A Cheerful Look

Months ago, when I first considered starting a blog, I knew one of my main challenges would be maintaining momentum. 

I cringed when I noticed my last posting was written in February. 

But life happens, as I know it does for you.  Even so, I am determined to create a better system.  Any suggestions?

Here is the latest example of how family needs can put everything on hold.

Early last week, granddaughter Piper went into the hospital, in the wee hours of the morning, with a respiratory infection and low oxygen levels.  She seemed to snap out of it and went home.   You can barely see the celebratory balloons tied to her stroller.

A few hours later, she was back in the ER.  Diagnosis: RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) or as her grandfather calls it, Really Serious Virus.

Glitter, glue, stickers and scissors were the most help in enduring the constant stream of medical personnel, treatments and tests.  But I must not forget to mention the almost hypnotic affect of the Sprouts network on the hospital television.

She's a crafty little thing!  And the more glitter, the better!

Aunt Claudia came by one evening to snap up some bubbles.

We all celebrated at the end of the week when she was able to go home.  In the above photo, you can see her projects proudly displayed along the window sill.  The delicate treasures required some creative packing!

Grateful for medical care; even more grateful when she doesn't need it.


A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.
Proverbs 15:30

A Girl and Her Grandfather

God himself has said,
I will not in any way fail you
nor give you up
nor leave you without support. 
I will not,
I will not,
I will not in any degree leave you helpess,
nor forsake you,
nor let you down,
or relax My hold on you. 

Assuredly not! 

Hebrews 13:5b
Amplified Version

Child Photography in Ten Minutes or Less

Subtitle:  Child Photography in Ten Minutes or Else

This is not a how-to. 

Here is how it all started.  I'd just returned from Walmart (yet again) with a little pumpkin.  The pop of orange pumpkin against the purple dress took my breath away.

You know the feeling you have when you can picture the child, the prop, the mood, in one beautifully affecting image?  It's all right in front of you, so close.  Everything seems possible. 

Then comes reality.  The light is fading fast.  It's cool and we can't  find her shoes.  Go with the flip flops.  Pop them on and out the door we go. 

Note the natural smile.  And the flip flops.

Take a shot. Check the histogram on the back of the camera for proper exposure? Forget it! No time. Subject restless. Hope for the best, and maybe we'll get lucky.

Good spooky Halloween look.

Ooops, lost the top of her head.

Ditch the pumpkin.  Tend to baby.

I'm going inside; how about you?

Time elapsed:  8.5 minutes

Later, the shoes were found in the clothes hamper.