Life as ArT

Christmas at the Humane Society

I hope you had a Merry Christmas!  I’ve not posted lately because, well – how could I spend the time working on the blog when I’m behind on proofing pictures.  Today, I was able to finally get caught up to a respectable “behind.”  Yea!  Now, I need to catch you up on what I’ve been up to, besides trying to catch up.

On December 14^th, I took my equipment to the Almost Home Humane Society in Lafayette.  This was my second year to be the photographer for the Holiday Open House.  I donated my time and equipment to help the AHHS raise money.  My job was to take pictures of dogs and cats, some dressed in their holiday finery, with Santa and his elf.  Then, we quickly print a 4X6 picture for the owners to take home.  This is so much fun.  Picture this:  the set - backdrop, trees, and bench - is in a big room with lots of people, animals and photography equipment.  The trick is to wait for the dog or cat to look at the camera.  Someone stood behind me with a squeaky toy.  The owners would call the pet’s name.  The dog or cat would look left, then right, then left, then right, then at the camera and Snap!  - everyone cheered.  So much fun.  And what amazing animals!  Anyway, here are a few images from the Santa shoot.  Can you believe these beautiful animals?

 

 

Oh, I've added the AHHS as one of my "Worthy Links."  If you are an animal lover, think about helping them out.  They can use donations. 

One of the Good Guys

Today was a sad day for our family.  My 52-year-old cousin, Tom, was laid to rest after a valiant fight with cancer.  Though I had little contact with him in his adult years (the annual family reunion), I remember the child he was and I knew that he was one of the good guys.  His son spoke at the funeral about how family always came first for his dad.  That is so admirable.  So, I’m dedicating today’s blog to my cousin Tom.  May you rest in peace.  May your family find comfort together in the memories they hold of you.

So, having said that, I thought it would be appropriate to share this image with you all.  I know it will make you smile and maybe help you to get some Christmas spirit no matter what life brings your way today.  This is Lilly. 

A note to my customers:  It’s been too long since my last post.  I’ve been so very busy.  I’ve been working late and making do with only 4-6 hours of sleep every night; working 32 hours at my day job, and many more at the studio.  A few friends and family warned that something was going to give.  Well, it did.  I blame my lack of sleep for my ability to catch any little germ my wonderful Petri-dish grandchildren may have.  This last one knocked me out of commission for three days (not a good time of year for a one-woman shop to be out of commission).  So, I am now scrambling to catch up to where I was before when I was working so hard to catch up – yikes!  I have apologized to those of you whose appointments were cancelled because of my illness and want to THANK YOU for being so understanding.