{ 365 Days in the life of the Hills }

Day 194:: New Blog: Change your Bookmarks and Follow us!

2010-12-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone. For those who still follow, please change your bookmarks to our new 365 Blog here on Tumblr.

Blessings and Merry Christmas!

Day 193 :: Stories Are Gifts

2010-11-18T13:33:00.000-08:00

I am loving Starbucks holiday branding this year.

It reminds me of the work I did with several others in West Africa, as we worked to translate Bible stories into the native languages.

Day 192 :: Downtown Suburbia

2010-11-17T13:31:00.000-08:00

Driving through downtown Hernando.

Day 191 :: Driving Home

2010-11-16T17:30:00.000-08:00

Driving home from the work.

The clouds have been insane today.

Day 190 :: Starbucks & Conversation

2010-11-12T14:40:00.001-08:00

Starbucks & Conversation, originally uploaded by [AM Photography].

Having my 4:00 pick-me-up, I noticed the light behind these two gentlemen as they carried on their conversation.

The barista made my order wrong, so I had the opportunity to sit and enjoy this moment for a bit.

Day 189 :: Jessica & Robert

2010-11-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

A beautiful wedding for a great couple.

Still going through the images, but this one is a personal favorite so far.

Day 188 :: Halloween

2010-10-31T22:49:00.000-07:00

Jonathan dressed up as Fred Sanford [not shown] and I dressed up as your choice 80s pop star.

Day 187 :: Morgan Pace

2010-10-30T14:44:00.000-07:00

We had a super fun senior session with Morgan and her sweet horse Stretch.

One of my favorite shots chosen for a sneak peek.

To see more photos from sessions you can view my business blog.

Day 186 :: Pit Puppy ::

2010-10-06T16:23:00.000-07:00

Um. How cute is he??!

Day 185 :: Sleeping Puppy ::

2010-10-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

It's a hard life, but someone has to live it.

Day 184 :: Abstract ::

2010-10-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

From the Kitchen table.

Day 183 :: Grizzlies Open Practice::

2010-10-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

Open Practice for the Grizzlies at Fed Ex Forum today!

Can't wait until the first season game.

Day 182 :: Pumpkin ::

2010-10-02T14:04:00.000-07:00

We love carving pumpkins for Halloween, and Jonathan bought this huge pumpkin from Home Depot for us.

Day 181 :: First of October ::

2010-10-01T09:25:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of October, and it truly feels like fall.

Jonathan and I have been cleaning house this morning to get ready for my sister and friend who are coming into town for the weekend!

Even if nothing else is clean, making the bed makes me feel like it's clean!

Day 180 :: Shooting at Shelby Farms ::

2010-09-26T14:04:00.000-07:00

Today was a beautful morning, and we had the opportunity to photograph an engagement session for Stacey & Tim who are getting married on 10.16.10.

Here is one of my absolute favorites from the day:

Day 179 :: Wedding Bells ::

2010-09-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

Today we captured a beautiful Victorian Wedding at the Woodruff-Fontaine Home/Museum.

Here is one of my favorite images from today, and it's SOOC!

Laura & Chad, we wish you the best!

Day 178 :: Cooper Young Festival ::

2010-09-18T20:31:00.000-07:00

The day started early as we walked down Young and Cooper to look at all the goods being sold.

Then we sat out front of Java Cabana while Valerie June played a few songs in honor of her current project/album. You should go donate and help support local music!

Day 177 :: Elmer & Georgia ::

2010-09-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

We doggy-sat for our friends who rescued Georgia from an abusive home.

She is the kindest and gentlest dog anyone could ask for!

Elmer on the other hand....is still a big puppy.

Day 176 :: Dinner! ::

2010-09-16T20:22:00.000-07:00

Chicken Alfredo <3

Day 175 :: Fall ::

2010-09-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

I was shopping at Target today, and couldn't help getting these for our table.

Fall is almost here!

Day 174 :: Mirror, Mirror ::

2010-09-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

I'm showing off another birthday present from Jonathan.

He bought me this mirror since I've been needing one besides the bathroom mirror :)

Day 173 :: Birthday! ::

2010-09-13T22:06:00.000-07:00

Today was a great Birthday!

First of all, I got off work (they give us our birthday as a holiday!) and Jonathan had also taken off.

He woke me up with Chick-fil-a breakfast and coffee :)

Annnnd he gave me my present:

How awesome is that?!

It's coffee cups that replicate Canon lenses...previously given to Olympic photographers.

Yes, I'm a nerd, but Jonathan knows me so well.

Then we headed downtown since the weather was awesome.

I went to Starbucks and enjoyed a pumpkin spice latte.

Then we walked around and took some photos downtown.

Here are some of my favs:

Day 172 :: Bridal Shower ::

2010-09-12T20:03:00.000-07:00

Today we had a bridal shower for my best friend, Amber!

Yum!

Day 171 :: Sisters!

2010-09-11T23:03:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our birthday by going to Gattitown..an arcade and pizza buffet =P

Here's me and my twin sister!

Day 170 :: Elmer ::

2010-09-10T20:01:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick photo taken as we head to Jackson. Elmer is going to stay with his grandparents in Southaven :)

He loves the window!

Day 169 :: Weinermobile & Baseball ::

2010-09-09T23:33:00.000-07:00

So on our way to the Redbirds game tonight we ran across the Weinermobile!

Then we had a relaxing dinner at TGI Friday's and enjoyed the game!

[Please forgive the laziness of using the iPhone to capture these moments :) ]

Day 168 :: Valerie June ::

2010-09-05T20:22:00.000-07:00

We headed back downtown for more free music.

We came across this lovely lady who labels herself as "Organic Moonshine Roots Music"

And she rocks.

Valerie is raising funds for a new record titled "Manifest". You can help her out here.

Day 167 :: Memphis Music & Heritage Festival ::

2010-09-04T23:26:00.000-07:00

We had a great Saturday as we took Elmer to the dog park, then headed downtown for the Music & Heritage Festival. There is free music and great food.

This is just one of the first sets we saw, with Roy Harper.

Afterwards we saw Jack Oblivion and the Tennessee TearJerkers, Blind Mississippi Morris, and the Sultana. All of it was very awesome.

Day 166 :: My Friend ::

2010-09-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

Came home from work and was greeted by this guy.

Happy Holiday weekend everyone! :)

Day 165 :: Breakfast of Champions ::

2010-08-30T18:41:00.000-07:00

Today started off right, with a granola parfait from Chick-fil-a.

yummo!

Day 164 :: Lazy Sunday ::

2010-08-29T18:01:00.000-07:00

Staying up late Saturday night = Sleeping in Sunday.
I made coffee and did some cleaning around the house, and we had dinner with a friend, then met for church at 5:30.
Other than that, we enjoyed a nice rainy day.

Elmer also enjoyed a Lazy Sunday.

Day 163 :: A Great Day in Memphis ::

2010-08-28T17:39:00.000-07:00

We hear it all the time, "A bad day in Cooper-Young is better than a good day in Germantown."
Well I believe this is true of midtown Memphis too.

Jonathan and I had lunch and walked around the Memphis Zoo. The weather was beautiful, and it was packed full of families and kids enjoying the day.

My favorite part is the fountains to swim in. If I were only 8 years old again.

Jonathan and I then headed to Sun Studio for my first tour ever.

If you haven't been through the tour, you *need* to go.

Grab yourself some coffee in the cafe while you wait for the next tour.

Learn about the history of the recording studio, hear original song clips, and learn the secret behind Johnny Cash's guitar sound.

Day 162 :: Going Away ::

2010-08-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

Tonight we celebrated the "going away" of the Curriers, from Cooper-Young to California.

We will miss you guys!

Love you guys!

Day 161 :: Passion Tea ::

2010-08-26T20:34:00.000-07:00

Enjoyed another break at Starbucks. This time it was Passion Tea outside in the great weather.

Day 160 :: Dirty Chai ::

2010-08-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today was a very long day. Visits with clients began at 8:00am and I didn't stop until 4:30pm.

Thank you Starbucks for providing chai and espresso.

I would love to support a more local coffee establishment, but sadly, Southaven MS has no such place.

Day 159 :: My Motto ::

2010-08-23T07:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, today is Monday, but that's okay.

Day 158 :: Last Day ::

2010-08-22T23:22:00.000-07:00

Sad Day!

We woke up early to drive back to Memphis.

I took some early morning sunrise shots at the beach.

Day 157 :: Beach & Mini Golf ::

2010-08-21T22:19:00.000-07:00

We had another great morning at the beach, then went to eat lunch around 1:00.

Then we went to play a great game of mini golf!

Day 156 :: First night @ Myrtle Beach! ::

2010-08-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

So the trip to Myrtle Beach was a looooong 13 hours.

But we have a grand time sharing that 13 hours with Krystal & Brad.

We arrived at the hotel in enough time to go to the beach, check in at 3:00, and head out to dinner.

Jonathan had shrimp (not as big as he wanted!), and I had the pecan encrusted grouper.

Yummmm.

Day 155 :: Myrtle Beach, Here We Come ::

2010-08-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

Packed. Locked. Itinerary. Gas. Friends. Food. Sunglasses. Camera.

Ready!

Day 154 :: Haircut! ::

2010-08-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

I felt it was time for a change, so I went and got a shorter haircut with a darker brown and red color :)

Day 153 :: Orange Watermelon? ::

2010-08-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

I had girl never heard of orange watermelon until we got one at the Farmer's Market yesterday.

Jonathan cut it up, and it is *very* good.

Yum :)

Day 152 :: Happy Birthday Dave ::

2010-08-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Today is Dave's birthday.

We had dinner at Cracker Barrel.

We got him this card.

It's funny :)

Day 151 :: Graceland Too! ::

2010-08-13T23:15:00.000-07:00

In honor of Elvis week, we decided to take a trip to see Graceland Too.

For anyone not familiar with this place, it is a shrine unto Elvis, and Paul is the curator.

Its located in Holly Springs, MS, and if you go 3 times you can become a lifetime member!

You should go. Really.

Day 150 :: Elmer ::

2010-08-12T20:03:00.000-07:00

Jonathan put up this mirror/hat rack for his many many hats.

This is where Elmer sits alot of the time.

We can never have too many photos of Elmer :)

Day 149 :: Me @ Work ::

2010-08-08T21:28:00.000-07:00

Lucky you!

You get a behind-the-scenes photo from my home studio.

Yes this is me tired, but working and happy!

Day 148 :: New Job! ::

2010-08-06T20:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lapse in postings! This past week has been super busy with training at my new job.

Looks like my 365 Blog will be more spread out than one year, but I'm not a legalist :)

Here is my desk at my office. Sparse? Yes, but at least I have a window.

I am also lucky enough to share the space with 2 other coworkers.

Since we are case managers, we are mostly out and about, and hardly in the office anyway.

A long week of work was celebrated at Young Avenue Deli.

Cheers!

Day 147 :: Flying ::

2010-07-29T09:02:00.000-07:00

We live wear we can see the planes fly in and out from the airport, so I took a few shots of the planes.

Day 146 ::Morning Has Broken::

2010-07-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Morning has broken, like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for the springing fresh from the word

Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven
Like the first dewfall, on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where his feet pass

Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play

Praise with elation, praise every morning

God's recreation of a new day.

-Eleanor Farjeon

Day 145 :: Patterns ::

2010-07-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

The night sets softly
With the hush of falling leaves,
Casting shivering shadows
On the houses through the trees,
And the light from a street lamp
Paints a pattern on my wall,
Like the pieces of a puzzle
Or a child's uneven scrawl.

Up a narrow flight of stairs
In a narrow little room,
As I lie upon my bed
In the early evening gloom.
Impaled on my wall
My eyes can dimly see
The pattern of my life
And the puzzle that is me.
-Paul Simon

Day 144 :: Light ::

2010-07-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

Though my soul may set in darkness,
It will rise in perfect light,
I have loved the stars too fondly
To be fearful of the night.
~Sarah Williams

Day 143 :: Elmer ::

2010-07-21T12:31:00.000-07:00

You all get an Elmer photo today. He likes the grass.

Day 142 :: My favorite place ::

2010-07-20T12:26:00.000-07:00

I love my bed.

It was exceptionally hard to wake up this morning and go running with the high humidity, but I was successful!

Day 141 :: Volkswagon ::

2010-07-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

I came across an orange VW today and wanted to share.

Love!

Day 140 :: Dead & Alive ::

2010-07-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

I love the contrast in this image, with the bright greens and dark browns.

Day 139 :: Grass that never stops growing ::

2010-07-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Even though we've had minimal rain this summer, our grass keeps growing and growing.

I don't mow the grass though, Jonathan gets that opportunity :)

Day 138 :: Strange ::

2010-07-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

A very strange bug I came across today.

I thought it was an ant carrying something, but no, it was a bug all its own.

Wierd!

Day 137 :: Muffin [Wo]man

2010-07-15T11:31:00.000-07:00

Today was a muffin baking day. Not from scratch, but still great, and I even found fat free mix! These are cranberry orange, and wonderful.

Day 136 :: Flowers & Summer ::

2010-07-14T11:23:00.000-07:00

Even in the heat, I can appreciate pretty flowers.

Today is a day of drinking coffee, reading, and preparing for our book study tonight.

Day 135 :: Watchdog ::

2010-07-13T14:08:00.000-07:00

Since I've been home during the day, Elmer feels like he has to always be on the watch to protect me.

It doesn't matter if there is really anyone there or not, if he thinks he hears something, he's barking and running and nudging me.

It's sweet :)

Day 134 :: Rainy Monday in Memphis ::

2010-07-12T12:56:00.000-07:00

rain rain rain.

Day 133 :: Collection ::

2010-07-11T13:30:00.000-07:00

This is our small collection of bottle caps, we hope to have enough for a project in the future.

Day 132 :: Engagement Session ::

2010-07-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

Today we were in Jackson, MS shooting a lovely engagement session for Jessica & Robert.

We walked around Mississippi College and old town Clinton, then went to Robert's parents' house until the sun set.

I really love storyboards :)

Day 131 :: My Workspace ::

2010-07-09T13:45:00.000-07:00

Interesting eh?

Sorry for the poor photo quality, I'm packing and preparing to head to Jxn tonite:)

Day 130 :: Aviana ::

2010-07-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Maybe I'm cheating, but I really love this photo from today's shoot with Aviana.

Lovely :)

Day 129 :: Cooper-Young Parade Day ::

2010-07-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

We had a super fun morning with the Cooper-Young Neighborhood 4th of July parade. Afterward, the firemen set up a water hose and the kids had tons of fun, dogs and adults too :)

Day 128 :: Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-04T14:11:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July to all today!

I am thankful for those who sacrifice for our freedom every single day.

Fondue with friends :)

Day 127 :: What I'm Working On

2010-07-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

This is what I'm currently working on. Bridal portraits with texture. Lovely!

Day 126 :: New Month, New Start ::

2010-07-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

Today I finally had time to run, make coffee, work in photoshop, and update this blog!
I love having the time to do the things that I keep putting off such as:
Signing up for PPA (I know!)
Signing up for Animoto (an awesome service)
Setting up networking meetings with local wedding vendors.

Needless to say, this is only Day #1, and I am excited :)

Here are a few flower shots from today :

High-key shot

Approaching of the bee :)
{incorporated RAW preset with a texture}

Day 125 :: Last Day ::

2010-06-30T19:54:00.000-07:00

Ok so today was my last day at "Employer".

I couldn't wait to leave that place!

I loved the people I worked with, and I loved my clients.

I however did not love my supervisors/high-ups.

With that being said, this marks my upcoming month for focusing on photography, then I start my new job Aug. 1!

Day 124 :: Abstract ::

2010-06-29T11:51:00.000-07:00

I wanted to shoot an abstract photo today.

Anyone wanna guess what this is?

Day 123 :: Neighborhood Watch ::

2010-06-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

Alright, now I feel safe.

Day 122 :: Hours ::

2010-06-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

So a common complaint here in Cooper Young is that a certain coffee shop doesn't open before 9am during the week, and opens at noon on Sunday. Notice the comment : "Why won't you open when people need coffee??"

I guess my response would be, go home and make some? Then again, they do have free wifi.

Day 121 :: Prayer breakfast & Coffee ::

2010-06-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

A few of us met for a prayer breakfast this morning, (thanks Deborah!), and had a great time eating and praying for the church, people we know, whatever was on our hearts.

Also: There's nothing better than alot of coffee that travels :)

Day 120 :: Signs of the Past ::

2010-06-18T19:39:00.000-07:00

Passed this pole walking home, and had to take a photo.

Concept of signs being put up and torn down, looking for dogs, selling junk, buying junk, playing music, advertising.

Day 119 :: Dressy Dress ::

2010-06-17T18:35:00.000-07:00

This is my matron-of-honor dress for Amber and Richard's wedding on 10.23.10. It will be strange to be in a wedding instead of shooting it. I'll resist the urge, since my good friend and talented photog Kristi is their wedding photographer. Can't wait!

Day 118 :: Saying Bye ::

2010-06-16T21:24:00.000-07:00

This is Elmer saying bye as we get in the car to go places.

It really does make my heart happy.

Day 117 :: An Apple a Day ::

2010-06-15T20:21:00.000-07:00

The other Macinstosh Apple :)

Day 116 :: Whimsy Flower ::

2010-06-14T19:17:00.000-07:00

I don't like the heat in the summer, but I love the flowers.

Day 115 :: Breakfast ::

2010-06-13T19:28:00.000-07:00

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Day 114 :: Vintage ::

2010-06-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

I got this clutch purse at Plato's Closet, and I love love love it.
It has a vintage feel, and I plan to use it in some photo shoots.
Anyone interested?

Day 113 :: Resigned ::

2010-06-11T18:46:00.000-07:00

I gave my two weeks notice at work today!!!!

My last day at Communicare will be June 30.
Then in July, I will be focusing solely on my photography and business.
Jonathan has been nothing but supportive in this choice, and continues to be a source of constant encouragement. I love him and couldn't do this without him.

I start a new job (still in social work) August 1, but it will be after a month of reflection, change, and personal growth.

I couldn't be more excited :)

Day 112 :: Elmer ::

2010-06-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted a photo of Elmer recently, so here he is :)

A new doggie park opened over the weekend in Memphis, we haven't checked it out yet, but we will soon!

Day 111 :: Rain ::

2010-06-09T20:41:00.000-07:00

My thoughts exactly Charlie Brown.

Day 110 :: Mac Surgery ::

2010-06-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

So my hard drive in my Mac died over the weekend, and it was very tragic.
I am very prepared; however, and have backed up anything important on my desktop, and my external. Any good photographer would know to do so.

So I began my journey by going to Best Buy and purchasing a 500gig HD. I then followed some online instructions to remove the old HD and put in the new one.

I reinstalled Mac OS, booted up, and was very happy to see my laptop working again!

Lessons learned:

Hard drives do not last longer than 3 or 4 years usually.
Even Macs need to have replacements.
Don't pay the Apple store to do something you can do yourself (I saved $200+ dollars!)

Below you can see my new HD (top) and my old HD (bottom).

Day 109 :: Bistro ::

2010-06-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

We met with a bride & her fiancé today to discuss their wedding and engagement photos. We met at the local coffee eastablishment in Clinton, MS where they've bought and used an old home. I always love to see businesses embrace the old homes instead of building new ones all the time.

Day 108 :: Toys ::

2010-06-04T21:14:00.001-07:00

I saw these "funland" equipment toys on an 18 wheeler going down the road and couldn't pass up a photo (at a stop light of course).

Razor!

Posted from my iPhone

Day 107 :: Nature ::

2010-06-03T15:21:00.001-07:00

The sky is held up by the trees.
If the forest disappears, the sky-roof of the world collapses.
Nature and man then perish together.
M.S. Swaminathan

Day 106 :: Fondue ::

2010-06-02T15:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight we had Community Group and shared fondue.
Yum!

Day 105 :: Mausoleum ::

2010-06-01T15:14:00.000-07:00

Mausoleum
Memphis, TN

Day 104 :: Blessing ::

2010-05-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

Blessing
Memphis, TN

Day 103 :: Forest Hill Cemetery ::

2010-05-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

Forest Hill Cemetery
Memphis, TN

Day 102 :: Summer Candy

2010-05-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

Today was an "Abstract" challenge for our 365 Facebook group. So I took this photo after coming across a beautiful orange and yellow [insert flower name here].

- Posted from my iPhone

Day 101 :: Vintage Camera ::

2010-05-27T19:24:00.001-07:00

This is an old camera that belonged to my grandparents that we rescued.
I always wonder what kind of scenes and faces were shot with this camera.

Day 100 :: Teavana ::

2010-05-26T19:20:00.000-07:00

While in St. Louis we purchased this teapot and teacup set from Teavana. I had never been to this store before..and I was in heaven. They gave me the tasting tour and of course we had to buy something. We also got Jonathan's mom a teapot of her own for Mother's Day.

What I love about this teapot is that you heat, steep, and can reheat in the microwave.

Day 99 :: Star Wars in Concert ::

2010-05-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

How much do you love Star Wars??
Since my husband is a huge fan of the movies, and in order to celebrate our Anniversary, I purchased tickets to see Star Wars in Concert at the Fed Ex Forum for a surprise.
He loved it, and I did too.
Anthony Daniels did the narrating, supporting the orchestra who did an amazing job.
They had costumes from the movies and people came dressed up, such as this young padawan below.

Day 98 :: Cookout ::

2010-05-19T18:38:00.000-07:00

Neighborhood Church sponsored a cookout this evening complete with hamburgers, hotdogs, and sangria. It was great to hang out with friends and enjoy the weather.
Here are my favorite photos (taken by Jonathan) :

You can see more photos from the day here.

Day 97 :: Golden Hour ::

2010-05-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

For anyone who is interested in photography, whether you are a pro or just beginning, you have probably heard of the "Golden Hour" for portrait photography where the light is warm and lovely.
I took this photo right before the sun set as the sun shone into our living room.

Day 96 :: Fox Theatre :: St. Louis ::

2010-05-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

Lens | John S
Film | Blanko
Flash | Off

Day 95 :: My Babies ::

2010-05-03T21:23:00.001-07:00

My Alien Bees finally arrived! Jonathan set them up for me, and I tested them out for a bit before I head to bed.

I got a parabolic umbrella and a giant softbox with my 2 B800s :)