Happy Trails Blog

Barela Family...

2012-01-30T18:08:00.004-07:00

I had the pleasure of photographing the Barela Family this past week and just had to post

a couple photos from the shoot. It really shows when family really cares about each other.

This family has it!

This is Mom and Dad! They look like they could be siblings of their kids!

I loved how these pillars just "fit" into the photo shoot.

Thanks for allowing me to save some moments in time for your family!

Blessings, Linda

Julie Figg and Goldseeker's Wish...ApHC 2011 Distance Riding Horse of the Year!

2012-01-20T19:21:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Julie Figg and

Goldseeker's Wish (Gem)

for being named the ApHC Distance

Horse of the Year for 2011 !!!

We were privileged to photograph this team

at both the AHA National Competitive Trail

Ride Championships and the 2011

AERC National Championship 55 Mile Rides!

Pets, Pets, Pets....

2012-01-15T14:14:00.001-07:00

Pets Pets Pets!

I love to photograph dogs.
They have an intensity all
their own and their personalities
shine through every photo.

This month, I'll be donating a portion of the proceeds from pet
photos to Animal Village N.M.

Call for your appointment now to capture your pets personality in a portrait session.
(575) 644-4613

Memories...

2012-01-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

What I know for sure today, is that

people can be in your life one day, and departed the next.

Photographs are such a treasure at a time like this and serve

as a reminder of why we are all connected to begin with.

The love, the laughs, the experiences. Coupled with the joy and sorrow that each

life bears while here on earth.

If I had a magic spell that I could cast on each one of you reading this, it would

be to capture each moment, each memory possible.

Hire a professional photographer in your area, or simply snap a few candid

photos yourself. It really doesn't matter how you get it done.

Just get it done....

Katie Clark (above photo) was a photographer herself. She took advantage

of every opportunity to share her client's and family's special moments and documented them

in time...forever.

Katie left us this week to go be with the Lord.

We are so blessed to have these photos of her to remember the life so well lived.

To close, I'll borrow the scripture just sent to me by my daughter...

"The Lord is my strength and my shield, my heart trusts in Him

and I am helped. The Lord is the strength of His people"

Psalm 28:7-8

2012-01-01T06:27:00.002-07:00

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2012...I'm always trying to be the best I can be, and this year is no different.

Thought I'd jot down and share some ideas I had for myself...just some things to think about ~ I believe we can all use a helping hand from time to time, especially now.

So, I've captioned these photos to remind myself of what I can do here in my own community...

Enjoy, and welcome to a clean slate ~ 2012.

Look around. See what you can do for someone else. We're confronted with the needs of others every day. This isn't hard and it doesn't always mean spending money.

Don't be skeptical or judgmental. Everyone can use a hand now and then.
Even the people who seem so strong.

Put your thinking cap on. You can do this!

Hold out your hat for someone in need this year.
Help collect for their family or your favorite charity...

Avoid negativity....don't even look at it!

Stop and listen to someone else. They may just have the insight you needed!

What gifts do you have to offer? Something specific to your talents!

Be yourself!

In keeping with these thoughts, here are a couple of charities I'll be donating to this year.

You choose your own, or perhaps consider adding these to your list. Both are organizations

trying to make this a better place...one day at a time.

The Mandala Center - Northern New Mexico...
They offer a variety of workshops for individuals and groups seeking time and study for spiritual growth, personal and professional development, health and wellness, and creative outlet.
Check them out here: Mandala Center

Animal Village N.M. - Alamogordo, NM

A no-kill animal shelter dedicated to saving lives.

Check them out here: Animal Village NM

Happy New Year! Make it a great one!

Blessings, Linda

2011-12-25T08:11:00.003-07:00

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Holiday Season and

a Happy New Year!

Blessings, Linda

They Grow Up Fast...

2011-12-18T14:49:00.001-07:00

Kids grow up so fast...

Don't forget to get those special photos or give a gift certificate

for a friend or family member to have photos taken at their

convenience.

Gift certificates are always

available, in any

denomination.

Call for more information or to purchase

a "memory package" of your own!

(575) 644-4613

Using our Gifts...

2011-12-10T18:43:00.001-07:00

"Whatever I call you to, I will faithfully do through you"

1 Thessalonians 5:24

I am reading a book right now titled "Freedom From Performing" by Becky Harling.

This book has changed my life....for the good.

It's story after story about how we don't need to compete with anyone for anything.

God gives each of us gifts. Hopefully, we use them for good.

Ultimately, it's not about how many Facebook friends we have;

how much our cars or houses cost us, whether or not we have the latest toys,

or how successful we are in the world's eyes.

As the scripture says, God doesn't call us to be perfect. He calls us to be faithful.

This past year, I've had the opportunity to photograph adoptable dogs and cats from

Animal Village N.M. My purpose was to attempt to assist in some small way, their efforts

to find homes for these animals.

I thought at first that I was donating my time and expertise to help them.

What I've learned, is that they helped ME. They helped me a little farther down that road

that takes us to the place where we know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that we are doing

what He has called us to do.

So, thank you Sunny and Lori and Nancy, and all the volunteers who have helped me get dogs

prettied up for all these photos this year. You have given me a gift in return.

God Bless you All, and Happy Holidays...

Blessings, Linda

Rachel...

2011-11-27T13:25:00.001-07:00

We had so much fun getting these photos! Thanks to Rachel for making

this photo shoot so much fun!

2011-11-19T17:28:00.001-07:00

The 1st Annual Fur Fiesta was held today at Animal Village N.M. and so many wonderful dogs were there to celebrate with us! A lot of previously adopted dogs, plus some new friends were there with their owners...meeting new friends of their own!

Lori Hughston, dog handler extraordinaire at Animal Village, was on hand also with her new adoptee and her wonderful dog Piper...Piper has graciously accepted the newbie into the family!

What would a celebration be without a "Blessing of the Dogs" ceremony?

We had one of those too!

Make that TWO of those!

Everyone had a wonderful time and we look forward to next year's celebration!

Over 800 dogs and cats have been adopted and their lives saved in just one year.

Sunny Aris and Nancy Berg are to be applauded (make that a standing ovation) for their efforts.

This is no small undertaking, and donations are always appreciated. If you would like to donate, please go to their website or better yet, stop by and say hello!

La Union Halloween Ride - The American Competitive Trail Horse Ass'n. (ACTHA)...New Mexico...

2011-10-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

Photographed my first American Competitive Trail Horse (ACTHA) competition today at the
La Union Halloween ACTHA Ride. Tons of fun and the riders were having a great time.

It was so nice to see everyone encouraging everyone else...

Not to mention the fact that you sure couldn't beat the scenery! If you would like more information
on this organization and their events, go to ACTHA and check out this fast growing group of folks
for yourself. The rides are shorter than distance riding and contain obstacles throughout the course.

This was the "Witch Hat Pickup" obstacle.

Until next time, Linda

Zia Paint Horse Club Show and NRHA Ride & Slide II...Ruidoso, NM

2011-10-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

Zia Paint Horse Club held their horse show in conjunction with

the NRHA Ride and Slide II reining show this past weekend in Ruidoso, NM.

The Cowboy Symposium was the perfect setting to showcase these amazing

athletes and their riders.

If you haven't attended the Cowboy Symposium, make sure you add it to your calendar next

year. There were chuckwagons, food everywhere, cooking demonstrations, as well as

some great country bands!

And, as always, a few horses madly in love with their owners!

Cowboy Symposium information

Zia Paint Horse Club information

NM Reining Horse Association information

Hope to see everyone out again next year. Until next time, Linda

Denver Komen Race for the Cure...and My Sister

2011-10-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

We wouldn't miss it for the world. Every year my family converges on Denver in October

for the Komen Race for the Cure event. We walk with my sister Brenda, who is a

cancer survivor and attempt, in our own way, to be a part of her survivor celebration.

She is our HERO!

Even the smallest member of the family joins in and shows his

support for his Auntie Bren. I'm not sure how he got away without

actually Walking the Walk...hmmm...

The walk winds around by Mile High Stadium and we go across I-25. That's the

best part! All the cars going under the overpass honk and wave every year. Makes you

feel like you're actually part of something big...this year there were 55,000 walkers!

This is my favorite photo from this year's walk. My mom, literally

out-walked her two grandsons! They were hanging back and I'm sure

just before this photo was taken, she went back and gathered them up!

My mom actually out-walks all of us!

Until next year, come join us! (Grandma pays for lunch afterwards

every year...it's worth the trip!)

Brenda, you're our inspiration to live each day to the fullest, 100%, leaving

nothing out...every single day. You have taught us all how to live...

Love, Linda

Colby & Stacia...and Charley and Bear...

2011-09-28T16:46:00.000-07:00

Colby and Stacia are such a wonderful couple, as are their two dogs, Bear and Charley (above)..

Charlie was adopted from our local no kill shelter, Animal Village N.M.

Bear and Charley are the cutest team around!

Maybe not quite as cute as these two, but close!

Here's a little photography trick for you too when you're trying to pose pets.

Bring toys! It also helps to have clients who have very well behaved dogs, as were these!

Take a minute to introduce yourself to the animals. They have to have a connection with

the photographer too!

Best of luck to you both as you travel serving our country. Thank you for your service!

Until next time, Linda

Kids Photos...

2011-09-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

Have a child in your life you'd like photos of? Try getting those candid shots

this way...

Start with a theme for the photos. In this case, it was simply

just rocks and a bucket!

Then, sit back and let the kids play! You have plenty of time to

both photograph and watch the magic happen!

Try coming up with a theme of your own...Much more fun for the kids

than posing for photos!

Until next time, Linda

That time of Year...

2011-09-12T18:25:00.000-07:00

I can't bring myself to use the word "Christmas" in the title to the blog. I realize it's not

even Halloween yet. Just wanting to put a bug in your ear and remind everyone that

you can start to choose a favorite photo from this year for Christmas cards!

I can help with the card selection if you so choose. Give us a call! It's been a year of

fun pictures! Save your memories today for the Holidays!

The selections are virtually endless. The memories, priceless!

If you haven't gotten that favorite shot yet for your cards, we can help with that too!

Until next time, Linda

AERC and AHA National Championship Rides - New Mexico - 2011

2011-08-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Roger and Sue Taylor, ride managers for the 2011 AERC and

AHA National Championship Endurance and Competitive Rides for

allowing me to photograph such a wonderful event.

I cannot tell you what an honor it was to be a part of this event and I hope you

enjoy the photos! The AERC National Championship 100 mile ride was held

Thursday, the AERC and AHA National Championship 55 mile ride was held

on Saturday and the AHA National Championship Competitive 2-day 70 mile ride

was held Tuesday and Wednesday. Congratulations to everyone who drove home

as our 2011 National Champions!

If you are an endurance rider and haven't yet competed at Ft Stanton, NM

you are really missing out on some wonderful trails and great Ride Managers!

My bucket list is getting smaller...This was a true honor.

Linda

Animal Village N.M. Alamogordo, NM...No Kill Shelter...

2011-08-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

This is Gypsy. She's a young female Rottweiler available now for adoption.

Animal Village N.M. is a no kill shelter located in Alamogordo, NM and
right now they have tons of dogs and cats available for new homes.

See, told ya! They're all so cute! This is a little beagle mix. After you adopt, take your
new family member to Petroclyps for that extra special grooming or take advantage of
their natural dog food selections.

Cat lovers can find just what they're looking for too.

If you or someone you know is looking for a family addition of the animal
kind, send them on over!

1st Annual Kitty City Furball Alamogordo, NM...

2011-08-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

The 1st Annual Kitty City N.M. "Furball" fundraiser was held this past weekend at the Alamogordo
Moose Lodge. A fundraiser for the no-kill feline shelter, Kitty City was well attended and the catered
food from Stella Vita Restaurant looked wonderful...I took the photos under the arbor prior to dinner
and saw all the food ready to go!

Kitty City is committed to saving the lives of cats who are on "death row" at shelters and their dedicationto their task is obvious. There was a dance after dinner and everyone looked so beautiful all dressed up!

The Silent Auction items were stunning...put this wonderful fundraising event on your calendar for next year!

Right here in Alamogordo!

Until next time, Linda

Going Home....Michigan

2011-08-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

   Technically, it's not really home, I guess. We made a quick trip to Michigan to see family and
   friends and could not have had a better time! Apologies to those we weren't able to see due to
   the tight time constraints, but we were thinking of you!

   We had a great grandmother who had never seen the great grandson, so we checked in there
   and had a fabulous time with the "Dude"...He got to fly on his first airplane, step barefoot in
   tall grass for the first time in Michigan and he was so upset about that part! Apparently, he's
   ticklish!

   Especially in these turbulent times where none of us seem to be able to
   make any sense out of anything that's going on, it's so important to see and
   spend time with family and friends...that's what it's all about!

   Thanks to Karen, Jeanie and Larry and Andy who all took time out of
   their day to come all the way down to visit us! It was so nice to see
   everyone. A special thanks to "Grandpa Gene" for all the fun Kubota rides!

So nice to see Great Grandma Sherrill !!!

Ft Stanton Pioneer Endurance Rides - 2011...New Mexico

2011-07-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

There is a magic about these trails. Ft. Stanton is our favorite endurance ride to

attend, and we've been to a lot of rides in a lot of places! Ride and Ties are also

popular here all week, and we sure enjoyed watching those folks torture themselves!

Maybe it's because it's our annual "vacation"...you know, the one where you return home

more tired than when you left! The one where you reunite with so many friends

for an entire week. The one where you cry when you see a friend's horse going down

trail after the friend has passed away... you get the picture.

We also participate each year in the Ft. Stanton St. Jude's Children's Hospital fundraiser...

We hope to reach $10,000 or more this year alone. The past two years

have been huge for fundraising from a relatively small group of competitors.

Michael and Julia Elias from Horses Dacor organize the St. Jude's fundraiser.

This year, we again offered portraits for donations.

As always, we hope to see everyone there next year. We'll be back at these trails

for the 2011 AERC National Championship Rides in August! Come volunteer,

or join us for some great trails with excellent ride management, Roger and Sue Taylor!

Here's a sneak peak at part of the first loop for the Championships!

Until next time! Linda

Heirloom Photos...

2011-07-06T05:25:00.000-07:00

The above photo, I believe, is an example of an heirloom type

photograph. The kind that is ageless, and represents a relationship

or a moment in time. The kind you want to just sit and think up

a title for...the kind your clients want to keep to remember a

special relationship.

Here is the same photo before it was edited. Still a good photo that

represents a relationship, however, I think in some cases, the addition

of the sepia or black and white less saturated tones adds to the "story."

Next time you're flipping through recent photos you've taken, try changing

the "tone" and change the feel of the photo!

On another note, I am offering pet photos (with or without family) for the

month of August for a special cause...www.animalvillageNM.com

will be the recipients of half the proceeds from August portrait sessions.

Call now for your appointment. If you haven't visited this Alamogordo, NM

no-kill shelter for animals, you are really missing out! They are doing a fantastic

job of saving lives!

Linda

Until next time...Linda

Happy 4th of July !!

2011-07-01T16:00:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July weekend!

For those in New Mexico, please consider donating the money you would have

spent on fireworks to your local volunteer Fire Department and take a tour

of their facilities while you're there. Your kids will love it and you'll be

teaching them responsibility during this time of drought.

Until next time, Linda

Sunset Run Fundraiser ~ Alamogordo, NM...

2011-06-19T07:08:00.002-07:00

Alamo Shape hosted the Sunset Run yesterday in Alamogordo. This was a Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk to benefit numerous animal rescue operations in the area. Animal Village N.M., Kitty City, Tularosa Animal Rescue, among others. Many thanks also to Petroclyps of Alamogordo for giving so much of their time and effort to this event...What a great time we had!

Pet portraits offered for donations to Animal Village N.M. Here's a few of the participants priceless mug shots!

Here's Rosemarie Ferrara (right) of Alamo Shape. She is joined by two volunteers from Animal Village N.M. who grabbed a couple adoptable dogs and joined in on the fun!

Thanks to everyone who participated. We'll be back next year for more memories captured of the pets we love so much. If you're looking for a pet, please stop by any of the animal rescue shelters in our area. These animals KNOW they are special and love you back for giving them forever homes...

Hope to see everyone there next year! Thanks for helping out!

Linda

The Good Ole Days....

2011-06-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's just because I'm getting older, but what ever happened to just going outside and having fun?

Well, that art form isn't dead....yet. This blog is for photographers, parents, and friends of the "little
people" (kids)...

Playing in the horse's water tank or any other spontaneous event

can be a great time just to grab your

camera and get some purely candid shots. Unrehearsed, not posed, just

plain FUN!

These types of candid shots can be framed together to make a great wall hanging, or

you can have multiple mounted canvas' made to illustrate the sequence.

Oh...and the fun doesn't cost a thing!