Stacie Dunn Photo Blog

Officially Time for the Change

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 04:10:00 +0000

Hey blog readers, time to change those bookmarks and links!! Cause I know you all have me bookmarked at least 3 times for easy access. Click HERE for the new blog or go to www.stacienicoleblog.blogspot.com.

Old friends and zipper flaps

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 03:30:00 +0000

This past Saturday I attended the funeral of my friend, Charlotte's, grandmother. She was such an amazing woman who lived a great life, and it was truly touching just to be there. I had not seen Granny in years and years, but of course, I went for the support of Charlotte and her family. She is one of those old, old friends - well, she was one of my very first friends. She is in my memories for as far back as I can remember. She tattled on me for drawing on the wall with crayons for goodness' sake! I mean who does that?!? : ) Anyway, Charlotte and her sister, Katie, spoke at the service. And it brought back a flood of memories. Her grandparents had a little greenhouse in the yard that was the 'flower house.' We played out there for hours and hours. There were real pots and pans, so we would 'cook' with real vegetables and play house. We convinced Katie that life was much better outside of the flower house. Hehe. We were so mean to her, but she wasn't an angel herself. I had not thought about those times for years, so it was good to remember. I did not expect to cry, but geez louise - I was a basketcase. Old friends really are the best, because most of the time your friendship just never changes. It's always special.

So this will (surprisingly) lead me into my LAUGH for the day.
First of all, I must give a shout out and THANK GOD for ZIPPER FLAPS! I hope this has happened to someone, so you will know what I'm talking about. For some reason, it happens to me far too often. I came home that day and was about to put my blue jeans back on to go outside...when suddenly I realized that my zipper had been down during the entire funeral. Yes, I am SERIOUS. Really...what can you do? I just shook my head. Add another embarrassing moment to my bank. Then I truly thanked God for those flaps of fabric that are attached to the side of the zipper (you know - they lay under the front of your pants.) Their purpose is to protect people like me from the world seeing your underwear! GENIUS!

Shannon & James at Birmingham Botanical Gardens

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:19:00 +0000

Last weekend (as I mentioned in a post below), I shot some engagement pictures of Shannon, James and Alec (Shannon's son.) We went to Birmingham Botanical Gardens - sooo beautiful this time of year. I am seriously in love with the red bridge in the Japanese Gardens. It took a while for us to find it, but we finally figured it out.

I will be shooting their wedding in May up in Athens right on the river. Doesn't that sound fabulous? I think it's neat that they are getting married near the river, because they actually met on the lake while both of them were hanging out on boats. They have a boat and are still out on the lake as much as they can be. Alec is a master wakeboarder, of course. But I'm sure they would be impressed to see my own wakeboarding skills. Well, not really....cause I've never actually been. But I bet I would be pretty good at it...ha. I'm pretty excited about the wedding, because they are very relaxed when it comes to pictures and laugh so easily. Those are such great combinations.

So here are a few pictures from their session along with a link to a slideshow at the end. And yes, I probably include too many pictures on the slideshow, but it's hard for me to take them out!!

If you would like to see more pics, click HERE! And just in case you're wondering - yes, my website has changed names but I have not transferred my blog yet.

TODAY'S LAUGH includes a conversation between Reba and me at work sitting in the kitchen eating lunch from Panera.
Stacie: I am really liking these black olives in my salad right now, and I don't usually like olives.
Reba: I don't like green olives, because of that red thing they put in them. Whose bright idea was that anyway?
Stacie: uh...I don't know...God's??
Reba: (super confused look in my direction) I don't think God is the one who pit the olive and put a pimento in it!
Stacie: what? haha...oh...I thought they came that way.
Reba: No, but it might have been God's idea that He gave someone to do that...but they don't naturally come that way.

Ch-ch-ch-changes

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 01:39:00 +0000

Hello all. First, I would like to announce that YES I am an Aunt of two beautiful babies that were amazingly born on the same day. It was crrrrrazy. Lily was born on Monday at 2:15pm and Sophie came in right behind her at 6:12pm. They were in the same hospital just down the hall from each other. They are both absolutely precious, and I will post pictures soon.

If you have ventured to my website today, it is currently offline due to domain changes. I am changing the name of my photography business. I like Sozo, but I really just want to be comfortable with the name. So I'm using myself this time - Stacie Nicole. I think it is more appropriate and more identifiable. It just makes more sense to me. Not much is changing, but I will have a new link to my blog and will share that soon. So maybe this will be the last time for a while that you will have to link elsewhere. I think this is like the 3rd time I've changed blogs! Sorry people. One day I'll be settled.

What's the Big Idea?

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 03:05:00 +0000

I can't remember who it was but a child of one of my friends would say this. "What's the big idea?" And I think that is so cute. Kinda like hey what's the big deal?

Anyway, the big deal is this: I am going to be an AUNT! And that would be x2 because 2 babies will become my nieces within a week. My stepsis and sister-in-law are due just days apart, and it's looking like the big day could be this weekend. We'll see. I will just flip out (as will my family) if they have them on the same day! Little Lily and Sophie will be celebrating their birthdays together for all their lives! ....Hmmm...will this be a good thing? I guess it will just have to be. As the time draws near, I am getting much more excited.

And just in case you're wondering - my South Beach diet has drastically improved. I have been quite successful in Phase 2. No more cucumbers and eggs...thank God. And seriously - didn't He create wheat for a reason?? BREAD helps the world go 'round, people.

My LAUGH for today happens a lot. I think it about it often for some reason but only hear it every now and then (and say it as well.) I think we have created a new word in the English language. And that would be "a-whole-nother." It's embedded so much that you probably don't notice it at all. But once you notice, you'll always hear it. "Can you believe I ate a-whole-nother piece of pie?" - "Man, it took me a-whole-nother day to finish that book." Is this a Southern thing or what? I just heard a lady say it on the cel phone in the grocery store.

Weekend Update

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 02:29:00 +0000

Hello there super fabulous blog readers. Are you serious in telling me that the weekend is already over? Geez. It was a lovely one though. I ended it tonight with one of our 'friend dinners' in Cullman, and they are always so enjoyable. We try to schedule them once a month, but this one came together due to 2 more 30th birthdays. That number 30 is shootin 'em down like nobody's business. It's weird when you have a group like us who have grown up together, are all the same age, and it happens to each one in just a year. I've got a LOOONNNGG way to go though...second to the last - WAAAYYY in September. I knew that 'youngest' factor would come in handy one day. Hehehe.

Anyway, here is a brief summary of my activities this weekend, because I know you are just dying to find out. *Friday: tornado weather. Yuck. *Saturday: Clear skies and beautiful. In the morning, I shot some engagement pictures of Shannon and James at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Shannon's precious son, Alec, came for the shoot as well and made it even more fun. I'll be shooting the wedding in May, and I'm so excited about it. Engagement pictures are such a great way to get to know the couple and what they are like together. Shannon, James and Alec were so relaxed, upbeat and better yet - goofy. I loved it. I haven't edited the pics yet, but here is one of my favorites. I love love love catching people in a moment like this:

*Sunday: Headed north for some pictures of one of my favorite babies (who just turned 1): Anna Hampton. I have had the privilege of shooting her portraits since the week she was born! She gets cuter everyday and smiles like you would never believe. This was a favorite today:

And last but certainly not least. My dad asked if I would take a picture of him for his business card. He owns part of a barbecue business but does real estate on the side. If you are looking for a realtor in Cullman, give him a call! He's one of the best. But of course, I'm biased. He is one of the most outstanding dads a person could ask for...as well as a genuine, lively, all around excellent, loving, talented man with the best personality imaginable. I mean - how do you think I turned out like I did? Geez...seriously. So I have to post a picture of him!

TODAY'S LAUGH: Everytime I have thought of this moment over the weekend, it makes me laugh. So it's got to go down in history. Friday during the bad weather, I was at work. We could have gone home early but there were still 4 of us there. Drew was watching outside and yelled back that it was hailing. Well, I just freaked out because when I looked out the window, the trees were swirling like I have never seen. The rain/hail was sideways, hitting the windows, and it was just a pretty terrifying sight. You know when you're in a panic and you just end up standing or running around like you don't know what the heck is going on? I was there...yelling what are you doing? what are you doing?!?! But what cracks me up the most is when Drew yelled something I didn't understand. It sounded liked "Kejlskrejsij CAR!!!" And he was like a vapor who vanished in the wind. He ran through that office faster than Speedy Gonzalez and was GONE. He didn't give a rip about the tornado but wanted to move his car away from hail damage. The front door stopped him though when it got caught in the wind. Well, and then it stopped hailing. Maybe you should have just been there, but I can't stop laughing about this!

Torture Update

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:53:00 +0000

Disclaimer: Please don't let my personal opinions stray you away if you are considering the South Beach Diet. It is truly a wonderful, healthy way to lose weight. And Tracie, you should stop reading this right now.

But.....here's the thing. I'm already ready to quit this horrific diet, and it's only day 2. SERIOUSLY...I'm such a wimp. When I'm sitting there eating my 87th bite of cucumber, I think "am I this set on losing weight?" "Why not just exercise? That is really what you need to do." I'm a pretty healthy eater most of the time anyway...I guess. Yes, this plan is great, but I'm just not as excited as I was. Understandably.

I made my eggs differently this morning and used canadian bacon and cheese. I drove to work with my fork and bowl and ate them along the way. Nice and safe, yes. I was so excited about making these vegetable quiche cups, so that I could take one right out of the freezer and pop in the microwave to eat on-the-go. Nope. They'd probably be good on another day with all that spinach. I'm so hungry right now, because I don't want to eat anything that I can eat. I don't think this is the way it's supposed to be. I'm going to bed!

I think I might just start on Phase 2 after 2 days instead of 2 weeks. I've had enough!

Won't you be my neighbor?

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 02:22:00 +0000

I'm happy to say that my beach trip was fantastic. The weather was ok on Friday, yuck on Saturday, beautiful on Sunday. My Dad and Ann had to leave town early Saturday, because they had some serious damage from the tornado (or whatever it was) in Cullman on Friday. Ten trees fell all throughout their yard! I'm talking up-rooted, landing just feet from the house...but certainly not ignoring the back deck that was badly messed up. Geesh. I'm so grateful nothing actually hit the house.

Anyway, that means I had all day Saturday and Sunday to myself. It was nice to do nothing. I took my camera but didn't take one single picture.

Also, I officially started the South Beach Diet today. I don't know if I fully realized until just a while ago that I have committed to not eat bread or sugar for two full weeks....Hmmmm...I'm wondering how this is going to go. It is otherwise great. Very practical and pretty easy. You can still eat good food (and drink coffee & tea - which is highly important.) I'm looking forward to my wardrobe expanding (instead of me! har har...) There are quite a few pairs of pants that I'd still like to wear - I'm not done with them yet - but they aren't working with me, you know?

And in case you are wondering - no, there is really no topic or pattern to this post. It's just been a while since I blogged, and I wanted to update.

Moving on...
I have always wanted to go through some pictures I took while playing Rook with my family. So I decided to post a couple of them that I liked. If you play Rook, you would know that I was pretty excited about getting this STELLAR hand......

And here is an action shot of my dad dealing......

TODAY'S LAUGH: This actually happened on Sunday. I was trying to hang out on the beach until the very last second before making the 4-5 hour drive home. While sitting in my chair with my ipod, I noticed these two older women walking out onto the sand with bags and beach chairs. They stood for a moment as if waiting for someone else and tried to decide where to sit. As they unfolded their chairs, the older woman (probably 60-70 yrs old) sat in her chair and immediately fell back - head to the ground, feet up in the air right in the middle of the beach! The other woman quickly helped pull her chair back down to the ground. Just as they couldn't stop laughing, neither could I! She was okay and knew that people saw her...just a bit embarrassed. It still makes me laugh just thinking about it right now. Oh it was absolutely hysterical!

It's that time again...

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:19:00 +0000

Well, the last hour of my life has been transforming...really! I said GOODBYE to my winter clothes (sayonara suckers...good riddance big bulky sweaters...au revoir itchy wool pants...) And it didn't take me long at all. I wasn't sad a bit. It was quite a refreshing moment that I've been looking forward to for weeks. What a reunion my summer clothes and I had when I released them from their storage bins. Woooooo...

So anyway, the main reason I had to changeover is because I'm headed to the BEACH tomorrow - oh yeah, I am. It's the first official trip of the season. I haven't been since November. And really I don't care if it rains the whole time. I just want to wear flip flops and see the sand. Well...and get my book and ipod and umbrella and a huggie with a good refreshing drink in it. Then sit there all day long and maybe fall asleep. Ahhhhh...

Speaking of ipods: I have to give a shout out to mine, because my ipod and I have such a quality relationship...amazingly loyal. I have a 'mini' that I don't think are produced anymore. It's probably at least 3 years old. I haven't used it in about 8 months. I dusted it off and tried to charge it. Well, it had some issues. But I gave it a little pep talk and some time. And that little puppy started right back up like old times!

TODAY'S LAUGH is regarding my above references to personal relations with inanimate items. What the heck??

In honor of my beach trip, I will post some pictures I took last time I was there. These were just for fun...

A Palm Tree...

A Road Sign...

Free Advertising...

The view of a sunset from a pier...if you were an ant...

Mary and Michael in Nashville

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 02:09:00 +0000

I hope you are having a lovely Tuesday.
I think I have set an editing record for myself. I am finished with Mary and Michael's engagement pictures from Sunday. We had so many different backgrounds in downtown Nashville...it is definitely not lacking with color or uniqueness. So here are a few of my favorite shots and a link to the slideshow at the end. (And I still don't know why the pictures are pixel-y when I post them on here. If you click on them, they are much clearer. Maybe one day I'll figure it out.) .......

Aren't they so cute? It's easy to edit when your subjects are naturals! Haha..
Click HERE to see the slideshow.

And I don't know if my life is just not funny anymore or WHAT but I don't have a big LAUGH for today. I suppose I can count last night when I played Guitar Hero for the first time. Watching my friend, Lori, was hysterical. She would do well until you started talking to her or distracting her...then it was all downhill. Or our messed up plug would come out of the back of the TV causing it to go black in the middle of a song. Then all heck broke loose.

Nashvillian things

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:14:00 +0000

Happy Sunday to you - I am going to have to go back to work to recover from this weekend, but it has been a blast. I headed up to Nashville Saturday morning and hung out with my friend, Christi, all day. We went to a spa. I've never been much of a spa person...I don't know why, because it's fabulous. But let me tell you - if you have never had your feet dipped in paraffin wax, this is a must-do. I've had pedicures but never one that lasted this long. It was heaven. And I had my 1st facial...which could be a story for Today's Laugh. I would doze off during the facial, but when she pressed her fingers against the sides of my nose, it cut off my air supply - therefore, waking me up! It was hilarious. Hanging out with Christi is always a riot too. She's the type of friend who makes you feel so funny, because she laughs at everything you say. We have the most fun together.

I also shot some engagement pictures of Michael and Mary today in downtown Nashville. I worked with Michael at a restaurant when I lived up there. We always had the most fun working the counter. Anytime a margarita order would come up, we'd have our own little fiesta - yayayaya eeee!! I finally learned how to roll my R's. Anyway, I met Mary there too, b/c she would come to hang out. I love them both - they are so much fun and such great people. I was honored when they asked me to shoot their wedding in June in Cleveland, Tennessee. Here's a single pic from today that I like. I haven't finished editing them but thought I'd post one...

Laura Gail & Steve at Independent Presbyterian in Birmingham

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:19:00 +0000

Hello friends and neighbors. Today's post is dedicated to one of my dearest friends, Laura Gail, who married Steve last Saturday here in Birmingham. I met LG back in 2004 through a small group at our church. And she's had an amazing impact on my life ever since...in more ways you could imagine! My most valued and appreciated aspects of our friendship are heart-felt honesty and inspiration from such a fabulous woman....but on a not-so-serious note, I don't think I've ever had conversations with anyone like I've had with LG. Talk about some outrageousness! And we've always had so much fun.

Laura Gail and Steve met for the first time embarking on a trip to Israel to visit the Holy Land. He lived in Tulsa, and she lived in Birmingham. They anticipated returning home with changed lives but not necessarily in the area of romance! I remember not really knowing what to think about it but Steve seemed like an OK kind of guy....so I was alright with it. : ) Ha! Like I had a say in the matter! But then LG moved to Israel for 6 months to do some amazing work and get 'refined in the Furnace!' Their relationship only strengthened...consisting of a couple of visits, ichat, emails and phone calls...it didn't take long before she was back in the US with an engagement ring! It's hard to express how excited I am for them to begin their lives together...finally in the same city! I love them both!

This church was one of the most beautiful that I've seen. LG has always wanted to get married here, so it was extra special. I wasn't the official wedding photographer as they had a friend of the fam offer to shoot it at no charge. But I did get to follow her around all morning and tell a bit of a story of the day. So here are a few pictures and a link to a slideshow at the end...

The Reception Hall at the Church:

Beautiful cake...

Geez at the buttons!!

The stunning bride...

and the ever-so-studly groom...

Anticipation...

Probably one of my favorites - waiting for the grand moment...

LG and Steve, I certainly wish God's best for your lives, and I'm positive that's exactly what you'll get! I'm definitely coming for a visit to Tulsa as soon as I can!

Click HERE for a slideshow if you'd like to see more of the pictures. The song playing is by the David Crowder Band and is a very special song to LG and Steve.

Even though it has absolutely no relation to this post, we certainly can't go without TODAY'S LAUGH...
Cause it is preeeeetty funny right now. I was just sitting here thinking - what is today's laugh? hm...how sad that you can't think of one. Is it bad that you've gone all day and not had a good laugh? Yes, it is....Wait, where did those notecards go? (That I just bought at the store tonight.) I need to do that tonight. They weren't on the kitchen counter. They aren't in this bag. OH NO! I threw them away! Great. Well, haha...there you have a laugh. That's pretty funny. Write about that. (Get up and start digging through the garbage, find some liquid gross stuff, find the plastic bag, pick it up. They're not in there. Find another plastic bag, leftovers from the restaurant, yuck...) WAIT A MINUTE...they're in my purse! (Go to room, look in purse. Sure enough. There they are. At least I got a laugh.)

He's not here!

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 03:55:00 +0000

Hey hey people. I hope your Easter has been lovely. And that your Easter Frock came together in spite of the cold weather. Some of you may have purchased springy/summer-y clothing and probably got a bit chilly today.

I'll start off with TODAY'S LAUGH since it is relevant to the holiday we are celebrating. I went home to Cullman yesterday. So I woke up at my parents' and went downstairs. The first thing my dad said was Happy Easter!
Me: Happy Easter!
Dad: He's not here!
Me: ......Who?.....the Easter Bunny?? (I thought he was rubbing in the fact that we don't get Easter baskets anymore - boo...)
Dad: No......Jesus!!
Me: Oh, ha! Ahh yes, He lives!
And so all morning we were singing...Up from the grave He arose (He arose)....
I thought it was funny.

Last weekend I shot some Senior portraits for my gorgeous and amazingly talented cousin, Mallory. I was excited to do this and was hoping we would end up with some really cool pictures. We surprisingly found some great spots in Cullman (including their house)...who knew there were so many locations with color and cool stuff? So here are a few of my favorites:

A little winky wink. Haha!! (Sorry, Mal, I had to put this one up!)

Very awesome red on the back of a shoe store...

As we were driving off, somebody spotted these pink doors!

She is super fabulous beautiful...yes, I know...

Spring, Ring and Contrabands

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 02:58:00 +0000

Hello and Happy 1st Day of Spring to you! It's so funny how we always say we didn't have a Spring and completely forget about weather like we've had the last week or two. Do other states experience the "turn your heat on in the morning then turn your A/C on a few hours later" like we do? I wonder about that.

And I'd like to give a big fat CONGRATULATIONS to my friends, Julie and Gavin! At the end of an eventful scavenger hunt, Gavin proposed to Julie at a spot somewhere really high up in the sky - I currently cannot remember where! Haha. From the stories I've heard, he's a super duper creative guy. I'm very glad because Julie is super duper special. This will be a fun time for them. And for me because I get to shoot the engagement pics AND be in the wedding! Yes, I'm special too. Anyway, they were at our apartment Sunday night and had not taken a picture on their Engagement Day. Of course, we had to make that happen. So here are two pics from the big day:

This is Tracie barely getting in a thumbs up. She approves.
It is quite appropriate that Julie & Gavin are sitting on the LOVE seat, eh?? And I know you are jealous of our beautiful rustic-colored loveseat. No, you cannot buy it because it is priceless and not-for-sale (...and currently the only piece of living room furniture we have.)

TODAY'S LAUGH: This laugh is from Saturday. I remembered today though, and it still makes me laugh. So that counts. My stepmom, Ann, has such a way with words. Our family has started to call them Ann-isms. It will be difficult for me to tell specific stories, but sometimes she will mispronounce a word or use a totally different word that has such a different meaning. Don't get me wrong - she is an intelligent and very talented woman. She means well, and it is a common mistake that all people can make. But for some reason, when she does it, it is absolutely hysterical. For example, referencing Muslims but calling them mausoleums. The result is usually a puzzled look on our faces and breakouts of laughter when we realize what the word was supposed to be.
Anyway, I was talking with her and my Dad about attending church on Sunday. And she said there would be contrabands at the service. (Oh I am laughing even thinking about this.) My dad and I didn't get it. What are contrabands at church? Well...what she meant was...the kids who go through confirmation classes and are 'confirmed' during the service. We really got a kick out of that and of course, gave her too much of a hard time.

Greenie

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 01:59:00 +0000

First of all, I just have to tell you something very important. And that would be that everyone should be exfoliating. I don't care who you are - go get one of those loofahs and use it everyday. After a month, I promise you will thank me. Or you will thank something or somebody, b/c it makes the biggest difference! It shall be your first step on the way to summer.

Tonight I went to see Horton Hears a Who, and it was fabulous. I didn't expect to like it as much as I did, and I recommend to anyone. Very cute.

And today I wore green without thinking about St. Patrick's Day. Yay for me! I was so glad when I got to work and realized it. Therefore, I did not get the pinch.

I love not being cold. It is absolutely fantastic that the weather is getting warmer. I can't fully describe how glad it makes me. Almost beach time!

Last weekend I went over to visit my friend, Sheri, and take a few pictures of her youngest baby, Sam. Her oldest, Jack, also made it into a few pictures. Even though I'm starting to focus more on weddings here lately, I thought I would post them. These two boys are so adorable. Sam looks just like Patrick while Jack looks just like Sheri. Isn't that funny how they're different?

music music

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 04:14:00 +0000

hello to you. doesn't music just make all the difference? i created a slideshow of pictures from my friend, laura gail's, shower this past weekend to pass around for our friends. you can look at the pictures with no music, and it's good. they are cute. but add some cute music, and it makes it so much more emotional. that is amazing to me. i love it.

today was fabulous b/c i finally purchased a computer bag for one of the loves of my life - my macbook pro. i'm embarrassed to even show someone what i was carrying it around in. maybe that's why the apple on the front is cracked - hmmmm... that's not cool. but that's what happens when you ram a computer into a door. genius! so now it has a special bag and has no worries about injuries.

if you watch american idol, was tonight not just the greatest? i was surprised when they pulled out john lennon/paul mccartney songs. some of them had such a fantastic performance (but yes, some of them were baaaaad.) they all tried though - i guess that's important and such. i'm a big, huge fan of the beatles, so that made me super happy.

TODAY'S LAUGH: i came into work this morning singing a bon jovi song. i think it was 'never say goodbye.' so drew started singing 'you give love a bad name.' and it still makes me laugh to think about it. isn't it hilarious when someone sings the wrong lyrics? i love it. and i'm sure i do it all the time as well. but instead of singing 'shot to the heart, and you're to blame...', drew sang 'shot to the heart, and you're too late...' i don't know exactly why but it was hysterical. we laughed and laughed. and certainly gave him a hard time for quite a while.

Whiteness

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 15:55:00 +0000

Happy Snow to everyone! Yes, we only got a pathetic little dusting, but I was still glad to see snow. If it's going to be this cold, I'm always glad to have some snow along with it. Might as well! So I went outside this morning around 9:00 and took some pictures just to mark the event. I could already hear it all melting. Here's a leaf:

And more:

Yes, it's not much. You can always count on your car though. It never fails to collect the most:

And while we're on the topic, I just found this picture from December of my mom and Gary's house in Boston. Gary must have shot it. Isn't it cute? I'm glad we don't have as much snow as they do, but it would at least be fun to come along once or twice. I've been surprised at how much my mother loves the snow and wants it to be there all the time. She gets so excited when they are forecast a big storm.

hands and feet

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 02:42:00 +0000

just some thoughts for today. one of my favorite opportunities to come along while i'm driving is for me to not have my foot on the clutch. a lot of people say that after driving a 5-speed, they grow to love it. well, i'm not of one of those people. i long for the day that i can purchase another automatic. ohhhh the day. anyway, a most wonderful thing occurs when i'm driving the route from work to home: i travel down shades crest, which is basically all downhill. from the curvy part to the red light at 280 (could be a mile?), i have no foot on the clutch and only tap a brake when needed. i absolutely love it.

now to other thoughts: there's a certain body and bath company out there that i love. it ends in "works." but if i could comment to them about something, this would be it: why, oh why, in your soaps (with the pump that you leave at your sink), do you make the tube inside so short that it leaves the 1/2 inch of soap unable to be used and left for dead? i refuse to do it. i will not throw it away. i unscrewed that pump, and my soap bottle is lying sideways on the back of the toilet. therefore, despite the inconvenience, i will use ALL the soap! a-ha!

i was looking through some photos and noticed that i take a lot of pictures of shoes. i may have posted this photo once before - i can't remember right now. but i like it a lot. this is from makesha and shawn's wedding here in birmingham. i think either a groomsman or the best man had some truly uncomfortable shoes and kept taking them off.

For Reeeaaalll

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 02:45:00 +0000

So sometimes I wonder if I'm seriously a freak-a-zoid. Who goes shopping with the intent of buying something new but can't find one single thing? There are 2 main reasons for this. Let's explore Reason #1: I'm not the biggest style-savvy fashionista (that's really a word in the dictionary.) Trends are great, but I have an issue with getting tired of trendy items very quickly. Therefore, I know I shouldn't spend a lot of $ on them. I usually stay with classics (a.k.a. BORING.) Anyway, I decided today that I need to hire a personal stylist. How much do those cost?

Ok, exploring Reason #2: At this time of year, it's usually evident to myself that I need to shed a few pounds....uh...well like 10 or something. Therefore, going shopping just puts me in a foul mood, and I come home empty-handed. Where are Stacey and Clinton when you need them the most?

I was walking around the mall realizing that ACTION needed to be taken. How do I expect anything to change if I don't take action? Next step: texted 3 friends and asked what the top 2 fashion magazines were. Of course, Laura Gail responds within 1 minute and tells me In Style and Vogue (and a paper called Women's Wear Daily.) I came home and immediately ordered the first two. Yes, I did....By golly, if I don't know anything about fashion (I mean nothing), I'm going to do something about it and learn. Surprisingly, I've come a long way from a year ago.

Next step: Diets are for the birds. I don't need someone (called me) telling me I can't eat something. So here's my plan. I looooove lists. I'm going to make two lists. And the fact that they are lists, will motivate me. Because I looooove crossing things off the list. One list will be things I'm not going to have that day (BUT here's the key: I'm either cutting them or allowing myself to have them again.) Another list will be great things I can eat. Ok, that makes no sense. So I'm not that prepared yet. All I know is I'm going to stop eating stupid stuff.

Um and then I'll exercise. Because that's really the main key. And no, I don't have a plan for that yet either, but I'd like for it to include Pilates.
I feel good just writing all that out. In six months, you won't recognize me. Ha.

TODAY'S LAUGH: I thought I might not have one, but then I remembered this. I was in Reba's office today at work and nearly busted it out into the hallway when I tripped over her heater in the floor of her office. It was hilarious.

Saturday Goodness

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 15:52:00 +0000

So what's the best news you could hear first thing after you wake up on a Saturday morning?? Obviously...that your stepmother has free tickets to the pancake breakfast at the high school! I think pancake breakfasts are the best thing ever. I drove over in my pajamas and went through their little drive-thru, and it was fabulous.

Wasn't the weather lovely yesterday? I began the day attempting to wear flip flops...mainly because I am so excited about the weather getting warmer that I can hardly stand it. But my feet got cold, and I realized quickly it was not a day for flip flops just yet.

But it was warm enough to shoot some fun Easter pictures for my friend, April. She had found a beautiful green patch of grass, so we trekked out to it through the mud and dodging a crazy, spastic dog (he wasn't really bothering us, but just kept running around seriously like a spaz.) Here are a few of my favorites that we shot:

TODAY'S LAUGH: It's a little early to already have a laugh, but I do. Sometimes do you wake up with a song in your head, and you have no clue where it came from? This morning I laughed because I woke up singing "I've Been Working on the Railroad." What?!?! Haha....

It was snowing this morning

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:18:00 +0000

I feel at least 15% smarter today than I did yesterday - or even this morning. Isn't it just the best when you figure something out that you've been wanting to know forever? I finally found a way to see the stats of my blog and my website. There's a site called StatCounter and it is simply marvelous. It's totally free, and you can drop the code into your site. My life just changed forever!

It has been driving me crazy not having a clue if my blog or website are even viewed at all. There was no way to know! Not now though. I'm closer to the cutting edge - oh yes.

TODAY'S LAUGH: Today I joined the ever-popular Facebook. Please do go and ask me to be your friend, because I would love to! As I was sitting here in my room setting up my profile and friends, I found my co-dweller, Tracie, on there. So I asked her to be my friend. She was sitting in the living room watching tv. As soon as I clicked the button, I heard a ringy noise in the living room. It sounded like Tracie's cel phone. So that made me laugh and I asked if she got Facebook notices on her cel. Yes, she does - and it was my request. Hehe...what a laugh.

Does it feel like winter has been super duper longer this year or what? Is it normally this cold this long? A long winter gives us reason to believe that this year may be better than the last. Get it? Ohhh, I am so clever.

Stuff

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 04:27:00 +0000

It's difficult sometimes for me to think of one interesting topic to blog about. So today will be random day.

*Last night I watched one of my favorite movies ever: Father of the Bride II. It is absolutely hysterical. I can't think of many movies that make me laugh, laugh ohhh laugh and then seriously make me cry. I love it. Steve Martin and Martin Short are the best.

*I am registered for a FREE photography conference in Huntsville called RIPE. It's for people pursuing or growing successful businesses in photography. The conference occurs every month. The goal behind it is to help photogs get moving in what it is they are really called to do and to value themselves and their work. What a concept...what a nice thing to do. Heather Bookout began leading this because she feels like it's her purpose to help people figure it out. I like her already.

*TODAY'S MULTIPLE LAUGHS: Last night was a heckuva storm. I woke around 3:30am to tornado sirens. I knew I could count on James Spann in his suspenders to tell me what was happening. Where was he?!? Nowhere on tv, that's for sure - M.I.A.....I was so sad that James wasn't there. I don't understand. But I moved on and checked another station. As I was trying to get back to sleep, the storm truly began and almost ripped us straight out of the apartment right from my corner bedroom windows! (Well, not really.) My room is on the edge of the bldg, and I had to move b/c I really thought something was coming in at any moment. Skeeery!
Anyway, later that morning, my roommate, Tracie, said she told our friend, Lori, that we were wondering where James Spann was. Lori responded: Probably in the closet.
I laughed & laughed at that...

*This week has been free from editing. I've had so much time to research and catch up on some things. Yeehaw...rock and roll. I will post a couple of pictures from my last session with Bennett - one of the cutest babies ever born:

And his beautiful sister, Avery:

Spastic Colon Sunday

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 02:29:00 +0000

Organizing sure does make you feel refreshed. I spent a few hours last night and this morning clearing out space on my computer, and I'm amazed at how great it was! Before I got Photoshop, I was using iPhoto...which always got on my nerves. I had thousands and thousands of unnecessary photos on my computer. I think iPhoto saves like 3 copies of the file! Geesh! I deleted at least 15,000 extra photos from my computer. That's astonishing! I knew it had to be done, b/c I was seriously running out of room. I've got a lot of them stored other places now too, so more will be leaving my mac soon.

Today's Laugh: I poured myself a cup of coffee right after I prepared a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. The little packet of splenda I reached for was intended for my coffee but made it right into my cereal bowl instead! Yuck! Some people may think that would be good, but no, no not me. I scooped most of it out and was able to eat it. It made me laugh though!

And another one: My stepmom and I were watching the Puppy Bowl (yes, sounds stupid.) But it was hysterical. One little puppy was down at the end at the goal post where the water bowl was. Everytime another puppy came up, he would bark at them and not let them have water. The ref gave him a puppy penalty and told him he had to learn to share. Oh it was funny.

When I finish a photo session, it's a great day. I love results and accomplishing specific tasks. So the other night I stayed up way too late to finish Mack David's pictures, because I knew I only had a few left. And I celebrated - yes, I did a little jig. So here are a few more of his adorable face:

A Laugh a day....

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:20:00 +0000

My outlook on life seems to improve exponentially when it gets warmer outside after being so cold. I have always loved cold weather, but I'm ready for it to say bye bye this year. Is it because I'm getting older or what? Who knows. I drink a lot of milk, so I know my bones are not brittle. I don't know why I think that has anything to do with it.

Anyway, I want to remember the things that make me laugh. Ohhh, the favorite parts of my day are laughing into hysterics. It doesn't happen that way everyday, but there's something that makes me laugh at least one time a day. So I'm going to remember it by trying to post it.

Today's LAUGH: Meg's bulletin on myspace that was the Dude commercial from Bud Light. Dude, dude, DUDE! It was so funny.

And one more: Ebbie the cat came into my room. When I walked around the corner, he hissed at me. The nerve! I immediately said out loud...alone...with this cat. "You come into MY room and hiss at ME?!?" (Tracie, I promise we made up after that.)

Here's a picture from a session I've been editing with my friend, Nicole, and her six month old baby, Mack David. Love it, love it, love it!!!

Just Do It

info@stacienicole.com (Stacie Dunn Carter) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 04:34:00 +0000

My big question for the day has been this: What do I do in the face of adversity? When facing big, huge monsters that scare the blazes out of me... It hasn't really been a question that I couldn't answer. Because I run, and I know it. Just dealing with the truth has been pretty profound. If I continue this way, my goals and dreams for my life simply will not come to pass. I can stay in a place of safety and security forever, and that's fine. But am I happy with that? Well, of course not. I'm writing this now to get it down somewhere and not forget it. So many times just in the last two weeks, I've decided in my mind to give up, no more...I can't do it. I've made mistakes and most of the time feel like I have no clue what I'm doing in more than one area. Someone that I highly respect told me a couple of years ago that I give up too easily. I thought he was just crazy and didn't really know me, because that was SO not true. How funny that it took me so long to agree! This is a proclamation to myself that I am moving forward, taking another step and getting myself off this wretched plateau. I'm sure they're not really big monsters anyway.
Yes, this is cheesy, and I hate being cheesy. I am Mel Gibson in Braveheart with my sword and that blue paint. Or Abraham taking his son up to kill him as a sacrifice to God (ok, well not really.) But it just means that I have to do some things that I don't want to do to get to where I really want to be. Or Tom Hanks on the raft with Wilson going over the big waves to escape from the island. Or Frodo carrying the ring to the scary place because he's the only one that can do it. I think I'm getting the point across.
Time to go! But I can't guarantee that I won't use the same method I use when I watch horror movies - and that would be covering my eyes so that I can only see a small sliver of the screen. But at least I'm watching!