Shutter Up and deal...

2008-08-12T13:53:00.000-07:00

I know it has been way too long since I've managed to update my blog. Let's just say that Blogger and I are no longer best of friends. My photos get distorted and it is frustrating. I am working on getting my brand new blog up and running, but it is a bit more complicated than I thought!

So what have I been doing all summer long?

WEDDINGS!

I know I said I'd never do weddings. Too much time and hard work for not enough money. However, I have been singing a different tune. I hadn't realized how much fun weddings can be! To be able to document the beginning of a new life. Couples so in love it takes your breath away. The joy, the love, the promises... It is a beautiful thing to be able to witness.

Here are a few from the last wedding.

2008-06-15T18:31:00.000-07:00

From Today's Session...

I got the chance to work with a beautiful family this morning! These children were delightful and fun to film!

Just a few of my favorites!

2008-06-15T17:51:00.000-07:00

For my lovely Bride-to-be!
So sorry that my client viewing is down. Here are the photos for you to choose from!

#1

#2
#3
#4
#5
#6

#7
#8
#9
#10
#11

2008-05-01T11:08:00.001-07:00

Looking for 2009 Seniors!!!

Spring has sprung! I am on the hunt for 2009 Senior Reps! What is a Senior Rep you ask? A Senior Rep is someone that wants to get a great deal on their Senior Photos!

What my Senior Reps get: a FREE mini-session this spring. A FREE full length session completed before the end of November. TWO free proof books. 100 Rep cards. You will also get a FREE Urban Prom Session.

What my Senior Reps DO: Hand out your rep cards to friends, even strangers! For every paid referral that you send, you get $10 cash and a FREE set of wallets from your session.

What are you waiting for??? Check my website for details!

www.kathrynredell.com

2008-03-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

I know that the waiting is difficult and thank you for all the emails!!!

I have not picked a park yet and I am open to suggestions... (I am kind of leaning towards two weekends, one for traditional portraits and another one for strictly urban style)

Also, I am just waiting for the weather to clear up and stablize! I know the grass is getting greener in my own backyard, but it doesn't do me much good with all this rain!

So hang in there and keep the emails rolling!

www.kathrynredell.com

2008-03-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

Spring has Sprung!!!

I have some flowers blooming in my backyard, the grass is starting to get green and my eyes are red and puffy... Yep! Spring is in the air!

So kick it all off, I am going to be scheduling for my Portraits in the Park!!!

One weekend only (still to be determined)...

The session fee will only be $30! Regular prints costs apply.

Sessions will last no longer than 20 minutes and you can expect between 5-10 proofs.

If you are interested in reserving your spot, please email me at

kredfoto @ charter.net or call me at 636-541-1542

I can't wait!!

2008-03-17T05:16:00.000-07:00

Oh my! I've been tagged!

My big sis tagged me with a little meme, so here it goes...

Ten Things You'll NEVER Hear Me Say:

~ Hmmm.. I changed my mind about going to Boston in September. I think I'll stay home instead.

~ No way! I don't want to upgrade my camera! The D200 just ROCKS with high iso's!

~ Grain? What Grain? I don't see any grain...

~ Why on earth would you want to add a fisheye to your collection??

~ Nah, I think I'll stay home and clean house.

~ Yo Quiero Taco Bell

~ Oh!! Let's go shopping!!!!

~ Duct tape can't fix it.

~ EieiO

~ I give up!

Thanks Kelly, that was a lot of fun!

Today is mostly going to be spent playing catch up with the backlog of photos that I have waiting to be processed. I am also going to be addressing envelopes to family members that have been waiting patiently for photos from september! (Sorry about that!)

I am officially on Spring Break, so tomorrow after I take Alex to the sitter, I am going to get a ton of running done. I have to hit the post office, the grocery store, Homegoods, Pier 1, and then I might drive over to Garden Ridge.

Everyone please keep your fingers crossed. I am really hoping to rent some studio space by April. The studio here at the house is just too small. I had a session yesterday morning and I was mortified because the kitchen was a wreak. The table was piled high with paperwork that I didn't get to finish. Ugh...

It would be so nice to have a place of business that I could leave in the evening. I tend to work too much, too hard. Being able to leave work at an office would be a blessing, that's for sure.

Next time I post, I promise I will have photos to share!!!

2008-03-16T09:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a long day at the Fabulous Baby Expo!! Tons of great vendors with some adorable products.

The rain took it's toll on my joints and I decided against doing any sessions there at the expo, a shame really since I dragged a friend out of bed super early to help me get set up.

However I made up for it this morning! Had two of the cutest kids ever show up for some spring photos! I hope I can get around to posting them a little later this week!

2008-03-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

Meet Baby J...

Isn't he just the cutest little man???

2008-03-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

It really has been a busy week, and here it is, only Tuesday...

Sunday I was blessed to be able to go to Childrens and photograph baby J... He is such a handsome little fellow! I have been proofing those photos today and I can't wait to show his beautiful mommy!

I also got to photograph Little B earlier that morning. I'll post some of his photos soon enough!

Yesterday was a busy day with lots of paperwork and planning. I also had a NILMDTS meeting in South STL. It was nice to be able to put names with faces. Everyone was so nice!

Today has been spent proofing photos from the last three sessions and taking care of Alex. He has a bit of sniffles, so I stayed home from my morning classes to run him to the doctor.

Tonight I get to do the studio portion of a senior shoot. Should be tons of fun!

2008-03-04T06:53:00.000-08:00

Now booking Easter Mini-Sessions!!!

The week of the 9th thru the 15th only!!!

$50 session fee, in my studio only, 30 minute mini-sessions.

Call for details!

636-541-1542

www.kathrynredell.com

ALSO!!!

I am currently seeing baby boys for an ad campaign. The child must be able to sit up unassisted. Standing is ok, but no walkers! Special rates and incentives offered! Call me!

2008-02-06T19:49:00.000-08:00

I am most pleased to announce that my new website is live!!!

You can check it out at:

www.kathrynredell.com

Many weeks of hard work went into the production of this website. Let me know what you think!

2008-01-28T10:00:00.000-08:00

Pay no attention to that girl behind the camera!!!

I'm unwinding after a very very long week of nothing but work. What better way to have some fun than to hang out at the Transportation Museum???

Trains, planes and automobiles make for great photos.

Please enjoy some self portraits on this chilly January afternoon!

2008-01-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

I have no new photos for you today. Instead I've decided to highlight a wonderful organization. I'll probably make this a monthly event.

January is all about NILMDTS.

It is a wonderful, yet heartbreaking cause that I am involved in and it is close to my heart...

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep (NILMDTS for short)

NILMDTS is a non-profit organization that exists to assist families suffering an early infant loss.

I went on my first Angel Session yesterday afternoon. It was heartbreaking and it was difficult for me not to cry. At first I had almost decided not to do it ever again. But I looked into the eyes of the family. They were so grateful that we were there doing this for them. It made it worth it. The next time I get the call, I won't hesitate.

NILMDTS does accept donations. If you are interested, please see the website: www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org

Thanks.

2008-01-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took the morning off and headed downtown to do some buying. I didn't come away with anything of interest except for these photos. I did have a great time, despite the fact that I have nothing, other than lunch at Pietro's (Yum!), to show for it.

I do have these new photos! I suppose that will do for now!

This little guy followed me around Cherokee Street for a little while. I suppose he wanted to have his photo taken.

A view of the Lemp Brewery...

This elfish creature greeted customers in front of the warehouse...

It's a zoo out there...

Lady waiting...

Big funky carnival head...

Helping hands...

A funky yellow chair that I almost bought...

In other news...

Most years, January is a photographers off-season. It seems that I will not be taking the month off as planned. I've started working with NILMDTS. It is such a wonderful charity. I have my first session with them the morning of the 24th.

But before that happens:

January 17th - Bridal Session

January 19th - Infant Session

January 23rd - School Starts!

January 24th - NILMDTS morning Session

January 24th - Father/Daughter Charity Dance

So that is my January!

If you are planning in booking a Valentine's Day session, please contact me BEFORE the 23rd of this month! I have tons of adorable card templates ready to go!

2007-11-15T20:04:00.000-08:00

Tonight I was able to work with a doll!!! Little M is just too cute for words and had some of the best smiles for such a little diva!

Here is a sneak peek at her photos!

2007-11-03T15:01:00.000-07:00

Ahhh... That cripsness in the air, the beautiful red and gold leaves... Fall is here my friends! I for one have waited long enough. Fall has always been my favorite season for many different reasons... It contains two wonderful holidays, I gain an hour of sleep and the food is wonderful!

Halloween has come and gone. The kids had a great time and so did I. I'll have to post the photos soon. I've been busy with holiday photos lately. It's wonderful that the weather has been holding so I can continue to shoot outside. I'm not sure how much longer that will last, but I will take what I can get.

I have added a few more things to my already overflowing plate... Thursday our family grew my two. That's right, I gained a few more foster dogs... I named the adorable little pups Bonnie and Clyde. Litter mates, they were owner surrender and very underweight. In the two days that I've had them they have already started to fill out. It is always so sad to see what some people are capable of doing to animals...

And in other news, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I will be attending a Returning Learners Workshop at the community college. Yes, I've decided that it is time to earn a college degree. I haven't told family members as of yet, and I don't really plan to either. It's something that I am doing for me and me alone.

What does all this mean with regards to my ShutterBugging??? Nothing... I won't stop working and I won't stop shooting every chance I get. I adore my job and will continue doing it for as long as I possibly can...

With that, I will leave you with a photo of my little man taken at a local park... He is such a handsome little devil!

2007-09-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

I know that I promised to update my blog on a regular basis, but I'm a slacker. Really, I haven't been that busy. Some maternity shoots here and there, TONS of band related things... That's pretty much it.

Heading into the fall season, things will pick up, they always do. I'm going to try my best to get my clients to book holiday photos well in advance this year, so that I don't have to run around crazy.

We are finally into the swing of a new school year. This week the first round of Foster animals were returned to the shelter. Monday I pick up a momma mutt and her seven babies. They are four weeks old. Momma doesn't have a name yet and is a beautiful Coon Hound/Lab mix... It looks like the daddy might have been some kind of Shepherd. The babies are just adorable little furballs. I can't wait!

Here is a photo from my last studio session...

2007-08-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

They are the reason I am the way I am...

Meet my family.

There is: Greg, Morgan, Alex, Krissy, Mary, Aunt Debbie, Cousin David, Grandma, Grandpa, Mom, Kelly, Matt Tyson, Cousin Heather, Jenna and Charles.

The only thing missing in this photo is me, but it's hard to be in two places at once.

For the record, my photography is WAY better than this. The location and time was changed at the last minute and there was nothing I could do with the lighting. Sometimes you just have to work with what you have.

2007-07-26T08:04:00.000-07:00

Been in a stump.

I really haven't been inspired at all lately. I need to get out of this funk.

How about a contest???

Send me things that you want to see a picture of. Let's see if you all can inspire me!!

You can email me your ideas...

kredfoto @ charter.net

Put your thinking caps on and come up with something wonderful!

2007-07-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

Holy Moly! People actually read this thing! I'm shocked, I'm stunned, I'm flattered...

And I'm so far behind updating it, I'm also ashamed!

But fear not. The camera has been in my hands since my last entry. Granted, most of it has been paid work, but there has been some fun stuff also.

What have you missed out on since March?

A baby expo, it was a huge success, but I won't be repeating it next year. Too much work involved for one person.

A gallery showing. Can I just tell you how strange it was to see MY photos gracing the walls? It was strange to hear people commenting on "What perspective I was going for" and :The ambient lighting grade"... Can you say POMPUS and WRONG? Still, it was a hoot for the most part.

I was also in a pretty nasty car wreak on Memorial day. Still recovering, but getting better.

I'm still following my boys from Defiance Pointe around. Just call me their personal papparazzi. They just got their demo cd done and man, it sounds great. Those guys are going to be huge.

I still have more business that I know what to do with. Pretty funny for something that was supposed to be a hobby right?

Well, I'll quit flapping my gums and show you some photos, how does that sound?

Alex pouting at a BBQ

Morgan Catching Frogs

Sweet Baby

Nelly the Foster Dog

Morgan

Thanks for looking! I can't say for sure how often I'll update, but I'm going to try to update once a week from here on in. I am also working on getting a different blog site up and running. Blogger can get a little tempermental sometimes.

2007-03-15T19:59:00.000-07:00

Does it get much better than this on a Thursday afternoon?

I used to play dominos with my great-grandma. She'd whip my butt every time. I miss those days. I miss her.

2007-03-13T13:20:00.000-07:00

Took a few snapshots of MollyPup this morning. She was looking spiffy from her trip to the groomer last night.

2007-03-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

I have been a busy busy little shutter-bug these days. Sometimes I can't believe everything I'm a part of. It almost seems like too much. Even after I quit a few things, I'm still running constantly. But at least I'll never be bored.

This was taken last week as a lovely spring storm moved through our area. I would have stayed out longer, but those tornado sirens are ear-splitting at times.

I snapped this one very quickly before the bus showed up. It's my goal to practice my natural light a lot more this month. Man cannot rely on strobe lighting alone.

2007-02-07T06:06:00.000-08:00

A few shots from the Ice Festival...

It was freezing cold and the sun didn't come out until my battery died. I was slightly ticked off. Sunlight would have been wonderful. I really wanted to stay and watch the five-block competition start, but once I got inside and started to be able to feel my feet again, I really wanted nothing more than a blanket and a cup of coffee.

So here are a few of my favorites.

Do enjoy.

2007-02-02T17:16:00.000-08:00

Yeah.. that's right...

Adore me.

I'm cute.

2007-01-31T18:58:00.000-08:00

Meet Molly...

She's adorable.

2007-01-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

2007-01-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

Ice storm photos from this morning...

2007-01-10T14:20:00.000-08:00

A new member of the family!

Yes, my new camera is finally here! I am now the proud owner of the Nikon D80! Terribly excited and charging up the battery now. I forgot to pick up a new memory card for it, I'll have to do that later. I have SD memory cards, just not high speed ones.

Worked a lot today at the studio. We got shelves taken down in the back room and the old counter moved out. Also got the sealed door reopened.

Much work has been done, but there is just as much left to do. I was really hoping to be able to reopen this weekend, since I'm off work at CC. Better luck next time.

Anyhoo, I need to get a move on. I'm itching to play with the new baby!

2007-01-04T13:48:00.000-08:00

The problem I have...

Motivation. There are days when I wonder if I have finally taken pictures of everything I can. I have no motivation to get my camera out and play. The desire to take a photograph is there, but a photograph of what?

Yeah... That is kind of where I'm at right now. There isn't much that is inspiring me and I find it frustrating. The more frustrated I get the more depressed I get. The more depressed I get the less I want to get my camera out.

See where this is going?

I'm tired of being cold. It is 43 degrees outside right now. And raining. And it just makes me feel very blah.

*sigh*

I need to find a way to snap out of it, I just don't know how.

2007-01-01T07:13:00.000-08:00

It's a brand new year!

So much happened for me in 2006. I had three photos published in a book, my business took off and I bought myself not only a kick ass new camera, but some terrific studio lighting. I've grown so much as a photographer this year. I've been able to mainstream more with my work, but I haven't killed that special something that makes me unique. It was a great year overall and I'm feeling very blessed about it today.

But it isn't 2006 anymore. I have goals for this year. I have major things in the works.

In 2007 I will learn more about photography. I realize that I do not know everything there is and I'm going to set about fixing that problem. I promise to take one stunning photo a day. I promise to open myself up more and invite others to help me along my journey. No more half-finished projects. I promise to follow through on the things I start. I promise to take the shots that pop up in my dreams from time to time and to make them happen while I'm awake and not drooling onto my pillow.

I'm going to start keeping a daily photo journal. Nothing fancy, just a place to jot down thoughts, ideas and things I learn.

So bring it on 2007. I'm ready for you. I'm going to do great things this year. I'm going to be everything that I know I can.

2006-11-03T15:07:00.000-08:00

It's a semi-normal day.

I'm not in a ton of pain today.

I find that I'm not too upset about anything in particular.

I am a little spazzed about tomorrow morning, but I just have to keep reminding myself that I'm kind of a big deal and it will all work out. (And if it doesn't work out then I can schedule a reshoot)

I'm wondering if people from work read my MySpace blog and know what happened to me this week. I hope not.

I'm thinking about the conversation Greg and I had about moving to a bigger house. I feel it just might happen sooner rather than later.

I'm thinking that out of everything I've done this week, the following photo pretty much sums it all up.

I am working really hard to rediscover myself when I'm behind the camera. It's been an interesting journey, and it isn't over yet.

2006-10-30T05:59:00.000-08:00

2006-10-13T06:19:00.000-07:00

Because it is allllll about the boobies... October is breast cancer awareness month. So do yourself and the ones you love a favor, get in the habit of doing a self exam once a month. Early detection is the key to winning the battle against this horrible disease. Also, yours truly went into the East Side, after dark, in the cold, to supply you with these kick ass photos. They lit up the arch pink, from 6:30 until midnight only. I don't think I got home until close to midnight, frozen through and through... But it was worth it to catch these...

2006-09-26T15:00:00.000-07:00

Yeah... this is my kind of town. I took these today while out and about with a friend. I've had a few questions about the logo in the corner of the photos. Clique Photography is me. Until I get CS2 100% loaded on this machine, I can't watermark my photos, so this is the next best thing. Sorry about that. I know it distracts from the photo. Try to ignore it, and don't steal pictures. It isn't nice.

2006-09-26T06:41:00.000-07:00

I know I've neglected you. I know that you miss out on the wonder that is my photography. So I'll leave you with a few shots I took last Thursday in or around my backyard.

2006-09-18T11:28:00.001-07:00

Arrrrrrrrr

I have no new photos to post.

Well, I have new photos for sure, taken at the Pirate Festival. But they are still on my memory card. And my memory card is still in my camera. And my camera is upstairs.

And I'm too lazy to go get it right now.

Shutter up and deal.

2006-09-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

2006-09-16T06:35:00.000-07:00

Random photos from this last week...

2006-09-15T21:35:00.000-07:00

The 2006 St. Louis Balloon Glow

2006-09-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

Fine. I admit it. When I get over-stressed or down in the dumps I need a little something extra. Something different. Color. Yeah... I went to a friends house last night and she colored my hair for me. I've gone red before, but usually a light shade of auburn. This can only be described as black cherry. It wasn't supposed to turn out this color. I'm very happy it did! most of the things in my life that bring me the greatest joy were never supposed to happen. God is funny that way.

2006-09-14T16:27:00.000-07:00

Check out these hooters...

2006-09-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

Meet my future Son-in-law. He's a cutie.

2006-09-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

Wedded Bliss...

The wedding on Saturday was as beautiful as I knew it would be. May there be many years of happiness and love.

I have 41 pictures proofed. Only 200 more to go. But I think I got most of the very important ones published already.

This weekend sees many things happening. The Balloon Glow is Friday evening. I'm going to make a night of it and go with a few friends. Saturday morning I will be heading to Wentzville to see what can be seen at the St. Louis Pirate Festival. I'll be working that night. Sunday morning I have no plans. I do have to work at noon, so that blows the day.

Have a nice Tuesday.

2006-09-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

Where were you? Five years ago today I was sitting in my living room, holding my toddler and crying. I was in shock and I was terrified. My little tiny girl was living in such a scary place. A place where terrible things happened to good people. As the week wore on and the stories surfaced, my heart filled with pride. My fellow Americans banded together in the face of crisis to help each other. Many lives were lost that day. I remember trying to call family and friends. I had family in NYC and in DC. Thank God, my family made it o.k. My sister was in India and it took me hours to get through to her. But everyone was o.k. And while I said my prayers of thanks, I said prayers for the families that were no so lucky.

Five years. My children know nothing other than the last five years. Morgan was only a year old when the towers came down. They will never know a world without threat. It's sad.

I'm going to pass on a poem written about this...

This is long but worth the time.WHOEVER WROTE THIS SHOULD STEP FORWARD AND CLAIM IT!THE WORDS ARE POWERFUL:TWO THOUSAND ONE, NINE ELEVEN (2001-911)
Two thousand one, nine eleve
nThree thousand plus arrive in heaven
As they pass through the gate,
Thousands more appear in wait
A bearded man with stovepipe hat
Steps forward saying, "Lets sit, lets chat"
They settle down in seats of clouds
A man named Martin shouts out proud
"I have a dream!" and once he did
The Newcomer said, "Your dream still lives."
Groups of soldiers in blue and gray
Others in khaki, and green then say
"We're from Bull Run, Yorktown, the Maine"
The Newcomer said, "You died not in vain."
From a man on sticks one could hear"
The only thing we have to fear.
"The Newcomer said, "We know the rest,
Trust us sir, we've passed that test."
"Courage doesn't hide in caves
You can't bury freedom, in a grave,
"The Newcomers had heard this voice before
A distinct Yankees twang from Hyannisport shores
A silence fell within the mist
Somehow the Newcomer knew that this
Meant time had come for her to say
What was in the hearts of the five thousand plus that day
"Back on Earth, we wrote reports,
Watched our children play in sports
Worked our gardens, sang our songs
Went to church and clipped coupons
We smiled, we laughed, we cried, we fought
Unlike you, great we're not"
The tall man in the stovepipe hat
Stood and said, "Don't talk like that!
Look at your country, look and see
You died for freedom, just like me"
Then, before them all appeared a scene
Of rubbled streets and twisted beams
Death, destruction, smoke and dust
And people working just 'cause they must
Hauling ash, lifting stones,
Knee deep in hell, but not alone
"Look! Blackman, Whiteman, Brownman, Yellowman
Side by side helping their fellow man!"
So said Martin, as he watched the scene
"Even from nightmares, can be born a dream."
Down below three firemen raised
The colors high into ashen haze
The soldiers above had seen it before
On Iwo Jima back in '45
The man on sticks studied everything closely
Then shared his perceptions on what he saw mostly
"I see pain, I see tears,
I see sorrow -- but I don't see fear."
"You left behind husbands and wives
Daughters and sons and so many lives
Are suffering now because of this wrong
But look very closely. You're not really gone.
All of those people, even those who've never met you
All of their lives, they'll never forget you
Don't you see what has happened?
Don't you see what you've done?
You've brought them together, together as one.
With that the man in the stovepipe hat said
"Take my hand," and from there he led
Three thousand plus heroes,
Newcomers to heaven
On this day, two thousand one, nine eleven
Author UNKNOWN (What a shame!)

September 11, 2006, will soon be approaching.On this day, please wear red, white and blue to work or school to show your support for thosewho lost their lives on 9~11~01 and to honor the heroes who worked to save them and the families left behind.

At noon your time on September 11, 2006, no matter
where you are or what you are doing, stop, put yourhand on your heart, and say the Pledge of Allegiance out loud or to yourself and say a prayer for our Nation. In addition, for those of us who drive to work, please drive with your headlights on to also give honor and remembrance to those who perished on September 11th.If all of us do this together in every time zone round the world, we will have a powerful chain of thoughtssurrounding us. Please keep this going to your friends and family.

And my photo for the day is one that was taken last year, but is sitll one of my favorites.

2006-09-10T05:44:00.000-07:00

Here are a few photos I took last Thursday.

2006-09-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

Here comes the Bride.

Ma Lynn is getting married today and congrats to her! I not only made her wedding cake, I will also be doing the photos. Big shock there, eh?

Just not sure what I should wear. I keep reaching for black and then remember that you really shouldn't wear black to an afternoon outdoor wedding. Right? Ack. This is why I wish I still lived next to Sandy. She knew all that crap.

Well, I'm off. I suppose I should try to put some makeup on or some shit like that.

2006-09-07T11:04:00.000-07:00

The days of cowboys are long over. Good guys don't always wear white and the bad guys don't always get caught. It's kind of sad now. There are all these shades of grey where Right and Wrong once stood. I'm a big fan of vigilante justice. The courts are so bogged down with bleeding hearts and PC lawyers, it makes me sick. Our justice system is failing at almost every turn. I saw a news story where a court overturned a conviction. A man was searched and found to have drugs on his person. He was arrested and charged. Then some lawyer said that the search wasn't a legal one. I don't care if it was legal or not. They FOUND ILLEGAL DRUGS ON HIM. He was breaking the law. And because of some bleeding heart SOB he won't have to pay. Things like that happen all the time. It makes me wonder when the world is going to crumble. It will fall down sooner or later. How does a murderer walk free? It makes no sense to me. None at all.

2006-09-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

Since everyone and their fucking brother is on Blogspot, I figured I'd give it a try too. I'm getting tired of the issues over at FOD and I'm not crazy about blogging on MySpace. Too many freaks over there. And I've been told it is time to start a photo blog. So I'm going to do it. It's not like I have anything better to do right now.

For anyone that doesn't know me and wants to (Anyone? Anyone? Didn't think so.) I live in St. Louis. I've lived here my entire life and I'll most likely die here too. It's not that St. Louis is wonderful or anything. There are many better places to be. But I've gotten used to it. I'm comfortable with it. Most of the time. In my 26 years I've managed to be sentanced - er.. married - for almost seven of those years. I've also spawned two offspring. Cheeky little things, but they are cute, so I choose to keep them. For now. I have what most people would consider a very crappy job. I work at an electronics store on the weekend. But fuck those people, I really like it there. During my week I do the Mommy thing. What's the Mommy thing? It's getting up at 6 am and prying my eyelids open long enough to get lunches made for my husband and my first grader. I also have to put a granola bar in a lunch sack for my 3 year old so he feels important. Breakfast tends to be whatever I have the energy for. Sometimes cold cereal, sometimes fresh blueberry muffins. After cleaning that mess up the race is on to get teeth brushed, hair combed and clothes matched in time for the bus. Then it's just me and the ankle biter until the afternoon. That's when I pick up a kindergartener. That one doesn't belong to me. He's my best friends son. He's also a great kid, so I don't mind. It's very entertaining to see the moms at his school. Not a hair out of place, perfect nails and golden tans. Then there's me. I'm the queen of ripped jeans and funky t-shirts. I get some strange looks, but for some reason it doesn't really bother me. It's taken me a long time to figure out who and what I am and to get comfortable in my own skin. Now that I've managed that, I've somehow become a nicer person. Kind of.

I have a nasty temper. I'll admit it. But it's gotten better with age. I see most things in black and white. Right and wrong. The exception to the rule is that I try my best to put myself in the shoes of others. Walk around a little. Try to figure out where they are coming from. It's not going to make me change my mind, but a little bit of understanding never hurt anyone.

I've got some wonderful friends. They keep me sane and make me laugh. They mean to world to me and when I think of them, I don't think of them as only friends. They have become my family. We aren't related by blood, but somehow that's better. If you've ever met any of my blood relatives you'd know that they are all nutty and I'm lucky to be as normal as I am.

So that's me. All wrapped up into a neat, nice little blog package. I suppose if you want to get to know me, you can check in here sometimes and see what I've been up to. They say that a picture is worth a thousand words, I'm just hoping mine are worth half of that to you. To me, there's a good chance they are worth much more than that.