Funny Story

Tonight I was watching a movie with my brother and I don't know how or why I thought of this, but I did.

A few years ago, it was probably the summer before senior year, mom, AJ, Gentry, and I were in Ocean Isle, NC at the beach for a week. Well, Myrtle Beach is only about 30 minutes or so away. So we went to Broadway at the Beach with my Aunt Kathy, shopping for the day. And we decided to go see Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2. We'd all seen the first one and decided that's what we were going to do.

So anyway, near the beginning of the movie, if you've seen it, you know that Tibby and Brian have sex. And if you haven't seen it, well then there you go. So anyway, Brian comes out of the bathroom and he goes, "It broke." And everyone in the theater is going "oh no" and such. Ahahhaa. Well, AJ, only going into third grade turns over to my mom and asks, "What broke?"

Commence freak out mode...

Mom: His toothbrush.
AJ: Oh... (a few minutes later) Why are they so upset over a toothbrush?
Mom: His grandpa gave it to him.
AJ: Oh.

Well, of course mom is sitting next to me and I'm nosy and want to know what they are talking about. She tells me this whole story (as the movie is going on) and I start cracking up. Gen, on the other side of me wants to know what's going on. I tell her. She cracks up. So naturally, Aunt Kathy wants to know too. So we're all sitting in the theater cracking up and there's this serious scene on the screen and people are giving us funny looks.

So anyway, the movie goes on, we laugh, we cry, etc. etc. And the best part was us talking about the movie on the car ride home.

Gen: That was so good!
Me: I know I really liked it.
Gen: I started crying at the graduation part, and kept on for the whole movie.
Me: I know! I saw.
AJ: Darn shame about that guy's toothbrush though.

And commence laughter yet again.


Like I said, I have no idea how or why I thought of that story, but that's just one of the many things my family and I laugh at on a regular occasion.

Hope that gave you a little giggle (:

Summer Photo Bucket List

So my friend Ashley just posted her "Goddess from the Abyss" photoshoot and the pictures are phenomenal! Please go check them out (:

It got me thinking about what kinds of pictures I want to take, because I definitely have always wanted to do a "wreck the dress" water shoot, and know the perfect place to do it. So, I comprised a list of photos I wanted to do this summer. So I bring you, my summer photo bucket list (:

Summer Photo Bucket List:
1. Water shoot at the rocks in Petersburg - Yes, in Petersburg! My aunt and I found this place a few years ago. It's hidden back behind a trail. There's rocks and tiny waterfall-ish things and it's beautiful! There's also a bridge that's overgrown with vines and such. Really pretty!
2. Fashion Shoot - I really want to get lavishing dresses or funky clothes and just walk around downtown Richmond shooting "fashion style". I just think it would be fun to experiment with poses and runway looks. Ahahaha!
3. Paint play! - AnnaLeah is willing to be my model for this one. I just want to cover her in paint and take pics. I mean, how cool! And also I want to cover her hands with like bright purple or blue paint and add glitter. What else is being a girl for?
4. Skateboard pics - Mom found this cool skateboard park for AJ in Hanover and I am totally willing to follow them and take pictures of the guys (and girls) at the skate park doing super-cool-mega-awesome stunts and tricks.
5. Fairytales - For a few years, Ashley and I have been discussing the Red Riding Hood photoshoot and we've never done it. This summer OR fall I really want to get it done! I am soooo excited about how we are going to do the original pictures and then modernize the shoot with more modern clothing and such.
6. Yearbook - I got this idea from online and now I can't remember where it was or find the picture that inspiried it. But I definitely want to take "yearbook" pictures of all my friends in different attire to capture different personalities. Just for fun. I know I want all the classic stereotypes, jock, cheerleader, goodie-goodie, punk, emo, girly-girl, dramatic, etc etc. So if you volunteer your face, just let me know ;)
7. Movies - Okay, this isn't photography so much as it's a MOVIE! I recently visited my scripped.com account that I've had for forever when it just to be called another name that now escapes me. But I've had it since I was in high school and I've always used it to play around with screenwriting. So this summer I want to take two or three of those short-movie scripts and turn them into something. I don't have any good editing software on my comp, but this is for fun anyway, so who cares if it stinks, right? Pahaha! I do remember Jeffy wanting to help out with one silent movie I wrote called "Boys with Kite", and if I do end up filming this, you'll see what all of that was about! Hehehe.


So, there's my bucket-list for the summer. I know I won't be able to do all of these things, but having options never hurt anyone, right?

Movie Monday: Snow White Edition

So tonight I went with Jordan to see Snow White and the Huntsman starring Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, and Chris Hemsworth, and I have to tell you that it was by far way better than I even imagined. I went into the theater intrigued by the commercials and previews, but skeptical because of K.Stew's acting in previous movies, followed by my unassurance of Chris Hemsworth (having never seen him in a movie except for a brief scene in Thor). But even if I had hated the two (which I didn't!) I would have still loved the movie because of Charlize Theron. I can honestly say that I could have picked no better actress to play this role. She was beautiful and wonderful and well... crazy! And I have to say Chris and K.Stew did brilliant jobs as well. There was one scene in the movie, towards the end that Jordan and I looked at each other and both had goosebumps because of Kristen's little "monologue/speech" and I won't give any details, but oh my gosh it was brilliant!

On the completely opposite side, allow me to mention that in April, I went with my aunt to see Mirror Mirror, staring Julia Roberts and Lily Collins.... I really don't have much to say about it. It wasn't dreadful, but it wasn't all that great either. The humor was... inconsistent, in the way that sometimes the humor was unintentional and funny, and then other times the humor was forced and disagreeable. And maybe I cannot explain it very well, but maybe if you've seen or see the movie in the future you can understand what I mean. And then, there was this completely unrelated puppet scene that really scared the heck out of me, that didn't really go with the theme of the movie at all.

So, if you're going to watch a Snow White movie, go for Snow White and the Huntsman because I loved it, Jordan loved it! We loved it!

Link to guest post

So yesterday I mentioned that I had an upcoming guest post on my friend's photography blog. Well HERE IT IS! 

Check it out (:

Blair & Adam's Wedding

Where to begin? Where to begin? So, in late April, I posted about how I was so so excited to be second shooting a wedding with Ashley. And I can't help but say that it's over now and I'm still pretty excited. That's how much excitement I have.

I'd just like to mention that I couldn't have asked for a better first wedding to shoot! Blair's mom came out and greeted us first thing. She was so welcoming, told us to walk around the house, find some picture locations, and then just walk in the house when we were ready. After "surveying the land" (wink), we walked into the house and knew immediately everyone was upstairs because of all the laughing and talking and carrying on. Blair and her sisters (biological and in-law) were so sweet and willing for all the pictures we had planned for them!

As Ashley took the main photos for the bride, I stood back and watched and basically just took pictures from different angles. In a lot of my pictures the bride and her bridesmaids were looking at Ashley's camera instead of mine, which made for very interesting dynamics (whoa, big word)!

I can't say for sure what I expected going into this, but this was beyond any of my expectations. I truly cannot thank Ashley enough for allowing me to be apart of it, and I'm so afraid she's getting tired of my thanking her, but I am thankful!

Many of my pictures were like Ashley's, and to see them you can visit her blog (here), but I couldn't help but claim a few of my favorites.

Blair's bouquets were so original and unique. I was so jealous of her creativity!

Her family was wonderful and at the end of the day, I caught myself saying how badly I wanted to be adopted into it! (: 

This is just a classic wedding picture. LOVE IT!

HAD to catch a pic of the shoes. Funny story: Blair told her bridesmaids to pick out their own shoes as long as they were gray, and two came back with the same shoes! But it worked out very well because the two bridesmaids with the same shoes were on the outside, so they called themselves "the anchors". 

These champagne/wine glasses were so rustic and original! Mason jars and a candlestick. I loved them so much, I went home ready to make my own! 

Since yellow is my favorite color, I was very fond of the yellow-painted mason jar centerpieces.. this picture was pre-flowers. 

This was actually an accidental picture, but sometimes those turn out to be the best pictures!

Ashley always has the best poses for her brides! I was happy to catch this one while waiting for the groom and groomsmen to arrive for their pictures! 

The guys were kind of laid back and so between poses I just snapped this, it's so relaxed and is just a couple regular guys hanging out. And it kind of looked like it could be a CD album cover. 

And who doesn't love a jumping picture?! 

Once again, a big thank you to Ashley for asking me to help her on this day, thank you to Blair and Adam for allowing me to tag along, thank you to the guests for being so wonderful! 

Hope you enjoyed the pics! (: 

Be sure to check out my guest post on Ashley's blog, coming up soon! I'll be sure to post the link later! 

Charlie and Kath: In Sickness and in Health

He’d been in the apartment three minutes before Kath asked for a snack. She’d fallen down the stairs at home and was spending her first college winter break stuck up in the apartment with a broken leg. It wouldn’t have been as bad as it was if it wasn’t for the constant sound of “Charlie” this and “Charlie” that. Kath had him doing everything. He was used to it of course, but he was taking a class this winter session and he had work to do.

In the kitchen, he fashioned a neat spread of wheat thin crisps on a plate and a dollop of hummus in the middle for Kath and then presented it to her like a feast.

“Thank you!” she cried. “This looks wonderful!” Then Charlie kissed her cheek and went back into the kitchen to make his lunch.

“Hey babe!” Kath yelled from the couch.

“Yeah?!” Charlie peeked over the bar into the living room. She was holding up her empty tea mug.

“Could you make me some more tea please?”

Charlie smiled. “Sure,” he said. He fetched her mug and started a pot of water. The teabag hadn’t even started seeping yet when he heard Kath call from the couch.

“Charlie, can you just bring the whole bag of crisps and the hummus to me?”

He laughed. He grabbed them and took them to her, and then grabbed her plate and brought it back into the kitchen. “I’m turning into my mother,” he said, annoyed.

When the tea was done, he added a bit of honey and took it out to her. “Thanks, babe,” she smiled.

He then went back into the kitchen again to make his lunch. He wasn’t in two minutes until he heard her call again. He was in the pantry/laundry room at the time to grab some bread so maybe she thought he couldn’t hear her. He went back about his business and then heard her call his name again, this time a little louder. He rolled his eyes. “We don’t have another bag of crisps,” he said jokingly.

“It’s not that,” Kath said. “Could you get me a lemon slice for my tea?”

He turned to look at her with a tired expression.

“Please.”

All he wanted was a sandwich. He would have gladly made a joke about her making him one, but she wasn’t a fan of women jokes and he had a broken leg. So he cut a slice out of the lemon in the fridge and took it over, plopping it into her tea. “Thank you,” she said.

He took three steps back toward the kitchen.

“Charlie,” Kath said, whining. “It’s too hot, blow on it for me.”

He turned around and noticed her big smile which then turned into a giggle. God, he loved that smile.

“You want me to break your other leg, too?” he joked.

“No, just a little blow on my tea will be enough,” she smiled. 

Somewhere Far Away

Tomorrow is the start of exams for Longwood's campus. And in light of the stresses that have already started, I've been imagining being anywhere else but here.

Somewhere like this, for example. Although, climbing those steps might stress me out a bit. Ahaha. But really, who wouldn't want to live here or a place just like it? Well, I suppose if you're not a fan of tropical places. I would kill to be anywhere like this. I think living ontop of a rock in the middle of the ocean would be kind of cool, especially if you could look out and see all kinds of sea creatures swimming around, hopefully I would get to see some turtles and maybe the occasional shark or two.

We've been watching a lot of wedding shows lately and thus talking about our weddings and honeymoons and I've pretty much decided that I'm going to go with an inexpensive wedding and then go all out for the honeymoon - hopefully to somewhere tropical, or maybe Europe, we'll see.

I've always wanted to stay in a bungalow like these in Bora Bora. Guess I better start saving now, huh?

Anyway, notice to all those out there stressed over exams: don't overdo it. If you're feeling burnt out and need a place to escape, visit this website (The Quiet Place). It is very relaxing if you follow directions and just get away for a few minutes.

Happy Exams! And may the curve be ever in your favor!

Obsessed? I prefer "Passionate".

My one true vice in this world is the WB/CW show Gilmore Girls (2000-2007). Short synopsis - it's about a single mom (Lorelai Gilmore) raising her daughter (Rory) through her teenage years and then in college. It begins in Rory's sophomore year of high school and finishes after she's just graduated college. The show has many ups and downs and drama and comedy swirled in one savory sitcom. 


I didn't start watching the show until about seventh grade, so 2003ish? And then finished with the finale. I laughed, I cried, and I learned Sarcasm 101 from Lorelai whose witty banter inspired me to be Lorelai-esque. 


I read and wrote with Rory, played dress up with Emily, danced with Miss Patty, argued with Taylor, goofed off with Kirk, went fishing with Luke, complained with Michel, cooked with Sookie, and rocked out with Lane, all while juggling whether I liked Jess or Logan more (Jess, of course). I quoted and mimicked and took quotes from the show as my own and then proceeded to buy every season (1-7). Gilmore Girls was more than a show for me, but rather a lifestyle. 


So in honor of my Gilmore Girls post, I'd like to leave you with some funny quotes and clips from the show. Enjoy. 

Scene from 3x20 Say Goodnight, Gracie

Scene from 2x16 There's the Rub

Coffee Talk - Seasons 1-5. 




This next scene wouldn't embed into this post, but please view it [here]. It's from the pilot episode and it's hilarious. Showing off Michel and his antics. 
And of course, my favorite of these scenes wouldn't embed either, but here's the clip [here]. It's Rory's graduation speech from high school and it's so beautifully written and said and projected. I know it by heart (don't judge me). 


And now enough clips, but here's some quotes that I couldn't find clips for. Enjoy. 


Rory: Lorelai Gilmore. Nope, doesn't sound model-y enough. You need something that stands out more. How about Waffle. We could call you Waffle and say you're from Belgium. 
--
Dave Rygalski: A few weeks ago you told me that Lane had a crush on me. Well, I have a crush on her, too. Now, I know you have very strict rules about dating and boys, but I just want you to know that I'm a good person. I don't smoke, I don't drink, I've never gotten a ticket, I'm healthy, I take care of myself, I floss. I never watch more than 30 minutes of television a night partly because I think it's a waste of time and partly because there's nothing on. I respect my parents, I do well in school, I never play video games in case they do someday prove that playing them can turn you into a serial killer. I don't drink coffee. I hate soda because the carbonation freaks me out. I'm happy to give up meat if you feel strongly about it. I don't mind wearing a tie. I enjoy playing those hymns on my guitar, and I really, really want to take your daughter to the prom. 
--
Rory: Oh, and I told Paris that you would make all of our costumes so she wants to have a concept meeting with you tomorrow at three. 
Lorelai: What? 
Rory: Yeah, she needs a resume and samples of your previous work and, uh, referrals. 
Lorelai: And my bare butt to kiss? 
Rory: If you think that will set you apart from the other applicants, yes. 
--
Rory: He's the boy who dissected a frog, did not wash his hands, and then ate a sandwich. 
Lorelai: Ew! 
Rory: He's like the lost Farrelly brother. He's so stupid. He watched 'The Breakfast Club' and decided to tape his own butt cheeks together. 
--
Rory: We came here. They broke into the headmaster's office as the big initiation. 
Lorelai: Ugh, those stupid girls. 
Rory: Uh huh. Part of the initiation was ringing a bell. So, that's what I was doing when security showed up and they called you. 
Lorelai: That's what you got busted for? That's it? Bell-ringing? 
Rory: Yes. 
Lorelai: Were you at least smoking a Cuban cigar while you were doing it? 
Rory: Mom. 
Lorelai: No, I mean, "bad girl, how many times have I told you not to ring bells?" 
Rory: Let's go. 
Lorelai: "They can dent, or scratch, and they make dogs go crazy. Who do you think you are, the Hunchback of Notre Dame? Are you French? Circular? I don't think so." 
--
Logan: Rory, you're special. 
Rory: Like "stop-eating-the-paste" special? 
--
Marty: Okay. I remember something about Rome. Rome. Rome. Romans live there. Audrey Hepburn took a holiday there. It's the name of a B52s song. 
Rory: Different Rome. 
Marty: Okay. That's it. I can't remember. College is breaking my spirit. Every single day telling me things I don't know, it's making me feel stupid. 
--
Richard: Focus, please. 
Lorelai: I am a camera. 
--
Rory: So, is this party Grandma's having going to be a big deal? 
Lorelai: Not really. The government will close that day. Flags will fly at half-mast. Barbra Streisand will give her final concert... again. 
Rory: Uh-huh. 
Lorelai: Now, the Pope has previous plans, but he's trying to get out of them. However, Elvis and Jim Morrison are coming and they're bringing chips. 
--
Lorelai: Give me a burger, onion rings, and a list of people who killed their parents and got away with it. I need some heroes. 
--
Emily: You were on the phone? 
Richard: Long distance. 
Lorelai: God? 
Richard: London. 
Lorelai: God lives in London? 
Richard: My mother lives in London. 
Lorelai: Your mother is God? 
Richard: Lorelai... 
Lorelai: So, God *is* a woman. 
Richard: Lorelai. 
Lorelai: *And* a relative. That's so cool. I'm gonna totally ask for favors. 
--
Lorelai: It means like, Virgin Mary. It means they think you look like a goody-goody. 
Rory: You're kidding. 
Lorelai: No. 
Rory: Well what would they have called me if they thought I looked like a slut? 
Lorelai: Well, they might have added a Magdalene to it. 
Rory: Wow. Biblical insults. This is an advanced school. 
--
Rory: So, Grandpa, how's the insurance biz? 
Richard: Oh, people die, we pay. People crash, we pay. People lose a foot, we pay. 
Lorelai: Well, at least you have your new slogan. 
--
Emily: I did not steal your father, I simply gave him a choice. 
Richard: When you came to my fraternity in that blue dress, I had no choice. 
Lorelai: You stole my father with fashion. 
--
Rory: I can't even open my eyes. 
Lorelai: That's okay, there's nothing to see. Kirk's in a Speedo, Taylor's in a skirt, Al's in assless chaps. 
Rory: Oh my God, stop. I'm never gonna be able to close my eyes again. 
--
Mia: The town had a fake murder? 
Lorelai: Yes, because the town is too dull to have a real murder. 
--
Jess: Romeo and Juliet had warring families and they still managed to do a little damage, you know? 
Luke: Well, as soon as I catch you in a pair of tights, I'll get worried. 

Great Scott! No! Great Dane!

Anyone who knows me knows that I have a weakness for dogs. More specifically three types of dogs, Corgis, Boxers, and Great Danes. I am making it a point in my lifetime to own all of these dogs, not necessarily at the same time, but I will. I'll probably get a Boxer first, when I move out and need a dog to protect me. And then a Great Dane when I marry rich (because I'll be a teacher) and we build our dream house in the river and have a huge backyard where this little (ha!) guy can frolic, and then a Corgi to keep me company in my old age.

But yes, I absolutely love Great Danes! Anytime I see one, I just want to run up and hug it's huge neck! And even more so, I love BLUE Great Danes such as this little guy here. Isn't he precious?

Oh oh oh! I really can't wait until I can have one of my own! And it may be totally unoriginal and cliche, but if (I mean, when) I get a blue Great Dane, his name will be Blue. Yes, Blue. [And then when I get a Boxer, his name will be Hero, and my Corgi will be Oscar. I've had these names picked out since high school.]

Now, please enjoy these other pictures of my future dog! 

And while I'm at it, I might as well post some pictures of Boxers and Corgis, because who doesn't love dogs on their blogs? (Ahaha, I rhymed.)

Okay, okay. I know that Great Danes and Boxers are incomparable in height to Corgis, and I don't typically like small dogs, but look at that face! How precious?!?! I just love them! 

UPDATE for April! (:

Hey everyone! I've been so so busy these last few weeks with school and such, but I've also been taking pictures whatever chance I get! So here's just some pictures of what I've been doing the past few weeks.

The Friday of Spring Weekend, I took pictures of Matt & Mallory around campus and Farmville. Here's some of my favorites.

 And then the Sunday AFTER Spring Weekend, I took pictures of Nikki & Casey. We started later than planned, but it actually worked out VERY well because the sun was going down and we had excellent light! Here some of those pics. (:

And THEN, as I've blogged happily about, I was a second shooter in a wedding on Saturday that the wonderful Ashley Link of V.A. Photography, asked me to help out with. And here's just a preview of some of the shots I got.

I've had a crazy busy couple of weeks but it's all been worth it. And this Thursday, I'll be shooting Sara dancing in the dress rehearsal of Longwood Dance Company's Spring Showcase! So, those pictures will be up soon! Have a wonderful day! (: