Angelica Grace Designs

CONGRATS SAINTS!

2010-02-08T08:24:00.005-05:00

A big CONGRATS to Coach Payton and his Saints team last night. What a game. To be neck and neck the entire time - the back and forth of it all. WHEW! I was about to have a coronary thru most of it. Not just because I was rooting for my COLTS but also because I had a bet going with a Saints fan on facebook that I'd owe her a drink if her team won. Needless to say, I lost the bet and now owe her a drink. I promised her that my pick, a "BLUE" martini, would be waiting here in Naples for her. LOL! We both decided that since neither of us drink, maybe a dessert would be a better gift. Therefore, "BLUE"berry pie is on me. HA HA!

We all had a great time razzing each other in good fun. The Saints outplayed our Colts after halftime and they deserve the win. Coach Payton lead them to an incredible victory after an incredible season. I know our friends/old neighbors are proud. Their brother in law is now a Superbowl champ when it comes to the NFL and his coaching history. What an incredible blessing! Thankfully for them, they were all at the Superbowl last night to witness history. Soooo soooo fun!

Anywho, I'm taking the razzing about our COLTS loosing like a good sport should. Our team let go of the notion after halftime. They gave up the game. Totally. The Saints ROCKED it and ROCKED it well. No other team is more deserving (other than our COLTS that is).

It is funny to me though how many people can't play along with the razzing "in fun." Some are so over the top about it. It's just a game people. Just a game. To the person who commented on my blog today that rarely does and to the one individual on facebook who can't let it die, I pray you both got some sleep last night. Again, it is just a game peeps. Good sportsmanship and a good rivalry never hurt anyone. Lighten up. Laugh a little. Smile genuinely because your team won and not because you wish to rub their win in the losers face. Life is too short. Way too short for grudge matches. LOL!

With that said, CONGRATS to the Superbowl champs, the New Orleans Saints and all of their fans. CONGRATS to Coach Sean Payton. You deserve it buddy! You really do!

For now, I'm off to go soak up these sunny Florida rays today. My son woke up in the middle of the night broke out in hives last night. Therefore, not much sleep was had in this house overnight. I'm dragging today because of it and just need some vitamin-D to jump start my energy. Hope all of you have an incredible week and that you remember to "smile." ;)

xoxo, Angie

Oh and PS...Peyton and the Blue Crew...

We still love ya buddy. Still love ya. Thanks for another incredible season and for making Indiana (and Florida) proud!

GO COLTS!

2010-02-07T11:49:00.005-05:00

My Dad sent me a bunch of graphics in an email for the COLTS the other day. You KNOW I just HAD to use them for game day today, right? LOL! I can't believe we are just mere hours away till' kick off here in Miami. Seeing everyone in blue and decked out in COLTS gear down here is warming to my Indiana Hoosier heart. And oh yeah...I'm no longer missing the snow. Just my Dad. HA HA! The snow moment was short lived. I must have had a lapse in judgment there for a moment when I was vulnerable. :)

But anyway, as I was saying, it feels so good to see glimpses of "home" here in Florida. We have several people here in our neighborhood that are from Indiana and they would ask right away - when meeting them the first time - "So you are COLTS fans, right?" And of course we ALWAYS reply with "You betcha!" Us Hoosiers stick together now. :) We are going to roll in the doors on the disappearing walls on the back of the house and let the Florida breeze blow in over the pool while the palm trees are swayin' this evening. All while ROCKIN' it out to the Superbowl game and cheering for our Blue Crew!

And yes...the smack talkin' is already goin' down on facebook as we speak. If you are a friend of mine - you've seen it in action by now I'm sure. If not, feel free to friend request me for the fun in it all. And my COLTS fan friends, you best jump in and promote that team of ours. The "ain'ts" think that they can get by with all this smack talk. It takes real Superbowl champs to recognize "nervous jitters" when we see it. When fear presents itself, people tend to run their mouth more than normal. HA! (You guys know I love ya down in New Orleans. Really I do!) In the end, I wouldn't have wanted to see any other team make it to the big game with us other than the Saints.

With that said, it is still going to be a good whoppin' tonight. GO BLUE!

xoxo, Angie

HOMESICK

2010-02-05T20:20:00.004-05:00

No, this isn't me. Found this image online and thought it was fitting.

Tonight was one of those nights. Another one of those nights. You know the kind where you are so homesick that your entire insides ache. For those who've never lived away from home, it might be difficult to comprehend. However, I've had a few of those moments in recent months. Beings that I lived within minutes of my parents for my entire 34 years of life, moving 977 miles away from home hits hard. It's been about 8 weeks since we've been gone. However, nights like tonight make it feel as thought it has been 8 years.

I skyped with my Dad and Cathy a little while ago. It was 80 degrees here in sunny Florida today but it is snowing by leaps and bounds in Indiana right now. They are getting hit hard and totally drenched with a snow storm. The type of snow that made me nuts when living there. My Dad picked his laptop up while skyping and carried it to his front door. He held up the computer so myself and the kids could see outside and into the snow. Behind the snow fall was my Grandma's house. She lives across the street from them in the same neighborhood. Seeing the snowfall and her house made my heart sink. I miss her and Patti (my aunt - Cathy's sister). I miss my Dad and Cathy themselves terribly. And in a very sick and twisted sort of way, I miss that daggone nasty snow. GASP! I know. I know. I said it. I can't believe it either. All of my Indiana friends instantly emailed me on facebook when I said that there and reassured me that I "DON'T" want to be home right now. I appreciate their pep talks. In the end though, there really is no place like home. Not even the beach.

We are making plans to get back home within the next couple of months. Although we've only been away for 8 weeks (basically like when we used to stay in Florida for our Summers), I can't wait to return to Indy - snow on the ground or not. I want to veg out on my Dad's couch, eat Cathy's home cooked food, visit with Grandma Dixie, watch Kenidi play tug of war with Eddie (their dog), stuff myself with my Dad's stash of peanut m&m's in the bowl that rests faithfully on their counter, and most importantly...just hug them. Hug them tightly. Oh how I love my parents. I have the best Dad in the world and I'm so blessed by his support. And although I've ALWAYS known that, being 977 miles away from him now makes me realize that even more so than I had before. I can't wait for them to come visit here, watch Brennen play basketball again, see Kenidi ride her horse at therapy, cheer with her special needs cheer team, etc. It's no longer important for me to have them come here so that we can go to the beach together and such like we always have in the past. Now it is the simple stuff that I miss like the fact that they came to every single game Brennen ever played in. Basketball and football was always a huge family affair with several bleacher rows full of friends and family that were "Brennen fans." Now the bleachers seem eerily empty.

Yes, I am...

I love you Dad!

...your "buckethead" daughter

SHELLS - NAPLES, FLORIDA BEACH PHOTOGRAPHER

2010-02-04T05:47:00.001-05:00

I've had many of you blog readers ask for shells from here in Southwest, Florida. For those who've asked, I've gone shelling to pick them out and then those who want them have paid for the shipping costs to ship them from here to their particular state. While I had another set out today getting them ready to ship, I thought I'd take some pictures of them just for the fun of it. I've been dying to get out and shoot since this weekend so this helped temporarily. :)

These particular shells came from Sanibel Island. My Mom and I walked on the beach over there one day and we grabbed these as we walked.

Sanibel is known for their "shelling." They have gorgeous shells over there - pretty good sized ones too.

We found coral too.

I love the way my 105mm macro lens just picks up every little minor detail of these shells. You can almost feel the grit of the sand still on them.

I found this one (below) still in tact and connected...two halves still attached...

And this shot below...ummm...it's my new fav. Again, the detail that the macro lens provides is nothing short of amazing.

And oh yeah...I forgot to mention that we found some dead star fish on that walk too. I decided to bring them home for Brennen to see. No...I didn't ship these to my blog readers with their shells. LOL! I did take photos of them though. How cool is this shot??? (below)

and another...just a bit further back...

And this last one...another one of my favs...

Hoping that the receiver of this package of shells loves them. They sure were fun to find and collect. Any afternoon in the sand, sun, and surf makes for tons of fun though. :)

xoxo, Angie

ORIANTHI

2010-02-03T10:20:00.003-05:00

You guys know how much I love to share my music with each of you. I'm an animal of variety by nature. I love all different types of music and not one do I love really more than another. If you listen to my playlist at the bottom of this blog page or check my ipod/iphone, or pulled out the CD's in my car, or examined my preset radio stations...there is one thing you will notice in common amongst all of them. Variation. I have a HUGE variety of music within my soul and will jam out to anything I feel is deserving. When I say jam out, that is nothing short of blaring it with my top rolled back and my windows down. That "jam out" list includes Frank Sinatra all the way down to Metallica and everything else in between. Be it Christian music, rap, jazz, blues, hip hop, pop, country, etc. I love it all. Well I don't love all of it but certain tunes within those categories anyway. For example, I struggle with country. Country really has to have songs that grab me and pull me in - otherwise it sounds like a bunch of whining and crying to me. Y'all know how much I dislike whiners. :)

With that said, I wanted to introduce you to one of my newest fav's. Orianthi. Some of you might have already heard her tunes here on my playlist as of late. You might have also heard about her due to the fact that she landed a spot on Michael Jackson's "This is it" concert tour as one of his lead guitarists. Yes, she was the ROCKIN' little blonde that piped out all of that brilliant sound in his "This is it" movie. If you saw the movie, then you know EXACTLY who I'm talking about. When I took Brennen to see that show in the theater, I came home that night and researched her name only to learn that she had her own CD about to be released in the fall of 2009. And what a CD it is. Orianthi is a 25 year old Australian born singer and guitarist who has crossed over into America with an astounding impact. She was hand picked by Michael to play lead guitarist for his tour after he found her on YouTube.

Orianthi is gaining notoriety and attention quick. Her first single, "according to him" is climbing the charts and happens to be one of my favorite signature songs of the moment. It's currently playing at the top of my playlist right now if you have your volume turned up. This is a girl after my own heart. I admire a woman who can throw on a pair of blinged out black cross encrusted boots and some black fringe but yet can still carry and pull off a classy look rather than morph into a Goth or heavy metal chic. I admire a woman who can wear knee high biker boots one minute and then turn around and wear stunning heels with a pair of well fitting jeans and a tee the next. All while continuing to be true to herself as well as 'sophisticated' no matter that the attire she dons at that moment. This girl is beautiful and can ROCK it out with the best - such as Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. She is one I definitely feel is deserving of my windows being rolled down and the roof rolled back while jamming to her tunes at notch 25. Yes, I am the "Mom" who still resembles a teenage kid by blaring my music as you pull up beside me at the light. Yes, I am the "Mom" who still cruises into her neighborbood and pulls up in her driveway pumping out the base from which thumps the walls in the garage due to such loud octives before shutting off my car engine. Don't hate! It's how I roll. Oh yeah...the elderly here in Naples really love me. LOL! Some of my favorite Orianthi tunes/tracks right now - aside from the already mentioned "According to him" single include "Suffocated, Believe, & God only knows."

Go download her CD from iTunes or go buy her CD from the store. No matter how you get your hands on her music, you won't be disappointed. I promise.

xoxo, Angie

LITTLE MISS MATCHED

2010-02-02T15:49:00.005-05:00

I know all of you Indiana people are still experiencing winter at its finest as well as the rest of you across the Midwest. I'm sure that hearing about the ol' groundhog seeing his shadow once again didn't help your mindset when it comes to hurrying the days along to Spring. Here in Florida, we've got 80 degree temps forecasted on the board for this week. Therefore, we aren't really having that problem right now. I'm just sayin'! LOL! Sorry - had to go there beings that I'm a Hoosier/Midwesterner at heart.

With all that said, I realized that there have been several things I forgot to blog about given the move, teaching photography classes, trying to get my business off the ground here in Naples, etc. With it being so cold in the Midwest right now, I thought many of you would appreciate a good ol' "favorite find" of mine right now. It's been a while since I've shared a favorite find of any kind so I thought now was as good a time as ever. Meet Little Miss Matched! I love this store. These images are of some items I had gotten for Kenidi last year back at the start of winter. Needless to say, we never have really gotten to wear them much down here in beautiful sunny Florida. I had ordered her some things for a few photo shoots back when we still lived in Indy. Little Miss Matched sells cookey miss matched socks, leg warmers, leggings, flip flop socks, etc. for girls and adult women. They have very reasonable prices and are great at running specials too. For any of you considering a photo shoot with your daughter soon, these would go great with some funky high top tennis shoes. We pair Kenidi's with her converse, a cute tutu or skirt and a crazy tee to boot. They are all so adorable.

One thing I have done here in Florida is pair the knee high socks on Kenidi with her skirts and short little daisy duke shorts. Again, adorable. I know you guys will love their things. They also sell very cute miss-matched bedding and such too. Definitely a company worth checking out if you haven't already. Have fun!

xoxo, Angie

SEEING RED - NAPLES, FLORIDA CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER

2010-02-01T19:49:00.005-05:00

Hi all. It just dawned on me that I hadn't blogged this session from back in Indiana as of yet. Thought I'd share. You can find more of the sneak peek images over HERE. Such a fun session with "G man" and his Mom that day.

It's been cloudy and rainy here in South Florida so I don't have any new images to show you from the past few days. I'm working on that though - hang tight. Lots going on down here lately. Brennen started on his new basketball team - we are busy with practices and games again. It feels good to be back in that groove. I've missed his sports. I've been helping my Mom try to find a job. Unfortunately, she isn't having any luck. Although we've been to the beach 4 times since arriving here 8 weeks ago, 4 times isn't enough. Ha ha! However, we are trying to spend each day looking up jobs online for her and scour places for employment for her. If anyone in the Southwest Florida area knows of any entry level positions somewhere, let us know. We'd be so appreciative. She left a 7 year job at a hospital back in Indiana and had hoped she could find an entry level medical position somewhere to start out with down here. Again though...nothing. It's a horrible time for her to be looking given the economy. Seriously though...if someone knows of a job - anything she might be able to jump into - we'd be so grateful for the lead. Feel free to email me at Angie@AngelicaGraceDesigns.com should you know of something that might be up her alley.

I'm going to help her keep looking. We never guessed it would be this difficult for her. In the meantime, I've been hitting the hotels and retail establishments in regards to my photography business down here. I made some rounds again last week, approaching the hotels on the beach as well as all of my favorite children's boutiques, a local cupcake shop, etc. and introduced myself. Thankfully they were all so very nice and allowed me to leave my promo cards and business cards with them so that they can refer clients to me. I'm so grateful for their willingness to help get my name off the ground down here. God is good. I'm "jumping" and he is giving me the wings. And as my painting says...I'm learning how to unfold them as I fall...

xoxo, Angie

BLOG BUTTONS - NAPLES, FLORIDA PHOTOGRAPHER

2010-01-31T13:37:00.003-05:00

Just an FYI to let everyone know (in case you haven't noticed) that we've got new blog buttons which have been updated at the bottom of this page. I know some of you have the old blog buttons on your pages that can be updated to these new ones. (they don't automatically update) And for those of you who would like to add the blog buttons to your site or blog who haven't before, I'd be so appreciative. I am always so grateful to each of you who are willing to place my buttons on your pages/sites. It means the world to me. Here are copies of what the two new buttons look like...

In order to copy and paste the code for these buttons, you will need to scroll to the bottom of this page. Highlight the code for the button(s) you want to place on your blog or site. Then go to the top of your page on your toolbar and click on "page." From there, click copy. Then, you should be able to go to your page and click "paste" in the area where you add blog buttons, links, etc.

Again...a HUGE thank you to each of you whom are willing to add these to your own blogs or websites. I can't express my gratitude enough. Blessings, Angie

THE SHOW

2010-01-26T08:40:00.003-05:00

Remember how we discussed "zoom" lenses yesterday? And remember how I said that I'm not really a "zoom" lens girl because I don't like the image quality you have to give up when using one over prime lenses? And then I followed that with they sure are "fun to play with at times though?" Well, this was another one of those instances. I shot these last week when Mom and I were at the Beach. (obviously)

Keep in mind, this gentleman is at least a football fields length away from me. And because of that, he has no idea that I'm shooting this images. Shame on you Angie! ;)

This gentleman walked by us at one point and kept walking way down the beach. We noticed him suddenly stop next to the girlie pink beach bag you see in the sand. He suddenly began doing exercises like a mad man. Tons of them. He put my lazy butt to shame. We couldn't quite figure out why he was exercising like a crazy person in the middle of the sand. No towel. No nothing. Then...insert pretty girl in white bathing suit...

Yeap, you guessed it. The pink beach bag belongs to the pretty unsuspecting girl in the white bathing suit. It finally dawned on us that this gentleman was definitely trying to get this woman's attention. But she never looked at him. Instead...she just kept talking to her wonderful elderly woman friends...

And talking...

All the while...this exercising kept going on and on and on for I have no idea how long. Keep in mind, it's like 81-82 degrees here that day - sun beating down - sand is hot - dude is surely sweating like a mad man by this point - but yet he keeps going. And going. Like the energizer bunny. Never stopping. It was the funniest thing I've ever watched. He had exercise moves like Mom and I had never seen before. Again though, I need some of *HIS* energy. I felt like a beached whale watching him workout like that on the beach in front of everyone. Fo' real! The end result to the story....the pretty woman in the white bathing suit never even noticed his existence. He eventually quit working out and mosey'd on back down the beach where he had originated from. Men! Speaking of men...and zoom lenses...these 5 men were out on this boat in the ocean - far enough away that we couldn't make out their faces. Insert zoom lens. Now we can see them. LOL! They all looked so cute out there - like they should be in the movie "On Golden Pond" together or something. Hysterical! I hope that when I'm old I can still get out with my girlfriends and do fun stuff like these guys were together. Hats and all! :)

I love to people watch when I'm sitting on the beach so having the zoom lens really comes in handy - basically acting as binoculars when necessary. hee hee! Fun stuff. The lesson here is...be careful. Don't ever pick your nose or pick the wedgie out of your heiney when out and about. I could be lurking in the bushes somewhere with a telephoto lens and then end up sharing it here on the blog for all the world to see. LOL! JOKING!

xoxo, Angie

HOW BOUT' THEM COLTS?

2010-01-25T09:09:00.007-05:00

You had to know that I couldn't stay mum about the COLTS victory last night over the NY JETS. I'm so very sorry but it just isn't in me. I apologize now to all of my New York blog readers as well as to anyone else who might be a JETS fan. It's all in good fun, eh? Us Hoosiers had been waiting for the JETS to come back to town after that win that we "HAD" to give them a couple of weeks ago. We owed them a good butt kickin'! And although the COLTS gave me a bit of a scare in the beginning of the game, I decided to work work thru it by focusing on my laptop rather than the game during that stagnant part. :) However, in good faith, like they always do...the COLTS game back to show the JETS who was REALLY boss.

Peyton and the rest of the BLUE gang always manage to pull thru and this season was no different. I was so jealous of my Dad and Cathy who were at the game last night. My Dad said they had a great time. I knew they would. It was just another moment when I wished I had been "home." The town of Indy undoubtedly went crazy after the win last night as they are known for. Our downtown Indianapolis knows how to PAR-TAY after wins such as those. Then, the community bleeds blue and white for days/weeks afterward. I can only imagine what it looks like back home as they begin to prepare for our 2nd Superbowl in Miami. YAY FUN!

The really cool thing though...is that the COLTS not only won but the SAINTS won last night as well. I'm sure some of you "might" remember me mentioning Coach Sean Payton here on the blog before. If you click HERE, there is a really old post that speaks of him. If you are long time blog followers, you might remember the post. Sean is the head coach of the New Orleans Saints and he is also married to our old neighbors sister. (long of the short, he is our old neighbors brother in law) Therefore, we got to spend a few brief moments with Sean a couple of times when he'd be next door visiting. Brent spent some time with him and our neighbor downtown after the football Combine in Indianapolis a few years back and ever since then, we've been rooting for him and the SAINTS to go all the way as well. He has been very good to send Brent and Brennen autographed SAINTS gear from time to time too. We've greatly appreciated his generosity in that area. With that said, we knew that their family would have a ball if the SAINTS and the COLTS ever went head to head in the Superbowl together. So...we've been keeping our fingers crossed for them that the end result would be as it is. The blue and the gold going for the Superbowl title in Miami. And speaking of Miami, it is only an hour away from us here in Naples. I've considered heading down there just for the mere thought of some good photos ops the day of the Superbowl itself. Should any of you run across tickets, let us know. What fun that would be! Typically they are so hard to come by though. I know when the COLTS went to the Superbowl last time, it was tough for anyone to get tickets and if you got them, you paid an arm and a leg for them. :(

So...way to go COLTS and way to go SAINTS. I can't wait for February 7th to roll around. What a great game this is going to be. And in case you are wondering...even though we like Coach Peyton in this house...

We WILL be rooting for our Indianapolis COLTS to win the Superbowl title. And lastly, my stepmom (Cathy) sent me this photo below this morning. She took it last night while they were at the game. I thought I'd share it here. If any of you missed it, they stretched this flag out while Jordin Sparks was singing our National Anthem at the game. Then, they released a bald eagle to fly over the flag during the song. It was an amazing sight to see. Very, very cool. It really gave me chills to watch it. We live in an incredible country...

Happy Monday. xoxo, Angie

HELICOPTER PAPARAZZI

2010-01-25T08:52:00.001-05:00

The power of a telephoto zoom lens. A 70mm-300mm to be exact. I love it and all of its big bad glory. :) What started out as a peanut sized helicopter flying overhead on the beach the other day, ended up being ginormous once I zoomed in on him with my telephoto lens. Now normally I don't like to shoot with "zoom" lenses because I'm a "prime girl." (prime means no zoom - you zoom with your feet and legs) Prime lenses are much faster and much sharper than zoom lenses. For example, a 50mm, 85mm, or even my macro 105mm lens would be some of my favorites. However, when shooting things far off in the distance, a zoom lens is a must. Yes, you are going to give up some quality to the image when shooting with a zoom over a prime lens but in the end, it's still a fun lens to play with.

Turns out, there were sheriffs up in this helicopter. God thing I was on foot and not speeding in a car or I would've been had, eh? Ha ha!

If you look closely at each photo, the more I zoom, the more you begin to see the clarity of the people inside. Luckily, this chopper circled about 6 different times so I was able to get a variety of images as I zoomed in...

How they fly over the ocean, with no doors on that thing, leaning to and fro from side to side, I have no clue. It would make me a nervous wreck. I'd fear falling out the open door if it were me. However, they seemed pretty comfy up in there. LOL!

Now you can see the pilot pointing...

Amazing the technology of camera gear today. It's no wonder that stars/celebrities can't get by with anything when it comes to the paparazzi. I mean with huge lenses, you can be football fields away and they never even know you are there. I have an example of that. But...you have to stay tuned later this week for it. Pretty funny grouping of photos - of some unsuspecting poor soul that never knew I was there. I took them last week when on the beach and the individual was giving us a "show." I had to capture it on camera. Hope none of you know the person... LOL!

Have a FAB Monday! ...Angie

HER LOOK - NAPLES, FLORIDA CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHER

2010-01-24T11:07:00.002-05:00

Just because.

Just because I found this in some old images and had put them aside as "unusable."

Decided unusable wasn't a good categorization for this one any longer. This is Kenidi's "look" and I love it. Her hair had gotten really long recently. I took her to a nearby salon and got her hair cut back off in an angled bob yesterday - similar to what she had here. As I was driving her home, I looked in my review mirror at her new "do" and thought..."Now that is the Kenidi I know." The long locks just didn't do much for her - other than create chaos in the morning as we tried to comb out the tangles before the bus came. Not fun. But this...this is fun. The picture, her look, the "do," all of it.

Fun-ness I say.

Finding an older image like this is like finding money in a coat pocket that you never knew was there. ;0) Good stuff!

xoxo, Angie

FREE PASS

2010-01-22T18:09:00.005-05:00

Here's to beach days with Mom.

Beach days that are a surprise.

Beach days where your Mom wakes you up for school but instead of getting ready for the bus, you get ready for the beach after she informs you that you are getting a "free day."

Yeap, a free day. A free pass. A day with Mom, without your sister. A day where Brennen gets to be Brennen and not be overshadowed by his sister or her disabilities. God love her.

Let's face it...healthy siblings of special needs children really get the short end of the stick many times. We find that Brennen's life is constantly altered due to the limitations Kenidi has in life. It's not fair to him. Therefore, I decided a beach day with Mom was fitting. A beach day where I could take him and just hang out - allowing him to be himself rather than "Kenidi's brother" for those few hours. And even though we missed our little Kenidi dearly while she was at school for the afternoon, we had some much needed Mommy & son time.

I'll spare you the details of his whining during our 30 minute walk back down the beach to our car as we were leaving that day and just leave you with the warm and fuzzies we had before all that. LOL!

xoxo, Angie

CAPTIVA ISLAND

2010-01-21T14:50:00.003-05:00

We drove into Captiva Island the other night. A storm was about to roll in but it was still gorgeous as ever. We pulled off at one point and I jumped out to grab a shot of the wave caps rolling in. It was a sight to see - the waters all big and bad - proving once again that the sea is a force to be reckoned with. My Dad has a set of friends that do a lot of boating down here throughout the year. His wife always says that the ocean "is one mean B_ _ _ H!" Oh how she is. LOL! You just can't tame the sea. There is no reasoning with her massive waves, her thunderous lapping on the shore, or her silent but deadly undertow at times. This particular area had a sign that read "DANGER! Strong undertow. No swimming!" It was a spot that you definitely would not want to jump into.

Eventually the clouds let up and the dark eerie looks caved to pink cotton candy skies again. Amazing how life can be so dark one minute and yet so bright, vibrant, and promising the next. It can give us "whiplash" thru all of the emotions life presents us with at times. Lots of back and forth. Lots of ups and downs. Some higher and some lower than others. Mom and I talked about life today. We drove over into Sanibel to go shelling this morning. It has been an 80 degree day and totally gorgeous outside. I've had a few blog readers asking for some shells from the beach here so we decided to go hand pick some for each of them. On the drive there and back we discussed how remaining positive - even thru the hell in life - is so much better than dying to the enemies negativity. Many days it is harder for me to remember that than on others but I am continually striving to "try" and find the good in everything. This past week has been a challenge for me - finding good in what I'm seeing happen to friends around me. However, without faith that the rainbow is yet to come, what is there to live for? Without hope that the sun will rise again, why bother? I have to keep the faith. I have to keep hoping. I have to keep praying. It's all I know to do.

Many people have emailed me and asked me how I've managed to remain so positive - especially thru some personal problems over the past year. Little do they know, I've had my melt downs and my moments of despair. In the end though, you must get back up. You must keep standing. The only answer I have for how I've survived such a helldacious year is God. To me...there is no other choice. No other answer. Without him, I might as well forget it. Do I ever get mad at God? No. Do I question him? Absolutely not. I've learned that his way might not always be "my way" but it is ALWAYS the BEST way. Life isn't easy with God but it sure is "easier" than if I was without him. And speaking of my helldacious year, it was nothing compared to what some of our dear friends are experiencing right now. I feel silly to even call my ordeals helldacious because quite frankly...they were a walk in the park compared to most peoples problems. Six months later, I'm alive. Standing. Smiling. Better off because of it. Stronger due to it. A different individual via those struggles. Prayers work and your prayers brought me up and out of a very difficult time in my life. That ordeal 6 months ago is now part of "my story." Part of "my book." A chapter that totals a novel full of life experience. Without it, I wouldn't be the Angie I am today. God intended my pain for good. I'm confident in that. I pray daily that he will use me & my stories in any capacity - any format - where he feels I'm needed and able. His plan is always the best plan. His way always the best way. I keep reminding myself of this as I reflect on the events and the pain of last week. None of it makes any sense to me. Not one ounce of it. But I am going to continue to pray for those hurting. It's the only weapon I have against Satan's arsenal of negativity and anguish. It's one powerful weapon at that. God's word and his promises are mighty ones. Big, bad, strong, tough guy like ones. I'm letting God "get on with his bad self" and lead the way - for all of us. Because if God is on our side, who can be against us???

In him...Angie

WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

2010-01-20T13:59:00.000-05:00

"A pessimist only sees the dark side of the clouds, and mopes; a philosopher sees both sides and shrugs; an optimist doesn't see the clouds at all - he's walking on them.” ~Leonard Levinson

PHOTOGRAPHY UNDER THE PALMS

2010-01-19T16:58:00.004-05:00

_______________________________________________________

That is right friends. After much demand, I've decided to offer an in person group workshop for beginner photographers. It took some prodding and provoking but I finally caved. This workshop is strictly for beginners looking to learn more about their cameras as well as the basics of photography. I've found some great vendors who are willing to work with us here in Naples. First being my all time favorite hotel in the area...The Inn on 5th.

The inn on 5th is located dead center in the heart of everything "Naples." Step outside the door of the hotel and you have a world that mimics a little Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The accommodations are situated on the quaint and upscale 5th avenue in downtown Naples. Just steps from the hotel is the beach. The scenic night life, restaurants, exquisite cafes, boutique shops, and sandy white beach are what make this hotel a perfect location for our workshop together. Not only will you get a full instructor led educational workshop on photography but you will also be getting a beautiful tropical get-a-way. With a roof top pool, state of the art fitness center, and a world class spa, you can't go wrong. The Inn on 5th and their staff will be hosting our FAB workshop retreat and I couldn't be happier about that. As for more detailed information surrounding the workshop, see below...

WHEN: September 24th-26th, 2010

COST: $899 (includes workshop itself, beautiful shared hotel accommodations, free WIFI while in hotel, and a FAB swag bag to take back home full of goodies and offers - all things photography.) Private accommodations available at an additional rate should you not wish to share a room. Please contact me at Angie@AngieSeamanPhotography.com for more details on the single rooms.

REGISTRATION DATES: January 19th-July 24th, 2010

Join Angie & a group of other beginner photography students such as yourself in Naples, Florida for a hands on, instructor led, learning workshop for those looking to hone in on the skills needed to pursue their photography passion. This workshop is for beginners & is structured around the basics of photography and the features of your cameras. If you are pursuing photography as a future career or if you are a Mom just looking to learn how to photograph your children better, this workshop is for you. Spend the weekend with Angie as she shows you how she shoots, why she shoots the way she does, how best to tackle tricky lighting situations, composition advice, camera education, as well as some post processing techniques to give your images an extra umph! We'll spend Friday night over a meet & greet dinner together by the sea, getting to know the other participants in attendance. Saturday begins bright & early with a light breakfast together & then a full day of following Angie around the downtown streets of Naples, Florida as we discover how to pick the best shooting locations, find great lighting, ornate textures, etc. Watch Angie photograph a live model & observe how she interacts with clients, her no pose techniques, etc. You'll also be working in groups together so you can practice the new techniques we are learning as you go along. Shooting will break for a quick lunch but continue on into the evening with a beach session at sunset in the white sand overlooking the warm gulf of Mexico waters. Dinner will follow with a recap of the day. On Sunday, we'll learn a few hours of hands on post processing/editing tips together as well as oversee how Angie tackles her work flow before dismissing the workshop between 11am-noon. The price of the workshop includes shared/roommate accommodations for your two night stay in Naples, Florida. (Meals not included) If you have a roommate you prefer to share a room with, please note his/her name when reserving your seat in the class. Please note: If you are outside the workshop area, airfare & transfers to & from Naples, Florida are not included in the workshop price. Attendees are responsible for booking & scheduling their own flights & transfers. If you are local, you are responsible for your own transportation to & from the hotel in downtown Naples. Cost includes great swag bag with wonderful offers/goodies for all who attend. Seats are very limited. Reserve your spot ASAP. No refunds.

To register, click HERE and go to "classes." Should you have any additional questions, feel free to contact me at Angie@AngieSeamanPhotography.comI'm looking forward to spending an awesome weekend in paradise with each of you.

STRAWBERRIES

2010-01-18T18:50:00.002-05:00

I got a special delivery the other day. It was a box from my dear friend/sewing employee, Karen. When I opened the box it came shipped in, I saw the words "Shari's Berries" across the top of a maroon ribbon wrapped box inside. I knew right away what they were. Karen had told me a while back ago about this place that delivers chocolate covered strawberries and just how impeccable they were. She wasn't kidding...

Needless to say, these bad boys lasted mere seconds in our house. They were beautiful in presentation but even more scrumptious to taste. Not only that but they were HUGE - GINORMOUS in size. We got our belly's worth - that is fo' sho'!

I loved all of the different flavors and the different textures that they had for us in the box. They made for beautiful photographs.

Thank you Karen. These were DY-NO-MITE! I loved every bite of them. So did the rest of my clan. You are such a sweetheart. I can't wait for your visit in March. We are going to tear up the town in downtown Naples, enjoy sun drenched days on the beach, and pink cotton candy sunsets at night. Fun times...fun times...!

For now, I'm off to take Brennen to his first night of basketball practice here in Florida. He is on a new team and so very excited to get started and back into the normal swing of things with his sports again. The only bad thing about it is the 8pm Monday night practices. Who sets these schedules anyway? We always get the crappy time slots when it comes to the weekly practices. It must be a man that sets these schedules because I KNOW there aren't any Moms out there scheduling basketball practices at 8pm on a school night. Grrrr! Until the next post, enjoy the rest of your evening. xoxo, Angie

SECRET BEACH

2010-01-15T08:42:00.004-05:00

I'm going back here today.

To the secret beach.

I'm getting away from it all and enjoying the day with my Mom. It is supposed to be almost 80 degrees and so sunny that it could be deemed criminal today. Yesterday we hit the secret beach for a long walk and it looked like this...

The birds and dolphins were out in full force. It was a gorgeous sight to say the least. I can't wait to see what we discover today. Yesterday even produced some massive fish up on the beach. The gulf waters had been so cold due to that cold front over the past two weeks and many fish didn't survive. This guy was as big as my leg. He was washed ashore and I just had to grab a shot for Brennen. I knew he would love seeing it.

Look at his little teeth...

There was a great big nasty jellyfish dead on the beach yesterday too. He doesn't look big here but he was BIG!

All in all, the walk yesterday was much needed. Mom thanked me over and over as we left for bringing her along. We needed the rejuvenation. The cleansing that only the seaside can give.

At one point we thought we spotted "Tiger Woods" yacht out at sea...

Just kidding. But it was a big ol' Tiger Woods style yacht. Oh...and no...for those of you who've asked...you don't want to hear my thoughts on the whole Tiger Woods issue. Really - you don't. LOL!

So today we are headed out to the seaside again. We kept breathing thru the events of yesterday and today the sun has risen yet again. Therefore...who knows what the tide will bring in. We are off to go find out...

xoxo, Angie

FRIENDS

2010-01-14T19:09:00.009-05:00

As I type this...my parents are standing in a funeral home at a viewing. I should be there with them but I'm not. And I'm beside myself over the fact that I'm not there. Instead I'm what feels like a million miles away - states away. They are at a viewing for the daughter of some of their best friends. It's a showing everyone has been dreading all week long. A showing for a beautiful 31 year old girl who left this earth way too soon. My parents are there to stand side by side with their friends in support of them as they endure the tragic death of their daughter, my childhood friend. They are there - knowing that there are no words they can say and no actions that they can take to make this any easier for her parents. But they are there because that is what friends do. That is what friends are for. They wouldn't have it any other way. It makes me sick to my stomach that I'm not there to give each of them a hug. A huge embrace. Instead, I'm sitting here - looking at the cotton candy skies in Florida - praying incessantly for their peace and strength tonight. It's the only thing I know to do. God is the one and only solitary answer to all of this anguish.

A couple of years back, I was asked to stand up and give a simple prayer at my Grandfathers funeral. As nervous as I was, the moment eventually came. Ironically, as I rose to my feet in front of the many faces in attendance to say the prayer, I slowed down just long enough to gaze out at the faces in that room that day. As I scanned the crowd, I saw only sets and sets of familiar individuals. Friends. Friends of my Dad and Cathy's actually. Their friends whom I had grown up around as a young girl and whom were there at the funeral in support of Cathy when her father passed. I immediately felt a sense of comfort when I looked out at them. They were dear friends to me now as well - to me as an adult. I was no longer this 7, 10, 15, or 20 year old little girl. I was in my thirties and they were "still" there. Still around. Still friends with my parents. There is a huge group of them - all who went to school together really. They've stuck together like glue since as long as I can remember. And tonight...they are stuck together like glue again - surrounding the casket of one of their best friends daughters.

I remember thanking that group before my prayer that day a few years back. I thanked them for being there for my parents during that difficult time when my Grandfather passed unexpectedly. I told them that they had been there for my family for as long as I could remember and that they were the epitome' of true friends. They were what REAL friends look like. I thanked them for loving my parents and for always being there-by their side. It was such a comforting feeling to know that although I was nervous over being asked to say a small silly prayer in a room full of people, I was amongst friends. Friends whom are like family to me. Friends who ARE family to my Dad and Cathy. Tonight those friends and my Dad and Cathy are back at another funeral home. Standing as a family in support of those who are in agonizing pain over Krissy's death. They have all been thru so much together but tonight's events and the burial tomorrow morning will undoubtedly be one of the most trying and painful situations they've all encountered together thus far.

As I walked the beach today with my Mom, I said many prayers for all of them but especially for Krissy's parents and her brother. The clock was like a ticking time bomb to me as I watched it count down the hours to when the showing/viewing was set to begin. I tried and tried to put it out of my mind but it was far too difficult. They are hurting. We are hurting. Life is just not fair. My only peace is staring at the skies tonight and being envious that Krissy has wings and can soar with the heavens for eternity now.

Call up your parents tonight and tell them you love them. I did. I let my Dad know before he walked into that funeral home how much I am blessed to have him as my Father. As my Dad. Then...text, call, or email your best friend(s) and tell them what they mean to you. Ask them if they are OK in life. And most of all...hug your children. Hug them tightly - even if they are adult children. If you can't get close enough for a hug...call and check in on them. Life is too short. When I look back on that old picture below of Krissy and I with her brother as kids, I'm saddened at the thought that I had no idea just how numbered her days on this earth were back then. How little she would get to live out life. How young she would be when she left us. I am so very thankful to have known her and to have had the moments with her that I did back then. Friends. Call them. Hug them. Support them. Encourage them. Love them.

...Angie

WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

2010-01-13T13:08:00.004-05:00

A moment of silence for a dear childhood friend today...

Karissa (or Krissy as our family knows her)...

Gone too soon. Soar high K...soar high my friend...

For more moments of silence for Krissy, visit HERE. Please lift her family up in the days ahead. Please.

In his grip, Angie

TESTS...

2010-01-12T04:09:00.007-05:00

It's 4am Tuesday morning. I'm wide awake.

Like the small birdhouse I found in our backyard (in Indy) pictured above...life is so dark sometimes. It has large, dark, gaping, holes that can leave us so very lonely. So very devastated. Life can produce pain that is deafening. This weekend I heard nothing but silence. Silence and the whispers of the enemy trying to tempt my ear. Sad news from a best girlfriend. Tragic news regarding a dear family friend. Satan almost had me beat. Almost.

It is in moments like these when we are taught not to ask "Why" - so I won't. I refuse to question God. However, I told him that after the past couple of days...I was depleted of every ounce of strength I had. I'm relying on him completely to replenish it. Today is better. Exhausted but better. The weather is finally beginning to show signs of warming up here in Florida again which will allow us the chance to break out and about in the sunshine. Yes, it has been cold. Not cold enough for snow here in Naples but way too cold for Floridians. The outdoors is always a positive thing-I'm looking forward to hitting the beach again. Praying that each of you have a great week and that you hug your loved ones when doing so. Life is just so very short. So very, very, short.

In him, Angie

WORDFUL WEDNESDAY

2010-01-05T19:08:00.003-05:00

Just had to post this for all of my Hoosier friends. One of my Indiana friends emailed it to me and I had to thank her for the blog content. LOL! I hear it is pretty chilly back home in Indy. Don't hate though - it is pretty chilly here in Florida this week too. They have had a series of "cold fronts" recently and another one is upon us this week. It has been in the 50's and 60's recently. It is hysterical - and I do mean hysterical - to see the locals all bundled up in full fledged winter coats when it is 60 degrees here. Brennen and I got to laughing at the attire around town the other day because everyone was so wrapped up in these huge winter coats. Back home in Indy, when it is 60 degrees, that's like Spring time for us. So here I am, being an unfit mother and letting my child wear shorts to school while every other Floridian child is in jeans and winter down coats. Kenidi's school went so far as to send out a mass voicemail yesterday telling the families that they could wear jeans tomorrow due to the "cold." We cracked up. "Cold." 5 degrees is cold. Not 60. LOL! Either way, I am missing the normal 75-85 degree temps here. According to the weather man, we won't see that again until at least next Tuesday. My beach days are numbered until after that I guess. :(

Right now I have been concentrating on getting past the H1N1 junk, kicking the helldacious migraine it left me with (Thank you to my Indiana neurologist for coming thru with a prescription last night that will hopefully kick that), then helping my Mom look for an apartment/condo and a job down here, as well as kicking off the new Angie Seaman Photography class that began Monday. The class sold out once again over and above the my normal allotted seats. What a blessing all of you are! I am thrilled to be working with each of you and even more grateful for the new friendships being established thru this class. For those of you who missed this particular class, the next round of beginner photography classes start on March 1st. You can locate the sign ups via the "classes" link by clicking HERE for my website. Registration has already been opened up and is underway. Feel free to purchase your seat now. I'll be offering a weekly LIVE chat with these new classes that was never offered before with past classes. The chats will be a visual chat where you can see and hear me via your computer screen and headphones. I will also be able to hear you and ask questions you might have as we go along. I hope for the LIVE chats to be a great way to teach you how I post edit certain things. Good times ahead! Get your seat while you can.

And speaking of photography classes, I'm hoping to announce a BIG surprise for this year. A big surprise in the way of offering a weekend workshop - photography workshop - for beginners here in Naples, Florida. Details are still to come as I finalize my thoughts and plans for this sure to be fun filled event. I do know that it will be 1.5-2 days of shooting with live models around downtown Naples, urban sessions, and hands on teaching from me regarding how I shoot and why I shoot the way I do. The workshop will also have nightly beach sessions where we practice how to shoot on the beach as sunset falls behind us. In between all of that, we will have group break, lunch, and dinners where we discuss what we are learning and answer any open ended questions you might have along the way. So...until final details are announced, start saving your pocket change and plan ahead for a great weekend chalked full of photography and learning. I can honestly say that I've learned more via the workshops I've attended in person than I have any other way since beginning my photography journey. The workshops have been like "college" for me. Truly! I pray I can offer that same knowledge to each of you who might attend the workshop. (which is at this time - planned for the end of September 2010) Stay tuned...you DON'T want to miss the registration for this event. And for those who have attended my classes before, there will be a special discount just for you. YAY FUN!

For now, I'm off to eat dinner with my family and then get the kids wrapped up and ready for bed. Until the next post, enjoy your week.

xoxo, Angie

LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER

2010-01-03T15:48:00.004-05:00

Last chance...last chance...calling all takers...

This is the last chance to sign up for the next round of beginner photography classes via Angie Seaman Photography which starts tomorrow. (Monday, January 4th, 2010) Some of you have already registered and if so, then you should have received my confirmatiom email back confirming your seat in class by now. If you are interested in taking a beginner photography class that teaches you the basics of beginner photography, how to use your camera and its settings, etc., then this class is for you.

You do not have to have a digital SLR to participate in our class. Any point and shoot will work as well. We will discuss the pros and cons to both styles of cameras as well as the ins and outs for both designs. For a few more details on the class, click HERE. If you are ready for a basic, beginner, photography class...go HERE to sign up. Once there, click on "portraiture," then on "classes." From there, you can walk thru the registration process. Should you have any questions, please feel free to email me directly at Angie@AngieSeamanPhotography.com. This will be the LAST CLASS OFFERED AT THIS PRICE. I'm planning to do some different things for the new year ahead. Therefore, should you want in on this price, now is your chance. All of our past classes have sold out. Don't wait...we'd love to have you.

Blessings, Angie

MY BED BUDDY

2010-01-01T15:49:00.006-05:00

Beings that Kenidi and I had the H1N1 virus together, we've become quite the little bed buddies together. She hasn't left my side since her illness began which was almost two weeks ago. Even though she is better, she has stayed right by my side as I ride out what is left of my journey with it. (which is hopefully not much) Every now and again I'll look over at her and just stare at her as she watches TV aside me. I've caught myself thanking God for this little bed buddy of mine and how much she adores her Mommy. She is literally stuck to me at the hip. God help her when she has to return to school next Tuesday. Actually...God help me. :)

I am so excited about the fact that this is the New Year. TwentyTen is what I plan to refer to it as. (instead of two thousand ten) Reason being...I want to make this year twenty times better than a score of ten could ever be. I am so stoked about all of the plans God has in store for our family. This past year was a rough one but as always, we saw our way thru it only by way of Gods grace. I'm excited about our new lives here in Naples, Florida. My new business here next to the sea. My new photography classes I'll be teaching/adding onto this year. The kids new sports teams. New friends that we've made here. And the list goes on and on. God has always been so very good to us - even when we weren't reciprocating that to him. This past year leading up to today was no different. He still carries us in the palm of his hand. We are his children. Just as Kenidi is my daughter, I am his. For that...I am grateful. I am excited. I am me because of all the things I can do thru him. And in the end, when a fellow, dear, sweet, blogger friend mentioned coming up with a word for us to live by in 2010, I decided I needed two words instead of just one. As you all know, I'm not one to follow the rules much. My two words that will be privately tattooed across my two wrists baring wings - one word for each wrist - as my hands go to sink my head into them during those dark days/hours that we are sure to experience in TwentyTen...the words..."Abundant Courage." Two very small words that mean such HUGE things..."Abundant Courage." (wished from another photographer acquaintance on Twitter for the New Year) Because I'm "His" daughter, I know he is showering me with "abundant courage" as I crossed the thresh hold into TwentyTen last night. I cannot wait for New Years Eve 2011 - just so that I can look back and see where all that "abundant courage" via those wings - by way of Gods grace - allowed me to go. Many of the goals I'm after for myself this year will take an exceeding amount of "abundant courage." I've been given that courage by God. And it started today. January, 1st - TwentyTen! This date is significant today but will be VERY significant to me in the distant future, I'm sure.

So...as I lay here, recovering from this eventful illness, and watch my gorgeous daughter bat those stunning eyelashes beside me, I pray that she too will one day have "abundant courage" as she walks beside God while attempting to tackle and attain her life goals. I pray that she knows him so well that she can lay in bed with her own children someday, laughing about being bed buddies, all the while thanking God for his enormous amount of grace, blessings, restoration, and the ability to turn her fears into abundant and overwhelming amounts of courage. Happy TwentyTen peeps. THIS is going to be "MY" year. I pray you will make it "yours" too!

xoxo, Angie

DAY 6

2009-12-31T11:28:00.004-05:00

Well, it is New Years Eve. Within hours...2010 will be upon us. As I put on facebook this morning, I'm so ready to ring give 2009 a good swift kick in the heiney and boot it into the past. Bring it 2010 - I'm sooooo ready for you.

With that said, I still sit here in bed - sick with a fever due to H1N1. Kenidi rode her journey out for exactly 8 days before the fever finally went away. I'm currently on day 6. If all goes well, I'm hoping to have some relief from this junk by the weekend. It really thru a damper on the kids break from school over the holidays. That is the part that ticks me off the most. Either way, it is what it is. I'm thankful Kenidi is finally on the mend and didn't have to miss a week and a half of school because of it. I'm ready to bust out of this house though. I walked out into our backyard a few minutes ago and snapped this shot above of the pond behind our house. This ongoing sight of sunshine has been almost criminal as I lay in bed the past week - ill - and have to see it beaming thru our windows with no strength to get outside and seize it. It's a beautiful 80 degrees here today. The sky couldn't be anymore gorgeous. I took this shot with my wide angle lens that so beautifully graced my front porch via the UPS man yesterday. Yes, it is the lens that was sent out to be repaired after I dropped and broke it. When I heard the doorbell ring yesterday, I was "suddenly healed" for a split second after confirming that it was my "12-24mm baby" coming home to me. Oh how I've missed her. So...I took a moment to attach her to Big Papa and walk outside earlier to test her "repair." Much to my surprise, the clouds in the sky were phenomenal this afternoon which in turn make for awesome shots with a wide angle lens. Nevermind the fact that the lanai's on the back of the houses look like they are falling off due to the fact that I have the lens rolled all the way back to 12mm. (lens distorstion at that tight of a range but it makes the clouds all that much cooler.) I got about 3 shots fired off before my body began to ache and sweat again out in that heat. I quickly retreated back to my bed indoors - praying that I'd be relinquished of this nightmarish illness in the next couple of days - MAX!

Gosh knows...I'm ready to get back to this kind of laying around again very soon...

Rumor on the street is that my flip flops and the white sand are missing me - terribly...

Here is to the last few hours of this helldacious year that was named 2009. Hoping all of you ring in 2010 with tons of happiness, blessings, and new found wisdom to carry you thru the year ahead. Happy New Year friends. Be safe! Much love, Angie