can't wait

...to get to know you better.  My mother-in-law brought this gem to me over the weekend.  She is a bit dusty and well worn.  But she has completely stolen my heart.  She belonged to my husband's late father.  The best I can figure, she was born in 1966.  

Look at the view finder!  I know it will take time to figure out all of her quirks.  Time I look forward to taking.  As much as I adore my Nikon 3, there is something about being forced to take my time.  Set the shot.  Wait for the developing.  No immediate gratification on his one.  God knows I need a bit of that in my life right now.

I will post pictures when I get her cleaned up and figure out how to load the film.

belly dancing is awesome

And so is this gal!  Me and my gals, along with a few friends had the absolute pleasure of seeing her dance on Saturday night.  And let me tell you, she is really really good!!  Lori, I am totally in awe!  She said after the show that belly dancing is what ballerinas do when they get old (did I say that right lori?).  I don't know about that, but this old ballerina is ready to GO!  However the world may not be ready to see anything that has to do with this post-three-kids-and-a-few-too-many-donuts belly I got going on.  I'm afraid it may keep dancing when the rest of me has stopped.  If you live in the Lawrence KC ish area and missed this you really did miss something great.  

Speaking of something great...you guys are awesome.  Thanks for all of the love about my new business.  I have been a bit of a nervous nellie and you really did perk me up.  Any area folk heading over to the Anthropologie shin dig Wednesday?  

new

There is an awful lot of new around here these days.  A new friend was born early this morning.  A dear sweet soul who came into this world after a long and emotional year for her parents.  So sweet.  So perfect.  So pure.  Welcome dear friend.

And something else is pulsing over here.  I appreciate all of your patience.  No, I'm not pregnant.  This has brought with it almost the same type of anticipation however.  I would like to introduce you to ImageWise Photography.  After years of playing and dreaming about being a professional photographer, I have made the jump.  Eyes closed, peeking through my fingers.  Will you guys hold my hand?  So many people who read this blog have made this reality.  Everyone of you inspire me.  From the creative awesomeness of other bloggers to the close friends and family who allow me to shoot their pictures constantly.  Here we go!

hello

Have you guys ever felt like everything in your life is going waaaaay faster than you can keep up with?  Yup.  That's me right now.  I have about ten pots boiling on a stove that only holds four!  Aaaack!  

Not that I am complaining.  More like whining.  All of the things in my life right now that are driving me to pull my hair out are the things that are also giving me the most amount of sheer joy.  

Is this post cryptic enough for you?  Curious?  Why don't these pics match anything about this post?  Trying to create mystery I suppose.  Actually just not quite ready to let you all in on my new little secret.  

The pics are from the state capital building here in Kansas.  In case you were wondering.

long long weekend

The Wise 5 are all heading to different places this weekend.  Miss Mo is spending 4 days with my sis in KC.  Little man is having a sleep over with a friend (his first one).  Abby and I are heading to Wisconsin for a few days.  Talk about planning!!!  Its hard enough getting everyone ready to go out of town, but trying to get everyone organized to go different places?  I don't suggest it.  Stupid stuff.  Like we all use the same toothpaste.  I had to go out and buy 3 more tubes!  And brushes?  And shampoo?  Permission for treatment in case of emergency forms.  Snuggly bears and blankets.  Good golly miss molly.  When it comes right down to it I don't like leaving any of my kids.  Lots of kisses this morning.  I plan on enjoying that part for as long as I can!

i would like to introduce you...

to the newest member of the family.  My new Nikon D3.  Yeah.  I can't believe it either.  I have been planning on upgrading my lenses, but this was NOT on my radar at all!  And this thing is insane!  The aperture can run up to 6400.  Dude, I could shoot in the dark with this thing.  The quality and crispness of each shot is awesome.  Of course, I still need to explore the bells and whistles.  I'm a Canon girl you know.  

Why the new camera you ask?  I'm not quite ready to say why, but you all will be the first to know.  I think I may need to name these guys too.  They are with me nearly as much as my kids.  Any ideas?  Canon and Nikon is rather boring.  

These pics were all taken at Crown Center in Kansas City.  More pics, most is color, are on flickr right now.  You know, in case you were curious.