Look Closely at the world around us.

Sometimes, if we just look a little closer, things are not what they seem. This is true in plants, animals, and even in the people that are around us. Look closer, you may just be surprised what you find.

Things that move us.

There are so many things in this world that we look right passed. We don't look close enough to see what otherwise would move us.

This picture was drawn by me. Surprised? Well, I was. It was because of a wonderful teacher at Weber State University, that I was able to draw this picture after only one actual class. Well, two classes really, but the first meeting never counts. You know, just going over the syllabus and talking about what will be expected through the semester.

The first assignment of the semester was to draw something, anything that had meaning for us. I chose a candle warmer, for lack of anything better. Well, it was horrid. It was absolutely mortifying when my picture was added to those of the more qualified students of the class. I hung my head in shame, as I made excuses for my obvious lack of talent.

After the humiliation of the century, we ventured outside for a bit of fresh air, and to draw three more pictures. I was feeling like such a failure. The class was spend in unwavering concentration. A willow tree, and a maple tree were the poor items that I wained my fury upon. Nothing would distract me in my pain as I endeavored in drawing these two helpless trees. The end of class come with welcoming splendor. I was relieved to be released by the pencil that wore my memories of the previous drawing.

I stood to leave and as I began to walk in the direction of my truck, the teacher called to me. She wanted to show me what I could have done to make my picture a little more appealing and realistic. I could feel the un-falling tears welling in my eyes and I felt the humiliation again. We sat on the grass, there, just to two of us. The other students had gone. The teacher started to explain to me what was missing in my drawing. She took her pencil to my paper. My wax warmer was beginning to come to life. After 30 minutes of my teacher's complete attention, I walked from the edge of the lawn, to my truck to head home.

I sat down to work on my image, when I realized that the teacher must have taken it on accident. I was told to work on it for the next class. So, without the image, I couldn't just correct what I had already done. I started over. With this, I began to implement the things the teacher had shown me in the 30 minutes we sat there. My wax warmer started to come to life.

The next assignment had been to draw three images that related to each other. I decided to draw a camera, flash, and a camera lens. I was surprised to find that it wasn't so difficult to make these items appear real.

With this encouragement, I decided to take it one step farther. I took my bearded dragon outside and snapped some pictures. It was 8:00 p.m., but I was eager to get started. Now with a little confidence, I was embracing the challenge of drawing a live animal. At 4:00 a.m., this was the image that jumped from my page.

Thank you so much, Professor Carrerra. You are inspirational.

I have a lot to learn, but this is what you helped me to tap into and create!

State Fair Entries

I enter the fair every year. I am hoping that I win this year. It is always a challenge, and lots of fun to see how I do. This year, these are the pictures I have chosen to enter.

First, this one is my Portrait entry.

My Macro entry

My Domestic animal/pet entry

Wish me luck!

Sweet and 16, almost.

So, my oldest daughter is almost 16.

She has grown up so fast and is almost an adult. Two more years and off to college.

How did the time fly by so fast?

So, here are a few shots of my sweet 16 baby girl.

Click on the picture to zoom in for a better look.

In remembrance

My youngest daughter is so proud of her little Guinea Pigs, she had to have me post pics of her babies.

This is Noah, our smallest Bearded Dragon.

This is Connor, our largest Bearded Dragon.

Over the last few years, my nephews (Connor and Noah) have gone to our property in southern Utah with us. Each time we have gone, the kids have enjoyed catching lizards. This passed November, Connor passed away unexpectedly. We miss him tremendously. So, when we acquired these two Bearded Dragons, what better names than, Connor and Noah? Yep, that is what we named them. So, Connor, as a constant reminder of you, we have a Lizard. Every day we remember you, as we feed and water and care for our little guys.