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.

Bunnies

The bunnies continue to grow, and getting cuter every day.

Noelle Wright Decor: contact

Noelle Wright Decor: contact: "coming soon!"

Bunnies are growing

It is amazing to me how these little sweet baby bunnies can start out to little and helpless, and in a matter of weeks, they can be full grown and so much bigger. This is a picture of our

"Blue Eyed White" baby Lionhead bunny.

This baby was born April 1, 2011. So, she is just a few weeks old. This baby is a "Blue Tort."

If you remember the post with my little baby girl bunny that broke her leg. (See this post: http://shearluckenterprises.blogspot.com/2011/04/my-babies.html) Well, here she is! She is completely healed and doing great! What a sweet little girl she is too!
From this picture, I am certain you can tell why these are called "Lionhead" bunnies.
I am a bit confused as to her color though. She started out at a black tort, but the color has changed so much, and gotten so much lighter, I am not certain if she can be categorized as such, at this point.

Pictures at the park

Teenagers are funny. One day they don't want you to take their picture, and the next they are standing in the bathroom mirror taking a picture of themself on their cell phone. My teenager has finally gotten to the point that she actually enjoys having her picture taken. This is of her boyfriend and herself at the park the other day.

This child has always loved the camera. The camera loves her as well. She always seems to know how to pose and to give me great shots.

This child was crying in this picture. Her sad eyes say it all. She is very sensitive in her pre-teen years.


And my little poser once again.

Boys. That is a small word for something larger than life. At least my boy is. What a character! He often throws fits and carries on. When he does this, I ask him, "Are you a Sweetie? Or are you a turd?" He always responds with, "I am a sweetie." Then I say, "If you are a sweetie, you need to act like a sweetie. How does a sweetie act?" He calms down most times as soon as I make that statement and things are fine. If I tell him he is acting like a turd, he gets all mad at me and screams and screams. Gotta love a little man! So funny!

The kids had a lot of fun burying each other in the sand, at the park, yesterday.

Tonight at the park

So, I wanted to try out a new lens this weekend. I have been wanting to rent it for some time. Well, I took the plunge, and rented it from a local photography store. Well, we headed out around 5:00 p.m. We stopped at one location that I have used before, and liked. Last time I went there, I ran into the owner of the property, and got permission to take pictures on his land. Well, this time, I nearly got run off, by none other but his brother, or so I believe that is who it was. Anyway, then B decided to fuss, and we promptly left that location. We headed up the road to an old barn that I have seen from the road side many times. I always ask before just taking pics, if I am going to be on somebody's property, I mosied on up to the door. I knock. A man of maybe 50 years or so answers. I tell him what I want and why I am knocking on his door. At first, I thought the guy was putting me on. He stated that there were land mines on his property, and he wouldn't think twice to shooting someone for placing one foot around his barn, truck, or any other thing that he owned. I smiled, and joked back, as I thought he was pulling my leg, so to speak. The more I joked, the more this man looked serious. I told him it was unfortunate that he has had to deal with people trespassing without asking, and that he had been unfortunate to have his possessions stolen. I thanked him for his time, and shook his hand. I wished him well, and told him to have a good day. I think he was taken aback a bit, when I shook his hand and told him thank you. He acted as if nobody had ever thanked him for his time. So, up the street again we went. All in the name of photography. I get to a park that I have eyeballed many times before. Though it is over crowded with people, I was hopeful. The spot that I wanted was taken, we ventured deeper into the park. We had already been chased away from two properties, and I was not about to give up now. So we settled into taking photos. This is a sample of what we were able to achieve, in spite of the efforts of others to discourage us. We had a great time, and even rescued a duck.

I almost forgot. Now, after using this lens tonight, I think that I am going to have to have it some day. It is so much fun, and I love it!

The cutest pets on earth

When God created the animals of the earth, he must have had me in mind. He created the cutest animals ever, and they are right in my backyard. Lionhead bunnies just have me tied around their little back feet. Some people think they are lucky by carrying around a rabbit's foot, I am even more lucky to have several bunnies, and they didn't have to die to make me feel lucky!

Summer is always fun. I love it when I can get out and just shoot some pics for fun. We enjoyed today, and I took lots of pictures. It was the first real warm day this year. I believe summer has finally arrived.

He really isn't this innocent. He has his moments, let me tell you.

Wedding photography

So, I have found a new fav from my wedding shoot last weekend.

Brooklyn and Ben

So, I was happily surprised when I got a text on Friday night. The text was asking if I was available to shoot a wedding on Saturaday. It was short notice, and I was not able to be available for the whole day, but I was able to fill in for a couple of hours. Congrats to my dear friends. What a beautiful couple! I am so happy that I was able to be there.