Maebelle and Orion

There is a Hamlin tradition that started probably long ago where the kids make Sour Cream cookies for Christmas. These cookies have to be mixed one day, then you let them sit in the cold (this year outside) for at least a day, then they can be baked. After baking and cooling, the kids get to decorate them, which takes place on yet another day. This year, Maebelle and Orion got to help decorate the cookies.






And the table (if you look closely, you can see green sprinkles all over the table, and his hands.)






And their faces.









And Great Grandma Hamlin told us on Christmas day that she found frosting all over the chair. It was a great time and Maebelle actually let me take some photos of her. She must have been so busy decorating and having so much fun, that she didn't even mind the camera. It was nice.



I was also able to get a few good shots on another recent evening. I have been really fascinated with this effect lately. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.









I hope you have a peaceful new year!

Old Silo

I was recently reminded of this old silo. I took photos of it several years ago. While we were living in Alaska, it fell over. I don't know what knocked it over, but am assuming it fell of natural causes. I can't imagine, knowing the location and condition it was in, that anyone cared about it at all. It reminds me of the depression years - especially in this photo - the way the dust is blowing up and there's not a cloud in the sky. I always liked this old silo and was glad to see this photo again.

Mandi & Jordan

I had the opportunity to take photos for some very good friends of mine, Mandi and Jordan.









They were good sports, because it was pretty cool, and the wind was cold.









I would have liked to get there earlier in the morning, but didn't. Living almost an hour away and having young kids, and we can't forget the fact that I am just always late, no matter how hard I try made it impossible to be there for the wonderful post sunrise light. But I think it turned out okay. :)

Lately I have felt very creative and like I want to shoot and I just couldn't put my finger on what it was I wanted to shoot.






I absolutely love Christmas time. I love the magical look of a Christmas tree with lights and sparkling ornaments. The way the colors make a whole room glow.






Then we were blessed with snow. I love snow.






It's so delicate, so graceful as it dances its way to the ground.






Adding so much contrast to the greens, yellows, reds and browns of fall.






It just sparkles in the soft morning sun.






The places it chooses to land are curious and the way the cold Kansas wind blows it around is interesting.

My 3 Year Old Princess

Well, hello. I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. We were busy as it was also my birthday, on Thanksgiving this year and Maebelle's birthday the day after. It was a fun weekend, though. I just wanted to share this photo of Maebelle. She received many wonderful gifts including a dress up Princess outfit - dress, hand bag, tiara, earrings, ring, necklace, shoes, and more! She absolutely loves it! So much that she couldn't even wait to finish her cake and ice cream before putting the tiara on.

Days Gone By

I don't know why, but I have been feeling awfully nostalgic these last few days. First of all, I miss snow. I know we were only in Alaska for a year, but when there is snow on the ground 6 or 7 months out of the year, it was easy to get used to. And now that it's a little cold out, I want snow on the ground.












And although it does get dark early here, there was something I loved about having sunrise and sunset all day long. Even though the day was only 4 or 5 hours long. Photos taken in the middle of the day had a certain feel. And being so close to mountains. Hmmm...









Not only have I been missing Alaska, but it seems that time is just going too quickly. Orion has been going potty in the toilet. He is still wearing diapers, but every time we put him up there, he goes. Just yesterday he was so little...so little.








And Maebelle recently got some clothes that are size 3T. Her pants finally fit her. She has always been so thin that pants haven't fit her well. They have always been so big around the waist and so short. But her 3T pants, they fit her. And she looks like a kid. She'll be 3. 3 years old, in 1 week. Her face used to be so round. So much like Orion's is now.







Life has been so good to us. I could not ask for more. (Smile.)

Po' Girl

On November 2nd, Po' Girl did a house concert in Lawrence, KS that was refreshing.








They were exceptional in concert. The 3 are extremely talented and it was obvious they make being in sync with each other a priority.








Allison's eye contact with the other band members and with the audience was dazzling, breathtaking and sincere. Her voice rang through the night, sweet and soulful.








Awna's intriguing voice and unique instrumental talents were fascinating. Po' Girl was one of the most interesting, beautiful bands I have ever seen in concert.








Benny had this amazing smile on his face almost the whole concert. It was somewhat shy, yet mischievous. He honestly looked like he was having fun. In fact, the whole band did.








The harmonies were delicious. The instrumentals wonderful. All in all, it was a terrific evening.

My Privilege

My husband's father is a wonderful person. He is a person that I can share a smile or a glance with when the kids do something silly or amazing. He and I can gang up on my husband to have a good laugh. He is always a source of encouragement if I need it. And a lot of times even when I don't. He is genuine and charasmatic. He also happens to be a passionate luthier.








He recently finished an incredible guitar for his daughter, who is a brilliant singer/songwriter. She lives in Fairbanks, Alaska. Before it was sent to her, I had the privilege to take some photos of it. It yearned to be photographed as a piece of art.








Hearing it sing and bellow as my husband and various others played it geared me up for photographing it. The guitar was built with such care and thought that it was about as close to perfect as you could get. The details of this instrument make it stunning.








As if the striking ebony pickguard, the fascinating ripple and swirl of the zircote and cocobolo grain, the triangular sound hole, and open gear tuners aren't enough, the choice of lotus flower inlay on the pickguard adds allure.








It's a wonderful piece of art. A piece of art that will be enjoyed by many, many people throughout its long life. Not only for it's beautiful melodies, sustaining rhythms, and playability, but also for its visual appeal. Thank you, Scot and Hannah for letting me capture your creation.