Day 23 of 365, Krewe of Mutts!

Day 23 of 365, Day 23 of 365, Terry took this pic of me and our first little dog. Her name is Mia. Actually, she is my daughter's doggy but we all love her. I wanted to get a pic with Mia because Terry and I went to a mardi gras parade today in Baton Rouge, LA. It was the Krewe of Mutts Parade! All dog parade!!! We had a blast and took tons of great pics. As a bonus, I met a Flickr Friend!!! I ran into Mr. Greenjeans! He is very nice. I enjoyed talking with him until the parade came by and we got split up. I didn't even get to say good bye.

This all mutt parade was so much fun. The weather could not have been nicer and the atmosphere was super charged with excitement. I kept wishing we had brought our little Mia with us. I was not sure if I could keep up with her and take pictures. I was able to catch a ton of pics. I loved all the pics because it helped me relive a very family friendly mardi gras parade. =====================================
Krewe of Mutts...
(if it does not start to play, move slider slightly)

Day 22 of 365, Legacy of Love

This is my mother and father-in-law. I took this picture on January 11, 2009. That was about a week or so after he returned from the hospital due to a stroke. I love how this shows how they are still in step after 52 years of marriage. They have a 30 acre country place and he has gardened all his life so that he could share vegetables with all his friends and family. I asked them to walk out in front of me holding hands. He was a bit shaky but determined. As soon as he got out of the hospital, he wanted to walk over 'the old home place'. I am happy to say that it has been one year since his stroke and he is still doing fine.

Here are my parents. I took this picture on May 9, 2009.

They were getting ready to go to my dad's 35th High School Reunion party that evening. I thought it would be a good time to catch a picture of them together. This was taken in their front yard. I am happy to say that my parents have now been married 45 years. So, Terry and I have a great example of commitment to marriage from our parents. There are ups and downs in every marriage. It takes determination and a mindset of stick-to-itness sometimes. The payoff is knowing that no matter what, you can count on each other, through good times and bad.

Terry and I went to LSU Rural Life Museum on his birthday. As we were exiting the grounds, he was curious about a Tree Learning Trail. We parked and found that a nature trail was marked off to educate you about the tree species that are on the path.

At the start of the trail, there are a couple of wood log benches. I wanted to get a picture of us together. So, I set the timer on the camera, and placed camera on the far bench. I didn't realize that the focus point was off but, guess what?...it's one and done with Terry. He didn't stick around to do a million trial and error shots. I'm lucky to get this one. It's cool. I kinda like it in an abstract way. After this picture, he went off on a 3 mile trail hike and I told him that I would hang out on the benches. I told him that I wanted to rest my back. I did rest my back for approximately 2 minutes. And, then I had an idea....

Day 22 of 365, taken on Jan. 28, 2010
Here, I am checking the view from the camera's perspective. Can you see the wheels turning in my mind?... This was just before the crazy jumping off the bench escapade! (as seen in 'Free to be!')

Day 21 of 365, LSU Rural Life Museum & Fleur de Lis

Day 21 of 365, Self Portrait, LSU Rural Life Museum, taken on Jan. 28, 2010
Here is my 'Who Dat?' jacket. Actually, I have owned this jacket for a few years. With New Orleans Saints pride at an all time high, now, is the perfect time to bust it out of the closet! When I wore this out today, so many people asked, "Where'd you get your jacket?"
I took this pic at LSU Rural Life Museum in Baton Rouge. Big Daddy and I went there on a mini field trip. He was on a birthday holiday from work. We enjoyed a day of walking around the Working Plantation which consists of the largest collection of material culture of 19th century Louisiana.
I asked him to let me set the timer and we can both get in the pic. The booger head walked off so I turned around and showed off my 'Who Dat' Fleur de Lis!

90 second Slide Show of photos taken at LSU Rural Life Museum, Jan. 28, 2010

Day 20 of 365, Free to be!

Day 20 of 365, Self Portrait
While Big Daddy went on a trail walk, I was supposed to be resting on the bench. I had other ideas. He came back and I showed him the pics and he said, OMGoodness! I figured you would be acting goofy! lol!!!!! Then, he said, you coulda blew your knee out! :P

To get this, I set the camera on the bench, pressed the 10 sec. timer, ran hopped up on top of the far bench. I timed the beeps on the Self Timer and JUMPED! It took a few times before I was able to catch air. I had a party of one...like normal.

It's his b-day today so I will post a little more later. We went on a mini 'field trip' today and took lots of pics. I will probably work on that a little later tonight after we get back home. So, this one self portrait will have to do for now.:)

Uploaded for Daily Photo Challenge,
Subject: Blue, Jan. 28, 2010

Simply Blue.

Actually, this is my backyard clothesline and craggly old pins. clothespins are my fave thing to practice selective focus on. For this challenge, I said what the heck, I'll find a new blue pin and that will be my 'blue'.

Day 19 of 365, Words and THE WORD

Day 19 of 365, Terry took this pic of me leaving for a doctor's appointment. I bought him a point & shoot so he was following me around. Now, I know how everybody else feels about me & the incessant camera! I kept trying to hurry to leave for the appt. But, he kept saying,'wait, one more, one more...'

Bye Big Daddy! BBSoon!


Today's daily photo challenge Subject: Words. Words?...hmmm....I really was at a loss here. I had some things in mind but couldn't figure out how to demonstrate. I had a concept in mind. I wanted to illustrate the importance of not using wrong or hurtful words...in other words SHUT the big trap! My idea was to do a photo series of Zip it, Lock it, Throw away the Key! But, honestly, I was wishing I had a little kid that could help me with this but none were available....hmmmm..still thinking.... So, I asked Terry if he had any suggestions. He said, what about Pictionary? ding,ding,ding! That's the ticket! I set this up, click, done. Thanks Papa T.

When I went to the game's closet to grab the Pictionary game, I saw this game of LIFE. As I was considering what to say in my blog, I remembered that someone else had words much more profound than I could ever conjure up. So, consider these words from THE WORD:

Deuteronomy 30:19 , New American Standard Bible

'I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants,'

Day 18 jof 365, Cool Green Grass & Safari Hat

Day 18 of 365, Self Portrait

I love laying in the cool green grass. Actually, I was hoping that I could get our little doggy, Mia, to come take a picture with me but she would not come for anything!

Here I am trying to call her back. She is barking her head off because some cablevision men were working on the other side of our fence. Oh, I give up!

Uploaded for Daily Photo Challenge,Subject: Hat, Jan. 26, 2010
This is my husband's hat that we purchased at Animal Kingdom during our first trip to Disneyworld in Orlando. It was year 2000.
He carried a few treats in that very backpack. You might see the little Sheraton Safari Hotel hang tag. I made that in case the pack was lost. Our contact info is on the back. I felt so nostalgic when i saw this, I intend to re-visit some photos from that 2000 vacation and post later on my blog. I need to find them first.

Day 17 of 365, BR Loop Meeting

My mom (in red), Mrs. Betty (pink jacket) and I went to a scheduled meeting for citizens who want to know more about the Baton Rouge Loop Project. It looks as if the Loop is planned to take over my property. Mom and Mrs. Betty's property are part of the Loop as well. The phrase, "you can't stop progress" comes to mind. I do not know how this will ultimately play out. I know a lot of people are fighting this loop. I am sure whoever has the most power and money wins! And, that is not me for sure.

It was blood test day today. I see an endocrinologist to help me keep my hypothyroidism under control. Also, both of my grandmas had diabetes so he monitors my blood sugar levels as well.

Ahhh! Sleepytime Tea. I figured this for a gimmic but I tried it and found that it works. About 20 minutes after I drink it, I get sooooo relaxed. The inspiration for this picture was today's photo challenge: Something you Treat yourself with. I think a nice cup of chamomile tea is a nice treat before bedtime.

Day 16 of 365, Who Dat? It's Me!

Day 16 of 365, Jan. 24, 2010
Terry taking picture of me while I am taking a picture of him. I am wearing a #9, Drew Brees jersey. Actually, it is Terry's jersey but he let me wear it. When I stand up, it comes down to my knees, no kidding! I didn't care. I loved wearing it and I was so proud of quarterback, Drew Brees tonight as he led the Saints to victory. Way to go entire Saints team. We cheered loudly for yall~!!!

Who Dat Nation Rocked the House tonight!!!

Saints are going to the Super Bowl! We went to Champs to watch the game. Saints vs. Vikings. It was a blast! Lots of excitement in Baton Rouge and all over Louisiana as the Saints are going to the Super Bowl for the first time! I took lots of pics so I am going to make a video for my blog as soon as I can. For now, it is late and time for beddy-bye! But, I couldn't go to sleep without posting Day 16.

Who dat say gonna beat dem Saints? Who dat?
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• I ended up not going to sleep but stayed up until 3am putting together the Smilebox below. These are pictures that I took at Champs during the Saints game.
  You will need to press pause on playlist in right-hand sidebar because there is an audio file that plays when you open this smilebox.
  

Make a Smilebox slideshow WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! WARNING! The National Weather Service Has Issued the Following Advisory: Hurricane WHO' DAT is headed for Miami at this time! WHO' DAT will bring Shockey waves and a strong Brees! Followed by over 50,000 WHO' DAT Nation Fans. Hurricane WHO' DAT has already sunken a Viking Ship. Please take all necessary precautions when partying in this Hurricane.

Getting to the Point!

Today's photo challenge subject was Sharp. I took this photo of a pencil and sharpener. I really liked the way this turned out.

Day 15 of 365, Good Friends, Good Food, Good Movie

Today, my brother and sister-in-law treated Terry and I to a very nice lunch at Jones Creek Cafe in Baton Rouge. Ronnie wanted to do a nice gesture for us because we photographed his Retirement Celebration. We were more than glad to document the event in pictures and surely did not expect anything in return. But, Ronnie & Tracie insisted. We ate good food and laughed like we always do when we get together. On this day, we were seated in the family dining room side of the restaurant. Terry and I had gone on a different day, and ate in the oyster bar area. It is more of a sports bar with a very warm, hometown, 'Cheers' atmosphere. I really like the place and I am happy to recommend Jones Creek Cafe if anyone wants some good food in a friendly atmosphere.

Day 15 of 365, Self Portrait, Jan. 23, 2010
I guess I'm going to call this my Self Portrait. Terry and I were the first people in the theatre so I propped my feet on the seat in front of me and caught this shot. We went to see the Sherlock Holmes movie. Everyone that had seen it said they really enjoyed it. So, as soon as Big Daddy got a free day, we went together. I liked the movie a lot. It was a complex, exciting and smart mystery. It's Sherlock Holmes!

Today's photo challenge subject was something you use in the morning. I posted the Community Coffee pic that I had posted earlier in my blog titled INSPIRE. Kayla and Trevor brought this king cake home last night, so this morning I took this pic and posted it along with the Community Coffee pic. I wanted to have a little fun and see if anyone would be curious about the Louisiana Mardi Gras King Cake tradition. Check here to see the comments.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/michellesibleyphotography/4297993984/?addedcomment=1#comment72157623146866005

Day 14 of 365, Filigree & Calligraphy

Day 14 of 365, Self Portrait. My hands at 44. I am thankful to God for giving me these hands to hug with, work with, write with and even talk with. Down here in Louisiana, you can't talk if you sit on your hands!
Today's photo challenge subject was writing instrument. I chose to photograph my Calligraphy Pen. I tried to write 'Our Daily Challenge' in calligraphy but it ended up a blobby mess. So, I threw that away and captured my pen and practice book seen here.

Above, is my workbook from a Beth Moore Bible Study that I completed October, 2007. The study was Daniel and boy, o' boy, what an impact it made on me. The study is exciting and brilliant. I enjoyed listening to the teaching portion on my mp3 player. Here is my completed workbook with all my chicken scratch up, down the page and sideways. If you have time to go through the 12 week study, it will blow your doors down! Your mind will expand like you never dreamed possible!!!

Day 13 of 365, Hip to be SQUARE!

Day 13 of 365, Self Portrait, Jan. 20, 2010Yes, I took this of myself! This is to pay homage to every aggravating and unflattering sneaky pics I have taken of my daughters. And then, they say, "STOP! You don't know how irritating you are, MOM! Enough with the camera, MOM!" lol!!!
Today's photo challenge subject was square. Yesterday, I spotted this Brownie Camera in an antique store in Denham Springs. I had a point & shoot with me so, I clicked off this pic. Of course, I had not realized when I took the picture that I would actually be able to use it for today's challenge. Not only is the actual camera a square shape (well, it might be rectangular) but, the images it produced were SQUARE! As, Huey Lewis & The News sings, "...it's hip to be SQUARE"!
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excerpt copied/pasted from http://www.loti.com/fifties_history/The_Photo_Revolution.htm

"...The big news was the Brownie camera.
Actually the Brownie wasn‘t new on the market. In fact, the Eastman-Kodak company had been selling Brownies since 1900. Many models were popular, but it wasn‘t until model 127 (in 1952) that your average person could afford one. ....."

Day 12 of 365, Unlocking Imagination

I captioned this picture, "Unlocking Imagination". This was taken for the daily photo challenge, Subject: Keys.

Song in a Minor Key by Dorothy Parker

There's a place I know where the birds swing low,
And wayward vines go roaming,
Where the lilacs nod, and a marble god Is pale,
in scented gloaming. And at sunset there comes a lady fair
Whose eyes are deep with yearning.


By an old, old gate does the lady wait
Her own true love's returning. But the days go by,
and the lilacs die, And trembling birds seek cover;
Yet the lady stands, with her long white hands
Held out to greet her lover.


And it's there she'll stay till the shadowy day
A monument they grave her.
She will always wait by the same old gate, --
The gate her true love gave her.

"I like poetry because everyone has a different interpretation. Sometimes, you must read it several times before you understand its meaning. Furthermore, interpretation of a poem is as diverse as the reader. It may speak to you in a different way then it did for me. For me, this poem talks about a statue (woman) who is waiting, waiting, waiting for her man to come back to her.

What sat down in my soul is that waiting is sometimes an emotional 'holding on'. As in the marriage covenant, the vow means that you promise to stand! Through good times & bad, sickness & health, richer, for poorer...you stand!

No matter what you are going through, pray & hold on dear one...in faith,

You Stand!"
Michelle

Day 11 of 365, Pasta & Famiy Get Togethers

Today's daily photo challenge was Bow. This is my bowtie pasta pic today. After capturing this shot, I started thinking about what I wanted to post on my blog today. I would like to share my favorite pasta salad recipe that my mom makes. Yummy good. You gotta try it!

Click for larger view:

Here are two collages of a few snapshots that I took at the Family Fish Fry in October 2009.

This is my cousin's daughter. My cousin said she came here 'bigger than your average bear'. lol!

She is adorable and spunky! Ya gotta love her!

So, here is your little tea pot, short and stout! Tip me over and I might fall down.

Peace out with my 'Ove Glove'! Now, I need to get my garlic bread out of the 'ove'. See Ya!

Day 10 of 365, My Sanctuary

Welcome to my little sanctuary. This where I will retreat late, late at night, after the rest of the family is asleep. Today's photo challenge was lamps. There is something so warm and inviting about the light of a lamp. My comfy place to go to read, journal, pray & remember days gone by is here at this lamp. This is my favorite place for daily devotions or to write my prayers. You can find me here during the early morning hour after the rest of the family goes to work & school. It is a simple pleasure. I hope you have a sanctuary, too. For me, it important to have a quiet time to listen to that still, small voice inside. I am referring to the voice of the Holy Spirit. God's Word is the only Light that will keep you going in the right direction. It will be the Light unto your path and Lamp unto your feet. Ask God to shine His Light into your heart and mind today.

He listens & cares when no one else will.

"The Magnolia"

Uploaded for Daily Photo ChallengeSubject: Lamps, Jan 18, 2010
I have several stained glass lamps & this one is my favorite. I bought this one night as an insomniac! The lady on HSN said that this Tiffany inspired lamp was called 'The Magnolia'. So, I bought it....'hook, line & sinker'! That was all this southern 'steel magnolia' needed to hear. The base actually represents the tree trunk. This whole thing weighs as much as a tree trunk! Heavy ain't even the word!!!

ON THE SOLID ROCK I STAND

Last night I was up late, so I got a preview of what today's daily photo challenge was. The subject happened to be Rocks. hmmm... I wondered, I thought, "what could I do?" I didn't think I had a special rock to show off. Then, it hit me. I do have a special ROCK! The ROCK of my foundation.

Day 9 of 365, Prayer Request for Daddy

Good Sunday Morning. Today, I am going to dedicate this post to my Dad a.k.a. PawPaw Jerry. First off, we do not know if there is really anything to be overly worried about but there is a concern. His doctor has been watching a spot on his kidney and after a scan, they realized that there is a lesion now. He will go for further testing. Please pray for my daddy. He is a man of great faith and we know where hope is found...OUR LORD JESUS. We are a family of believers so we also know that regardless of what the test results are, all is in God's hands. My mom is concerned of course, so pray for her too, please.

A quick prayer for my dad would be much appreciated. Also, if you have a prayer request, please leave me a note in the comments section. If you do not want to spell it out publicly or even if you do not know how to express it in words, simply write "Silent Request" as a comment and God will be hear your heart's prayer at this very moment. Remember our faith is lifted up when we pray. Let me lift you up today. Faith can move that mountain! Love, Michelle

Day 8 of 365, Saturday Morning Puzzle

Good Saturday Morning! It is 4:30 Am and I shuffled to the kitchen to start the coffee for Terry. He has to work today so that is the least I could do for my sweet husband. Brandon bought a 1000 piece puzzle last night and started putting it together, along with Karmyn. They left it laying out on the bar in the kitchen so I sleepily decided to try to find a few pieces while waiting for the brew.

Not very good at puzzles! My part in putting this puzzle together, was turning over the pieces and finding edges and corners. The rest, they put together themselves. What you do not see is a kajillion tiny pieces that are waiting for someone to find a place for them! Actually it is a 1000 tiny pieces.

Here it is, waiting for Karmyn and Brandon. I didn't get very far. Brandon put together the frame and Karmyn put together the roof that you see in the middle. It was so nice to see two 19 year olds completely enjoying themselves at home on a friday night. Not perfect, but good kids, I'd say.

note: my daughter is Karmyn and her boyfriend is Brandon.

Day 7 of 365, Soapy Handprint

"Clean Your Bathroom, Love Mom" Uploaded for Daily Photo ChallengeSubject: Prints, Handprints or Footprints-Jan. 15, 2010
That is my soapy handprint splatted up there. Look how much I love my children, I even have a heart in my palm. :) I didn't do that after the fact, that is the actual soapy handprint with no manipulation.

This morning, I saw that today's photo challenge was handprints or footprints. I tried to to think of a way to participate. So, I took a bar of soap and wrote,"Clean Your Bathroom, Love Mom" and then splatted my soapy handprint on the mirror.
Naturally, here I am cleaning up my mess from the Daily Photo Challenge. If my daughters would have come home to see a message written in soap on their bathroom mirror, they would have said, "AS IF!" This mama hen has 2 spoiled chicks... lol! It's cool, I made the mess, I'll clean it.

Day 6 of 365, money & truth

I have to giggle at myself acting like this. If you knew me, you would know this is far out acting! When my daughter came home, she saw the coat, hat and glasses on the living room sofa. I told her what the project was and she cracked up laughing. She said, "Don't tell me you wore a grill!" Awe shucks, great idea! A grill was all that was missing! The other daughter saw it and said, 'Oh mama, you are really getting into it huh?' Yeah, I guess you could say, I am getting into it. It's all in fun. I captioned the first pic, "Chaaaag it Dahlin'!". I thought I was channeling my inner Joan Crawford in the second photo. What do you think? lol!

I just recently joined a Daily Photo Challenge Group on Flickr and the topic of today is money. A few quick ideas came to mind. For one, I own a silver coin bracelet that is made from the retired Italian Lire. I was going to attempt to show the bracelet swinging like a pendulum and then caption it, "You are getting sleeeepy...'! As I thought about that demonstration, I actually started to think about how hypnotised we are as a culture with material things and status. I admit to you that you can place my name at the top of that list! This fake chinchilla coat, I bought from QVC. Not only did I buy the chincilla, I bought a mink and another fur trimmed coat the same day! Tell me what you really think...go ahead. I will tell you what I think, ... I must be NUTS! What is worse, I live in Louisiana!!! Now, that is what I call goofy as all get out.

When the 3 new coats arrived UPS, I immediately wanted to send them back because I realized how insane I must have been to order. Insane...now that is the word for it. It is insanity, with a capital I, to keep buying what we do not need.

I am paying off those silly charges and NO MORE QVC or HSN...well, limited QVC & HSN. Seriously, I am ready to be able to call Dave Ramsey and cheer "DEBT FREE!" Wouldn't that be wonderful? To be debt free...

Day 5 of 365, happy tini

Good Wednesday Morning. Here I am trying to light that little martini glass that you see. I really need to clean house but, nah! That can wait till later, gator! This is more fun!

This is my Self Portrait for Day 5. I set up this to photograph a happy tini martini glass in participation with a Daily Photo Challenge. Today's challenge was 'Something Silly in your home'. Anyway, there I am kneeling down in the left corner. You can see the back of my head, arm & hand holding my camera to my eye. Don't know how much of a 'self portrait' this is but I caught this really quickly before the day slips away. Gotta run some errands. BBSoon.
Have a happy, happy tini day!

p.s. I had to add this as an afterthought: One of my flickr friends say this looks so 'mad scientist'! LOL...."COME INTO MY LAB...ah.ah.ah!" (that was my best mad scientist laugh which kinda sounds like the Sesame Street Count...ah.ah.ah!...one light reflector, ah.ah.ah!...)

Here is my little lighting set up. That is one of those little clamp shop lights with a daylight balanced flourescent light bulb. I needed a little fill so I propped that reflector umbrella there. It is kinda make shift but it is what I had. Makin' do and gettin' by!

For the photo challenge shot submitted, I used my Sony a200 w/ sigma 105 at 2.8, iso 100. It turned out pretty cute. If you have any suggestions, I welcome critiques for improvement. (see Happi tini photo challenge submission below)

Uploaded to participate inDaily photo challenge, Jan 13Subject: Something silly in your home

Happytini Recipe:

1 1/2 oz. Rasberry Vodka

1 1/2 oz. Chocolate Liqueur

Splash w/ Soda

That's it. I never made it. Nor, never drank it before. But, if you make one for yourself, I hope it makes you happy! If you use this happytini recipe, write back and tell me if you give it a thumbs up or thumbs down.