News.

I have none.  It's been awhile since my last post.  I basically took a good two months off... and you know what I did?  Nothing.  The only thing that was significant was the passing of my grandmother on November 7th.  People always ask if it was sudden... what do you say to that?  I think no matter what, it's always sudden.  With all the preparation in the world, you can never be ready for something like that.

Anyway, this blog isn't for my personal life... but I think some people read it to keep up with me, so I'll humor them for as long as I can.

I have some pictures that I took recently that some people might find enjoyable.  There is only one explanation for the picture below.... I have a small fascination with water beads.  To me, they are so beautiful

This next picture is mostly for my own amusement.  This is my sister's dog, Evie.  Believe it or not, she was begging to be put in this swing...

I'll be honest, I really don't have much else to show you.... Like I said, I haven't really done anything lately.  Here is just one last picture:

Okay... well.... that's about it.  Sorry this post is so boring... I'm not used to this whole blogging thing.  I just figure it's better to have something rather than nothing. :)

Smylski Family

Angela is my brother-in-law's sister... so that I guess that makes her...?  I don't know.  Anyway, Angela and Bryan have three of the most beautiful kids and I was fortunate enough to have the privilege of taking pictures of them.  It was a difficult day but I learned three things: 1. Elias, who is 5 years old, is one of the most photogenic kids I know.  2. Ronen, who is 2 years old, definitely has a mind of his own--but is absolutely adorable.  3. Hope, who is just 6 months old, has brilliant, gorgeous blue eyes and I envy them greatly.  Don't believe me?  See for yourself.

Favorite.

Anyway, these aren't the most organized pictures... but they are some of my favorites from that day.

Enjoy.

Examples.

Recently, I've a had a lot of people ask me if I have a website that they could look at to see my stuff.  My immediate response is 'Yes! Of course its...' and then I remember that I don't actually have anything up on the website.  Why? Well, to be honest, the number one reason is because.. I'm lazy.  There.  I said it.  I haven't gotten around to transferring any of my pictures from my old computer to my new computer.  I've been too busy enjoying my new computer to even want to bother with my old one.  I recently got a mac and I have made the decision that I will never go back to a windows operated computer.  This computer is just too great.  Dad, if you're reading this you know now that your money was well spent on my graduation gift. :)

Anyway, before I start to go off on a rant on how great a Mac is, (believe me, a few years ago I never thought I'd be saying that), I want go back to the issue of my pictures.  If any of you are friends with me on facebook, I apologize, because that is where all of these pictures are from.  

So please enjoy these pictures.  Please know that I am not posting them so that I can make money off of more clients.  Its because I would truly love the opportunity to do any photography I can.  I know a lot of people say this, but I am not in it for the money.  I am in it simply for the art of it.... for the joy of it.

Vallen and Laura- The first couple to ever take a chance on me. :)

Thankful.

My dad just called me and told me that our dog, Powder, of 16 years passed away today.  What was shocking is that it came as a relief.  Powder was struggling in her last few years... she was almost completely blind and could hardly hear anything and was constantly whining because her arthritis was really bad.  Nevertheless, she remained a truly faithful dog and I am truly thankful for her life and everything she gave to me.  The thing that I loved most about her was that she would never leave me when I was sick.  Even when she got really old she still knew when I wasn't feeling well.  She would sleep by my bedside until someone made her move.  I loved that.  She was a good dog.  She was happy and hyper and loving and loyal... everything a good dog should be.  I will miss her, but I am so glad that she is not in pain anymore.  I'm sure that all dogs go to heaven because she was a beautiful part of God's creation.  I know she's running and playing and jumping with no more pain or fear.  She had a great life... and she will be missed deeply.

Rest in Peace little Powder Puff.

Colorado.

A couple of weeks ago, my family (minus Val and Ben) took a trip to Denver and Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Why?  Well my dad is a submarine veteran who loves meet up with his old buddies he was on the ship with and just his luck that every 1-2 years there is a USS Cusk reunion.  It just happened to be in Colorado this time... which is fine by me because I love it there.  I like to think that I know a lot about Colorado because I was born there... but lets face it... I don't.  I found out that it's a lot more beautiful than I could have ever imagined.

First stop: Casa Bonita.  It's pretty much a kid's dreamland.  We used to go there a lot when we were kids... but because I was four when we moved to Florida, I don't have any memory of this place.

The landscape around this place was beautiful.  I had a blast laying on the concrete in attempts to try and get a good shot of the flowers.

I've learned that Colorado puts a lot of effort into their parks.  I really wish Florida would do that.  

This was just on a street corner.

I've decided that stop time in my future I will either live in Colorado or have a summer home there.  While it was 95 degrees in Florida it was 68 degree is Colorado.  I was in heaven.

Note:  If you haven't guessed already, Submarine reunions aren't the most stimulating events.   Therefore, I spent most of my time chasing flower shots.

That's Colorado for you.  Beautiful.

Victoria.

this girl is great.

she models.

she listens.

she laughs with me.

she understands my weird-ness.

lets face it. she's gorgeous. 

okay.

So... I've gotten to the point where I am beginning to take things into my own hands.  I get really discouraged when I haven't taken any pictures in awhile.  People keep telling me I need to advertise more, but I have a really hard time doing that.

... so as of right now... I am doing my own thing.  Rediscovering this gift of photography.

I want to try new things.  Not rely on editing to make my pictures great.  

... although... editing does help. :)

Pumpkin.

Fall! It's almost here.  Can you believe it?! I'm so excited. 

This is the scene in my apartment.  September hasn't been around that long and I'm already decorating for it.  I can't help it.

Pumpkin lattes, pumpkin candles, multi-colored leaves (well, not really in Florida).  Bah.  How could you not love it?!

Finally.

Alright.  Here I am.  I'm going to do it this time.  I am going to really do this blog thing.... not just talk about it, but really really do it.  I had a page called 'faux-toes photography,' but that was a bust.  You know why?  Because I'm not the only person in the world that has thought of that name.  I knew that before... I was just ignorant of it.

So!  Since I never had a blog, this could take some getting use to.  My grammar may not be perfect at times, but I'm willing to look past it if you are.  I am not used to writing about my life and I'm not one to write cool and interesting things so... you'll just have to also look past my awkward-ness at times.

The real reason I wanted to do this blog?  Well, I want a place to put up my pictures because I have been told they are good.  I want people to know that I am not about the money but instead about the art.  Believe it or not, I just really really really want to take pictures.  No, seriously... I do.  I love the reactions I get and how my work can make someone smile or see something new.  Most of all, I love the feeling I get when when I get that one good shot or this really great idea.

To sum it up, I would love any opportunity to take pictures... but I would love it more if you would just enjoy whatever I put out there for the world to see.

All in all, I am just walking through this life just like everyone else... I'm just doing it with a camera in my hand and Jesus by my side.