Can You Be Emotionally Attached To A Camera?

Houston, we might have a little, itty, bitty problemo...Home Girl is having serious emotional attachment issues with her new camera.

As in...she does not want to put it down.

As in, she is driving everyone crazy by spending hours taking photos, walking aimlessly away from the group, asking people to remove themselves from a shot, and making her people wait for her while she takes the time to get the perfect shot.

As in...she is really diggin' this photo shiz, yo.

No, seriously...I am.  There is a whole new world opening up to me and I want to learn as much as possible.  I heard that photo walks do that...you learn by shooting many, many photos.

I am learning.  I am really loving the process though.  It's as if I look at these photos and say, "finally, you get to see what I see in my mind."  Can you tell I am really, really, really pleased with my new camera.

Russia asked me if I was going to sleep with "her" tonight.  (My camera is a "her" and I call her my baby...yes, I do.)

I said, "I just might...don't tempt me."  The only other time I felt like this about something, it was my Easy Bake Oven when I was like eight years old.  I would have slept with that too, but it wasn't feasible.  There were light bulbs and crumbs to get in the way of comfortable sleep.  I suppose sleeping with my camera would be a little much, but I did momentarily consider it.

He has made me such a happy woman this holiday.  I tell him every hour or so...just to remind him.  I think it is important to really let our loved ones know when they get it right...ya know, so they'll be more apt to do it again when it's required.

This is Home Girl and I really do love this camera.

I Believe in Santa!!!

A most wonderful Christmas was had here in Olde Towne.  There is just so much to talk about that I feel somewhat overwhelmed...where do I start?

After the holidays began with me getting the flu and then being slow to recover, I felt like things would never get finished...I was fighting with stress taking over and the anxiety the holiday's cause grabbing me by the neck, strangling the last breath from my body, but then...

I had a couple of glasses of wine and things calmed down.  I was able to relax and then...

Santa came and he definitely made up for any mishaps caused along the way.

Russia and I went to his mother's home for Christmas Eve Dinner and to hang out with that side of the family.  We had a lovely dinner and enjoyed the company of many.  Momma Santa gave me new Ugg boots, white chocolate, and not just one Starbucks gift card, but two!!!  She adored her holiday table runner and other surprises.  Russia received the most yummy blanket that I have been trying to steal for a snuggle.  He also got winter clothes, sweet treats, and gift cards to go shopping with.  Exhausted and with tummy's full we went home and passed out.  It was a wonderful evening filled with laughter, smiles, and love.

When we woke up on Christmas morning, Santa came!  (No, really...HE DID)  Someone got a new camera, 4 GB memory card, camera bag, and tripod.  Someone is beyond excited and has spent the past two days playing with said camera with amazing results.  I just keep on telling everyone how much I am in love with this camera.  It is a brand new one out on the market and even though it is a "point and shoot", I am beyond thrilled with the results.  My camera (that Santa brought me) has something called Smart Camera Technology.  It actually scans the area being photographed and sets up the right solution for the best photographic quality.  I think it was the best way for me to continue to strive towards excellence in this art form.  I really love it.  I really do.

The men and myself got ready for Christmas Day Mass (which I had never been to) and we were out the door early to get good seats.  Mass was beautiful and heartfelt.  It was such a special time to reflect and remember the true reason for this holiday.  It made me feel close to my Daddy, whom I miss dearly and deeply this time of year.  It was a present I had not even expected and those are often the best ones, don't you think?

After mass, we left for Grandma's house.  Along with a huge Christmas Day feast, we enjoyed yet more surprises that Santa had left for us all.

Russia and I played outside by the river, where there were Canadian Snow Geese honking their news that Santa might have brought us "something very special" but we would have to wait until the latter part of the evening for his surprise gift.

Naps filled the late afternoon and then we all piled into the car for a trip out to "the country" where we celebrated a birthday with cousins until late into the evening.  There was home-made egg nog that was extra noggy with Kentucky bourbon, buttery pound cake, Smoked Smithfield ham biscuits, and the most beautiful outside decorations.

As we were leaving, Santa gave us his last gift.  Yes, Virginia got a White Christmas and I must say he certainly out did himself.  I could not  have asked for more.

I am still just stuck in the awe of it all...

This is Home Girl and I do believe.

Starting to Feel Much Better

I went ahead and made the papal decision to stay out of the restaurant until at least Monday because this flu bug has been slow to exit my system.  God knows when I just need some down time.  I have learned to listen to Him.

There is still so much that I still need to finish up before the big day arrives, but I am not stressing over anything because I have also learned that there is no use in that.  Stressing over things is just not productive.  I do what is feasible and it is what it is...

I have a nice winter storm to track for the later part of this weekend which may or may not include measurable amounts of white stuff falling from the sky.  That makes me very happy, because if you knew me well you would understand already just how much I love weather, especially when it involves words like "snow" and "Winter Storm Warnings"...for which I foresee being posted by this Friday evening for the Mid Atlantic Seaboard and points North.

I have Christmas presents to finish up today and tomorrow.  I am loving this down time where I can just sit and stitch to my heart's content.

Two more runners, three neck warmers, four stockings, and six sets of towels are on the "get finished" list.  If I get past that, then I might make a few totes, too....but that is wish casting right there.

I made some Sugar Cookie Cut Outs last night and got them frosted and decorated...they are all gone this morning.  I now know that I can not leave treats out on the counter because "the boys" will get to them and EAT THEM ALL.  So, in addition to sewing, I will be baking some more this evening.  Ask me if I mind???

I hope you are enjoying the last few hours before the holiday, but please promise me you will not stress about what isn't done.

This is Home Girl and I'm Straight Chillin' this year...with a big smile on my face.