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...other peoples' kids tend to like me... because unlike other people, I treat children like... well... like they're people.



So often kids get treated like... I don't know what. Something less than you would treat an older person.



That's pretty unfair.

Had a great evening entertaining my brother's family, and my parents at my house. This was the first time I had my kids, my parents, and other relatives all over at the same time.



It felt a bit odd, but was very.... liberating? I guess that's a good word for it.



My family. Able to hang out with them comfortably, not worrying about making someone else uncomfortable with my family being there... and the resulting consequences of that.



Just kids, and fun, and food... I started making smoothies for the kids, they eventually turned into margaritas for the adults. Everyone stayed late. The cousins all had a blast getting together and playing.



My oldest son spent most of the time photographing it and playing with his new camera.



He does idolize me just a bit.... :)

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Sulks
13:59 Dec 29 2012

ooh, the next-generation awesome photographer mebbe. He's got a great teacher. This could be the start of something big... :P

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birra
14:47 Dec 29 2012

Absolutely. He was playing with a clear ball that has sparkles in it under the bar lights, experimenting with motion and different shutter speeds.



He's already catching on.

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brileybeauford666
00:46 Dec 30 2012

This is Christmas....in it's purest form.

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Vampirewitch39
14:38 Dec 31 2012

Yes- all holidays should be this simple and full of just... being. :)

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Just the tip....

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RedQueen
06:16 Dec 29 2012

oooobaby....lol

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It was a great Christmas. And I got to introduce her to the age old tradition of throwing zombie fruit over the house...



...some traditions are worth keeping around.

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RedQueen
17:21 Dec 26 2012

Okay, I would have paid good money to watch THAT tradition...lol

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birra
03:58 Dec 27 2012

There was a time it happened on webcam here...

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What an amazing meal I cooked last night. What an amazing night...



I'm all smiles today, which is good since I've left myself so little time to prep this shoot!



At least I'll be happy while I rush around and panic.

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Vampirewitch39
18:23 Dec 23 2012

Have fun, can't wait to see your photos.

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RedQueen
19:47 Dec 23 2012

^what she said^



I hope it was as good a day as you hoped it would be.



And what was da meal for those of us who havn'et eaten yet?

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Nekirena
20:11 Dec 23 2012

Yay!

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birra
20:16 Dec 23 2012

Barbecued chicken - home raised and organic. :) Ginger spiced, egg fried rice and sauteed vegetables with bacon and maple glazed pecans.

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I need to make Sunday.... spectacular.



Nothing short of that will do.

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RedQueen
03:00 Dec 21 2012

And pray tell, what is Sunday?



And how can we as the denizens of VR help to make your day wubbulous?

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birra
03:42 Dec 21 2012

Photoshoot.



It's all on me.



Thanks. :)

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Spent most of the day on me. Yoga in the morning, a long hike with the boys after lunch, then hiking Akron Falls.



How often to we get a nearly 60F day in mid-December here? How could I not take advantage of it?



The dog was sleeping soundly in the front seat of the car on the way home from this day...

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GlassEyes
04:29 Dec 17 2012

6 or so hours from you and it's so cold the rain forms ice on everything.



I am glad you had a pleasant day. :)

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It has been a while.



A lot is changing, every day.



I still don't belong here, but I'm growing to learn I never really did to begin with, and it is crystal clear as to why.



It is amazing the clarity that comes with being able to climb a mountain and look down upon where you came from. So many years ago I set off down a path to live my life for the better. I lost my way, and I went down the wrong path. It felt right, but it was all wrong.



There are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on.... yo. Word.



That doesn't mean the destination is more important than the journey. There are always lessons to be learned and experiences to be enjoyed. I learned a few big lessons along the way, and I appreciate where I am heading now because of those lessons.



So as I was then, over five years ago, I am again looking forward to what life has to offer, with a fresh perspective and many new understandings...



Bring it on.

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ladybriarrose
18:24 Dec 15 2012

Perhaps we can (or should) all take this page out of your book. (so to speak) *singing Stairway to Heaven under my breath*

" And it makes me wonder..."

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Sulks
22:27 Dec 15 2012

Nice one.

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It was so nice to spend an entire afternoon in studio with fellow professionals on Sunday. A lot of creativity flowing, a lot of ideas, more plans for the future and a ton of amazing images.



Some I put on my Facebook page. I won't be posting any more images here. If you need my Facebook address, just ask.



No chickens were harmed in the making of Sunday's photos.