Can beards be Bedazzled?

I have not shaved with a real razor since I was in high school. I only did it then because I had to....eh, I was supposed to. I usually got away with not shaving. I just can't stand the feeling of a cleanly shaven face. It makes me feel kind of naked. Don't get me wrong, being naked is not a horrible thing! I don't want to offend any nudists. I just like the feeling of having a hairy face. Well, I have been keeping it closely trimmed during the summer months and the weather has finally dropped below 70 degrees, so here it comes. I don't actually plan on shaving/trimming any time soon. I have a bet with a friend to see who can go longer without shaving or trimming, neck and cheeks included. "Oh no!" you say? It is true, the hair will soon connect between my beard and my chest, but that is quite alright. I live in Austin. I am just "keeping it weird". My beard is my favorite accessory and if I could bedazzle it I would.

Empower Art

I was asked by one of my clients to donate a photograph for a non-profit organization called Empower Art. They are holding a charity event to help raise money and I am honored to help. The organization will help give troubled and abused children an artistic outlet for their feelings and emotions. Empower Art will have art classes of all kinds, including painting, drawing, crafts, and hopefully photography. :-)

I want to take a "run" of photos, maybe 3 or 4 that portray love and encouragement. My inspiration comes from my own childhood. I had parents that could not have been more encouraging. They were, and still are, the most supportive and giving parents I have ever seen. Robin always brags on how they would do anything for any of their family. All you have to do is ask. Sometimes, that isn't even necessary. Being adopted actually brought about some of the best qualities in me and I give full credit where credit is due. Mom and Dad, if you are reading this, I love you.

This event will be held on Nov. 11, so I have 2 and a half weeks. I will be posting possible photos here for input. In the meantime, I would love to hear any impact that art has had on your life, good or bad. No judgement here!

Sweet Berry Farm

On Sunday we all decided to go to Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls. It is only a 45 minute drive from Cedar Park and a beautiful one at that. We told the kids we going to a pumpkin patch so that is what they said aaaaaaallllll day, "pumpkin patch, pumpkin patch, pumpkin patch." It was cute... When we got to Marble Falls it was time for lunch so we went to a restaurant that was right on the lake. We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather. The kids got to see the water and eat a hamburger, which is very unusual for them. We do our best to feed them well. Side note - yesterday Olivia and Estlin both didn't even want a cookie when I gave it to them. They picked at it for 10 minutes. I have Robin to thank for that.

Okay, back to my story... So after we ate we went to the festival and waited in line on the road for about a mile away from the farm. It was packed. People were everywhere and it wasn't that big of a place. We parked and immediately got in line for tickets to go on the hay ride. The kids loved that. We did sit at the front where we were nice and dusty by the end from the tractor, but this was just the beginning of the dirtiness. We crossed the road and walked around for a bit, taking pictures. Robin wanted the kids to get their faces painted so we waited in line for around 45 minutes for that. All the while Olivia proceeded to wallow around in the dirt like she was trying to coat herself. Estlin would just run off and realize that he was surrounded by people. They were good though, no fits. Olivia got a Unicorn painted on her cheek and loved it. Estlin almost started crying when the girl tried to paint his face so she just painted a tractor on his hand instead, and he barely let her do that. He was happy afterwards though, and proud. Afterward, we went to go pet the goats. This was my favorite part because I know that they both absolutely love animals and were just beside themselves. I was proud that they both actually petted them.

Finally, it was time to go home. We were all pooped from the walking around and the sun. It took only about 5 minutes and they were both sound asleep in the car. It was a good day.



Yes, he is choking me. Strong little fella.

Philip, Ashley & Roxie

Today was a perfect day for a photo shoot. I went with Philip & Ashley down to Town Lake to do their engagement photos and we had a great time. They brought their dog Roxie, who was not fully comfortable with me, but we made it work. We got some great photos today and I am looking forward to their wedding. It has been raining so much here and it was really nice to enjoy some sunshine and 70 degree weather.

Sand Animation

World War II is one of the most, if not the most historic events in this century. I have seen almost every WWII movie and it is something that has affected my life greatly. I would have to say that, besides Star Wars of course, Band of Brothers is my favorite series. I have watched it straight through probably 10 times and it never gets old. Side note - Colin, if you read this I want my box set back, I need to watch it again! :-). Anyway, blah blah blah. I watched this video on Youtube and was moved by the art and the story, the passion, vigor and power that is within Kseniya Simonova. She moved me.

*You can see more if you search "sand animation" on YouTube

365

#20. This photo is from a wedding I did over a week ago but I wanted to say what a great idea I think pedicabs are. I met Nathan with Metrocycle Pedicabs at the wedding and he seemed like a really nice guy. Whenever I have seen these downtown on the weekends or during SXSW I always think of the opening scene in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Nicole and Ernie got to ride from the reception all the way to The Mansion at Judges Hill, where they were staying that night.

If you are getting married or find yourself having to park 2 miles away from 6th street on a Friday or Saturday night, take a pedicab.

Weekend

This weekend was good. I got to spend the entire 2 days with my family. Estlin and Olivia were in great moods and we had a great time playing. On Saturday I got up with the kids while Robin slept in. I usually make pancakes and over-easy eggs for the kids, but we actually had that for dinner on Friday night so I made cranberry orange scones instead. Saturday evening we went to the park (see below). This is a great park because it is kind of hidden and there is rarely anybody else there. They really enjoyed crawling through the tunnels and shouting,"Daddy, where are you?" Hide and seek is our favorite game. Saturday night I watched UT pull off another win, waiting until the second half to show up though. They need to stop doing this if they want to beat OU. Today we played inside the whole day due to the rain and 55 degree weather, but we made the best of it and built a fort out of all the blankets we could find. I love their imaginations. It's inspiring.

Ernie & Nicole

Ernie and Nicole are great. They were very easy going and super easy to work with. I shot their engagements a while back at the park where Ernie proposed to Nicole and we had a blast. I think their wedding was one of my favorite so far. The ceremony was traditional yet sincere. There was nonstop dancing for hours and everybody there seemed like they were my best friends. I met lots of people and the best part was that I actually felt like a guest.

Here are a few shots from the day. I haven't even uploaded them all and I am already excited for them.



The first time I got to take photos of the brides dress.



And shoes!



They are almost glowing. No post production effects here by the way.

Paci Party!!

#18. Robin decided to take the pacifiers away from the kids today. They only used them to take naps and sleep at night, but we still needed to bite the bullet and "send them to Santa Claus to give to other babies". We had a "party" tonight where I made strawberry shortcake to celebrate the kids triumph...... Well, triumph might not be the word since, as I type, Estlin is crying "Momma! Momma!" in his bed. It's kinda sad, but it's what has to happen I guess. I commend Robin for being strong enough to deal with stuff like this. It's hard to hear your child scream bloody murder, even though it is over a plastic nipple thing with a handle. :-)

I am uploading my photos from the wedding I shot on Saturday and I am excited about starting to edit them. I should have a few ready tomorrow to share.

On another note, cold weather please come soon!

Weekend

This weekend the kids went with their Grandma to her house. Sleeping in is a forgotten event in our house. Robin and I got to sleep until 9 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. this morning. It felt good to just wake up and lay in bed until we were ready to get up. On Saturday, we went to the outlet mall and looked around for some Halloween costumes for the kids. We almost bought them Mickey and Minnie costumes, but changed our minds when we saw the price tags. Robin bought her long awaited winter coat. She waited too long last year to buy one she liked and was able to find a great one at J. Crew that was on crazy sale (see photo below). Robin got the one in grey and white, not orange. I bought some more dress pants for weddings and we had a blast just taking our time.



I shot a wedding later that evening downtown and it was a wonderful wedding. I met Heather Hill with Hill Country Event Planning and was very impressed by her ability to take charge and keep everything rolling. She was great. The bar tenders were also with her company and were very nice. There was dancing for close to 3 hours and the floor was never empty.

Today Robin and I met up with some of her high school friends that were in town for ACL and went to Kerbey Lane for brunch. I had the Eggs Francisco, as usual and about halfway through the meal it started pouring. Torrential downpour folks! We all decided to then to see Whip It since it was raining so hard. ACL did not seem like a good idea to anybody. The movie was really good. It was cool to see shots of Austin here and there.

Home Alone

Grandma took the kids for the weekend. What to do... what to do... Tonight Robin and I went to Trudy's to have some scrumptious dinner and margaritas (see below). After catching up on The Rachel Zoe Project, we are now watching Return To Me. Well, Robin is watching it and I am typing. Tomorrow we are just going to take it easy. Who knows... I have a wedding to shoot tomorrow downtown, which should be fun. It is quiet here... too quiet. We are used to yelling and laughing and crying. It's good to have some silence some times, but I miss my nuggets.