Posted on January 2, 2010
One of my goals for 2010 is to improve my photography skills. Just a few days ago a new friend, Kristen Steele of Kristen Steele Photography, posted a link on Twitter about a 365 day photography project. Kristen heard about the project when she listened to a podcast by Tasra Dawson. Tasra discussed how Scott Bourne encouraged her to improve her photography skills by 300% by taking at least one photo every day, reading a page of her camera manual every day, and viewing the works of other photographers every day for inspiration. More than 200 photographers have decided to participate with her.
I’m already a day late in getting this first post done. I don’t plan on that being an indication of things to come, so I’ll be posting day two right after this one. As I’ve often heard, the best camera is the one you have with you, so my photos may be from my Canon Rebel, my Canon point and shoot, or maybe even my Blackberry camera. Some of the shots may be carefully planned, others may be completely spontaneous. I’m curious to see just what will come out of this project. My prediction is improved photography skills and a glimpse of my life for everyone to see. Now on to my Day 1 photo…..
D1 – Pashminas from Afghanistan
A very special person in my life gave me two Pashminas for Christmas. Now I know you can get a nice shawl at any of the major department stores around town, but my special person must think I’m special too, because my Pashminas are from Afghanistan. I won’t bore you with the details of how they ended up wrapped up in a box for me, but it was a LOT more trouble than running to the mall. My Day 1 photo is a close up showing the beautiful colors and patterns of both Pashminas. The one in the foreground is vibrant red, turquiose, silver, and gold, and the one in the background is beautiful browns, golds, and greens with a touch of burgandy. Since they are Pashmina wool and silk they are very soft and warm which has come in handy the last couple of days! (I’m wearing the red/turquiose one now!) You can read about Pashminas here.
Specs: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi, 28-135mm lens set at 85mm, f/5.6 @ 1/40 sec., ISO 400
Manual: p.45 Shooting close-ups
Images: Ken Worley
Posted on December 23, 2009

I recently attended the Two Rivers Mansion Christmas open house and bake sale sponsored by the Stones River Women’s club. The mansion was built in 1859 and is a wonderful venue for weddings and receptions. I know this first hand because my brother and sister-in-law, David and Mandy, got married there!
The Stones River Women’s club holds their monthly meetings at the mansion. The Christmas open house and bake sale is one of the primary resources of funding to help the Metro Parks department with upgrades and improvements at the mansion.
The downstairs rooms of the mansion were beautifully decorated by local florists. Fresh by CarryAnn provided some of the beautiful flower arrangements. Cakes by Shara provided a fabulous cake and display of cupcakes that looked oh so yummy!
The Dulcimer Club of Nashville provided entertainment throughout the day. Several area artisans displayed and sold their wares in the upstairs rooms. Sharon Shoemake displayed her stained glass creations in one of the full length hallway windows.
Here are some of the photos of the open house. Enjoy!








Posted on December 7, 2009
This past weekend I attended the Christmas open house of a new shop in Old Hickory, TN. When I went inside I was warmly greeted by owner Shearin Waller and her husband Mike. Creations by Shearin, located across the street from Food Lion at 4334 Old Hickory Blvd., Old Hickory, TN, is your one stop gift shop for unique, personalized gifts. Shearin specializes in custom embroidery and sewing, and handmade jewelry. The shop is filled with every sort of unique gift item you can think of!

Have a friend with a new baby? Shearin has embroidered blankets and burp cloths with adorable designs. You can even have them personalized with the baby’s name. Are you a bride looking for gifts for your wedding party? Shearin can provide custom, hand made jewelry or embroidered tote bags that would make a special gift to remember your special day!

Are you into jewelry making yourself? Shearin has an abundance of beads and jewelry making supplies to satisfy your crafting appetite.

What about those difficult to shop for people? Shearin has items that are sure to make everyone on your gift list happy, such as monogrammed towels and scarves, teddy bears, travel pillows, embroidered purses and tote bags, baskets and soaps handmade by Vickie Claxton, and of course lots of beautiful jewelry! Make sure to stop by. You might find just the right gift for everyone on your list, plus some things for yourself! If you have any questions, you can contact Shearin at 615.847.5101.

Posted on October 30, 2009
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![]() Kelly wanted to have some new photos made for her parents for Christmas (shhhh….don’t tell and ruin the surprise!) We had a great time at the pumpkin patch. Zoe was more interested in playing, but was still a good girl and smiled for the camera. |




