Well, it is New Years Eve. Within hours...2010 will be upon us. As I put on facebook this morning, I'm so ready to ring give 2009 a good swift kick in the heiney and boot it into the past. Bring it 2010 - I'm sooooo ready for you.
With that said, I still sit here in bed - sick with a fever due to H1N1. Kenidi rode her journey out for exactly 8 days before the fever finally went away. I'm currently on day 6. If all goes well, I'm hoping to have some relief from this junk by the weekend. It really thru a damper on the kids break from school over the holidays. That is the part that ticks me off the most. Either way, it is what it is. I'm thankful Kenidi is finally on the mend and didn't have to miss a week and a half of school because of it. I'm ready to bust out of this house though. I walked out into our backyard a few minutes ago and snapped this shot above of the pond behind our house. This ongoing sight of sunshine has been almost criminal as I lay in bed the past week - ill - and have to see it beaming thru our windows with no strength to get outside and seize it. It's a beautiful 80 degrees here today. The sky couldn't be anymore gorgeous. I took this shot with my wide angle lens that so beautifully graced my front porch via the UPS man yesterday. Yes, it is the lens that was sent out to be repaired after I dropped and broke it. When I heard the doorbell ring yesterday, I was "suddenly healed" for a split second after confirming that it was my "12-24mm baby" coming home to me. Oh how I've missed her. So...I took a moment to attach her to Big Papa and walk outside earlier to test her "repair." Much to my surprise, the clouds in the sky were phenomenal this afternoon which in turn make for awesome shots with a wide angle lens. Nevermind the fact that the lanai's on the back of the houses look like they are falling off due to the fact that I have the lens rolled all the way back to 12mm. (lens distorstion at that tight of a range but it makes the clouds all that much cooler.) I got about 3 shots fired off before my body began to ache and sweat again out in that heat. I quickly retreated back to my bed indoors - praying that I'd be relinquished of this nightmarish illness in the next couple of days - MAX!
Gosh knows...I'm ready to get back to this kind of laying around again very soon...
Rumor on the street is that my flip flops and the white sand are missing me - terribly...
Here is to the last few hours of this helldacious year that was named 2009. Hoping all of you ring in 2010 with tons of happiness, blessings, and new found wisdom to carry you thru the year ahead. Happy New Year friends. Be safe! Much love, Angie
I am once again offering the next round of photography classes via Angie Seaman Photography. This is just a reminder that the next set of classes begins January 4th, 2010. (this coming Monday) Some of you have already registered and I confirmed your seat in class if you have. Registration is still open with a few spots still remaining. If you are interested in taking a beginner photography class that teaches you the basics of beginner photography, how to use your camera and its settings, etc., then this class is for you.
You do not have to have a digital SLR to participate in our class. Any point and shoot will work as well. We discuss the pros and cons to both styles of cameras as well as the ins and outs for both designs. Next, the course is done online. There are no specific times each day that you must check in or anything. You will be given private access to a forum/discussion board where you could log in at any time throughout the day - as much or as little as you'd like. You make your own schedule with it. Some people check in everyday, others just check in a couple of times of week. We have one lesson a week that is posted on a certain day. Once posted, you are then given an assignment to do which pertains to that weeks lesson. All questions and notes will be posted on the forum for everyone to read so that we are all learning together. It is a very laid back atmosphere with no/zero pressure. You can participate as much or as little as you prefer. Of course the more you participate, the more you learn. You have one week to turn in each assignment. I then "constructively critique" your assignment and let you know how great the shot is and/or how you can improve for next time. Some students were really involved, some hung out and chimed in from time to time, and then there were some who didn't say much of anything on the forum but checked in for the lessons and the "silent" learning throughout the four week time period. I am on the board/forum everyday so I'm always there when someone has questions or needs additional help. As for what I'll discuss or teach during the 4 week class, here is a list of topics that we'll go over and learn:
1) Getting tight and close with your images 2) Uncluttering a photograph 3) Framing your images in camera 4) Composition (rule of thirds) when shooting 5) ISO 6) White Balance 7) Changing up your angles 8) Aperture Priority Mode 9) Avoiding and forcing the flash 10) Your cameras highlight warning & what it means 11) Learning your histogram 12) Exposure compensation 13) What is burst/continuous mode? 14) Shutter Priority mode 15) Graduating to "manual mode."
...and many other topics along the way.
Here are some of the comments and feedback I've received from past classes:
"This class has been amazing! I used to consider manual settings as impossible and scary but now that's my 'go to mode' and my camera is constantly set on it! All of a sudden my camera can do so much more than I ever realized it could... and that's all thanks to Angie! She is an incredible teacher, she's so encouraging and was willing to help whenever I had questions. I am so much more confident when using my camera now, and I finally know what all the numbers mean! I can't recommend this class enough, it's SO worth it!" ~Caroline
"Simply stated, this class was priceless. Angie has a unique way of explaining photography terms in everyday language that is easily understood. She is open and honest in the way she approaches photography. And she is encouraging and extremely "hands on" through out the entire class. The class forum is unlike any other I've ever been apart of. It's simple and easy to use. Angie invites questions of all sorts and answers them completely for each student. Angie Seaman is very gifted and artistic. She loves art, she loves life, and she loves sharing with the world through her pictures. Above all else, I've learned that "beauty is in the eye of she who holds the camera!!" ~Amanda in Texas
"This class ROCKS, as Angie would say!!! I have a Nikon D60, and have for the last year, I learned more about the options/menus of my camera in the first week, than the entire time i owned it!! I was able to tackle things, that I would have not tried, and really enjoyed it!! Angie is a great teacher, she is easy to communicate with and speaks in "human" terms, when it comes to teaching.. I was very happy taking this class, it is has been a great experience and very rewarding!! I am even more addicted to my camera than I was before, and I actually know how to use it, now!! Haha!" ~Christina in California
"Angie Seaman really knows her photography! She is a passionate teacher who is able to connect with all of her students. The forum is well organized and easy to use. I highly recommend taking this class. It is truly a gift that I have given myself. I encourage you to give yourself the same gift and sign-up for Angie's photography class! You are an amazing teacher and I love how you take complicated topics and turn it into manageable chunks for beginners to understand. I enjoy reading your writing and your personal photography is beautiful. I love how this class was organized as well. You can tell that you put a lot of time and effort into this class. Thank you very much! I would recommend this class to anyone and everyone. Plus, I can't wait to take other classes that you offer. I will continue to be a loyal reader of your blog and I am always available to give feedback to potential clients or customers." ~Bernie in Maryland
"I don't know if I can sum up how wonderful this class was in only a few sentences...I'll try. This photography class was hands down amazing! I was a little hesitant to sign-up for an online class thinking, how much can I really learn through the Internet?, but I totally proved myself wrong with how much I have walked away with. Before I was terrified of every button on my DSLR and now with Angie's stellar lessons and consistent feedback I feel more confident in capturing our life's important moments. Thanks again Angie...please keep me on your e-mail list if you should do a next level up class (okay you have to do another...no pressure)." ~Meg in Texas
"I am a busy mom of four kids. My lack of knowledge with my camera prevented me from trying anything other than point and shoot situations. Time is of the essence and I also needed someone I could trust to show me the ropes (not someone trying to sell me products or with their own "spin"). Enter Angie Seaman photography classes! Through Angie's class I learned what makes a photograph great, how to read all the settings on my camera (this was BIG for me) and it also took the intimidation out the huge manual for my camera. This class is easy to understand and simple to follow. I recommend to anyone wanting to sharpen their photography skills in a short amount of time. Thanks Angie!" ~Kristin
If you are ready for a basic, beginner, photography class...go HERE to sign up. Once there, click on "portraiture," then on "classes." From there, you can walk thru the registration process. Should you have any questions, please feel free to email me at Angie@AngieSeamanPhotography.com. This will be the LAST CLASS OFFERED AT THIS PRICE. I'm planning to do some different things for the year ahead. Therefore, should you want in on this price, now is your chance. All of our past classes have sold out. Don't wait...we'd love to have you. Blessings, Angie
The good Lord above graciously gave me Christmas day before dropping what we now believe to be H1N1 in my stocking later that night. I was really ticked too because instead of bringing me "Edward Cullen" in my stocking, I got this garb. What - is - up - with - that???
All of you poor people who have experienced H1N1 already, you'll know what I mean when I say that my body aches all over - all the way down to my teeth. I have been in bed since Friday late afternoon with no end in sight. My fevers have ranged anywhere from 103 to 101. There is no rhyme or reason to the ups and downs. Kenidi...yeap...she is now pushing a week of fevers too. Hers is now running in the low 99's but unfortunately it is still lingering. We are soooooooooo over this. Kenidi has been back to the doctor for a 2nd time already. If her fever doesn't break and stay gone for good, we are going to have to take her back again. It's a mess over here. We. are. at. war.
War with this nasty bug that has no mercy on anyone. No remorse. No guilt. Just all out war with guns blazing. I've never experienced anything like it in my life. Never. Brent is now complaining of a scratchy throat and sluggish feelings. I think I heard him mention something about wanting to go to bed by 6pm tonight. This might be his pay backs though for looking at me as I laid in bed the other night looking like death warmed over and then muttering the words..."Ang, it's mind over matter babe." Yeah...needless to say...I told him where he could stick his "mind over matter theory" and let him know that I'd remind him of it when he was laying on his death bed here in a couple of days with the same thing Kenidi and I have. This is what happens when you are married to a man who treats daily life events like a business. As though an entrepreneur would when they embark on a new uphill battle. Just mind over matter babe. Just mind over matter. Yeah...whatEVAH!
All of this comes in the wake of me making a huge mistake by helping my mom set up a facebook account. I am ill as ill gets and have to stumble upon her page yesterday and today where she is proceeding to steal photos from me and add them to her page. "Unapproved" photos at that. Yeah...you know the kind. The kind we disown our friends for taking and then tagging us. Yup...that kind. I don't mind her posting pictures on her page of me but she best let me approve them first. I had to go in and delete the photo off her page twice now. I warned her that if I had to do it a third time that I was going to take "my computer" out of the Bonita house where she is staying and thus she will no longer have access to the Internet there period. LOL! See...she is using one of our old computers that has old pictures on it from things I've uploaded. Now she has some bidding war attempt going on over on facebook for those feeling the need to see the "said photographs." YAY! Even my new neighbor friend is in on it. (Hi Lorrie!) Ha ha! What a joy as I'm struggling to even muster the strength to walk to my shower let alone have to watch facebook like a hawk because my Mom is on there having a hay day with my wretched images. BLAH!
In the end, I'm just asking for prayers. Prayers to help us overcome this nasty ordeal and prayers that Brennen won't end up with it now too. So far he is still trucking along. I can't bare the thought of him having to endure this as well. I'm also just praying that Kenidi can kick this and be done with it. The fever especially due to her epilepsy. Fevers bring on seizures. We can't have any extra of those. Just can't!
In the meantime, I'm jealous of the sunshine and beautiful swaying palm trees that I can see out my bedroom windows/door. It all makes me even more sick to know I'm missing all of that outdoor beauty. Not only that but it is the kids Christmas break. They are off school and we've been cooped up since last Monday basically. So not fun. Again, please just send a few prayers our way, will ya? I hope to be back to our regular scheduled programming very soon. Figured I'd better post an update though just to let ya'll know we are breathing. :) I was beginning to get emails from some of you asking where we went. Sorry. We are still here. I promise. Hope all of you had a spectacular Christmas.
It struck & struck hard. Hard and fast. One minute she was fine. The next minute she couldn't breathe well and had a 103.4 fever. After a trip to the doctor yesterday, a nasal test, and blood work to confirm her white blood cell count was low, she is now being treated for H1N1.
Poor little Kenidi. She always gets the shotty end of the deal. Her immune system just doesn't handle as it should. She is the first to get everything in our family. This thing has kicked her butt (and mine). Last night was rough but we survived. She qualified for the Tamiflu because of her having epilepsy. However, she vomitted upon taking it for the first time right off the bat. I had been warned by the doctor that Tamiflu can cause vomiting. They were right on! Many of you facebook friends confirmed that on my page as well. After setting my alarm for every four hours last night in order to rotate the Tylenol with the motrin, her fever finally broke at around 4am. She was sweating profusely and ended up being in a pool of water - her own sweat - by the time all was said and done. It broke my heart. Although I have a ton of stuff to do, including our Christmas shopping, I stayed in today with her in my lap or laying in my right arm all day today. She has been very clingy and I can't say that I blame her. She'll look at me, ask for juice, then pull on my shirt collar, physically pulling me onto the bed and say, "seep...!" (that means "sleep" in Kenidi's language) It is her best way of instructing me to lay down and just relax with her. Although her fever is at bay, her cough sounds ferocious. We are hoping that she'll have her pep back in her step by Christmas.
For now, I'm off to get ready to head out for a few hours so that I can attempt to wrap up the Christmas shopping which I have yet to begin. Nothing like waiting until the last minute this year. This is a new approach for me. Ask me later how well it worked. LOL! Happy Wednesday.
I don't typically put "prayer requests" on my AGD blog anymore because I now solely use the AGD PRAYER BLOGfor those. However, this little girls Mommy (Christina) is a dear, sweet, blog reader of mine and has been for as long as I can remember. We've exchanged many a conversations back and forth about our special needs babies. Our precious daughters. Christina is an incredible Mother and has strength like nothing I've ever seen. She has endured many scary hospital events with her daughter, Alicen, but this most recent one was bad. It has by far been the worst yet. My heart aches for her always but especially now - during the Christmas season. I am begging for your prayers for Christina and her beautiful daughter Alicen. (shown below) I'm also asking that if you should have the time, please stop and send Alicen an e-card via her hospital so that Christina can continue "wrapping her room." The instructions for how to send a quick e-card are shown below. It takes mere seconds. Please read Alicen's story below written from Christina's perspective this morning...
Here is some information on the angel baby, or who I affectionately call TURKEY TOES...
Alicen was born 4 months premature weighing only 1 lb and 13 ounces. She was in the NICU at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana Illinois for 111 days. She has since been diagnosed with many disabilities. They include Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Plagiocephaly, Bronchial Pulmonary Dysplasia, Chronic Asthma, Chronic Pneumonia, Dysphasia (failure to thrive), she has a JG feeding tube, she feeds continuously through the night from 5pm through 6am. She is legally blind, she cannot walk, sit up, roll, but boy does she kick and holler like a trooper. She so vocal that she lets everyone know that she is here, bless her soul. That saying (NOT BEING ABLE TO SPEAK IS NOT THE SAME AS NOT HAVING ANYTHING TO SAY) truly suits her to a great big capital T. Anyway, she is totally dependant on us for all of her needs, she is wheel chair dependant. I had a nurse tell me at one point that it looks like Alicen was swimming in a dry puddle because she is constantly kicking and going is circles, how cute is that?
Her favorite tv show is (are you ready for this??) The Young and the Restless soap opera, she giggles all the way through it. We have to turn the volume almost all the way up in order to hear it ourselves. She also LOVES the commercial for Hillshire Farm, Go Meat, I say hillshire you say farm. She giggles when she hears it. She had had Many many hospital stays in her short life and she comes out of the hospital just as happy as she was before she got sick. This child has to be the happiest baby in the world, and by far the most beautiful little red head as well.
On Tuesday December 15, 2009 though, she was taken to Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital emergency room by ambulance and within an hour of arrival she intubated and put on a ventilator due to respiratory distress, her O2 level was at 56 and her heart rate was way over 200. The arranged to have her air-lifted and St. Johns sent their helicopter team to Mattoon. They could not get her stabilized for almost 2 hours so they could transport her. I have never been more scared in my life. The helpless feeling a mother has to watch her daughter laying in a hospital bed is bad enough but the feeling I had watching her almost die is totally indescribable, something I would not wish on anyone.
At this time December 22, she remains at St. Johns Children’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois. She is in a paralytic coma and is very heavily sedated. They are taking xrays each day and they are showing small improvements, Praise God. We need so many prayers for her right now. God has given her doctors the knowledge to treat her but it is God who will heal her and I firmly believe that. My husband, Derald, is laid off so at this time he is staying at the hospital and I go up every couple days to be with her so he can go home. I'm out of vacation and sick time at work so when I'm gone it is without pay. We cannot get Alicen on Social Security because they say we make too much money, can you believe that? Me neither.
Beings that Alicen is still in the hospital, I'm doing what I am calling “WRAP THE ROOM”. Anyone can go on the hospital web site and send her an e-card and I'm hanging all of them in her room. I've also decorated her room with Christmas decorations. She has never been away from home on Christmas before and I want to make it as much like home that I can. Your readers can send an e-card to her by following these steps: Go to St-Johns.org, click on children’s hospital, click on send an e-card. Fill out the card with her info. Her full name is Alicen Wooley and her room number is the "Pediatric ICU." This is such a simple thing to do and it doesn’t cost a cent but will make such a difference to Alicen.
Angie, I can literally feel the love that you have inside you as well as the love your blog followers have in them. I'm asking with all that I have inside me for prayers and thoughts for Alicen. (And the e-cards will be nice too!) Thank you for all that you do and most importantly, thank you for your prayers.
I snapped this quick shot of our tree last night when I was charging my camera battery. Not a spectacular one but one that will have to do for now. If you are a friend of mine on facebook, then you've probably already seen it. Today we are enjoying the first day of the kids Christmas break. They are out of school until January 5th and we plan to enjoy every single bit of their time off.
I've bought three Christmas gifts thus far. Yes, I said only three. I am sooooooo behind. I've got to spend the next couple of nights doing some late night shopping. No fun! I'm typically more organized than this. I guess the move really thru a wrench in my "day to day." LOL! That and spending two days a week at the beach probably didn't help my to do list much either.
For all of you who emailed me after watching the "Kendra's baby special" on the E! channel last night, yes...that is where we are from. The Carmel, Indiana area was featured on her show last night because her husband is now playing for the Colts. They moved to a neighborhood just down the street from our home (that we just moved from) and therefore Indy was featured all throughout the show last night. It was so neat to see "home" on TV beings that we are now so far away. I also loved how she said that Indiana people were "so nice." They are nice. Hoosiers are good people. Very down to earth and very friendly. Speaking of that, did ya'll here how Florida was rated in the top 3 (out of 10) happiest states in America last week? Guess what state was rated in the top 5 "unhappiest" states? Yup...you guessed it - Indiana. Imagine that. HA HA! Sunshine is key - I'm totally convinced. It is for me anyway.
Well, I'm off for now. So much to do and so little time. I hope all of you have a fabulous Christmas and that your new year is just as spectacular! Until tomorrow...Angie
The secret beach spot here in Naples that my friend, Lacey, told me about.
Oh yes...I found it.
And she was right. It was just me. All alone. Well, with the exception of a rare passer by, my beach B/F/F's (the birds), and the shells...
Oh yes...and of course GOD was there too.
Everywhere he was indeed.
To say that I had a glorious afternoon would be an understatement. I loved rolling up there with my beach parking pass on my car window - confirming that I am a Naples resident now and that there is no need to stuff the meter full of quarters now (.25 cents for 10 minutes - ACK!). I proudly parked my vehicle at the southern most parking access and smiled as I got to drive past the meters and park in the "locals" parking area. It doesn't take much to excite me.
Lacey had instructed me on which beach access to park at and then she told me to walk out onto that beach and begin walking even further south. Which I did. When I first got out there though, I began seeing signs like these everywhere...
Needless to say, as a photographer, I don't follow instructions very well. LOL!
The reason for the private property signs...??? Well, they were there for these BIG, bad, mama-jamma's...
These are multi-million dollar homes that sit right on the sea line. Right on the edge of the ocean - overlooking the gulf. And yes, these are homes - not hotels. And trust me...these are the "smaller" homes. Because my wide angle lens is broken and in the shop being repaired, I couldn't get good images of the HUGE sprawling homes like I wanted to. These puppies are the "smaller" ones on the beach. (if that is even possible)
Homes on the gulf here will run you approximately $20 million dollars. (give or take some additional pocket change) And if that doesn't fit your budget, how bout' maybe considering a house one street over on gulf shore blvd. It will run you oh say...a mere 10 million maybe. I don't know about you guys but a cardboard box is sounding real good right about now. Put it straight in the sand on the beach and it will be perfect actually. :)
Yes, these homes are stunning to "look at" and they are even more fun to go by and try to guess what the homeowners do for a living. However, in the end, just give me a small 2 bedroom cottage shack on the beach with as few rooms to clean as possible and that would be my dream home. No joke! A fixer upper that would require "our" finishing touches. A dump that we could make our cottage by the sea. Yup...when I'm old and all the kids are gone...you'll see me peddling on the streets of Florida so that I can continue to save up for my dream lot for my dream cottage. Hee hee! Gosh knows the land/beach front property alone would take me my whole life and then some to save up for. A girl still has to dream though, right?
While on my walk, I saw many, many birds. Lots of my beach B/F/F's were out and strutting their stuff for my lens.
It cracks me up how they are never scared by my existence. They don't even flinch when I walk up...
These were some rock formations that were out there. It's rare to see rocks like these on the shorelines of our beaches. Reminded me of the west coast or something.
More struttin'...
I loved this next succession of shots...
Like little ducks...all in a row. The sailboat in the top right corner just made the shot even that much more fun.
Again...in a row...
This little dude just followed me down the beach as I walked. Jumping on top of the wood stumps as we went. Cracked me up...
These birds are great because they stand on one leg most times when resting. This TOTALLY cracks me up. Anyone know why they do this?
This guy just appeared to me as though he "thought" he reined as "king of his castle..."
And this dude...he sat - perched with his wings wide open - the whole time. He literally sun bathed like that. Never moving. He made it look like he was ready to take flight the whole time but he just sat there completely still. Hilarious!
This image below just yearned to be shot. The roughed up, tattered and torn nautical ropes, the barnacles on the wood stumps...just all of it. Loved the "beachy vibe" it gave as the water came rushing in on top of it.
When all was said and done. I had followed Lacey's directions to a "T" and walked all the way down to the southern tip of the beach. It took me about 20 minutes to get down there. Well, really more like 40 because I kept stopping to take pictures. Either way, when I got there, I ran into a pack of dolphins again. I tried with all of my might to capture them but each time they popped up, I missed them on camera. Talk about frustrating. Either way, I sat down after my walk down there and spent some time just taking in the sights. At ground level, this is what I saw. Just a coconut and me...
The view was magnificent. I was in complete awe. It was such a secluded area of beach that no one was around. It was extremely peaceful and provoked many thoughts. I had two dear friends who I've met via blogging that were extremely heavy on my heart yesterday. I spent some time praying for them and their families. Unfortunately I came home to not good news from one of them. However, I know those prayers did not go unheard for their family. I am confident that God has his hand in all of this and that he has the master plan. After some time alone on the beach, I turned to look back at the path I had traveled to get there. This is what I saw...
Needless to say, when I awoke to the sounds of a massive thunder storm rolling in off the ocean this morning, I put the kids om the bus and went back to.this.same.spot. I just couldn't help it. I felt a pulling to go back so I did. I carried an umbrella in one hand and a towel in the other. There was one other nut job on the beach with me. We passed at some point and I wondered what thoughts were filtering his mind at that moment. Was he there to regroup, to calm his inner being, to think thru a major decision, etc.? Truthfully I felt that he had to be there for some reason other than to walk thru the rain. Maybe this elderly gentleman felt the same way I do about the sea. That it is his place to seek answers, listen to God, to set himself straight. I didn't know but I prayed for him as he passed. Prayed that God would give him direction if he was there seeking it. Wisdom if he was lacking it. Guidance should he need it. I then sat down just long enough to blog a few words from the moment which most of you probably saw earlier today. (found below this post) And yes the beach was gorgeous there in the sunshine yesterday. However...today in the rain...this area of desolate beach - this magnificent creation of Gods - was even more stunning.
I've found that not only are things long walks on the beach with God good for my spiritual soul but they are also good for my 1000 lb. hippo hips. Yes, the trudging thru the sand does a number on your calves and leaves you feeling like you've just run the 500 meter dash 100 times over again. I'm enjoying this insignificant state of exercise. It is an "exercise" I can handle because I don't associate pain with having to do it. Ha ha! In fact, I look forward to it. So...until my next walk on the beach, enjoy your weekend. Florida is experiencing a "cold" front over the next couple of days. You know...seventies...70 degrees. Yeah, a cold front. Come on now...you gotta' laugh! Instead of our normal 85 degrees, we are getting 70-75 over the next couple of days. And they really call that a cold front. Seriously! I hear ya'll laughing with me. I better go break those winter coats out of storage, eh? NEVAHHH! :) xoxo, Angie
I'm at the beach. Blogging by the seas edge. There is a massive storm brewing out off the ocean as I type. It takes great talent to hold an umbrella over my head and type on my phone at the same time. I have mad skillz. :) Ya'll knew that already though, right? Although very eerie to be on the beach completely alone as the storm rages at my feet, it's a great way to calm the nerves and put life into perspective. This place...this gift...rain and all...is such a beautiful sight. We needed it. Florida needed it I mean. It's only the 2nd time that it has rained in a month since we officially moved here. I just had to capture the storm as best I could with my iPhone at this moment. For now, I'm back to letting the storm rage on and attemping to always love life while riding it out, rain and all.xoxo, Angie - Posted using BlogPress from Angie's iPhone
PS...Check back tonight or tomorrow for some awesome sites from my secret beach spot location yesterday. Yes, I found it. :)
I just dropped my car off at the dealership for maintenance. During my wait, I plan to head to a quaint little beach spot that a dear, sweet, friend told me about. She just recently moved from Naples but her parents still reside here. She wrote to me back in November, gave me specific directions to this location, and said this...
"I have my favorite little place to share with you. If you go along the beach as far south as you can go, you'll be on ______. The "southest" (I don't think that is a word but I like it) place you can park is going to be ______ avenue. If you park there, then head out onto the beach and walk even farther south, you will be ALONE on the most beautiful, untouched, area of beach. It is gorgeous and picture perfect! That is a place where I could run away and it would be just me and God. I hope you get a chance to go and experience it."
I'm off to go experience that today Lacey. Thank you for giving up your secrets and sharing such a treasured little spot of heaven with me. I hope to bring back photos from my time there today. I also hope to hear what God has to say to me while there. Nothing like alone time on a deserted beach with just you, the wave caps, the seagulls, and God. Heaven I say. Heaven!
I spent the day by the shoreline with my Mom again today. Living this close to the beach is really putting a damper on my to do list - especially my Christmas shopping. The term "beach bum" is sounding like a pretty good description of my lazy self right about now. I'm totally owning it - proudly.
I'm furious at myself because of all days that I decided to leave my camera behind at home and not take it with me to the beach, every bird in town was there as were 4 dolphins at our feet - right up at the shore line today. It was a gorgeous sight. The pelicans were there - tons of them - skimming the surface with their wings - soaring mere inches from over top the oceans wave caps. It was utter craziness and the whole time I was camera-less. Big Pappa-less. I'm such a dork for leaving my camera at home. I sooooooo know better. So for now, you'll have to feast your eyes on images that were taken last week. Stale shots as I call them. Old news. Ha ha!
Gorgeous colors...
I'm scared to even want to ask what this is...
Beautiful flowers...just beautiful...
These gorgeous sites were all taken at the Naples Botanical Gardens last week...
Again, I have no idea what these are. They were growing off of some palm tree there at the botanical gardens...
Everywhere we looked...they had plants planted in everything. These next few pictures were taken in the "children's botanical garden" area.
If you ever the chance to vacation in Naples, you should definitely visit the Naples Botanical Gardens. It's a great place and a very lovely adventure for the day. Make sure to take a camera along too. :) And because I get soooooo many emails on a daily basis inquiring about Naples in general (as well as Bonita Springs which is just 15 minutes from Naples), I thought I'd post this link to a video of Naples for you guys who are considering a vacation here. You can find the video HERE: Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades - Videos - Florida Vacations - Visit Naples, Marco Island & Everglades. Hopefully this will help sway some of you to come and visit us down here. :) With an average year round temperature of 75-85 degrees and a beach that was rated as one of the top 10 in the country by Travel magazine, and rated one of the top 10 Florida beaches by the travel channel...you surely won't want to pass up coming this way. To our neck of the woods. I've got some great shopping boutiques I can take you to as well as a quaint little cupcakery that I'd love to introduce you to as well. Wink wink! ;)
