Opening a New Chapter Praying Together

see these items:)

This past weekend I started a second blog which is not related to my photography or art:) While speaking to friends from different states through the internet we decided that an online prayer group would be a wonderful help to those of us who cannot see each other regularly or at all in some cases. A place where we can share our burdens and praises. So I wanted to share Praying Together with you. We also have a group page on facebook which is for prayer requests and praises. Open to everyone, it is a group and not a fan page so it works a little differently, if you are interested, it is also Praying Together. It does not feed into a facebok stream, so if you join, bookmark the page and come and see who's posting as often as you can or would like.

PS I said it has nothing to do with art and that is true, but a week ago I was baptised as an adult and I created the treasury to express how I was feeling above, there are some amazing artists in that collection to check out.

Day 37 of Documentary-Portrait Cell Cam Project GOING GREEN???

I am not posting all of my 365 images on my website-blog anymore because I do have a 365 page:
I do want to post some from time to time.
This image I am posting because I find it somewhat IRONIC the more I get interested in this HANDMADE year and quality of quantity that there is an image of GOING GREEN in a mall behind plastic, made in china.

Plus I do LOVE the Grateful Dead so I was also drawn to the illustration:)

The Whole Day

Kids are back in school all day so that means I have the WHOLE DAY. The whole day to?

   PAINTING

In a dream world that would mean I have the WHOLE DAY to create pictures, edit and share them, respond to conversations from people that are interested in my work, drink some coffee and chat with a couple of friends and then go back and create some more.
I do have my duties as wife and mother..... even though they aren't home.

PENDANT

I could get all of that DONE before 10am, no one would know and I would have the WHOLE DAY to work and focus on my photography and business.
So, that means I have one hour to get everything done upstairs and then I am off to create. Today will be a dream world day and we will see how it works out:)

About Me

My name is Molly and I LOVE creating images through photography.
I went to University of Florida wanting to pursue psychology, but it didn't take me long to figure out it was not my destiny. I much preferred people watching outside to being in the classroom and studying textbooks. A defining moment for me was when a room mate came home with A FILM DEVELOPING canister. THAT quick, like the snap of a finger, I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to capture the people I love to watch on film, I wanted to travel and experience things through photography and I wanted to share my images with everyone. I called home, signed up for photojournalism school and dreamed big. I remember calling the head photography instructor on the phone in excitement before the new semester and telling him, "I am so excited to enroll in your class, I want to work for National Geographic and LIFE Magazine." I obviously had NO idea what BIG dreams those were. I learned ALL of the basics of photojournalism and newspaper photography. But a run in with my instructor who told me the world is UP, DOWN and STRAIGHT, that there was no room for artistic interpretation in journalism turned me off. Would you believe 2 hours away in Daytona Beach (my home town) was a photography school. The Southeast Center for Photography. I quickly transferred and spent at least 8 hours a day there, doing nothing but photography LOVING every minute. Studying the work of master photographers in books, museums and galleries quickly made me realize the world was NOT only UP and Down. I found my passion in photographing people, first BIKE WEEK and then my fist huge independent project;  A Florida State Correctional Facility. I made portraits and did  interviews.
That was 15 years ago, I moved to Pennsylvania, got married, ran a successful wedding photography business with emphasis on a documentary point of view. I had 2 beautiful children and I have worked as a portrait and commercial photographer from babies to factories while raising them.  While at home I pursued art, solo and group shows, grants and more. Both of my children are in school now and I am done with portraits, commercial and everything in between. I have rediscovered my LOVE of photography and I am pursuing art which I sell in my online galleries and in boutiques. I am ready to start self assigning magazine ideas to myself and follow my dreams again. And I am ready to offer other people help and a PUSH in the right direction with their art and photography through one on one critique sessions and more in depth one on one classes on line if they would like. CONTACT me anytime for more information on my art or MY HELP:)
PS the work in the prison must have inspired me, I have been a licensed bail agent for 14 years working part time with my father and Bail USA.

Day 33 of Documentary-Portrait Cell Cam Project A BISON-BUFFALO

Well, I don't know how to explain or title this one, it IS what IT IS! A real Buffalo covering a real motorcycle. It smelled real and was a complete covering, Something you dont see everyday.

Time to GET Organized? Again?

SOURCE

I have a problem with organization, I am unorganized. My kids and I have been sorting and sifting through their rooms to make it new and refreshing for school next week. There are organizing systems for everything, even entire stores just for containers! What's wrong with me. What organizing tool would solves my array of messiness. I watch Hoarders on tv and it hasnt helped. I dont have a problem with donating, in fact we drop off at Goodwill at least once a month. I just cant seem to put things in their place or if I do find a place, I forget about it. Maybe what I need is an herb to help me remember better?
Alas, my daughter started kindergarten last year and I remember telling my friends I will take this thing slow, the weight loss, the organizing, the scrapbooking and more. I distinctly remember saying, "Even if it takes me the whole school year, who cares, the year will go by either way and think how much my kids will have accomplished in that year." Well, I weigh the same, I dont have a workout routine and I work surrounded by organized chaos on my desk. I read someplace one time that was the sign of GENIUS~ lol But I dont know if I believe it.
So I am going to brainstorm out loud some of the things I want-need to do and then maybe we will see some tools I should by to get it done?

*Get in shape, lose weight and cook good meals SOURCE

*my schedule is on a crazy cell phone and not accesible, need my schedule

CANT FIND A HANDMADE calendar-planner I like, do you make them? Link me:)
SOMETHING leather with a closure would be awesome

*all my lightbulb moments need put in a place where I can find them source

*plan the after school program and daisys for the year SOURCE

Well it looks like journals and notebooks are the key to getting me organized now what should I put ALL of these things in to tote them around easily and confortably.
DO you have ideas on how to get me organized. Do you create HANDMADE organizing items, link me;) I may share them here.

Day 30 of Documentary-Portrait Cell Cam Project PNC PARK

It was so HOT today we enjoyed every angle of PNC Field walking to get a breeze. I love the view from this park with the skyline and bridges, The Pirates won today and there was even a homerun.

PS remember my 365 is actually a 100 project so 70 more days to go. I have a new idea for the next one so keep watching:)

Day 29 of Documentary-Cell Camera Project TEXTURE VARIATIONS

What can I say an opportunity presented itself to do a visual study on multiple textures in one image and I went for it:)

Day 28 Documentary-Portrait Cell Camera project Running Away from Home

Running away from home for the first time and hopefully the last, the expression on her older brother's face seems to be one of complete curiosity! But at least he jumped on his bike to stop her, where was she going you may ask, to the "CAT MAN's HOUSE!" to sleep in the yard with the cats.

Day 27 of Documentary-Portrait Cell Camera Project I WAS HERE COLORED PINS

This is only a SMALL portion of the map at a bbq place (Clems's 322) that looks like it hardly gets any business but quite the contrary, obviously. And it sure does taste good!

DAY 26 Documentary-Portrait Cell Cam Project Motion-Fluidity Action

Because the cell phone camera is very limited in it's ability for action shots I really love when I have an opportunity in bright sunlight to capture action, water and motion have been something this summer that have really drawn me in.

ALSO 74 days left and I have a NEW IDEA for my next 100 project and I almost can't wait because let's just say there is some HUMOR involved~

Day 25 of Documentary-Portrait Cell Camera Project the SCRAMBLER

The SCRAMBLER day 25 EMOTION caught in action:) LOVE bright sunlight for the cell phone camera!

COSMOPOLITAN- My Entry into the SanFransisco Art Bash 2010

OIL- Serve Yourself if my entry for COSMOPOLITAN

Some definitions of Cosmopolitan are:

1.Pertinent or common to the whole world: an issue of cosmopolitan import.

2. Having constituent elements from all over the world or from many different parts of the world: the ancient and cosmopolitan societies of Syria and Egypt.

3. So sophisticated as to be at home in all parts of the world or conversant with many spheres of interest: a cosmopolitan traveler.

4. Ecology Growing or occurring in many parts of the world; widely distributed.

VISIONARY- My entry into the San Fransisco ART BASH 2010

HOOPS, is my entry for VISIONARY into the SanFransisco Art Bash 2010

Thanks for looking,



 Molly

DAY 24 of Documentary-CELL Camera Project A BUCK IN MY BACKYARD

Even though we have deer all over the place, a lot of the time, it is RARE that a buck will come up to visit. We were on our deck having breakfast and he walked up staring at me, moving his head back and forth so I of course did the silly HUMAN thing, get some carrots I say to the kids. I launch some down and he smells them but just continues to look at us like we were a novelty to him. HOW FUNNY actually.
Behind him were another buck a doe and two bambi's.

Love to share these kinds of moments with my kids.

WOULD you like to see CRITIQUE- HELP tab on my Blog?

One of my favorite things about photography school was the art of discussion and critique. Friends could spend endless amounts of time pouring over books with works from the old masters. And we critiqued each other as well.
Having a critique is a wonderful thing because it can show you wonderful things about your work that you did not see in it before as well as pointing out how tweaks and changes could make huge improvements.
Over the years I have run a portrait-wedding business successfully and then moved onto pursuing my dream of  artwork only. During this time I have loved the opportunities I have had to encourage and sometimes help up and coming photographers that have approached me.

Claire and Her Camera

I would love to offer a HELP-CRITIQUE tab on my blog.
Is this a service you would like me to offer?
And if I did, which of the three options would you prefer?
1. A basic class with me online with homework and follow up critiques
2. Critiquing of images that you are already working on
3. A class with the option to have images edited after the class is over

I really value YOUR opinion. SO please comment, thanks.

Day 23 Documentary-Portrait Cell Camera Project water-movement-shadow

Really enjoyed playing with the bright sunlight, the movement of water and the shadows in this image.

Day 22 Documentary-Portrait Cell Camera Project LOTS OF TEETH

A display of FINISHED teeth at the orthodontist. The daughter was impressed, but the boy on the chair, not so much:)

DAY 21 of Documentary-Portrait Cell Camera Project

Checking out his CLEAN teeth.

Day 20 of Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

This image was created while out geocaching in the woods of rural Pennsylvania. Hidden by 2 paramedics/fireman this was an awesome find for our kids and a great way to try a new app on the cell camera.

On my Bucket List- A Handmade Year

On my Bucket List one of the things I really want to do and started in July with my father's birthday is a handmade or vintage year. Every gift I purchase for someone will either be handmade or vintage. No made in China, No Wal-Mart.
The only gift I think I will have to cave on are those from Santa and with good reason my son has had the same lego ship on his list for almost a YEAR!
And I also realize that the receivers of my gift may take a while to understand WHY I am doing this and like the gifts they receive. I think there is a perception that purchasing high tech gifts or items with well known brands on them are some how better. They are not necessarily better just in our sight constantly.
I want to share this handmade year with you.

Vintage Suit

For my fathers birthday, my first handmade gift of the quest, I made a compromise. My dad is NOT a scarf or knitted booties guy LOL not even close. I found a man who carves wooden signs and made one with the Harley Davidson logo. A compromise like I said. I wish had a photo of it to post but it was very nice, I bought it directly from the man at a craft show and it felt nice to show my dad the man's name on the back label.
For my sister birthday I ordered a necklace. She is a school teacher and I thought this owl would be adorable for fall.

I recently ordered something for myself from itsastitch And I was so happy with the packaging, the personal touch with a card that spelled my name and the uniqueness of the item, I HAD to get something for my sister. She will get it this week:)
WHAT I want to get my mom who loves the slots and poker to wear out on her special birthday!

wondercard necklace

I will keep you posted on how the year goes and hopefully have images of the people I love with their handmade and vintage gifts!

PS I started to talk about my bucket list the other day and would you believe the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis is at the top of my list and there was a SOLAR TSUNAMI or solar eruption Sunday which may make it possible to view the lights tonight in Pennsylvania:) WHOOT WHOOT for that.

#19/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

We end up walking through cememteries quite a bit. Sometimes we go to visit stones of people we knew or were related to, sometimes we are there for a geocache that someone places for a loved one who enjoyed the sport and sometimes I am drawn in by the wonder and beauty. We have been to cemeteries deep in the woods with no more than a dozen graves and the stones are so old and small accept for the careful placement you wouldnt even know they were markers. BUT then you come across a stone like this with beautiful carving of Jesus. I think I would just want something inexpensive and plain on my grave but there is something very comforting for me as a Christian to see Jesus there and more importantly to know that the family of this person knew they were a believer. It gives comfort to me, it gave comfort to the family and by God's grace it is bringing complete joy to the person who passed.
This image is on my cell phone with an app.

#18/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

A close up of an abandoned Pennsylvania Rail Road Car. I enjoyed working with the lines and simple shapes in this image.

Do you have a Bucket List, Wanna Share?

Have you seen that movie The Bucket List? If you haven't, I expect you have heard the term, before "I KICK the bucket." The movie was great and starred Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. It has really started a worldwide trend of people creating bucket lists and crossing things off as they go.

I thought it was a great idea but didn't start one until I was reminded when I saw a friend on facebook going to a concert and running a marathon and saying he could cross that off:)
When I got a new cell phone this summer with APPS:) I found the Bucket List app and more out of playing on the phone opened it. But as I started to add things I realized there are things I really want to do.
I have not added things like WIN THE LOTTERY, although I play often, I have added things that I feel like I have some control over and a lot of my things are things I want to share with other people.
One of the top things on my list is to see the Northern Lights with my son because we have talked together about how much we BOTH would love to see it.
Borealis Set of 4

I encourage you to start one it doesn't have to be fancy. It can be on the back of a napkin or on your computer or your cell phone APP.
ThePailPatch

Somethings on my List that I can do easily and Free:
*Say Yes To Everything for an Entire Day
*A 24 hour vow of silence (The kids might add this one to theirs LOL)
*lose weight specifically 10 pounds and then more
*Watch all of the Star Wars Movies in order with my kids
*Read the Entire Bible
And of course I have my crazy ones on their too like visiting the Galapagos Islands!
I would love it if a dialogue could be started in the comment section of things you have on YOUR bucket list, have completed or will ADD when you start your list.

#17/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

A day by the Old Altoona RailRoad in Pennsylvania.

Because there is no ability to zoom on a cell phone camera I found this an excellent opportunity for an overhead wide angle shot.

#16/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

By far the most challenging image so far NOT because of the model but because of the lighting. BACKLIGHTING with a cell phone camera is a challenge to say the least. So I tried to use it a bit more as side light but because it's her birthday I still wanted her "In the Spotlight."

If I were using film (which would be magnificent) this would be a perfect reason to use the ZONE SYSTEM (which is ALL I use when shooting film) Exposing for the shadows and then developing for the highlights. With a cell phone camera I was just trying to get skin tones in the face and not a total silhouette, I knew I would lose detail in the window but because of the textures and tones on the tables decided it would work. YES those things were going through my mind in the 4 frames I clicked, but also YES I did NOT know if it was going to work.

Salute Daria, Happy Birthday!

#15/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

Kids at the park were shooting some hoops today. I started by shooting the obvious, the kids "shooting hoops." But after three shots I decided to look at the scene from a different point of view:)

The American Creativity CRISIS

"For the first time research shows that American creativity is declining. What went wrong-and how we can fix it." from Newsweek July 10, 2010

Progress
I read this article online from Newsweek the day that is came out and it really bothered me. At first glance the title of the article, "Creativity Crisis," may have even brought a grin to my face with a follow up question of WHAT are they trying to convince us is wrong with us this time? It does sound sort of silly, "The American Creativity Crisis." When I started to read my gut reaction was to fight back and say, this isn't true! Our kids are creative~!
As I read on and started to take in everything the article had to say I realized, I am lucky.
MY KIDS ARE not in crisis....

An Artists Palette Ring

But, there are other kids in this country who are not as lucky.
The article looks at t.v. and video games as a reason why kids are less creative. Personally I don't agree.
I think t.v. and video games are adding to obesity in America but that's another topic.
I am a strong believer in PLAY! Make-Believe, just like Mr. Rogers wanted us to do when we were little.
I think scratch beneath the surface and deep down it is a GREED problem. Why greed? That doesn't sound like it makes any sense. But, to me it does.
I know parents and children who have schedules that are OFF the CHART~
Why?
It's not easy to chauffeur children around from one activity to the next. But, still, parents do it. Kids are participating in so many scheduled extra curricular activities, there is NO TIME FOR PLAY:( I think it's sad. Sports, dancing, singing, acting, karate all of it is awesome for kids. It teaches teamwork, builds self confidence, grows friendships and get the off the couch. But how about one activity at a time so a child can even decide if they like it?
When my son started kindergarten there was a sign for CHEERLEADING CAMP...
ages 2 and up! REALLY? 2 and up~
Whatever happened to playing babydolls, naptime, snacktime and picking dandelions?
WHY start them so young? Parents want there kids to have a leg up so they can be the BEST to compete with all of the other kids. I heard a mom bragging that a coach said her daughter is really SOMETHING at SOCCER (age 5) So what? Who cares?

Skilled Soccer Crown

I am not trying to be mean, but why tell a 5 year old
"YOU are good at soccer and this is what you SHOULD DO!"
I am a HUGE fan of the children's library and have been going regulary for 9 years.
2 years ago, my daughter (4 at the time) was participating and it was time to make a craft. The kids were gluing all kinds of MESSY things onto a paper plate to make a bird nest. I made sure Ruby had glue, smiled and told her it was great. A mom across from me sat there telling her daughter where to place EACH piece and moved the pieces her daughter added. WHY?
That sure sends a signal to someone that their problem solving and ability to create STINKS in their mother's eyes. And who wants to feel like that?
Also who wants to walk by the referigerator and be reminded of it with the PERFECTLY decorated plate that mom made?
My son is 9 and is one of the MOST creative people I have met, honestly. Since he has been a toddler he has tied ropes around his waist to be a Rescue Hero, draped himself in fabrics to be a Super Hero and still build forts and hideouts making him his Sister's Hero. There are hours of time spent playing legos every week. And I do not oversee or MANAGE him. If he wants to play soccer for a season he does. But I am not trying to raise the next World Cup Star.
My daughter loved ballet and truly she is graceful and looked so PERFECTLY sweet in her costumes, (PLUS I GOT TO TAKE LOTS OF CUTE PICTURES!)
so when she wanted to play soccer insead, I was a bit disappointed, BUT that was my issue not her's. She ended up liking soccer for one season.

Little Ballerinas

She has always loved to perform so NEXT she wanted to sing and act. She tried out for a play at the local theater and got a part (she is 6) and I was thrilled for her.
But when she asks me, "Mom can I be a POPSTAR?" I tell her she can do anything she wants but she shouldnt sing to be famous she should sing to express herself and make herself happy.

RockStar Cake Topper

We need to let our kids be kids. KIDS know how to play.
Kids are born with curiosity and questions. If adults would quit trying to MAKE them good at what they WISH they had been good at, kids would be a lot happier!
I don't think we have a CREATIVE KID CRISIS! I think we have a PARENTING CRISIS in America. The generation of entitlement thinks they are entitled to live vicariously through their children to be SUCCESSFUL at everything they wish they COULD HAVE BEEN.
Parents need to back off and let them be. Watch them play and stop managing it.
Don't worry I promise if your child spends all afternoon pretending to be a wild animal and NOT practicing their swing and dribble, THEY WILL BE OKAY!

#14/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

Action is hard enough to handle on a cell phone camera, partner the action with a temper filled little girl and this is what (I got)

#13/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

Hiking a lot today in the heat, the black top, the stop sign, the boy and the sunbeams radiated an XFILES moment for me.

#12/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

12:05 I am 5 minutes late for July 24, 2010 but we traveled, hiked and geocached all day and then went to an Altoona Curves Baseball game with the scouts, so I am giving myself a pat on the back for getting it done.

This image was created on a cache we did in memory of an 11 year old boy in an area where he enjoyed hiking. It really was pretty. But the higher up the hill we got, we could hear the electrical lines making crackling sounds, very surreal!

#11/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

Our Gi-Gi 93 years old and TOTALLY relaxed posed for this today only took three images I love how elegant she looks!

#10/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

Heading Out To Sea

Watching my 5 month old nephew in a BUMBO, he sits up so nice and safe. Looking at the water out in front of him I was awestruck by the whimsy of him sailing out to sea!

#9/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

Two types of lighting today, a little natural window light and the direct light from the dentist chair.

#8/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

Well I admit it is 8:53 p.m. and time was getting away from me today for my project especially since the camera phone is not GREAT (smiles) inside at night. Someday I will conquer that. But my inspiration was on my way home this pair of antique collie dog statues looking out old windows at sunset. I used an app on my phone to achieve the feeling I was seeing when I looked at the dogs and decided this one looks better with a little color:)

Phoebe in Wonderland Thoughts and Review

This is my second movie review. It's not because it's only the second movie I have watched since ShutterIsland. I LOVE movies and watch a lot of them with my husband. It's because movies that are thoughtfully done through the eyes of the cinematographer and transformed into believable magic on the screen are not that easy to come by. Combining that beauty with amazing story line and dialogue is even harder. But here I have found another TRUE BEAUTY. Phoebe in Wonderland.
How did I miss this one earlier I am a huge Tim Burton fan and didn't even realize it was him until I saw the credits.
This movie is surreal and beautiful at the beginning but is also strangely dark. Not in a horror sense but dark with reality of growing up, especially as a child who is different. It is a movie that you catch yourself caught up in wonder and awe and then realize what you are seeing is quite sad.
A must see for anyone who loves great photography, Alice in Wonderland, Tim Burton or anyone who knows someone who has dealt with a child that has compulsions. (I don't want to give anything else away so I will leave it at that~)

#7/365 Documentary-Portrait Cell Phone Project

On the seventh day we are meant to rest:) And so we did at a picnic. And we ate and ate and ate. And the kids cooled off in the pool. I was pleased with how the camera worked in the bright sunlight today for my project.

#6/365 Documentary-Cell Phone Project

This image was created today in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania. It is Decker's Chapel. One of the TINIEST chapel's in America. It has a really interesting story and history to it:) My daughter said can we go back in and pray? Sure. The building is all original white walls with white wooden kneelers and at the top is a Catholic alter. We are not Catholic but it was wonderful to say the Lord's prayer together in there. It was amazing to me that she didn't just view it as a tourist attraction and after we said the Lord's Prayer I took this picture, I don't know what she was asking or praising but she prayed for a couple more minutes;)

#5/365 Documentary-Cell Phone Project

This was a hilarious moment I caught outside when my son realized the plastic buttons from who know what toy could fit in his eyes. Loves to try to freak me out and make me think he's in pain. If he is covering the other eye, one can only IMAGINE what happened to it!