make hay while the sun shines

i heart faces

2011-03-01T21:26:00.001-05:00

This week, the I Heart Faces challenge is to enter a photo that shows anything but a face. I have to say I was initially so excited about this challenge because I love, love, love shots of little bellies, fingers and toes, especially those of my own little munchkins.....Lord knows I have thousands to choose from. There are some images that just stick with you, though and I just had to share this one because it says so much to me.

Each time I look at this photo, I remember that dewy morning and the warm sunlight that glistened in the hair of the little one year old ballerina. This image evokes more than just that memory. It reminds me of the wonderful the love a mother has for her child...and I tear up a little.

i heart faces

2011-02-22T21:38:00.002-05:00

Just thought I would share my image from this week's challenge from I Heart Faces. Each image for this challenge had to be taken with a cell phone and include, of course, a human face. I took this image this week of my oldest boy, trying to capture that look in his eye and that curl....right in the middle of his forehead.

* This image was taken with my iPhone using the Hipstamatic Application.

Life Goes On

2010-11-16T07:37:00.001-05:00

I always think of her this time of year. As yesterday's light began to fade and I was preparing supper, I realized it was her birthday. She would've been ninety years old. As I stirred the cheese into the potato soup, I realized that not only was it her birthday, but I had made her famous potato soup without even thinking. Life goes on.

I've reposted this link at least a couple of times and I felt it was appropriate one more time. Since the time it was written I just haven't been able to write anything else about her...my heart still breaks and I miss her.

don't you love......

2010-10-14T09:42:00.000-04:00

looking at a photograph and the eyes of the subject.

This one is my most recent favorite...purity and innocence.

morning on the beach

2010-08-30T06:42:00.000-04:00

Many of you may not know of the beauty Lake Ontario has to offer. Here's just a glimpse from a morning on one of it's beaches.

*the morning's warm light in all of these photographs is what I love most*

.............wish you were here

2010-08-18T23:17:00.002-04:00

We've been enjoying our annual trip to the Gulf with our Alabama family. It has been full of "firsts" for our new baby. Today was his first real beach experience. He really seemed to love the sand!

The big boys had to jump the waves in their pj's, while Jon surf fished a little....just like last year.......guess it's the start of some sort of tradition.

We love coming here and enjoying the beaches and surrounding communities of 30-A!

special edition beach sessions

2010-07-08T16:29:00.007-04:00

SPECIAL EDITION BEACH SESSIONS
JULY 28-30
Fair Haven State Park
Fair Haven, New York
email bengaquick@aol.com for details and availability

cutie patooties

2010-06-23T15:41:00.000-04:00

.....from recent sessions

Thank you Little Miss "A" and Master "C" .

we share

2010-06-21T20:38:00.001-04:00

we share
the same hands
and a special love for sweet iced tea

we share
the same family sensibilities
and a special love for memory making

we share
a love of "night-night stories"
and the need for good lyrics to a country song

we share
the same corny sense of humor
and the appreciation of a good episode of City Confidential

we share more than I think we even realize.
daddy, I love you and I am so proud to be your daughter.

always been

2010-05-08T21:23:00.001-04:00

I have millions of first memories.
First rodeo, first piece of pizza,
First ballet recital, first time I saw my little brother.
I could fill page after page with memories of first experiences.
Ironically, I don’t have one first memory of my mother.
I don’t remember the first time I saw her face.
I don’t remember the first time I heard her voice or
Felt her soft pat on my back.
I don’t remember the first time she braided my hair or
Helped me brush my teeth.
She has just always been.

I am so blessed to have a mother that has just always been.
She has always been there to encourage me when I want to quit.
She has always been there to listen to me, even when most of what
I have to say may differ from what she would like to hear.
She has always been there to support me.
She has always been there to love me, even when I am unlovable.

I thank God every day for choosing her to be my mother.

*The name of this rose is "Just Joey". My mother is known as Joey to her family and very close friends. I have two of these rose bushes in my garden and each time I cut one of these roses, I think of my sweet mother.

soul blooms

2010-04-28T11:35:00.001-04:00

I read somewhere once that if you've never been thrilled to the very depth of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom. I can't remember for the life of me where I read that, but I was reminded of that this morning as I walked my munchkin to the bus stop.

My soul is blooming today.

comfort

2010-04-24T22:54:00.003-04:00

I read poetry

To calm my soul.
Reading other's words about
Love, laughter,
Sadness and grief
Quiets those tears that come
In waves from some deep
Forgotten place.
It encourages my rage
To run and hide.
It comforts me.

But my comfort today,
At this quiet moment,
Comes from memories.
Memories of a sweet voice,
Beautiful eyes and
A smile not easily forgotten.
Memories of a soul full of
Encouraging words and love.
One that knew just when others
Needed to be showered with
Hope.

I am glad to have known her
Glad to celebrate her
Glad to always remember her.

Stacey Leigh Johnson
May 17, 1968 - April 22, 2010

six

2010-04-15T10:26:00.007-04:00

one of the reasons
I get up each morning
was born six years ago
my inspiration
my sweet "big boy"

*I used to chuckle at bloggers who would write "Dear Blog, I am sorry I have been neglecting you." I have totally become one of those people that made me laugh. So much to blog about and so little time these days. I miss it and hope to visit and share soon

"bundled up"

2010-03-15T23:05:00.005-04:00

This week's "I Heart Faces" photography challenge is "bundled up". Here's my munchkin all bundled up and loving the snow! Those eyes still melt my heart as much today as they did the day I gave birth to him!

.....little Valentine

2010-02-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Jonah
February 8, 2010
9 pounds 14 ounces
22 inches

nothing sweeter

2010-01-24T19:51:00.003-05:00

The last few weeks have been hectic as I get ready for the arrival of my new little munchkin. In the midst of the chaos, I got to photograph a couple of cuties....there is nothing sweeter than fingers, toes, rolls and sleeping babies.

snow day

2010-01-04T15:56:00.008-05:00

Heaven is.....

2009-12-14T17:14:00.002-05:00

I have been indirectly affected by a tragedy today and all I could think about was Steven Curtis Chapman's story...wanted to share.

Prayers for those grieving the loss back home.

missing our visit to the city

2009-11-17T10:57:00.003-05:00

We've been too busy this Fall to make a trip to NYC. I came across these few fun reminders of why we like to go this time of year.

the wild thing sleeps

2009-10-24T17:41:00.000-04:00

...everyone should have a Nantucket

2009-10-13T18:33:00.004-04:00

We just returned from a long weekend visit to one of our favorite places. Nantucket is so many things....full of history, unique architecture, beautiful landscapes, and it just plan has character. One of the highlights of the weekend was attending the Annual Cranberry Festival.

A little cranberry lesson
Cranberries have been grown on Nantucket since 1857 and were an important part of the Island's economy until just prior to World War II. Before 1959, all 234 acres of bog were under cultivation on the Milestone Road, download this bog the largest contiguous natural cranberry bog in the world. Since that time, intensive efforts to conserve water resources have resulted in the construction of a complex network of ditches and dikes that subdivide the bog into smaller and more water-efficient units. Unfortunately, these measures led to the Milestone Road bog losing its status as the world's largest bog.
The cranberry, named such because its pink blossoms resemble the head of a crane, was first cultivated in the United States in 1816 on Cape Cod. Henry Hall of Dennis found that cranberries flourished when cultivated under growing conditions similar to those found in the wild. These include: an acid, peat soil; a surface layer of sand that is frequently replenished (sand stimulates the growth of new roots, adds nutrients, helps control certain insect populations, and diminishes the toxic effect of decaying plant material); and an ample supply of fresh water.

Cranberry vines are planted by gently pushing vine trimmings into a prepared bog that has been leveled and covered with a layer of sand. New plantings must grow for about three years before they will bear harvestable fruit. If properly cared for, the 6-8 inch tall plant will produce berries indefinitely. Modern management practices include weeding in the spring, fertilizing in the summer, pruning in the fall to keep the vines at their optimum length, and periodic re-sanding in the winter. A complex water distribution system must irrigate the bogs in dry weather. This same system is also used to protect flower buds and the ripe berries from spring and fall frosts. Also, flooding is required during the fall harvest and throughout the winter months to minimize the effects of cold and wind damage.

On Nantucket, the Early Black variety of cranberries (small and black-red when ripe) are harvested during late September; the Howes variety (larger, oblong and medium-red when ripe) is picked from early October into November. Cranberries were individually hand picked until the early 1900’s, when the wooden cranberry scoop was developed. The cranberry scoop method of harvesting was faster, but it left a great number of berries on the vine and was very labor intensive. Since World War II, growers have used an assortment of mechanical pickers, including the Western picker and the Darlington picker. Tines (metal fingers) on these machines scoop underneath the berries and hold them, while the forward motion of the picker plucks them from the vine. The machines damage the vines less than the use of the scoop, but as much as twenty percent of the fruit can be bruised using this method.

Today, more efficient and less damaging mechanical techniques are used. During wet harvesting, a section of bog is flooded with a foot or so of water. A machine called a water reel beats the submerged vines with a series of horizontal paddles. This causes the naturally-buoyant cranberries to detach from the vines and float to the surface of the water. They are then corralled and pulled to the edge of the bog with floating wooden booms. The fruit is loaded into large dump trucks by a conveyor. Following washing and screening, the berries are shipped by tractor trailer to the mainland to be processed by fruit handlers.

Nantucket's cranberries are processed in three steps. First, they are washed and blasted with a strong current of air to eliminate leaves, twigs, and other debris. Second, they are sorted using a Bailey Separator, where the berries drop vertically through a series of seven compartments. At each level they may either bounce over a four-inch high board into the "good berry" side of the machine or drop down to the next lower level. Firm (good) berries bounce; soft berries are overripe and will not. Those berries that are overripe will continue to drop until they reach the bottom of the sorter and are eventually discarded. The good berries are bagged and sent to freezer storage for future processing into juices, sauces, or relish.

Because wet harvesting causes the fruit's protective wax coating to break down, only dry-picked cranberries are sold as fresh fruit. After they have gone through the same sorting routine as outlined for wet-harvested berries, dry-harvested berries are visually inspected for color and appearance and polished by soft brushes. They are then bagged and immediately sent to market.
Content copyright ©1999-2006 Nantucket Conservation Foundation

Our last three visits to the island, we have stayed in the village of Siasconset. It is my favorite place on the island....we enjoyed some of the last hydrangea blooms of the year and spent a great deal of time at Great Point fishing. Each day on the way to the beach, we passed the fabulous Wauwinet where I snapped a couple of images of the munchkin among the fall landscape.

wouldn't it be cool to know....

2009-10-04T14:04:00.002-04:00

...what he was thinking at the moment I snapped this image? My oldest nephew is definitely a thinker and I caught him in deep thought on our recent trip to the panhandle of Florida.

sweetness

2009-09-16T17:14:00.007-04:00

It was my pleasure recently to photograph one of my favorite clients and the newest addition to her family. Here's a little sweetness......enjoy.

reminded of what I wrote a year ago...

2009-09-11T09:33:00.003-04:00

This morning, as a reminder, I read the following post I made a year ago....I can't find any better words today.

"I have been brought to tears so many times today....remembering where I was 7 years ago ....I have cried today because of the memories; the atrocities of that day and the many days after. I cried because of the memories I have of my visit to the site in January 2002...the smell, the pictures/memorials, the rescue workers as they came up from the pit after hours of work. There really are no words... but I have cried more today because of what I see as an increasingly apathetic society. Apathy is dangerous, quite frankly.

We weren't Republicans or Democrats on that day seven years ago...strangely, that catastrophe brought such a refreshing sense of nationalism...American flags were everywhere...we were so quick to recognize our service men and women, firefighters and rescue workers with a wave and a smile. I wish for those days again and I am hopeful.

I am optimistic.... in the end, I hope we all are reminded we are on the same team. "

"Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike." Teddy Roosevelt

2009-09-03T19:01:00.000-04:00

"Beauty of style & harmony & grace....depend on Simplicity."-- Plato

william's creek

2009-08-29T18:24:00.003-04:00

While visiting my parents for a couple of days in my sweet home of Alabama, I made a bittersweet trip to a very special place....William's Creek. I spent many summer days there with my cousin, exploring the surrounding woods and playing in what was and is affectionately referred to as "the creek". Generations from Hamilton and the surrounding area came to swim in the creek and swimming hole adjacent to my great-grandmother's home. We were the last.

The years have changed the creek. The creek and swimming hole seem much smaller. The big sand bar we we played on as if it were a beach, doesn't exist. It even seems the millions of flat rocks at the bottom of the shallow creek edges are gone. As a child, it seemed that those "skippers" multiplied right before my eyes.

Some things haven't changed. The trees still hang over the creek as they did one hundred years before. The cave under the bluff is just as we left it the last time we played "Indians". The water is still clear enough to see a cottonmouth swim up stream and to easily examine thousands of tadpoles in the spring.

It will come as no surprise to those who know me that heritage and family history is a very large part of who I am. I am so glad I was able to take my little boy down to the water where so many memories were created for, not only me and my cousin, Jamie, but for my mother, her sister, Jackie, countless cousins, and at least two generations of my family prior to my grandmother. Perhaps, Sawyer will have a few memories from our visit with the help of some images I captured.

My soul will always be inspired by that cool water, the billowy trees, the slimy rocks and the beautiful shadows of William's Creek.

living off the land

2009-08-12T19:56:00.007-04:00

*apologies for poor photographic quality of most of the photos in this entry...dirty sensors on my big Canons had to be cleaned, so they are in the shop...most of these were taken with my iPhone.

We are truly living off our land...officially. As of April, we have been raising our own all natural chickens....thirty-five chickens. What an experience! To watch how fast they grow is really amazing. It's like looking forward to a daily science lesson. Last week, we "processed" twenty seven of the chickens, while leaving 6 hens for eggs (they should begin laying soon) and one rooster by the name of Frank. We are really looking forward to having fresh eggs.

Our garden, aside from the horrible tomato crop, has been really plentiful. In June, there was a fab strawberry crop which meant lots of jam and shortcake. We have had tons of peas, beans, cucumbers and spinach, along with the usual zucchini and squash. Many quarts of dill pickles and our favorite refrigerator crock pickles (Dinosaur BBQ's recipe) have been made from the garden's goodness. Giant pumpkins are also all over the place, but mostly in the shade of some of the most beautiful sunflowers I have ever grown. In a nutshell, we have been busy.

sweetness

2009-07-28T12:32:00.007-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, I was able to visit with a little sweetheart that I had photographed when she was a wee two year old. She is now 4 years old and still full of sweetness. I love it when children are so comfortable with me and themselves....makes my job so much easier. Her Mommy helped make that happen by allowing her to dress herself (ok, so she had to be guided a little or she would have been photographed in winter tights and a pair of Little Einstein overalls) She did insist on wearing her black sparkly mary janes and a pair of rainbow socks...and to make it even more easy for me, mommy let us have our space. When parents of toddlers and older children allow me to photograph without them being too close to us, it allows the children to get comfortable with me/camera and they feel free to be themselves. There are no forced smiles or cheesy grins, something I really would rather not photograph. This little sweetheart took me on a tour of her "Mommy's beautiful gardens". As we walked she found a fabulous hydrangea bloom and wanted to put it in her hair, "because it matched her dress." Adorable, right?
It was a gorgeous afternoon on the river, but I am drawn to the images in black and white. They seem to convey exactly what I wanted to capture...innocence and a little girl full of charm.

Here's a couple just to show the color from the afternoon warm sunlight.

take a drive

2009-07-20T10:11:00.002-04:00

After months of following the Borodino Market and Schoolhouse Farm blogs I finally made the drive on Saturday with the hubby and munchkin. What a gorgeous drive to the Borodino community on the east side of Skaneatelas Lake! If you love organic and unique you must to visit this summer or fall. The fabulous family owned self-described pesticide free Eco-ganic micro-farm is not only a great place to pick up heirloom tomatoes, black currants and herbs grown all naturally from organic and heirloom seeds, but at the market one can find imported french jams, homemade organic teas, and my favorite, Votivo candles! There is so much for one to see and the owner is so informative and helpful. Take a drive....

before the rain

2009-06-29T16:59:00.005-04:00

Any takers?

2009-06-09T16:24:00.002-04:00

I love ETSY! If you have never visited this site, you are in for a treat! I love to support all things handmade and purchase from this site frequently. One can find just about everything when browsing. I came across a great little shop and want to see if I can find any clients that are willing to help me out. If you go here and purchase any of her stuff for your children (she has boy and girl stuff) or here and book a session with me for the summer or fall, I will give you a complimentary 11x14 from the session, which is a $75 value. Contact me if you are interested asap.

*Life isn't a matter of milestones, but moments. ~Rose Kennedy

scenes from the morning

2009-06-09T13:00:00.004-04:00

A person is a success if they get up in the morning and get to bed at night and in between does what he wants to do.

Bob Dylan

who knew.....

2009-06-07T13:26:00.003-04:00

a $.99 pot from T.J. Maxx could look so good? Peonies make any ole pot or vase look gorgeous. Don't you agree?

few firsts and a memory

2009-06-04T13:29:00.006-04:00

first strawberry of the year

first time to actually see a bee hive forming outside of a tree

first of many baskets of "our greens"

first peony bloom of the year

memory of the munchkin

daily blessing

2009-05-28T20:11:00.006-04:00

Could I be more blessed?

Not only is my munchkin

a daily blessing

to watch grow and change,

but...

he's also a fabulous chicken catcher

and spinach snacker!

What Mommy could ask for anything more?

Figawi 2009

2009-05-28T16:46:00.005-04:00

We just returned from a long weekend stay on Nantucket. We were excited to read during the last minute planning of our trip that we would be able to see the first regata of the year....The Figawi. Here's a little interesting history about the race.

Along time ago, four sailors started out from Baxters Boathouse in Hyannis to race their sailboats to Nantucket. That race would be the first of the Figawi Race Weekends, and the beginning of what has become a Cape Cod tradition.
It was 1972, a few friends thought a friendly, competitive sail to Nantucket would be a fun way to spend the weekend. Therefore, with wives and a few friends aboard as crew, the skippers headed out to see who had the fastest boat in getting to the island.
What was then organized as a "fun race to Nantucket" soon became an annual trip across Nantucket Sound.
Whether it was the charm of a race to Nantucket, or maybe just the personal appeal of the early founders is really not clear, but Figawi began to grow by leaps and bounds. A lay day was added in 1978 along with a race back to Hyannis, as the race committee, now formerly organized, turned the Figawi from a one-day race into a three-day weekend event.
In the very early eighties some notable skippers from on and off-Cape - names like Kennedy and Koch -- began to sail with the fleet and spread the Figawi news all around New England.
In 1987 the Figawi organizers decided they wanted to create a means of giving back to their home communities and what better way than to develop a charity ball. So they invited sailors, local businessmen, and friends to the first Figawi Ball. With around a seven hundred guests, money was raised with the commitment to support only local charities.
Over the last twenty years the Figawi Charity Ball has become the largest single night of fund raising for local charities. Now each year our event attracts 1200 zealous and diverse individuals and is considered to be the premier social event of the season. It is not only famous as a great night out, but thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and proceeds from our raffles and silent auction, Figawi Charities Inc. generates nearly $200,000 each year and has provided over $2.2 million in support to local organizations who would otherwise go without.
The Figawi Race, now with over 250 entrants, has certainly grown into one of the premier sailboat races on the east coast.

We had lots of relaxing days on the beach and just enjoying the fact that were were doing pretty much nothing....very, very rejuvenating.

blessed today

2009-05-10T12:32:00.008-04:00

This morning I know I am blessed.
As I look out at the sunshine trying to peek

through the thick clouds

and feel the cool morning breeze

through an open window,

I know I am blessed.
The vase of gorgeous ruby red roses

on my sofa table reminds me....

I am blessed.

Thoughts of my mother remind me,

I am blessed.

Her encouragement

has made me who I am.

When I think I'm not smart

or talented enough to be successful

she quickly stops me and

reminds me I can do anything.

I am blessed.

The memories of my grandmother's

patience and love

keep me grounded and

remind me today,

I am blessed.

A phone call from my

step-son today reminds me today,

I am blessed.

Listening to the love of my life

sing a Mother's Day

song he wrote

with my munchkin

reminds me

I am blessed.

Mother's know you are blessed today.

I love you, Mom.

thought in the early afternoon

2009-05-03T14:19:00.004-04:00

I was the first awake this morning. On my way out to get the Sunday paper, I noticed a lone paperwhite bloom in my garden. I'm sure it was one of the many I have forced to bloom inside during the holiday season and then set out along with my tulips in the spring. I had never noticed it before. I cut it and brought it inside to enjoy. As the morning turned into afternoon, I began to notice that the three teeny tiny blooms on the paperwhite from the morning were making my entire first floor smell like a garden full of paperwhites....truly one of my most favorite smells! Then this occurred to me. One doesn't have to be the biggest most colorful bloom in the garden to make a great difference in its surroundings.

Enjoy today.

2009-04-29T13:42:00.002-04:00

As this month is coming to an end, I am reminded why I love living in my little house in the woods. Taking a walk through the woods yesterday, I found so many treasures....all so beautifully unique in the gorgeous light of the late afternoon.

The best things in life are nearest: Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

I encourage you to continue to find beauty in the simple blessings of daily life....wildflowers, your child's laugh, wind in your hair, light through the window, a great song on the radio, hugs, smiles....

five years ago.....

2009-04-09T11:56:00.003-04:00

...my life changed forever. I am beyond blessed.

my soul was warmed

2009-03-16T19:04:00.009-04:00

Several months ago, I shared a video that really touched my soul. I think about it a great deal, especially on my self-proclaimed journey to simplicity this year. Today my soul was warmed.....the sweetness of my boy's smiling eyes, the warmth and gorgeous glow of the sun through the trees on a spring afternoon, both reminded me of the precious gifts I have been given. What warms your soul?

*click images to enlarge*

simple

2009-03-06T14:16:00.007-05:00

Just trying to keep things simple...
my goal for the year.

We tapped our trees yesterday and hope to have our first gather and boil this weekend. I love the fact that we live in one of the few places in THE WORLD that one can produce maple syrup. If you are fortunate to live in the Northeast, I strongly recommend either making some syrup yourself or visiting a sugar bush to watch the process. It is so fascinating!

The process is full of lessons....patience, the sequence of the scientific process, cooperation and working together....taking advantage of the gifts God gave us within nature, giving to others...the list goes on and on.

Sawyer is even more excited and involved than last year! He was so disappointed when we didn't have full buckets this afternoon. (it hadn't even been 24 hours since the trees were tapped) He is definitely our joy.

*Still at work on my new website and blog.......thanks for all the inquiries. It means a lot to me that people are so interested in my work.

I am.......

2009-01-18T16:59:00.003-05:00

......learning to live in the moment. No, I haven't recently converted to Zen Buddhism, but I have begun the new year looking to truly simplify everything that I can control. Being aware of my actions and thoughts is one thing I plan to do that will hopefully help me to simplify my life.

I love to watch my four-year-old as he plays. He’s not thinking about what happened to him yesterday, or what he’s going to do later today. He’s building the world's tallest tower, and he’s fighting the bad guys. To him, nothing else in the world exists, except the play world he has created for the hour. If he gets upset about something nothing else matters but what has upset him. He’ll fuss and cry about it for awhile and before I know it he is happy again. The "horrible" situation totally forgotten and he doesn't seem to think about again. He truly has no cares about yesterday or tomorrow, he just cares about what is happening in his "now". I hope to learn to react and move on like him. Holding on to differences I've had with someone or dwelling on the negatives of a situation is not healthy and certainly not productive for those of us that are attempting to simply and make the most of our time.

We really need to use our children as inspiration.....try to be like them (when appropriate, of course:) Jesus taught to, “Be as a child,”.... wise words.

So as the new year begins, I am working on looking at life a little different than in years past. Slowing down to appreciate .....the sound of my son's laugh, the meow of the cats, the glisten of the sun through the trees in my snow covered woods, my family...is on my agenda. What do you plan to do differently with your life this year?

*I am continuing to work on my new site and blog. Believe it or not, they are coming together. I just have a difficult time being able to have long periods of time that I can sit down and really work on those things with no interruptions....as far as the business, things are changing. Look for a more simplified approach to my work.

belated merry christmas

2008-12-30T14:16:00.004-05:00

memories made

time to move on

hope the merriment

of Christmas

is with us

the year long

(cheesy poem courtesy of yours truly)

*Happy New Year's Eve Eve!

happiness

2008-12-15T18:32:00.004-05:00

"The grand essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for." Allan K. Chalmers

May all of you have something to do,

something to love and something to hope for today.

*Sawyer and his Great-Grandma Stewart*

.......memories

2008-12-11T11:22:00.002-05:00

monday

2008-12-01T14:29:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving in New Hampshire was great, but we are always glad to be home.

three.....

2008-11-21T15:42:00.002-05:00

....days

....snow

.....more snow

2008-11-19T14:03:00.003-05:00

.......first snow

2008-11-17T14:14:00.005-05:00

yes, we've had a little snow here and there over the last few weeks, but not more than a dusting....today was our first measurable snow! even though it is slowly being absorbed into the warm ground...I cherish it as a sign of what's to come soon. I truly love winter in the woods of central new york.

........life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness

2008-11-01T20:13:00.006-04:00

As I walked in to the polling place of my small community, four year old in tow, I admit to getting a little choked up. In those seconds leading up to the voting booth, my mind played like an IMAX theatre screen...my step-son in Afghanistan, my husband, my grandfathers and great-grandfathers, my father-in-law and his brothers, and all the others that I know that have helped maintain our country's freedom. I think of all those that I don't even know, that didn't know me, but have fought and some given their lives for little ole me to be able to be free...express my opinions, create my own wealth and live like I please. I am encouraged today. Not because I feel the election will go one way or another, but because I continue to be able to be a part of the greatest democratic republic on earth...no voice is too small and that is certainly what one would call liberty.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen

United States of America

lots going on in my little world

2008-10-27T21:09:00.011-04:00

lots going on in

my little world

smiles

sugar shacks

chicken coops

giant pumpkins

alpaca farms

apple orchards

loads of laughter

maple marking

walks in the woods

buckets of color

bundles of hugs

lots going on

in my little world

*Click on the photos to see them larger...gotta love BLOGGER:( hence the .......*new blog coming soon*

.....gospel in the trees....

2008-10-12T11:11:00.003-04:00

God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees

and flowers and clouds and stars. ~Martin Luther

blessed

2008-10-09T10:01:00.003-04:00

I am so blessed, we are so blessed. Just yesterday I was overwhelmed with just plain joy of what my life has become and all of the blessing that God has given me........my family, home health, comfort.......so blessed. As I was perusing all my favorite blogs this morning, I came across this. I was moved to post this out of the sadness I feel for this family and the compassion I know others will share for them. What an amazing opportunity to help a family experience the unthinkable.

I have been amazed over the years how people have come together to help people just with the use of the internet....people that don't even really know each other....

Count your blessings today.

“When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place” C.S. Lewis

Capture the Summer Feeling Contest

2008-10-01T10:26:00.003-04:00

Good Morning!

I was awakened late last night, actually early this morning, to the sound of my iPhone vibrating on my bed table. To my delight, one of my Santa Rosa Beach photographs has been chosen to be entered into a photo contest sponsored by Into the Darkroom. After a whole lot of initial confusion, my entry number is 0106 and as of now, it is on page 8 of the entries. It would be great if all who read the blog cast a vote for me( go ahead and share it with your friends, too!.....I am assured that it isn't a popularity contest, as there are several pro-photog judges, but one never knows. Enjoy perusing the photography and if you feel like it, vote for me:)

Just a note to say WOW! I'm a little overwhelmed at the response! Thank you to all that quickly booked a Mini Session. I still have a few slots open and have had to open up October 13 for some extra sessions in order to try to accommodate all who are interested.

I'll leave you with a peek of a little angel....enjoy!

a little something special

2008-09-25T15:53:00.005-04:00

Since I blogged last, I have been busy with gardens, a trip to see Thomas the Train in Lancaster County and I have had a birthday. Things are winding down a little and I've been thinking of coming out of my shell......as most of you know I have been taking some time off and evaluating some things. While I am still working out the kinks of the changes I am going to make with my little business, I have decided to offer my blog readers something special.

The weekend of October 11 and 12 I am offering some Mini-Sessions. These sessions will include:

*a 15 minute session at my home in Cayuga County

*10-15 images on CD only, to be mailed to you within a week

Each session =$250

Each image is a custom image, not raw, unedited images.

Each CD of images will include printing suggestions, including reasonable and good quality online and local labs to use to print your images.

The benefits of my offering this type of package are endless. Among the many reasons this is a great option is the fact that the images will be taken in a beautiful outdoor setting during Central New York's most gorgeous time of year. Second, one can reasonably print Holiday gift photographs/cards personally and within one's own financial boundaries. Thirdly and most importantly you will have the images FOREVER.

For those who would rather have the option of receiving prints, there is also the option of receiving the 10-15 5x7 images for $350.

Please email me if you are interested @ bengaquick@aol.com.

I have hope today

2008-09-11T17:03:00.007-04:00

I have been brought to tears so many times today....remembering where I was 7 years ago ....I have cried today because of the memories; the atrocities of that day and the many days after. I cried because of the memories I have of my visit to the site in January 2002...the smell, the pictures/memorials, the rescue workers as they came up from the pit after hours of work. There really are no words... but I have cried more today because of what I see as an increasingly apathetic society. Apathy is dangerous, quite frankly.

We weren't Republicans or Democrats on that day seven years ago...strangely, that catastrophe brought such a refreshing sense of nationalism...American flags were everywhere...we were so quick to recognize our service men and women, firefighters and rescue workers with a wave and a smile. I wish for those days again and I am hopeful.

As this presidential election continues to draw more attention than any other in my voting lifetime, I am optimistic.... in the end, I hope we all are reminded we are on the same team.

****I have mentioned before that my stepson is serving in Afghanistan....I am so proud of his choice to serve his country. What a fabulous opportunity he has been given to make a difference in the lives of fellow service members and of local residents as an engineer. Thank you, Jay!

"Character, in the long run, is the decisive factor in the life of an individual and of nations alike." Teddy Roosevelt

.......for the girls......

2008-09-07T16:10:00.006-04:00

As the summer officially came to a close last week, I got to visit a couple of sweethearts. We had such a great time! They were just the perfect subjects. I'm sharing a few from my visit......you can certainly tell they have lots of love for each other.

Many of you have asked who has helped us through the years with our landscaping...............ironically, the girl's dad is the owner of Woods Landscaping (315) 515-8681. He has helped us with just about all our yard projects over the last 10 years. Give Wayne a call if you have landscaping/horticulture questions or if you have a project in mind. His knowledge base is truly amazing!

enough said.....

2008-09-04T10:00:00.009-04:00

"If you want something said, ask a man. If you want

something done, ask a woman."

~Margaret Thatcher

*Get something done today:)

Just in case you are curious.....

2008-08-28T09:11:00.008-04:00

Many of you know that I have taken the last few months to, in a sense, rejuvenate myself and do things that I love other that photography.

I have loved to garden for ages. There is something about it that I am so in love with. Maybe it is the process.....from seed to plant. I find it amazing that I have to patience it takes; for those of you that know me, you are more than likely surprised, too! Recently I began reading a book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life, written by Barbara Kingsolver. I am so inspired to continue my work in the gardens, expanding them next year. The seasonal eating idea is really intriguing. There are so many benefits, personally and globally. Trust me, I am far from a tree-hugging member of Green Peace, but I am discovering the importance of helping out our local farmers/economy. It is appalling to me that most of the fruit/vegetables/poultry in our big grocery stores travel 1,000 miles on average, before we purchase it. The genetic modifications that have to be made to the plants to give them the ability to make the long trip to our dinner table are quite disturbing. I am encouraged daily to continue when I look at the amazement on my four year old's mug when he discovers a new cucumber on his vine or pulls a huge carrot from the dirt. He knows more about the process than a lot of adults that I know and he is so curious about the science behind our food, but most important is the fact that he loves TO EAT IT...right out of the garden! Cucumbers and carrots are his favorite. He picks them and runs over to the well to wash the dirt off and down the hatch they go:)

This photo was taken late yesterday, as the sun disappeared in the horizon (hence the flash that I hate to use). Yes, he ate the whole thing "hair and all", as he would say!

I want to encourage everyone that reads this blog to investigate the local food options and let me know what you find. It is really something that is important to our health and the local farmers who are in danger of losing their livelihoods to huge producers that are not concerned with growing safe and healthy veggies, just about expanding their pocketbooks. Wanted to share a video from yesterday of my little "rabbit".

"Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity! I say, let your affairs be as two or three, and not a hundred or a thousand. Simplify, simplify."-- Henry David Thoreau

.....as the summer winds down.......

2008-08-25T20:35:00.007-04:00

....we are returning from another great trip. This time we were on the panhandle of Florida enjoying the world's most gorgeous beaches. Santa Rosa Beach and the surrounding area truly can make the boast of having the most beautiful white beaches in the world.
Even in the midst of Tropical Storm Fay, we had a blast, with only a little yucky weather.

Life is really simple, but men insist on making it complicated

2008-08-11T20:55:00.003-04:00

I'm not one to quote Confucius, but it is so true...........life is really all about the simple things........whether it is a bouquet of my favorite roses from my garden after a cool rain or fresh dill picked for making a batch of pickles....life is about the simple beauty around us. The simpleness of a bowl of sweet peas picked by my little munchkin and the exquisiteness of coneflowers and hydrangeas in my great-grandmothers milk pitcher is what strikes me as the meaning of what life should be...SIMPLE.

Quote of the Day

2008-08-08T06:32:00.004-04:00

We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or folding the laundry. ~ E. B. White

Enjoy the day God gave you today.

...a few from Nantucket

2008-08-05T08:41:00.006-04:00

....returning from my favorite place

2008-07-27T13:12:00.003-04:00

Just got back from Nantucket last night....now it is off to get caught up in the gardens in my own backyard. We had a fantastic time just relaxing and enjoying the island. Lots of fishing at Great Point and walking around town, enjoying the fabulous sea air. Here's a shot from a Nantucket resident that I wanted to share because it captures the essence of what I love about Nantucket...I can't wait to share my own.

All-American Past Time

2008-07-09T22:18:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday, America!

2008-07-04T10:33:00.005-04:00

Happy Birthday, America!

I love shopping on ETSY . Not only is this a great showcase for handmade items to purchase, but it serves as a daily inspiration to me.

The photograph below is an example of the inspiration I receive when visiting the site.

American Chair - Fine Art Photograph 8 x 10

Artist's note: This is the way the flag is displayed outside of a converted church, now the home of a local antiques dealer in the town of Solebury, Bucks County PA.8" x 10" full color, film shot photograph of a Shaker chair, draped with the American flag. I took this shot with an old pentax 67 and printed it on premium luster stock.

Click link below to see more fabulous handmade items.

If you haven't seen John Adams, I highly recommend you

do. It is a fantastic portrayal of not only John Adams, but all our country's founding fathers.

*I will leave you with a few quotes to ponder on this 4th of July.

I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him. ~Abraham Lincoln

May the sun in his course visit no land more free, more happy, more lovely, than this our own country! ~Daniel Webster

Where liberty dwells, there is my country. ~Benjamin Franklin

This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in. ~Theodore Roosevelt

We must be free not because we claim freedom, but because we practice it. ~William Faulkner

A Day in the Life of.....

2008-07-02T05:47:00.006-04:00

a four year old

What Warms Your Soul?

2008-06-30T14:58:00.004-04:00

Yes, I have been thinking of posting time and time again. I must confess, I have been really enjoying my summer! There have been times, almost occurring daily, that I have had a "posting" thought or came across some shots to share, but just haven't taken the time.

I did come across something that particularly Warmed My Soul today and wanted to share. I would love to hear what warms your soul....leave a comment. Who knows, you may warm someone's soul just by sharing.

Farm

2008-05-30T08:42:00.003-04:00

....just looking into finding a farm location for a session. Was hoping to find a farm with a great vintage feel. If you know of a place in the Syracuse area, let me know @ bengaquick@aol.com. If I use your recommendation, you'll receive a gift certificate toward a session this summer.

New website and blog coming soon!

Site is Under Construction

2008-05-21T16:29:00.003-04:00

Just a note to all those who visit.........I am currently revamping my site. It wasn't something that I actually wanted to do at the present time, however, the situation presented itself and I am going for it! So, keep checking back for updates.

In the meantime, I am going to try to be a better blogger. It is my goal to blog at least every couple of days, beginning in June.

These days we are entertaining family from Michigan as we get ready to send off my stepson to Afghanistan. Some of you may remember the entry last May about him and his graduation from The Citadel.

http://bengaquick.blogspot.com/2007/05/our-family-has-just-returned-from.html#links

He's stationed in Tacoma at McChord Air Force Base and is awaiting deployment in a couple of months. We are hopeful his six months overseas will be a safe and great learning experience for him. The fact that he is an engineer/officer eases our anxiety, but he is still stationed in a war zone. All prayers are certainly appreciated.

I'll be back in a few days, when the chaos settles.

Spring Evening in the Buttercups

2008-05-15T15:33:00.005-04:00

The Little Girl With A Curl

2008-05-04T01:27:00.004-04:00

There was a little girl who had a little curl,

Right in the middle of her forehead.........

what do ladybugs mean to you.......

2008-04-11T19:42:00.008-04:00

Today, at this very moment, ladybugs mean that I have to make a very special effort to carry each and everyone of the little red insects outdoors....my little one is very protective of the annoying, yet quite useful bugs. I am glad that all life is so precious to him and I hope he always has that precious quality, but it can certainly be tiring:) Sawyer and I have been studying all then new life that we have begun to see outdoors. I bet we spent at least a hour on Monday following around the bees as they traveled from crocus to crocus getting some "juice". He is so facinated by it all. We have planted some zinnas and sunflowers that are growing like mad in our kitchen window....he checks on them throughout the day, often saying," just wanted to check on them."

Ladybug Lore

*I'm not one to be superstitious , but I thought the ladybug folklore associated with ladybugs was pretty cool.

Nearly ALL cultures believe that a Ladybug is lucky. Killing one is said to bring sadness and misfortune. In France, if a Ladybug landed on you, whatever ailment you had would fly away with the Ladybug. If a Ladybug is held in the hand while making a wish,the direction that it flies away to shows where your luck will come from. If the spots on the wings of a Ladybug are more than seven, it's a sign of coming famine. If less than seven, it means you will have a good harvest. In Belgium, people believed that if a Ladybug crawled across a young girl's hand, she would be married within a year. People in Switzerland told their young children that they were brought to them, as babies, by Ladybugs.(...and we thought Storks did that)! In some Asian cultures, it is believed that the Ladybug understands human language, and has been blessed by God, Himself. In Brussels, the black spots on the back of a Ladybug indicate to the person holding it how many children he/she will have. According to a Norse legend, the Ladybug came to earth riding on a bolt of lightning. The Victorians in Britain believed that if a Ladybug alighted on your hand, you would be receiving new gloves.....if it landed on your head,a new hat would be in your future, and so on. In the 1800's, some doctors used Ladybugs to treat measles! They also believed that if you mashed ladybugs and put them into a cavity, the insects would stop a toothache! During the Pioneer days, if a family found a Ladybug in their log cabin during the winter, it was considered a "Good Omen". In the Spring, if numerous Ladybugs are seen flying around, British farmers say it forecasts many bountiful crops. Many believe that the arrival of Ladybugs will bring fair weather. Folklore suggests if you catch a Ladybug in your home, count the number of spots and that's how many dollars you'll soon find. In Norway, if a man and a woman spot a Ladybug at the same time,there will be a romance between them.

Enjoy the weekend....

Shots from a Beautiful Spring Evening

2008-04-01T18:27:00.004-04:00

As the sun was going down, we were outside preparing for tomorrow's maple syrup making schedule and I shot a couple of my little one, who isn't very little these days.

...and the new colors that are beginning to show through the remaining snow.

***I am looking to do several shoots in my neighbor's daffodil field this spring. Remember this shot?

Sweet little Kendra was a trooper, but the weather just wasn't cooperative, as it came a torrential downpour moments after this shot was taken. The blooms are gone within a matter of days and because of the unpredictable spring weather here in Central New York, the shoots would be pretty impromptu, with only a possible 24 hour notice. If you are interested, I am looking for cuties from 2-10 years of age. My thoughts are of shooting individuals, but I am still in the planning stage. Those participating would receive a complimentary 11x14 from the session. These session will more than likely take place sometime this month, but we will be at the mercy of the temperatures and overall weather.

Email me with your inquiries: bengaquick@aol.com

Maple Syrup Update

2008-03-30T18:10:00.004-04:00

We have officially become maple syrup makers.....in just six days!

Yesterday we produced our first gallon!

It only took 50 gallons of maple sap gathered from our trees and a mere 12 hours:) We had the best time, even though it was really hard work. Sawyer was there every step of the way, with his inquisitive nature and great almost 4 year old work ethic.

*The face of a maple syrup maker....

Jon and I love to create memories and we have definitely begun a tradition of syrup making....we have big plans for a real little sugar house by the creek next year. Lots of fun to come, I'm sure. Any suggestions on what we should name our "farm"? Even though we are only producing for ourselves and family, we wouldn't be official maple syrup makers with out a name for our sugar farm. I would love to hear your suggestions. bengaquick@aol.com

He is my..........

2008-03-26T19:55:00.007-04:00

...little jokster

... little king of melodrama

...little thinker

...little helper

...caring sweet soul

...creative, imaginative, almost four year old

...DAHLIN'(in my best Alabama accent) BOY!

***God is so GOOD!

We Have Been Bitten

2008-03-26T12:54:00.005-04:00

We have been quite busy lately, since we were bitten by the MAPLE SYRUP BUG! My husband decided to attempt to produce our own maple syrup this year. Sawyer and I have been busy checking the buckets this morning. He totally loves the taste of the fresh sap!

It is so amazing to me that we live in the region of the world that produces all of the world's maple syrup products. We really had never considered the venture, but we began to think of the fun as a family we could have working on it together.....so we are GOING FOR IT!

Many of you have expressed interest in booking sessions for the spring and summer. Thanks for understanding that sessions are extremely limited. I will be making a trip to Alabama in June, so for those of you in that area that have contacted me with interest in booking, please email me and we can talk:)

I am also working on a new blog...stay tuned:)

An Easter Wish

2008-03-24T20:59:00.004-04:00

IT'S OFFICIAL

2008-03-09T17:11:00.003-04:00

..................I AM TIRED OF SNOW!!!!! We got another foot of snow overnight. That officially puts me over the edge of my personal snow tolerance. I actually don't mind snow all that much, even after spending almost ten years here, however it is time. It is time for the crocus and daffodils to pop up through the green grass, already!Just look past the left over carrot and ice cream sandwich residue on the face above and tell me you can't see the true longing for warmer more colorful days:)

.....hopefully one will find a new found photographer's perspective from the following

2008-02-27T13:17:00.005-05:00

I came across this article recently and thought readers of my blog might find it informative and insightful.

http://photosbyyates.blogspot.com/2008/01/important-from-fellow-photographer.html

...one more for my friends K and J.

PRECIOUS

2008-02-25T12:00:00.004-05:00

What a great way to start my week.....can it get more precious than this? It was a joy to see you, K and J. Little Miss Blue Eyes just melts my heart! It is hard to believe she is already been on earth 9 whole months. More from this doll by week's end.

SNOW BABY

2008-02-16T11:20:00.006-05:00

He's not a baby any more *according to him, anyway* but he's my SNOW BABY and will be forever and ever:)

Enjoy your babies today:)

We Have a Winner!

2008-02-13T20:51:00.008-05:00

Thank you, thank you, to all of you fabulously creative people that shared your Valentine's Day ideas with me this week! I was so inspired!! The winner is....

You are a true talent, Paige. There is absolutely nothing cuter to this mommy than a little one sleeping with his binky! I will be in touch soon.

To all who sent me your ideas, let me know if you wouldn't mind if I post your work.

I am leaving you with a few of my Valentine's Day cards this year.....

Let's See What You've Got

2008-02-06T13:32:00.000-05:00

I have some time to actually have a little contest. I have always thought it would be loads of fun to do something like this, so here we go. All you creative types out there, share all your great Valentine's Day photo ideas, even your scrapbook layouts or card ideas. The winner of the most creative idea will receive a gorgeous glass frame from the great artist in Seattle I introduced to you in August. I will announce the winner on Thursday, February 14. Email your photos to bengaquick@aol.com.
Can't wait to hear from you.

Click below to see the frames:

http://bengaquick.blogspot.com/2007/08/amazing-artist-while-visiting-pikes.html#links

**Just wanted to also say thanks to all you who have wished me well during my time off this year. Ya'll are THE BEST! ~B

PRINTS, ANYONE?

2008-02-01T12:36:00.000-05:00

If you are a client from the last 2 years or so and would like some additional prints from your sessions, now is the time to do so. At the end of February, the files will be gone forever:( So contact me for information on purchasing prints before they are HISTORY.

2008-01-16T18:09:00.000-05:00

Tales of a Neglectful Blogger

It is so cliche to say, but can you believe it is 2008? It seems like it was just the other day I was sitting on the floor in my room as a preteen, memorizing the words to Thriller! Where does time go?

The holidays were great and much more relaxing than last year.

We do miss having family around, though. I love having a house full of people! For the first few years we were in New York, it must have been more appealing to visitors than it is now. I guess, now that they can say that they've had a white Christmas, visitors have no need to visit during the holidays, sadly. Maybe with the additions to the extended family (hint to Brooke and Jason) we can have a big New York Christmas' in the years to come.

We did make a pre-Christmas visit home to Alabama to meet the newest member of the family.

It was so lovely to get all the emails and inquiries about my next post on the blog...."where's your new nephew" was the subject of a great many conversations. It was neat to know that so many really read this blog. Anyway, as you can see he is such a cutie patootie.

A post Christmas visit home to Michigan was also on the agenda for the holiday season. Along with with our yearly visit to the Notre Dame campus for a tee/sweatshirt restock...

we also visited the I LOVE TOY TRAINS official store. If you are the parent of a little boy and you don't know about the fabulous I LOVE TOY TRAIN videos, you must visit the site http://www.tmbv.com/ .

Grandpa really loved visiting the store with us, so much he later decided to purchase a new Lionel for himself. I think we started the Lionel train trend. Because of Sawyer's total love for The Polar Express story/movie, we bought the official Polar Express from Lionel to circle our Christmas tree.

We just returned from 8 days in Palm Beach.

It was a very relaxing, yet odd trip, as all of us were a bit under the weather the entire time. It WAS warm, however, so that in itself is a fabulous consolation.

A trip to that area of Florida is certainly worth it, just to see all the architecture.....art deco is definitely the norm in some places. I wish I had taken more pictures, I just didn't have it in me this trip.

After growing up vacationing on the panhandle of Florida, I am so spoiled! I always have a hope that beaches that we visit are as white and pristine as those of Florida's Gulf Coast....I am always disappointed. There are no beaches as beautiful as those I grew up visiting...so I was a little disappointed. Sawyer loved, though, so that is what is important these days. My Mom and I began somewhat of a tradition last year. Because of all the great memories we had of our visits to that area we hope to take an extra long, quiet weekend in September on the beaches of Seaside, Seagrove or Rosemary Beach.

I have been really attempting to get back to the basics in my life this year and so far it has been quite fun. The idea of no deadlines (**see below) has been fantastically refreshing, for sure. I am looking so forward to getting some projects done around the house and begin to construct new albums to replace those lost in the flood two summers ago. Sadly, I haven't had the time until now. Many of you may not know, but just as my business began to boom, our entire basement flooded. July 2006, the basement that includes 2 bedrooms, entertainment room, laundry room, bath and loads of storage was under almost 2 feet of water. We lost everything that was down there, except my Great-Grandmother's iron bed and my Mamaw's slipper chair. All the photos that were stored in my built-ins were destroyed. There were scrapbooks dating back to my preteen years.....gone. Lots of those can't be replaced. I quickly put out an APB to all those that might help me replenish the loss of all those precious memories; most people are like me, they just don't have the time, unfortunately. I really want to encourage all who read this to take precautions to keep your photo memories safe. I have found the best way is to scan old photos and save to a flash drive or CD. That way, even though you have them in albums/scrapbooks, you will also have them available forever, as no photo paper is immune to aging. Luckily, all my negatives from the past 10 years were stored upstairs and were not damaged. So now I have to begin to sift through literally 1000's of negatives to start the process of rebuilding my memories.

**No Deadlines

As you can see to the right of this post I am taking some time off. I could blog all day about why I have made the decision, but I will spare you the details at the moment. I can tell you that at some point near the end of last summer I had an epiphany of sorts about the direction of my life/business and with the passing of my grandmother, it became more apparent that some things needed to be done differently.

I read a blog entry not to long ago from a fellow photog that really put into words how I was feeling earlier in fall. "I do not believe I am the photographer for everyone. So now, I choose to be open only to clients who are looking to me, as an artist; not merely to hire my camera. The camera is a fantastic tool, but I believe my most powerful tool in my photography ... is my heart." I have felt that way so much. Everybody just doesn't see the world as I do....and that is so OK!

As I kinda regather myself and ponder the future, I do know one thing. When the day comes that I begin a new chapter in my business venture, I will encourage those interested to browse through my galleries and get a feel for my work and ask potential clients, "Does my style compliment the vision you have for your child's custom photographer?"

There are so many people who "get me" and don't try to mold my work to what they have seen in the past.....I have free artistic reign with these clients! That is the most empowering and the most fun!

Consider that the first rant of '08

****Just keep scrolling down for the next post...not sure what's up with the blogger:)

2007-12-03T14:53:00.000-05:00

Not just the two of them.....

Until this past week, it was just the two of them....Sawyer and Rome...Mimi and Papa's grandbabies. Now there are three...My new nephew is at home and well. As we prepare for a trip back home to Alabama to visit the new munchkin, here's a little tribute to the two little ones who are now the two eldest of what will soon become, I'm sure,

the Three Musketeers.

2007-11-22T19:40:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for more things than I can count ...but right now, this very minute, I am most thankful for the little things... especially the sight of my precious boy

enjoying the fresh falling snow.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-12T08:19:00.000-05:00

Before I get to the real reason for this post, I would like to thank all of those who have sent up prayers for me and my family and for the beautiful comments you have shared with me via notes, emails and phone conversations. Losing my Grandmother has been extremely difficult for me as I am so far away from my family and have to pretty much heal alone. Of course, the support of my unbelievable soul-mate helps me daily deal with my moments of grief, but it would, I think, somehow be a little easier if my Mother and I were able to be together more during this time. Thank God for Frontier Communications and unlimited long distance calls:)

Now for the real reason for this post. If one looks over to the right of this post, a statement about copyright is clearly written. To me, the most important piece of this statement is the last sentence, which reads…. “Thank you for respecting the laws and my work.” I have become quite disheartened in recent weeks as I have seen some of my work where it shouldn't be. I have read other photographer’s rants previously about copyright and how some people have disrespected their hard work and long hours by using images that were not meant for publication without the artist’s consent. I never thought I, too, would be talking about it here. Among all the disappointing things I have encountered as a business owner, the unauthorized use of my work is, by far the most hurtful. If you can imagine spending hours on a project to make it look its best only to find someone has, in a sense, stolen it. Maybe it is difficult for people to imagine that being a photographer isn’t just taking the pictures; it’s more than pointing and snapping. An unbelievable amount of thought goes into the actual shot, even before the session. There are hours spent going through and editing/choosing the best shots, resizing them for web display and then posting them.

All this said, it disappoints me to no end to know that there are people in the world that have so little respect for my hard work than to just right click and copy and paste. For this reason, my work load as gotten a little more difficult now, as I have had to add a step that will ensure no one can copy my work, without everyone in the world knowing about it. My watermark will now be on any and every shot that I have on the web. Thanks.

2007-10-24T12:17:00.001-04:00

From the moment she was born to Annie and Earl Kirkpatrick, she had lots to prove, after all, she was the second child of three...the middle child. Starting school at the young age of four years, she always excelled, even though she was two to three years younger than those in her class.

Living through World War II as a young wife in California far away from her home in Alabama, she soon became a mother of two girls. As circumstances would have it, she would also become a single mother in a time when that term was not even used.

Her strength really is something that can't be written about...there are no words to illustrate her ability to always be the glue that literally kept her family together...not just her immediate family, the entire extended family, as well. She gave to all those that needed it, family, friends and strangers.

My memories of Grandmother are of a women who was opinionated, strong-willed, compassionate and unafraid. She could do anything.

I will miss all the times when my Mother, Grandmother and I would go on adventures...we were like The Three Musketeers for so many years. I miss her listening ear and her words of encouragement and love. She seemed to always know how I was feeling and what to say to make me feel better when I was down.

I hope to be half the women that my Grandmother was in this life.

Willouise Kirkpatrick Jones Harper
1920-2007

2007-09-17T13:00:00.000-04:00

That Time of Year

Fall is definitely upon us in Central New York. Our weekend was full of picking apples and pulling pumpkins. We missed having our GIANT PUMPKINS, but Sawyer loved pulling the normal pumpkins from our patch. I think he found the most joy in pulling his remaining celery (to share with The Wonder Pets, no less) and loading it into his John Deere Gator, with some pumpkins and the last of the sunflowers.

We've got a lot going on in the next few weeks. For those of you that have signed up for Mini-Sessions at Beak and Skiff Apple Farm on the 29th and 30th, be looking for an email in the next ten days or so mapping out where I will be located during the day. We visited this weekend and it will surely be lots of fun for your family. It's absolutely gorgeous up there. Be sure to dress warm, even if it seems warm where you are...it tends to be breezy in those hills:) I've posted a few shots of Sawyer enjoying some of the fun things going on there.

Another note, the frames from the artist in Seattle were a great hit! My order is back-ordered at the moment, but expect to have them by the end of the month.

I will be out of town until the 25th, so hold off on any orders until I return. Look for a post or two from my destination......enjoy the great Fall day!

.....................mmmmmwah!

***as soon as I post this I will have someone ask me what is with the hat, so to be proactive I will go ahead and tell you the story. We have a fantastic little Mennonite market on the outskirts of my village. I visit there occasionally for fresh baked goods and fabulous bargains on spices and jams. If you haven't recognized it already, Sawyer absolutely LOVES hats. He saw the hat on the shelf and had to have it. He was even willing to trade his cherished John Deere for it! How's that for a passionate 3 year old.

2007-08-23T12:27:00.000-04:00

An Amazing Artist

While visiting the Pike's Place Market in Seattle, Jon and I came across some amazing art. One artist, in particular impressed me with his creativity and total originality. I purchased some of his fused glass photo frames for gifts, but ended up keeping most of them...they were just too beautiful. Each frame is made by multiple pieces of glass melted together and fired in a special kiln. I made some inquiries and I am all set to add them to my growing little inventory of boutique photo gifts. I plan on having them at my Beak and Skiff promotion in September for all to see, but wanted to allow my clients to place orders before that date in order to do some Christmas shopping early.

These little goodies are so unique and could not only be used to display my work, but would also be great hostess gifts and baby shower gifts***they can be made in pink or blue with the imprint of two little feet. They will be $20 each, but if you preorder, these frames are $18 each. Take this opportunity to support a fabulous starving Seattle artist.

Choose from any of these striking colors:

Cobalt Blue, Light Blue, Turquoise, Sea Green, Green, Clear, Dark Pink and Red

They can be imprinted with the following: tree, heart, dragonfly, star, moon, leaf, dog bone, feet

Email me if you are interested @ bengaquick@aol.com

2007-08-22T11:14:00.000-04:00

Beak and Skiff is Almost FULL!

Thanks to all that have a taken the time to sign up for a Holiday Mini Session at Beak & Skiff. I have only one slot left! You all are awesome! Thanks for your support of my work. I can't wait to spend the day at one of the most fabulous orchards in Central New York.

**Quick note: If you have time and you are on my schedule for one of these sessions, drop me a line to let me know what you are looking for in a Holiday card....classic RED/GREEN/SANTA or a little FUNKY and UNTRADITIONAL or WHITE/SILVER.

It would certainly help me out to know what to begin to create when we get to that point. Also remember that when creating the cards, you are limited to 3 drafts of a card (due to time constraints of the creator).

Here's some of my favorites, but I have tons more to share.

***Another note: If you have yet to place an order from your summer session, please do as soon as possible. Remember, we are entering into the holiday season, which means business is really frantic. This is a one women show and when all the orders come in at once that will in turn effect all those who actually order within 2 weeks of their session. Keep in mind, if your session was in the early summer and you place your order in September/October, your session may lose priority to those who are prompt with their orders.

2007-08-17T12:10:00.000-04:00

Sneak Peek for a 'Lil Hiker's Mommy!

I'll have your gallery up soon, "M". Thanks for your patience and sharing your little one and your precious Aunt with up on Tuesday. My little one is still talking about it:)

Also, here's another look at "M" and "R". They were officially 10 days old yesterday. More to come on the growth of these little ones.

2007-08-10T10:53:00.000-04:00

I Can't Believe it is Already August!

Since my last post, we've traveled without our sweet baby boy for the first time. Since the wee age of 4 weeks, he has been right with us on our many trips to Charleston, Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Las Vegas...he even took his first steps in Puerto Rico. A little over a week ago, we left him at home with his Mimi and Papa while we traveled to Washington to help his brother get settled in his new home in the Seattle area. The first full day away I "boo-whooed" pretty much continually throughout the day, after calling home only to hear my little one in the background saying "my Mommy gone".... I kept hearing that little voice in my head, sounding so sad. As we shopped at the gigantic IKEA store for big brother's new surroundings, all I could do was think about how much fun my little man would be having pushing the cart and how much he would love to help load the truck. I couldn't really enjoy the fact that the store was full of great finds and that I was helping someone spend his money, not mine:)

The next day was better, at least for the toddler. It seemed as though he had gotten over the hump. He was all better and loving the company of his Papa and Mimi. In Washington, we were working like little worker bees, no time to see the sites. The last day, we did get to visit the Pike Street Market in Seattle. What a great experience, even though we were a little rushed. So many great artist and other vendors. Seattle is such a melting pot of ethnic backgrounds....I had no idea. The flowers at the market were incredible! The bunches just keep going and going! There were dahlias that were literally as big as a large dinner plate! I had to touch them to convince myself that they were real! The picture doesn't do the experience justice, but I wanted to share.

I am so looking forward to visiting again and bringing my curly-topped

matey with me to enjoy all the sights and sounds of the West Coast. One thing I have to mention is the majesty of Mt. Rainer. One can see it from all around the Seattle area and it is truly one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Even though we were never closer than forty miles to the mountain, it was so strikingly beautiful, especially from the perspective of Seattle in the foreground.
Having just arrived home, I was excited to hear that my current projects had not been born while I was gone, but born on Sunday afternoon after I came home. Little Mr. "R" and "M", are going to be my project for the next year...identical twins that I will follow and document their growth, along with their big bro, Mr. "S". Here's some before shots, followed by an after....

These little sweet peas were less than 48 hours old when we first met. I hope to visit them next week to mark their 10 day birthday. Keep checking back to see how they grow and change.
*******************************************************************

Yesterday, it was my pleasure meeting a new friend. Thanks, "S" for allowing me to photograph your beautiful girl. Miss "E" was a joy to meet and play with while at one of my favorite locations. Also, thanks, "S" for understanding the fact that I needed to bring along my little assistant.

...my little bunchkin:) from yesterday

Lastly, it's that time of year! For those of you that have yet to schedule or who were on my fall waiting list this is for you...........

The owners of Beak and Skiff informed me that the scheduled weekend is one of their best and busiest, so come for your session and stick around for a tractor ride and a visit with the animals. For those of you who have never been to this fabulous place in the hills, you must go. Besides the gorgeous location, there is so much to see and do. The Country Store is full of great treasures. Contact me quickly to reserve your spot. Email me at bengaquick@aol.com or leave a comment to this post and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

2007-07-19T14:42:00.000-04:00

...........my poster child for the summer of '07

So far, this summer has been a crazy hectic one for sure. I often wonder how people do it with more than one toddler:) Hat's off to all my new friends with multiples. YOU ALL ARE AMAZING!!!! I've met some fabulous families this summer. My little poster child is what one would certainly call a natural. She is definitely the epitome of SUMMER, don't you think? Fresh from vacation, with that hint of "I'm up to something in her eyes":) I hope to follow her as she grows. "K" make sure you remember me when little Miss "P" becomes famous. Your little one will be right behind her, too. As a reformed thumb-sucker, I absolutely love this shot of her.
"L" and "B" and "J", I am still working on your sessions. Here's a sneak peak. Thanks for your patience. I'll be in touch very soon.

***Just wondering if anyone knows of small apple farm in our area. I am pondering the idea of a couple of days with mini-sessions, due to the growing waiting list of "wannabe" clients. Such a blessing:) I love the Pompey and Caz area in the fall..the foothills and the colors are truly unique, so if you can put me in touch with someone, please let me know bengaquick@aol.com .

2007-07-17T12:51:00.000-04:00

My Life's been a whirlwind..........

Where has the time gone? Since my last post I have been super busy!

I am so blessed to have clients that are patient and flexible, especially this time of year. For those of you who haven't heard from me about your gallery, keep checking throughout the week. I am trying to get all caught up before my upcoming trip to Washington state. Thanks again for your patience. I have a few August 25 Mini-Sessions left for those of you who still haven't scheduled.

2007-06-25T19:33:00.000-04:00

A Couple of Mini Sessions Left for Next Week

I have a couple of holiday mini sessions available for next week's promotion. Email me if you are interested in scheduling a morning session on July 6th or 8th.

These Mini-Sessions include:
30 min. session in my outdoor studio :)
5 day online gallery of 10-20 images
25 custom holiday cards OR 40 bulk 4x6 images to be used for your own photo insert cards
1 8x10 image
6 5x7 images
$250
*payment is due the day of the session
* Mini-Session packages are as advertised, no substitutions.
All cards are printed on beautiful watercolor paper
and include envelopes.
Extra prints can certainly be purchased ala carte.
Please contact me @ bengaquick@aol.com if you are interested in booking a Holiday Mini-Session.

**This is the last opportunity to book in 2007!

2007-06-17T19:36:00.000-04:00

....those eyes

I had the pleasure of photographing my favorite Caz family on Friday! Thanks for having me out. I can't wait to see you in the city.
Here's a couple...more to come.

A few people have asked where has you little boy been...well here are a few shots from the last few months. He is a photographer's child for sure...he never seems to look at the camera.