Baptism Bash

This was another amazing Sunday at Life Church. In addition to the usual amazing-ness, this Sunday, right after the service, we had a Baptism Bash. The energy in this church is truly amazing. Amazing and powerful- and I'm proud to be a part of it.

Our pastor so awesome and down-to earth. He was out there barefoot and in jeans and a T-shirt.

Honesty

We walk up to order and I already know what I want and know that I won't be disappointed. I order a cheese burger, fries and a water- because it's healthy, especially in combination with my burger and fries. Mmm. I get my cup and when I get to the drink machine I start to think about all of my options. "Oooh, root beer sounds good.". So I go ahead and fill my cup, put my lid on and take a sip. "good choice.". Oh! Wait! NO! I ordered a water... I had a mini panic attack. "I'm going to get in trouble...or at least that 'she ordered a water and got soda' stare." Nothing happens. Regardless of anyone else noticing this faux pas I go up to the register and tell them what happened, offering to pay. The woman sort of laughed and looking confused said "Oh, don't even worry about it. Thank you." Nothing changed, I could have just not said anything and it would have been the same. No one would have really noticed...right? Wrong. To me it made all the difference in the world. I felt good knowing that I was honest and honestly I think the woman behind the counter felt good. Honesty feels good-whether giving or receiving it- it just feels good. So, after clearing that up I could enjoy my delicious meal and root beer from Five Guys. I love Five Guys!

Soft Cover Album

I love the soft cover albums. They are the least expensive album I have available and they look amazing! They remind me of when you get a really nice magazine- like a collectable edition- if that makes sense. Definitely a more casual option but they still look very put together. I think these would be amazing to replace your magazines on your coffee table. Check it out:

Perfect bound:

This is the linen cover option. Love this look!

The pages:

A look inside:

Twig-a-licious

I love my little sister. My little sister loves Twiggy. So, as a cure for our boredom I styled her like Twiggy and took some photos. She owes me. But I love her.

Water

It was a gorgeous afternoon. We were washing the cars when all of a sudden I thought "Let's play with the hose and take pictures". I know, 'what a weirdo...'. Thank God for the patience the people in my life have for me. Because of their patience I got the photos today!

About Me.

I just updated my 'about me page' on my site. I think it's so important that prospective clients know who I am. Not just my vision as a photographer, but as an individual.

Here is a little look my 'about me' page. Please leave some feedback and let me know what you think!

Life-Saving Pancakes

I've been reading Martha Stewart Living since I was 16 years old. Compulsively reading and saving these little bits of information for the future. Some things have saved my life (yes, I'm being extremely dramatic...well maybe only a little) and others have, well, become more of a nice thought than a reality. Martha Stewart is forever a huge inspiration in my life. One of these "life saving" things is a basic pancake recipe! Yes, pancakes saved my life. This is really the best pancake recipe I've made! Super easy make-you-look-awesome type of recipe. Amazing. Seriously, make these and you will see.

Basic Pancakes

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, or vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Assorted toppings, such as butter, maple syrup, confectioners' sugar, honey, jams, preserves, sweetened whipped cream, or chocolate syrup

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees; have a baking sheet or heatproof platter ready to keep cooked pancakes warm in the oven. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk, butter (or oil), and egg. Add dry ingredients to milk mixture; whisk until just moistened (do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine).

3. Heat a large skillet (nonstick or cast-iron) or griddle over medium. Fold a sheet of paper towel in half, and moisten with oil; carefully rub skillet with oiled paper towel.

4. For each pancake, spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of batter onto skillet, using the back of the spoon to spread batter into a round (you should be able to fit 2 to 3 in a large skillet).

5. Cook until surface of pancakes have some bubbles and a few have burst, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip carefully with a thin spatula, and cook until browned on the underside, 1 to 2 minutes more. Transfer to a baking sheet or platter; cover loosely with aluminum foil, and keep warm in oven. Continue with more oil and remaining batter. (You'll have 12 to 15 pancakes.) Serve warm, with desired toppings.

People Watching

I love watching people. How they stand/ walk/ place their hands on their lap/ cross their legs. It's really intriguing to see people do what comes natural and is unique to only themselves. When I'm in public I stare... a lot. To the point that my husband will say "Brooke, we talked about this.". I don't want to be totally creepy but I just really love watching people. Most of the time I don't realize I'm doing it. So, if you ever see me staring at you in public just know that you are amazing to me! Or, maybe I'm just weird.

Products

I just got these in for Lori and Steve's CD of digital negatives. I can now do custom printing on any CD of negatives. I love the way they turned out!

This is an example of the basic hardcover album. These are really great.

Go

Life is one big road with lots of signs. So when you riding through the ruts, don't complicate your mind. Flee from hate, mischief and jealousy. Don't bury your thoughts, put your vision to reality. Wake Up and Live!

-Bob Marley

Life Church

I recently joined a small (but amazing) church in town. This is truly a 'come as you are' type of church. It's a beautiful and 'soul-satisfying' place to worship. The Starbuck's coffee they started serving this week definitely helps with the 'soul-satisfying'. ;-)

Me...

It's really pretty sad but I have absolutley NO 'good' portraits of myself besides pictures I had taken when I was pregnant...almost 3 1/2 years ago...yeaaaaah. I never have my picture taken.Never. I'm so weird in front of the camera... I do the whole 'what should I do?' thing. Yes, I didthat. It's terrible! Luckily, I finally discovered 'what to do'. At least, I thiiink... lol. A big THANK YOU to my sister who (with a little photography lesson- and a little help from yours truly) took these photos of me!

Up Close & My New Favorite Lens

I've been putting off spending the money but I finally gave in and ordered it. I am super

excited to add the 50mm 1.4 to my camera bag! How in the world did I ever live/function without this lens. I literally haven't taken it off my camera since it came in the mail and I'm not so sure it will ever come off again. Here is a photo I took today of my sister, who, if you've seen my blog/FB you know I 'practice' on A LOT. This is a perfect example of what this lens can do. I

just LOVE it! I'm posting both color and B&W because I really couldn't decide which one I like better. I'm having a moment of obsession... ;-)

I just had to add these, too.