One is Fun!

If you have ever spent time with a one year old, you know that they can go from giggling to crying to running around playing in a matter of fun.  They can be a lot of work if you have one of your own, but they can be a lot of fun, as well!  This sweet little girl was adorable and so much fun to take pictures of.

I am doing really good with my goal to keep up on my editing during this busy week, so here are so more of my favorites of Aleea.

Finally . . . the last installment of "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind".  Are you tired of these yet?  To be honest, I am a little bit.  But I'm not a quitter...so here goes the last 10:

41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?

My grandparents who I haven't seen for a few months, and my two lovely "roommates" from China - I miss those girls!!

42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?

No way - if I could have 10 more good years of enjoying life and spending time with those I love, that is what matters. I may not be gorgeous or famous, but the people who DO know me like me just the way I am.

43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

Anyone can be alive. It is sad to think how many people just live their lives sitting on the side lines. I don't want to be one of those people - the type of person who just takes things as they come and don't make an effort to go out and do things for themselves. Truly living means living with intent and doing things because you want them - making the most of the time you do have.

44. When is it time to stop calculating risks and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?

If it is a life or death situation, you don't have time to evaluate - you just have to act. If you have a major decision to make, though, it is probably best to way your options and think long and hard...

45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

Just because we may learn from a mistake, doesn't mean it is an easy lesson to learn. Even if this is the case - it's not something that we WANT to experience.

46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

Dance more!!

47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?

Probably the last time I was working out....

48. What do you love? Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?

I have to real loves in my life: my husband and my camera *which he gave me*. I try to make an effort every day to be sure to express my love to Tristan. And my camera, well she knows I love her due to how often I spend time with her :)

49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday? What about the day before that? Or the day before that?

It's hard to know...I remember weird details and events sometimes. But forget equally important ones. So maybe?

50. Decisions are being made right now. The questions is: Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?

These days? I make them for myself for the most part. That hasn't always been the case, though.

Have a great day!!!

A Little Preview

I don't think I warned you, but this week is CRAZY!  I went from zero photo sessions last week to eight scheduled for this week!  One booked for Sunday had to reschedule, but still....I did two today!

Here is a little sneak peak at what I've been working on:

 

 How cute is this little guy?!?

There should be more to come of these lovely folks once I get all caught up on editing...in the meantime, I REALLY need to get through the rest of these 50 mind-freeing questions!  *Who thought it would take me this long...not me!*

31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?

I feel "alive" alot lately...probably a couple of weeks ago when we spent time at the beach with friends.

32. If not now, then when?

Probably never - so just do it now!!

33. If you haven't achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?

Security, money...

34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?

Yes . . . it's a really satisfying, comforting feeling.

35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?

Because the human race is selfish and prideful.

36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?I

'm a strong believer in the grey area...

37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?

My real job?  Yes.  But I would still do something to pass the time.  **Pictures**

38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

More work I actually enjoyed.

39. Do you feel like you've lived this day a hundred times before?

Not at all.

40. When was the last you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believe in?

Probably last year when I decided to really pursue photography.  I didn't know where it would go, but decided to give it a try anyway!

If you are a fan of drinking things that are normally eaten, keep reading!

Last night I finally got in to my special treat from the California border liquor store.  If you are ever driving over the Oregon-California border, it is definitely worth the stop!!  These distributors have some really great deals on hard alcohol that shouldn't be missed!

But to the point - our purchase included a bottle of Pinnacle Gummy vodka.  Yes - they make Swedish Fish flavored vodka.  Mix it with a little Diet 7Up, and you have liquid fish!  I know, I know...it sounds a little weird.  It is one of many Pinnacle vodkas with rather odd flavors.

Others include "Country Fair Cotton" <cotton candy>, "Rainbow Sherbet", "Cake", "Red Liquorice", and "Atomic Hot" <cinnamon>.  While Cake vodka also sounded interesting, I didn't know what I would mix it with for a drink.  So yes - it sounds weird....but I would actually highly suggest the Pinnacle Gummy vodka!

Last night was also the first night of "13 Nights on the River."  Every Thursday from now through the end of the summer, there is a small street fair downtown.  It includes food vendors, local artists, and a weekly concert.  We walked down to check it out, and I was surprised at the large turnout...there were people everywhere!

I'm probably going to get in trouble for this one...but I just love this guy to pieces!!

Although I don't want to stay here forever - I WILL admit there is something charming about small towns...

 Columbia County Courthouse

The music last night wasn't really my style, but it was still fun.  A good way to start the summer.

Now - on to the next set of "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind."  I'm not sure if these are freeing my mind...but they are making me think.

21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

Joyful Simpleton.  No doubt - I HATE worrying...it's so frustrating.

22. Why are you, you?

Umm...because God said so?? Yes-but for real, one of the things that makes me ME, is that I'm a giver.  I put what everyone else wants before what I want.  This is also my downfall at times - but that's getting better.

23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

Yes and no.  I'm a good listener - once we are together.  But I'm not very good at keeping in touch *I'm working on that too*

24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

When a good friend moves away.  If you never talk or spend time with someone who lives close by, there is probably a reason for it.  But if a friend is just all of a sudden gone - that is the loss of potential time spent together and memories.

25. What are you most grateful for?

Second chances.

26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?

I think I'd rather lose all my old memories and here's why: I'd like to think that my best years are ahead of me and I want to be able remember them.

27. Is it possible to know the truth without challenging it first?

I don't think you have to "challenge" the truth.  Sometimes its better to just take things as they are...I guess I am an optimist.

28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?

No - I think my greatest fear is to be alone in life.  But to be honest, I don't think that will ever happen.  I have a lot of great friends and family in my life that aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset?  Does it really matter now?

I was struggling with who I was and where I was going with my relationship - It all worked out, we are married now!  But it hasn't always been an easy road. 

30. What is your happiest childhood memory?  What makes it so special?

I have quite a few good memories from when I was a child.  One of them is when I was really little, I used to play with my dolls (who were all named Elizabeth by the way) and have birthday parties for them.  My grandma would take empty butter containers or something similar, cover it with tin foil, and poke candles through the foil to make a birthday cake.  I just thought that was the coolest thing!

I have been dreading having to get outside and pull weeds.  But the weather has been so nice lately and they are beginning to take over - so I guess it is time.  *Yuck - I hate yard work!*  Wish me luck!

50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind *Part 2*

Before I get in to the next set of questions from "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind", here are some pictures of my sleepy little town from my walk last night.  These DID all come from my phone...

11. You're having lunch with three people you respect and admire.  They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she's your friend.  The criticism is distasteful and unjustified.  What do you do?

That is a tough one - I would probably be really disappointed in my friends first of all, and would step in to defend my friend.

12. If you could offer a newborn child one piece of advice, what would it be?

Don't worry about all the things you are "supposed" to do. Do what makes you happy.

13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?

Definitely - The people in our lives that we care about are more important than anything else.

14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

When I was in middle school, I was at this youth conference and one guy was making this painting while playing really loud music. He was moving really fast and appeared to just be throwing paint at the canvas. The end result - was BEAUTIFUL, though!

15. What's something you know you do differently than most people?

When I do laundry, the clean clothes usually sit in the "clean" baskets for a few days before anything gets put away...I'm kinda lazy about that.

16. How come things that make you happy don't make everyone happy?

We are supposed to be different. If we all liked the same things, that would defeat our purpose and we would no longer be individual. The things that make you happy are the things that make you "you".

17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?  What's holding you back?

Travel around Europe - it just hasn't been in our budget. Maybe someday...

18. Are you holding on to something you need to let go of?

I think we all do to some extent. For me, it's probably mistakes that I have made in the past.

19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

That is an easy one - If I was staying in the US, I would move to either Arizona or Colorado. I love the sun and would do great in Arizona. But my husband would rather live in the snow year-round. Our compromise would be living in Colorado, where it is hot part of the year and covered in snow the other half. If we were to move out of the country, I would like to live in Australia. They still speak English, but it is far enough away to see some diversity.

20. Do you push the elevator button more than once?  Do you really believe it makes the elevator go faster?

No - I think that's silly and just being impatient.

We are one day closer to the weekend. It can't come soon enough!

50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind

As you may know, I like to link up on occasion at Sunday Social - where I found Brianne at "My Life As..."  Today, I was reading her "progress report" on her 101 in 1001 list.  One of the items that she had checked off really intrigued me.  It was to complete the "50 Questions That Will Free Your Mind".  I looked them up and decided it was something worth sitting down and going through. 

There are quite a few questions *50 to be exact* so I will be breaking them up into 5 posts.    I apologize, I know this is my second post in a row that does not contain any recent photos.  Instead, you get to know a little about me, while I maybe learn something about myself as well.  Hopefully I will be able to interject some photo-related posts between the next four "50 Questions" posts.

1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

Probably 35 - some days I just feel old!!

2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

At the time of failing, I usually wish I hadn't tried. But as cliche as it sounds, there are usually important life lessons to be learned in the midst of failure.

3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

Pressure - life is full of it.  Everyone from our parents, to friends, to people on television that we don't even know.  Our culture tells us that we should do this or need to do that...and we do it!  Instead of following our hearts and doing the things that make us happy, we do what everybody else is doing.  How sad is that?  Let's take a stand and do something for ourselves this week!!

4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

I sure hope not. In my opinion, you can say whatever you want, but what people are going to remember about you is what you did with your life.

5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

Too often, bad things are happening to really good people. It seems like the people who deserve to excel just keep getting kicked back to the ground. I know life isn't fair, but I wish it were!

6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

I think this one is a given - photography! And MAYBE, someday it will...

7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

If you had asked me this a year ago, my answer probably would be much different. But these days, I am seeking out my dreams.

8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

I would minimize my spending of money and time on daily aspects of life (tv, cell phones, internet) and save all of that to travel. I would also have kids much earlier :)

9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

I'd like to think that I've made all of the choices that have gotten me to where I am today. But I know that probably isn't true. Our lives are interconnected with others and therefore the paths we lead depend somewhat with them. However, I think I have more control over my life now than I have in years past.

10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

Right and wrong is hard. I think this question may be harder. To be honest, I probably focus more on doing things right, but maybe should switch that mindset somewhat...

They weren't kidding . . . these questions really make you think. Hopefully I haven't scared anyone away with my views and opinions. But that's what blogs are for, right? To express ourselves. So there shouldn't be any hiding!