foto story #88--New cake pans

A few weeks ago, we were headed out to run some errands and the mailman had a large box that needed signing for. We were curious as to the contents, neither on of us had ordered anything from Amazon and we could see that it came from there. Troy quickly slit it open and we found a football shaped cake pan inside. Troy, looking puzzled, dug through the box in search of the receipt. I, on the other hand, knew that it must be from Aunt Claudia and the receipt confirmed it.
A few days later, another large box arrived and 4 more shaped pans were inside! We will have plenty of choices for the next birthdays or just any ole day for cool cakes!
Troy was dying for a football cake and set to work on it.
He did a great job and it tasted wonderful.

Thanks again Aunt Claudia for the surprises in the mail! We will enjoy all the fun new shapes.


Hosted by Cecily

Foto Story Friday on Tuesday #81-- a little drip

Today we have a guest blogger, Aunt Claudia. She sent me this story she wrote after I posted pictures to Facebook of some recent snow and ice. She writes:
"Hey, Ms Carrie!
Saw your photo and was thinking about busy moms and how the little things get away from us sometimes. Thought about your little drip from a child's view and a hassled mom's view.
Love to all, Aunt Claudia"


It Started With a Little Drip...
by: Aunt Claudia

She noticed it in early spring – nothing too big, really. Just a little drip from the faucet. Not anything to get worried about… Drip-drip.



“Better get that fixed,” she thought. “Shouldn’t let it get out of hand.” And then the phone rang, and a child cried, and something was boiling over on the stove…Drip-drop-drip.


Bright summer and the flowers were growing in the soft, wet spot under the faucet. Birds gathered with the butterflies to enjoy a cool drink. The children laughed as they picked a pretty bouquet for her. “It’s for you, Mommy!”
“Yes, yes, thank you. Now hurry to the car, we’re late for practice”…Drip-drop-drop.


The days grew long and hot and lazy. “Mommy, what’s this pretty soft green stuff?” A little patch of mossy growth, fed by the constant drip. “Oh, don’t get in the mud! Alright, let’s go wash your hands and change your shoes.” “Gotta get that fixed”…Drip-drop-drip-drip.


A little buzzing through the yard. Stop to get a sip under the faucet, then a dab of mud for the new hive. Safe under the eaves of the house. Buzz, buzz, back and forth, busy bees. “Look, Mommy! There’s lots of buzzy bees.” “Don’t get too close or you’ll get stung! Come away, now!”…Drip-drop-drip-drop.


Busy fall days. School work and yard work and football games. The drips go on, unnoticed…Drip-drop-drip-drip-drop.


The wintry winds blow and there’s an icy chill in the air. Overnight a sculpture grows under the faucet. “Oh, look Mommy! It’s a beautiful ice fountain!”
“I should have fixed that long ago! I’ll have Daddy knock it down and fix it right away. Hope it didn’t break the lines”…

So whose eyes do you see it with? Drip-drop-drip-drop….There’s beauty in everything!



Inspired by Carrie Flynn Keiser’s photos “Snow and Ice”
and, by-the-way, she’s a very good Mommy who sees with a child’s eye and a photographer’s heart


Hosted by Cecily

inspiration and education

Last week I got an email from Aunt Claudia:

"Hey, Ms Carrie!

Byron and I have been watching a show on PBS called:
ART WOLFE, TRAVELS TO THE EDGE
Every time we watch it, we think about you and Byron says, "You need to tell Carrie about this show!" Art travels the world with his camera and captures all these awesome shots. He explains how he sets up the shot he wants and why it caught his attention. He talks about light and horizons and dust and people. Then he shares his pictures with the people he's shooting. Its very interesting!
Someone like you who does such a great job with your camera would get so inspired by him! Just thinking about you and sending love your way.
Hugs to all,
Aunt Claudia"

Today, when we arrived home from a drive around town, this box was in between the 2 doors. Inside the box was:
On the card it reads:
"Just for you and your photographer's heart.
Love Aunt Claudia"

I just want to say a big Thank you to Aunt Claudia and Uncle Byron!
I have nearly read the whole of: The Art of Photographing Nature. Amazing pictures! All the advice on how to achieve the perfect shots. And I have glanced through: Photography Outdoors. I have not found the show yet on PBS, so I'm really excited about these books ...... Now, Ry, come over so we can use your cameras and lenses! :)