Oh well.

I was very much looking forward to a trip out to Zion National Park.

However, my phobia of flying was too much for me this time. I got on the plane...and in a not so calm manner, promptly got off the plane.

So I went to the zoo. I love the zoo.

My favorite shots!

These animals are majestic.

Taking a moment

Today I felt the stirring to take a picture of something beautiful. Usually when I set out with a this kind of goal I'm disappointed.

Not today.

The lighthouse called out to me. I love lighthouses. This picture reminded me of one of my favorite quotes. I need to revisit it's meaning and apply it to my life. Do you?

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.- Mark Twain


I took these pictures at the Harbor in Rockwall. There was beauty and happiness and wonder. Too much to take in.

So I just watched, and took pictures.

And reflected about the things I want but can't have while watching the sun go down.

I thought a lot about what I hope for in life...and what is meaningful to me.

I took a moment to breathe.

Peace

Like music, photography can be very emotive. It's one of the reasons I have fallen in love with taking pictures. I don't care if other people like them, but when they mean something to me...then they are really special.

Like this picture. I love it. It's beautiful. But I love it the most because it reminds me of my friend Sarah from college.

Sarah was the most beautiful person I have ever known inside and out. She had a loving spirit and spunky attitude. She LOVED the ocean. It was the only place she found peace.

I still miss her and think of her often. I wish she had chosen life, and accepted peace in the fleeting moments that she felt it. And I hope she is at peace now.

This one is in memory of Sarah D. Davis.

No words today

"Friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies."-Aristotle

What do I DO in the summer??

A student asks me today (in class)...Mrs. Eds, what do you DO in the summertime with all your free time?

me: "besides teach?" ( I can never let the obvious go...)

Believe it or not, teachers work in the summer. Even if I weren't teaching summer school, I would be bound to numerous teacher workshops for continuing education hours as required by the state. These workshops are usually conveniently spaced in such a manner that it makes planning a vacation quite difficult. For some reason they want to meet up every wednesday in the middle of the day...because THAT'S convenient.

I'm not really complaining..it could be worse. It's just that people have a glorified view of teachers as having endless time off. Let me just say this...WE EARN IT. And no one would teach if they didn't have an extended period away from kids, no matter how much they love them.

Apart from my little part time teaching gig, I have been taking tons of pictures and practicing taking portraits. I had a lovely model last weekend who said I could post her picture! She's beautiful. Thanks Kalynn!

We stopped to take pictures by a fence...and while I was completely focused on getting a good shot. This guy snuck up behind me and got frisky with my neck. I think he needs some mouthwash.

No, I did not know...

It's almost the end....of the first Summer School session! Hallelujah. Seriously, as one of my students pointed out...I feel like I have sold my soul to the devil. I long to be LAZY. But....there are bills to be paid and camera "stuff" to be bought...so I will march on bravely to Session 2.

The day is more bearable when a student says things like-

 "Mrs. Edwards....did you know that if a male athlete squats too much his testes will fall out his butt?" (giggling to myself as I type)

or

"Summer school is bullshit, I'm going to pass all my classes next year."


I like to keep track of the things students say...maybe I'll write a book one day. I am incredibly obsessed with the bullfrogs at the pond. These things are massively huge. It's very impressive.

I named him Fred. This is his area of the pond and I can always count on him being here. Fred will chase water splashes thinking it has to be food.

Fred staring at smaller competition for food. He was giving the little guy some hard looks.

The "little one" took off and Fred chased him. They leaped around for awhile! I was like a kid in a candy store watching them. I want some pet frogs. They are the coolest.

My husband tried to get some pictures and went too far into the mud....and busted his butt. It was one of those surreal things that happen in slow motion. I laughed hysterically for a looong time. The turtle thought it was funny too.

Now...what the HELL is this? It was 4-5 feet in length...it swam in circles and then disappeared under the water. I didn't see it come up anywhere. I've never seen whatever it is before.

I must go get my latte. Enjoy your day!

Seriously..it's enough to make me want one...almost.

I need some practice...but my first newborn pics were sooo much fun!

Pure Joy looks like this...

Today a very gracious couple allowed me to spend HOURS photographing their newborn. She is beautiful and perfect in every way! I had so much fun..it filled me up with the warm fuzzies..Congratulations to Kristin and Stephen on the arrival of princess Makayla!



Random Bacteria for dinner anyone?

It is my sincerest hope that she does not eat ANYTHING that comes out of this pond. Besides the fact that it's NASTY...it is a preserve. Come on people.

 I'm excited about what I get to take pictures of tomorrow.....it's a secret for now though!

Egret Landing

There are some really pissed off homeowners on one street in Carrollton. Apparently hundreds of egrets have taken up residence in the trees that line the street. Read about it or watch the story here. I couldn't pass up the photo op so I took my camera to get some shots yesterday...then again today. I'm completely fascinated by these birds. Did you know that they kick their siblings out of the nests? The city has been cleaning up dead birds and shells on a daily basis. The roads are painted white with bird poo..it smelled horrible!

The pictures are cool though!

This afternoon I went to my favorite "quiet place". It's a pond at a nature preserve in Plano. I love it because at first glance there is not anyting amazing or eyecatching about it. But if you settle in and look around for awhile all kinds of things start to pop out at you. I LOVE turtles, frogs and snakes (as long as they don't sneak up on me). I'm always delighted to see one or the other and today I got lucky!

And now, time to prepare for another Monday.

the dog days of june

Schools out fun's in..for everyone not teaching summer school! I'm trying to sneak in fun stuff when I'm not working. I went to the dog days of June last weekend!

I've always wanted to check it out. There were vendors and rescue dogs and games and...apparently, costume contests. Who can resist a Schnauzer puppy??

 Really?!! What a Diva.

Meet Nacho. He hated his outfit.

"What's up ? Got a treat?"

"Please take me home. I'm soooo cute!"

"Dude, it's HOT out here."

"I should be in movies."

I spent some time "helping" my dad with the body work on this '67mustang. It's almost ready to paint!

 See?? I was a big help.

Really.

I love my dad. He's pretty awesome.

Look what I found when I wasn't shopping!

I have to quit allowing my husband to use the camera. It's like he's always collecting evidence. I love a latte treat.

Finally, I went to the Ranger's game on Tuesday night. It was a crappy game but there were fireworks at the end. They were amazing! Of course, I didn't take my camera. Sigh.

Trivia:

What's better than beer and nachos at the ballpark?

MY sexy legs in a pair of shorts.  Have I mentioned that my plastic surgeon is the shiznit?

On the agenda for tomorrow....Spanish in the morning, Algebra in the afternoon. (Whose idea was THAT?)Then it's POOL TIME!

Caution. Overwhelming cuteness ahead.

My fantastic, amazing, loving, affectionate husband bought me TWO new camera lenses today.  I went out and played with them and was surprised by these cute ducklings. I love them. I will be watching them EVERY day until they are grown.