Monday Joy

I had the pleasure of spending one night this weekend at an artist's reception for two incredibly talented friends. I love nights like that, don't you?

My friend Myriam is launching her new pint sized jerseys that spread JOY with each child that wears one. The colors are delish (see for yourself) and they each carry a unique word that stirs something within me. Compassion, Courage, Humility and Joy. How's that for poignant? And her company is called JOY of course! My Best Shot this week is from the event at District K.

My other friend Jill was showing her beautiful Blue Poppy Jewelry. Sigh. It was like basking in the glow of everything lovely in the world. What a wonderful evening it was.

What Joy would you like to share with your shot this week?

Eye Spy

What pictures did you see this week?

Perhaps something that you can enter in The EveryMan Contest?? It's the last day to enter this contest. I just came across it last night via photodoto. Come on ladies. I would love to see you win some of the cash they are giving away. Then they might have to change the name to The EveryWoman Contest. Wouldn't that rock?

Best Pet Monday

This little girl is my sister's other baby. Ain't she sweet? Her name is Honey after all. I friggin' LOVE this portrait of her. For more shots of Honey, take a peek in this Flickr set. Irresistible.

Show us your sweet shot for the week.

Putting the Fun in Monday

Well, it's Monday and both of my girls are now in school. All day. It feels amazing. I have been waiting for this day for a long time...the day I reclaim my life. For a few hours anyway. I will actually now have almost a full work day to get my work done in. Crazy, isn't it?

My vision? To get my work done during work hours (OK, and a little time for Yoga) so that in the evenings (when I usually am pounding away on the keyboard under some sort of deadline) I can do other, more self-nurturing things. Like reading, crafting, relaxing. It sounds so wonderful, it makes me want to cry. Anyway, with the creative nudges from blogs like Melody's latest blog Wrapped Emotions, MamaSaysOm, flickr groups like this one, and Magpie Girl's Creativity Challenges there's no telling what might happen.

My husband was out of town this weekend so I stayed up until the wee hours playing. And I came up with this.

 

My Playful Best Shot for today may just be the beginning of a new artistic phase for me. I am giddy with the possibilities. See what a little taste of freedom can do for a mom?

What inspired you this week?

The Best of the Blues (and a button)

Happy Best Shot Monday all! I hope you're all enjoying your holiday weekend.

So, what shot tickled you this week?

Pssst! Look what I finally made. A button for our Best Shot Mondays! YAY!

Wanna share the fun? Grab this code I put up and put the button on your blog today!

Summer Fruit

As August slowly slips away, I find myself capturing all those little things that speak of summer.

I shot a series of these, but this one holds some kind of sweet mystery for me.

What kind of shots have been speaking to you this week?

Monkey Around Monday

On our trip to Florida we visited the Metro Zoo in Miami. There were no traditional cages. Just  lot of open space with wild animals roaming around and as you walk the grounds, it gives you the illusion that you are just kin of roaming around with them. It was pretty cool. Except it wasn't really cool at all. It was like 98 degrees with 100 humidity which just about kills a person's ability to enjoy anything. Ug. However, we braved it anyway and to our surprise, the animals were active just the same. it was pretty awesome.

So, in case you didn't know this about me, I have a real thing for primates.

Especially Mountain Gorillas. In this case there was a viewing window that offered shade for the gorillas so a few were sitting together right there on the other side of the window. Wow. There was a female and the silver back. Holy Primate! They were enormous and sooooo incredible beautiful. Having a gorilla a mere 3 feet away for you, looking right into your eyes is an incredible experience. In nearly 100 degree heat, the family wasn't nearly as taken as I was. I could have sat there all day (even dripping sweat) just watching them and snapping photos.

Even through a thick (and filthy) window I got some pretty neat shots.

What did you capture this week that has you captivated?

Swingin' Best Shot Monday

Something tells me that for a few weeks at least I'll be posting vacation photos. There are a lot of them. I'm just warning you.

Our last afternoon in Key West my oldest asked to spend sometime in the backyard of our B&B ALONE. We were couped up in a single room for a few nights so I respected her wishes and let her get some fresh air. BUT, I couldn't resist sneaking out there for a few quick pictures.

I saw (and fell in love with) this great shot from SweetSalty Kate and was inspired to share my rendition of fun on a hammock.

Did you get into the swing of shooting great pix this week?

Hello Monday!

I know I missed Best Shot Monday last week and I am so sorry! But, never fear, I will be diligent to get back to it!

I know I keep talking cryptically about all this "exciting stuff" that I have been a part of lately and it's probably like, "Oh, yawn, Tracey's talking about her projects again" so instead of just another post like that, I will offer a few photos of my 15 minutes of fame. Obviously, I didn't take these shots as I am in most of them but regardless, I thought they'd be fun to post today.

Here I am on "the set" as I filmed "how-to take better photo" videos for HP. Oooo, Ahhhh...

Between "takes". That's the director in the black. Yes, there was a real, live director.

Yes...I had a hair and make-up artist! And, for the record, she rocked.

Me on the monitor. I'm a star in my own mind.

The whole experience was super-fun and as soon as these videos start streaming, I will let you know so you can check them out! I'm eager to see how they come out myself, believe me!

What photo would you like to feature this week?

My Best Shot (Better Late than Never)

Sisters. Aaaaaah. Gotta love 'em.

I got to see my sisters this weekend and we had a lovely time together. And on that note, I'm going to give a shout out to one of them--Happy Birthday Rebecca. May every wish come true for you. Xoxoxox.

I apologize for being tardy with this post today everyone.

I hope you're still up for sharing your Best Shot Monday!