Spring has Arrived, Finally!

Ok, so the fact is I’ve been away from this page for a while, a really long while.

I miss writing.

I believe there is a similarity to this time of year where we long for sunshine and flowers and for winter to be put in the rear view mirror.

I thank God we haven’t had the snow the northeast has had. For all of you who have had a harsh winter, and to everyone else, Happy Spring! Sunshine and green and flowers and all that goes with it is just around the corner if you’re not experiencing it yet.

Talk to you soon!

Misty Morning

A few weekends ago, I woke at 5am on a Saturday.

At 6 am I decided to head out and catch a sunrise.

Some people think that’s crazy, and I guess I am a little,

or maybe a lot of the time, but that is beside the point.

 I think waking up that early is usually worth it,

 it was on that particular morning.

When was the last time you watched the sun rise?

To see more of the images I took that morning or to purchase a copy, go to http://www.cmartinphotostl.com/ArtThroughMyEyes/Busch-Sunrise/

Don’t Waste Your Today

Hello there!

Have a wonderful day!

Do You Ever Wonder?

Sometimes I just like to get out and drive.

I hit the open road for an hour or more and go back home.

I love the anticipation of what I may see around the next corner.

I love to see the way certain light makes ordinary things glow.

And I can’t help but wonder, when I see the older buildings, what lives have been lived here?

I know that their lives were so different from ours now.

Things were harder without the conveniences we have today, but then again,

they weren’t as distracted as we are now.

Do you ever wonder if, in some ways, they had it better then we do now?

I mean, indoor plumbing can’t be beat but what about everything else?

Spudmaster Baked Halibut

I recently shot some photos for a potato chip factory. At this time, this is a small American company that is just getting out there and currently has a distribution throughout Missouri, mostly in the St. Louis area.

These chips are delish! They are currently working with creating some new flavors as well but for this recipe, we just used their plain potato chips.

Ok, here I have to admit that when I was asked to try the baked Halibut recipe, I was disappointed. I don’t generally like fish although I WANT to like fish. I tried the recipe though and guess what, I can honestly say, this was delicious! I will be making this recipe again!

So try it, I hope you like it as much as my husband and I did.

Spudmaster Baked Halibut

Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
kosher salt and pepper to taste
1 lb. halibut fillets
1-1/2 cups crushed potato chips

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 2- or 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.

2. Crush potato chips

3. Whisk together the mayonnaise and mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Brush the mayonnaise-mustard mixture over both sides of the halibut.

(As you can see, I did not brush, I dunked and dunking worked)

5. Spread the potato chip crumbs out in a shallow dish or on a plate. Dip both sides of the halibut in the potato chip crumbs.

6. Place in the prepared baking dish. Bake 18-22 minutes, until fish flakes easily with a fork.

Serve to your loved ones and enjoy! Yum!

First Birthday Portraits – Ariella

This is our birthday girl, Ariella

This is Ariella with her brother Brady.

Let me tell you, to get either one of these sitting still for more than 2 seconds is quite the achievement!

So it was Ariellas first birthday and her mom took us all to the park where after a few pictures, she let Ariella play with her very own cake as is tradition in some families for a first birthday.

From here, I’ll just let the pictures tell the story. 

Nom, Nom, Nom, mmmmmmm.

“HEY! What are YOU doing here?”

Nom. nom, nom, nom, nom……mmmmmmmmmmmm (x 2)

And this is where the picture is blurry because I couldn’t help but laugh my butt off at the fun mess this little princess was making! This was all her doing, no help from us or her brother!

Thanks for joining in Brady!

Happy First birthday princess!

The Raindrop

We could sure use some rain now in the midwest!

Here is some food for thought.

Have a wonderful day!

An Early Spring

Ok, so spring made an early appearance here in Mid Missouri.

We’ve had consistant, beautiful weather since mid March, which is rare here.

This has put all of our foliage and flowers ahead of schedule by a few weeks. Fun for me and my camera.

On rainy days, I’m now painting.

I love being creative.

And just a reminder for all of my local peeps, Spring Art Walk on Main street in St. Charles is this weekend, April 27 – 29,

See my Facebook page for more info.

Have a great day!

Stay Inspired

 I took this picture when walking around the Missouri Botanical Gardens with my daughter.

She pointed out this beautifully simple, non-flashy, yet stunning delicate flower that I probably would’ve otherwise passed by.

I hope you stay inspired!

To purchase a copy of this print, contact me through my Facebook page or email.

Miss Molly Turns One!

One of the things I love about portrait photography, especially newborn/children/family photography,

is watching families change through time.

I took little Ms Molly’s pictures a few weeks after she was first born and this was my personal favorite.

Blink your eyes and it’s one year later. Little Miss Molly is turning one and her mom and dad invited me to

take her 1 year pictures.

Oh how a year can change a baby!

And I love it that they have the same tradition for first birthdays that my family does.

What tradition is that? Give the baby their first piece of cake to do with what they please!

It’s so fun to watch them discover the texture and best of all, the taste of this sweet birthday treat.

After a few bites and a little finger painting with icing, she was done.

Off to the tub she went!

Happy first birthday Miss Molly!!