Thanks for the Memories

This is the post that was meant for Thanksgiving Day as a tribute of thanks to all of you. A mushy love post written not only to you fine ladies (and the few fab men that read once in a great while) but also to the folks at ClubMom for providing this platform where a year and a half ago I  began this journey of writing about one of things I love the most in this world; Photography.  I know, it sounds so dramatic. And I guess it is a little bit because...

Are you sensing the vibe here yet? You know that looming feeling that the other shoe is about the drop. Hard and with a sudden 'clunk' because it's a high heeled number on a finely buffed out hardwood floor. Yep, it's that kind of drop. Ready?

...ClubMom is shuttin' down the blogs. I know it may be old news to many of you (I've been getting the inquiring emails to prove it) but I will admit I didn't find out until just before the holiday and I'm still in process mode. I'm not that surprised really but I am disappointed for sure. As far as the big picture goes, it certainly isn't the end of the world, but it is the end of a chapter and I am a bit sad to see it come to a close. I'm sentimental like that. But, I'm also one of those kid of gals that knows that this just means something wonderful is on the horizon. And surprise surprise, I've had this something wonderful in the works for a while, it's just taken more time to get it going than I had anticipated and now, here it is, the perfect time to begin the latest installment.

Does Shutter Sisters ring any bells? I've only been talking about my "next project" in one form or another for months now and if you were at BlogHer you may even have a token of the project in your hands. Talk about pressure. Nothing like giving out free stuff to market your "soon coming" blog only to not launch it for what feels like forever. But, I digress. The fantastic news is that I will be launching Shutter Sisters soon. And it looks like I'm going to be able to seamlessly transition from Picture This to Shutter Sisters. Coincidence? Nah. Just Universal synchronicity at it's finest.

So, what's this new blog all about? I guess the title gives it away but there are some elements that will make it unique...some of you even know bits and pieces...but that's for another post. And believe you me, I will be talking about it a lot soon, very soon. Today, I just want to let all of you know how very thankful I am for all of you. Your comments and questions, support, encouraging words, and perhaps most of all, the images you have created and shared over the last year and a half or so have inspired me so deeply. I am beyond glad I have had this place to call home and that I now have all of you to call my "shutter sisters".

And as far as the details...well, I haven't gotten that far yet. I do know that I WILL BE POSTING HERE until they unplug me which is going to be sometime at the end of December and I will be carrying on My Best Shot Mondays until the bitter end when I will probably parlay them over to Mother May I. Just because I enjoy them. And, that's all I got for you today. Just a gigantic virtual hug to you and a load of appreciation for everything you've given me here at Picture This.

One Year Ago Today

...we were at the same parade we've been going to for years. And we'll be there again today. It's become our hot and sweaty tradition.

Wishing you a holiday of small town parades, hot dogs, and really out of hand patriotic accessories (hopefully the kind that spin, light up and make noise). Enjoy!

Mother's Day Wishes

Today is a day we can revel in our Motherhood. We honor the women that birthed us or raised us or both and we honor ourselves for doing our best with the torch that they passed to us. I have been basking in the glory of the holiday this year as never before thanks to the teachers at my daughter's preschool.

As the moms strolled in to the "open house" style Mother's Day Breakfast, they pulled each of us close and clutched us in genuine, heartfelt embraces. The kind that are longer than normal hugs and that almost make you feel uncomfotable until you let go and feel the sincerity. They are the best kind of hugs. There was a buzz of giddiness and pride, everyone smiling and nodding to one another in passing. "Happy Mother's Day" everyone kept repeating heartily.

The card reads, "I feel good when she hugs me."

I left there on a cloud, glowing in my Momminess. Perhaps it was so special because it was my youngest daughter's first Mother's Day Celebration, with a handmade gift to make it all the sweeter. I  don't know, but I liked the way I felt that morning and I am holding on to that right now. It reminds me how much I love being a mother and how truly lucky I am.

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For those of you who don't know, Kate (sweet/salty Kate) delivered her babies last weekend. I know that Mother Love can work miracles and I urge you to send as much of it as you can to Kate and her family of 5. She's going through things no mother should ever have to right now and I know the good thoughts and support can only help. Thinking of you Kate on this Mother's Day. Here's to being a "regular mama."

Mothers Blast Off

Over at the Parent Bloggers Network, a question has been posed just in time for Mother's Day.

What Makes You a Mom? Good question. Let's see...

My alarm clock sings "Mamaaaah, Oh Mamaaaah."

I don't get a shower everyday and when I do, I have an audience.

I pack lunches daily; love notes included.

I can cut hair, curl ribbon, and make paper chains with the same pair of scissors.

I eat crusts cut from a PB & J sandwich and call it a meal.

I drive a mini-van.

I never tire of handmade gifts.

I can fix almost anything in a pinch.

My calendar is full of activities that have nothing to do with me.

I take a lot of pictures.

I keep crafts supplies in my china cabinet.

I sing along to Laurie Berkner songs.

There is playground sand on my hardwood floors more often than not.

I truly enjoy Little Bear, Oswald and Kipper.

I recognize the value of a seashell, a rock, a pod, a stick, or a leaf.

I'll never be totally convinced that I'm doing "it" right.

I am desperately needed all of the time.

I recognize that time passes too quickly.

I am resilient despite being pulled, pushed, stretched, groped, tried and tested daily.

I am never fully rested.

I love two young girls more than I love anything else in this world and this will be my reality as long as I live.

I get weepy just thinking about how impossibly lucky I am.

Who Wants a Wallhog? How about an ipod?

A Wall WHAT? A Wallhog. I know, I've never heard of them either. But MrsCrumley sure has and if winning one of these cool photo thingies sounds good to you then pop over and enter the Mother's Day Contest being hosted at Chattablogs. I think it sounds like the perfect way to bring a little bit of Mexico back with us from our most amazing vacation ever. Tell me THIS shot wouldn't be dreamy on the wall of my living room! Hello paradise.

There's also give-aways a plenty happening over at 5 Minutes for Mom as well (thanks again MrsCrumley). See, Motherhood really does pay off sometimes. Go play over there too and up your chances for some nice Mom's Day gifts for yourself. You deserve it.

And there are MORE contests to share with you but I thought I'd spread them out a bit...I wouldn't want to overwhelm you. God knows I'm overwhelmed even writing about them. But then again, I did just get back from a weekend in the bliss of slow motion living so it's tough getting back to reality. I know, it's a rough life as they say...

Say Hola to Another Contest

It's Friday and I'm probably sipping a margarita on the beach in Manzanillo, Mexico right now.

My little brother's getting hitched and the whole lot of us are making the trip to celebrate (without kids!) so it's all good!!

I'll be back just in time for My Best Shot Monday, I'm sure.

Until then, go visit the Real Mom Truths site (banner photo and design by yours truly) and read some of the good stuff over there. Kristen's holding a Real Moms contest just in time for Mother's Day and you're all invited to join the fun and write you own truths. I'll bet you're full of them! Seriously, you should enter because the grand prize is crazy cool!

And speaking of grand...I hope your weekend is just that.  I know mine will be!

Thinking Outside the Photo Album

OK, so I promised a unique photo gift round up and I appreciate your resources for photo books on the day I asked for new ideas but laaaaadies.....come on now! Hasn't anyone else dabbled in photo stuff other than albums? I do know that the books out there are great. I've made a few before through MyPublisher. And a ultra hip NY photographer friend of mine was telling me about how fun the iphoto books are. She said that the softcover books in particular struck her fancy. But beyond books, even the most mundane household products can don a fab photo these days. I'm sure it's no mystery and most of you have seen stuff like this before but have any of you gotten one or ordered something for a gift? Your moms will love this stuff, I swear.

Walgreens Photo Center has got items like aprons, cutting boards, a deck of cards and candy tin (among tons of other stuff) you can put your photos on (who knew?). I do beleive they are offering a 20% discount on Mom's Day orders right now. I love a sale!

Exposures offers ideas like glass vases, bookmarks,make-up bags, and notepads. Many of the items found at Exposures are the kind that you put the photo into, so it might save a little time as opposed to the custom items.

Since you know Grandmas love to brag about their Grandkids, what about giving her photo stamps? That way she can show everyone her pride and joy! It may seem a little strange to give your mother stamps but you cannot tell me they aren't adorable and oh-so-practical!

I know you've all seen great photo jewelry but I'd never seen anything like this or this before. Wowwy. Pretty nifty huh? And Jill, the owner of Expressions Photo Design & Boutique is a fellow mom and photographer. Too cool!

And speaking of the creative endeavors of fellow moms, you MUST visit Lisa at Light Affection. The lights she makes are awesome. I happen to own a few so I know from first hand experience! I even have a limited edition nightlight over there of an image that I shot, FYI (it makes a great baby shower gift). But you don't need my photo in your light...you've got plenty of your own images that would be perfect! Tell Lisa I sent you.

OK, now it's your job to decide what you are giving Mom for Mother's Day. Good luck!

Oh, and the answer to my "how did I do that" question from yesterday is that I shot the image through a beveled glass window. My girls were outside playing while I was in my office (blogging, of course) when I took some pix of them through my window. The beveled part duplicated the image in that ghost like fashion. Pretty cool, huh?

What Mom Can Resist a Handprint?

I came across this creative Dad Blog, Something About Parenting, and saw his cool photo in a hand print creation. He offers them though his blog and I thought it might be fun for Mother's Day. Mike? Is there still time?

Speaking of Mother's Day...I think we should gather some unique photo gift ideas and share them. Who has a great photo gift to turn us all onto?

I'll put my thinking cap on and get back to you on it as well. If you guys all comment with your ideas I'll do a Mom's Day Photo Gift Round Up next week. That gives us just enough time (I hope) to order gifts for our Mommies. Or am I waaaaay too late? Gasp. OK, if I am can you send in ideas of things you can create at home with your photos??? I'm a last minute gal, sorry.

Give and Receive

Because it's never too early to start your wish list.

Take it from me...when you ask, you receive. Sometimes even from the most unlikely of places.

Our Happy Ending

Yesterday was a great day. We had no obligations, nowhere to be, no one to see, no crowds or traffic to deal with, and no pressure. It was a pleasantly quiet holiday that we got to spend together as a family of four. Small, quiet, peaceful. The hub watched The Masters (his perfect Sunday) while the girls and I took a slow long walk to the park (after they plowed through their baskets and found all the eggs that were hidden, of course). We played in the sand and on the swings. We laughed and chatted and were happy just being together.  We had a great day and it was the perfect way to end our Spring Break. For me, my 'Best Shot' today speaks volumes of happiness.

How was your week?

Oh, and I am excited to share THIS with all of you! Just take a look at the cool blog bling there in my right sidebar. I like the way that looks! If nothing else, it's a great way to start the week. Thanks for all the support everyone! You rule.