Ordinary Wonderment: 2010

Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

30th Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic,
Prairie du Chien, WI, Sept. 2010

Best of 2010: Photo Highlights
For your enjoyment, Reader, here are my best shots from last year:

Pansy at Nursery, March 2010

Michael Scott, 30th Annual Villa Louis Carriage Classic,
Prairie du Chien, WI, Sept. 2010

V., Charming Charlie Shoot, Summer 2010

Rose at Nursery, Summer 2010

Grace & Sarah, Mississippi River, Prairie du Chien, WI, Sept. 2010

Thoroughbred Mare, October 2010

Uncle & Team Raking the Hayfield, Nov. 2010

Circus Wagon, FVSA Show Costume Class, August 2010

Rose, Heinz Bros. Nursery, Summer, 2010

Aunt & Poodle, 4th of July Trail Drive, 2010

Mocha, Caribou Coffee, Spring 2010

Chunk In Stone, Planter's Palette, Summer 2010

Ornamental Onion, Summer 2010

4th of July Trail Drive, Hampshire Forest Preserve, 2010

Dressage Demonstration, St. James Farm Homecoming, May 2010

Poppy, K&J Landscaping, Spring 2010

Around The Barrel, Big Hat Rodeo, Kane County Fair, July 2010

Acting Up, Big Hat Rodeo, Kane County Fair, July 2010

Red Velvet Rose, Heinz Bros. Nursery, Summer 2010

Aunt Chef & Bibiena, St. James Homecoming, May 2010

Kelly & Rosie, ADS Show, August 2010

Passion Flower, Summer 2010

Uncle & Fred, ADS Show, August 2010

Bearded Iris, May 2010

'John Said', Thoroughbred Gelding, 2007-2010

Delphinium, Spring 2010

Cousin & Little Man, Memorial Day Weekend, May 2010

Assorted Ducklings, Spring 2010

Aunt & Poodle, ADS Show, August 2010

Flower, Kane County Flea Market, Spring 2010

Hershey, Fjord Stallion, FVSA Show, August 2010

Paphiopedilum, Batavia Orchid Show, Feb. 2010

Andalusian Stallion & Handler,

St. James Farm Forest Preserve Homecoming, May 2010

Flower Opening at Nursery, Summer 2010

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Little Elf

Today's Joy: Giving Of One's Self.
Brrrr!!! It feels more like January than December here in Chicago, Reader. But I was on a mission this morning, so I braved the frigid wind gusts and blowing snow to drive cross-town with my camera.

I have a coworker who's had a big year. Her 2nd child, a beautiful daughter, was born much earlier than expected this summer and required an extended (and expensive) hospital stay before she could come home. Add to that the family's recent move to a lovely new home--plus all the usual holiday hooplah--and my poor coworker is exhausted. She's been feeling guilty about not having enough energy to pack up her significant other, 2 year-old & new baby and stand in line at the mall for Christmas pictures. Well, that is something I can help with.

With Big Brother

So, I volunteered to go to their house and shoot the family portrait right there in front of the Christmas tree. Dog and all! Fast forward to this morning and no amount of cold, freezing rain or sleet was going to keep me from using the gift God has given me to bring joy to a friend. After all, it's her daughter's first Christmas. And long after she forgets how tired she feels right now, she will remember how adorable & precious her children are. This gift I'm able to give will bring joy for many years. It doesn't get much better than that.

The Best Gift This Year

You don't have to spend a lot to give a meaningful gift this year, Reader. Just give of what you have in abundance: your strengths. The effort may well prove to be the best gift you receive this Christmas.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Ginger Snaps

Today's Joy: Cookie Baking Part 1
Spent a lovely afternoon in the kitchen with friends and family whipping up all kinds of holiday cookie joy, Reader. The best part? This group always makes way more dough than we can use in one afternoon. Which means we have to get together again. Ah, ginger snaps, pecan tarts, snicker doodles & fruit-filled whatsits. Here are my favorite highlights: