Back in January we had exceptionally balmy winter weather and now in the early spring of late March it has been exceptionally cold. I may call Michigan and Ontario home but I’m ready to be done with my winter coat and start enjoying some warm sunshine again! Anyone else agree?

My husband asked me to design him some business cards. The criteria was that they had to be black and white and include a big enough image of his own personalized QR code that he provided to me. Oh, and his design preference is more on the minimalistic side.

The designs were whipped up in good ‘ol Inkscape in one afternoon and before the day was through we had them printed out and ready to go! We both prefer the first one the best.

Raggedy Ann’s secret is that she wears stamped over her heart the words “I Love You.” This Raggedy Ann is special, sewn with love for her oldest grandaughter.

A few weeks ago I met with this new family for a photo session. It was meant to be newborn photos but time had gotten away from us and this little guy was already a month old! Going into it I knew it was going to be more difficult to get him to cooperate, and it was.

I tried to do as much homework as possible to be ready with a plan and props, but most of that went out the window. Looking back I can see a lot of areas where I can improve… now having a better idea of what my camera and I can do.

It’s nice to look at all the beautiful newborn pictures out there and think, “Awe, I could do that.” But the truth is… it takes a lot of practice and patience.

Buddy definitely has a personality of his own and usually shows it by announcing my husband’s arrival home every day. He enjoys sitting on our shoulder, nibbling our ears, and the treats we give him. While he’ll allow us to feed him by hand, he prefers that we keep them to ourselves after the food is gone. He can say “Hi Buddy,” and will do so if you spend a bit of time hanging out. Sometimes he will even compliment us with a whistle. We have owned cockatiels in the past but Buddy is by far the best.

This is my most favorite time of year, when the fall colors are at their peak. Unfortunately it never seems to last long enough. These pictures were taken at Fitzgerald Park on the Grand River.

One of my most favorite Canadian TV shows to watch is PhotoXplorers. It’s about an adventurous band of photographers/urban explorers who slip behind the barricades to capture haunting images of abandoned buildings and structures from around the World. It combines the thrill of going into dangerous places with the excitement of capturing amazing pictures otherwise never seen.

Watching the show made me want to find an abandoned building of my own and backpack in with some fellow photographer friends to do the same. I pictured myself taking capturing photos like the ones Yves Marchand and Romain Meffre took of the remains of the motor city that were featured in Time. But, I don’t have free time to plan photography trips and travel around the country just to take pictures. Instead I started thinking about some more local options.

This is an old homestead that was abandoned years ago. It still sands today and with permission I was able to go take a look around.

This first taste of abandoned building photography has definitely whet my appetite. I’d love to go back and do it again. More than that, I’d love to check out some new locations. Anyone have any ideas?

I love sunsets! I have to admit I have seen many more sunsets than sunrises since I happen to not really be much of a morning person. (Seriously, don’t ask my husband how many years it took to get me to roll out of bed early enough to make breakfast for the family.)

The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a contest for he best logo design for Mason’s 2015 sesquicentennial celebration. The design that is chosen will be used on the 2013-2015 street light banners. The working theme of the commemoration is “Mason-rooted in the past, growing toward the future.”

   

I entered three logos for consideration and the judges will choose one of the three to represent me in the contest. The deadline for entering my designs was yesterday and the winner will be announced on October 11th. I don’t expect to win though I do think my designs are comparable with the rest of them. Ordered from most to least favorite are the logo designs that I entered in the contest (above).  Which one do you think is the best?