Frances Knowles Photography Blog

New Website

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 20:09:00 +0000

Hot off the press - news!

1. Got married
2. New website and domain name
3. Come find me and check it out
4. Let me know what you think by leaving comments on my first blogpost
5. Missed you!

Wichita Falls Family Photography | Ty

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 19:51:00 +0000

November 17th had to be one of the windiest days we've had in a while! Not only was it windy, but it was cold and cloudy (where's the sun when you need it?).

I was supposed to shoot Jennifer and her three lovely children -- but with conditions as they were, we opted to shoot Ty only - and reschedule the rest of the family on a much more accommodating day.

Now, can you imagine how much fun it wasn't -- being in front of the camera with your little sister and brother watching (and probably making faces)??? Ty was fantastic -- he hit his mark every time!

Thank you Ty for braving the weather -- and good luck on your new job and move!

Wichita Falls Family Photography | Doug, Ruth, Duke -- and Jewels

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 02:19:00 +0000

My creative director (yes, I've given Rick a job, it doesn't pay much, oh wait, it doesn't pay at all) and I arrived at Doug and Ruth's house and were immediately greeted by their very fierce (looking -- maybe I should have said fab -- because she is) guard dog Jewels.

We arrived a little early so while Doug and Ruth finished getting ready, Rick and I went out front to set up. Duke was all duded up and rearing to go so he followed us out. He's one of the most curious (and totally cute) toddlers I've ever met! He decided that Rick needed some help so he became my assistant #2. If it weren't for child labor laws, Rick might be replaced!

Doesn't he look like he knows what he's doing (and he's only two year's old)!

Well, we laughed like little school girls throughout the shoot! Duke kept us entertained the entire time. Here are a few of my favorites from Sunday's shoot!

When we wrapped everything up, sweet Duke brought us each a chocolate chip cookie on a plate. He dropped Rick's on the floor and never skipped a beat -- we of course got tickled (again) and had another wonderful laugh!

It was truly a pleasure taking photographs of this beautiful family!

PS -- Jewels never did warm up to me (I must be loosing my touch)!

Happy Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 13:42:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, we had a wonderful dinner with our friends Elizabeth and John. Somehow, the conversation turned to neighbors of theirs who were having a Halloween costume party for their neighbors on the 30th. As luck would have it, Rick knows them well -- so, we told Elizabeth and John that we might just drop by unannounced!

One problem, Rick and I so don't like wearing costumes because we're dorky enough -- costumes might make us look normal and then we'd have to dress up all the time! So the wheels in my head started spinning.

What to do, what to do -- I mean, we weren't officially invited, although our friends of the friends invited us.

Eureka!

Our very elaborate (and expensive) Halloween Costumes!

You guessed it (or maybe you didn't), we came as alleged party crashers.

One lady figured it out -- and asked me where my blond wig was. I explained that the wig would only have been the start. I would have had to miraculously grow about a foot taller and lose 50 lbs. Neither was going to happen in less than a month, so I didn't bother with the blond wig. Another lady at the party called me Michelle, so I'm quite positive she didn't get my costume. Oh well -- so, maybe it wasn't the brainiest of my ideas -- but we sure had fun explaining our costumes.

I need to wish my bestest friend in the world a very happy 7th dating anniversary! He's treating me to Game 4 of the World Series in Arlington tonight! We (and every Texas Ranger's fan) were thrilled when they won Game 3 last night in front of a home crowd! GO RANGERS!!!!!

Happy Anniversary Rick!!!! I love you!!!

Everyone else -- be safe, watch for kids out trick-o-treating, and have a wonderful Sunday!

PS -- thank you John and Elizabeth for ~~(allegedly)~~ inviting us and a huge thank you to the LaTour's for not kicking us out and treating us to a fun party (the food was delish!!!!)!

Wichita Falls Pet Photographer | Sonny D, Patience is a virtue I don't own!

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 16:43:00 +0000

I've been trying to get a decent portrait of Sonny D -- but, sad to say, I've run out of patience. He's just not willing to cooperate!

I tried taking a picture of him yesterday, but he started shaking, and his nose started dripping like a leaky faucet. I thought maybe he was under the weather and started to feel sorry for him.

About 10 minutes later, some bicyclists zoomed by on the bike trail out back -- and everyone came alive -- including Sonny. No shakes, no runny nose, no poor ole me! He was back to his old self.

I told Rick about how weird it is that Sonny can come down with the "doggy vapors" when it suits him -- and then spring back to life when it's all clear!

So -- I was determined to get his 2010 portrait today -- no matter what! And guess what? The shakes started and the nose started running!

Well, you know, sometimes you just have to work with what you have! Here's Sonny D's 2010 portrait (runny nose and all - and yes, I could have been nice and edited the run out in Photshop)!

On the baseball front -- the Rangers aren't doing so well in the World Series. Two games, two losses. I'm chalking it up to nerves! Let's hope they shake this before Saturday's game in Arlington!

Have a great weekend

Wichita Falls Pet Photographer | Hankidy Spankidy

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 21:09:00 +0000

Working my way through the pups! Day three -- Hank! He's my ham, goofball, trouble maker, dork, and believe it or not, patient! He's kindof like me (not the patient part), in that every morning, he wakes up with bad hair. But, unlike me, he looks great with bed head!

For his 2010 portrait, I thought he might be willing to sit for a while if I pulled out his trampoline. Note -- I said "his". I originally bought it for me -- to exercise on -- but sadly, the dogs have long since claimed it as their bed.

On a side note -- The Rangers will play their first World Series game tonight against SF Giants. Keep your fingers (toes, legs, eyes, arms) crossed that they win game 1 (actually, win the World Series)!

Have a great day!

( %~P) Frances

Wichita Falls Pet Photographer | Two Down, Two To Go - Lola

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 20:54:00 +0000

I had a brain storm (I'm allowed one a year). Instead of trying to get all four dogs' portraits updated in a day -- I'm carving it into a one-a-day project. I think maybe I'll sweat less, keep my blood pressure down, and keep my sanity in check (well, the sanity thing is up for your interpretation)!

Now up -- is the lovely Lola, probably the oldest of the pooches. She loves barking, chasing (and killing) squirrels and birds, and enjoys dinner time. Hates -- bathtime. Wow, sounds like I'm trying to get her a love connection.

Anyhoo -- here's Lola 2010.

Have a great evening!

[:}] Frances

Happy 80th Birthday - Joyce

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:53:00 +0000

We celebrated my soon-to-be mother-in-law's (Joyce Sims) 80th birthday on October 16, 2010 at the Wichita Falls Country Club. We had a lovely evening of great fellowship, laughter, a wonderful steak dinner followed by yummy cupcakes and cake!


Cake and cupcakes made by Sugar Cupcakery and Cake Studio

Joyce is a beautiful lady, who loves and trusts in the Lord! Joyce has become a good friend to me and I love her very much!

Ephesians 5:19-20

Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

:+) Frances

Wichita Falls Pet Portraits | Blue

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:11:00 +0000

What a great week for Texas! The Texas Rangers made it to the World Series! We are soooooo excited and proud of the Rangers. It just seems like this group of players really have heart, love and respect each other, and are committed to the team.

We were able to make it to two playoff games, and would you know it, they lost both games. So, maybe we should stay put and watch the World Series on TV.

Ok on to pet portraits -- all I wanted was to update the pups pictures today. Did I get any cooperation????? Uh noooooooooo! I'd get the equipment set up, ask (ever so kindly) one of the dogs to sit and stay, I'd get in place, and then --- in a flash, the dog would take off. After about 65 takes -- I had one that was worthwhile.

Here's Blue, getting ready to jump up. Luckily (or is that skillfully), I got a shot of him before he left the stage.

I really need to put them through obedience training. They know sit -- and that's it (hey that rhymes). I watch Cesar Milan the Dog Whisperer all the time so you would think that I could follow his instructions and get mine reigned in! Oh well, at least I shoot digital -- so there's no cost in film processing.

Anyhoo -- here's to our furry friends!

Have a wonderful week!

; ~D Frances

Texas Rangers Game 3 ALDS

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 02:33:00 +0000

Sob, the series is now tied 2-2 and the final game heads to Tampa Bay. We had high hopes that the Rangers would sweep the Rays Saturday -- but sadly, it was not ours to be had. Tampa Bay went on to win game 4 today in Arlington.

I didn't get alot of good pics from Saturday's game, because most of my shots had a hat, rally towel, shoulder, head, body -- in the shot. If only I'd been a foot taller!

Anyhoo -- I processed all the pictures in black and white -- as they were pretty grainy (and black and white looks so lovely with grain).

Making our way through the tunnel trying to make it to the souvenir shop

Heading back to the tunnel after finding enormous lines at the souvenir shop

Color Guard

Flyover

National Anthem (Charlie Pride sang the National Anthem)


Rally towels came in handy to keep the sun off

President Bush was in attendance

Ian Kinsler had the first home run!

Fans having a good time

Time for the rally caps

Game not looking too good

Doesn't look like we'll sweep the Rays


Yeah, the shade has almost made it's way to us!!!!

Even though the Rangers lost, we had a great time with our friends Mike and Marsha. Please think "Rangers win" Tuesday evening ---- PLEASSSEEEE!

Have a great week!

;P Frances

Texas Rangers Part Deux

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 20:56:00 +0000

Woo hoo! The Rangers are leading the Rays 5-1 (bottom of the 9th, 0 outs)! But, as they say "it ain't over till the fat lady sings". Fa, la, la, la, la -- I'm singing! Nah, got to be patient -- Feliz will get the job done.

While watching the game, I decided to look at the rest of the pictures I took this past weekend. Ummmmhhh -- I looked in bridge to see just how many photos I took -- how about 1,000?

I guess I watched the game through my view finder.

Anyhoo -- we are so excited to be making a trip to Arlington this Saturday to see them play again. Game update 1 out, 2 to go!!!

In the meantime, here's a few of my favs from Saturday (2 out, 1 to go).

Woo hoo! Rangers take game 1!!!!!!!!!

Annnnndddd -- just in case you really, really want to see more pics, here's the rest of them (no, not 1,000, just 50 or so).

Have a great week and GOOOOOOOOOOOOO RAAANNNNNGEERRRRRS!

; p Frances

Texas Rangers Claws and Antlers Parade

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 20:18:00 +0000

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

How did I answer that question? Oh, (e) of course!

We went to the final regular season Texas Ranger's game Sunday and were pleasantly surprised when we walked through the gates to see that some of the players were in the lines handing out the schedule for 2011. Ok -- it was fan appreciation day so maybe we should have expected something special from the Rangers.

OMG CJ Wilson is so cute (and young), but why oh why couldn't I get my act together to at least shake his hand????? Rrrrrrrrr! I was so mad at myself because here was a prime opportunity to snag an autograph -- but a zillion thoughts were spinning through my head -- and none of them made any sense. You have to know that we went to see the Rangers in Boston, MA -- and I made Rick wait with me a little over an hour so that I could try to get their autographs before they left Fenway (and of course, I left empty handed). So - you would think that I would have succeeded when I had one of the players right in front of me! Oh brain, oh charm, why doth thou leave me when I need thee?????

Oh well. I still have the schedule he touched!

A number of the players were there. Rick was greeted by Michael Young and Seth was greeted by Clay Rapada!

Josh Hamilton handing out 2011 schedule

Anyhoo, the reason we got there early was so that we could watch the Claws and Antlers Parade. Luckily, our seats were down low so I had a great vantage point to take pictures.

Here are a few pictures from the parade.

Just in case you want to see more cute fans, check out the slideshow below.

The Rangers lost -- but we still had a great time! We're so proud of the team and wish them the best in the post season!

Well, here's to a brain (mine) that doesn't engage when coming face to face with a sports hero!!!!

Have a great week!

; ~`) Frances

PS -- Please tell me that I'm not the only one who goes brain dead when face to face with a celebrity!

Twice Broken Plays Falls Fest

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 03:18:00 +0000

Twice Broken opened for Creedance Clearwater Revisted this past Saturday at Falls Fest. Unfortunately, Rick's 40'th high school reunion (Vernon High School) was on the same night.

I was really apprehensive about going to the reunion because I wanted Rick to have fun catching up with the folks, instead of stuck by my side babysitting. Many of his classmates put me at ease and made me feel right at home. It was so cool meeting his friends, a good number of them have known each other since kindergarten. My sisters and I can't imagine that, as we grew up Army brats -- changing schools every 3-4 years (I can hear you saying "would you like some cheese with your whine?"!

Anyoo, back to Twice Broken. I knew there would be a large crowd at Falls Fest and was really excited for the band. Nick sent me a text after the concert was over to let me know that they had an awesome time playing for the Falls Fest crowd.

All is not lost, Twice Broken will be playing at the House of Blues twice in October -- so (fingers crossed) we'll be able to make one of those shows.

For my family and friends who can't make a show -- sit back, relax and enjoy!

Happy happy happy, joy joy joy!

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:05:00 +0000

I love finding new Photoshop Actions that make photography life artsy fartsy, easier and faster! I was looking at some pictures on the web taken with a Holga 120N, and decided that I just couldn't stand the thought of going online and ordering it, waiting around for it to arrive, nor waiting for one hour processing once I had the roll of film used up. Sooooooo, being totally ready to give the Holga look a try, I did some googling and found a fantastic Photoshop action.

The Holga Simulator Action comes courtesy of Alberto Campione. Here's a couple of photographs after I ran the action.

Once I ran the actions, I did a little tweaking. I blurred the frame a tad using gaussian blur, brightened them up a bit, and then in the second and third images, I used the lens blur filter and brought back a little more detail near the center of the picture. If you use Photoshop, head over and download this action. It's fun, and most of all it's FREE!

So now, do I go out and purchase a Holga and film, or do I continue to do it the easy way?????? Hmmmmmm, jury is out on this one.

Have a great day!

$;`) Frances

PS -- Thank you Albert Campione for this fabulous action!

PSS
The Holga 120N is a very inexpensive camera btw!

Wichita Falls Food Photography | Food, glorious food

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:11:00 +0000

Gee, I wish my favorite hobby wasn't centered around food. I do so enjoy it!

I was out yesterday at one of my favorite, upscale restaurants shooting some food pics for an upcoming website developed by Crane-West.

I wasn't hungry when I got there, but I was feeling light Pavlov's dog when I left. I hope nobody noticed the slobber running down my chin and onto my shirt. How embarrassing!

Here's a few photos from yesterday's shoot. I hope this makes you run out to Pasqual's located at 3001 Garnett Ave, Wichita Falls, TX 76308. I'll embed their website link as soon as it's completed. If you need website development or advertising, give my friends at Crane-West a call at (940)691-2111 (they're awesome)! If you have time, stop on by my food photography gallery.

Have a great Wednesday!

: ~ P Frances

Sheep Herding in Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 16:47:00 +0000

We'd been on the road for probably an hour or so, when Rick said "look, sheep". He found a safe place to pull over so we could watch a couple of cowboys with their dogs herd sheep down the rail road tracks. It was so fascinating watching the cowboys work with their dogs to keep the sheep together and headed in the right direction. We were amazed at how the cowboy's hand gestures or whistles would direct the dogs to move by and through the sheep.

Just days before, Rick and I talked about how neat my first trip to Colorado was, because I got to see cowboys start up the mountain with sheep. Who knew I'd get to see cowboys working cattle down the mountain six years later.

Here's a few pics from that very special sighting.

Here's to cowboys and their faithful dogs!

Yippee kai yea ya'll!

:~) Frances

Back from Colorado

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 03:50:00 +0000

Sniff, sniff, choke, choke -- we're back from our trip to Lake City, Colorado. My body loved the 30-70 degree temps and isn't real happy that we're back in the 70-90 degree temps of North Texas (or maybe my body isn't happy that we are now half a century old).

We've never taken a trip to Colorado this late in the year, so we weren't sure what to expect. We were totally taken aback by the leaves changing. Each day, as we made our drive to the streams, we oooohhhheed and ahhhheedd over the Aspen's beautiful colors. Our first drive up, the leaves were just starting to change from green to yellow. By the end of our trip, the leaves were anywhere from a vibrant green, to a brilliant yellow, orange and red.

Wow! It was amazing!

This is a picture (actually, it's blended from 5 bracketed exposures -- all hand held -- I wished I'd had my tripod handy for a sharp pic) I took after we arrived back at Dub's cabin after dinner.

Once again, the trout won! I fished five days and caught one itty, bitty brown. Rick, on the other hand, caught a number of trout, some around 15 inches long.

I'm blaming my lack of fish on having a somewhat impaired fly rod. One morning, as Rick was fishing, I opted to start out taking pictures of the cattle that were walking towards the car. Me, being the chicken, was too afraid to shoo them off, so they ended up at the car, nose-y-ing around. I was really worried that they were chewing on my waders and didn't pay attention to my fly rod. At some point, one cow took a bite out of my rod. So (wait for it, wait for it, here's my excuse) my rod wasn't balanced and I'm sure it adversely affected my toss (yep, that's my very lame excuse).

Can you see why I didn't want to shoo them away?????? Some of the cows had horns with points. I've seen videos of The Running of the Bulls -- and you don't want to be on the other end of those horns!!!

All I can figure is that my feet smell like cow food or something because every cow out there came by to check out my boots. They licked my boots and got slimy cow spit on them. Yuck! Quite honestly, I was more relieved they didn't pee on them!

The cows, while rooting around the car, scattered some of Rick's dry flies on the ground and coated them with slobber. A little bath in water and a quick dry on a paper towel cured the slobber coated flies.

We had a great time and can't wait until we return next year. I'll be posting more pics as I can.

I hope all of you have a great week!

;~D Frances

New Website: 90% Complete

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:47:00 +0000

Whew! I spent the last week trying to get my new website up and running. Now, for some of you techie people out there, you're probably thinking to yourself that a week is waaaaayyy to much time to devote to setting up a web site.

Here's the problem. I'M NOT TECHIE! My kids are, but I'm not. Sooooooo, it took me a little longer than I had hoped -- but I'm happy with the outcome. I still need to do some work to it -- but it's live and in person baby!

I'd used a fairly inexpensive Yola website on my first go around and that puppy was coming up for renewal, so I had to get the ole hind quarters in gear and get another built before my old one became inactive.

If you have time, click on this link, check it out and let me know what you think (good, bad and ugly).

Have a great week!

;^P Frances

The color green

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:16:00 +0000

Woo Hoo (currently jumping up and down doing the woo hoo dance)! After 41 days, I finally received my camera back! I haven't made the time to see if my flash guns still have a little Linda Blair - the Exorcist in them. So keep your fingers crossed that everything is in working order!

I did march my happy pants out back yesterday to play around with my camera. I really wanted to get shots of the four legged beasts (who are barking their heads off right now) but, alas, they couldn't seem to focus on being still.

So --- I walked over to the chives (one of the few herbs I haven't managed to totally kill) and started clicking away.

While taking pics of the chives I noticed a little, bitty, butterfly (or moth) sitting on one of the flowers. Ugggggghhhhhhh -- I had the 50mm lens on and not my macro lens. Rats, oh well, got to dance with the one that brung you, right?

There was a slight breeze, so I had to wait patiently until the little guy bobbed back into place to try and capture at least one sharp (OK -- it's not razor sharp) picture.

Well, the little bugger had me fooled! I thought I was taking a picture of his front side, when in fact, the big orange and black dot is on his hind side!

What I like most about this picture is the color green. It has a calming affect on me. Hmmmmm, maybe next go around, I'll paint all my rooms green. Eeeehhhhhh -- maybe not. Anyhoo -- check out this link on color psychology.

The dogs are still barking, so I may need to go out back and take in some green to get me back to a peaceful, calm, state.

I hope you all have a safe, wonderful, calm, Laborless Labor Day!

:~P Frances

PS -- Twicebroken is in Vegas preparing for the finals of the Hard Rock's Battle of the Bands! I asked Nick to let me know what time they were playing, so that I could mix a cocktail, put their CD on, and pretend I was there cheering them on!

THE DOGS ARE STILL BARKING!!!!!!!! AAAGGGHHHHHHH!

Twice Broken -- Going to the Finals! Vegas Baby Vegas!

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 23:56:00 +0000

Woo hoo! Twice Broken (my son Nick plays bass) has made it through the semi-final round at the Las Vegas Hard Rock's Battle of the Bands. They will return September 4, 2010 for the finals!!!!!

You can watch a video of the band by Anthony Gutierrez. And -- if you'd really like to support them -- you can go to iTunes and download some of their tunes.

Congratulations guys! We are so proud of you!

Color -- or Black and White???

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 20:02:00 +0000

Now that I have a camera in hand, I can get back to work! The past couple of days, I've been shooting some pictures at Coyote Ranch for Crane West. It's a great place to park your RV -- or if you're RV less like me, you can kick back in one of their air conditioned cabins. Donna Adams has created a beautiful resort for RV'rs and guests as well. The Ranch has a great lodge, cabins (I think there are 21), swimming pools, laundry and showers. They are busy, busy, busy getting everything completed before next week -- because Hotter N Hell Hundred kicks off Thursday. And you know what that means in this area --- NO HOTEL ROOMS!

I was shooting till sunset -- when I captured a photo of the Chapel that is under construction. This is the second time I've been out there at sunset -- and both times, I was treated to spectacular colors.

After I finished processing and cropping this photo in Photshop, I decided to see what it would look like in black and white. Now, I can't decide which one I like better, color or black and white.

Have a wonderful weekend!

:^) Frances

Wichita Falls Pet Portraits | Sonny D Pinup Pup

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 17:28:00 +0000

Hola and happy Wednesday!

I'm back to shooting again, thanks to Rick's early birthday present. I'm sure he was worn down with all my groaning and moaning of not having my camera back from the shop (can you say it's been 22 business days since XYZ extended warranty company has had my camera?????).

RRRRRRRRRRR -- their service policy for SLR's is 10-15 business days -- but when I called they told me my camera was in the 15-20 business day category (maybe because it's a D-SLR that throws it into another week). So -- at 22 business days, I'm past their "normal service time-line" and still no word. I'm sure at some point in time, I'll write a blog post (when I receive my camera back) with all the blood and guts details.

Anyhoo, back to Rick's early BD present. I am now the proud owner of a Nikon D300S!!!!! What really tickles me pink - is that I don't have to relearn buttons and features -- because it's almost like my D700. There are several major differences 1) it has a cropped sensor, 2) it shoots video and 3) it has two memory card slots (one for a compact flash card and the other for a SDHC card). Coming around the bend is my blank (just pick a number -- but be kind) birthday which totally gives me the right to say "I'm wayyyyy to old to learn a new camera!!!".

I was in the process of setting up this camera to my liking -- when I looked over and saw Sonny D in his normal sleeping position. Now -- normally, I don't have my camera right by my side -- with a flash mounted on top. Luckily -- I did. So now I can surprise Rick with a portrait of our little pinup pup -- Sonny D.

Hmmmmm, I wonder if I make this into a poster -- will it do as well as Farrah's red swimsuit poster????? I'm thinkin -- HOLA TO RETIREMENT!!! Oh, slap, slap, slap -- wake up -- just doin a little day-dreamin!

Well, I am smiling a lot more -- now that I have a terrific backup camera (guess that means back to work)!

Have a great day!

[:~? Frances

Up in the air and on my derriere

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 13:52:00 +0000

I'm still on cloud nine from yesterday's heli ride! I buzzed through the pictures I took and worked on a couple that I found interesting.

These two shots were taken up in the air.


Plowing

And these two shots were taken from about my derriere level.

This is my neighbor's new puppy. I call her Minnie Pearl. I know I should probably ask my neighbor what here real name is, but to me, Minnie Pearl fits her. She's a calico colored, cow dog that is just busting with personality.

Well, it's Saturday and it's going to be another day of 100+ temps. I'm getting ready to do my woo hoo weather dance, because we should dip back into the nineties next week!

Have a great weekend -- Ya'll!

|' ;^) Frances

Friday the 13th, dunnnnh, dunnnnh, dunnnnhhhhhh

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 19:16:00 +0000

Hola and happy Friday the 13th!

Gosh -- what can you say to friends who give you an opportunity to take pictures from a helicopter????????? How about THANK YOU VERRRRYYYYYY MUCHHHHH! I got the opportunity to take pictures of the Windthorst football field from high in the sky in my friend John's helicopter. My dear friend (and fellow photography enthusiast) Elizabeth, who just happens to be married to John, asked me if I'd like to take pictures of the new Windthorst Trojans' football field. It took me about .00000001 seconds to say "YES"!


John doing his instruments check, me giving a very crooked thumbs up!

Bumming Elizabeth's camera again!

Up, up and awayyyyyyyyyy!

Things I learned on today's flight:

1. Plowed dirt looks amazing from up high.
2. Cows don't look so tough from up above.
3. Man, every fourth house in Wichita Falls has a swimming pool (where's my invite???).
4. Not everybody uses their pool for swimming, some use it for algae growth, frog ponds, or mosquito pools.
5. I sure enjoy flying!

Anyhoo, here's what the new Windthorst football field looks like from the air.

And finally, some artwork from today's helicopter flight.

We landed next to runway 13 -- no kidding!

Thank you John and Elizabeth for a really fun morning! You two are the best!

Here's to good friends -- and the weekend!

;+) Frances

Wichita Falls Family Portraits | Kayla 2.0

noreply@blogger.com (Frances) — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 23:12:00 +0000

We were spoiled a tad bit (OK maybe spoiled alot) by our friends Mike and Marcia. They invited us to their Possum Kingdom Lake cabin for a little R&R. It was absolutely beautiful, and I loved, loved, loved riding around the lake in their boat! Actually, I think my (and Rick's) favorite thing from our visit to PK Lake was sitting out on Mike and Marcia's boat dock watching the stars. It was such a treat to gaze into the heavens and look at the stars. It is amazing that you can see so many more stars (including the Milky Way) when you are away from city lights. God is great! We are truly blessed and thankful for Mike and Marcia's friendship.

So -- 10 lbs heavier, and 100% happier and rested, it's back to the real world and back to processing the photos I took of Kayla Friday. OMG -- I keep thinking that one photo is my favorite, then I get to the next one, and then that's my favorite.

Here's a couple more of my current favs!

Anyhoo -- hope you all had a great weekend -- and are looking forward to another terrific week!

?:`) Frances