Do these give you a hint?
Well....these shots are purely amateur. But, it is what I have wanted to do my whole life. So, starting June 1st, I will be attending the Summer Intensive, two professional series courses in weddings & editorial portraiture, and Advanced Intensive at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography here in Missoula, MT.
I don't often share very personal stuff here, but maybe it is time for just a little snippet into my decision. I really wanted to go to school for photography the first time around. But, at the tender age of 18 when I was very impressionable and a little scared of being in college....my counselor talked me out of photography because it was a journalism degree at the University of Montana. So, I pursued Business Administration instead, with my emphasis in both marketing and management. And you know what...I don't regret that decision. Having a business degree is only going to help me in the long run. And the fact that I have worked for the past 7 years in a business related field has given me experience that will be invaluable.
After graduating and getting married...I put that dream on a back burner and didn't really think about it much. I still took tons of photos and still loved doing it. But, we were so green in our new life, and I was fresh out of college with a large debt from said college to pay off. And while photography didn't become unimportant...it just became out of my reach for the time being.
Fast forward to when Josh surprised me with my first DSLR in October of 2006...the entry level Nikon D50. I was in love. I don't think in love even describes it. The speed....the settings...the clarity it shot with- photography came to the forefront again. I took hundreds upon hundreds of photos with my D50. More photos than I even knew how to edit. Along with taking the hundreds of photos...I started learning how to use Photoshop. I still only know a small portion of Photoshop, but I look forward to learning it inside and out come June 1st.
I started thinking a lot about photography school, and I learned about the school right here in Missoula. Lots of fabulous reviews from past students, instructors...even community members who have either know students or hired photographers that graduated from there. Starting in January of 2008...I was studying and devouring the website often. I think by July I knew everything they had to offer by heart. By November...I was consumed by it. I knew I had to make a decision. So- finally at the beginning of this year, I sat down with Josh and we made the decision. It was time for me to reach for my dream. To pull it from the back burner.
So, since then we have been getting everything in line for me to start in June. I have to quit my job in order to attend...so we have been saving. The financial aspect has been the scariest part for me, but we have it all figured out now. I can breath a sigh of relief, and actually believe that this is really happening. I can tell people that I am going to school because I know for sure now...I really am. That thought just makes me smile.
So, there you have it. A little bit of my heart poured out. I am excited, and nervous, and scared...but more peaceful than I have felt in a long time. I know this is the right decision for me and for Josh...and for our future.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my exciting news! If you made it this far....you are a saint. I will be sure to take anyone along on my adventure that wants to...just keep up with my blog starting June 1st. (Well...I would love for you to keep up with my blog before then as well. Tee hee!)
Until later,
~Lea
PS- I know that I mentioned a giveaway card challenge...and I still plan to do it. I totally dropped the ball this weekend on it, and I am so sorry!! Please be on the lookout for the challenge information this week! I promise there really will be one, and it is a great giveaway!!
Well....these shots are purely amateur. But, it is what I have wanted to do my whole life. So, starting June 1st, I will be attending the Summer Intensive, two professional series courses in weddings & editorial portraiture, and Advanced Intensive at the Rocky Mountain School of Photography here in Missoula, MT.I don't often share very personal stuff here, but maybe it is time for just a little snippet into my decision. I really wanted to go to school for photography the first time around. But, at the tender age of 18 when I was very impressionable and a little scared of being in college....my counselor talked me out of photography because it was a journalism degree at the University of Montana. So, I pursued Business Administration instead, with my emphasis in both marketing and management. And you know what...I don't regret that decision. Having a business degree is only going to help me in the long run. And the fact that I have worked for the past 7 years in a business related field has given me experience that will be invaluable.
After graduating and getting married...I put that dream on a back burner and didn't really think about it much. I still took tons of photos and still loved doing it. But, we were so green in our new life, and I was fresh out of college with a large debt from said college to pay off. And while photography didn't become unimportant...it just became out of my reach for the time being.
Fast forward to when Josh surprised me with my first DSLR in October of 2006...the entry level Nikon D50. I was in love. I don't think in love even describes it. The speed....the settings...the clarity it shot with- photography came to the forefront again. I took hundreds upon hundreds of photos with my D50. More photos than I even knew how to edit. Along with taking the hundreds of photos...I started learning how to use Photoshop. I still only know a small portion of Photoshop, but I look forward to learning it inside and out come June 1st.
I started thinking a lot about photography school, and I learned about the school right here in Missoula. Lots of fabulous reviews from past students, instructors...even community members who have either know students or hired photographers that graduated from there. Starting in January of 2008...I was studying and devouring the website often. I think by July I knew everything they had to offer by heart. By November...I was consumed by it. I knew I had to make a decision. So- finally at the beginning of this year, I sat down with Josh and we made the decision. It was time for me to reach for my dream. To pull it from the back burner.
So, since then we have been getting everything in line for me to start in June. I have to quit my job in order to attend...so we have been saving. The financial aspect has been the scariest part for me, but we have it all figured out now. I can breath a sigh of relief, and actually believe that this is really happening. I can tell people that I am going to school because I know for sure now...I really am. That thought just makes me smile.
So, there you have it. A little bit of my heart poured out. I am excited, and nervous, and scared...but more peaceful than I have felt in a long time. I know this is the right decision for me and for Josh...and for our future.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my exciting news! If you made it this far....you are a saint. I will be sure to take anyone along on my adventure that wants to...just keep up with my blog starting June 1st. (Well...I would love for you to keep up with my blog before then as well. Tee hee!)
Until later,
~Lea
PS- I know that I mentioned a giveaway card challenge...and I still plan to do it. I totally dropped the ball this weekend on it, and I am so sorry!! Please be on the lookout for the challenge information this week! I promise there really will be one, and it is a great giveaway!!
Hey everyone!! Sorry I haven't been posting much this week! Our internet has been whacked out all week long (along with our phone and cable...all the same company of course, so when they have problems...they have PROBLEMS!). So, I am just going to share everything together!
First up is my card for Be Inspired #24 at the Cuttlebug Challenge blog this week. We were sponsored by The Cutting Cafe this week...so be sure to check them out! The cute cupcake and sentiment were part of what we were given to use...aren't they darling?!
And we have a BIG deal going on at the Cuttlebug Challenge this week. Provo Craft wants to know what YOU would like to see happen with the Cuttlebug machine, dies & folders. Please go to THIS post on the blog, and read about the great giveaways we are doing, become a follower of the blog, and most importantly...take the survery for Provo Craft! The only way to get what we want is to tell them...so this is a great opportunity!!
Up next is my card for sketch 108 at CPS this week. We were sponsored by The Angel Company courtesy of Chris Franco this week...we got the cardstock, paper, and adorable stamps from her this week! So fun!
**PULLED FOR PUB**
And last but not least is this card I got done featuring the awesome "Darling Damask" stamp set and Mineral Ice Dotted Ribbon from Renaissance By Design. I just ADORE this set...and I see myself using it a lot in the future! And the ribbon...rocks!! Some of the best ribbon I have used! Be sure to check them out!
**PULLED FOR PUB**
So- what did you think of Idol last night? I found something out last night...I am just not a fan of motown. There- I said it. If it makes me less American...so be it. I don't like motown. I was kind-of "meh" about the whole night. I do adore Danny, and I actually thought he did a great job getting out of his comfort zone a bit. I don't think the dancing was corny at all...I thought it was fun and showed a different side to him. I normally agree with what comes out of Simon's mouth (although, he could have a bit more tact. But, that wouldn't pull in the ratings, would it?) But, I didn't agree with him about Danny's performance. I thought it was geat! I thought Adam was really great too. Showed his vocal range, and it was nice to see him more subdued, without the over the top makeup, hair, and clothing. Matt, Kris, Anoop & Allison all did great jobs as well...even if I didn't care for the style of music. But Michael, Megan, Scott & Lil...meh. My thoughts on who will go home tonight...Michael or Megan. What do you think?
Well, I won't post again until this weekend. I am thinking of doing a card challenge with a great giveaway...so be sure to check back. AND- I think I might be ready to let everyone in on what has been going on in my life, and what the big change is. So- please be sure to check back if you want to know!
Until later,
~Lea
First up is my card for Be Inspired #24 at the Cuttlebug Challenge blog this week. We were sponsored by The Cutting Cafe this week...so be sure to check them out! The cute cupcake and sentiment were part of what we were given to use...aren't they darling?!
And we have a BIG deal going on at the Cuttlebug Challenge this week. Provo Craft wants to know what YOU would like to see happen with the Cuttlebug machine, dies & folders. Please go to THIS post on the blog, and read about the great giveaways we are doing, become a follower of the blog, and most importantly...take the survery for Provo Craft! The only way to get what we want is to tell them...so this is a great opportunity!!
Up next is my card for sketch 108 at CPS this week. We were sponsored by The Angel Company courtesy of Chris Franco this week...we got the cardstock, paper, and adorable stamps from her this week! So fun!**PULLED FOR PUB**
And last but not least is this card I got done featuring the awesome "Darling Damask" stamp set and Mineral Ice Dotted Ribbon from Renaissance By Design. I just ADORE this set...and I see myself using it a lot in the future! And the ribbon...rocks!! Some of the best ribbon I have used! Be sure to check them out!
**PULLED FOR PUB**
So- what did you think of Idol last night? I found something out last night...I am just not a fan of motown. There- I said it. If it makes me less American...so be it. I don't like motown. I was kind-of "meh" about the whole night. I do adore Danny, and I actually thought he did a great job getting out of his comfort zone a bit. I don't think the dancing was corny at all...I thought it was fun and showed a different side to him. I normally agree with what comes out of Simon's mouth (although, he could have a bit more tact. But, that wouldn't pull in the ratings, would it?) But, I didn't agree with him about Danny's performance. I thought it was geat! I thought Adam was really great too. Showed his vocal range, and it was nice to see him more subdued, without the over the top makeup, hair, and clothing. Matt, Kris, Anoop & Allison all did great jobs as well...even if I didn't care for the style of music. But Michael, Megan, Scott & Lil...meh. My thoughts on who will go home tonight...Michael or Megan. What do you think?
Well, I won't post again until this weekend. I am thinking of doing a card challenge with a great giveaway...so be sure to check back. AND- I think I might be ready to let everyone in on what has been going on in my life, and what the big change is. So- please be sure to check back if you want to know!
Until later,
~Lea
Yesterday was my first Spotlight Sunday at the Cuttlebug Challenge blog, and I did this cute Honey & Tea Set for it! Be sure to click on the link to get more details about my project!
It also features these awesome products from Renaissance by Design. Be sure to check them out- great prices, and great quality:
~Bee-Mail stamps
~Mineral Ice Satin Dot ribbon
~Square 8oz Clear Top tin
Sorry I haven't been a great blogger this past week! Life was a little busy with other things going on...so I haven't had a lot of crafty time! Hope that changes this week a bit...I need to spend some time in my room!
It also features these awesome products from Renaissance by Design. Be sure to check them out- great prices, and great quality:
~Bee-Mail stamps
~Mineral Ice Satin Dot ribbon
~Square 8oz Clear Top tin
Sorry I haven't been a great blogger this past week! Life was a little busy with other things going on...so I haven't had a lot of crafty time! Hope that changes this week a bit...I need to spend some time in my room!Have a happy Monday!
~Lea
How is everyone doing on this fine day after all the St. Patty's celebrations? Did you drink green beer, or eat corned beef and cabbage? Well- I sure didn't. We had waffles for dinner, and watched American Idol. Pretty exciting, huh? ;)
Well, it is time for another Cuttlebug Challenge post! This week Be Inspired #23 was all about using punches in an interesting way. The only punches I own are border punches....so I did what I could. I like that the layers of punched borders give it a bit of a fashion look...like layers on a dress or ruffles. And every single piece of patterned paper used was from my scrap basket...so that is pretty great. Gotta love using up every last piece of this fabulous American Crafts paper!! I also embossed that great dotted border at the top using my Cuttlebug, and one of the "With Love" border folders."Thanks" Card supply list:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics & Prism
Paper/Flower: American Crafts
Chipboard: Heidi Swapp
Jewels: Doodlebug Designs & Westrim Crafts
Border Punch: Martha Stewart Crafts
Embossing Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft (w/ "With Love" embossing folder)
Be sure to hop on over to the blog and check out what the other gals did with their punches!! Lots of fabulous work!
Okay- so let's dish on American Idol last night. I was actually very impressed with all of them except....Michael (of all people...the one who should have blown it up because it is totally his genre) and Adam. Oh my goodness gracious...Johnny Cash and every member of the Grand Ole Opry that has passed on turned over in their grave last night during that performance. But, we all know he won't go home next week because he has quite the following. And I agree with that...he does have talent. But this week....BAD. Bad, bad, bad, bad. I wish I could just forget I ever saw it or heard it.
How about Anoop and Kris?! Talk about redemption from last week for Anoop, and I think this is the first time I have heard Kris sing and really felt like he could be a front runner! They both did an amazing job. Of course, Danny and Matt were fabulous. I think those two are my very faves as of now- two artists that I would buy an album from right now if they were available. Allison did a great job rocking her country song, and actually...so did Lil! I was very impressed with her...even if the judges thought the song choice was bad. I didn't agree with them on that. Alexis is was pretty much "meh", and while I just don't care for the sound of Megan's voice...she is beautiful, and I give her PROPS for performing the way she did with Influenza-B. That takes some fight. And last, but definitely not least....Scott. Vocally- he just isn't up there with the other contestants. But, I LOVE to watch him sing and play the piano. It is just pure joy exuding from him every time he plays, and it captivates me.
I have zero thoughts on who will go home tomorrow night. Zero- I have no clue who it might be. Do you have any ideas? Share your thoughts on that with me, and any of your thoughts on the Idol performances last night if you want!
Happy Wednesday,
~Lea
Well, it is time for another Cuttlebug Challenge post! This week Be Inspired #23 was all about using punches in an interesting way. The only punches I own are border punches....so I did what I could. I like that the layers of punched borders give it a bit of a fashion look...like layers on a dress or ruffles. And every single piece of patterned paper used was from my scrap basket...so that is pretty great. Gotta love using up every last piece of this fabulous American Crafts paper!! I also embossed that great dotted border at the top using my Cuttlebug, and one of the "With Love" border folders.
"Thanks" Card supply list:Cardstock: Bazzill Basics & Prism
Paper/Flower: American Crafts
Chipboard: Heidi Swapp
Jewels: Doodlebug Designs & Westrim Crafts
Border Punch: Martha Stewart Crafts
Embossing Machine: Cuttlebug by Provo Craft (w/ "With Love" embossing folder)
Be sure to hop on over to the blog and check out what the other gals did with their punches!! Lots of fabulous work!
Okay- so let's dish on American Idol last night. I was actually very impressed with all of them except....Michael (of all people...the one who should have blown it up because it is totally his genre) and Adam. Oh my goodness gracious...Johnny Cash and every member of the Grand Ole Opry that has passed on turned over in their grave last night during that performance. But, we all know he won't go home next week because he has quite the following. And I agree with that...he does have talent. But this week....BAD. Bad, bad, bad, bad. I wish I could just forget I ever saw it or heard it.
How about Anoop and Kris?! Talk about redemption from last week for Anoop, and I think this is the first time I have heard Kris sing and really felt like he could be a front runner! They both did an amazing job. Of course, Danny and Matt were fabulous. I think those two are my very faves as of now- two artists that I would buy an album from right now if they were available. Allison did a great job rocking her country song, and actually...so did Lil! I was very impressed with her...even if the judges thought the song choice was bad. I didn't agree with them on that. Alexis is was pretty much "meh", and while I just don't care for the sound of Megan's voice...she is beautiful, and I give her PROPS for performing the way she did with Influenza-B. That takes some fight. And last, but definitely not least....Scott. Vocally- he just isn't up there with the other contestants. But, I LOVE to watch him sing and play the piano. It is just pure joy exuding from him every time he plays, and it captivates me.
I have zero thoughts on who will go home tomorrow night. Zero- I have no clue who it might be. Do you have any ideas? Share your thoughts on that with me, and any of your thoughts on the Idol performances last night if you want!
Happy Wednesday,
~Lea
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