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| While I was off in the wilderness, a gorgeous new baby girl was coming into the world. Little Matelyn was more than ready for her big modeling debut and she did not disappoint. Her parents have to be two of the most patient, gentle people I have ever met. They are natural parents. Matelyn, just a little over 2 weeks old here and she is already a star. |
| Her eyes are so big and pretty. |
| We did manage to wear her out. Is there anything cuter than a naked sleeping baby? |
| There is NO doubt.. she is already a daddys girl. |
| Hamming it up, even when sleeping. |
| I love how newborns look lovingly at their mothers, the bond between them obvious. |
When Ginny came in, I immediately noticed her striking red hair. I LOVED the color. Then she reminded me, we have the same hairdresser, Andrea, and that is how she found me. My first thought, the VERY FIRST, was not thanks, Andrea for referring great people here. It was HOT DAMN, I TOO CAN HAVE THAT AWESOME RED HAIR!
When I went into the salon this week, I said I was going red just like Ginny! Andrea, being the enabler, said GO FOR IT! I chickened out 5 minutes later. Red and Dangerous just wasn't right. She put in some strawberry blonde streaks to keep my need for change satisfied. Now I am known to a select few of my clever friends as Strawberry Blonde and Dangerous. Its all your fault Ginny! :)
Congratulations and I can't wait to see you guys again.
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Alaska is quite the popular place this last month. I think my trip sparked a huge interest in this great state. Or maybe it was Sarah Palin. We drove right through Wasilla the day after she was announced as McCains running mate. The people in town seemed to adore her.
Finally, a more detailed account of my trip with photos. We had such a fabulous trip it was hard to come home and easily transcribe it all into words. I still search for the right explanation that does justice to such a beautiful place.
We started in a tiny town named Kantishna. It is the only place you can actually stay in a hotel in the depths of Denali National Park. Mile 95 to be exact, and its not like driving from Houston to Dallas. Its a two lane gravel road that twists and turns atop very steep and dramatic cliffs. A 6 hour one way drive to get there and worth every single minute. Only having been in Alaska for two days, the drive out was the first time we saw some of the wildlife. We saw two wolves, bears, a red fox, caribou, just on our way to the end of the road. Not all animals cooperate with a photographer shooting from a bus on a tight schedule, some I captured and some I did not. It was still an experience to see them. |
When we rolled into the Kantishna Roadhouse it was late and we were rushed into dinner. A quick meal later, we witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets ever. It was a wonderful way to welcome us to Denali.
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My plans to get up for a sunrise shoot were squashed with a nice foggy rainfall. Later that day, my friend Helen and I decided to walk to Wonder Lake from our lodge. An easy 7 1/2 mile walk. "its a piece of cake" they say... Im not sure the last time these people actually made this walk, if ever. An easy uphill, rocky road with all your camera gear. Our walk was enhanced by views of streams, rivers, and valleys lined with trees changing into their fall colors. After arriving at Wonder Lake, 3 1/2 miles of uphill hell to get there, we wanted to rejoice. This day, Wonder Lake was calm and beautiful although there wasn't much going on. Where was the moose frolicking in the water that I was supposed to photograph? That IS why I hauled my big lenses and 2 camera round trip 7 miles. He must have been sleeping. I did spot what I randomly called the lone duck swimming in the water. I was later corrected by wildlife photographer, Tom Mangelsen, that it was not a random duck but a Red-necked Grebe. I should have had more respect for Mr. Grebe and known what he was. He DID make an appearance, modeling in a perfect scene and making the trip with gear worthwhile. The red-neck Grebe:
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| Looking back, I would make that walk again, it was a great day! We walked half of that same walk the next day and almost had a run in with a bear. We heard something run off into the brush, over a hill as we rounded a corner. Thank goodness we were making noise, and the bear ran off like most bears do. A guide told he saw a black bear where we heard the rustling a little later. I was A-OK not seeing that guy up close and personal. I read too many bear attack books and dont want to be a chapter in the next edition. A few shots of some of the rich fall foliage. Also a shot of Helen and I before our first long walk. We had a ton of layers of clothing on, I think she was prepared for a blizzard! I was so thankful Helen was on the trip, she helped me with my gear the entire time and made the trip a lot more fun. |
| We stayed three nights in Kantishna which was a good amount. I think two would have been enough, but in Alaska you have to account for weather. Some people only stayed one night and had crappy weather so they missed out on most of the experience. As long as there is a bar, we can be entertained anywhere. John the bartender was great, he had a lot of stories from his many years there and kept us laughing. Meeting him, along with a couple of the other staff members made our trip to the roadhouse! |
| After three nights at the Roadhouse, we left the park, picked up our RV and headed back in to stay at the Teklinika Campground at mile 29. It is the furthest you are allowed to drive a private vehicle into the park unless you have a special permit, such as a Professional Photographers permit. Which I DID NOT HAVE! Hellooooo?! Dont they know who I am???? hahaha. I am thinking the photographers with passes would have known the difference between a duck and a Red-neck Geber. Like Tom Mangelsen. You should check out his site, he has several galleries and great photographs. I managed to talk a lot of BS and I don't think he was impressed with my descriptions of the Dall Sheep as little dots on the hill. Thats all they looked like on the back of my camera, and I really would have liked a nice shot of them closer up. Next time! They inspired officials ions ago to declare this area a National Park to protect them, so we have to show these guys some respect too. |
| When you stay at the campground, you have to ride the Park Shuttle Bus to see the park. Its not a bad setup once you get used to it. The first day on the park bus, we saw this Mother Grizzly with her cub. A lot of the Denali Grizzlies are this blonde color, which I like. Blonde and Dangerous! This is one of my favorite photographs from the trip. |
| The cub is coming to check us out. |
| I have a few more bear photos from Lake Clark National Park that I will post this weekend. Can't wait to see Alaska again next summer. |
Dear Tony Romo,
WOWOWOWOWOWOW! I don't know what else to say after that intense game that almost drove me to drink. Who are we kidding...there was no almost. :) Tony, I'm not supposed to be drinking. JJ has me on this insane program that makes me feel better and look better... but that does not CONSOLE ME DURING THESE CRAZY GAMES!!!! The end zone fumble? ZIP IT, we wont mention that.
I know people were waiting for my message to you last week. First game of the season, it was expected. I waited to see if it was a fluke or we were onto something BIG! I say we are onto something BIG!!! I think we owe it all to my new lucky white shorts! White shorts I have not been able to wear in YEARS and now I can, along with my number 9 jersey. Thanks to JJ!
I have now lost 6 pounds. For one month, I think that is SO fabulous!!! I still miss my dairy. I'm pretty sure there is a bible verse somewhere that says "Thou must eat Cheese". I sneak a piece every now and then just to keep the faith and save my soul. I'm pretty sure that verse is right after the one about "Chick Fil A Shall be open on Sunday". Other than missing Feta Cheese and Tapioca pudding, I think I have adapted very well. I doubt the day will ever come when I don't love Pizza. Those days just can't happen once a week. The hormones have been under control and the Chia pets are stable, not shrinking, but not expanding! Controllable hormones are a good thing when I keep seeing that girl who is stalking you all over the TV promoting her new Country album. One bad PMS Day could result in a shoe going through my TV.
I have gone down almost a size this last month. I can see it in the clothes I wear. Even that evil scale is trying to befriend me with appearances of lower numbers. I hauled a blender all over Alaska.. just to stay on my program. My friend Dawna is now working with JJ also, so I may blog for her too. She is too funny and I think she might have killed her evil scale. Im worried for its life, with her Pepsi withdrawls.
And Tony, your canine fans support you too! Goldielocks was sad she was the second blonde in your life, ( me being the first of course) and wouldn't face the camera. I think its going to be an EXCITING Season this year! My ( soon to be) skinny butt is ready to go to Tampa in my new lucky shorts!!! :) |
I wanted to share more photos of little Addison. At nine months old now, she is growing up so fast!
It wont be much longer and we will be capturing her with a big birthday cake. I can hardly believe it. She lives close to me now, so I think she should come hang out more. We could have a grand time before she discovers what American Girl dolls are! :) This girl has the craziest expressions and Ill add a few funny ones tomorrow. |
Its football season!!! YAHOO! I know you are all waiting for the Dear Tony Romo after yesterdays SUPERB show of amazing football. Its coming! How many of you had stopping hearts when he grimaced in pain on the field? A few stitches, we can deal with, unlike poor Tom Brady. I am sad he is out for the season, but he has a hot supermodel as a nurse. This post isn't about football! (Coming tomorrow!)
I am adding more photos from Alaska, since I have been a lazy blogger this weekend. The nerves of opening day can zap a girl of energy.
This caribou was so close and had such a nice rack..we were lucky to see him close. The caribou are migrating and not as visible from the road. You imagine around 6 million acres of wilderness and we see it only from one road winding 99 miles through a small part of the park. The fall colors in Denali are indescribable. Such a beautiful spread
of warm colors as far as you can see. Its a place you don't want to leave. Until you spend a night in the RV with no heater. Just kidding, but it was cold. |
| On to the bears.... from Lake Clark National Park. I can't leave poor Lilli thinking that last bear wanted to eat her. So I have some friendlier brown boys to show. |
| The blogging will go into high gear this week, as I have more Denali photos and even VIDEO! I have some babies to post and am photographing a couple of newborns this week, which I LOVE! ( Humans, not bears.. keep it straight people) |
I had a WONDERFUL time photographing bears yesterday at Lake Clark National Park. Today we leave for home sweet home. :( I would love to stay, but its getting COLD. Sitting in a canoe in pouring rain and cold winds, I began to think Texas winters may not be so bad after all. I will post a lot of photos from Denali and more bears through out the week, here are a few to tide you over.
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