Tribute to Jim

Earlier this semester my former photography professor announced he was retiring from teaching. It wasn't a huge blow to me personally, since I graduated a few years ago, but I know that current students are probably pretty bummed! Jim is one of those people whom EVERYONE loves. There's not one single bad thing about that man, and that's a pretty huge claim to make about someone. He's an excellent photographer, he's the most encouraging person I know AND he sets an amazing Christian example for everyone who comes through Union. It's a plus that he and his wife are pretty much the cutest couple ever. So anyway, enough gushing. To send him off properly, his colleagues (Chris and Ashley) hosted a party in his honor for alum and coworkers to attend. 

Ashley gushing about Jim

Jim and Carol (and everyone else) giggling because Ashley is hilarious

Part of the gathering included a presentation that served as a gift from Jim's current and former students.  Kathleen (soon to be Jim's successor! Congrats, Kat!) put together this AMAZING slideshow of images submitted by students under the theme of "His Influence." It also included recordings of the students telling how he influenced them. The last part of the slideshow had several snapshots of Jim and Carol, some of them quite funny. Later the photos and submitted critiques of the photos (this was something he always did in class, so the project mirrored that) will be printed in the form of a book for Jim and Carol to keep. I have to say, this party was probably one of the most fun things I've gotten to do in a while. I got to see lots of old classmates and hang out with so many of the people I cherish. It was a wonderful night!

I am so excited to see what the next chapter of their lives holds. Jim is planning to do freelance work again, which is what he did before teaching. I have no doubt he will do great things! And I'm also pretty sure he'll be spending some extra time with grandbabies too :) Best wishes, Jim and Carol, in all that life has to offer! 

Come Spring and Hurry

As I write this today, it is actually finally warm again. But the last few weeks have been so back and forth weather-wise that I've been in a glass case of emotion (bonus points if you get that reference). I shouldn't be surprised since Fall was so back and forth as well, but seriously, get warm and stay that way! These photos were taken on a particularly chilly day recently. Margaret and I met up to take the pictures, and we basically just complained about the temperature the entire time. We're such beacons of positivity.

I was actually kind of thankful for the opportunity to wear this jacket one more time. I bought it from Express one year when I had a pretty massive coupon (they have THE BEST coupons with their credit card). I wanted to get something that was unlike anything else I had, and this definitely fit the bill. I usually stay far away from white since (a) I'm clumsy and (b) white gets dingy, but I just really liked the contrast on this jacket. The black faux leather details around the zippers and the fabric on the front  panels just kind of drew me in. I personally think this jacket is a perfect match for my favorite Levi's. If I wasn't worried about getting a million stains on this thing, I would probably wear it a lot more often! Maybe someday I'll be brave enough to get white pants...but I doubt it.

details:

jacket- Express

earrings - gift

jeans- Levi's

boots- Madden Girl from Marshall's (similar)

Back Home Where We Belong

Rhett and I just got back from vacation yesterday, which was WONDERFUL. It's always so nice to get out of town for a few days and not have anything to worry about besides eating and sleeping. I did have one little worry while I was gone though: my Chipper baby. This is the first time we've left him, and I missed him so much more than I anticipated! He was in great hands with Rhett's aunt and uncle, but I was still worried about him. I know, I know...he's a dog. He's pretty much happy with anyone who gives him food. I'm sure he didn't even notice we were gone.

 alien ears

I will admit that it was really nice being able to sleep a little later in the morning and walk around without wondering if he's chewing on something important. He's still quite a handful, so the rest without the responsibility was much-needed. I'm SUPER glad to be back home with him though! I thought he was going to explode when we picked him up yesterday. He was so excited to see us, which made me really happy.

ooooo what's that?! camera! lick! 

As a side-note, We got our last groupon Bark Box earlier this month! I went to cancel the subscription because I really don't need to spend the money, but I ended up just leaving it. He just loves getting the toys and treats, I couldn't stand to take that away from him! I was able to use a coupon for the next few months though, so that helped.

I hope you all are enjoying a nice week! The weather is decent today, though a little overcast. I'm hoping to get a run in this afternoon. I've got a few months to get my weekly mileage up before I start training for the marathon in December! I'm telling you guys that I'm running it so you MUST hold me to it. Don't let me back out.

Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes (Pretend it's Fall)

Ok, mine DO NOT look as good as the one's from this post. I'm still learning, so ya know. Anyway I love love love pumpkin recipes, even when it's not Fall. It's definitely harder to get a hold of pumpkin when it's not close to the holidays, but if you stock up ahead of time, you're good to go. I found the recipe online (here) and thought I would give it a shot for dessert one night.

stuffs for the crusts 

 line cupcake liners with the graham mixture

mixing up the filling in my poorly lit kitchen

Here is what you need for this recipe:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1⁄4 teaspoon table salt
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 8 ounces light cream cheese, softened (approximately 1 cup)
• 1 cup plain canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

And here's what you do:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a standard-sized cupcake pan with 12 liners.
2. In a small bowl, toss together melted butter, salt, and graham crumbs. Use a tablespoon measure to spoon 1 heaping tablespoons crumb mixture into each liner. Press down with back of spoon to flatten. Bake crusts for 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. Combine cream cheese, pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl. Beat on high with mixer for 2-3 minutes or until smooth. Spoon batter evenly into cups and bake for 20-25 minute or until set. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled. Cheesecakes may be made up to 4 days before serving.

THIS CONTENT IS FROM THE BB&B WEBSITE. IT IS NOT MY OWN RECIPE.

Instead of buying graham cracker crumbs, I used some I already had and just crumbled them up myself. You just put them in a bag and basically pound on it. It's quite a stress reliever! haha

Sorry this is kind of out of season, but I just love pumpkin recipes, I couldn't resist! Maybe you can just save it for later this year :) I hope you're all having a wonderful week!

Space Jam + Giveaway

*(Be sure to make it to the bottom of this post for a giveaway!)*

I have finally completed a photo that has been in my head for AT LEAST two years! I have attempted it once before, and it just didn't work out (left):

I think the first problem was that the astronauts just weren't small enough. It took me a while to finally find these little astronaut beads that were small enough for what I wanted. I decided to some something more straightforward and simple this time with a better background. But something about the composition still wasn't clicking for me. The shot above right was what I ended up with this last time. Something made me want to put a spoon in the jar though, so I tried it.  The fishing line that was holding up the jar wouldn't stay on without the lid though, so I had to give that up...or did I? 

I took the background off the wall, set it on the ground and set the jar of jam down on it. I loved the way it looked! Overlapping the jar with the planet reminds me of a Venn diagram a little bit. I love that it's hinting at symmetry, but it's not at all symmetrical, if that even makes sense. I actually like both of the ones I took this last attempt, but the shot from above just looks so much better to me, so that's the one I'm printing. I hope you guys like it too! I would love to hear your thoughts on it. It's available in my Etsy shop now! I can't wait to see how it looks on the metallic paper that I use. I feel like it will really make it pop.

Since I'm so SUPER happy that I finally did this photo and like it, I would like to offer a free 8x10 to one of my readers. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post letting me know that you'd like to be entered! I will choose a random winner next Thursday (May 2nd) when I get back from vacation.

Update: Diane (comment #7) is the winner of the print! Congratulations, Diane. I hope your boys love their new print.