Venture 52 : Week 4

August 14th - 20th
This week has been a great week for my photography.  I took the girls out on a photo shoot at the botanical gardens and got some fantastic shots.  I have also been keeping my eyes open for opportunities for natural photos, as you will see in a few of the photos below.  After just 4 weeks on this venture, I really feel like my photography is improving.  I hope it continues to do so throughout the year.  I had a hard time narrowing my selection down to just 7 photos this week, so there are a few extras for you to enjoy.  :o)  They are not in the order that I took them.  It is just random, but they were all taken THIS week.

"Moonstruck"

I have been wanting to try to get a picture of the moon for awhile now.  I didn't think my camera could do such a great job.  I completely maxed out the zoom (way past the recommended level) for this one, but it came out pretty awesome, if I do say so myself.

"Nannies Girls"

I took over 200 pictures of the girls this day.  I have narrowed it down to my 3 favorite groups shots to post here.  I have the greatest, most rewarding job in the world...and the above 3 photos are just a small glimpse into how fabulous it is.  I love these girls too too much!

"Salad Prep"

Each week I spend 4-6 hours chopping veggies for our weekly salads.  In the large pot is the red cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli that I chopped prior to taking this photograph.  I love the lighting on the peppers.

"Pretty in Pink"

I thought these were beautiful little flowers that the girls and I found during our photo shoot at the botanical gardens in Grapevine.

"Spinning Sophia"

Sophia wanted to show off some of her dance moves for me and I was thrilled to have captured this moment as she leaped in the air and spun around.

"Splish Splash"

This was Alley's favorite area at the water park we went to the other day. She really disliked the water spraying in her face, but couldn't resist running through the sprinklers over and over again.  Silly little girl!  

"Heavenly Light"

I love it when the light comes through the trees.  It seems to remind me that there is someone up there watching over me. (Not just God, but my Grandmother and her sisters as well.)  I'm not sure this photo captured what my eyes were seeing as well as I would have liked it to, but it was my first attempt at photographing it.  I will try again and hopefully it will get better.

Hope you have enjoyed this weeks photographs.  4 weeks of my "venture" down, only 48 to go!  Thanks for stopping by to check it out!

There's HOPE for me yet...

You've heard it said, usually sarcastically...but today I found the true meaning in MY heart of the overused phrase..."There's hope for you yet."  Because there truly is hope for me.

Today, after a very trying morning with an uncooperative 4 year old, I took the girls to a small water part in Bedford, Tx. and met a lady there and her two beautiful children, whom I will NEVER forget.

I spent only about 5 minutes speaking to this unforgettable lady, but learned so much about hope, trials and triumph.  Her name is Tammy and she is 45 years old.  Now let me tell you why Tammy had such a huge impact on the rest of my life.

Alley and I were playing in the water parks little ground sprinkler area (I have no idea what else to call it...lol) and Tammy came and sad down at the edge of the fountains and laid her beautiful 6 month old baby girl down so that she was laying in the water and being gently splashed, which she seemed to love.  If you know me at all, you know I can not pass up saying hello to a baby...so I leaned over and spoke to the infant, who in turn grinned from ear to ear.  You know the smile! The one where their eyes light up and although you know they won't remember you tomorrow, you feel like, for that instant you made a positive difference in a little ones world.  I then, of course, turned to Tammy to tell her how adorable her little girl was and she simply said, "Thank you.  She is our little miracle baby."  Well...you know I couldn't pass by that and I had to ask what she meant.  I think ALL babies are little miracles, but generally they are not specifically referred to as miracles, unless there were rough times before the miracle moment.  Tammy explained, very simply, that she had lost 8 children, including the twin of her 8 year old that was running around the water park (whom I met briefly).  'How sad and tragic,' I thought.  How could anyone endure losing EIGHT children?  I can't even imagine how hard that would be...but WOW, just WOW.  I told Tammy that she gave me hope, because we have had so much trouble getting pregnant.  I didn't go into details, and neither did she, but she did explain...after learning of our hardships...that she never gave up hope.  They tried all sorts of ways of having children and had many trials and tests, but they did not give up.  At 45 years old she was able to give birth to a beautiful baby girl, after having lost so many, and although she didn't say it out loud, I could tell that she honestly felt blessed.  (I'm not sure if I had gone through all of that, if I would feel so happy. In fact, I'm pretty sure I would have given up after losing 2 or more children and either adopted or just conceited that I would not have any more children.)

Such a short conversation with someone who has changed me for the better.  Not only did this 'meeting' inspire me to never give up my dreams of being a mother, it also inspired me to not be afraid to be an inspiration, even to someone you only speak to for a few minutes and may never see again.  I know nothing more about this lady and her family, but as I said...I will NEVER forget her.

Thank you, Tammy!  You will probably never read this, but you have given me hope and been a positive impact on my future and for that I have a great appreciation and love for you, your adorable 8 year old son and that gorgeous baby girl, whom I was honored to meet.  I will never forget your faces and will keep moving forward in my journey to become a mommy.

Venture 52 : Week 3

August 7th - 13th
So, it's only week 3 of my venture and I failed miserably at remembering to take my camera with me.  I've been working on other projects and such, so I decided to highlight a few of those as my photos this week.  It's not so much about the photography this week, as it is about the photo shop work and my other artistic abilities.  Hope you enjoy!

I couldn't pick just one of these pictures.  Tommy is such a sweet kitty,

so I had to make a story out of it! ;)

I love this photo of my grandmother.  It sits in my dining area and reminds me of her beauty daily.

Opal Ruth Judd was the most amazing person I've ever known.  I miss her!

The sky was so beautiful the other day.  I just loved the clouds.

I tried to capture it's beauty, but it was much better in person.

The above 2 photos are my rough draft drawings of room concepts for the girls that I nanny for.

Alley and Sophia are getting a Fairy Garden themed room and Emily is getting a modern purple room with swirls, squares, inspirational words/quotes and a single flying butterfly.

My latest product line with my creative company, Mynz Unique!

Tutu dress.  The small bow is intended to be in the back, but the dress can be worn either way.

Nothing fancy.  This is the wall in my kitchen. 

 I just was trying some different angles and took this from the ground.

Venture 52 : Week 2

July 31st-August 6th

Sunset in the cove

Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach, Missouri

Emily at the lake!

Devilish Ducks!

They look sweet and innocent, but don't make them mad.  lol

Beautiful Butterfly on a Beach Towel

Jumping for Joy

I love it when I capture a great action shot! Thanks Lily!

The Life of the Party!

Emily had such a great 9th birthday!

Sophia Slides!

Such a cutie in all her floaty wear!  She's loved sliding on the water slide!

Week 2 Bonus Photo

Alley really wants to "just keep swimming."

Such a great shot of Alley and her daddy!

Venture 52 : Week 1

July 24th-30th

The beautiful flowers the girls got me for my birthday! 

Do you see the twin bloom.  It's one stem with two buds....so cool!

D.C.I. Competition in Dallas, Texas

I loved the lopsided heart they made...so glad I was able to capture it.

D.C.I. Competition in Dallas, Texas

Close up on the drummers!

D.C.I. Competition in Dallas, Texas

Our good friends daughter, Allison performs with The Cadets.

(She is in the white uniform on the left.)

Crafty Me

I started this blanket years ago and am looking forward to finishing it soon.

We love Cassie's Frozen Yogurt in Grapevine, Texas!

Alley is too adorable surrounded in pink!

Just thought this was a cool photo!

Venture 52 begins 7.24.2011

Venture 52 is my version of Project 365.  While I'll still be taking at least 1 picture per day, I know that I won't take (or have) the time to post every day.  So, I am going to post a minimum of 7 pictures, once a week (maybe more than 7 each week).  Most likely postings will occur on Sunday or Monday. I have decided that I would like to capture my 36th year of life for this project, therefore; I will being taking the daily pictures on my 36th birthday 7.24.2011 and ending on my 37th birthday 7.24.2012.  My goal for this project is to see the changes in my life in the next year.  I've already started some huge changes, weight loss, healthy lifestyle, exercise...etc...etc.  I'm hoping to add other lifestyle changes, some completely within my control and some completely out of my control.  I think it will be exciting to view them all through photographs.  I'm also hoping this venture will help to hone my photography skills and learn new ways to take and enhance my photos.  So I will begin taking pictures (with a purpose) on 7.24.2011.  Since I will be out of town the following weekend at my family reunion, I will probably not post the first 2 weeks until Aug. 7th.  I hope that you will check back each week to see my journey through photography.

Mynz Unique ... Launced on Facebook!

So I am super excited to announce the launching of my new business, Mynz Unique: Gifts and Keepsakes!  No two items are exactly alike.  I have always enjoyed being creative and at most things I am pretty much self taught.  I would not consider myself a professional at any of the projects that I undertake which is one of the greatest things about it.  I think of something I want to do, what I want it to look like and then I figure out how to make it happen.  I have launched my business on Facebook with just a few items.  It is very small right now with only a few items, but as I make more things they will be added.  Once I've sold a few items I will be able to get official tags printed for the items, as well as making everything official.  It takes money to make money and since I don't really have any money yet...I gotta take it slow!  :o)  Here are a few pictures of items that I've made and what my company will offer. 

 One of a kind Sock Monkeys!

 

 Item Description: One-of-a-kind Sock Monkey! Miss. Liberty!
Just in time for Independence Day, Liberty loves her
country and proudly wears it's colors with flair. She is sweet and loves for you to sing to her (even if you think you can't). She is made from the original Rockford Red Heel socks and has curly auburn hair, blue eyes, a sparkly red, white and blue tutu and patriotic monkey socks. Her hands are magnetic and she come with an adoption certificate.

 Item Description: One-of-a-kind Sock Monkey! Meet Joey!
He is looking for a great family to adopt him. He is made from the original Rockford Red Heel socks, has brown eyes, a weighted bum and magnetic hands. His shorts, scarf and hat all are hand croqueted with 4 colors (red, blue, brown and black) embroidery thread. Joey loves to be cuddled, but is also content to just hang out on the shelf and wait for you to get home. Comes with adoption certificate.

My first two sock monkeys can be found on my facebook page.

They are also on auction right now until June 28th in Melissa's Bowtique's 1000 Fan Appreciation Auction.  So check them out there and bid bid bid!  :o)

These Memory Bears were made a couple years ago when my grandmother passed away from some of her clothing.  I was inspired by a bear I saw when I was taking care of some sweet little girls with my nanny business.  Each bear was tailor made to suit the taste of each of my grandmothers great grandkids (my nieces and nephews).  They are so unique and such a fantastic way to keep a loved one close to your heart.  Not only for relatives that have passed, but also those who live far away and just want to give someone a little memory of them.  Any fabric item in your home can be turned into a Memory Bear.  I suggest clothing or blankets of some sort, but am willing to try whatever has that special meaning for you.  Eventually I will be adding other types of Memory Animals; such as Bunnys, Kitties, and other similar type animals.

I also hope to add some Decor Teddys (and other animals at some point) that will be made out of high end fabrics to add that special touch to any room.

I am constantly coming up with new things to make, but am trying not to get too carried away in the beginning.  I have several other things that I would like to offer and have done a few of including; Custom Designed Digital Photobooks, Painted Photo Frames, Original Oil Paintings and Acrylic Paintings (framed), Silk Floral Arrangements, Croqueted Baby Blankets and other items, and I'm sure many other things as time goes on.  Here's a few pictures of things I've done in the past as gifts for friends and family, to give you an idea of what's to come and what I love doing.

 Sample page from a Photobook I designed.

 This was my first oil painting.  I loved it so much I just keep going.  Eventually I would like to offer some original artwork in my product line.  They will of course be framed.

 Another original piece I did a while ago. 

Sample of the types of croqueted baby blankets Iwill be offering.

So that's just a little highlight of my new business.  If you like what you see, be sure to go to my
facebook page and click LIKE and tell all your friends.  I'll be doing fun give-aways at certain increments of fans. (For example: when I reach 100 fans I'll give away a $10 gift certificate.)  Can't wait to see how this goes!  I'm super excited and hope you like my creativity.

You can also reach me with any questions or inquiries at Mynzunique@hotmail.com