Sweet Baby James.
Last night Jason and I went to the James Taylor concert here in Des Moines. It is always so nice to go out on the town with my husband. I got the tickets for Jason as a Valentine's Day present and even though I bought them within half an hour of the opening time for purchasing tickets, we were on the second to last row. Thankfully, for concerts, I guess it doesn't matter how close (or in our case, far) you are from the stage.
Mr. Taylor played several favorite tunes, of course. One of our faves was How Sweet it Is (To Be Loved By You) because that's what was playing when we exited the church after just becoming Mr. & Mrs. Reynolds. Another one was Sweet Baby James. I always thought this song was about James himself - and considered the words odd for a song about himself. Turns out it is a "cowboy lullaby" he wrote for his nephew, his namesake. The crowd also loved Everyday, which is actually an old Buddy Holly tune. **For all you non-Iowans who read this blog, you might be interested to know a little trivia about this great state. The plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper crashed in a field near Clear Lake, Iowa on February 3, 1959. (a.k.a. The Day the Music Died) Another interesting little fact? My friend Carolyn's family owns the field it crashed in!**
I wish he would have sang Something in the Way She Moves though. I love that song simply because it challenges me to be the kind of woman that would leave my man saying, "If I'm well, you can tell that she's been with me now. And she's been with me now quite a long, long time. Yes, and I feel fine." What a tremendous compliment that displays a man's affections and reveals the nature of a woman's influence on them.
Another great thing about the concert is that the average age of the people attending was about 52. I'll admit that I'd much rather attend events with this age group, because, hey, they don't talk out loud during the show, attend to their beeping cell phones, stand up the entire time, or drink so much beer that they get embarrassing.
Guess that means we fit right in with the old folks these days!
Friday, May 08, 2009
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Studio Final Exam.
This was my final in Studio Photography. The assignment was to make an old school collage using photos and words. I say old school because we literally had to cut, paste, and glue them on to a board and then photograph them in the studio. I'll admit that I thought this assignment was a little dumb (after all, hasn't my instructor figured out that you can do the same thing with a little electronic thing called a computer?) Anyways, despite my initial thoughts, I was pleased with the results. This photo turned out to be a great reminder of our honeymoon.
Overall, I learned a lot in Studio Photography. I am taking the summer off from classes and I'm not really sure if I'll be taking more or not. Either way, I'll still be taking lots of photos of Alex, life, and whatever else seems interesting. I've learned that good photography takes lots and lots of practice. So I'm not giving up my day job for it or anything, but I'll take whatever opportunities I can to practice more this summer. I'll keep posting whatever ends up in front of my lens!
This was my final in Studio Photography. The assignment was to make an old school collage using photos and words. I say old school because we literally had to cut, paste, and glue them on to a board and then photograph them in the studio. I'll admit that I thought this assignment was a little dumb (after all, hasn't my instructor figured out that you can do the same thing with a little electronic thing called a computer?) Anyways, despite my initial thoughts, I was pleased with the results. This photo turned out to be a great reminder of our honeymoon.
Overall, I learned a lot in Studio Photography. I am taking the summer off from classes and I'm not really sure if I'll be taking more or not. Either way, I'll still be taking lots of photos of Alex, life, and whatever else seems interesting. I've learned that good photography takes lots and lots of practice. So I'm not giving up my day job for it or anything, but I'll take whatever opportunities I can to practice more this summer. I'll keep posting whatever ends up in front of my lens!
Spring.
One of the things I love about Spring in Iowa are the blooming trees. There's about two weeks in the Spring where all the trees flower and bloom. It's so beautiful! And one of the things I love about our house is that we can see so many trees from our third floor windows. It makes for a lovely view. See?
One of the things I love about Spring in Iowa are the blooming trees. There's about two weeks in the Spring where all the trees flower and bloom. It's so beautiful! And one of the things I love about our house is that we can see so many trees from our third floor windows. It makes for a lovely view. See?
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The 8 Mile Mark & Hubby's Birthday.
On Monday, I hit the 8 mile mark in my training. It felt good to be only 4 miles away from my goal for the Dam to Dam at the end of May. I feel like a runner again!
I had good motivation for Monday's run. We celebrated Jason's birthday over the weekend, and I ate a huge mound of cake. It was worth every calorie.
Happy Birthday, My Love!
On Monday, I hit the 8 mile mark in my training. It felt good to be only 4 miles away from my goal for the Dam to Dam at the end of May. I feel like a runner again!
I had good motivation for Monday's run. We celebrated Jason's birthday over the weekend, and I ate a huge mound of cake. It was worth every calorie.
Happy Birthday, My Love!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
The "tolerant" Left.
I'm sure you've been following the story of Carrie Prejean, Miss California 2009. In the Miss USA pageant the other night, she was asked to comment on the subject of gay marriage. The person who asked her, Perez Hilton, is an openly gay man/famous Hollywood gossip blogger who was one of the contest judges. He didn't like her answer when she said in part, "I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's just the way I was raised."
After her answer, the crowd is heard giving a divided response. Some people clap and some people boo. But the real firestorm happened AFTER the pageant when Perez Hilton blasted in a video on his blog calling her a "dumb b*tch". He later apologized but when Carrie came out publicly to say she had "no regrets" about her answer (because she is a Christian and was quoted as saying she answered the question based on her beliefs), Perez launched into another video tirade on MSNBC using even harsher language than before to rail on Carrie and others who oppose gay marriage. The pageant directors even came out swinging saying they were "saddened" that Carrie is so "out of touch" with people her age on the issues. My thought? Good for her for being "out of touch"! It probably means she hasn't lost herself in a world that pressures her to give up her traditional views. And, hey, even our Left-leaning president has traditional views on the definition of marriage.
Here's my frustration with the Liberal Left agenda (represented by Hollywood and the media): They paint themselves as the most tolerant of all - accepting all people and welcoming them into the loving embrace of togetherness that they see as American and good. But what they really mean is "We are tolerant as long as you agree with us." Disagree with them or even worse, *gasp* hold any conservative viewpoint that includes a moral compass and view of God, and you are vile human being who deserves to be hated, publicly humiliated, cursed, bullied and blacklisted. I could be wrong, but how is that tolerance?
I'm sure you've been following the story of Carrie Prejean, Miss California 2009. In the Miss USA pageant the other night, she was asked to comment on the subject of gay marriage. The person who asked her, Perez Hilton, is an openly gay man/famous Hollywood gossip blogger who was one of the contest judges. He didn't like her answer when she said in part, "I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that's just the way I was raised."
After her answer, the crowd is heard giving a divided response. Some people clap and some people boo. But the real firestorm happened AFTER the pageant when Perez Hilton blasted in a video on his blog calling her a "dumb b*tch". He later apologized but when Carrie came out publicly to say she had "no regrets" about her answer (because she is a Christian and was quoted as saying she answered the question based on her beliefs), Perez launched into another video tirade on MSNBC using even harsher language than before to rail on Carrie and others who oppose gay marriage. The pageant directors even came out swinging saying they were "saddened" that Carrie is so "out of touch" with people her age on the issues. My thought? Good for her for being "out of touch"! It probably means she hasn't lost herself in a world that pressures her to give up her traditional views. And, hey, even our Left-leaning president has traditional views on the definition of marriage.
Here's my frustration with the Liberal Left agenda (represented by Hollywood and the media): They paint themselves as the most tolerant of all - accepting all people and welcoming them into the loving embrace of togetherness that they see as American and good. But what they really mean is "We are tolerant as long as you agree with us." Disagree with them or even worse, *gasp* hold any conservative viewpoint that includes a moral compass and view of God, and you are vile human being who deserves to be hated, publicly humiliated, cursed, bullied and blacklisted. I could be wrong, but how is that tolerance?
Stick it to 'em.
I hope you have been following the Kelley's blog and are excited to celebrate their exit from the hospital and return to vacation! They were at Sea World yesterday and get to extend their vacation stay one more day..."just to stick it to leukemia". Yay for the Kelley's! Thanks for praying for them. I hope you'll follow their blog more often and pray for them on their life journey.
I hope you have been following the Kelley's blog and are excited to celebrate their exit from the hospital and return to vacation! They were at Sea World yesterday and get to extend their vacation stay one more day..."just to stick it to leukemia". Yay for the Kelley's! Thanks for praying for them. I hope you'll follow their blog more often and pray for them on their life journey.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Praying for Sea World.
Yeah, I know it may sound strange, but little Joshua Kelley is on his Make-A-Wish trip to Orlando this week and needs your prayers. Joshua has leukemia. He got his wish to go on a trip to Disney with his family this week, but now he's in Orlando Children's Hospital with a fever. That's not good if you are four years old and have cancer. And you know what? He hasn't even made it to Sea World yet! So, please pray that God would heal Joshua's fever quickly.
Pray for Michael, Jana, Joshua, and Andi to enjoy the rest of their family vacation and to rest in the knowledge that God is over all things - fevers, leukemia, and yes, even Sea World.
Yeah, I know it may sound strange, but little Joshua Kelley is on his Make-A-Wish trip to Orlando this week and needs your prayers. Joshua has leukemia. He got his wish to go on a trip to Disney with his family this week, but now he's in Orlando Children's Hospital with a fever. That's not good if you are four years old and have cancer. And you know what? He hasn't even made it to Sea World yet! So, please pray that God would heal Joshua's fever quickly.
Pray for Michael, Jana, Joshua, and Andi to enjoy the rest of their family vacation and to rest in the knowledge that God is over all things - fevers, leukemia, and yes, even Sea World.
You can follow the Kelley's blog for their vacation update, and more importantly, learn more about their life journey with childhood cancer. They have an amazing faith and an amazing family.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Juice.
For this studio photography assignment, we were supposed to shoot a food or beverage that might be used by a grocery store. The main goal was to make it look appetizing. I wasn't crazy about the juice shot, but it'll have to do for this assignment. The thing about studio photography is that you have one shot in the studio to get what you need. If none of the shots are good, you have to do the whole thing over again! Since this is just a hobby for me, I'm satisfied with this plain old OJ shot. Six assignments down, only one to go!
For this studio photography assignment, we were supposed to shoot a food or beverage that might be used by a grocery store. The main goal was to make it look appetizing. I wasn't crazy about the juice shot, but it'll have to do for this assignment. The thing about studio photography is that you have one shot in the studio to get what you need. If none of the shots are good, you have to do the whole thing over again! Since this is just a hobby for me, I'm satisfied with this plain old OJ shot. Six assignments down, only one to go!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
This is Chilling.
Yesterday I was reading the Iowa Right to Life newsletter and something caught my attention. Iowa is one of 15 states that have their own laws regarding cloning human embryos for stem cell research. (There is a federal ban enacted by Bill Clinton stating that federal money cannot be used for cloning and/or embryonic stem cell research) In Iowa, cloning is LEGAL. The law now permits scientists to create human embryos through cloning and grow them to any stage in development for the purpose of research. This is frightening to me. It's a quiet first step to the future of this type of research that (I believe) actually gives people the false hope that all disease can be cured eventually - even if it means casually creating and ending life. This is such a slippery slope. The"possibilities" are often touted as promising medical advancements. But this type of dangerous experimentation can lead to all sorts of outrageous moral problems.
Think about it...
Do you have a kid that needs a lung transplant? Why not grow another baby and give the older kid a lung from the younger one? Does your baby have cancer? Why not intervene at the embryonic stage and use the new kid to help the old one? How about your kid is blind and needs new eyes? Grow some new ones! The problem here, while it may appeal to parents of all types of sick children, is...what happens to the cloned human embryos - and if it gets to this in the future, the humans? Are they disposed of after they are "used" for the benefit of someone else? Is their health so compromised that they are no longer capable of living a normal human life? How is it that one human can be so valued over another? Not to mention my prime objection as a Christian that GOD is the creator of life. And it happens through a loving act of marriage, not in a test tube to make babies for the benefit of research.
I challenge you to do a little research on where your state stands on this issue. If you want to protect life, look into supporting a Right to Life group near you. Right to Life not only stands against the greatest tragedy of our day, abortion, they also stand against ALL measures that threaten life. Embryonic stem cell research, cloning, physician-assisted suicide, abortion, and other issues must be brought to the forefront of discussion for Americans. Because, whether you realize it or not, some politicians - particularly those in power now - are pushing for legislation that would allow all of these things. Often the legislation is presented as the great hope for curing all disease. It's not possible, folks. This world is a broken place. There will always be disease, hardship, and suffering on this side of heaven. While it's tempting to buy into a utopian idea that every hardship everywhere can be eradicated, it just ain't so!
Our attempts to create perfection here on earth are at best noble ideas. At worst, they are shocking efforts to elevate our human accomplishments to those of God. God is the giver and taker of life. We should allow Him to reign in this area and recognize our distorted notions that we can do anything He can.
Just something to think about today...
Yesterday I was reading the Iowa Right to Life newsletter and something caught my attention. Iowa is one of 15 states that have their own laws regarding cloning human embryos for stem cell research. (There is a federal ban enacted by Bill Clinton stating that federal money cannot be used for cloning and/or embryonic stem cell research) In Iowa, cloning is LEGAL. The law now permits scientists to create human embryos through cloning and grow them to any stage in development for the purpose of research. This is frightening to me. It's a quiet first step to the future of this type of research that (I believe) actually gives people the false hope that all disease can be cured eventually - even if it means casually creating and ending life. This is such a slippery slope. The"possibilities" are often touted as promising medical advancements. But this type of dangerous experimentation can lead to all sorts of outrageous moral problems.
Think about it...
Do you have a kid that needs a lung transplant? Why not grow another baby and give the older kid a lung from the younger one? Does your baby have cancer? Why not intervene at the embryonic stage and use the new kid to help the old one? How about your kid is blind and needs new eyes? Grow some new ones! The problem here, while it may appeal to parents of all types of sick children, is...what happens to the cloned human embryos - and if it gets to this in the future, the humans? Are they disposed of after they are "used" for the benefit of someone else? Is their health so compromised that they are no longer capable of living a normal human life? How is it that one human can be so valued over another? Not to mention my prime objection as a Christian that GOD is the creator of life. And it happens through a loving act of marriage, not in a test tube to make babies for the benefit of research.
I challenge you to do a little research on where your state stands on this issue. If you want to protect life, look into supporting a Right to Life group near you. Right to Life not only stands against the greatest tragedy of our day, abortion, they also stand against ALL measures that threaten life. Embryonic stem cell research, cloning, physician-assisted suicide, abortion, and other issues must be brought to the forefront of discussion for Americans. Because, whether you realize it or not, some politicians - particularly those in power now - are pushing for legislation that would allow all of these things. Often the legislation is presented as the great hope for curing all disease. It's not possible, folks. This world is a broken place. There will always be disease, hardship, and suffering on this side of heaven. While it's tempting to buy into a utopian idea that every hardship everywhere can be eradicated, it just ain't so!
Our attempts to create perfection here on earth are at best noble ideas. At worst, they are shocking efforts to elevate our human accomplishments to those of God. God is the giver and taker of life. We should allow Him to reign in this area and recognize our distorted notions that we can do anything He can.
Just something to think about today...
Monday, March 16, 2009
More Studio Photography.
This studio assignment was to take some advertising-type photos. For this first one, we were supposed to make room for the ad type in the photo. I went ahead and added Oreo's trademarked slogan for effect.
This was a flat advertising shot. It makes me feel like I could go for a whole plate of Oreos right about now. Guess that's the goal.
This studio assignment was to take some advertising-type photos. For this first one, we were supposed to make room for the ad type in the photo. I went ahead and added Oreo's trademarked slogan for effect.
This was a flat advertising shot. It makes me feel like I could go for a whole plate of Oreos right about now. Guess that's the goal.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Probably the only $25 I've never missed...
I paid $25 for this little jewel last summer at a garage sale. It was a practically new food processor, complete with the owner's manual and box. The lady who sold it to me said she'd never even opened it! Seriously, Lady, do you cook at all? Anyways, what a steal! Several times a week I look at it and think about how I've probably not found a better use for 25 bucks. I'm making baby food, hummus, salsa, all sorts of yummy things thanks to my little Kitchen Aid. I used to pass over recipes when I saw they had to be pureed or chopped or food processed of some sort. No more!
Come on, 2009 Garage Sale Season!
I paid $25 for this little jewel last summer at a garage sale. It was a practically new food processor, complete with the owner's manual and box. The lady who sold it to me said she'd never even opened it! Seriously, Lady, do you cook at all? Anyways, what a steal! Several times a week I look at it and think about how I've probably not found a better use for 25 bucks. I'm making baby food, hummus, salsa, all sorts of yummy things thanks to my little Kitchen Aid. I used to pass over recipes when I saw they had to be pureed or chopped or food processed of some sort. No more!
Come on, 2009 Garage Sale Season!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Celebration Time.
I am thrilled to report that I am officially back in my running groove. Yesterday I ran 4 miles with ease - such progress! Jason and I have decided that we are going to run the Dam to Dam here in Iowa at the end of May. Anyone else want to sign up for the 12 mile fun?
I am excited about a new race and a new training schedule. I'm also especially excited about fitting into my old jeans. Yes, folks, they fit!
Cue Kool & The Gang...
I am thrilled to report that I am officially back in my running groove. Yesterday I ran 4 miles with ease - such progress! Jason and I have decided that we are going to run the Dam to Dam here in Iowa at the end of May. Anyone else want to sign up for the 12 mile fun?
I am excited about a new race and a new training schedule. I'm also especially excited about fitting into my old jeans. Yes, folks, they fit!
Cue Kool & The Gang...
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Slumdog Millionaire
Jason and I had the chance to go out on Friday night for a pre-Valentine's date. We had tapas at one of our Des Moines favorites, The Continental, and made our way to the Varsity. The Varsity is a fabulous old theater across the street from Drake University where the popcorn is still...brace yourselves...$1.75. The Varsity also always shows independent and/or international films - our favorite kind.
This week Slumdog Millionaire was showing. We loved this film, which, above all is a love story. It's also a fascinating journey that follows the memories of a young man growing up in the slums of India. It portrayed the humor, heartbreak, and triumph of slum life. I'll admit that I felt nauseous most of the first half. I had a hard time getting over the fact that for many children in the world poverty, filth, hunger and abuse are the norm. But, overall, this was a great film and one I would recommend to others. If for no other reason than to see some of the realities people in the developing world live with on a daily basis.
On a side note, Jason and I also discussed how ironic it is that these days have been labeled an economic "crisis" in our country. Seems like we should be honest and say, in comparison to the rest of the world, what we really mean is "we aren't able to keep up our outrageous standard of living and that bugs us." Take a look at the slums of India (or any other country in the developing world) and you might reconsider your definition of crisis.
Here's the trailer if you are interested...
Jason and I had the chance to go out on Friday night for a pre-Valentine's date. We had tapas at one of our Des Moines favorites, The Continental, and made our way to the Varsity. The Varsity is a fabulous old theater across the street from Drake University where the popcorn is still...brace yourselves...$1.75. The Varsity also always shows independent and/or international films - our favorite kind.
This week Slumdog Millionaire was showing. We loved this film, which, above all is a love story. It's also a fascinating journey that follows the memories of a young man growing up in the slums of India. It portrayed the humor, heartbreak, and triumph of slum life. I'll admit that I felt nauseous most of the first half. I had a hard time getting over the fact that for many children in the world poverty, filth, hunger and abuse are the norm. But, overall, this was a great film and one I would recommend to others. If for no other reason than to see some of the realities people in the developing world live with on a daily basis.
On a side note, Jason and I also discussed how ironic it is that these days have been labeled an economic "crisis" in our country. Seems like we should be honest and say, in comparison to the rest of the world, what we really mean is "we aren't able to keep up our outrageous standard of living and that bugs us." Take a look at the slums of India (or any other country in the developing world) and you might reconsider your definition of crisis.
Here's the trailer if you are interested...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
