serendipity

project three sixty five

2012-01-27T21:34:00.000-08:00

Day 204: My go-to breakfast lately: yogurt, oatmeal, grape nuts and whatever fruit I have on hand. Yummy and good for me.

Day 205: New diet plan we're starting to try to hopefully make my stomach/ intestinal pain lessen.

Day 206: I took Micah's baby book to get the pages copied so we could give him his actual book.

Day 207: Our service group had a special turkey lunch after service. Nice to get together with everyone.

Day 208: Special visit with my new nephew Emerson.

Day 209: My new mug from the dollar store and spearmint tea. Its making me forget how much I miss drinking coffee; well, its trying.

Day 210: We both got paid today and cashed our checks at the store where I work.

Auntie Shai meets Emerson

2012-01-16T16:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I met my sweet little nephew Emerson for the first time. My brother and his girlfriend Shawntel made the long journey from northern Alberta down to southern BC with their little bundle. Chris, my mum and dad and I drove up to Osoyoos and met them for a visit in the afternoon.

I am smitten. For sure.

Little Emerson is just 9 days old in these pictures.

He even had some cuddles with Uncle Chris!

I was looking forward to meeting Shawntel for the first time too. We had a really nice visit and it makes me happy to see how in love with my brother Micah she is.

Little yawn faces are the best. He would also make the sweetest little squeak noises. Kind of like a little baby chick. Too cute.

They are such a cute little family.

I am so glad that I got to meet this little one as a newborn. It just made my month. I can't wait to watch him grow up and develop his own little personality. Micah has promised me Skype dates with him. That will make me happy since we're like 20 hours apart. I am so excited to be an Auntie!!

Now, what are the best little baby boy gifts?? I'm so new at this! I don't know what to get them! :D

OLW: flourish

2012-01-13T11:59:00.000-08:00

My one little word for 2012 is flourish. This is my second year picking a 'one little word' to guide and mold my life in the year to come. Last year was full of changes and big beginnings...this year will be about settling into my new routines and choices and thriving within them.

Flourish -- verb:
to be in a vigorous state; to thrive
to be in it's or in one's prime; to be at the height of excellence
to be successful; to prosper
to grow luxuriantly, or to thrive in growth
to make dramatic sweeping gestures
to decorate or add embellishment
synonyms: exist in abundance, overflow, thrive, accomplish, increase, intensify, garnish, display, swish, curlicue.

I have had a couple weeks sitting with my word now in this new year. I knew this was my word as soon as it hit me, but I have struggled a bit with writing about it. It is important to me to document this journey and to see what good things this word may bring into my life. To delve into the ways I can be effected and affected by choosing this word. So I've been sitting with it and collecting my thoughts, but today I want to share. I want to put a voice to my intentions, to claim and to invite this word.

A favorite quote I have discovered is from Barbara Smith.

"Where trust is, love can flourish."

I hope that this word has a powerful impact on my relationships. With my husband especially. This year we will celebrate our 5 year wedding anniversary and my love for this man just keeps on growing. And I want that to continue... I want our love to flourish here in our new home, in the life we have made for ourselves. I also want to be more present within my friendships. To make real connections and accept and love and encourage those around me.

I also want to flourish spiritually... I feel that this is a process that I began last year with getting back into the pioneer work and I want to continue to set and reach my spiritual goals. Being active in the ministry work makes me feel like my life means something, like the work I do is worthwhile. The greatest gift I can give is of myself and my time. I want to give my best to Jehovah. I want to grow and thrive in this area of my life.

There is also great opportunity for adding flourish within my home. Being a new homeowner is so exciting and I am eager to continue to decorate and make our house a home we are proud of. I have plans to turn our guest room into a bit of a music studio space for Chris, and ideas for utilizing that big wall in our living/dining room. I can literally "add flourish" here.

I am also on a bit of a journey with my health (another post about this coming sometime soon) and I want to invite the thought of flourishing into this space as well. Its been a difficult battle with figuring out what is wrong and exactly how my body works in relation to the foods I eat. I have not been making the best choices, but this is changing. And I can already feel my body changing. I want to flourish physically and be healthy. I want my eyes to shine again.

Throughout the year I plan on collecting things that relate to my word on a Pinterest board I've created just for it. I am excited to see it morph and change and collect things, maybe even unexpected things. You're welcome to follow me there and watch the journey unfold.

I chose this word because it just took hearing it one time to know it was the right word. I think it chose me. My mind started spinning with all the ways it could present in my life, and I am glad to have some of my intentions and goals written down in this space. I'm sure I will share throughout the year little ways that I am flourishing. I am glad to be on this journey.

Did you pick a One Little Word this year?

What are you inviting into your life?

Project Three Sixty Five

2012-01-11T13:54:00.000-08:00

Its been a few weeks since I shared my Project 365 pictures, but we have been taking them. I can't believe we've been keeping up with this project for 6 whole months now. I am so proud of us!!

I won't share all the weeks that didn't get posted, but the last couple would be fun to share. :)

This week was full of: new candles from overnight guests we had, free 6" sub from Subway cuz I had enough points, Chris got his eyes checked and picked out glasses, then he strained his eyes some more playing Assassin's Creed, my cousin Hannah's new business card at her new salon, magnet poetry for our fridge, and 28 degree weather but still no snow.

This week was full of: before and afters of new hair, eating lots of grapes, chocolate gifts from Chris' customers, my camera collection unpacked, fresh baked banana bread, reading Jasmine* 's Exposed magazine, and Chris' glasses came in (he looks so handsome, and he can see now!!)

This week was full of: trying to catch the stupid mouse, my favorite place to get coffee (and what turned out to be my last cup of coffee ever), brand new babies, the longest Chris' facial hair has ever been, rodeo bulls back in town on "winter vacation", the offer for the month and walking around the block in the cold crisp day.

My favorite day: becoming Auntie Shai for sure!!

Baby Emerson is here

2012-01-07T10:36:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at 2:44 pm my little nephew Emerson Bradley Andre Fricke was born. He weighed 8lb 6oz and was 21 inches tall. I am so happy for my little brother Micah and his girl Shawntel. Micah kept me posted via text as things were happening and all is well with both baby and mama. I hope I get to see them soon and hold that sweet little one in my arms. Just call me Auntie Shai. I'm pretty excited!! :)

Thanks to the friends who were there to take pictures. I am treasuring these today.

This is the New Year

2012-01-01T21:34:00.000-08:00

Welcome 2012.

begin and end

2011-12-31T21:23:00.000-08:00

Begin: my One Little Word for 2011.

This word is a verb meaning: 1) to perform the first or earliest part of some action; commence; start 2) to come into existence; arise; originate 3) to be the originator of. its synonyms include such words as: inaugurate, actualize, establish, instigate, introduce, generate, impel, open, prepare, produce, undertake, become functional.

At the beginning of the year I introduced my word and shared my thoughts on why I had picked "begin" as my word (or why I thought it picked me). I love how this year really has come full circle. This is what I said in January:

this is how i am approaching the year 2011... with the intention of opening myself up to the possibility held by this word. i want to begin so many things, and also finish what i start. i want to savor the beginnings of things and recognize the change they bring. i want to "be the originator" of action and progress and movement.
i want to begin to live.

And looking back through these last 12 months I feel fulfilled in what I wanted to accomplish and even surprised in what my word brought into my life.

The Facts: I literally began many things this year, including regular auxiliary pioneering, being a homeowner, handling stress differently, online courses to help me find my way, keeping a check register, actively encouraging others, making our house a home, learning more about my husband, designing (wedding invitations and logos this year) traveling and going on adventures, trying out recipes, doing blog makeovers again, experimenting with my hair style, collecting things on Pinterest and created my "Stop Pinning // Start Doing" posts, figuring out my photography and editing style, a 365 project with Chris for our 5th year of marriage, new friendships, rekindle old friendships, read book after book after book, and really live!

The Feelings: I feel like this word really had a huge impact in my life. Many things I intentionally decided and began, which let to new goals and fresh outlooks on life. I know that being back the pioneer work has made me feel more like myself again. I am so glad to have found my purpose in life again...to have real joy. I have become more purposeful in my relationships, especially with my husband. I want to be actively in love, not just married, and I feel like we have begun a new chapter as a couple. There are also some things that I began and finished, like my 52weeks book. That was such a precious project to me, and by selling my book throughout the year I was able to carry it with me. And then there was the month I gave up Diet Coke; that was an undertaking that I followed through with. Our 365 project is still alive and going strong. I am so proud of deciding to begin that project and can't wait to finish it and hold the book in my hands. That feeling of accomplishment is something that only comes when first you begin.

As I say goodbye to my word this year I want to remember how I feel today: refreshed, eager, ready, happy. And that's not to say that everything is perfect right now... I'm just savoring the little things that make me happy. I want to remember there is fear in beginning, but also a chance to learn and grow. I want to remember to finish the things I begin and continue to incite in myself and others action, and progress and forward motion.

What a year it has been.... from beginning to end.

SHADYlane Photography: year end

2011-12-29T17:49:00.000-08:00

As the year comes to a close we all find that it is a time of reflection. And I wanted to compile all of the sessions I did this year and share my favorite images. I did this last year and it was one of my favorite posts, so I wanted to make sure and do it again for 2011.

I really feel like I have developed and defined my style as a photographer this year. I am so grateful to those who hired me and let me take their pictures this year. I have grown so much, and its only through practice that I'll continue to get better and hone my skills behind the lens.

And on to my shoots from 2011:

Bennett Family
(largest group I've ever shot!!)

Katie and Cody Legere wedding in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Dear family friends, Tracy and Lisa and their sweet daughters.

My sister Megan and her husband Siyani

Senior Shoot 1: Rebekah

Senior Shoot 2: Ri

Engagement shoot for Rob and Kirsten
(I shot their family pictures in 2010 too!)

Schwartz family. Oh what a fun shoot. See more here.

Jimmy and Marla Weed

Thank you for all your support throughout the year as my ever dreams of photography keep expanding. I'd love to shoot you and your family in 2012! Click on the SHADYlane Photography link at the top for more information.

In Memory...

2011-12-27T13:42:00.000-08:00

A little over a month ago I received a phone call... you know the kind: where you're hit with the news that causes a pit to form in your stomach and panic to get caught in your throat; that ends in a mess of tears and a struggle to find the right thing to do. The hard kind of phone call... the worst kind.

It was from my sister, letting me know that my Grandmother had been rushed to the hospital and that the family was gathering. That it looked like the end...

I thanked her for letting me know and at that moment, everything started spinning. I was at work that day and couldn't get it covered, there was a horrible snow storm headed the direction I needed to go, and Chris couldn't get off to take me. I just needed to be there with my family. I was able to make it through the next two days of work and then Thursday night I got another call. This time saying "If you're going to come, you need to come now." So I got the next day covered at work and braved the weather all by myself and headed up to the hospital in Trail, BC. The trip that should of taken me 4 1/2 hours, took me 7 with the snow and crazy drivers, but I made it. And I was able to say goodbye to my Grandma and be with my family through one of the hardest times we've ever faced.

I will cherish those last moments I was able to spend by her side before she passed away on Sunday evening, November 20, 2011. I stroked her arm, fed her slivers of oranges, gave her water and little ice cubes, and talked...I told her all about what my life has been the last year, about service and the joy its bringing me, about our new house and decorating it, about married life, about music and spiritual things. And through it all I regretted not taking the time to be with her before, not calling her to share stories before, not visiting. The resurrection hope is made more real in these circumstances... and I will try to live my life the way that she did: in full service to God so that I may one day see her again, in perfect health with her bright smile.

I have tried for many days (almost a month now) to write about how this has effected me. I know I need to put pen to paper and pour out the emotions, but the words just do not come for some reason. The poetry escapes me. Perhaps I just need more time, but I wanted to at least write this blog post in her memory. To not let this moment that's had such a huge impact on me pass by without mention.

Thank you for your patience as I've been grieving and been a little quiet around the blog lately. And thank you for reading this post, and for in just a little way, helping me celebrate her life and who she was as a person, a wife, mother and grandmother, and a servant of Jehovah.

Hug your loved ones every chance you get.

december hair diaries

2011-12-21T12:07:00.000-08:00

Its been almost a month since my last post...wow, that time went by fast. So much has happened and I've been really sick, but I'll share a few things in the days to come.

But for today I thought another installment of "The Hair Diaries" would be just perfect. :) New hair always makes me happy.

I had been rocking the ombre look since September and it had grown out nicely, but was seriously SO LONG. So long it was getting caught in things.... embarrassing things...like my armpits. :P And it was looking kind of brassy in the places where the red color from before never quite got covered over.

Of course once I knew it was time for a change I started pinning ideas and a direction seemed to form.... milk chocolate color with lots of dimension and a fresh cut.

And cutting my hair was a big deal...this year I promised my husband I would go the whole year without getting a drastic cut. And I did it!! I can't believe how long it got. The before pictures really don't even do it justice. And I didn't do anything drastic with the cut. Just my favorite chunky layers and clean, healthy ends.

I am happy with how it turned out. Its probably the closest to my natural color I've had my hair in a long time. I think it will be perfect for the winter time...which is just now maybe hitting us. We've had a couple days of a little snow, but nothing sticking. That's my kind of winter!

Of course my cousin Hannah was the one who did my color and cut for me. She is just starting a new adventure herself, she quit the salon she was working at, got her business license and has opened an adorable little studio on the Ave in Wenatchee. I was so excited to go see her new space and get my hair done there. I'm so proud of her and I know she's going to do awesome as she progresses forward with this new journey.

So there is a little hair happiness for today. Its been a hard month, but I think even this little change is helping.

Ago

2011-11-25T15:32:00.001-08:00

One hour ago... I was watching The Sing-Off on HULU.

Two hours ago... I was finishing up my 365 project post from the last month.

Ten hours ago... I was hugging Chris goodbye as he left for work today.

Eighteen hours ago... I was unpacking more boxes in my office.

Twenty-four hours ago... I was napping with husband. Sleep is so glorious.

Three days ago... I said goodbye to my best friend and made the drive home from Canada.

Five days ago... I got the news that my grandmother passed away.

One week ago... I was driving through a winter storm to be with my family in the hospital at my grandmother's side.

One month ago... I was editing and sharing pictures from my most recent family portrait session.

Six months ago... I was at my sister Megan's wedding.

One year ago... we lost and found our Spencer puppy.

Five years ago... Chris and I were falling deeper in love and I was making plans to move to Spokane.

Ten years ago... I was listening to Savage Garden in my very own bedroom.

Fifteen years ago... I was learning to be a part of a much bigger family.

Twenty three years ago... I became a big sister for the first time.

Thanks for another great list to fill out Nancy. It was interesting to look back through time....

project three sixty five

2011-11-25T14:09:00.001-08:00

No words for this last month....just pictures.

Please forgive my absence...

eleven.eleven.eleven.

2011-11-11T11:01:00.001-08:00

This is one of those things that I didn't want to miss....something I didn't want to see everywhere and wish I had done. So I did it!

I took a picture at 11:11 am on 11-11-2011.

Could I have been more creative? Totally.... But I'm at work, and this is my life right now: staring at the computer screen. So I captured it. And I'll share it. :) Thanks Liz, for the challenge.

Did you take a picture too??

Project Three-Sixty-Five

2011-10-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

Day 120: A book Chris and I are reading (taking turns reading to each other). We bought it on our trip to the East Coast and just started it.

Day 121: We went to Applebee's for dinner and were asked to fill out surveys about our meal and received a gift card each.

Day 122: Our favorite brand of olive oil and vinegar.

Day 123: The leaves are turning!!!

Day 124: Hannah and I at my family photo shoot. She's such a great assistant!

Day 125: Its always nice to come home after a long day of service.

Day 126: Editing and posting pictures.

the Schwartz Family Portraits

2011-10-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

On Sunday afternoon I had the privilege of meeting up with the darling Schwartz Family for a family portrait shoot. They are a mixed family with 6 six children...all so sweet and well behaved. We met at Sun Lakes for some formal portraits and then went to their home in Coulee City for some less formal, fun pictures.

I ADORE the light in this one.... *swoon*

I was so enamored with this kids. They're sweet and just a pleasure to be around. And I literally could not stop taking pictures of them. Here is just one set of portraits I did of them...

Many thanks to my cousin Hannah who came with me for the shoot and did an awesome job keeping track of the list of images and the kids. I couldn't have done it without her.

Click HERE to see the complete album.

I have another family shoot that I haven't shared on my blog yet, so look for that soon. Hannah helped me then too. I think she's hired! :D

Project Three Hundred Sixty Five

2011-10-19T17:09:00.000-07:00

I feel strangely far removed from last week...it was weird putting this week's photo cluster together and comparing it to last week's. It felt like such a long time ago. I feel like so much has happened.

But fall has arrived, and I am so happy for that.

What was your week like?

October Photoshoot

2011-10-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

October is my favorite month...it just is. And so every October I try and do at least one photoshoot just Chris and I, like this one from 2008.

This year we took a Saturday evening, went to my favorite spot in Soap Lake and took pictures of each other and used the tripod and remote for the ones of us together. I want to capture and remember this time in our life together. We are learning so much...about life, about each other, about how we deal with crisis, about the things that really matter to us. That is what I see in these images. It didn't take long...ten minutes maybe. But now we have these pictures forever. And I will always treasure them.

I am so thankful that Chris likes being in front of (and behind) the camera. I knew the first time I asked to take pictures of him and we did, that wanted to take pictures with him for the rest of my life.

So get outside today...set up your camera and use the timer for some self portraits of some pictures with the one you love. You won't regret it.

Pinterest Recipes

2011-10-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

One day this week I stumbled across this interesting recipe on Pinterest and showed it to Chris. We had all the ingredients at home already and it looked good to us, so we decided to make it for breakfast this morning. Well, he made it...and I took pictures of course! ;)

So here is my first food edition of "Stop Pinning // Start Doing." This is one you're gonna want to try!!

Its called a Hootenanny and it seriously is the easiest breakfast ever. It kind of reminds me of french toast with a more eggy texture. Delish!

I think is going to be a new favorite breakfast in our house!! You should come visit! ;) Or make it yourself, I guess. Yeah...you could do that too. :D

Let me know if you give it a try and what you thought! Any other recipes you think I (ok, Chris) should try? Link me up in the comments.

memories

2011-10-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

I followed link after link after link today and found this really sweet and interesting blog called Hello, Moxie! I've spent some time reading it and was pleasantly surprised by one of the posts containting this image and poem.

I was immediately taken back to the 8th grade and a class where we all memorized this poem. I loved it then and its still one of my favorites to this day.

Thank you Rudyard Kipling and a random memory from Jr. High for making me smile today.

Have you ever memorized anything like this before?? I'd love to hear about it.

music that made me smile

2011-10-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

this made me so happy today. I was caught by the melody, the images and the message. watch and smile.

keep your head up... keep your heart strong...

Keep Your Head Up - Ben Howard from mickey smith on Vimeo.

Project Three Hundred Sixty Five

2011-10-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

Here are our pictures from the last week.

1) Our rental while we're waiting to see what the insurance decides to do about the car 2) Chinese food and my favorite prawns 3) the CD I won 4) Dad at the circuit assembly 5) Tucker puppy 6) my very first taco from a taco truck 7) a barn we saw out in rural service

See the complete album HERE.

I have started work on the book that is the ultimate plan for this project. Shutterfly has crashed on me a couple times, but its coming together. I think its going to be such a lovely keepsake for Chris and I....our 5th year of marriage in pictures.

Yellow Shelf Project

2011-10-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to share another "Stop Pinning // Start Doing" project with you today. Its another one from my office, which is so coming together!!

source

I saw these white shelves with the pop of yellow on the back of them and not only thought they would be perfect for bringing more of the yellow into my office, but totally saw how I could use the idea with what I already had. I have had two of these tall white shelves from Walmart for years... they have made many moves with me and have transitioned with my style as I grow. And so I was so excited to use them once again in this space.

Chris and I took the shelves into the garage and ripped pages out of a magazine and taped the sides to protect them from the paint. Then it took two full coats of the yellow spray paint to completely cover the backs.

The next day I pulled all the pages off and moved the shelves into my office. I absolutely LOVE how they look next to the grey stripes and my purple walls. The pop of yellow is exactly what I needed and I think it all turned out awesome! I pulled a couple books, one of my elephants and a plant to create a little vignette for these after pictures. I'll put the rest of the shelves up soon and unpack some boxes finally! I can't wait to make this a workable space that I can continue to be inspired in.

Have you done any project lately?? I'll love to see. Link me up in the comments!! :D

Little Miss Momma: Giveaway Winner!

2011-10-07T13:19:00.000-07:00

I have something fun to share today. Thank-goodness! ;)

A couple months ago one of my favorite bloggers Ashely of Little Miss Momma did a super fun post about Brooke White and did a giveaway of a signed copy her latest collaboration album Jack and White's Gemini.

I was so excited to see the post and to get a chance to learn a little bit more about Brooke. If you don't know who she is, I first learned of her through American Idol where she came in 5th place in the seven season. I fell in love with her voice then and voted for her every week. Now she is making music and having fun with her Girls With Glasses show. So of course I commented on this post and entered the giveaway....

AND I WON!!

Ashley was so sweet and commented on my blog to let me know I'd won. And then yesterday I got my signed cd and a gift from Ashley's shop in the mail.

I just love the ring I got. Ashley has some adorable things like this in her shop. Check it out HERE.

So far I've listened to the cd like 7 times all the way through and my favorite track is the last one called "Feathers." You can listen, download and learn more about Jack and White on their website HERE.

That is happy something today. And let me tell you, I sure needed it. Road trippin tonight to stay with my parents for the weekend in our huge rental Yukon, and I'm sure this cd will be on repeat.

Thanks Ashely and thanks Brooke. You made my day.

Project Three Hundred Sixty Five

2011-10-06T11:05:00.000-07:00

Another week has come and gone...with some high points and some low points.

the worst tuesday

2011-10-05T10:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning at 4:30 I got a call from Chris. He had been in an accident in our car on his way to work. It was raining and he was driving too fast for road conditions and at a sharp turn in the road the car went straight instead of turning. Fortunately he is okay...stiff and sore and bruised, but he is okay.

The car on the other hand, is a different story.

This is how she looked at the impound lot when we went to get our stuff out. The car's nose was squished in the ditch and the front bumper was pulled completely off when the tow truck it out. We don't know yet if they will fix it or if they will total it. We're still waiting to hear.

The part that bothers me the most is that the air bags did not deploy. I plan on putting a call in to the dealership we bought the car from. I'm pretty upset.

I am thankful that my husband is ok. And a car is just a car. I know things will work out.

Its just been a hard couple of days.

Welcome October

2011-10-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

October means cooler weather, changing leaves, scarfs, pretty sunsets, hot coffee, getting creative in service, circuit assembly weekend, visits with friends and family, photoshoots, decorating, dreaming and cute shoes of course.

October is my favorite month.

October looks good on me.

Jimmy and Marla

2011-09-30T13:20:00.000-07:00

About a year ago our friends Jimmy and Marla were having a yard sale and selling their Ikea desk for $100. I had been desperately searching for a desk for my office and the one they had was perfect. I did not, however, have $100 to spare. I did have $70 though, and for that plus the promise of a photo shoot, I had a new desk!!

And now, a year later, we finally got around to the second half of my payment. Man life gets so busy and time flies by and before you know it, its a year later.

We got together on a early Saturday morning and had so much fun! They were prepared with 4 different outfit changes and smiles full of life and love. These images make me so happy, and I am so glad we made this happen.

Business Cards

2011-09-29T13:18:00.000-07:00

Last week I decided that it was time for me to design and order some business cards for my photography. As soon as I took Bekah's pictures I knew I wanted to use my favorite one that I took of her on the back. I went through Vistaprint and I am very happy with the final product.

A little bit about my business name: my nickname has been Shadylane since I was nine. And its always just felt like me. It stuck, and struck a cord with my heart. The name feels like home; captures what it feels like to be really known. And that is exactly what my photography is about. When I was a senior in high school (7 years ago already!) I did my senior project on starting and running a photography business. This was the name that came to mind first in that moment and its propelled me forward to where I am today. I learned so much through that project back in high school and from my mentor during that time. I love that I have been able to turn my dream into a reality.

And these business cards are just the next step in the journey. I am so excited!

Project Three Hundred Sixty Five

2011-09-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here we are at week 14 of our 5th year of marriage.

This week consisted of new shoes, decorating projects, flu shots, season premiers, family pictures, new hair and fresh pedicures.

Life is busy. Life is full. Life is good.

See the full album HERE.

The Hair Diaries: Ombre

2011-09-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share another installment of "The Hair Diaries" today. One of my favorite hair trends lately is Ombre which comes from a French word meaning "shaded." Its been popping up all over the place in hair, make-up and design, and I have found myself drawn to it for awhile now.

Here is my hair inspiration for this look that I pinned and saved:

source // source

I love the tone of Drew's hair, but mine ended up a little more the tone of Laura's hair because of going from the red color. My cousin Hannah (my lovely stylist) and I had to do a few tries before my hair stopped looking crazy orange. Haha! But I did get to go to her salon after hours for the first time, and that was so much fun. She did my toe nails while we waited and talked about our plans for the future and threw around some business ideas.

And here is the final product:

I just love how it turned out. And my hair always a little healthier after I get it processed. That kinda sounds backwards, but I can even see a difference in these pictures.

So, do you like the ombre trend? Would you / have you tried it? I'm diggin it!

Bekah // Class of twenty-twelve

2011-09-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

Chris and I have known Bekah and her family for a couple of years now through Masquers Theater and being in plays together. At the beginning of the summer I got a Facebook message from her mum Stacy asking me if I would be interested in shooting Bekah's senior portraits. I was so excited! We made a plan for when we could get together and on a sunny afternoon earlier this month I met up with them and Bekah worked it!!

Here are some of my favorite images.

Click through HERE to see the complete album on Facebook. This girl is just a beautiful person, inside and out. It was a pleasure and honor to capture these images of her at this moment in her life.

This is something that I love... shooting high school seniors. I love the one-on-one interaction and the ability it gives me to make my subject feel beautiful. I hope to really focus my photography more in this direction. It feels like what I'm meant to do.

Are you a senior looking for someone to shoot your portraits?? Or a mother on the hunt for someone to take picture of your high school senior this year? I would LOVE to be that person for you and your family. You can find out more about my sessions HERE.

making mistakes

2011-09-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

*source*

I saw this today and it just hit me sideways. I had an interesting weekend....huge 28 person (holy cow!!!) family photoshoot and once it was over I just felt like such a complete failure. I felt like all I did was make mistakes. I felt so full of doubt.

But after a good heartfelt talk with my husband about my goals and dreams for my photography, and then seeing this quote, things fell into place.

I am really trying. I am learning. I am growing.

I am taking pictures and that is what I love to do.

Stop Pinning // Start Doing

2011-09-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

Today I want to introduce a fun new feature I am starting here on my blog called "Stop Pinning // Start Doing." The idea behind it is this: many of us are addicted to Pinterest and find so much inspiration there and awesome ideas, but many times those awesome ideas sit on our boards and nothing gets done with them. I want to take Pinterest to the next step: DOING!!

And so begins:

One of the first boards I created when I first joined Pinterest was called: "Home" and I have since then filled it with pictures of things I would love to see or use or have in our new home. Things like furniture, and kitchen cupboard organization guides, and how I wanted my home office to function. And as expected a pattern started to form...colors schemes emerged and project ideas repeated themselves.

One project in particular was this: horizontal stripes painted on the walls. I found myself pinning pictures of walls with stripes over and over again.

source // source // source

I've had a plan for a color scheme for my office (based off of this shower curtain) for awhile now, and knew grey would be a prominent color within the space. So I matched that idea with the stripe project from Pinterest and a plan emerged: grey horizontal stripes on two walls in my office!!!

One of the stripe images I pinned was from the ever talented Elise Blaha. She had done horizontal stripes on her textured walls and gave some terrific hints and tips on her blog post all about it HERE. Luckily the builders had left a big 5 gallon bucket of the white paint used throughout our house, so we used that. The measuring was the hardest part...and getting the lines level. But Chris was a trouper and we worked well together measuring, taping off, and painting the stripes in. After we pulled the tape on the first stripe I was soooo excited!! It turned out just how I imagined.

After a bit of touch-up the next day I took pictures of the finished walls. As you can see we took Elise's tip to make sure the top and bottom stripe were white so we didn't have too much cutting in work to do. You can see a little of my dark purple wall in the first picture too. :) The colors are really great together!

So that is my first completed and shared SPSD project and I am so excited to do more!!

Have you created something based off an idea you got from Pinterest? Or are you planning one?? Feel free to play along and add this badge I've created to your blog and blog post! Let's start a movement!! ;)

download here

And please leave a comment if you create something too and link me up! I am so excited to take Pinterest to the next level and start using and creating and doing the things I pin.

font source: Kal Barteski

Project Three Hundred Sixty Five

2011-09-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

I have uploaded, edited and put together this month's 365 pictures and thought I would play catch up and share them all today so I'll be back on track. :) There are lots of images of people this month so far. We've done a lot of visiting and I've had a few photo shoots and lots of editing hours. So this will also be a little sneak of that too. Enjoy!

And as always, if you're looking for a more detailed description of each image you can view the Facebook album HERE. Its been a full month so far! :)

September

2011-09-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

September has always been one of my favorite months... However here in the middle of Washington State it feels more like the middle of summer then the beginning of autumn, with temperatures around 97 degrees! Whoa! And the month has just flown by so fast (as perhaps you can tell by my "welcome september" post on the 21th. lol.).

I've done two photoshoots this month so far, one high school senior shoot and one couple's shoot. I will share my favorites from those soon. I feel like I'm really finding my voice in my editing style lately and these shoots are really dear to my heart for that reason.

September has also been about music! Chris has been asked to play bass in a local band and so we bought him a bass guitar and amp and he's been practicing every day. It make my heart smile to see him able to create musically again and play. Right now he's working on learning the band's already established songs and writing the bass parts for them. They seem to jell really well together and the creative process has been fun for him. I'm excited to wear my "I'm with the band" t-shirt again sometime soon. ;)

Chris and I are still hard at work with our 365. I'm about 3 weeks behind in posting them online, but we're still taking them. I'll probably do a catch-up post for that sometime soon. We're still enjoying the process.

So that's what my September has been so far. I just wanted to pop in and wave hello to those who still visit my little section of the world wide web. What have you been up to?

Project Three Hundred and Sixty Five

2011-08-31T11:40:00.000-07:00

Wow, this week went by so fast!! I didn't even get a chance to blog anything else this week, but we did remember to take a picture every day. :D There are some fun ones this week. Take a peek at the complete album on facebook for a description of each day HERE.

Thanks for stopping by! Say hi if you have a minute. I'd love to hear what your week was full of. :)

Project Three Hundred and Sixty Five

2011-08-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Here is another group of "day in the life of Chris and Shaina" pictures.

This was a rough week at work and with Chris being so sick, but I had a lovely visit with my mum. I feel like time is just spinning so fast lately. The end of August is fast approaching and then the summer will be over. Although the weather has only now decided it wants to be summer... 104 degree heat! CRAZY! I'm looking forward to fall, I really am. Hopefully time will slow down just a little and we'll be able to enjoy it. :)

a weekend with my mum

2011-08-22T13:28:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend my mum came to visit. She came on Friday night and stayed through Sunday afternoon and it was the first time she'd stayed overnight with us in our new house. I just enjoy having her around. Chris has been super sick since we got home from vacation, so he spent his days off sleeping and hoping to feel better. So it was mostly just me and my mum. It is selfish of me to say I was happy for that? :)

On Friday night she got here just as I was off work and we went to Moses Lake and went out for dinner. And we talked!! Don't get me wrong, we talk almost every day on the phone, but we hadn't visited like that in a long time. It felt so good. My food all got cold before I could eat because I couldn't stop talking. It was so good to spend time just the two of us.

Here are some of the other things we enjoyed during our weekend together.

We had good talks, shared some tears (the good kind) and made some memories just the two of us. I am so glad she was able to come visit. This weekend will always be a special memory of mine.

things I learned

2011-08-18T12:40:00.000-07:00

Today I turned 25...and in following tradition, I created my list of things I learned during the previous year. (to see my list from the last two years click HERE) Its a project that always makes me feel a little nostalgic, glad for the life I have, and grateful for the fact that I record so much of it here on my blog. And so, here is my list for this year.

I am as strong as I remember.
Surprises make the best memories.
"You might not like where you are, but like where you're headed." -J*
Creativity helps me make sense of life.
Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
It is possible to overcome a great feeling of loss.
There is nothing like falling more in love with the one who already holds your heart.
I must never forget to make time for writing.
There is a reason why the square peg doesn't fit in the round hole.
My story is worth being told, through whatever medium my heart decides.
The first step in reaching goals is setting them.
It really never hurts to ask.
It is important to savor the feeling of a completely project.
Half-aversaries should be celebrated too!
Be open to the possibility of new beginnings.
Indulge in little things that make you happy...like sunflower seeds.
The relief and responsibility that comes with being a homeowner.
When you trust in God, give him control, and do what he asks he really does provide "all other things."
I am passionate about design.
Dry shampoo is magical, and so are purple streaks.
I am a scanner...and its okay to not pick only one thing to do with my lfie.
HULU is a wonderful invention.
We really hsould go on vacation more than once every 4 years.
Behind the camera will always be one of my favorite places.

Project Three Hundred and Sixty Five

2011-08-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have two weeks of pictures to share today. I love the little glimpse into our trip that these pictures give. Little memories captured and treasured. I am so loving how this project is coming along...

Thanks for taking a peek.
I have decided that for the next month I'm going to try and not take pictures of food! LOL. We're two months in and there are sooo many pictures of food.

I have found a couple of "30-days of photography" lists on Pintrest that I'm hoping we can get some new ideas from for our project. Now that we're back from vacation our days feel all the same again. :P

invitations and a little peek

2011-08-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

We are back from vacation and while I'm wading through editing pictures from the wedding and our visit to New England, I thought I'd do a little peek here on my blog. I did a morning after brunch slide-show and these are three of my favorite images I shared with the small group of friends and family that the bride and groom had invited.

It was a beautiful day full of love, friendship and gorgeous weather... literally the nicest day Halifax had seen all summer. This group was a blast to get to know and hang out with while taking pictures and in the days just before the wedding. Chris and I were completely welcomed and we felt like part of the gang in no time.

Since the wedding is now over, I would also like to share today the invitations that I designed for this wedding. They're quite non-traditional, but I think they match Katie and Cody perfectly.

These are the first invitations I've designed for someone else and the process was so enjoyable. I based the color scheme off of one of my sunset pictures and pulled grey, purple and yellow out and sent my ideas to Katie. It worked out perfectly because she was already planning on wearing a grey wedding dress (AMAZING!) and she ended up doing the bride's maid dresses in the purple color. I think we make a good team, and I'm so proud of what we created together.

And let me tell you, it was a little surreal going into people's houses in Halifax and seeing these up on their refrigerators. :)

I'll share much more about the wedding once Katie and Cody have seen all the images. And look for a post all about our vacation sometime this week. We had such an amazing time. :)

sunday

2011-08-14T10:11:00.000-07:00

saturday

2011-08-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

friday

2011-08-12T10:11:00.000-07:00

thursday

2011-08-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

wednesday

2011-08-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

tuesday

2011-08-09T10:11:00.000-07:00

monday

2011-08-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Project Three Hundred and Sixty Five

2011-08-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

Its been a glorious week full of hot summer days, good food, new friends (one named Ichabod), pretty flowers and great deals!! (See on my receipt: I saved $72.50! dude).

We are leaving this evening for our vacation!! First we'll be flying to Halifax Nova Scotia in Canada for my friend Katie's wedding. I'm taking the pictures on her special day and I'm so looking forward to it. After the wedding then we're heading down to the Boston area for the next week. Husband is from there, so he's going to show me around and introduce me to all his friends.

While we're gone I've got some pretty posts planned with pictures from my mother-in-law's garden and a quote for each day. It will be a fun way to pass the time. And then when we get back I'm sure to have lots of pictures and stories to share.

Be back soon!

learning to do my hair

2011-08-02T11:10:00.000-07:00

Last night I had a revelation!! After getting my roots touched up (yet again! my hair grows so crazy fast!) I asked Hannah if she would help me figure out how to curl my own hair.

Yes, you read correctly. I didn't know how to curl my own hair.
I could never make my hands do what my brain knew they should do.

But Hannah showed me and let me practice the hand motion on her cool iron until I got it down. Then I went and bought a new curling iron (cuz the ones I had were pink and came in a 3-pack when I was 12) and tried it this morning.

I was so excited with how they turned out I just had to take pictures and include this in my Hair Diaries. I know it might seem a little anticlimactic, but I promise...its a big deal for me! lol.

Yay for happy hair.

So I think I'm getting ready to change my hair again. I've had the red and purple since May and its been my favorite that I've had in a long time. But I think its time soon...

Do you have any ideas or suggestions for what I should try next? Send me pictures or links. I'd love to go exploring and find something new.

on moses lake

2011-07-31T12:32:00.000-07:00

On Saturday evening Chris and I joined our friends Lindsey and Phillip for the Moses Lake Bluegrass Festival. We sprawled out on the grass in front of the open air amphitheater and enjoyed a fiddle or two, the bango (my favorite) and a young girl with a voice like Alison Krauss.

It was a perfect summer afternoon...

Its not really our style of music all the time, but it was enjoyable for an afternoon of live music. Grant County (here in Washington state) is amazing for hosting all sorts of free concerts and events during the summer. I'm glad we took the opportunity and made a summer memory with friends.

What did you do this weekend?

rolling in the deep

2011-07-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Here is a little confession for you: I am a huge Adele fan. And her newest album just blows me away. Her first single off the new album is "Rolling in the Deep." Amazing beat and catchy melody. Its a favorite "driving in the car with the windows down" song for sure!

But lately I have stumbled across some amazing covers of her song, and I wanted to share a couple today.

This is an a capella cover where the singer does all the sounds for the whole song using just his voice. AMAZING!!

This is the super cute and super talented Maddi Jane. Love this video!

And here is Linkin Park doing the cover live. My favorite part is when the audience sings along. Chills!

This is the ever fabulous John Legend. I love the tone of his voice.

And to finish up, the amazing Adele herself. This is the very first video I saw of her doing anything from her newest album and its still a favorite. On a windy rooftop, with just a lapel mic and just a guitar for accompaniment. She blows me away!

Do you love Adele? What is your favorite song??

Project Three Hundred and Sixty Five

2011-07-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

Here is this last week in pictures.

I thought I'd do something a little different with today's post and do a day-by-day explanation of what each pictures is from this week, just to mix it up a bit.

Day 29: This is my make-up bag. Its a little dirty, I admit. But it is very clear that I am a fan of Avon.Mark products. My favorite is the On The Dot eye color compact. Shimmery, long-lasting color in a variety of "Shaina-approved" shades. ;) And their foundation is lovely.

Day 30: We have been waiting for the new Fair To Midland album to come out. Chris got tipped at work for picking up extras so he went to Hastings after work and picked it up. We listened to it all the way through 3 times the day we got it. We like to call the music style: folk metal. Its hard musically, but lyrically its so whimsical and full of great storytelling. LOVE IT!

Day 31: Chris and I started to paint my office. I have been planning the concept for my office space for awhile (see this post from a year ago!). I got the shower curtain and its been cut and turned into curtain panels, and I color matched them to buy this paint. 2 walls are this purple color, and the other two we're doing grey...hopefully stripes!

Day 32: The finished blog design I created. See full details HERE.

Day 33: Sunday after the meeting we went in service with the Russian group in our congregation. They were working on their convention invitation campaign and taught us a presentation in Russian. This was Chris' first door doing his Russian presentation. We had fun!

Day 34: I woke up at 6am to a thunder and lightning storm that turned into a downpour by the time I got to work that day. It was hard to get a good picture from work, but there was sooo much rain!

Day 35: This is the set-up at our Kingdom Hall where I do ASL interpreting. We have our TV, DVD player and hats!! :)

a new design

2011-07-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share my newest blog design with you. I had so much fun working on this one. The lovely Felecia (who I know from Scrapbooking from the Inside Out) gave her friend MaryC my email and we got right to work creating an online space that would feel like home for Mary. She answered the questions in my little questionnaire so I could get a feel for her design style and what she was looking for. And this is what I designed just for her.

Mary was looking for something rich in color, that felt a little distressed but homey. She wanted a place she would feel comfortable spilling her guts. She sent along a file of her actual signature which I had fun incorporating. And since I couldn't find any social networking icons that match the feel I was going for, I created some myself. I think they are my favorite part!

Click through to see her full blog and read her two-part story explaining the thought process behind her brand new blog. A Full Life with an Empty Nest.

Thanks so much Mary for choosing me for your blog design needs.

For more info on my blog design work click HERE. I'd love to create a space just for you too!

another installment in The Hair Diaries

2011-07-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

My hair is getting soooo long! And I have made a deal with Chris that I won't cut it this year (aside from the necessary trim). So in an effort to, well keep entertained I guess (lol), I've been searching online for some fun hair tutorials to try.

Elsie of A Beautiful Mess had one recently called: "How to Style a Messy Bun." It looks super cute and easy enough, so yesterday I decided to give it a try.

I probably would make it "messier" next time, but I love how the purple peeks out at all the right places.
I also recently purchased a copy of the Twist&Pin ebook from Hair Romance, which is full of tutorials for some of the cutest and unique hair styles I've seen in awhile. So as I try them I'll probably photograph and share the results.

What tutorials have you tried lately??

things I love thursday

2011-07-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

I haven't done one of these features on my blog since April! I think its about time. :)

To begin, here is a collage of my favorite images from the web lately. I find myself being drawn to rich and vibrant colors lately...

1. Botanicals VII, 2. Not available, 3. Not available, 4. Not available, 5. Not available, 6. yesterday's anthro loot (the "not available" links can be found in my "beauty" Pintrest board!)

And now some of my favorite links and things from around the web:

ONE

A new book called "I Am Her" full of words like these:

TWO

Amy Seeley's new song "Highlights of Owls" available in this free download!
<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://amyseeley.bandcamp.com/track/highlights-of-owls"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Highlights of Owls by Amy Seeley&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>

THREE

I totally enjoyed this post by photographer Tara Whitney where she shared her images from her shoot with the lovable Amy Tangerine. I adore the feel of the images and the story they tell about this woman without any words. Tara has a talent for that...

FOUR

Future Me. Write yourself a letter to be delivered on a future date. I think this is such a fabulous concept. My senior year of high school we did this in English class and our teacher mailed us the letters we wrote the next summer, a year after we graduated. It was so neat to read what was important to me then, and how my life and gone on the path I wanted and how it had differed. And this electronic method seems easy and unique. I'm gonna give it a try. :)

FIVE

The ever wonderful Kyla Roma shared Marie Forleo on her blog a few days ago and I have since been spending spare time watching all of her videos. She has a great personality that shines through in her words and videos, and the wisdom she shares is just what I need right now in my life. Here is my favorite video so far:

She's fabulous. :)

So, there is my {things I love} Thursday for you this week. What have you found lately?? I'd love to see your links and/or thoughts in the comments. And hopefully I'll make this at least a monthly feature again here on the blog. Its fun, and its a great way for me to keep track of things that inspire me.

Project Three Hundred and Sixty Five

2011-07-20T11:02:00.000-07:00

This is week 4 of our 5th year of marriage in pictures.

I am loving this project...even if only for the perspective. For example: the beginnings of the house next to us in the first picture. The house only needs a roof and basic construction is finished. The street we live on looks so different now then it did when we first moved in. Its interesting to look back on pictures and think of how some things change, and how others stay the same.

We bought some amazing olive oil for when my parents came to visit over the weekend and ever since we've been dipping bread in the oil and some vinegar for a snack. Yummy! It was so nice to have my parents here for dinner and a visit. I wish we lived closer to them and could see them more often.

This week was also my best friend Kelly's 5 year anniversary, so the second picture was from when we were buying them an anniversary card. I can't believe how fast the time goes by.... Seems like just yesterday I was sitting beside her on her wedding day.

Aside from still feeling sick a little bit, it was a good week. The sun has been out and its been feeling like summer. Enjoying sandals, painted toe-nails and the sun up till almost 9. :)

something I miss

2011-07-19T17:13:00.000-07:00

Today I saw this video on Ali Edward's blog that made me miss scrapbooking soooo bad! Most of my supplies are still all packed in boxes in our garage because I want to paint my office before I unpack. So I literally haven't created a page since November 2010!

The thought behind this video moved me: Make Everyday a Scrapbooking Adventure. The lovely Shimelle Laine is the voice behind and the creator of it. She inspires me. I want to get back to living my life this way. I miss sitting down to "glue bits of paper to other bits of paper, hoping to do so in an aesthetically pleasing way." I want to scrapbook again!

Here is the video. Watch and enjoy.

There are two things that she said that really struck me... so much that I wrote them down and want to add them here.

"Make a conscious decision to look at everything, even the most mundane events as something that has meaning...to give whimsy to things that can be plain and to mix this up just enough so that the day never becomes entirely routine."

"Scrapbooking with intent can make you creatively free while helping you strive for your best personal experience in life."

Yes! And Yes!!!

So, with hopes of getting back to this part of who I am, I am going to paint and unpack my office and then create. And then share on my blog. My blog has been missing pretty paper, don't you think? ;)

Project Three Hundred and Sixty Five

2011-07-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here are days 15-21 in pictures.

Included in this week was our 2011 District Convention which focused on the theme "Let God's Kingdom Come." It was a long weekend with lots of driving back and forth, but the encouragement was just invigorating. Chris and I have enjoyed talking about what we learned and how we're going to implement things into our life. I thoroughly enjoyed the dramas...Saturday was my favorite.

Once we got home, though, we both got super sick. Like either in bed or by the toilet sick. Its been a long time since I was that sick, and I missed service and work. But in the meantime I have another blog design job in the works which is keeping me busy.

So that's been my last week. And we've managed to take a picture every day. :)

sharing with you

2011-07-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

Today I felt like it was time for a new desktop background. I searched through my "words" pinboard to find a quote I really loved and added it to one of my favorite pictures from my red-hair shoot. And this is what I created.

I thought maybe you'd like to download and use it on your own computer, so I'm sharing. :) Click HERE for all the size downloads.

Let me know what you think!

Project Three Hundred and Sixty Five

2011-07-06T14:48:00.000-07:00

Here is week 2 in pictures!

Things that make me smile right now:

So You Think You Can Dance
planning for the convention this weekend
catching up on news at the "salon" with Hannah and Lyndsey
sunflower seeds
conversations in service

How was your week??

See details about the pictures here: http://goo.gl/dBpjD

red hair

2011-07-05T23:50:00.000-07:00

Once again it was time to visit "Hannah's Home Salon" for touch ups on my hair. And since I so completely LOVED how it turned out last time, we decided to just do the same thing again. Red and purple hair, baby bangs and fun layers. And I got my eyebrows waxed for the first time ever. :) This makes me so happy!

Its BLOG HOP time!!

2011-07-05T00:05:00.000-07:00

It is the 3rd Anniversary for Scrapbooking from the Inside Out and in honor of that they're having a Blog Hop. Being on the design team for SFTIO was a highlight of my 2010 and I'm so excited that they've included me in the hop today!

Now if you've arrived at my blog and are just now hearing of today's HOP, please jump back to Melissa's blog. That's stop number one! There are some amazing prizes and giveaways available. You do not want to miss out!!

In honor of SFTIO, I wanted to share one of my favorite layouts from my term on the design team. It was from the month of ENLIGHTENMENT.

So maybe you're new to this blog, or Scrapbooking from the Inside Out in general and you're wondering... "what's it all about?" Scrapbooking from the Inside Out is more than just a kit club. Their emotion-based kits encourage a deep self exploration with a theme each month that pushes you to scrapbook about yourself and the things that are important to you. And on the forum you'll find a warm, welcoming community who share daily triumphs and struggles, and scrapbooking challenges that match that month's theme. And even if you don't have a kit, you can participate and scrap right along with us. We'd love to have you!

This month's theme is INDEPENDENCE. Swing by and check out the inspiring layouts and projects created by the current and newly announced Design Team. They'll also each be sharing a layout in the rest of this hop!

So make sure you keep on HOPING! Your next stop is Pamela's blog: HERE.
And keep going till you hit the Scrapbooking from the Inside Out Blog. There will be lots to see along the way! Enjoy!

Masquer's Theater

2011-07-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

For the last few months Chris and I have been hard at work with the most recent play at Masquer's Theater called "The Doctor in Spite of Himself." Its a seventeenth century comedy by Moliere (see details here). Chris played the young man in love with the daughter who fakes loosing her speech so she won't have to marry someone else. And I was stage manager on this performance.

This is the 3rd production Chris and I have been a part of, and its something we really love to do. The Masquer's Theater is an intimate local theater in Soap Lake, and when we're involved in a play it feels like our second home. The Doctor was our favorite so far...we loved the cast and crew and just had fun every performance. The play is full of subtle humor and some laugh-out-loud moments. So that was my other job: to sit in the audience and laugh. :D I love laughing... and even after seeing it so many times, I still genuinely laughed at the jokes.

I also took pictures one of the performances, so I wanted to share them here.

I made Shutterfly books for everyone and they should be here tomorrow or the next day. I am eager to see how they turned out.

the last performance was last Sunday the 26th. We're both a little sad its over, but I am eager for a bit of a break. It has kept us so busy this last month! This winter there will be a production of "The Wizard of Oz!" I think Chris would make a fabulous Cowardly Lion, don't you?? :D

So now you know a little bit more about my life "offline." Hope you enjoyed the pictures.

SHADYlane Photography

2011-06-30T14:21:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of meeting up with Rob and Kirsten again. Last year I shot their family pictures, but this time it was just the three of us. They recently got engaged and wanted pictures to commemorate this time in their life. We picked a crazy weekend in Spokane (it was Hoop-fest) and all the roads downtown were blocked off and we couldn't get to where we wanted to, but we made it work. Here are some of my favorites.

It was so good to get behind the camera again. My days have been so full lately, and I've been missing a bit of "creative time" and this was just what I needed.
Thanks Rob and Kirsten, for thinking of me for your photography needs and for being repeat customers. :) gotta love that!

Project 365: Day 1-7

2011-06-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

Starting the day of our anniversary Chris and I embarked on a project 365: a picture for every day of our 5th year of marriage. I think these images and the book we create in the end will be a treasure. A day by day account of this year together. I'm super excited about it, and we've been having fun so far working together on it. Here is our first week of images...

And here is a link to our Facebook album: http://goo.gl/dBpjD
On each day we've written a little explanation about each picture, so pop in there for more details. :)
Im excited to keep sharing the pictures that result from this project. Hopefully every wednesday...that's my plan.

P.S. Can you believe its almost JULY!??

our anniversary celebration

2011-06-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was perfect....

Chris bought me an orchid that I can keep and work. I think its so beautiful!
And we spent the whole day sending "Happy Anniversary" texts to each other. We're a little over-the-top cheesy like that. LOL.

Then when I got home from work he had my gift waiting for me... He couldn't find the the right anniversary card, so he painted me three canvases to create a card of sorts. It just touched my heart...

Then we got dressed up and ready for our dinner reservation. I wore my new favorite dress from Ruche and Chris wore his purple shirt to match my hair. :P We took some pictures really quick before we left. These are my favorites.

We had dinner at Michael's in Moses Lake and sat for a couple hours slowly eating and talking. It was such a gorgeous night and we watched the sun go down over the lake.

It was the best anniversary. :) I know we've only had 4 but this tops them all.
Thanks for all your kind words and congratulations.
We're so happy being in love....

celebrating

2011-06-22T13:50:00.000-07:00

4 years together.

Today is our wedding anniversary.
4 years ago today we exchanged vows and rings in front of our family and close friends and became Husband and Wife.
4 years ago today I became Shaina Longstreet.
4 years ago today we celebrated and danced and held hands and kissed.
4 years ago today you took me into your arms and welcomed me into your heart forever.
I will never forget that day.

Chris, I love you to life.

the blog post just to say...

2011-06-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

I am currently so busy living life that I haven't had time to blog life.
And honestly, I'm liking my summer this way.

My days have been full of changing sets at the theater, the soft but persistent click of my camera's shutter, lots of walking and talking, Russian and ASL, synchronized breathing and smiling with my whole body. There have been sad days (a funeral attended) and really rough days (my work computer crashing!) and happy days (having awesome experiences out in service) and days full of life. There is deep love, and renewed friendships, overnight guests and a cleaning lady. There is decorating and making our house a home. There are sunflower seeds and throwback Pepsi and Magnum ice cream bars. There are plans and love and life.

And I am happy. So, so happy.
Which feels like something new, or maybe just something relearned...

I am collecting things along the way this summer and I'm thinking of making one of these projects. (love) If I do I'll share it here, maybe during or after, whichever works. And starting on the 22nd, which is our anniversary (4 years!) Chris and I are starting a 365 project to chronicle our 5th year of marriage. I don't have a plan yet for sharing the pictures, so we'll see how that goes too. But we are really excited about it!

So that's where I am.
I just wanted to check in I guess...
Happy Summer!

Get to know me: ABC's

2011-06-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

I saw this on a few blogs I follow and thought I'd take a chance today and play along.

A. Age: 24... turning 25 in August
B. Bed Size: Queen. Our bed is part of a gorgeous set that is a family heirloom from Chris' family. And the mattress is memory foam. *swoon*
C. Chore that you hate: I don't really "hate" things, but I dislike cleaning the bathroom. And now we have 2! lol.
D. Dogs: Chris and I got Spencer (our white boxer puppy) a year ago last month. Unfortunately, with all the things that happened with the old house we were in and the landlord there, we had to give him back. I miss that cute face! Its probably for the best, though, cuz we really are barely home right now. That wouldn't be fair to a dog...
E. Essential start to your day: Calling Chris. He gets up at 3:30 am every weekday for work, so when I wake up a few hours later, the first thing I do is call him. Sometimes we visit for half an hour on the phone, and then I'm running late, but its the best part of my day.
F. Favorite Color: It changes all the time....right now I love purple, grey and yellow (although that's not a secret at all! :P )
G. Gold or Silver: Silver. Gold looks funny with my skin tone.
H. Height: 5'7"
I. Instruments you play: I can play a little piano, but my favorite "instrument" is my voice. I love to sing!
J. Job Title: Hmmm... I guess for the job I get regular income from, I would say I'm a Manager of a Payday Loan and Check Cashing store.
K. Kids: Not so much....
L. Live: We just bought our first home in Ephrata, WA, right in the middle of the state.
M. Mother's Name: Shelley Christina (we share middle names...its 5 generation middle name. pretty special!)
N. Nicknames: Shai, Shadylane,
O. Overnight hospital stays: In 2004 when I was in my car accident I was overnight in the hospital in Penticton BC. It was rough...there was a period of time when my mum was next to me and had to keep reminding me to breathe. I fractured my pelvis in 3 places and had a long time of recovery. I will always have pain from my injuries (and arthritis will get bad) but it could have been so much worse!
P. Pet peeve: Indecision.
Q. Quote from a movie: "Mawwage. Mawwage is what bwings us together today. Wove, twue wove."
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: I am the oldest of 7.
T. Time you wake up: Service days I'm up at 7. Days I work I'm up at 8 usually.
U. Underwear: That's a "secret" ;)
V. Vegetable you hate: I think I like all of them...
W. What makes you run late: Forgetting little things at home and having to go back again.
X. X-Rays you've had: My pelvis...a few times when I had my accident and again when I fell on the ice a couple winters ago.
Y. Yummy food that you make: I am really good at salad! :P
Z. Zoo Animal: Elephants! My favorite. :D

blog designing

2011-06-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

I have had the honor of working on a brand new blog design for the lovely Laura and wanted to share the finished product. She got the amazing news that she will be part of the brand new Design Team for Scrapbooking from the Inside Out starting next month, and felt it was a great time to create an online home that was just right for her.

I was so excited for her, and eager to get started. First we walked through the steps of figuring out exactly what she was wanting from her blog. She wanted a place to share her projects, stories from her life and causes she feels strongly about. She sent me links to her favorite blogs and and told me what she loved about them and we discussed ways to implement features and designs in a unique way just for her. Then I worked creating a mood board with the thoughts I had and elements I'd sourced that I thought she would like. And once we hammered out a few details, like fonts, colors and page specifics, I created and then launched her brand new blog: Progress, Not Perfection.

I love the organic elements with unexpected colors, and the little bio in the sidebar. I sure love how it turned out, and I think Laura likes it too. :)

This was my very first time working in Typepad. I was so fortunate that Laura took a chance on me and let me use her blog a bit as a guinea pig project. I learned a ton about the Typepad dashboard and did a bunch of coding for the design elements. It was an adventure learning something new, and I really appreciate the opportunity that Laura gave me.

Anyone else out there eager for a new design?? I would love to work with you to create an online home just perfect for you. Click HERE for more information. I hope to hear from you soon! And now I do Typepad blogs too!

hello

2011-06-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Hello new month...
Hello very first mortgage payment...
Hello fresh projects...
Hello decorating our home...
Hello sunshine and summer...
Hello 4th wedding anniversary month...
Hello flip flops and shaving my legs...
Hello saving money for our vacation...
Hello happiness...

Hello June.... I've been waiting for you.

meg and siyani are married

2011-05-31T16:24:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend my sister Megan was married to Siyani. It was a beautiful weekend in Summerland BC and the Summerland Waterfront Resort was the perfect location for a party. And what a party it was!! Megan looked gorgeous is her gorgeous in her bright purple wedding dress and custom Converse boots.

I got to capture this face of his watching her walk down the isle toward him. He had no idea she was going to be wearing a purple wedding dress. I was expecting a little more shock in his face when he saw her, but I honestly think it was just so her, that it made him so happy.

the best part was when they were walking back down the isle after the ceremony. Siyani just starts booking it and Meg stops starts laughing and then says: "Leaving me already?" and then ran to catch up to him. It was super cute!

portrait by their photograhper www.momentsunderframe.com

I am so glad that Chris and I were able to be there for their special day. It was a fantastic party and a lovely time to visit with friends and family that we haven't seen in awhile. Once their photographer gets some more images up, hopefully I'll be able to share some of us together.

PASS Premier Tour

2011-05-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

Its Monday afternoon and my phone rings. Its my dear friend, and fellow photographer Marta (of VonGrey Photography) on the line. She has been dealing with a lot of personal trauma lately within her family, so I immediately thought the reason she was calling was bad news. But instead she says:

Marta: Hey have you heard about this new PASS thing at all?
Me: Yeah. I saw a bit about it on Gray Photography's Facebook page.
Marta: So they're doing this tour thing for it...
Me: The one that's in Seattle tomorrow? The one Promise is gonna be at?!!!
Marta: Yup! And guess what? I kind of have tickets for half-price. Would you go with me?

ARE YOU KIDDING?!! Um, yeah... I totally went with her! ;)

There is just something magical that happens in a room full of photographers, and this time in Seattle was no exception. You feel a connection, an understanding and this excitement pulsing through the room. We were all so eager to hear from the chosen speakers for the tour and learn about PASS.

At this point you might be wondering, ok sounds great, but what is PASS anyway? Great question! And to be honest, before going to the PASS Premier Tour I didn't really have an idea either...but let me tell you. If you can go (future tour stops and dates HERE) GO!! In its most basic form, PASS = NO MORE DVD's. This revolutionary software product is changing how photographers and their clients interact with the final images. Its about super easy user-friendly storage 'in-the-cloud', sharing between photographers and their clients and then between clients and all their friends and family. Where before we would spend time creating and shipping a DVD of final images to a client, who would then spend their time trying just to look at, never mind share the images on the DVD, now everything is digital: storing, viewing and sharing.

Super cool, eh? And super easy.

Just learning about and viewing this new program at work would of been enough. But no! The tour is about way more than that. Its about growing, developing and learning to be even better photographers.

An important part of that is what Promise Tangeman was there to share. She pretty much has my dream job. She is a graphic designer who specializes in logo/branding creation and SHOWIT website designs. I have been a fan of hers for awhile and a follower of her blog. She shared so much wisdom on the subject of branding YOU. Its so true (especially for people like me just starting out) that sometimes we try to develop our brand or logo even without first truly knowing who we are. She said that its like creating a cover for a book before we've even written the book. Her presentation detailed 3 steps: focus (know yourself and your target market), style (embrace your personal style as the "visual" for your business) and confidence (go out there and share what makes you different).

Then she unveiled her brand new e-course all about this topic. You can read what she wrote about it HERE in her blog post. Its currently only available to people at the PASS Premier Tour. And yeah. I so got one! I think it will help me for not only my own business, but also for when I'm creating new blog designs for my own customers. So excited about this!! And so excited to get to meet her and talk a bit about design and life and necklaces from 31 Bits. :)

Next up was Zach and Jody, the husband and wife team behind Gray Photography. Marta introduced me to them a few months ago, and I have learned a ton from them in such a short time. Their blog is truly a asset for photographers everywhere. You have to peek at their website just for photographers HERE. And every Tuesday on their blog they do tips and tricks. I learn something new every time!

They are all about creating connections and relationships with our clients. Turing the whole client transaction process into a lasting friendship. They shared their philosophy which centers around 3 C's: Connect, Court and Continue. My favorite quote they shared is from Howard Schultz of Starbucks. He said "We are not in the coffee business serving people, but in the people business serving coffee." And that's what photography is all about too. Yeah, pictures might be an integral part of it...but the people are the most important. So many words of wisdom from this cute couple.

Thank you so much David Jay!! You're an inspiration and as asset to the photography community! I enjoyed this experience and know that when I'm ready to take the next step in my business, your company and your services are exactly what I need.

Here is a video that just encapsulates the mood and everything that is the PASS Premier Tour. Seriously, go if you can! You won't regret it.

Pass Premier Tour from Showit on Vimeo.

Thank you so much Marta for inviting me to come along with you. I had a blast! And I may or may not have eaten a whole plate of olives. (but that will be our little secret, right?!)

the hair diaries: may 2011

2011-05-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Ever since I got my pintrest account one of my favorite boards to fill up is my Beautiful Hair board. And with my sister's wedding coming up next weekend, I had the perfect excuse to try something a little more daring that I'd had in my collection. Here was my inspiration:

color: HERE /cut: HERE

Yes. that is red with purple! So yesterday my cousin and hair stylist Hannah came to visit and brought with her everything needed to make my inspiration come to life. We spent hours cutting, bleaching, coloring and rinsing (oh goodness you should see my tub!). And in this end, I am seriously IN LOVE with my new hair.

Now the reveal: before and after.

I love my baby bangs, the bright red and the vibrant purple. The peek-a-boo purple streaks just shimmer in the sunlight.

It is so much fun to try new things with my hair. Hannah and I always have fun creating and experimenting. I think this one is my favorite for sure!! This is going to be so much fun at Megan's wedding. I can't wait to share with my friends and family.

MaieDae feature

2011-05-21T10:11:00.000-07:00

This month I am so honored to be featured on MaiDae. Savannah, the blogs owner, is so creative, inspirational and just plain sweet. I had so much fun answering the questions she asked for her feature. And guess what else?! You can win a copy of my 52weeks book on her post!

Hop on over to MaiDae and check out the feature post. I shared a lot about myself, why I decided to do my project, and what its meant to me.

Welcome to those of you visiting from MaieDae! So glad to have you, and I hope you'll stop by again. Good luck to everyone who enters the giveaway!! :D

senior portraits

2011-05-19T13:45:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I had the privilege of shooting some senior portraits for the little sister of a couple of my friends. She graduates this year and has only a few days left. "senior-itis" for sure!!
We spent about an hour together near her older sister's apartment and found some fun and unique locations to shoot at. That is so hard to do in a tiny town where everyone's senior portraits have the train tracks and the same locations around town. But we used a hallway, a roof, a hidden staircase and some just blooming flowers for some unique and special shots of Ri.

I so enjoyed getting to know her better, and I hope she loves her portraits. Here are a couple of my favorite ones.

Interested in having me shoot some portraits for you? See more information HERE.

I hope you're all having a wonderful week. I can't seem to make time stop enough to blog about what I've got going on. But that's okay.. its what life is right now. And I'm enjoying it.
Thanks for popping in and commenting when I do post. It means a lot.

the tour begins

2011-05-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

Today is day ten of living in our new house. And slowly but surely we're getting things unpacked and in place. It really is starting to feel like home already. Our living room, dining room and kitchen are unpacked and as we want them, minus paint and decorating, of course. So I wanted to share them with you.

I got the idea for compiling pictures into one composite shot of the room from Kal Barteski. She did it to share her super cute space in this post here and I decided to give it a try. I wish I had a wide angle lens for such purposes, but alas, I only have a 50mm. And that just won't do for interior shots. I used my phone's camera for these shots.

this view of the living room is standing right at the front door. its a big combines living and dining room. very open with vaulted ceilings and recessed lighting, big windows that let in lots of light and a sliding door that leads to the back yard and our patio.

our large kitchen pantry separates the spaces, and man do I love it!! There is soooo much storage in this house! I'm a little in awe of our kitchen. The house came with the dishwasher, stove and microwave/range hood. Chris' parents were so kind and bought us the refrigerator as a housewarming gift. And I have a GARBERATOR!! (that's a garbage disposal for all you Americans! lol).

So there is the first half of my home tour for you. Still to come: the guest room, office, master bedroom with bath and walk-in closet, the other bathroom and the laundry room. We're hoping to get some paint soon to get started with my office and the master bedroom, so I'll probably wait and just share "before&afters" with you once they're complete.

Its been a little slow here on the blog, but life right now is anything but slow! But all good things. I am now regular auxilary pioneering, which takes up my days off work and has been bringing me so much joy. I've got 2 blog design projects in the works, and one more coming up. Chris and I are planning our big vacation in August for my friend Katie's wedding. I just finished her wedding invitations and she LOVES THEM!! Chris is in another play that starts in June and has had a bunch of rehearsals and read-thru's. So fun! and my sister Megan is getting married at the end of this month.

So yeah, crazy busy!
But good busy.

So thank you to all who stop by amidst this crazyness and say Hi. I'm so glad to have this space online to share.

moving day

2011-04-29T15:00:00.000-07:00

today i am thankful for many things. included in that list are:

the keys to our brand new house
house-warming presents. eek!
strong friends with trucks.
the internet alive with congratulations. thank you so much.

we are so exhausted! with the help of 7 of our friends, 4 trucks (one with a trailer) a van and a little Suzuki we got everything loaded, moved and in the new house in 2 1/2 hours and in one trip! that's an accomplishment I'm proud of! and sooo thankful to our friends for.

we treated with pizza and beer. a necessity on a moving day! now you wish you'd come to help too, eh? ;)

and i tried to be a good blogger/scrapbooker and took lots of pictures of the process.

first up, all the boxes and things packed and ready to go at the old house.

and then friends arrived and we got to loading!! we've got 3 couches, 2 bed sets, 4 dressers, a huge desk, dining room table and chairs, 2 big shelf units, tv stand, 2 big living room chairs, a rocking chair, 2 different coffee table sets, washer and dryer, and then all the boxes. but we were ready to go and things moved smoothly once everyone arrived.

we set up the bed in our new master bedroom and fell right to sleep. and then this morning I just layed in bed for awhile a little in awe of all that's happened. Chris and I are homeowners!! I get to create a home with the man I love and share our lives together within these walls.

I am so content.

now comes the fun part: unpacking. time to find new homes for all our things and unpack the boxes I packed back in september. it will be a bit of a treasure hunt I'm sure.

thanks so much for all your comments and congratulations.

and for those who need to change their address books you can now reach us here:

its official

2011-04-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

its official everyone: WE ARE HOMEOWNERS!!!

we got the keys this afternoon. I am beyond excited! We'll be spending our first night there tonight and hopefully be all moved in by tomorrow.

its for real. and its ours!

bliss.

busy week

2011-04-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

this has been such a busy week. this house this is HAPPENING!! we signed papers yesterday (Tuesday) and get the keys to our new house on Thursday. And we have been completely packed and ready for like 2 weeks. I mean literally: 2 forks, 2 spoons and some TP, READY! lol. I have pictures to share from along the way this week, but I'm going to do everything in one big post!

for today though, I wanted to share some clips of singers I just loved from the new show The Voice. Its a cool singing competition with a unique twist... the coaches pick who they want to work with based on voice alone.

here are a couple of my favorites from last night's show.

did you watch it?? who are your favorites??
I'll be back soon with a full "In Search of a Home" post.
Thanks for all your comments and support!

it all makes sense now

2011-04-18T09:48:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was reading through my blogs on Google Reader and stumbled across a post that stopped me in my tracks. With each line I read I kept thing: "Whoa, this is so ME!"

The post can be found HERE. Written by the talented Sarah Wilson, this concept and her take on it made me feel understood. And even helped me understand myself a little better too.

It all makes sense now: I am a scanner.

The author, Barbara Sher, who created the term describes "scanners" as "people who are genetically wired to be fanatically interested in multiple things at once."

This is soooo true for me. I find it debilitating to just pick one thing and say that's what I am. Right? I work at a payday loan store, but that isn't who I am. I love to scrapbook, but I haven't sat down with my papers and pictures in months. That doesn't mean I am or am not a scrapbooker. I take pictures...but I'm not just a photographer.

The world that we live in now puts so much pressure on us to pick something and become an expert. Its always "What do you want to be when you grow up?" "You should be a doctor, or a lawyer, or an architect." "What do you do?" Being surrounded by this type of thinking makes those who don't fit into just one category feel like there is something wrong with us. Having an internal need to diversify within our lives creates doubt, and the pressure to pick just one career path immobilizes us for fear of picking the wrong one.

Um, yeah.... this is me to a T! When I graduated high school I knew all I wanted to do was pioneer. I wanted to volunteer my time teaching people about the Bible. But the key word there is volunteer. So I had to find something to make money to support myself. And in came the local scrapbook store. Something I loved and something I was good at. But when the store closed I had to find something else. Which led to into the banking industry. I worked as a teller and I guess now I still kind of am a teller. I enjoy working with people and with money, but its not a passion of mine. You want to talk about passion? Now here is where we get into my love of photography, poetry, design, writing, learning and art and being a wife. But, whoa! That's too many things to love to do, right?! How can I justify loving all those things?? How can my love of those things even begin to be enough to survive on?

So that is where my idea to take the medical transcriptionist course came from. I went to a seminar and was completely fired up about the idea. But now, two years later, I still haven't finished. The author I spoke of earlier says that “scanners learn fast and need to move their passion onwards. A bee doesn’t hover on a flower if it draws the nectar quickly. Its passion isn’t the flower, it’s gathering nectar.”

I'm not using this new realization to justify the fact that I haven't finished. I know I will finish. But for right now I'm just "gathering my nectar" elsewhere. I cycle through my interests and I will come back to it.

For now I'm reveling in the fact that what I am and how I approach life has a name. And also, I'm not alone. Its a huge relief to feel ok in flitting between dreams and wanting to do it all and sometimes just doing nothing at all.

Hi, I'm Shaina and I'm a Scanner. ♥

Do any of you relate to this?? I'd love to hear your take on the subject!

sponsoring

2011-04-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

ever since i finished and published my 52weeks book (a journey of photography and poetry from 2010) i have been looking for ways to share it with more people. i thought that sponsoring some of my favorite blogs might be just the ticket!

this month im a sponsor over at kara's blog I Just Might Explode. she is an inspiration to me in life and in creativity. she's currently in New York going to art school there. wow! what an experience. on the 15th Kara did a post on her blog called "A Word from our Sponsors" and i love how it turned out and all the answers her sponsor gave.

the collage i created for her feature

hop on over to read my answer to her question: Is there a color combination/pattern/trend that has been inspiring you recently? What is it and why?

and don't forget to check out my book. i'd be honored! :)
hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

hair happiness & a bit about me

2011-04-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

this morning my alarm went off 15 minutes earlier than i needed so i just stayed in bed awhile and read blogs on my phone. i came across this super cute hair tutorial from Katie of Skunkboy Creatures.
she has the prettiest hair (and eyebrows!) but the length of hers is pretty close to mine right now, so i thought i'd give it a try.

i got out of bed, grabbed a couple little elastics and a bobby pins and in to time at all had a fun hairstyle for my day. and i just had to take some pictures to share of course.

now that im all set with a hair style for the day, i thought i'd share just five things about me you might now know:

I picked up my camera yesterday for the first time in a month. dude! i felt like part of me was missing.
I love bellybuttons. like a lot. yeah, i know its kinda weird.
Being Erica is my favorite 'just for fun' show on HULU.
I work wednesday thru saturday and a payday loan and check cashing store. and i work by myself most of the time. i don't think i could go back to a normal job where i have to share a space with other people. i like complete control of the heat/air conditioning!
My husband, Chris and I were born on separate ends of the continent. i was born in northern British Columbia Canada, and he was born in Florida! amazing that we met and fell in love, eh? im sure happy about it.

feel like playing along?? with either the hair style or the list?? link me up! i'd love to see.
have a wonderful friday!!

things i love thursday

2011-04-14T11:01:00.000-07:00

once again its my favorite day of the week! THURSDAY!! my actual real life thrusdays aren't as exciting and full of fun as they used to be a few years ago, but i can make them fun here on my blog by sharing all the stuff im {loving} and am drawn to currently!

ONE
this super cute wedding invitation! everyone got send a DVD with this video on it. genius!! i think its a unique way to share who they are as a couple.

erin + maclean || wedding invite from Hello Tomorrow on Vimeo.

TWO
this new e-course from Rachel Denbow could not have come at a more perfect time!! we should be in our house within the next couple weeks and i can't wait to make it our home! the description of the course sounds so detailed and full of ideas and inspiration. hopefully i'll be able to purchase it soon and make good use of it. :)

THREE
the incredibly detailed and unique custom charcoal portraits from brittany wood of LadyBop. um, yes please!! thinking these would be amazing in our bedroom. who would you have a portrait done of??

FOUR
im swooning over these calligraphy address stamps. they sure would make a lovely housewarming gift! (wink*wink) hehe. but no, seriously...aren't they gorgeous?? i would love this as a font too!

FIVE
the Top 150 Makers blog list. this is a compiled list of design, inspiration and DIY blogs that everyone is reading! i have a bunch of them in my google reader, but im seriously exploring the rest of this list. head on over to see all the lovely blogs. thanks evie s. for creating and sharing this list!! are you on the list?? she's got buttons you can add to your blog to promote it too. :)

happy thursday everyone! lets make it a great day!

the pioneer woman

2011-04-12T10:20:00.000-07:00

one of my favorite places online has always been The Pioneer Woman. the woman behind it all, Ree Drummond, shares recipes, photography (and free actions!!), stories of her life on the ranch with her big family and stays real. one of my favorite reads from her blog was her real life love story which she called "black heels to tractor wheels" and did it in a series of blog posts. it was quirky, it was sweet, it was real and i (obviously) wasn't the only one who loved the story.

she turned her blog posts into a book!

and i have a signed copy!!!

now, i wish i could tell you all the story about how i went to a book signing and got to meet Ree and have my picture taken with her and then you'd all be jealous of me, right?! lol. unfortuantely, that story is not mine to tell. but it does belong to my online friend and fellow SFTIO member, Kai! hop on over and read her story HERE. and yes, i was soooo jealous!

but the cool thing was Kai decided to do a giveaway with the books she got signed. and i was like, "sign me up!!" and i won!! score!

i got my book in the mail just yesterday and im almost finished already. im sure this will be a book i re-read and read again. im glad its in my personal library!

thanks for picking my name from your blog for the giveaway Kai. it made my day!

i love me some jasmine star

2011-04-09T16:03:00.000-07:00

anyone else out there been viewing the creativeLIVE class these last two days with Jasmine Star?

let me tell you, i cannot turn away. i am just totally enthralled. i know i've talked about her before on my blog, but its on my mind so i wanted to write some again.

she is so REAL. and there is something about her that gets me fired up! the course is called Building Your Wedding Photography Business. and this girl has the knowledge! she's been through it, lived it and is succeeding. and what makes her so great is that she wants and needs to share what she's learned through the process. and although im not necessarily a 'wedding photographer' exclusively, i have learned sooooo much about how i want to proceed with my business and how i can.

with the things i've learned in just yesterday and today, along with what i've been learning in my IndieBiz class, i am defining and honing my voice. i am collecting the things that make me me. i am seeing myself as an artist and i want to grow and share even more.

some jasmine quotes i've loved and want to share:

"its not the tool you use, but how you use the tool to be yourself."

"you are becoming a better photographer if you invest in yourself too."

"the best thing you can do for your business is take big risks."

"your style and voice help build your brand."

"get up and get uncomfortable"

"under promise and over deliver!!"

the class is incredible!! and you can purchase it for $79 for a couple more hours today and then it goes up to $99. but let me tell you, its so worth it!! jasmine talks so fast...like sooooo fast! but you know what, when she talks fast it gets my heart rate up and makes me eager to pay attention. i need to listen closer to get everything i can get!

anyone else been watching and want to share their thoughts?? i'd love to hear your thoughts on it!

oh yes....this is happening

2011-04-07T14:05:00.000-07:00

so my blog is beginning to look like my life: all about house!! im thinking maybe you (my readers...are you there still??!!) might be getting a little tired of it. but honestly, i've got nothing else to share! LOL. this is it, my whole life right now.

but seriously, how exciting is this right?? im excited!!

so i started packing back in september...when everything fell through with our other place. i was just done emotionally with the whole thing. but now im packing with a renewed vigor!! chris and i have spent some evenings this last week working on organizing the rest of the stuff in our house and packing up what we won't need for the next couple weeks.

we don't have that much stuff so we're making quick work of it. and i think its going to be interesting to unpack once we move in. to see all that stuff that's been in boxes since september. i obviously don't need it in my life, right?! so maybe this is a good time to purge too. im excited about the unpacking part too!

in other news: our new house is now GRIME!! :P

ohhhh!!! we just LOVE IT!! this is exactly what we wanted!

on monday of next week we have New Homeowner Orientation with the builder. im assuming we'll learn things like: what does this switch do? where is this? how does that work? im really looking forward it! this is so happening!

can you tell i'm excited!?

so i was wondering, do any of you have some tips for me?? home-owner tips?? i'd so appreciate it!

april: im giving up

2011-04-02T12:30:00.000-07:00

yup, you've guess it! my favorite go-to drink. sometimes i like it from a fountain (at McDonalds usually), sometimes i just crave it in a bottle, and other times i drink it from a can. i usually want some sort of fruit flavor added. my favorite is lime (which is where this picture comes from).

but for the month of april im giving it up! and hopefully after a month without it i wont crave it like i do now. it will probably be rough, and chris will probably have to deal with me whine about it a bit, but it only takes 21 days to make (or in this case break or change) a habit. i think this will do wonders for me.

kara was the one who got me started this month. anyone else care to join us??

one step closer

2011-04-01T22:30:00.000-07:00

today i got news back from our mortgage guy that we have preliminary underwriter approval with just a few loose ends to tie up!! that means that this thing is HAPPENING!! and way faster than initially anticipated. when we made our offer last friday we put the estimated closing date out 45 days to May 10th. but now its looking like we'll move this month!

so chris and i decided to go out for dinner to celebrate. right now we're saving for closing costs and our vacation in august, so we only go out for dinner one time a month. so we blew it on the 1st but it was worth it! we're so excited!!

i had steak, loaded mashed potatoes, green beans and asparagus and shrimp and scallops. amazing! chris had a Texas burger with burger patty, pulled pork, coleslaw and crispy onions. and then we shared our favorite desert at Michaels. yum!

so now we move on to the next stage, which will be all of our day tomorrow: PACKING!!
anyone for a packing party?? ;)

welcome april

2011-04-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

march was such a lovely month for me, but i am very eager to welcome april. it will be a month full of packing boxes, weeding the yard that will no longer be ours, time in service, spending more time within the deaf community in my area, remembering the important things, spending less money, saving more money, planning our cross-country vacation, taking pictures, promoting my book, dreaming, loving and living.

its going to be a good month.

things i love thursday

2011-03-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

i could totally cheat right now and just say: go look at my pintrest boards! lol. those are mostly images i love right now. but i also have found some great posts recently that i want to share too!

this is an interesting left brain vs. right brain post. apparently im very right brain!

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS

uses feeling
“big picture” oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can “get it” (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking

"How to steal like an Artist (and 9 other things nobody told me)
this entire blog post made me think this morning. so much of it spoke to me. including this:

some new fonts i am just IN LOVE WITH!! (i am a bit of a font hoarder. do you love fonts too? share some of your favorites in the comments.)

HT Motel

Candy, Inc

Verner

i have a thing for cursive connecting fonts right now. must be all the invitation work im doing. makes me smile!

i just loved this recent post by Ali Edwards all about decorating with pictures. and that reminded me of my favorite post about this from Tara Whitney. i hope to do a ton of this once we move into our house. first things first of course: we must put up window coverings! one downside to buying a brand new house! lol.

so, what are you {loving} today?? share what makes you happy! or i could just follow you on pintrest! ;)

accepted

2011-03-30T20:51:00.000-07:00

our offer was ACCEPTED!!!
we did our earnest money deposit. the mortgage company is verifying our employment. the title has been ordered and we have signed SO MANY PAPERS! lol.

and then we got to pick the paint color for the outside of the house. we knew we wanted something in the green family. and something dark with white trim.

and this is the color we picked after literally 4 minutes of discussion. our real estate lady was shocked and how little time it took us. we were like: "this one or this one?" "i think this one" "that's my favorite too" "okay, perfect." "this is the color we want!"

its called "grime" which cracks us up...but i think its going to look so great with white trim and will really stand out in our new neighborhood.

we are sooooo excited!! its finally happening!! we're going to be homeowners. :)

staying in

2011-03-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

today is my first day "off" all month and im doing my best to enjoy it.
i have spent the month pioneering and it had brought me so much joy (that means that this month i volunteered 50 hours of my time teaching people about the bible). but i got sick last sunday and i just feel worn out! so this morning im staying home.

and spending my time sourcing photo inspiration for my dear friend katie's wedding in august. so i thought i'd share some of the beauty i've found. i cannot wait to be behind the camera on her special day.

source

source source

source

for more that i just love check out my "tie the knot" pinboard over at pintrest. man, that place is helpful!! (okay, and addictive!)

i am so honored and excited to be creating the invitations for her wedding and doing the photography on the day of. she's also planning to have special pictures taken of herself, kelly and me with our husbands. i am so looking forward to this trip.

we made an offer

2011-03-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

im sooo excited to share this update of our "in search of a home" journey!!

the last time i shared we had gone to a few open houses and were having chris' parents come take a look at all the options we had going to give us their wise and experienced opinion. so after that visit, and after a few nights in bed talking things through chris and i have decided to move forward.

last night we made an offer on a house! its one of the brand new homes built in the development. its got 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2 car garage and has a stove/range and dishwasher. its a floorplan i can learn to love (yes, there is a hallway! lol) but the master bedroom can fit our bedroom set and has a huge closet.

we signed the papers last night and sent our offer in to the builder. we should hear back monday or tuesday!

so, if everything goes as planned this will be OUR HOUSE!! they just laid the sod and finished the front drive, so its totally move-in ready. if our offer is accepted and things with the loan underwriter goes as scheduled we should be able to move in early may!!

i'll keep you posted!!

inspired

2011-03-24T14:09:00.001-07:00

lately i have found myself completely inspired by videos. videos of all shapes and colors. some visually inspiring, some with inspiring words, others with perfect music.

the ever talented jasmine*

the making of the threadsence lookbook. swoon!

so cute and so very true!

this 3 1/2 year old boy doing the bible reading from the book of Esther. this made me tear up. reminded me of my younger brother micah.

ok, so apparently you have to be a friend of mine on facebook so see this, but its too cute to remove. add me to take a peek!! :)

what's inspiring you lately??

the book

2011-03-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

it is with great excitement (and a little bit of nervousness) that i announce my 52weeks book is finished and AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE*!!

for those of you new to the blog, let me explain a little about this. for all of the year 2010 i took a self-portrait and wrote a poem each week. along the way i shared each picture and poem on my 52weeks blog. my goal was to eventually turn it into a book to share with everyone, and i have accomplished my goal!!

would you like to see a sneak peek??

52weeks by Shaina Longstreet | Make Your Own Book

"We must create what we most need to find." -sabrina ward harrison

What I most needed to find this year was me. And that is what prompted this journey of self-discovery through poetry and portraiture. I turned the camera on myself in hopes of discovering my true nature, the things that made my heart sing and how I coped with what life threw my way. In between all those things I found beauty, honesty, and truth. I found my voice.

In the end, looking back, this is the greatest gift I could ever give. And not just to myself, but to all who take a moment to read and look and peer into this book. It is a gift to my husband. A gift to my mother. A gift to my friends; the ones who really know me and the ones I've just made. A gift to those I've formed a bond with in the wonderful online creative world. A gift to those who love poetry. A gift to those who enjoy portraits. A gift to those who need some inspiration, or just the knowledge that someone out there feels the same way they do. A gift to those starting out on their own.

My book is now available for purchase. This is my heart on paper. I hope you find a little of yourself among the pages. May it be a little part of your own journey.

*sorry, i didn't mean to yell at you (caps lock). im just so darn excited!!

oh friday

2011-03-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

today "oh friday" is brought to you by the color yellow!
oh yes...spring has arrived!!

1. fresh daffodils my friend channa bought me while she was here this week. its a lovely way to brighten up my desk at work.

2. seeing the 2 seagulls on top of the McDonald's M. i've noticed them every spring, and finally stopped to take a picture. they make me smile.

3. my new dry shampoo. its pretty much a life saver. and even though its from suave and only cost me $3 it works so great. smells amazing and really does what it says. i can go 3 days without washing my hair and don't look like a grease monkey! lol. and this makes trying new hair styles so much easier cuz most of them work best on at least day-old hair.

yellow is making me happy today.
what is true and beautiful about your life right now??

words

2011-03-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

there have been some great words and inspiring quotes floating around pintrest lately. i just wanted to share a few of my favorites. see all of the ones i've collected on my "words" board HERE.

*source*

source*

what are some of your favorite quotes??

open house day

2011-03-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

yesterday was open house day. chris and i went and looked at three houses. 2 in ephrata and 1 in soap lake. it was an interesting afternoon. we haven't really looked at homes that were currently occupied, so it was different being inside a place where people were still living. here are the houses we saw:

HOUSE #1: this is a 4 bedroom 2 bath house with tons of square footage. its got a large living room and an even bigger family room in the addition on the back. the master bedroom and bath are huge. that was my favorite part. there is also a fenced back yard and shop.

HOUSE #2: this is a 3 bedroom 1.5 bath house and after seeing the first place, this house is tiny! i don't think our bed could even fit in one of the rooms, to be honest. it had wood panneling in the dining room and the washer and dryer were in the kitchen. it had a partially fenced back yard and the sellers were putting a new roof on before purchase.

HOUSE #3: this place did not have anyone in it currently, so i felt a bit more comfortable looking around. this house does not have any legal bedrooms (which we found while looking at it). this house is a three level dwelling with 2 bathrooms and the most unique attic space i've seen personally. it has tons of potential. a large fenced back yard with a huge shop. an enclosed sun room, and all new electrical. it will need a second means of egress created in the basement before it could be livable.

so that was our afternoon. house #2 is already out. was pretty much out from the moment we stepped in the front door! but we think #1 and #3 might have some possibilites. chris' parents are going to come up from wenatchee tomorrow afternoon and take a look at them with us, along with seeing the new build homes first hand. hopefully they're experience and expertise will help us make a decision. we value their opinion so much.

onward and upward!! thanks for coming along with us on this journey!!