Apple Picking

Had a great time apple picking with friends the other day at Nashoba Valley Winery. Really pretty grounds. We all brought a picnic lunch and then wandered around and checked-out the apples. I tried to control myself and not say too loudly, "You're NOT suppose to shake the tree like that!" when I saw a woman shake the tree and then say, when it hit the ground, "Ew, it's on the ground and dirty!"

Ugh.

I love how in this one, I look like I am going to turn Noah into a vampire with my glowing fangs. Nice.

Car and Baby and Camera, Oh My!

I am slowly starting to feel more and more like myself. Reconnecting with things I identified with, in a way. At the end of my class this week, a student came to me with a technical problem with her camera. I held it in my hands. I am now just about able to bring my left hand, which is attached to the arm that's attached to the broken collar bone, up to my face. Which meant I was able to bring the camera up to my eye. Carefully. I didn't expect to feel how it made me feel - as though I just covered myself in a nice cushy blanket.

Something similar though not as strong happened when Dad jump-started my car this morning so I could drive to Amanda's and spend the day with her and her newborn son, Noah. I haven't driven my car for four and a half weeks now. I wasn't sure I would be able to drive it, but actually, it was more comfortable than driving my Dad's van, even though my car is a stick and Dad's Sweet Pickles Bus is automatic. It felt great to know I have that independence now. And that my car is up and running.

Spending time with Amanda was replenishing too. My shoulder's a bit sore now, since I couldn't help but hold and feed and change cute little Noah all day. And Amanda and I had fun together as always. We were scrolling through the pictures I took of Noah when we came across one where he was scowling. Amanda and I captioned the photo out loud by both saying, simultaneously, "Whatchou talkin' 'bout, Willis!"

Obviously not the "Whatchou talkin' 'bout, Willis?" shot.

Halloween

My, my, my, aren't I a busy girl!?

Yesterday, I spent hours photographing some of Jodi, my sister-in-law's, graphic design samples. Fun, but hard work. We're trading - I shoot some of her stuff, she designs me a business card. It was fun hanging out with them (my brother was there to) and I brought Oliver along. I'm feeling a bit clingy with him these days considering his upcoming surgery.

Then I went to the home of a family friend to do some family portraits. I did get some of JL with his bunny, who he is apparently obsessed with, but since the grown kids were having car issues and running late and such, we are going to finish the shoot another time.

I have designed promotional postcards. I would be a lot more excited about them if it weren't taking the printing company so long to get them to me. I am hoping to get some people who want Christmas photos done, but I'm not sure. It's getting a bit late. I've also designed a flier for the doggy boutique on Albion Street here in town. Oh, and I'm going to run an ad in The Boston Parents Paper online in November. Check back in November and maybe you'll see my button link on the right-hand side!

I went to the Halloween party at Amanda and Kevin's and that was really fun. Good to get out. I find that I get to a point where I have to force myself to sit and watch a movie instead of do work brainstorming and internet surfing for ideas. A few nights ago, I spooned with Oliver while watching Cinderella in my room. (Like I said - I'm a bit clingy with him these days) I went to the party as a pregnant Gloucester High student. Tacky, I know. But fun, just the same. I mean, what has happened to our culture that something like that happens!?

The latest excitement is that during a much-needed video chat with SOS last night, I learned that she would go taking a train from her new home in Springfield IL to Chicago on November 4 for the election party for Obama.
And...drum-roll, please... I bought a ticket! I'm very excited about this. I know, it's money and whatnot, but, if things go the way I and many others hope they do, it will be a historic event to be a part of. Pictures to follow!