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Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The Midwest is Awakening

I promised a few landscapes from our trip to the Gardens.  I'm glad I had some time today to work on a few.  It was a gorgeous day and the trees had begun to bloom which was an added bonus to the day seeings how I wasn't expecting that much color.  Sometimes I wish this part of the year would last forever, but then Fall comes and I begin wishing the same thing.  God must have known we'd get bored with the same thing...so He paints us a new picture every few months.

Spring Walk

Spring Light

Heavy Boughs

Garden Gazebo

Bursting
 

Just happened to catch this one...at the right place at the right time!

....and, well then, sometimes He decides to confuse us.  :o)
Spring Surprise

Frozen Magnolia


Saturday, March 26, 2011

Spring Sing

My daughter's show choir puts on a show that highlights the talents of many of it's members, called "Spring Sing."  The show was impressive and I was excited to witness Beki's solo debut.  Her group sang, "The Only Exception" by Paramore and she was given a verse to sing.  Below are photos of the show.  Ummm...yes, I had a little fun with these ones.











Thursday, March 24, 2011

March Whirlwind

The month has completely gotten away from me.  I didn't realize I hadn't posted anything in 3 weeks and so much has happened.  I've been glued to Fox News a lot lately as it seems our world is turning upside down.  My dear friend, Atsuko's, family lives in Japan and it breaks my heart the devastation that has occured there.  I'm glad to say that all her family were not directly affected by the tsunami and they are safe.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan.

John's organization has started pulling 12 hour shifts, so, he had to work last weekend and again this weekend.  I can't really complain, he's been home all week and we spent a couple warm, spring days venturing out around town.  We tried a new BBQ place, well, new for me...Bogart's Smokehouse, down in the Soulard area.  Great BBQ...everything was tasty.


I wanted to get some more pics of some St. Louis homes, so we headed to the Forest Park area...wow!  The homes in this neighborhood are gorgeous.  Had a little fun with this one.

Coming Home

Spent another day at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, wanted to get some last minute photos of the orchids on exhibit.  They are incredible.  Check out my photoblog for more flower pics.




Some of the flowering trees were already in bloom, which was a surprise!

Spring Light

We also made our first trip out to the historic Jefferson Barracks and National Cemetary.  We've driven by the exit several times and talk about going.  It started out as a really nice day, but those March winds kicked in and it got gusty fast.  Got a couple nice photos out there as well.




Beki's school musical, Jekyll and Hyde, turned out to be a very interesting musical this year, a little dark and depressing, but good.  After Les Mis last year, I'm hoping for a musical that doesn't involve any "lovely ladies" next year.  They did a great job, regardless and Beki had a lot of fun again this year.  Her show choir had a competition this month and they placed in 2nd.  In a couple weeks we head to Branson for the Fame competition.






Ari and Anthony made it in a couple weeks ago for a visit.  I enjoy having them here.  Though this was a working visit for Anthony, he had to play for the band at the women's basketball games over in St. Louis.  So, we didn't get to see them much the couple days they were here.  Miss her tremendously...her busy schedule keeps her from calling much. 


The Price of Freedom

The historic Jefferson Barracks and National Cemetery overlooks the Mississippi River and off in the distance you can see downtown St. Louis and the Arch.  On this beautiful, clear, spring day, John and I decided to finally go see this site.  We drove through the cemetery.  When you stand there and look across the cemetery, you can't help but be saddened and humbled by the sheer sacrifice of so many.  Fields of white tombstones surround you.  May we all pause for a moment and remember the sacrifices of so many and to thank God for the freedoms that are a privilege to have.

The Price of Freedom

 
The Veteran
We visited some of the Jefferson Barrack's sites, got to walk a pathway along the ridge line looking down the river.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Jekyll and Hyde

Last night was full dress rehearsal for my daughter's school production of "Jekyll and Hyde."  With some pointers from Creve Coeur Camera, I went prepared to get some great shots.  Since this was my first theater production taking photos, I was doing a little experimenting as I went along.  Lots of the photos turned out great with a few that had some motion blur due to not using fast enough shutter speed.  This is hard to accomplish in very low light conditions and no flash.  I had to go way high on my ISO settings.  Will try to get a few more wide angle shots tonight...hopefully I don't drive the people sitting next to me crazy.  I'll have to keep it to a minimum, I guess.  It was really hard to pick just a handful for posting.  I will have a link up soon to my website that will have all the photos.  http://www.aimeecunninghamphotography.zenfolio.com/






Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Snow Puffs

Yesterday morning when I woke up it was snowing...great big snowflakes that were more like snow"puffs."  I had to get a picture before it ended.  It tapered off over the next hour and started to melt away.  I was so glad I caught this photo before it all disappeared.  There's something about this pic I love...it's so simple yet draws you to it.  Very wintery!  I complained that it was snowing on my birthday, but it was so beautiful I couldn't help thinking what a wonderful birthday gift.

Snow Puffs



Saturday, March 12, 2011

Day at the Zoo

Today my zoo trip was all about testing my new 70-200mm macro lens.  I think I'm falling in love with it already.  I can now get shots I've never been able to achieve.  I can't help but share a few of today's favorites.  Hope you all enjoy.


This one is my favorite of the day!

Just a big ole pussycat!

Mr. Lion was laying down...thought this was an interesting capture.

...as you can see.

Peacock couple...happened to run into both of them at different places.

The Gift

  Delivered this week, a gift I never expected arrived in the mail.  This story begins, it seems a lifetime ago, when I worked at Owens Comm...