Moments Forever Still

113th Boston Marathon Part 1

2009-05-03T20:56:00.005-04:00

So here a few pre-race shots taken at about 5am the day of the 113th running of the Boston Marathon. Dino, my dear friend had been training extensively for this day, so I hope to capture some great memories for him...

My Work with the MWV Young Professionals

2009-04-18T22:03:00.003-04:00

So I must apologize for lack of posts, I can't believe 2 months have gone by! I have been busy with many things in life. Right now I am wrapped up in a community project put together by our local Young Professionals group. Its an awesome opportunity to bring forth positive change and growth for the Mount Washington Valley. My colleagues and I have taken the lead on this project and are excited for the last phase that will take place on May 2nd. Above you can see us with Chancellor Reno of the University of New Hampshire. He has teamed up with us in this endeavor along side with his project the 55% Initiative. Visit the Mount Washington Valley Young Professionals' Blog, and read up on this amazing project that I am involved in!

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T23:04:00.005-05:00

For my honey, I made Almond Crusted French Toast with fresh Berries. No candies, no flowers, just the simple everyday moments that we cherish. Happy Valentine's Day to all of you! Peace and love.

Oh Baby...will it be a boy or a girl???

2009-02-12T20:50:00.000-05:00

Here is photo of my friend Melissa, we teach together at Mountain View Montessori. This sweet pea worked right up until 2 days before her due date. Such a brave soul! We can't wait to meet Baby Jerome!!!

Bath Fizzies Are Fantastic!

2009-02-11T21:05:00.000-05:00

We had a baby shower for my friend and fellow teacher. I was in charge of the favors, I must say this idea came to mind last minute. I had made bath fizzies once before and they turned out so wonderful. So I decided to try a new heart mold and hence the "Peas in a Pod" bath fizzy was born. I didn't take step by step photos for a tutorial but maybe I will type one out in the near future.

Post 101 for January 1, 2009

2009-01-01T19:48:00.003-05:00

Peace on Earth...
Thanks to all of you for your gracious support!
Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday Dan! ...and post 100!

2008-11-11T17:55:00.003-05:00

Happy 29th Birthday Daniel!!!
I am so proud of what you have become and what you continue to be, but most importantly I love that you are my best friend and my brother...:)

Do you see what I see???

2008-11-10T18:03:00.001-05:00

May I Introduce the Campbell's...

2008-11-10T10:39:00.011-05:00

Congrats to Heather and Brian!!!
Happily married November 1st, 2008
in the beautiful city of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Heather and I have been friends since high school, both transplants to the town of Beaver, PA, we spent much of our time playing volleyball with Mandy and marching in the band with Addy. At the wedding reception another Mandy mentioned that we (Myself, Heather, Addy, Mandy) have been friends for almost 20 years! Although in shock at first, it made me smile. We not only celebrated the marriage of our best friend Heather to Brian, we also celebrated our friendship that has held strong across the states (PA, MI, and NH) and across time...:)

Love these girls...:)

Goodbye Summer

2008-10-17T11:57:00.004-04:00

I Like Cake

2008-08-16T11:07:00.003-04:00

A cake for two of my friends' birthdays that happened over the summer. I love making flourless chocolate cakes, they really are just absolute heaven. And now since I know so many people that are gluten-free, this makes the perfect treat! I remembered while I was icing the cake that I had Nasturtiums blooming, so I picked a few and they looked awesome on the cake, don't you think?

It Will Be Pants for the First Day of School

2008-08-05T22:03:00.002-04:00

So I went out for ride the other day with Mike. Now I have been lovin' my new Giant Trance2, it just rides so smooth and rolls so quick...well this particular day the bike road smooth, rolled quick, and I hit the ground hard, three times for that matter...and on that note I won't be wearing a dress on the first day of school, I'll just have to wait until my rainbow of bruises and scrapes heal...
but I will ride again...:)

Frozen Treasure

2008-08-03T21:47:00.004-04:00

So, one of my favorite activities from
the Summer Program at MVM was this...

...thanks to Amy at Let's Explore for the idea, these kids had so much fun excavating little treasures from the ice.
A great activity for our lesson on Antarctica :)

Movie Theatre Legacy

2008-06-26T15:46:00.005-04:00

In honor of the birthday of the first movie theater...
I loved going to this theater when I was little. I believe then, and no I am not that old, we could get in for 25 cents!

Ambridge Family Theatre
1967 - Present

Tom and Barbara Budjanek are the original owners of the Ambridge Family Theatre. They began the theatre creatively; wooden seats were purchased from the Pittsburgh Playhouse during one of its' renovations, neon lights were taken from the old "Blue Sky" sign, and Barbara's artistic talents furnished the front lobby in a plush 1930's style with hanging brass and crystal chandeliers, gold accented crown molding, red flocked velvet wallpaper, and mirrors to give a spacious appearance. Later on, cushioned seating from Radio City Music Hall was placed in the theatre. In 2004 the seating was refurbished with new padding and upholstery.

Shine On

2008-06-21T00:36:00.003-04:00

Echo Lake in North Conway, New Hampshire
Posted for: Moody Monday/Shine

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Now playing: Lena Horne - It Had Better Be Tonight
via FoxyTunes

Making Waves at The Bowl in Acadia NP

2008-06-21T00:15:00.002-04:00

The Bowl in Acadia National Park
@ the bottom of The Beehive

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Now playing: David Gray - From Here You Can Almost See The Sea
via FoxyTunes

The Great GoGurt Race

2008-06-21T00:00:00.002-04:00

Ready, set, squeeze, squeeze, squeeze...
why didn't we have this when I was a kid!

Maine Wildlife Center~Gray, ME

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Now playing: Bebel Gilberto - August Day Song (King Britt Remix)
via FoxyTunes

Stress Relief

2008-06-15T23:25:00.003-04:00

So for those of you who don't know me, I come from a family of bakers. I have been whipping things up in the kitchen since I was a little girl. And to this day I continue to be fascinated by the science behing baking but most of all I love that fact that it provides me the utmost of stress relief. After a rough work week these were born...Peanut Butternaners, banana cupcakes with peanut butter frosting, even better with some chocolate shavings...:)

----------------
Now playing: The Tender Box - Mister Sister
via FoxyTunes

Time for Reflection

2008-05-31T21:35:00.002-04:00

I apologize for my lack of posts, just need some more time to put everything back into perspective...took this while reflecting the other day...nature is amazing isn't it?

In Loving Memory

2008-05-22T23:04:00.002-04:00

In loving memory of Marion M. Evans 1928-2008
The sunshine will always remind me of you.
I will miss you gram...

Autism: The Musical

2008-04-06T20:59:00.003-04:00

Autism: The Musical, which runs on HBO
all month and they are also making it available for
online internet viewing for free at selected times.

AUTISM: THE MUSICAL follows the extraordinary acting coach Elaine Hall, five children with autism, and their parents as they heroically mount a full-length original stage production. Through trial and error, tears and laughter, these incredible families learn to communicate their feelings in song and performance, finding solace and joy in the act of creating.

A veritable feast of astounding breakthroughs, this spellbinding film offers a full-throated celebration of kids living with an increasingly prevalent disorder. Director Tricia Regan vividly captures the individual personalities and problems of each child, from precocious Henry who talks a mile-a-minute about dinosaurs, to Neal, a sensitive and articulate boy who nonetheless struggles to speak at all. The parents, too, are fascinating studies in unconditional love, especially Elaine, the mastermind behind the musical and mother of Neal.

A consciousness-raising and empathetic portrait of children and their families living with autism, AUTISM: THE MUSICAL celebrates the spark of humanity in each of us. "Moving, dramatic, therapeutic and unburdened by reliance on talking heads" (Variety), this film will change the way you look at autism.

I can't begin to tell you how absolutely amazing this production is...even if you don't know anything about Autism or care to know, you gotta see this, just absolutely amazing,
in fact beyond amazing...:)

It fills my heart with more reason than I need as to why I go to work everyday...

Parts

2008-02-26T23:50:00.002-05:00

Posted for: Macro Day/Parts

Thankyou Calvin Coolidge...

2008-02-26T22:54:00.005-05:00

Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park February 26, 1929
President Calvin Coolidge establishes Grand Teton National Park

Eyes

2008-02-26T22:38:00.003-05:00

Posted for: Tuesday Challenge/Eyes

Sunday Service

2008-02-26T22:15:00.003-05:00

Posted for: LensDay/Monochromatic

The Wynn Las Vegas presents..."Sun, Glorious Sun"

2008-02-21T19:10:00.001-05:00

Snow Portraits Vol. 1

2008-02-04T20:48:00.000-05:00

A Berry Little Afternoon Snack

2008-02-03T18:53:00.001-05:00

Unlike jkirlin, I try to eat healthy snacks...some may say I have the appetite of a bird...

Posted for: Macro Day/Snack

Brother and Sister

2008-02-03T18:30:00.001-05:00

My brother is in Brazil right now along with my mom and dad.  I miss them terribly so as I was looking at photos of them I found this one and thought I would try something new with a post...enjoy!

Create your own Rubik's Cube

Bagpipes on a Misty Lake

2008-02-02T22:12:00.001-05:00

24 Hours of Great Glen is where you can be greeted at 6am with a bagpipe serenade. If that isn't enough incentive to ride your bike for 24 hours, I don't know what is...

Posted for: Photo Friday/Misty

Mike + Axe + Small Radial Area on Log= DISASTER!?!?!

2008-01-18T14:29:00.000-05:00

My resident wood chopper, an Eagle Scout with Order of the Arrow credentials. Notice his form, locked knees, the straight up then straight down approach, no wonder his back hurt for a week...I guess he should leave the wood chopping to a real scout...me:)

Posted for: Photo Friday/Disastrous

Now playing: Ben Harper - She's Only Happy In The Sun
via FoxyTunes

For the Love...

2008-01-16T21:53:00.000-05:00

So lets just say, I really love my family, they are of utmost importance and are dear to my heart. This all said I think my 16 hour drive home to Pittsburgh was a great demonstration of my love and dedication to family...especially the 276 miles that I drove straight across the state of Pennsylvania...:)

Home of the World's Worst Weather

2008-01-16T21:15:00.000-05:00

Mt. Washington, White Mountains, NH
Posted for: Photosharks/Cold

Someday You'll Move Mountains...

2008-01-16T21:09:00.001-05:00

Until then, they will continue to move me...
Whistler/Blackcomb, British Columbia

Posted for: Photo Friday/Mountains

Entree Le Cirque

2008-01-16T20:52:00.000-05:00

Entree @ Le Cirque, Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas, NV
Posted for: Thursday Challenge/Small

Tourist Vol. 1

2008-01-06T21:25:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Yellowstone National Park...keep your hands inside the windows and remain at least 500 feet from all wild life...

Traffic jam...

She's brave, real brave...

Now playing: The Tender Box - Mister Sister
via FoxyTunes

Friday before Christmas, Entrain was Rockin' the House!

2008-01-02T19:33:00.000-05:00

So it was a busy start to my holiday break from school...Thursday night elfing at the Polar Express and then Friday, myself along with the MWV Young Professionals hosted ENTRAIN at Flatbreads. All in all it was a great time, enjoy the photos!

Lead vocals, Jeff Clark...

Saxophonist, Phil Young

Drummer/Trombonist, Sammy Holmstock

The rest of the band...Tom Major (drums), Lenny B (bass), and Johnny T (guitar).

The "new" dance floor at Flatbreads...

Hiking and Biking and BEAR! Oh Sh*t!

2007-12-12T22:19:00.000-05:00

That's exactly what happened too...While hiking around Jenny Lake in Teton National Park, myself, Mike and my friend Tom ran into a baby black bear, then it was pretty much a lot of swearing and a quick jaunt back the way we came...but I did get a picture in the process. See what photo blogging does to you, I risked my life for this one folks, praise is encouraged in the comment section...:)

Posted for: Tuesday Challenge/Bears

Smile

2007-12-03T16:13:00.000-05:00

Posted for: Thursday Challege/Smile

Now playing: Augustana - Sunday Best
via FoxyTunes

UnNatural

2007-12-02T21:45:00.001-05:00

Can you find what is unnatural about this picture??? Good ol' Courtney Cardenas, an Xterra competitor and mechanic for his wife Jamie Whitmore, always providing a laugh or hair dyed like a cow...this took hours upon hours folks and I must say its a pretty darn good job even if it is cow print!

Posted for: Moody Monday/Unnatural

Now playing: White Collar Criminals - A Brighter Life
via FoxyTunes

I Found You Little Froggy!

2007-12-02T20:55:00.000-05:00

Found this little guy while hiking in Pinkham Notch this fall,
he's lucky Campy didn't find him first!

Posted for: Macroday/Found

Now playing: Bebel Gilberto - August Day Song (King Britt Remix)
via FoxyTunes

Portrait of Two

2007-11-29T21:13:00.000-05:00

Posted for: Photosharks/Portrait

She was Number 2 in Ogden, UT

2007-11-23T09:39:00.000-05:00

Here these two take a stroll...after coming in second to Jamie Whitemore at the Ogden Xterra Mountain Championship, Melanie Mcquaid gets consoled by her husband as she cries her way to the podium.

Posted for: Photo Friday/ Two

Fall Fun

2007-11-13T21:19:00.001-05:00

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child.
There are seven million.
~Walt Streightiff

Now playing: Kaskade - In This Life
via FoxyTunes

24 Hours of Biking can make you LAZY...

2007-11-04T20:12:00.000-05:00

Welcome to that, that is 24 Hours of Great Glen....

Trent of Team Vicious Cycles maps out his next lap on the back of his eyelids...

...and here we have Lief of Team Vicious Cycles and Sammy of Team Michelin, while talking strategy for their next lap, fell peacefully asleep.

Posted for: Moody Monday/Lazy

Walk these city streets...

2007-10-20T19:41:00.000-04:00

On one of my many trips home to Pittsburgh, PA, my dad and I always take a ride into the Strip District to shop. Now even though I no longer live there , I still must say Pittsburgh, PA has one of the most beautiful skylines which is accented by the Three Rivers. If you ever have a chance to go visit make sure you head through the Squirrel Hill Tunnel and what emerges at the end of the tunnel is a gorgeous view of the skyline and Point State Park...also another sweet point about the city...it is home to THE CLARKS...my favorite band...:) You can listen to them by clicking on them on the MP3 Player at the bottom of my blog. Ask JKirlin his fav tune is Snowman...:) I have converted him...:P

Posted for: Photo Friday/CITY

Lucky in Love

2007-10-15T20:44:00.000-04:00

The Miller-Byers Wedding, Grand Teton National Park, WY

Directions

2007-10-01T17:20:00.000-04:00

Whistler, British Columbia

Posted for: Tuesday Challenge/Directions

Now playing: Iron & Wine - Innocent Bones
via FoxyTunes

Ain't No Beach Like A Hawaiian Beach!

2007-09-26T22:58:00.001-04:00

Best waves you will ever surf "beach!" Sorry I couldn't resist the joke! Honestly, this was the most beautiful beach I have ever seen with the plunging lush green mountains as the back drop. It wasn't easy to find nor easy to get too. A 9 mile bumpy road in the middle of nowhere that made our Saturn VUE seem like one of those Safari vehicles. None the less, this is supposed to be one of the best spots to catch some sweet waves and is also greatly respected/protected by native Hawaiians. They do not take well to tourists invading their paradise and if anyone knows that feeling its me after living in two tourists towns myself. So we made doubly sure to look non-touristy...uh yeah, we tried. This is definitely a place to visit before you die!

Na'Pali Coast~Kauai

Posted for: Photo Friday/Beach

Reflection on Echo Lake

2007-09-26T22:18:00.000-04:00

So since moving to the Mount Washington Valley, I have been exploring the area and found this...Echo Lake, now I had moved here from Bar Harbor, ME where there also is an Echo Lake, both are beautiful.

Echo Lake, White Mountains, NH

Posted for: Thursday Challenge/Reflection

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

2007-09-11T22:08:00.001-04:00

31 years today, these two cool cats have been married, quite an accomplishment in this day and age if you ask me! Here's to many many more years! Love you guys!

September 11th

2007-09-11T21:55:00.001-04:00

Taken from inside the Pearl Harbor War Memorial.

Clean...

2007-09-05T21:54:00.000-04:00

This crab was hanging out on the beaches of Kauai and surprisingly got a bath as he was smiling for the camera!

My Playground...

2007-09-05T21:33:00.000-04:00

Here my handsome assistant Dr. Tom ponders the playground before him...Jenny Lake @Grand Teton National Park. Thanks Tom! Ultimate Frisbee anyone???

Welcome to the family Sophie!

2007-09-02T01:22:00.001-04:00

The SVC crew...Jingles, Joe, Sophie, me, and Justin, minus Tugie, Kevin, Sachon, Greg and Mary.... Welcome Sophie!

This Cowgirl is Back!

2007-08-28T18:52:00.000-04:00

So I needed a vacation...please forgive me for the lack of posts...but...bellying up to the bar at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole, Wy gave me great inspiration or maybe it was the whiskey...regardless, be ready from some great shots from Yellowstone, Grand Teton and the random travels between Utah, Idaho, Wyoming and Montana! Also shots from the wedding of my best guy friend from Saint Vincent College. WARNING! The abuse of cowboy attire, beginner line dancers, and lots of candid faces may appear!

Please forgive me...

2007-07-27T13:43:00.000-04:00

So I have not posted in forever...and believe me its been as painful for me as it has or you! My Canon's LCD screen cracked and then literally began to blow puffs of smoke. So I have been out of a camera since then, more than a month. But, Canon has pulled through and I now have my baby back. I will be pointing and shooting all weekend to try and catch up with jkirlin...:)
Thanks for your patience!

For your safety read the sign...

2007-06-05T21:12:00.000-04:00

So yeah, if you don't automatically realize that there are some pretty steep drop-offs while hiking Whistler then please bend down and read the foot tall sign, it will save your life!

Posted for: Lens Day/Sign

Good Night Moon

2007-05-26T08:56:00.000-04:00

Here's the moon at dusk just behind my house and looming over I believe Peaked Mountain, if it even qualifies as a mountain...but regardless...good night moon...

Posted for: Shutterday/Moon

Berries, vodkie n'at!

2007-05-26T01:03:00.000-04:00

Take a berry...
add some vodkie...
and there you have it...berries, vodkie n'at!

Sacred Grounds

2007-05-22T23:56:00.000-04:00

Hindu enchanted forest in Kauai, Hawaii.

Posted for: Lensday/Sacred

Industrial Tires

2007-05-19T22:56:00.001-04:00

Notice how huge these tractor trailer tires are, look at the small car tire to the left of the picture for a size comparison...Ok, I have to break out my Pittsburgh accent for this post...ahhhh ummmm...
So here are dem tires, dan der in da saside of piksburgh, where dey put all dem wrecked trucks n' at. And dey must put dem tires der too n' at cuz I dunno what yinz do with dem tires n'at but jeetjet, cuz I am starvin' can can we go dan der to Primanti's n' at and get an Imp'n Arn?

Translation: So here are some tires in the Southside of Pittsburgh, where they put all of the wrecked trucks. They must put all the tires there too because I don't know what you would do with those tires but did you eat yet because I am starving. Can we go down to Primanti's and get a shot of Imperial whiskey and Iron City Beer?

Posted for: Moody Monday/ Industrial

May I introduce....Campagnolo...the dog...

2007-05-19T22:37:00.001-04:00

So here she is "Campagnolo" but "Campy" for short. After a visit to the vet she has been determined to be a Whippet/Terrier mix. She is about 20 pounds right now and will only reach 40 pounds overall. She will stay relatively the same size as she is now. So far she has been so well behaved for a 5 month old puppy. She loves to sleep in her crate and lounge on the couch but when its outside time, she is full board and loves to run!

And what do you have to say for yourself Norman???

2007-05-19T22:23:00.001-04:00

Norman Stadler...2006 Ironman World Champion...addressing the media. Love that German accent!

Posted for: See It Sunday/TALK

Guest Photographer: Nicole Alexander...Precious Moments

2007-05-07T21:33:00.000-04:00

A good friend of mine, Nicole, takes photos as a hobbie when she is not busy chasing this little guy around! Now I must say her shots are really good, they are candid and full of emotion...here this little guy is getting to hold his first newt! Now when I hear the word "newt" all I can think about is Monty Python and the guy saying..."She turned me into a newt!"..."a newt?" Ok my humor ends there...

Waiting for the Perfect Wave...

2007-05-03T23:52:00.000-04:00

I think one of the most relaxing parts of surfing is waiting for the perfect wave, becoming one with the ocean...ahhhh what do I know last time I tried to surf I busted my eardrum...regardless these local Kanaka are hanging out in the Wai waiting for the perfect Nalu and this Malihini caught them with her camera...:)

Posted for : Photo Friday/Relaxation

Portable...A Necessity in Triatholon...

2007-04-29T11:47:00.000-04:00

When I say portable, I mean it! There are all kinds of ways triathletes have devised to carry various items with them while competing. I wish I had a shot of the salt tabs they tape to there bikes, its hilarious looking but absolutely needed! Instead, here is a shot from the 2006 Ironman World Championships in Kona, HI. This is the transition area from bike to run, everything ready for them, just grab and go! And if you want to get even more portable...check out this totally portable hydration tablet...NUUN...they just came out with a new flavor...KonaCOLA!

Posted for: See It Sunday/Portable

Nor'easter...oooo its stormy!

2007-04-27T20:48:00.000-04:00

Ooooo I squeezed this shot in, thanks to the encouragement from my mentor jkirlin, who is also my lowly humble servant! He thinks all my shots are grrrrrrrrreat!:)
So yeah, this is from the last Nor'easter before the past monsoon we had here in NH. It was about a foot and a half of snow. Great snowshoeing weather. So when I went to edit this shot, I was not digging it at all. I don't know if I was tired of digging out of the snow or what but as I re-edited it tonight, I now kinda like it. Its kind of amazing that the camera picked up all those snowflakes and yes they are real snowflakes and not a dirty lens....:)

Posted for: Shutterday/Stormy Weather

Guest Photographer: Magee Women's Hospital! Congrats Jess and Joel!!!

2007-04-27T20:04:00.000-04:00

Well another little bambino is on its way! My good friends back in western PA recently found out that they are having a baby boy! I am so excited for them! Their relationship has been a true love story, enduring lots of trials and tribulations but many happy moments too! And this one tops them all! I am so excited for them! Congrats Jess and Joel! I can't wait to be Aunt Kelly!

Autism Awareness Ribbon

2007-04-24T09:48:00.000-04:00

Ever wonder why the puzzle ribbon is used for Autism Awareness...well here you go!

MMMmmm Ice Cream Cake!

2007-04-22T20:20:00.000-04:00

So Mike and I celebrate birthdays within two weeks of each other and this year we celebrated with an ice cream cake from Coldstone Creamery. I must say it was quite tasty but it doesn't even come close to the best ice cream ever from the Penn State Creamery. Not only do they have awesome ice cream but also use nifty names like "Peachy Paterno..."one of my favorites!

Spring Teaser?

2007-04-22T20:11:00.000-04:00

Well it has been a few days since I posted, it seems as if I am being a slacker...but I think with Spring here at least for a few days I will be inspired...till next time...hopefully sooner than later!

Autism Awareness Stamps

2007-04-17T10:51:00.000-04:00

On Your Mark!

2007-04-16T22:04:00.000-04:00

Get Set!
Swim for your life!
On the start line of the 2006 Ironman World Championships...as organized as they would like to be it always looks like chaos!

Posted for: Moody Monday/Disorganized

Anticipation of a Kiss...

2007-04-14T14:00:00.000-04:00

A sweet moment from the wedding of Matthew and Jen Daubenspeck...They will be married for 1 year on July 1st!

Posted for: Shutterday/Kiss

If I only had a brain...

2007-04-14T09:38:00.000-04:00

Ok so its not the Scarecrow but you gotta make due when you still have 8 inches of snow on the ground in the middle of APRIL and all of my crocuses have croaked! Kinda reminds me of the scene in The Wizard of OZ where Dorothy is dancing through a field of poppies and it begins to snow...
Speaking of The Wizard of OZ, I am distantly related to the "Tin Man." How cool is that! But as I did some research I found some interesting info...I need to sort through it and I will post it later, so check back!

He is Risen!!! Alleluia! Alleluia!

2007-04-08T16:39:00.000-04:00

Alleluia! One of my favorite days of the year...Easter Sunday! There is just something so exhilarating in the air on this day...even when we still have 6 inches of snow on the ground...:) I am thankful for my religion...Catholicism...it has brought me peace and also strength in time of weakness. Although I call myself a practicing Catholic, that does not directly translate into "perfect little angel." I find that no matter who you are or what you believe you are my brother or sister, you are always going to make mistakes, choose the wrong path, and utterly fail throughout life but for me its nice to know that there is Someone who understands me, who loves me no matter what, who guides me and who always shows me that although there is darkness, the light is never far from sight...

Zazzle It!

Happy Spring! Guest Photograper: J.Mulligan

2007-03-21T18:43:00.000-04:00

Ahhh, another quality shot from the Mulligan clan...thank goodness for Spring, another opportunity to dress up the dog!

Majestic Waves

2007-03-20T22:20:00.000-04:00

A moment from a secluded beach on the island of Kauai...Polihale State Beach, the beginning of the NaPali Coast. It was a bumpy safari adventure to get to this western most point of Kauai, but the views made it all worth while. At this moment I felt like I was at the end of the earth, surrounded by peace and serenity...

Posted for: Thursday Challenge/Water

Simply Green

2007-03-20T22:06:00.000-04:00

Posted for: Lens Day/Green

May I introduce..."The Big Wheel"

2007-03-18T21:06:00.000-04:00

Ahhh yes its a bike, no its a pizza cutter, no its a pizza cutter in the shape of a bike! Leave it up to the wrenchers at Park Tool to come up with this idea.

"The Big Wheel"...making pizza mobile one slice at a time!

Posted for: MacroDay/Mobile

A Nor'easter on St. Patrick's Day...this is how to celebrate...

2007-03-17T19:56:00.000-04:00

Although we didn't have any traditional Irish beverages on hand...we improvised with one of our second favorite beverages...Long Trail Brewery's Hibernator! So perfectly named for this time of year! And the snow, well it wasn't green, but we pretended it was...and together we shoveled and sipped until there was no more...see below

Now each bottle was strategically placed every four feet...objects in this picture may look closer than they really are...ahhhh yeah...and whalllla a productive St. Patrick's Day celebration...shovel four feet or so...celebrate with a beer...shovel another four feet, celebrate with a beer...shovel four feet, celebrate with.......come on everyone now.....A BEER! Although we busted our backs trying to clear the way, we felt good to know that we didn't have to sacrifice celebrating on this special day...Well you have to stay motivated somehow especially when the neighbors' driveways are being plowed by a snow plow...

Happy Birthday Jo-Jo! The Big 30!

2007-03-17T19:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to you! Its St. Patrick's Day too! You'll drink lots of green beer and dance a jig too! My best friend from college who happens to be a St. Patrick's Day baby...lucky...is turning the big 30 today! Unfortunately we couldn't celebrate together thanks to the big Nor'easter that hit here in NH, but I will be thinking of him today! A congrats to him and his girlfriend too, the "cutie petutie" standing next to him is his fiance...Sophie! Can't wait to see you guys! Drink a beer and dance a jig for me!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

2007-03-17T18:44:00.000-04:00

Now don't turn green with envy because I am Irish and part Welsh. One of my favorite days of the year and I am snowed in...in fact I just got done shoveling my driveway...but a little snow can't drive the leprechauns away! I am proud of my family's heritage and really I do take it seriously. My mother has done extensive research to find out about my family's past...we were coal miners, school teachers and even rumor of ties to the Molly Maguires! My mom's side of the family immigrated from Ireland to a small mining village in Eckley, PA and the history they left behind is just fascinating. If you get a chance, take the time to find out about your family tree, you would be surprised that you are not much different from the generations past and you can learn a lot from how they lived their lives. On that note may I leave you with an Irish Blessing...

May St. Patrick guard you wherever you go,
and guide you in whatever you do--
and may his loving protection be a blessing to you always.

May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Guest Photographers: My Mom and Dad!

2007-03-16T23:27:00.000-04:00

Here's my dad fulfilling a childhood dream...flying a plane! Since I was a kid my dad always talked about having just one chance to fly a plane, turn it on its side and climb high in the sky. Here he had a chance of a lifetime to test out a 5-million dollar flight simulator at the
US Airways Training Facility/Sky Harbor
which is used to train pilots.

Can you find my mom in this picture???
Hyatt Regency Spa, Scottsdale, Arizona

Ok boy and girls, today's science quiz...can you tell me what animal this is???

My mom and dad couldn't help but fall in love with this cute pair hanging out at the Phoenix Zoo in Arizona...a momma and baby orangutan. Looks like momma is catching a mid-afternoon snooze!

Wow!!!, is all I can say about this picture taken by my dad while vacationing in Sedona, Arizona.
I am so proud of you Dad and Mom, what beautiful moments in time!

New Year's Addiction

2007-03-12T22:00:00.000-04:00

I think of this as an annual addiction...a New Year's addiction! How can you celebrate the coming of the New Year without this fabulous bubbly! And when the New Year has come and you take a little snooze why stop the celebration there... why champagne goes perfect with a little fresh squeezed orange juice...oh yes I am talking about a tall refreshing Mimosa for breakfast...mmm I think I need one now!

Posted for: Photo Friday/Addiction

Boy on a "Silly Bike"

2007-03-12T21:42:00.000-04:00

Well no catchy title for this one...Just a boy on a "Silly Bike" as my friend Nate would call it. Now if you are totally mesmerized by this hot rod check out Fire Bikes, my favorite is the Disco Beaver with the classic handles...

Posted for: Lens Day Challenge/Boy

Itsy Bitsy Spider...Made the Big Girl Freak Out!

2007-03-12T21:29:00.000-04:00

Ok, I must admit that I am extremely afraid of spiders...go ahead and laugh...but this particular little arachnid I found while tending to my tulips and let me tell you my first reaction was not to grab my camera! None the less may I thank God for the zoom lens...where would I be without it...ahhh well still screaming like a little girl I am sure...Ewwww, I am creeped out by just posting this picture.

Posted for: Tuesday Challenge/Zoom

Who really is The Michelin Man???

2007-03-10T17:27:00.000-05:00

The 1898 poster showed him offering the toast Nunc est bibendum ("Cheers!" or "Now is the time to drink" in Latin) to his scrawny competitors with a glass full of road hazards, with the title and the tag "'C'est à dire: À votre santé'. Le pneu Michelin boit l'obstacle" (That is to say, to your health': The Michelin tyre drinks up obstacles).

It is unclear when the word "Bibendum" came to be the name of the character himself. At the latest, it was in 1908, when Michelin commissioned Curnonsky to write a newspaper column signed "Bibendum".

His shape has changed over the years. O'Galop's logo was based on bicycle tyres, and wore glasses and smoked a cigar. By the 1980s Bibendum was being shown as a running Bib, and in 1998, his 100th anniversary, a slimmed-down version became the company's new logo; his vision had improved, and he had long since given up smoking.

The slimming of the logo reflected both lower-profile, smaller tyres on sport compact automobiles and a more athletic, slimmer, and trimmer Bib.

Today, Bibendum is one of the world's most recognized trademarks, representing Michelin in over 150 countries. Here my lovely volunteer so graciously posed with this "Michelin Sign" using the new 3D Michelin Man aka. "Bibendum..."

This last photo...Posted for: Shutterday/ Signs

"T" is for tires...

2007-03-06T20:18:00.000-05:00

So another shot from the 2006 Ironman World Championship...I really impressed myself with this one...I like it in color, but consensus here was black and white...maybe I will post the color version another time. I wish you could see the video we have of the athletes coming around this corner to get to their bikes. Now keep in mind they just swam 2.4 miles, sunscreen is running down their legs and they have their clip-in shoes on...if there was an award for Best Wipe-Out during the transition to the bike, half of the owners to these bikes would probably be in the running! Ok now back to tires...You would never believe the variety of bicycle tires available and boy some of them are not cheap! Here you can see two specific types...sew-ups/tubulars and clinchers. As far as brand of tire...I prefer Michelin bicycle tires, they are the best!

Posted for:Lens Day Challenge/Circle

Timex the offical "CLOCK" of the Ironman!

2007-03-04T12:24:00.000-05:00

2006 Ironman World Championship...and the winner is...Germany's own NORMAN STADLER! Swim 2.4 Miles...Bike 112 Miles...Run 26.2 Miles...with a Timex Time of 8 hours, 11 minutes and 56 seconds...hmmm makes you think about your own 8 hour work day, huh?

And don't forget, women compete too! And here she is second place World Champion Ironwoman...USA's own Desiree Ficker! Official TIMEX Time of 9 hours, 24 minutes and 2 seconds...and yes she competed in the same distances that Norman did. Not to bad for a sweet little Texan! And if you look closely not only is she carrying the American Flag, she is also carrying her favorite rehydration supplement...NUUN! If you have the chance to try this stuff, it rocks! Even if you are not a serious athlete, this portable hydration supplement is top notch for all your hydration needs, including a hangover...:)

Thanks to Team Michelin for the front row VIP seats that gave me this photo opportunity! If you contact them, tell them Kelly sent you!

Posted for: See It Sunday/"Clock"

Oh Baby! Did it snow on Friday!

2007-03-04T10:50:00.000-05:00

Pleased to announce the arrival of little Cooper! My friends had their baby in the midst of the snow storm that we had here on Friday. And by far he is the most precious snowflake that fell that day! Congratulations to his mommy, daddy, and big brother Jett!

Broomstick Jumping, Everybody's doing it...

2007-03-03T22:57:00.000-05:00

Here are a group of 4th graders learning about the logging settlement @ Sawyer's River in Crawford Notch, NH. One thing they were able to relive...broomstick jumping...a past time of the settlers there which challenged them at night after a long days work in the log mill and of course after a swig or two of good ol' MOONSHINE...the kids didn't get to relive the moonshine...:)

And he makes it, the settlers at Sawyer's River would have been proud...or too drunk on moonshine to care!

Posted for:Shutter Day/"Jump Around"

Guest Photographer: Jaime Mulligan and Puppy Love

2007-03-03T22:03:00.000-05:00

Oh puppy love...how cute is this picture, I had to post it as soon as I saw it! This puppy belongs to one my friend's mom. I just love the face..."Now I am gonna poop and pee on your floor, chew up your furniture, and jump on your head while your sleeping..but just love me, ok?"

Flower Power!!!

2007-03-03T20:23:00.000-05:00

Now its soft yellow...

Now its fiery red!

Now I believe photos are creative only by the hand and eye of the shooter but I can't help but fiddle around a bit with editing software, even though it totally frustrates me at times...but unlike when you develop film and screw up, with the computer you can always "Undo Edit." Ahhh one less Tums I have to take when I screw up because I can fix it with a click of a button. But I mean look at these flowers, one original and one modified...both unique. Technology can be fun but you have to take the picture first!

These tourists are "LOST" in Kauai

2007-03-03T19:38:00.000-05:00

Ok, remember in the previous post I talked about Hawaii and its nortorious strong current and dangerous surf? Well it really is true, many people told us never to turn our back to the ocean...Ha! Well here we are playing "LOST." After hiking to this mountain in search of "The Others", my lovely assistant Mike wanted to pose on this exposed piece of rock and as you can see its a gorgeous backround...well he looks ok here but right after I took this shot, that wave lurking in the backround knocked him right of his feet, leading me into a frantic rage to save him and his sandals while trying to keep the camera from getting wet...now you know why I didn't get in the water in the previous post...once again the things we sacrifice for a great shot...

Ok folks the "snows" over...

2007-03-03T12:24:00.000-05:00

Get it...the snows over...the shows over...ok well whether you get it or not you can't not look at this shot. A beautiful secluded beach on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. I was afraid of the water even though I could see the bottom, so of course I choose to take pictures instead...no laughing please...the tides there are very strong so I wasn't about to be swept away and forever be a mermaid. Anyways, this island was amazing and I can't wait to post more shots...and of course tell you more stories!

There's no love like snow love...

2007-03-03T10:17:00.000-05:00

Have I told you how much I love the snow??? No??? Ok let me show you...

Do angels really exist...

2007-03-02T19:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I guess thats for you to decide...but I believe they exist, especially when it snows! Now this piece of art took some serious work. We received about a foot of snow and when I layed down, I sank in pretty far. It was so difficult to move my arms and legs but I was determined! Once the angel was complete I tried to get up, well thats how the photo from my first post was created. I gave up after a few minutes of trying to stand up without ruining my creation. As I laid there I decided to take photos of myself laying in the snow. Just goes to show that when taking pictures you never really know which ones are going to be keepers so keep shooting!

Zazzle It!

Once upon a time there was a Snow Day...

2007-03-02T18:36:00.000-05:00

So here I am...

my first blog, my first post, my photography....all from a snowy day when school was closed and the day was mine...I love the snow, I could have laid in the snow for hours watching the snowflakes fall, dreaming about nothing at all...no matter how cold it gets, I don't believe I could ever give up winter...its just too breath taking all in a simple snowflake that decorates the earth with stillness, peace, tranquility, and love...