A look back at 2011 - May

May found us still reeling from the tornadoes. Lots of time was spent helping neighbors rebuild their lives so not much time for photos. However, beginning around the 10th, we were greeted each day by a chorus of 13 year cicadas. I absolutely loved listening to them but the hubby and the boys thought they sounded like a bunch of weedwhackers running non-stop and weren't as enthusiastic about our visitors as I was. :)

New blooms appeared. And more visitors came.

We spent many pleasant afternoons on the trampoline and got our first taste of honeysuckle.

“A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song.”  ~ Maya Angelou

A look back at 2011 - April

I'm a photographer for the Alabama Chicken & Egg festival and my whole family volunteers so the beginning of April was filled with preparations for the festival. I got to shoot the Confederate Railroad concert!

My son's the big one. :)

More freaky weather for April! First, we had rain, which caused us to pout because we couldn't play outside.

Then, on April 27th, the tornadoes came. This shot was taken on a cell phone by a friend of my husband.

Luckily, we only lost several trees in our backyard. And the treehouse. We were without electricity and phone/internet for about a week.

Others were not as fortunate.

Poultry is our county's biggest industry. Many chicken houses were totally destroyed.

And this quote...this is how we all felt for quite a while.

Destruction cometh; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none. ~ Ezekiel 7:25 KJV

A look back at 2011 - March

March had no snow but lots and LOTS of rain!

We also had lots and LOTS of lovely blooms!

 

Annnnnd, I placed 2nd in the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest (Other animals/insects division) and was published in their beautiful magazine!! My photo is the caterpillar. :) 

“It's spring fever.... You don't quite know what it is you DO want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” ~ Mark Twain

A look back at 2011 - February

February brought, what else? Hearts!

We got more winter weather! The cardinals appreciated the bird seed we left out for them!

The snow left and we got our first glimpse of spring.

And probably the highlight of the month...I birthed a baby goat! Mom had a tough time after the first and I helped her deliver the little white one. Unfortunately, mom didn't survive the tough labor. :(

Love is much nicer to be in than an automobile accident, a tight girdle, a higher tax bracket or a holding pattern over Philadelphia. ~ Judith Viorst  

A look back at 2011 - January

I was going through my external, backing up some files when I found some photos that I'd overlooked before. Thought they'd make a cool "year in review" type post. :)

This was my fortune from our first visit to the Chinese place. Although I can't say this has been the best year for our family, we did have some happy times so I guess it came true.

My Christmas cactus FINALLY bloomed....I've had it for years! And, in keeping with it's stubborn nature, it put on it's beautiful display two weeks AFTER Christmas. Better late than never!

Winter 2011 brought some eventful weather! For an area that's lucky to get one snice (snow/ice combo) every year or so, it was a welcome (to some) surprise!
Macro!

Meet Snow Dude!

Of course, every day wasn't snowy. We took advantage of the sun when we got it. :) Can't you almost hear the purr?

We got a honkin' noisy visit from these fellas every afternoon.

The Story of Gratitude

I recently joined a group of a few other photographers who decided to commit to a 12 month project! We're calling our series "Life Story: The Story of ________" and we'll each be filling in our own blanks. At the end of this post is a link to another photographer who participated and she'll be linking to someone else. It's a whole big circle of stories in pictures. Click through and enjoy!

The Story Of Gratitude

I'm thankful for my "don't laugh, it's paid for" car

It gets me where I need to go.

I'm thankful for my little house

Protecting me from rain and wind and snow.

I'm thankful for my computer,

DVR and cellular phone,

And all of the other electronic marvels

If I didn't have 'em, my sanity would be gone.

I'm thankful for my furry friends!
Without them, what would I do?
The three dogs, all the cats and the horse,
And I'm thankful for the chickens, too!

I'm thankful for the Lord's creations

Each miracle, every hue

All these things and more, but, most of all,
I'm thankful God made you!

Thanks for visiting! Please click the link and see what Kelly's story is this month.

The story of our house

 I recently joined a group of a few other photographers who decided to commit to a 12 month project! We're calling our series "Life Story: The Story of ________" and we'll each be filling in our own blanks. At the end of this post is a link to another photographer who participated and she'll be linking to someone else. It's a whole big circle of stories in pictures. Click through and enjoy!


Our house belonged to my Grandmother. I've always loved it but have always dreamed of something different. Or so I thought.I'm a Pinterest junkie, and I've been pinning photos and links of my dream house. You'll find lots of shabby chic, old doorknobs, funky doors, etc. on my boards. The other day, I stumbled upon someone's pin of a room with wooden ceilings and walls and was about to repin when it dawned on me... I AM living in my dream house. Right now we've got the shabby and not so much chic, and we have some crooked walls and other "big" structural issues  but I definitely have the canvas to begin my masterpiece. I fell in love with my little house all over again!Come on in! If the house is a bit messy and the weather's nice, I'll invite you to sit on the swing and I'll bring out some ice tea and we'll sit and chat. Luckily, not too much clutter today!

Mammaw called the hutch her "china cabinet". She'd say "If I die (like somehow, she would beat death) and y'all sell the house, leave the china cabinet for the folks who buy it." It has a big piece of duct tape across one of the glass panes where she repaired it. I just haven't had the heart to change it out. *L* And the kitchen...can you see our wavy ceiling. Yep, hubby says that means structural stuff.

Wood walls! The ceilings are wood too. And the floor but it's got some structural stuff with it too and most likely won't be saved.

I hope you enjoyed your visit!

Now, head on over to Lux Amoris Photography and let Jen share her story with you!