A Birthday Party
May 9, 2009
Yesterday our granddaughter, age 9, was invited to a birthday party for one of her school friends. The party was held at a pottery club, and each of the girls made something out of pottery. There must have been around 15 of these young girls, and fun was being had by all.
The birthday cake was unique: it was Cinderella’s wedding dress. Cinderella stood on top, her veil trailing off behind her, and the cake itself was her dress. It was conical shaped; you know, like the dresses of old that were wide at the bottom and tight around the waist. I think they used wooden hoops to keep the bottom round and away from the feet back then.
While this was going on grandfather and I walked along the lower part of the high banks on a river. We had hoped to see some rock formations, but because of mud from recent rains we couldn’t get that far down the river. There is an island in the river, so we strolled out there with our son and grandson to wait for the party to be over.
Upon our return we found the birthday girl opening her presents. Her mother was desperately trying to take pictures, but she was not having much luck. Birthday girl would hand the tag from the present to mom, then open the gift and slowly swing the gift from left to right in an arc to show all of the guests what her gift was. At the end of the arc she would simply drop the gift into the pile building off her left shoulder. It was really cute to see.
There was more to do at the party, so grandpa and I simply excused ourselves and headed home, enjoying the perfect end to a wonderful Michigan spring day.
Some days are just perfect.
Betty
Spring Adventures
May 6, 2009
The grandkids arrived again today, and immediately set out on their adventures. Overturned rocks, sticks dragged around, dirt spots examined. Baby roly pollys and Lydia and Squggly are quickly discovered, and the mad dash to show Nana their treasures is under way!
The baby roly polys are tiny snails snuggled underneath rocks that line the driveway, while Lydia and Squiggly are worms found under wood left on the ground. Each one requires close examination, and observation posts are set up on the picnic table.
Soon Lydia, Squiggly and the roly polys are on the move, executing their escape plan from the grasp of these giants. A little inattention, minds distracted and upon return their captives have fled to places unknown. Oh well, tomorrow there will be more adventures.
Grandma heads to the gorchard, grand daughter in tow. She discovers the apple tree is in full bloom, and the bees have flown from their hives to do their work with the beautiful flowers that adorn the apple tree. Pinks and white, the flowers attract the workers from the hives as they quickly gather their treasures to give to the Queen.
What a great time to photograph your children. Discovery around every corner, adventures to be had and action all around. Grab the camera quick, before the moment is gone!
Keep those cameras handy!
Betty Alicia
A Picture Perfect Day
May 5, 2009
Today was one of those wonderful Michigan days, the kind you just like to spend outdoors. Not too cold, not too hot, but just right.
Today I didn’t have to pick up the grandkids, so I finally had time to plant my strawberry plants in the Gorchard. Well, that’s what my family calls it anyway. I have rhubarb, currents, grapes, apples, blue berries, raspberries and four bee hives to keep them producing. Located just behind the cozy forest, I find my refuge there.
Tomorrow, however, chaos returns and it will be time for the camera. You see, at this time of year the little ones explore the cozy forest and the gorchard for any kind of bugs, worms or snakes they can find. Spring brings out all kinds of things, the forest is greening nicely, and the warm sun feels good after the cold, dark and dank winter.
One of the best times to photograph children is when they are happy, full of energy and exploring the newly emerging world with the wonder only children seem to have. They will turn over rocks, sticks and fallen tree limbs to discover what is hiding there. With luck they may scare up a rabbit or two, but hopefully not a skunk.
I say that because years ago one of our sons, and our dog, cornered a skunk, determined to do it in. They may have succeeded at that, but the skunk got its revenge. After a couple of baths in tomato juice he smelled OK to me, so I sent him off to school. Shortly the phone rang and the principle told me our son smelled like skunk.
My reply? Again? So, I told the principle to teach him not smell him and left them to their problem.
Ah, life in the cozy forest.
Betty Alicia
Spring Is Finally Here
May 5, 2009
Well, spring seems to have arrived in Michigan, and wouldn’t you know it I had to spend a lot of my day indoors today. No picture taking today!
My grand daughter had a play to go to at the Wharton Center on the Michigan State University campus, and the play was about a family during the Nazi occupation. The children were all around 9, but they paid very close attention to the play and were able to ask the actors questions after the play ended.
From there back to school, then to Grandma’s house, snacks (banana, ceral, cookies and a dab of ice cream) and Dad arrives to take them home.
My days are a bit long as I get up at 5:00am to go to our son’s home (he has custody of the little ones, and has to be to work at 5:30am), grab a nap and get the kids up at 7:00am (8 year old boy and 9 year old girl), off to school and back to retrieve them at 3:00pm.
Busy days – but the good part is they usually like to play outside and I get to take lots and lots of photos of them. My husband had to get me to terabyte external drives to store all of my pictures! But what fun!
Well, got to go – until next time keep shooting!
Betty Alicia
Welcome to my world!
May 3, 2009
As this is my first post, I am somewhat nervous, but my webmaster tells me it isn’t that difficult.
So let me begin by telling you a little about myself. Ever since I was a young girl I have been fascinated by cameras. In fact, the very first thing I ever purchased with my baby sitting money was a Kodak Starmite camera (I’m revealing my age here!).
Kodak Starmite Camera
I took a lot of pictures and I remember my parents telling me “That camera sure takes the best pictures!” Of course I knew it wasn’t the camera, but that was OK with me. Being the oldest of five with two sisters and two brothers I always had a chance to practice my passion – Child Photography.
Over the years I have taken thousands of photographs of many, many children, and now my favorite subject are my grandchildren, a girl and a boy.
So please check back often and share my passion for child photography.
Betty Alicia
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