Visit to Nottoway Plantation

Pause Playlist Music, Then Press Play

A picture slideshow by Smilebox

Hey, Girls (& guys) let's make a trip down to Houma to see Tab Benoit! seriously yall...!

Reminder: TURN OFF PLAYLIST MUSIC before pressing play on you tube video below.


Tab Benoit will be playing music at the 2010 Voice of the Wetlands Festival on


October 8/ 9/ 10 - Houma LA

FREE ENTRY

Check out Tab Benoit http://www.tabbenoit.com/. 
 

Representing America

Representing the Melting Pot that is America

Daily Photo Challenge
Subject: Represents your Country
August 23, 2010

America is my home and I remember as far back as elementary school, my teachers would say that America is a Melting Pot of Nationalities.

When I think in terms of symbolism, the deep red liquid candle wax reminds me of the the sacrifices of our 'red blooded' America's forefathers and brave Service Men and Women who paved the way to freedom. In addition, the hot liquid reminds me that people continue to risk it all to become an American. With all the chaos going on in the world, I must remember to appreciate who I am and where I live. I do hope that we as Americans can come together as right living, working class citizens to bring common sense back! And, once again become that beacon on the hill. "As Ronald Reagan emphasized, America is a shining city upon a hill whose beacon light guides freedom-loving people everywhere."

The Eyes Have it!

I have always loved the enigmatic, ethereal look of a face framed by a headwrap or scarf.  I think Rachel looks especially beautiful in this picture.  Oh, if I could turn back time. I wish I would have had the ability to capture portraits like this of my two daughters as they were growing up.  

Although Rachel is a very young girl, I think women of all ages look beautiful when captured in this simple, yet sophistocated way.   I am very proud of this portrait.  I want to do more, more, more like this. 

  

Rachel's True Colors...Beautiful Like a Rainbow!

Check out Rachel's photo session.  Remember to first PAUSE PLAYLIST MUSIC before pressing play!   She was such a great model.  It was super hot and I was sweating to death.  But, when I came home and saw these beauties of Rachel that I captured today, it made all the hard work worthwhile.  I loved every one of her images.  All the images you will see in the slideshow are as shot straight out of the camera.   I brought an arsenal of lenses but never used any other than my Nikon 35mm 1.8.  I love that versatile lens.  If you are a Nikon shooter, go get one.  Hands down, it is the best couple hundred bucks you will spend.

Laundromat visit on this Rainy day...

So, this was today's rainy weather view from inside the laundromat.   Do you see my camera lens peaking out? 

I decided to bring our two supremely spoiled pooch's doggy beds in  for a good washing. 

As I waited, I pulled out my point and shoot, Panasonic Lumix.  I love this handy purse sized camera. It takes perfectly great pics I believe.  Originally, I purchased the little camera per Terry's request.  He wanted one to fit in his pocket.  It finds a permanent home in my bag now.  Sorry, Big Daddy.  I have a camera fetish.  What can I say?  For some girls, it's shoes.  For me, it's cameras!  And, I want to pack all of my cameras around with me at all times.  I need options!  Speaking of options, now, I really want a great waterproof camera.  How cool is a waterproof camera?!!  COOLer than cool and I think I must have one.   It is on the LIST. 

Anway, as I wait, I notice that this place is so clean and well maintained.  They have a very friendly and helpful attendant on site full time.  I feel very safe and comfortable here.  I sat and read my book and watched the sudsy progress through the window.  To be honest, I quite enjoyed myself.

Today's photo challenge was a simple one word challenge:  BAGS.  I looked down and my straw bag was at my feet.  My old good buddy, Natalie gave me this a while back.  Natalie and I had reconnected after  many years.  I love that girl.  In 1983, we became inseparable best friends from the moment we met.  She came to work in the membership and billing department where I worked.  Oh, we thought it was fate that brought us togethe to be bosom buddies for life.  We realized that we are one day apart in age and born in the same hospital.  We became fast friends.  I thought she was hilarious and the most fun person to hang out with in the whole world.  She appreciated my fashion sense and I immediately became her stylist.  I was so proud of her because she went from country girl to 80's fabulous!  You better believe, we pranced around in our pointy toed pumps EVERYDAY and thought we were 'IT'.  

Our's and Cyndi Lauper's motto was "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!"

Flash forward 25 years...bunyon pain....need I say more? ouch...No more prancing!

So much for the flashback to the 80's and back to the present day laundromat scene.  I loved the dynamic blue/white flooring.  I took the picture above and posted  for my challenge 'BAGS' pic.  I had to laugh last night at Nelson, my goofy bro-in-law. He told me it looked like a flower pot.  hehee.  He has a point. :)   I love this straw bag.  Not only can it carry my point and shoot, it can easily tote my Nikon d90 as well.  If I wanted, I could throw in my d5000, and maybe a couple lenses, include a couple accessory flashes.  And don't let me turn around to grab my first dslr which was a Sony A200 with my 3 favorite Sony mount lenses.  After all,  I can't leave out the Fuji S800 which was my first slr type camera that I absolutely loved  .... (all part my desire to carry my entire camera accumulation referred to above).    I forgot to mention the tripod and reflectors that stay in my vehicle.  Am I nuts?  I keep telling myself simplicity is best.  But, I don't listen.

Finally, the tuffet for the doggy princesses was dry a poofy once again & I am  going home.  uhhhh...well, not quite yet....  I WAS going home but ended up talking with Tracie and she told me to come meet up with Sherrie, Mrs. Frances and Julie at the Whistle Stop.  I took the detour toward the coffee shop.  I want to visit with Sherrie as much as possible while she is in town.  We visited and laughed and talked about...'You Name It'...everything!  I have a big idea that I discussed with the girls.  It is still in he 'I'm thinking it over' stage right now.  I can't unleash it just yet. But hopefully it will come together soon....TBD!

When I first walked in, Mrs. Frances was ordering her sandwich and coffee.  I whipped out my big camera...Pow...shutter snap and the FLASH lit up the room !  Mrs. Frances turned around surprised and I heard the lady behind her say, "Am I going to be in the newspaper?"  We all laughed.  Maybe I should have warned them, "MamaRazi is in the Hizay!".

"Hey yall, Strike a Glamour Chicks in the Rain pose!" 

Divalicious Coffee House Chic  :)  !!! 

Thanks girls.  Let's do it again soon.

Caleb and Sherrie came home to celebrate our nephew's 6th Birthday!

Our Caleb and his mama, Sherrie, (Terry's baby sis) came home to celebrate Caleb's birthday this year!  We were all so excited to see them.  They live about 12 hours away and we miss them dearly.  When the family found out that we get to celebrate Caleb's big 6th birthday, we were very happy.  The plan was to go to Pappi's Fajita Factory in Denham Springs.  We got a gigantor table for 18!  Of course, we enjoyed the great food and loud, raucous birthday fun.   Caleb opened his gifts and gave big squeezy hugs all around to thank everyone for coming to his party. 

Happy, Happy Birthday Caleb!