Reluctant Model...Dutiful Son

My family teases me about my camera .  I love my camera!  Sometimes when we are getting into our mini van I will hear the old familiar phrase "Oh, no.  She is taking her camera" or the exasperation of "Are you going to bring your camera?".  Well, the answer is YES.  Did I say I love my camera? ☺Not too many weeks go by that I don't try to shoot something.  I use my children for inspiration as much as I can.  Sometimes they can be reluctant models though.  In these shots, I asked my son Jordan to climb into a bunch of bramble bushes in the park because I had an "idea".  I get lots of ideas...some good, some not so good.  But, hey, I am always trying to learn and to grow.  You can't do that if you don't try, right?  Even though I had to put up with some eye-rolling and sighing, my dutiful son crawled into those brambles.  I shot these images in black and white.  I like the dreamy quality.

He really did crawl through quite a few brambles!

I like the pensive pose but I think he was giving me the usual and customary "now you know I am not going to  smile, right?"

Another pensive pose...

I think this might be my favorite one!  I got to try out my ideas and I love the results.  What do you think?

Cherene

Remember to cherish this journey we call life...your footprints are a gift from above

Beauty Found

I collect angels.  I cannot explain why they appeal to me so much, but they do.  Perhaps it is because they represent love and hope.  Perhaps it is because they are so elusive.  Henri Mattise said, "There are always flowers for those who want to see them."  I think the same is true of angels.

Cherene

Remember to cherish this journey we call life...your footprints are a gift from above

A Jedi Knight

 Isn't the imagination of children wonderful? These images are of master Ethan pretending to be a Jedi Knight, light-saber and all.  ☺  It was freezing that day, but Ethan didn't care.  He was fighting to save the Empire!  Here's hoping that we never lose our sense of child-like wonder and imagination.  

Cherene

Remember to cherish this journey we call life...your footprints are a gift from above

Snowy Season

There is a big storm going on right now. The traffic is a mess and the roads are icy. It is a perfect time to remember the flowers. Martin Luther said "God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on  trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars." Believe it or not, I took this picture on November 11th. I can't believe this rose was still so glorious at that late date.  It helps me remember that winter is necessary and has it's own brand of beauty, but flowers are a wonderful creation. My memories of this rose will help me wait patiently for spring.

Cherene
Remember to cherish this journey we call life...your footprints are a gift from above.

Back to Blogging...

Slacker...or just crazy busy. Either way, either word is an excuse. Anyway, I am back to blogging!! I love spring! My camera and I took Jason and Jordan to the park for pictures. I guess I should try and get some of them together. Jason is Kent State bound. (Can I get a woot, woot!) I am excited for him and sad for me. But, only a little bit sad. I mean, really, who truly wants their kids to be failures and live at home in the basement until they are 40 or so? I am not saying that I won't miss him, but I am so happy for him. He has worked hard in high school. He will work even harder in college (did you get that Jason? LOL) but what a blessing and what rewards! We had a blast in the park just being silly. Well, I guess the guys were mostly being silly and I was telling them to stop between the giggles. The pictures were taken when I could get them to settle down. Can you belive they were using my tripod as a gun, Mission Impossible style? I guess I will post those pictures later.

Peace, Out! That's what these brothers would say! I really need to choose a name for my camera. Tell me what you think!

Blessings...

Cherene

Tribute

It is said that imitation is the best form of flattery. So, imagine my curiosity when I came home yesterday to find my youngest son in the livingroom wearing his black suit, complete with dressy shoes, white socks and sporting a fedora. He explained that he had been watching the memorial to Michael Jackson and several of his music videos. He was, as he put it "working on his MJ moves." I just smiled. The vision of him brought back so many fond memories of my children and I singing and dancing to music videos. We are still known to blast a beloved tune while we are in the car. We must be a sight when other drivers and passengers see our vehicle bouncing down the road! He peppered me with questions about Michael Jackson trivia. We relived memories of his older brother dancing like MJ in talent shows and that they danced just because they loved the music. He wondered out loud about what would happen to MJ's family and children. He wanted to know why everyone was now extolling the man's virtues when they were dogging him before. He was amazed at what Michael could do with music and dance that no one else could. He said he didn't believe anyone else would ever be able to do what Michael could . We went to pick his brother and his girlfriend up and my boy was still wearing his MJ clothes. He wasn't a bit concerned about what anyone who saw him might think. It was, afterall, his tribute, his way. As for his brother, he told him that he looked cool, borrowed the fedora, put it on his head and they started singing. I sang, too. All the while, I thanked God for the blessings He gave me in the form of my sons. My almost 14 year old son is secure enough in himself to remember Michael in his own unique way. My almost 18 year old did not ridicule, but supported his brother. I love their imagination, their enthusiasm, their brotherly love. I love the glimpses that I get of the men my sons are becoming. They don't mind sharing their beliefs or taking whatever stand they think is right. I took some pictures of the "temporary MJ impersonator". Come on, my camera is never far from my hand! But, I promised not to post them on my blog or Facebook. I understand. It was personal. But, I plan to tuck those pictures away for him to one day show his children. I can just see him sharing the music with them and explaining the memories that he and his brother and sister, mom and dad made to those tunes. Heck, he will probably run to his closet and put on his suit to show them some of the "moves" he will have "perfected" by then. I will , however, share one picture. I don't think he will mind. Afterall, imitation is the best form of flattery or the best tribute, if you will. Rest in Peace Michael....father, son, brother, uncle, friend...creator of music, inspirer of dreams and memories. You are in God's arms. Here's hoping your family clings to His promise.



Remember to Cherish this journey that we call life. Your footprints are a gift from above.

Cherene

Slacking"

I have been slacking. Life just seems to blow me away on a fast wind (sigh)! All of a sudden, it is two months later.... anyway, I'm back! Spring has been full of crazy weather. One clear day, I got the opportunity to walk the railroad tracks with Jason. We had a blast. So, we got some shots for his senior portfolio. Senior pics are great! We will do some this spring/summer, some this fall and maybe even some in the winter. Then, we can pick what he wants for announcements, 411 cards and graduation party invitations! Senior year is such an important time and all the memories are important. Every senior has their "style" and it is important to capture "their story". Here are some of my faves of Jason...

Walkin' the Tracks...











Love those Marvel graphic t-shirts!


Pickin" up souvenirs...







Blessings!

Cherene