While watching American Idol tonight I was taken aback by Vanessa Wolfe from Vonore, Tennessee. Before her audition they did a little video promo about her and I was laughing at her; what a redneck, etc. Then she talks about how she wants to make something of herself and how she's stuck and I felt so proud of her. And then she sang and I was blown away. Not what anyone expected. Good for her! I want to see her go far!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
change.
We’ve got some exciting new changes for Bella Designs Studio! And the first change is our new website! Our new website is a hybrid of a blog and website; I am so blessed to be married to such a talented man! So all blog posts will be posted here from now on; as well as old posts (I am migrating them all over)! So be sure to change your blog reader, bookmarks, etc to reflect this exciting new website!
Next, is our new logo! I was very happy with my first logo, but I felt it was time for a change…I wanted something with meaning, better readability, as well as a way to integrate my logo into the watermarking for my images. Now before you ask; why the Fleur-de-Lis? Are you French? Do you love the New Orleans Saints? Let me explain. The Fleur-de-Lis is a symbol for many things; but the interpretation I like the most is the representation of faith, wisdom and chivalry. Without faith, Steven and I would have never taken the first step into starting Bella Designs Studio. If it weren’t for the wisdom that we have from the many years combined of experience we would have nothing to set us a part from our competition. And I like to see the definition of chivalry as honor; it is an absolute honor to be chosen by my client’s to do such an important job for them…capturing glimpses of memories for them to have and to hold forever. So here it is; simple and to the point…
And last, who doesn’t have a Facebook these days?! So become a fan of Bella Designs Studio; I run great Facebook Specials on there so don’t miss out!
Become a fan of Bella Designs Studio on Facebook!Thursday, November 05, 2009
Why I love what I do...
Back in August I photographed a wedding for a couple named David and Kim. Their wedding was a second marriage situation and were blending their children from previous relationships into their new family. There wedding ceremony was small and intimate and really focused on the central idea of this new family unit; something I could totally relate to. That was so important to Steven and I when we got married.
I only spent a few hours with this family (small ceremony and a dinner reception at a local restaurant) but in those few hours I can say that I was truly blessed to be apart of this special day for them. I met a family that absolutely touched my heart and know that there was a bigger reason that our paths crossed.
Yesterday I received an email from David and Kim. They were going through their snapshots on their camera from the wedding and came across this picture. This photo sums up why I love what I do. In that short amount of time with them, I went from being the 'professional wedding photographer' to being invited to sit and eat with them at their table and requested to be in family photographs. I absolutely love that my clients have that level of comfort with me; and that is why I love what I do. I get to be apart of something so big and important in people's lives. I am able to give them these little glimpses of their amazing day that they can hold on to and cherish for a lifetime. And at the end of the day I can truly say that I have made new friendships...now tell me, what is better then that?!
Kim (the bride), Caroline, and myself
I only spent a few hours with this family (small ceremony and a dinner reception at a local restaurant) but in those few hours I can say that I was truly blessed to be apart of this special day for them. I met a family that absolutely touched my heart and know that there was a bigger reason that our paths crossed.
Yesterday I received an email from David and Kim. They were going through their snapshots on their camera from the wedding and came across this picture. This photo sums up why I love what I do. In that short amount of time with them, I went from being the 'professional wedding photographer' to being invited to sit and eat with them at their table and requested to be in family photographs. I absolutely love that my clients have that level of comfort with me; and that is why I love what I do. I get to be apart of something so big and important in people's lives. I am able to give them these little glimpses of their amazing day that they can hold on to and cherish for a lifetime. And at the end of the day I can truly say that I have made new friendships...now tell me, what is better then that?!
Kim (the bride), Caroline, and myselfThursday, September 24, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Mascot Match-Up : Week Three
Update: This week was a week of upsets! I went 3-7! yikes!
#14 Georgia Tech Yellowjackets @ #20 Miami Hurricanes
A measly little yellowjacket has no chance against a hurricane; even a storm as weak as a category 1. These pesky flying insects need to call FEMA!
Tennessee Volunteers @ #1 Florida Gators
The only mascots that can beat a Gator are the ones with guns; and unless we have a disgruntled volunteer, I do not see this being a good fight.
#19 Nebraska Cornhuskers @ #13 Virginia Tech Hokies
A proud farmer against a turkey. No brainer-the turkey is dinner.
#18 Utah Utes @ Oregon Ducks
I had to look up what Utah's mascot was, because everytime I hear 'Ute' I think of My Cousin Vinny :-) Utah's mascot is a red-tailed hawk; so we have a match-up between two species of birds...hawk vs duck. Gotta go with the hawk on this one.
Florida State Seminoles @ #7 BYU Cougars
Cougars stalk their prey and once they set their eye on the prize they will wait patiently until the right time to move in for the kill. Never underestimate the power of a cougar.
Texas Tech Red Raiders @ #2 Texas Longhorns
The rules of mascot match-up is to take all logic away and strictly look at the mascots; so obviously the mascot with the gun is going to take down the mascot that is an animal; no way around it. So I sure hope Raider Red eats his Wheaties on Saturday. Beef, it's what's for dinner.
#3 USC Trojans @ Washington Huskies
Armor clad soldiers on horses up against a Husky dog...really? Unless these dogs are some kind of "I am Legend' dogs, I really don't see this going too well. It will be a slaughtering.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane @ #13 Oklahoma Sooners
First off, is the name Golden Hurricane gross to anyone else? I think the Sooners are used to inclement weather being that it IS Oklahoma and all; so I predict that they own an umbrella and this will be like a stroll in the park for them.
Connecticut Huskies @ Baylor Bears
Wow, twice in one week we have Huskies; that doesn't happen to often. Those huskies better be wearing a suit of bear bells and be equipped with bear spray because they really do not stand a chance.
Tie-Break (give the score)
#23 Georgia Bulldogs 17 @ Arkansas Razorbacks 20
Wild hogs are pretty vicious. I did some research and attacks are not often fatal to humans, but may result in severe trauma, dismemberment, or blood loss. This is against a person; not an animal! With that being said, I think the razorbacks are going to fly under the radar and when the time is right they will attack the bulldogs and ultimately win!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Mascot Match-Up : Week Two
Update: I went 10-0 this week!
For any new readers, I participate in a weekly College Football Pick 'Em Contest each year. For the first season I just picked based off of rankings, players, injuries, etc and did alright. But when it came time to do the NCAA Basketball Brackets later that year I knew nothing, so I decided to just pit the mascot's against each other and see who would win; and surprisingly I finished in 2nd place! So, I decided to carry this logic over to my College Football Pick 'Ems! Some weeks I am the laughing stock, but for the most part my method works! Last week I was only one point away from Champ of the Week!
Check back each week, for my little commentary and predictions. (I update this with the actual results as well is how I did in the contest each week the following week.)
Troy Trojans @ #1 Florida Gators
A gator would eat a trojan in a hot minute; unless that trojan's name is Steve Irwin. But since Steve Irwin passed away, R.I.P, I am going with the Gators.
Arkansas State Red Wolves @ #24 Nebraska Cornhuskers
These crazy-pitchfork-carrying-farmers are very protective of their territory, in fact, I bet they catch wolves with their bare hands for fun! The Cornhuskers have this game, hands down, and when they are finished they have dinner as well.
#20 BYU Cougars @ Tulane Green Wave
Tulane's mascot is a pelican named 'Riptide'; if they were playing against the Benson Bass I wouldn't be in the least bit concerned, but they aren't, they are playing the Cougars. And I don't know about you, but Cougars of all shapes, ages and sizes frighten me.
#23 Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Michigan Wolverines
That little Leprechaun is quite frightening, he reminds me of a carnie (circus folk); so I am going to root for the wolverines...they are magically delicious.
Vandy Commodores @ #11 LSU Tigers
The Vandy Commodores mascot resembles Colonel Sanders to me, he's just missing that spiffy black tie. Overall he does not evoke much fear, much like their football team. I think when faced by the fierce tigers he will be shaking in his oversized boots.
South Carolina Gamecocks @ #13 Georgia Bulldogs
A gamecock is a rooster with physical and behavioral traits derived from breeding for cockfighting. While that sounds pretty fierce I am pretty sure a bulldog could take care of business; unless that gamecock is wearing those spur things...but I don't imagine that is the case; so I give it to the bulldogs.
Rice Owls @ Texas Tech Red Raiders
Most of my blog readers know me pretty well; so with that being said you know that I would LOVE to be a mascot for a day! I can act completely stupid and no one would even know it's me! BONUS! So, I put Raider Red up on a pedestal and have utmost faith in his gun slingin' abilities to be able to shoot an owl right between the eyes. You got this Raider Red; and if by chance you fall ill...you know who to call! WRECK EM TECH!
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Auburn Tigers
Tigers can be very unpredictible, anyone remember Roy Horn?! To quote the infinite wisdom of the comedian Chris Rock regarding the circus tiger attacking Roy Horn, "That tiger ain't go crazy; that tiger went tiger! You know when he was really crazy? When he was riding around on a unicycle with a Hitler helmet on!" I think the Tigers will start out timid against the Bulldogs, but then instinct will kick in and they will attack the Bulldogs.
Purdue Boilermakers @ #16 Oregon Ducks
We all know who the obvious winner is here; but the ducks aren't giving me much to work with. So just enjoy this funny photo of a duck attack instead:
For any new readers, I participate in a weekly College Football Pick 'Em Contest each year. For the first season I just picked based off of rankings, players, injuries, etc and did alright. But when it came time to do the NCAA Basketball Brackets later that year I knew nothing, so I decided to just pit the mascot's against each other and see who would win; and surprisingly I finished in 2nd place! So, I decided to carry this logic over to my College Football Pick 'Ems! Some weeks I am the laughing stock, but for the most part my method works! Last week I was only one point away from Champ of the Week!
Check back each week, for my little commentary and predictions. (I update this with the actual results as well is how I did in the contest each week the following week.)
Troy Trojans @ #1 Florida Gators
A gator would eat a trojan in a hot minute; unless that trojan's name is Steve Irwin. But since Steve Irwin passed away, R.I.P, I am going with the Gators.
Arkansas State Red Wolves @ #24 Nebraska Cornhuskers
These crazy-pitchfork-carrying-farmers are very protective of their territory, in fact, I bet they catch wolves with their bare hands for fun! The Cornhuskers have this game, hands down, and when they are finished they have dinner as well.
#20 BYU Cougars @ Tulane Green Wave
Tulane's mascot is a pelican named 'Riptide'; if they were playing against the Benson Bass I wouldn't be in the least bit concerned, but they aren't, they are playing the Cougars. And I don't know about you, but Cougars of all shapes, ages and sizes frighten me.
#23 Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Michigan Wolverines
That little Leprechaun is quite frightening, he reminds me of a carnie (circus folk); so I am going to root for the wolverines...they are magically delicious.
Vandy Commodores @ #11 LSU Tigers
The Vandy Commodores mascot resembles Colonel Sanders to me, he's just missing that spiffy black tie. Overall he does not evoke much fear, much like their football team. I think when faced by the fierce tigers he will be shaking in his oversized boots.
South Carolina Gamecocks @ #13 Georgia Bulldogs
A gamecock is a rooster with physical and behavioral traits derived from breeding for cockfighting. While that sounds pretty fierce I am pretty sure a bulldog could take care of business; unless that gamecock is wearing those spur things...but I don't imagine that is the case; so I give it to the bulldogs.
Rice Owls @ Texas Tech Red Raiders
Most of my blog readers know me pretty well; so with that being said you know that I would LOVE to be a mascot for a day! I can act completely stupid and no one would even know it's me! BONUS! So, I put Raider Red up on a pedestal and have utmost faith in his gun slingin' abilities to be able to shoot an owl right between the eyes. You got this Raider Red; and if by chance you fall ill...you know who to call! WRECK EM TECH!
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ Auburn Tigers
Tigers can be very unpredictible, anyone remember Roy Horn?! To quote the infinite wisdom of the comedian Chris Rock regarding the circus tiger attacking Roy Horn, "That tiger ain't go crazy; that tiger went tiger! You know when he was really crazy? When he was riding around on a unicycle with a Hitler helmet on!" I think the Tigers will start out timid against the Bulldogs, but then instinct will kick in and they will attack the Bulldogs.
Purdue Boilermakers @ #16 Oregon Ducks
We all know who the obvious winner is here; but the ducks aren't giving me much to work with. So just enjoy this funny photo of a duck attack instead:
Give the Winner and Score:
#4 USC Trojans 27 @ #6 Ohio State Buckeyes 24
If ever there was a college that picked the pansy-est team name/mascot it would be Ohio State. They started with adopting a tree as their team name. So I guess they came to their senses and decided to make their actual a bit more fierce...they put a nut on a dude's head and named him Brutus. Yea, didn't really help much. Given this logic alone you have to give this game to the Trojans. And honestly, if Ohio State were playing the Central Michigan Chippewas, given the information stated above, I would have to go with the courageous Chippewas as well. (sidenote: if you take out the whole mascot part of this pick, this pick makes me nervous, USC has a true freshman QB starting the season, first time in school history...but I have to stay true to my mascot match-up...just had to put it out there though).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
