Check out this painting my friend Sloane Bibb did for me. It's so cool! I love it! I've got it hanging in my bedroom above my bed. Sloane is a great artist based here in Decatur. He's gotten into some unique abstract paintings where he uses several types of media to give his work so much character! He's so creative and a true arteest! Check out his work at www.sloanebibb.com.

Next on my list of wonderful women in my life is Martha Newman. Martha is like my family here in Decatur. She is one of the most resourceful women I know! She should have been an engineer because she can build just about anything she puts her mind to. I admire her so much for her fearlessness when it comes to approaching a big task - she's not afraid of anything! But more than that, I love her genuine spirit and “matter of fact” view of life. She is honest and trustworthy, and she will always tell me the truth. She has also been blessed with a green thumb and if she doesn’t know something about a plant, for instance, she researches it until she finds out. I love that she takes such pleasure in her interests (i.e.: plants, birds, nature, food, cooking, etc.); and I especially love her for sharing her knowledge with me every now and then. She takes care of me in so many ways. I also love the fact that she provides me with a great example of a loving and healthy couple in her relationship with her husband (who also takes very good care of me, but this is about the WOMEN in my life for now). Thank you Martha, for everything you mean to me!

I got to do a fun photo shoot with two of the cutest little guys the other day. Check out Collin & Carson Loosier!

I recently got to shoot pictures at the one-year birthday party of my little friend Dawson Taylor. He's such a cutie! Enjoy these pictures of him and his family.

Suzanne Savage, or “Suzy Q” as I call her, is number 6 on the list of awesome women in my life. When I think of Suzy Q, I think of how giving, loving, and uplifting she is to all the people she loves. She has the biggest heart and is one of the most unselfish people I know. I often criticize her for being so giving of herself, simply because I’m a little protective and I don’t want anyone taking advantage of her; when in reality, it’s one of the traits I admire about her the most. She tends to see the good in people, no matter what the circumstances. When she loves, she loves BIG! I was so lucky when I met her, which was when she bought my house over 6 years ago, because I was blessed to have many more friends/family come into my life through our connection. She’s the ultimate mother to her children and a loyal friend to her friends. And now she’s a hot grandma, or “Gigi,” as her grandson Dawson calls her. Check out these pictures of her with her handsome grandson at his first birthday party. Thank you Suzanne for being a true friend!

Lora Conrad is next on my list of inspirational women in my life. I remember when she hired me for my first job in education. Even though I’m sure I didn’t make a very confident first impression, she still took a chance on me. Lora, on the other hand, is one of the smartest (she’s like a genius!), and most-confident women I’ve ever known. I got to visit her, and her equally smart husband, in Iowa this past summer where they have both retired. I got to see a completely different side of her during this visit. On one hand, she’s this high-powered career woman who is able to intimidate anyone she meets; and on the other hand, she’s a soft-hearted lady who loves her husband, animals (especially horses), and the land. This woman taught me how to be strong when facing life’s adversities, because I was definitely going through some learning experiences when I worked for her! She’s also one of the hardest-working women I know and I admire her tremendously for her strength. Thank you Dr. Conrad, for being such a strong example in my life. Oh, she’s also an avid nature photographer!

God has put so many exceptional women in my life. So, next on my list of inspirational women is one of my best friends - Carole Foret! Carole is greatly responsible for inspiring and encouraging me to follow my passion. She's a wonderfully talented artist/photographer, whom I met when shopping for art for my home. It was one of those rare instances in life where you instantly connect with someone. I admire her not just for her talent, but also for her integrity, and she's been a great mentor for me. She's a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, friend, and sister. She also has an identicle twin, Claire, who is just as sweet as she is! It's like I get twice the inspiration for the price of one! Thank you Carole (and Claire) for your support, encouragement, friendship, etc., etc., etc.!

This week, I was honored to be chosen as Big Folio's "Photographer of the Week!" Check it out on their blog. Big Folio is my website company and I've been so pleased since I signed up with them. Their customer service is awesome! I highly recommend purchasing a website template to anyone considering it. It's made updating my site so easy. I'm totally ignorant when it comes to web design, as my friend Lanita, a great web designer (www.lanitaparker.com), can attest to. She designed my first website and and did a great job! But she was always having to check behind me and fix what I screwed up when I tried to make adjustments.