Bishop Family Dinner - Good Friday

Here's some photos from the family dinner on Good Friday. I didn't get shots of everyone...just too many to keep track of it all.

And in other news I'm officially on vacation now until Tuesday April 1st!! Til then I'm in Puerto Plata Baby!!

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to everyone who celebrates the holiday. Not sure if I'll be posting tomorrow as I'll be off work and might not be spending much time on the computer. Otherwise will be back on Monday...hopefully with lots of weekend photos...you know with it being my & Kristen's birthday's and all :)

Have a good one!!

Millcroft Photo Shoot

Today's post on my photo blog is a sneak peek for the families that I did my most recent photo shoot for, at the Millcroft Inn. I hadn't been there before but was thoroughly impressed with the scenery (out in the country) the building itself (built in the 1800's I think) and overall everything about it.

So here's the sneak peek for you as well.....I'm just figuring out how to watermark/copyright my photos along with using some photo editing programs (yes I'm finally breaking down and using them, I've been very opposed for so long. I was very much a junkie for the raw photo without any touch ups) Any constructive criticism would be appreciated.

Hope you like...

This pose of "S" is by FAR my favourite of her, the un-intentional shot of her "deep in thought" even for a 2 year old

This technique Kristen used on a couple of our wedding pictures which I LOVED! When I saw this trunk it screamed "take a picture of me!!" I thought this would be the "perfect" look for this shot. I soften up the picture so the white background wouldn't look as harsh thus making it look a bit out of focus. But no worries, it was on purpose :)

Myrna's Visit

Myrna's unexpected visit was short & sweet but sooooo good to see her and have some girl time. On Saturday we went to get our hair done, which ran very late. These shots are a few VERY quick ones Kristen took before she had to leave to catch her flight.

I honestly don't know what we're doing here....

Pretty sure we're laughing at Kristen here....

DEFINITELY laughing at Kristen here!

And now the "nice" pose :)

New Blog

No worries, I'm keeping this blog I'm just starting up a 2nd one for my photography. I've only done one post yet (no pictures) so check it out:

http://cyballphotography.blogspot.com/

I'll also keep posting the same pics on this blog....the new one will be more or less for my clients :)

And today's quote:

“Always remember your focus determines your reality” Qui-Gon to Anakin Star Wars Episode I

Writer's Block

I have no idea what to write about today....I'm having writer's block.

I don't have any new photos to post, I don't have anything to ramble about, or anything interesting to say (but who's to say what I say any day is interesting? LOL)

So today I will give you this quote to ponder:

"Authentic spirituality awakens the soul, reconnects us with the sacred, and fills us with the passion of life. Spiritual development is not about religious rituals and practices; it is about waking up to the wonder of life." -- David N. Elkins

Ready For Spring

Yes I have to admit, I'm finally tired of the snow. After going through one of the worst storms I've seen in quite a while, I'm ready for the sun, the flowers to start blooming and ALL THE SNOW to start melting. Only 13 more sleeps and I'll be lying on the beach with the sand between my toes....aaaahhhh....can't wait.
Here's some pictures after the storm

And this is where we're headed, to the Grand Oasis Marien in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic....looks rough doesn't it? LOL :)

Count Your Blessings

There's a blog I read called Zen Habits. Today he was counting his blessings...I figured, why not? I should too....we have SO much to be thankful for....

1. I'm alive

2. I'm healthy

3. I have a handsome & loving husband

4. I have great parents, brother, and extended family

5. I have a job

6. I have a mortgage :)

7. I have awesome friends

8. I'm able to pursue my passions with support from the people who matter most to me

9. I'm able to go on vacation once a year, sometimes twice

10. I'm loved

He finished his post with this.....

"Why are you glad to be alive? Count your blessings — your list won’t be the same as mine, but there will always be things to be grateful for, and you should never compare your list with others. Just be glad of what you do have.
Today is a gift, for each of us. What are you going to do with it? How will you make the most of this life?"

I couldn't agree more...Happy Monday!

Are you Happy?

I am....

Is my life perfect? Not even close.

Do I enjoy my life to the fullest....absolutely!

Today's post I'm furthering my argument from a few weeks ago about being happy, living life to the fullest, not being a victim to your circumstances, and to stop whining and take action if you're not content with your current status. I know things aren't always cut & dry but I do believe positive thinking and a PLAN are key to happiness.

And now, on to the quotes:

"Happiness depends.../ Less on exterior things than most suppose." -- William Cowper

"Health, learning and virtue will ensure your happiness; they will give you a quiet conscience, private esteem and public honour." -- Thomas Jefferson

Doing good is the greatest happiness." -- Chinese proverb

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them - that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” - Lao-Tzu

"Everybody has been called to do something. You wouldn't be alive if you weren't." —Oprah

Your Job is What You Do, Not Who You Are.....

Heighway strongly believes in looking for other means of self-fulfillment outside of one’s paid career. “I caution my clients to be wary of having their every emotional need satisfied solely through their professional work,” says Heighway. “This can be detrimental to your self-esteem because the truth is that no job, even the one that best matches your skills and passions, is perfect.” So while having a successful career is admirable, never underestimate the value of having work/life balance. “Volunteering and extra-curricular activities are equally important to contributing to your self-worth.”

Don't worry! Be Happy!

Have a great weekend everyone :)

Happy Birthday Kenda

Who turns 18 today....my baby sister is all grown up :(

But I'm so proud of the woman you've become and are still becoming.

Such a big year, this year....a trip to Europe coming up, graduating highschool, and then starting university/moving out on your own. I hope you enjoy & remember every detail for years to come.

I love that you're not a "typical" girl

I love that you have a witty & dry sense of humour

I love that you're beautiful inside and out

And I love that your MY family....couldn't have asked for better :)

Best Wishes Sis!

Reed Photoshoot

Since yesterday's post was of birthday wishes, some shots from Reed's photo shoot will be shown today.

A side pose....when I showed Mommy this one on the camera she "really" liked it. I love that it looks like his lips are puckered for a sweet kiss xoxox

Then a super close up shot....look at those gorgeous eyes!

I love baby feet....Myrna this one is for you ;)

And my favourite pose of all....him laughing with his tongue out. Don't ya just want to eat him up? A couple of people have asked if the picture is suppose to be "off" like that to which I very sheepishly reply a quiet yes....? :(
Not sure if I'm a crap photographer or if they don't get "my style" Oh well...it's still my favourite!

Today's quote to ponder: "If the sight of the blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has power to move you, if the simple things of nature have a message that you understand, rejoice, for your soul is alive..." -- Eleonora Duse

To The Mom's

Sending out the bestest of the best birthday wishes to "the mom's"

First to the mother in law...Bev

To a great year & many more :)

And to my Momma :)

Who I'm just like some days that it's scary and other days I shake my head and think could I really be her's? LOL

Love you...here's to today and many more!

Happy Birthday!

It's March....

...where did February go? Only 3 weeks and we'll be on vacation! Woo-hoo!

I ended up having a very busy weekend, meaning I was barely home so I'm WAY behind on cleaning & laundry...not good not good. It's on my to do list for tonight. Did spend lot of quality time with friends & Kristen though.

Last night we watched the movie "In the Valley of Elah" which I really liked & I think Kristen did too. It's not a war movie per se, but it definitely shows one perspective of how the war affects the soldiers once they're back home.

Also this weekend,...I had a photo shoot.

It was mainly of Reed (Vicky & Corey's little one) but we threw in a couple family shots and a couple of Daddy with Reed and Mommy with Reed....I will post a few proofs tomorrow :)

I'm loving doing the photoshoots despite feeling a bit discouraged some days (just general negativties that are out there). But the end result is always worth it, even with the bumps along the way.

Today I end with this quote:

"I define happiness as a continuous, creative activity." -- Baba Amte