Robin with a berryAmerican Robin in flight with a berry

2014 winner

… So many things have happened this year - Two surgeries and two new knees.  Physical Therapy and help from family and I am well on my way to being normal ( I know that is a subjective state)  My health is improving and am down over 25 pounds.  No chronic pain is a wonderful thing.  But sadly  in the last few months we have lost my father and also my father-in-law.  

A happier note - Our youngest grandson, that was born the same day I signed the lease on the studio (June 14, 2013) is now two years old and is oh so busy.   Which also means, I have had the studio for two years.  jt has been the best investment I have made, so nice and handy with it being just a couple of blocks from our house. 

Sun Rays over Kansas Elevator

The state fair has been exciting as far as ribbons and recognition.   I have won Best of Show or Best of Show runner up for the last 4 years in a row. I have won numerous blue ribbons and a few second place red ribbons. And for the first time in 2015 I entered the Kansas Wheat Division at the State Fair.  With over 100 entries, mine was picked second place.  I was very pleased. 

The 11 year old grandson and I trimmed trees at the studio so the street signs would show up and not be covered. Ahhh, my own studio ... There is always going to be equipment I would like to buy but no  MUST HAVE's  at this point.   .

Lone Horse

 I am busy in the studio with shoots  every couple of week.My goal is to eventually be able to spend full time photography when I retire from my day job. 

There have been lots of late nights up to allow for editing photos for clients.  It is always my pleasure and joy to help people enjoy their photos, and I want to have the photo look the best it can.  Taking family photos for people is one of my favorite things to do.  

And if you ask a child, they will have a different list of traditions and thoughts from us adults, (I was going to say old people).

Here are a few of the Traditions that are a must in our home:
     - Making fudge with the help of my grandson, (official taster).
     - Watching Christmas movies together
     - Decorating the tree together
     - Changing the advent calendar daily (its a Manger Scene - hand painted )
     - PJ day (for one day during Christmas break) ... wearing pj's all day and laying around doing nothing important.

This year we started a new tradition. We bought and planted an Amaryllis bulb. Those blooms are so pretty, I have always admired them. So,  we are trying to grow one this Christmas season.  We followed directions and planted the bulb and watered per directions. . . and then just waited.   We have been waiting and waiting and for almost two weeks, not much happened.     BUT all of the sudden - it started growing ( I am surprised that it is actually doing as the statement indicated ) 
If we get to the bloom stage ... rest assured .. there WILL be photos.  But for now, here is what it looks like.

Traditions are the making of memories.   Care to share some of yours?

On June 14, 2013, our newest grandson was born AND I signed a lease and got the keys to my FIRST photography studio.

Both of these events have fully turned my life into an exciting time.  Thank you God for both of these special events.

What a supportive family to help with the studio and what a wonderful loving family who came together for the Baptism of the new little grandson, Matthew Ronald Alstatt.