Reid

My brother and his family came up from Alabama for a visit a couple of weeks ago. Good times ensued. One of those times was when my sister-in-law asked me to take senior pictures of my nephew, Reid. Of course I said yes! And to sweeten the deal even more, I didn't have to edit any of them! Apparently, a photographer friend of hers likes to edit pics. I didn't know people like this existed! So the deal was that I take them and she edits them. I haven't seen her edited pics yet, but I am insanely curious to see what she does with them. On most days, editing pics isn't my forte. Don't get me wrong. I still edit. I just find it to be a daunting task at times. On the rare occassion, I actually find editing relaxing. This is a very rare occasion. VERY.

What I do love is taking senior pictures. So we hopped in the car and traveled the metropolis of Nappanee looking for good spots. Another nephew and niece tagged along for moral support and ended up being a big help to me. (Thanks Jake and Hope!)

Reid was a good sport. It was only about 175 degrees that day so it was a comfortable, pleasant photo session. He claimed he could handle the heat since he is a Southerner. Between you and me, I think he was as hot as the rest of us. We went to a couple of different spots and I snapped away in my own little world. I suggested some great options for his photos. Things like riding in a buggy, tilling the earth on an Amish farm, posing with a stuffed Elmo. Believe it or not, he shot them all down! So we stuck with simple poses and straightforward shots.

I did edit some of the pics just to satisfy my own curiosity. I am drawn to the more non-traditional photos. That is what I chose to edit, for the most part.

So here is Reid, my very oldest and southernmost nephew. He is a good guy. I think you will like him.



FAVORITE!

Freaky children of the corn pose:

He went blind after this shot. But it was worth it because it is super cool!

I did edit some traditional poses, as well. Just because. (Note to Reid: notice the vertical orientation? It's just for you...)

Other Favorite!

I truly hope he didn't feel this was a complete waste of time. I mean, what 17 year old wouldn't love hanging out with his aunt for an afternoon? Well, I guess if nothing else, this experience can be blogging material for him later in life.

What Was I Thinking?

1996. I did lots of stupid things this year. I also did a lot of stupid things years 1985-1995 and 1997-current. I just want to focus on one stupid-driven moment this blogging round. (Believe me, there are many more things I can and will share as I feel the need to humilate myself on the world wide web.) Today, I will discuss my senior pictures.

These are stowed away in a compartment in my brain that I like to call the what was I thinking file. Really. There are no words to describe them. I despise them with almost every fiber of my being. I mean I posed with Elmo in a few. I really did. What was I thinking?

You can look at many people's senior photos and pretty much pinpoint the decade in which they graduated. I thoroughly enjoy the over-the-shoulder-gaze-up-to-the-ceiling pose of the 50s. I am a sucker for a pose-on-the-giant-fan-back-ratan/wicker-chair of the 80s. The casual lean on the fake fence or the wagon wheel is also a favorite of mine. Perhaps my pictures capture the 90s. I am not really sure. I guess if the 90s signify complete and utter confusion, then yes, my pictures captured that state of mind beautifully.

I have to tell you though, I have yet to find the charm of the "lay on the ground and hold onto this stuffed Elmo" pose or the "prop your leg up on this 7 foot ladder and look casual" pose. Neither of these really captured my personality. I mean I have no issues with Elmo or ladders. It's just not something that I look back on and say "Yes. I remember being really into ladders during my high school years. I am so glad I took a picture with a ladder." Basically, I look back on these and just ask "why?"

The one thing my senior pictures do convey is my bemusement with life in general. I can look at these pictures and think "Man. I was a seriously confused teenager." Although they are embarrassing, I still find them mildly amusing. Mildly. They are still semi-painful to look at. I thought I had it all together back then and I didn't. I am guessing here, but I think it might be accurate to say that I think I understand myself now and years from now I will realize I didn't. Lesson learned. Thank you senior portrait Steph for sending that message to present day Steph.

And now for your enjoyment...

And no, I do not want to submit this to awkward family photos, just in case you were wondering. Sadly, I cannot locate a photo of the ladder picture. I will take that as a sign that the world isn't ready for it quite yet. So here is a final senior picture that I find horrifying. Actually, it is a picture of a picture. I don't think I need to explain any further. Once you see it, no words will be needed.

Let's just say it one more time. WHAT WAS I THINKING? I think I am going to retake my senior pictures...at age 32.

The list.

My little Lily turned 4 today. She is positive she woke up taller and I assured her that she did. I wish they would stay little forever. I tell my kids to stop growing up all the time. They think that is really funny but I am being totally serious. Even though I outwardly refuse to accept the fact they are growing up, I really know they are. My goal is to instill this list into their very beings without them even knowing it. (insert evil laughter here) Anyway, onto the list!

1. Pray.
2. Be nice to everyone.
3. Be honest.
4. Be humble.
5. Show respect.
6. Listen.
7. Laugh.
8. Be thoughtful.
9. Become.
10. Be on time.
11. Value yourself.
12. Value others.
13. Floss.
14. Read.
13. Lead.
14. Listen to your instincts.
15. Be genuine.
16. Don't give up.
17. You are beautiful.
18. You are smart.
19. You are priceless.
20. I love you more than you will ever know.

OH! and Happy Birthday, Lily!

A pixie-dust spreader on the Tilt-O-Whirl.

I am intrigued by the carnie life. Or is it carny? Either way, I am seriously curious. I want to know what their lives are like. Do they travel all over the country, all year long? How did they get started in that business? Do they have friends or spouses outside of the carnival realm? Well, that last question I sorta have insight on...

A couple of years ago, Dustin and I watched as Will and Lily rode the motorcycle ride. (I assume these were same exact motorcycles he and I both rode on 25 years ago.) They only made a few revolutions before a little girl on the ride started crying. She cried for awhile before the woman operating the ride stopped it. We searched the crowd of parents who were watching their kids, waiting for her mom or dad to emerge and take her off. Instead, the ride operator yelled to the little girl while motioning to the neighboring ride: "Jennifer you better quit yer cryin' or I'll get yer daddy." The carnie from this neighboring ride chimed in: "Knock it off over there, Jennifer!" That's right. These two carnies were raising their little Jennifer at the fair. As I think about it now, that makes me sad. At the time, however, it was kinda comical. I can't lie.

There are so many reality shows on tv. Why hasn't one been made about the carnival workers? I have learned about gypsy brides, families with 32 kids, and pawn shops more than I ever care to know. A show about carnival workers is where it's at.


And to commemorate this year's fine Elkhart County 4H Fair, I present some pictures for the looking. (Check out my nifty new photography watermark thingy, too! I feel so professional!)



Lily made a beeline to the only girly car available...

Dustin got roped into riding the carousel. This is always entertaining since he doesn't do circles very well.

I really love this one.

Will cruised around in the bumper boats...

...while Lily rode the swings. The swings were a huge hit with our kids this year. And with other kids, as well. Note the random kid behind her.

I got roped into this round of carousel riding. Little did I know that I don't do circles very well either.

These are the motorcycles! Wonder if Jennifer was riding this year?

The fair. What's not to love?

A Blog from the Non-blogger.

I am not a blogger. I rarely read blogs and really don't know much about them. I think I would like them. So please be aware that I might break all blog rules from here on out. I have lots of stuff whirling around in my head. I want to write a book, own a junk/architectural salvage business, and be a photographer. I can't figure out where to start.  I feel I have lost my creative spark that I once had. My goal here is to sort out my thoughts, share my photography, and ignite that creativity that will fuel the businesses that I want run. And most of all, I pray that this blog may not be boring. Enjoy!