… and … local or not, please go vote for my pet photography business, Sit.Stay.Snap. Pet Photography, to win the WFAA-list’s Best Pet Photography category … I’m competing against several other DFW area pet photographers and would love to win!

PS… you’ll need to confirm your email address (look for the email w/ the subject line: Welcome to the WFAA-list), its the first of the two links in that email!

Thanks in advance!

I created this image just after September 11, 2001 and each year I post it in memory of everyone who lost their life in the attacks on the WTC towers, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania, along with the rescuers that gave their lives as well.

Its hard to believe its been nine years. How far my life has evolved in that long, yet fast moving period of time — further, in fact, than I ever dreamed. Nine years ago, I was a month and a day out of my undergraduate studies, job hunting and taking classes I didn’t get to enjoy as electives due to the lack of elective hours in my bachelor’s degree. I spent the night before 9.11.01 in my World Religion class, where a classmate asked about jihad and our instructor, a pastor, encouraged discussion and helped us gain a bit of understanding as we hadn’t reached the Muslim portion of our textbook as of yet. Prior to that class, a Muslim coworker and I, after he saw me reading my textbook for that night’s class, discussed our religions, comparing and contrasting them without fear or worry.

What a difference that 24 hour period made in all of our lives.

My coworker and several of my undergrad finance classmates were of Middle Eastern heritage, some here as international students, others first or second generation Americans whose parents sought a better way of life and the American Dream. I watched as they were disrespected and ridiculed for actions they had no part in. Just because some fellow Saudis back in the Middle East and Southeast Asia happened to have an extreme view of Islam doesn’t mean they all did. And I mourned like every other person who — American or not — was impacted by those hijacked airplanes who forever changed our lives. I was already patriotic as the daughter of a war veteran; now I cannot hear a patriotic song without tears flowing and thanking my lucky stars and the Lord above for living here, having my freedoms, and a military that protects them.

Nine years later, we may feel the impacts and changes created by the events of September 11, 2001 less than we did initially — unless one travels frequently — but I know I don’t take life for granted any longer. Our laws may make some feel stifled by the changes that were put into place to protect us, but I’d rather that than the alternative.

So, today, remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 — then hug your families or, if they’re not physically nearby, call them up and tell them how much you care and are grateful they’re in your lives.

Right now they’re in need of letter writers, hand-made cool-ties /scarves, Beanie Babies and financial donations to pay for postage. 

If you can help, click here for details!

(for those not in the know, one of the three things I’m a supporter of charity-wise is the military. as the daughter and niece of veterans, its the least I can do for those who serve our country)

Although I will counter the whole no buying used camera gear issue mentioned in the second article — there’s nothing wrong with buying used, but to be safe, buy from a reputable dealer who inspects/tests used gear (i.e. Adorama and B&H) or buy from someone you personally know — and know that they take super great care of their gear. My primary camera as well as my workhorse lens were both purchased from fellow photographers. I’ve owned both for well over a year now and haven’t had a problem with either one to date.

Numero Uno: Congrats to my dear friend April and her now husband, Brody — they tied the knot this morning! Next Wednesday on the biz blog I’ll be sharing their engagement portraits!

Numero Dos: Please keep my best friend Timber in your prayers — she’s been having some health problems lately and hopefully the doctors will figure out exactly what’s wrong this time around!

Numero Tres: I have awesome clients — on Tuesday, one of them sent me a bouquet of flowers! Their session will be blogged later this summer, but I can assure you it is as equally awesome as April & Brody’s images are

Numero Quatro:  Dear Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson: I don’t care how much it costs, how many players have to be traded, or whatever else you have to do to keep Dirk in Dallas until he retires, as Nike’s slogan goes,  just do it. Otherwise this Mavs fan and whole lot of others will probably defect to whatever team he goes to (unless its the Lakers. Sorry, I just can’t be a Lakers fan since Magic left).

Numero Cinco: I’m currently working on some projects (in addition to the book nook list) that I hope to share in the next week or two …

Help!

I created this image just after September 11, 2001 and each year I post it in memory of everyone who lost their life in the attacks on the WTC towers, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania, along with the rescuers that gave their lives as well.

Its hard to believe its been eight years. How far my life has evolved in that long, yet fast moving period of time — further, in fact, than I ever dreamed. Eight years ago, I was a month and a day out of my undergraduate studies, job hunting and taking classes I didn’t get to enjoy as electives due to the lack of elective hours in my bachelor’s degree. I spent the night before 9.11.01 in my World Religion class, where a classmate asked about jihad and our instructor, a pastor, encouraged discussion and helped us gain a bit of understanding as we hadn’t reached the Muslim portion of our textbook as of yet. Prior to that class, a Muslim coworker and I, after he saw me reading my textbook for that night’s class, discussed our religions, comparing and contrasting them without fear or worry.

What a difference that 24 hour period made in all of our lives.

My coworker and several of my undergrad finance classmates were of Middle Eastern descent, some here as international students, others first or second generation Americans whose parents sought a better way of life and the American Dream. I watched as they were disrespected and ridiculed for actions they had no part in. Just because some fellow Saudis back in the Middle East and Southeast Asia happened to have an extreme view of Islam doesn’t mean they all did. And I mourned like every other person who — American or not — was impacted by those hijacked airplanes who forever changed our lives. I was already patriotic as the daughter of a war veteran; now I cannot hear a patriotic song without tears flowing and thanking my lucky stars and the Lord above for living here, having my freedoms, and a military that protects them.

Eight years later, we may feel the impacts and changes created by the events of September 11, 2001 less than we did initially — unless one travels frequently — but I know I don’t take life for granted any longer. Our laws may make some feel stifled by the changes that were put into place to protect us, but I’d rather that than the alternative.

So, tonight, remember those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 — then hug your families or, if they’re not physically nearby, call them up and tell them how much you care and are grateful they’re in your lives.

I’m thinking of the following categories …

Confessions (readers ask — and its within reason, doesn’t deal with my day job, or something I wouldn’t put on a postcard — and I’ll post it here. Also, random funny or slightly embarassing stories from my past as I have time to remember and write them up)

How – to (there’s bound to be a few things I’m good at that readers aren’t — ask and I’ll post a how – to, or find someone to guest post about the topic; also I may start sharing some Photoshop tricks I’m finally mastering)

Recommendations (kinda similar to the mid-week loves, but with products/items I already use/own)

Snapshot (wordless post, just an image — might link a contest to ones deserving of a caption or title)

Okay … back to working on the biz site for now … feel free to venture over and see the changes its undergone!

Arrived. Humbled. Inspired. Captured. Forever changed.

I’m in Fredericksburg this weekend sightseeing, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of Weihnachten (Christmas Festival) as well as the activities surrounding the Pearl Harbor Survivors’s Convention and Reunion which chose Fredericksburg for this year’s convention/reunion (its the hometown of Admiral Chester W. Nimitz). In addition to the five trucks and two cars that escorted this heroes along Main Street for the annual Christmas parade, I’ve had the opportunity to talk with several of them. I’ve wiped tears from my eyes several times in the past twenty-four hours as I’ve been humbled, awed, and inspired by these men who survived one of the worst days in our nation’s history and who’ve come together to make sure we never forget — not just the events of that historic day, but them as well. So to them, I gratefully thank them for their service, bravery, and for preserving the memory of their fellow soliders/airmen/sailors/Marines who lost their lives that day and every day after that until the Japanese surrendered in August 1945.

“Mr. Vice President [Henry A. Wallace], Mr. Speaker [Sam Rayburn], members of the Senate and the House of Representatives: yesterday, December 7th, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor [Hirohito] looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador [Kichisabur? Nomura] to the United States and his colleague [Sabur? Kurusu] delivered to our Secretary of State [Cordell Hull] a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces—with the unbounding determination of our people—we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.”
–President Franklin D. Roosevelt