Happy Tuesday, I've missed you!
I hope you all had a wonderful, magical, blessed Christmas!
Mine was good, albeit....different.
As some of you may know, my husband spent the past week in Portland, Oregon
with his parents and a handful of his six siblings.
I'm not all about divulging family business here on this blog,
but suffice it to say that his family needed him there this year....most especially his folks.
His dad has suffered through some major transitions this year, so it was a no-brainer that
he would head on up and honor his parents with his presence. That's why I love him.
Me?
I stayed home and worked.
Ridiculous, long, back-breaking hours.
Such is the life of a health care worker at Christmas time.
It's just the nature of the beast, gotta work holidays, as someone has to be there
to tend to the sick and dying.
But lest you think I'm all altruism and selflessness,
I used this past week as
an opportunity to work a little more overtime
to buy myself my own Christmas present...
a new camera lens!!!
"Wait just a sec Anne, didn't you JUST buy yourself a new camera lens???"
Why, yes I did!
But that was last month.
And thanks for asking.
Say hello to the
In layman's terms, it's a seriously awesome lens, which will serve as my main go-to lens.
Many photogs actually say that it can replace an entire bag of lenses,
although I know myself well enough to know that won't be the case with me.
Instead of blogging as much these days,
I spend almost all my free time poring over my
many photography books. I am super serious about learning
as much as I can as quick as I can....
I have some HUGE photography opportunities coming up next month,
and I aim to be the best I can be!
So....the "almost home" in the blog title?
It refers to today being the day my husband heads home from the Pacific Northwest!
And no one will be more excited to see him than his fur girl, Winnie.
As seen through my brand new lens...
Always sitting by the door, waiting for "dad" to head up the drive.
And you?
How was your Christmas?
I spend almost all my free time poring over my
many photography books. I am super serious about learning
as much as I can as quick as I can....
I have some HUGE photography opportunities coming up next month,
and I aim to be the best I can be!
So....the "almost home" in the blog title?
It refers to today being the day my husband heads home from the Pacific Northwest!
And no one will be more excited to see him than his fur girl, Winnie.
As seen through my brand new lens...
Always sitting by the door, waiting for "dad" to head up the drive.
And you?
How was your Christmas?
Good grief! Those are fantastic photos!!! Congratulations on your new lens! LOL
ReplyDeleteI hope YOU had a wonderful Christmas and that Mr. Twig arrives home soon!
xoxoxoxo
robelyn
Fantastic photos Anne!! Good for you, that new lens is totally worth all the hours you put in. You are an Angel. Have a lovely, calm week and Happy New Year ~ Dee
ReplyDeletesuch a sweetie!!! good for you....everyone should buy themselves something special!!! you are worth it!
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas was just wonderful. Thank you for asking.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you bought yourself this awesome workhorse of a lens. You deserve it!
And thank you for being where you are most needed, and helping those who need it the most. Bless you.
Have a Happy New Year!
You deserve a (nother) new lens...why not! A photographer needs gear and you chose an awesome lens. enjoy yourself ..
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas was just fine. I was a pet sitting widow last weekend but that meant lots of quiet time for me while my honey was out trekking through the cold. Your kitty is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new lens Anne...I also got a zoom lens for Christmas! Your photos are amazing...I have so much to learn.
ReplyDeleteHave fun with your camera lens!
:) Laura
P.S.
your little Winnie looks like my Starla's twin!
oh dat Winnie, she's so cute! Have a wonderful day with your sweetie!
ReplyDeleteWhy my Christmas was awesome, thanks for asking! Good for you on the lens. It was a good investment! Happy (shooting) and New Year!
ReplyDeletePerfect !!! o my that sweet sweet cat...so nice waitig on her boss to come home......are you sitting next to her ??? love love Ria.....
ReplyDeleteso glad your husband is on his way home...and so glad for YOU that you got a new lens!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnne!
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you and your new lens! I cannot imagine how excited you are for your hubby to get home!! And Yes, the pictures are awesome!
Blessings!
Lisa
Anne,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful investment! Thomas got me a telephoto zoom lens for Christmas. To quote Tony the Tiger, "They're greattt!" Your photographs are spectacular.
So happy Mr Twig will be home to celebrate New Year's with you. My prayers to his family.
Your Friend,
Deborah
Oh wow! Those photos are gorgeous. Have a fun time with that wonderful camera. Hugs, Deb=^..^=x5
ReplyDeleteGreat photos!
ReplyDeleteThank you for caring for the sick people you care for. From a girl whose father was in a nursing home...... I know from your blog you are a nice caring person and that means a lot to family members. So thank you for doing what you do. I know it's not an easy job and sometimes a thankless job.
I'm thinking Winnie is naturally photogenic and it has nothing to do with the photographer. HA! :) Your photos are always gorgeous no matter what! Congrats on the new lens. Safe travels to hubby! I hope all the blizzards haven't delayed his return. Best wishes, Tammy
ReplyDeleteHi Anne!
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous of your new camera lens. I was jealous of the first one and now this one! LOL.
The photos of the fur baby are absolutely beautiful and the lighting is just perfect along with the clarity. Oh my! I want one. Maybe someday.
hugs
Sissie
Wow!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of that adorable kitty!!!
Happy New Year!!!
XO,
Rosemary
Wowsers! those fotos are fabulous! Lezlee
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas was great, busy but great! I will pray for your Husband's family! God knows their needs!
ReplyDeleteLove your new lense and Winnie is precious waiting for her Daddy!
Have a blessed day my friend! HUGS!
May your New Year be filled with many Blessings and abundances of Joy for 2011. From my mountain to yours, Until next year
ReplyDeleteHugs and Smiles Gl♥ria
Our Christmas was magical :) Love the pictures of your cute little kitty!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like the lens paid off, clear, sharp and beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a wonderful Christmas week with your hubby!
Blessings
Rebecca
So glad your hubby will be home soon! Congrats on your new lens, that's exciting! And your photos are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteKat :)
Wowie zowie Anne! Those are some fabulous shots you took with that lens. Between the new lens and you artistic vision, you are unstoppable! Theresa xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou are SUCH a good girl, Anne! lol! Working so very hard to buy a goody. That's the way to do it (according to my hubby)! I, on the other hand, see no reason not to pull out the good ol' credit card and slap that baby down --- which usually gets me in trouble..... lol! I'm so glad that your hubby is coming home to his two girls! :) And I was glad to hear from you again! ♥
ReplyDeletexoxo laurie
Hi Anne, we had a wonderful Christmas... I am glad that things are back to normal though!!! Congrats on getting your new lens, your pictures are absolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeletehugs~~~ Daphne
MERRY CHRISTMAS Anne....!
ReplyDeleteFirstly on behalf of ANYONE who has EVER spent time in hospital over Christmas....THANK YOU for being there for us....!!!!
Secondly....Will you come down here & take pics of my grey tabbies Baxter & Harley....These pics you've taken of Winnie are S-E-N-F-R-E-A-K-I-N-S-A-T-I-O-N-A-L & I would LOVE to have pics of my furb babes like this....!!
I hope when your hubby returns you're able to relax for a couple of days....!!
I hope you have a WONDERFUL New Year & have my fingers crossed 2011 is PERFECT for you....!
Cheers from Oz,
Tamarah xx
So happy that you will be back with your guy soon. You made the best of the situation though...you are an angel!
ReplyDeleteHooray for you on the new lens. Your pictures of Winnie are beautiful!
XO,
Jane
another new lens. that's my girl. good for you. the photos of winnie are beautiful. so crisp and clear.
ReplyDeleteAnne, seeing these crisp images makes me want a new camera. I'm still at the point and shoot stage, but thinking about a little upgrade. You are wonderful inspiration.
ReplyDeleteGlad Mr. Twig will be back home with you soon. I'm sure it was hard on both of you to be apart during the holidays.
Happy New Year! ~ Sarah
Beautiful photos, Anne! Looks like you will have some fun with that lens!
ReplyDeleteYou have definitely found your calling Anne! You so deserve to spoil yourself (especially when we get to see such beautiful photos)!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and safe travels home to your honey!
I can't wait to see all the wonderful photos you will be sharing with us next year Anne. I love your fur ball, that is too cute, Char
ReplyDeleteLook at you girlie. I'm writing it down. I want to get better too. This is an expensive hobby. So much fun though. Excited for what lies ahead for you. Glad you had a good Christmas even without your sweetie. Time away makes the heart fonder right??
ReplyDeleteyeah! now you can take more awesome photographs!!!
ReplyDeletemy Christmas was great! (thanks for asking) - and even though I don't know your husband's family, doesn't mean I can't pray for them eh?
sorry to hear he wasn't there with you, you had to work, and that his family is having some changes...
Can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for you hard working girl....
xo+blessings,
Anne Marie
Well, there's nothin' wrong with treating ourselves sometimes! And actually, it's not just for you, it's for all of us to enjoy your pictures too! So glad your hubby is coming home to you (and his fur girl)!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Missy
Your pictures are great. My son is always wanting new lens for his camera. If I have something special I want photo, I take it to him. I am glad that you are an angel in the hospital taking care of sick people. It isn't fun being there, but when you have a really caring person it makes it so much easier to accept. I have been there. Glad hubby is on his way home and I will keep you all in my prayers for the coming year. Have a great New Year. Your Missouri Friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for working on Christmas and taking care of those in need. I am so glad you were able to treat yourself to this lens. WOW...what great pics. I've heard that getting a DSLR means you become addicted to purchasing lenses. I am very excited for you that you are making your dream a reality. Good luck balancing everything this next month. Remember to breathe. Hope Mr. Twig makes it home safely and that his presence out west offered support and comfort to his family. Happy New Year!
ReplyDelete~*~*Love your little Winnie!:) And cant wait to see more of your beautiful pictures with your new lens!! Hugs,Rachel~*~*
ReplyDelete*French Farmhouse 425*
Your Winnie is gorgeous and I love those photos. What a fabulous lens my dear and the better to take pictures with. You are very talented and your opportunities are well deserved.
ReplyDeleteGood for you Anne! I wish you the best of luck with your photography! Your kitty is so cute! Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteLisa
Your kitty looks just like my Sparky! I think with all these new camera lenses you have, you should fly out here and take some pixs at Country Roads. We have great vingettes, backdrops, and more for wonderful photos. Hope to see you soon ;0)
ReplyDeleteTake care, Sue
Glad to hear about your lovely Christmas! Wonderful new lens are going to get you more beautiful shots in the coming year! Enjoy the day, Kellie xx
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the beauty that I KNOW you will capture with that lens. GOOD FOR YOU! I love to buy ME presents! After all... who knows what I want more than ME? Happy New Years sweet girl! HUGS!
ReplyDeleteCharlene
Fantastic photos and I love Winnie, she is adorable. I hope your husband has a safe journey home. Can't wait to see all the new photos that you are going to be taking with that really awesome new lens.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you made the best of your situation. Lookit that new toy of yours! I'm still stuck in point and shoot mode myself. :)
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas story will be shared this upcoming weekend on my blog, but until then, let's say it was much better than I could ever have anticipated. Life is good! :)
Donna
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/
Love the lens, love the pics but LOVE your kit most of all! I am a pushover when it comes to cats. Mine has traveled the world with me and is my soul mate! All that overtime sure paid off Anne - your photography is so professional. Nat Geo here she comes....!!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful new year with your hubby - the best is yet to come. XxX
I wish I had got that lens, instead of the one I got! I wanted to wait and research the best one for me, but Craig opened the new lens and I can't take it back! Well I could, but pay a 15% restocking fee!
ReplyDeleteSee you soon!
Theresa
aka:tot
Hi Anne,
ReplyDeleteSooo I wish you and your family a happy, healthy and blessed new year!
Love,
Rozmeen sweet!
Winnie is gorgeous, just look at those eyes! And I bet she's quite the Daddy's girl??!! I love your style of writing, Anne - you really made me giggle when you wrote about your lens and that you'd get another one LAST month. Well done you for working, my hubster is a Police Officer so he gets to work Christmas too, and all those days other people take for granted that they'll be off. You just get used to living on the fringes of normal life.
ReplyDeletexxx
first off anne, i want to thank you for your dedication as a health care worker. my dad is now receiving the benefits of in-home care and our family SO appreciates it.
ReplyDeletesecond, your pics are splendid as is your cute kitty, winnie. we have a zoegirl that could be her twin.
look forward to seeing more of your photography.
judi
yay you & new lens!!!!
ReplyDeletemy sweetie and i were just talking about the possibility of a new lens. my zoom is dying a slow death so i'll look into this one.
glad you made some cash & tended to the needy this holiday. i think you're pretty awesome
i work nye & nyd...sigh....but need to replenish the empty wallet
glad your honey is not far from being back home with you
happy new year anne
xo
Wonderful images, congratulations with the new camera!
ReplyDeleteWish you a very Happy New Year!
Hugs Helle
It sounds like everything worked out perfectly Anne. I hope by now your Mr. Twig is back home in time to spend New Years together. That Winnie is just the sweetest. The photos you took of her with your new lens are amazing! xoxo ~Lili
ReplyDeleteNow that is a lens!!!! Tack sharp and beautiful! We had the best Christmas ever! Jemma was so wonderful to watch and enjoy! I enjoyed it so much that I forgot to take pictures until well into the present opening! Oh well! Hope your hubby is home now and safe with you. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeletei have the tamron equivalent of that lens for my canon 7d. it is the 18-270 mm and it is on my camera 99% of the time. i love it.
ReplyDeletei love your photography. your pictures are beautiful.
hugs, cindy