practicing guitar today. I can now play a few songs intelligibly. Plus, I was able to pick out most of the key notes from "In Christ Alone". The only ones I couldn't figure out was the part with the lyrics "what heights of love, what depths of peace when fears are stilled, and strivings cease." I think I might have to go up an octave to get it right.. but I haven't learned those strings yet

Right On Target

I was kind of dreading archery practice this month because last month, I didn't do so hot. But, something must have clicked this time around, because I did great! Today's photo is of my best target.

Lovely Ladies

I had the awesome privilege of photographing the lovely Barnes family today. Here's one of my favorite shots from the shoot.

Pretty Kitty

So, I spent the entire day at work, and then after work I went straight to a wedding reception with my family. I arrived at home after 6 and realized I hadn't take my daily photo. I grabbed my camera and follow my cat around my room for a while until I came up with this shot. This picture does not do her justice. She's gorgeous calico.

My Favorite Medium

I love, love, love Sharpies. There's just something about them that sparks my creativity. All the bright, vivid colors. Mm. They are wondrous. Lately, I've been doing quite a few drawings with Sharpies, including my ATCs (Artist Trading Cards). After being inspired yesterday with Sharpies now being a medium and all, I decided to make today's picture...Sharpies!

A Piece of My Childhood

Toy Story 3 is one of my absolute favorite movies! I especially liked the character of the talking telephone... I don't know why. Anywho, my mom gave me some little toy figurines for my Christmas Eve gift, and he was one of them. He's sitting on top of my black bookshelf--the perfect place for a photo op!

One of My Favoritest People

I look forward to Wednesday art classes with this delightful young man. He's always cheerful and never ceases to make my day. Kiba Hauck, everyone!

My Candy Cane Heart

With our Christmas tree gone, the only evidence of the Christmas season left is the pile of candy canes on the coffee table. After poking around with them for a while, I settled on arranging two in a heart, and then snapped a photo.

The Forgotten

Today my dad and I went to the transfer station to dump our Christmas tree. The large pile of trees already there appeared to be holding a silent vigil for the Christmas gone by. Since the holiday season has come to a close, I found this scene fitting for today's picture.

A Stack of Books

I came home from Oregon to discover one last Christmas gift waiting for me. Being the bookworm I am, I grinned in delight when I unwrapped a book just begging to be devoured. I am quite pleased with the amount and nature of the books I've received this Christmas. Thank you to all who assisted in feeding my addiction. I can't wait to devour them all!!