Summer is getting away from me.

Kids at the Spray park, originally uploaded by island artist.

it's been crazy around here. We've been keeping busy- going out and doing things as a family. We bought a new bed last week, our other one was 7 years old, which probably doesn't sound old but, holy smokes, it was worn out. Now that the new bed is all set up and I've had a couple nights to get used to it, I am in love and I realize what a piece of turd the old bed was. I need a step stool to get onto the dang thing- but other than that, it's great.

For those keeping tabs, allergies are still ahead of the game and I'm not going down without a fight. Last week I started taking allergy pills regularly which help immensely but they seriously impair my sleep. Not sure what to do about that. Anybody have any ideas (for the allergies and/or the sleep), please share, I'm desperate!

We went to the Strathmore Rodeo yesterday! I really enjoyed it! The midway was supposed to start at 3pm but NONE of the carnival help arrived so it started a few hours later.  After the poor guy organizing it called in some favours, I imagine. We also took in the actual Rodeo- the Bronc riding, Bull riding, Barrel racing and chuck wagon races. There was a nasty crash in the second to last heat and we found out later that one of the fella's lead horses had a heart attack during the race. I watched the video of the driver talking about his beloved horse (clip titled "Tough night for the Rainbow") and it was heart breaking. I don't know why I found the rodeo so interesting this year but I wanted to go back today and watch the rest... especially since I can hear all the action from my front porch (and see the grandstand!). Tonight I watched the amazing fireworks display from my front porch- unfortunately they didn't start until 11 because it was still too light outside so the kids missed them. I heard a lot of car alarms going off when the biggest fireworks exploded overhead, I don't know how the loud booming didn't wake the kids anyway!

Today I received some new camera equipment in the mail, a week early!! I bought a Fong Cloud flash diffuser, a reflector and a Speedlite 430EX off camera flash. I took them out tonight to test them in different conditions but I haven't had a chance to get the photos off my camera. Instead I spent the time working on the photos I took at the waterpark last week. The one above is probably my favourite shot. You can see the rest in my flickr goodness. I am shooting a wedding on September 6th, so I'm hoping these tools will help me get as many good shots as possible in the 3 o'clock sunshine.
Jessica is coming as my gopher.. it's going to be fun.

Well, this is it for tonight- I'm off to flip my laundry and hit the sack.
Take care all!

~jen

Comments

[Edie Mindell]

You're great with taking pictures. I love the picture in this post. I like the sweetness of your girl to her baby brother. They really love each other; it shows in the picture. Worth keeping as treasured memories in their lives. :-0

[Maryah]

Thank-you so much for stopping in on my wee blog and taking a boo at some of my creations. I continue to make more so that I can bring them this weekend to the Oceanfest Market on Sunday =) Summer is leaving us too quickly only days until school is back in session and then the leaves begin their journey to the ground. At least for you (and my photog) Fall means a time of beautiful colour and picture opportunity!

[dadio]

nice pictures jen... very good.

[Suzanne]

Hmmm Allergies...Aren't they so much fun? Go to a naturopath or a natural store and let them know what's up. i cannot take allergy pills either so I just fight through the pain - it's not that bad for me though. You have got to be the best photographer I;ve seen. You amaze me more and more everyday and MAKE me want to learn so much more... I love that shot of P and N - they are like best friends :)