Summer of Love

There is something so special, so magical about summertime. It is full of iced coffee and driving with the windows down, and staying up late with the sun…having bon fires, trips to the lake, and being adventurous. It holds some of my favorite memories, and I want this summer to have that same kind of feel. That same kind of celebration.

So, I’m participating in my friend Kara’s “Summer of Love” art journaling and photography class to kick-start the summer season and savor each passing moment. She is a killer teacher and I am so looking forward to the journaling prompts and the night photography techniques she’ll be teaching.

The live class starts July 1st (yay!), but you can begin the e-course at any time because you access a blog site where all the content will be uploaded and stored and the students get a PDF of the content after the class. I could see this becoming a summer tradition…

Doesn’t this sound like a great way to welcome in the summer? I am excited to start and would love to have one of you readers join me too. Kara is letting me give away a registration to the course and bring you along with me on this fun little journey.

Just leave a comment below with your email and what you love most about the summertime to be entered to win. But, if you don’t want to wait and would like to begin tomorrow, you can do that too here. I’m sure Kara wouldn’t mind. Hehe.

Leave a comment below with your email and what you love the most about summertime to be entered to win registration to Kara’s “Summer of Love” e-course.
Winner will be selected on Wednesday July 3rd and announced on the 4th.

Our Island Getaway…

But not the kind you’re thinking of.  

A couple weeks ago we went out to Whidbey Island off the coast of Washington State to spend a couple days with Chris’ grandparents and his parents (who are stranded over there because of the bad forest fires and the smoke hovering over eastern Washington). It’s a nice easy drive through some of the prettiest parts of the state. And my favorite place to stop and take pictures is at Deception Pass bridge that links the mainland to Whidbey Island.

We got to go to my favorite Chinese food place and have the honey walnut prawns that I’ve been thinking about since we had them last time, which was 4 years ago! They’re pretty amazing. And memorable, apparently. We also got to eat at Anthony’s, which is a seafood restaurant serving it fresh from the ocean that you sit beside. Funny thing though, the best thing we ate there was the onion rings. Not that the seafood wasn’t good. Their clam chowder rivals the east coast chowder I had last summer. Chris’ grandparents always feed us good when we go to see them.

We also were able to meet up with some of our friends that live on the island. A couple that used to live here and a friend of mine that I made at girls camp in 2011. We went out for frozen yogurt with Alan and Tonya and had coffee with Ariel and her new husband, Richard. I’m glad that we were able to see them too. It made for a very full and fun trip.

It really was a lovely weekend.

When was the last time you got away?
Where is your favorite place to go to visit?
What type of food do you like to try while you’re on a trip?

Summer’s Last Adventure

We put “Go to a Drive-In Movie” at the very top of our Summer Manifesto this year. It was something we really wanted to do together this year. I guess I should have done some more research ahead of time though, because there are now only 3 drive-in theaters left in the state of Washington. The one I thought we could go to nearby has been closed a couple years now.

But fortunately once we did the research we discovered on on Whidbey Island called the Blue Fox. We had a trip out to the island to visit Chris’ grandparents planned for the end of September, so it worked out perfectly! I’m so glad we got to check this one off our list!

They were playing Madagascar 3, which was super cute. The Afro Circus song has been my ringtone for awhile, so it was fun to watch the movie it came from. That’s one catchy little song. Always puts a smile on my face!

I tweeted that we were on Whidbey Island and fellow Washington State blogger Katlyn of The Dreamy Meadow tweeted back and she made plans to come to the drive-in too. She brought her adorable little boy Bentley and we got to meet. She’s the first other blogger that I’ve ever met in person, and she was so cool! I hope that I’ll be able to go to the Washington State blogger meet-up and hang out with her again.

So then we figured out the right radio frequency so we could hear and settled in to watch the movie. The picture got clearer as the sky darkened. Its super hard to take pictures of movies, but I tried.

And then this happened:

Yup, you guessed correctly: the film caught fire!! At first I thought it was part of the movie, but then it just kept burning and the picture melted away. Crazy! We just waited and they eventually turned off the projector. Chris headed back to check and see what they were planning to do and they told him they would start the movie up again a couple frames later. It was about a 20 minute wait to get it started again, but I’m glad we got to see the rest of the movie.

And come away with a great story!!

What was your favorite adventure this summer?
Did you do all the things you hoped to do?
How are you chronicling your summer?

The next step in my journey

This last week has been a bit of a whirlwind…and the end result is something amazing! I’m sorry I’ve been absent here a few days, but I am so excited to back and to share my inspiring news with you all.

I GOT A NEW JOB!!

I was asked to apply for an open teller position at our local credit union. Chris and I bank there, and they sent an application home with him last week when he deposited his check. They said, “Please have Shaina fill this out and bring it back with a resume.” That was Tuesday. I went back the next morning, met with the manager, gave her my application and resume’ and we talked for awhile about the position and the company. Later that day I got a call from the Moses Lake branch asking to schedule a formal interview, which took place on Thursday morning. Then Friday morning I got a call from HR out of Spokane and had a phone interview too. I was told they would do background checks and everything else and get back to me and let me know either way. I was feeling really good about how my interviews went.

We went to Whidbey Island for the weekend to visit with Chris’ grandparents (I’ve got lots of pictures to share soon from our trip!) and the whole time we were away I was praying that this would work out. It felt like this job would be the answer to a lot of questions and prayers regarding my schedule and our upcoming Russian Language Class. There was no way I would be able to take it with my current work schedule; I wasn’t going to get every Saturday off.

I got the call yesterday afternoon and was offered the job. And because of my experience in the field they’re starting me at one step above a teller with more per hour pay rate. So I’ll get my Saturdays that I need, but not be feeling the less hours financially. It is an amazing blessing!

It is an answered prayer.

I gave my two-week’s notice yesterday and my last day at my current job will be October 10th. I see God’s direction in every part of this…the Russian class starts October 13th.

So this is a time of big celebration!! And lots of happy tears.

My mum has always likened life to a staircase. Sometimes there are a bunch of little steps leading to a big open landing…this feels like the landing I’ve been climbing towards for awhile. I am so grateful and excited for this new chapter and challenge.

So celebrate with me! Think of me while you drink your coffee tomorrow or when you say your specific prayers. I am amazed anew by how Jehovah God cares for me. Thanks for letting me share my exciting news.

I am so happy!

The highlight of my weekend

The ELEPHANT RIDE!!

I am still just giddy about being able to go for my elephant ride at the Grant County Fair on Friday night. And the coolest part was that we were there so late in the day that I got to ride by myself! My elephant’s name was Debbie and she was a little rascal. She spotted a pop can that was the trainer’s and stole it when he wasn’t looking, then dumped it out and hid it! She was really playful.

And here’s the video that Chris took for me to share with you all!

I have loved elephants since I was 13 and have quite a collection, but I’ve never been this close to one before. Its something I’ve always wanted to do and I’m so glad that we went to the fair and I got a chance.

After visiting the elephants for awhile we headed over to carry on our fair tradition and ride the Farris Wheel. We had our first kiss at a fair after a Farris Wheel ride 6 years ago, so its special to us.

We walked around for awhile together taking in all the sights, watching the other rides and listening to the music. And then Chris treated me to my very first Funnel Cake. We shared its yummy, sugary goodness as we headed to see the animals asleep in there pens. There were some HUGE pigs and the lamas were pretty cute. This is turning into one of the greatest summers we’ve spent together. I’m glad we’re going and doing things together when we can, while still spending as little money as possible. I’m pretty proud of that. I hope you all are enjoying and savoring and celebrating these summer days.

Have you ever rode an elephant?
What’s your favorite part of the fair?
Is there a ride you still love going on?

A summer adventure

This summer Chris and I have created a manifesto so that we remember to do all the things we want to this summer and make new memories together. We came up with a lot of fun things to incorporate. And this week we took one and turned it into an evening adventure.

We decided to go night swimming at the lake! We had dinner, watched a movie and then decided spontaneously to just go. So glad we did.

It was a quiet night on the lake…we watched the sun go down on the drive over and had the swimming section to ourselves. We swam around in the (cold to Chris, I’m Canadian remember ) water and watched the moon rise over the lake. And took some pictures to remember of course.

We’re happy for a new summer memory, and checking something off of our list. Look for upcoming posts sharing more of what we’ve been up to this summer and how our manifesto is looking!

Did you make a summer manifesto this year?
Have you completed anything on it yet?
What is your favorite summer adventure?

the worst tuesday

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.  

the blog post just to say...

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!

PASS Premier Tour

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?!)

girl's camp 2011

i have been editing pictures and compiling the stories i want to tell all about this trip for awhile now, and today im finally going to share!!  (for my post about what i hoped this trip would be, just for positive comparison, click HERE)

first a little bit of back story... 
i was invited by my friend Lisa to go with her to girl's camp this year.  Girls Camp started many years ago by a lovely woman and a couple of her friends who rented a cabin at Camp David on Lake Crescent.  they made it a tradition and each year more and more friends wanted to come.  Now she rents out the entire camp for a week and over 80 women come together to enjoy time away, crafts and friendship.  i was soooo excited to be invited along this year. 

we started our 9 hour road trip to get to camp early that morning and crossed the Puget Sound by ferry from Seattle.  I adore ferry rides.  and luckily it was a gorgeous day...

it is gorgeous in the Olympic Peninsula.  heavy moss covers everything and the trees are so tall and majestic.  we had a little bit of snow coming in on the first day.  and we saw some friendly animals.  here is the main lodge, our cabin (fit all 11 of us in our group) and the lake...

i think i split my days pretty evenly between sleeping in our cabin and visiting up at the main lodge.  i took soooo many naps!  and man did it feel good.  its neat to do what you want to do all day and feel no guilt.  i read a lot of my books i brought (including the 2011 Year Book!) and took so many pictures. 

breakfast and dinner each day was provided by the woman who organized the whole thing.  each cabin had a meal they were to prepare.  we made baked potatoes, chili and broccoli for our meal.  it was fun to work together in a huge kitchen and do dishes with the professional washer.  oh the small joys! 

one morning after breakfast our group decided to go hiking up to a waterfall.  the hike was amazing!  i could barely put down my camera.  we had fun visiting and playing along the way. 

one night in the lodge there was karaoke...i was ALL OVER THAT as you can imagine.  its my favorite.  saturday night there were skits and jokes and throughout the day people offered classes on things like watercolor painting and jewelry making for just a donation to cover the cost of materials.  lots of people brought scrapbooking and other crafts.  lisa's mother-in-law brought fleece for all the kids and made those knot together fleece blankets one day.  super fun!

then on sunday we went to the meeting in Forks.  it was interesting to bombard this tiny little Kingdom Hall with all sisters, but we were warmly welcomed.  after the meeting we drove out to LaPush and went to the beach.  It was super windy that day which made for some cool waves and fun pictures. 

and as i had hoped, i made a few new friends...one in particular named Ariel.  we're a few years apart in age, but we had a lot in common and had a lot of fun hanging out together.  we watched movies on her laptop, shared music and stories of our lives.  she lives on Whidbey Island (where chris' grandparents live) so hopefully we'll be able to meet up again soon.  on our last morning there we went down to the lake to take some pictures together.  things got silly really quick!

this was truly one of the best trips i've ever had, and one of my favorite memories.  there was a shift inside of me that came from having a chance to breath, contemplate and share things with people outside my "bubble" if you will.  but it was so hard being away from Husband.  this was the longest we'd ever been apart and i had no cell reception at Camp David.  so the night before i left we each wrote letters to each other to open while i was away...one for each night.  what chris wrote was so sweet and touching and meant so much to me.  helped me get through the time apart.  i will treasure those letters forever. 

so that was my trip!!  i was so exhausted after the long drive home, but i wouldn't trade the experience for anything.  sorry its taken me so long to share, but i wanted to do it just right.  it needed time to percolate, if you will. 

weekend adventure

this weekend i am hitting the road with some friends. 
i am going over the mountains...

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to a place of creativity and calm.  i plan on doing lots of this...

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and perhaps even more of this...

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i plan on spending a lot of time here...

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there will (weather permitting) be plenty of this...

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and this...

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i hope to make new and deeper friendships...

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and just take some time to breath...

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i leave tomorrow morning early and i'll be back on monday.  so excited for this trip.  see you on the other side.