Friday, May 21, 2010

Kids at North Park


Kids at North Park, originally uploaded by michelle*sibley.
    *Pause Playlist.   Then press Play
I met these kids at the park today. One of the kids stood up and said, "Take my picture!" So, I did and then she laughed. I had been walking around the park looking for stuff to photograph. Dang, it is hot already. These Louisiana summers are killer. I went and sat with the kids under the pavillion and chatted for a bit. I asked them if they wanted to be on my blog and they said, "YEAH!" They were fun. So, here is their debut...

Day 132 of 365, Self Defense Tip for up to 25 feet!

Yesterday, Mom and I went to the State Capital Area of Downtown Baton Rouge. We didn't leave home until after 5pm. So, we knew we would be there well after dark. As we were driving, Mama questioned our safety. She was feeling vulnerable because we were going to be two women alone. I reached into my bag and came out with the Real Kill. That is a Wasp and Hornet Spray that I picked up at Walmart for 3 or 4 bucks.  It was the cheapest one probably.  I figure all brands work the same. 

Here is the tip:  A while back, I heard that Wasp & Hornet Killer is a great self defense tool. Some people keep it close to their backdoor in case they ever get a dangerous caller. It blasts a powerful stream of poison 25 feet. I know that if you bombed someone directly into the eyes and nose with this, it would surely knock them for a loop.

Trust me, I had my "Real Kill" in my shoulder bag. I sure hoped I would not have to use it. Feel free to share this tip with your friends and family. I think it is a good one to remember for self-defense. Don't get Paranoid, but, Be Alert and Stay Safe!

Baton Rouge Capital Area


Baton Rouge Capital Area, originally uploaded by michelle*sibley.
90 sec clip (with sound file, pause playlist) of photos that I had taken on the evening of May 20, 2010. The lady photographer that you see in the slideshow is my mom with her new camera. It arrived this day so she and I went to the State Captial area for practice.


Most of the images are different views of the state capital grounds as the light changed from day to night. We had a great time and enjoyed the adventure.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Day 131 of 365, Fire Hydrant

Today's Photo Challenge was Fire Hydrant.  I picked up my camera and scouted around my town for fire hydrants.  The first one that I came to was opposite the Fire Station.  Can you see the fire trucks across the street? 
I traveled on the same road and notice this fire hydrant behind all the weeds.  I pulled off the road.  This was at a corner of two highways.  When I bent down to get the image that I wanted in the viewfinder, I noticed the water tower way off in the distance behind the trees.From the same fire hydrant, I turned to capture a sign that is obscured by the weeds.  To me, this speaks to me in a picture metaphor ...."The signs can be read if you are open to SEE." 

What does the fire hydrant and the church have in common? 

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Day 130 of 365, Five Foot Two

Our Photo Challenge Subject was "Something As Tall As You Are".   I was not getting any ideas and even thought about skipping this one.  When I mentioned it to Mom, she said to just find something you can see eye to eye.  We hung up the phone and I started cooking supper.  (By the way, Mama had called to talk about a review that she had read about her new camera.  She is anxiously waiting for her new Nikon just like mine.  I know she is gonna love it.)  Anyway, I was in the middle of cooking and realized I needed a few things from the grocery store.  I picked up my keys and shot out on that quick errand.  When I returned home, I saw the caution sign above and wondered about it's height.  I parked my car and walked down to the sign and Yep...we are the same height. It stands all of 5'2 just like me!  

I didn't have my camera at the time of the measure up.  Plus, I needed to hurry up and finish supper.  I got the meal almost prepared when I heard the rumblings.  Thunder was rolling in and the clouds started moving pretty fast.  I knew we were going to get a much needed rain shower.  So, I picked up the point and shoot and ran down the little street to try to take a picture for the challenge.

As I was taking the pic, I saw a couple of little guys wheelin' around. They were probably trying to hustle home before they got rained on.  I know they have to be soooo happy because this was the last day of school for them I think.  I remember that last day of school when I was a kid.  FREEDOM!  All I wanted to do was...everything that I wanted to do!  Do you know what I am talking about?  I wanted to jump on my bike and peddle like crazy, then go to the next fun thing I could think of and do that.  I remember that last day of school feeling alright.  So, enjoy the summer kids.  Be safe and play, play, play to your hearts content!  

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Day 129 of 365, Karmyn got her golden scissors, Yay!

Yay! Here is Karmyn on her last day of Beauty School.  She is waiting for her last minutes to tick off.  She has officially put in the amount of hours necessary to graduate with a Cosmetology Degree.  She tried traditional college but decided that she wanted to pursue a more creative career path.  Karmyn has an eye for fashion, beauty, and design.  So, it makes good sense to me now that she chose a career in the beauty industry.  I know that she really enjoyed her experience in Beauty School.  She has always been a 'people' person.  Her genuinely warm personality draws you in.   I remember one of her old coaches would often call her the Golden Child.  He called her that, not necessarily because she had long golden blonde hair, (now Kardashian black!) but, because she was good at everything she tried.  If something did not come naturally, Karmyn never gave up.  She commits with her whole heart and will not stop practicing until she accomplishes her goals.  

With her drive and determination, I am confident that she will soon be an up and coming cutting edge sensation!  You have become my Golden Child with Golden Scissors! 
Live Karmyn! Live Life to the Fullest! Grow and Become Your Best You! Go and Make a Wonderful Life for Yourself! I love you with all of my heart.

Love, Mom