past portraits.

I was browsing through some of my old Facebook photos, and I had a thought. What would the difference be in my photos from a year ago (when I first starting learning about photography) compared to my most recent photos? As I looked for my first photo, I found this:

(Taken September 19th, 2011)

Quite obviously (Like, really really obviously) I had no clue what I was doing. I SO messed up this this picture (Beautiful subject, terrifying editing). Honestly, I was about ready to delete all my Facebook albums. Here's the thing, I am pretty embarrassed by my past portraits. (As well I should be) You know what? No one else looks at my old photos. No one even cares, much less judges me about them.  Even knowing this, I wanted to just delete the albums. I almost did too. Then, in the nick of time, I thought, "Why am I even looking at these? It isn't helping anyone." And I stopped looking at them, and looked forward to taking pictures in the future.

This is an analogy about life.^

 "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 3:13-14

{Taken August 31st, 2012}

Book Review + Winner: Twice a Bride by Mona Hodgson

Willow Petersen has loved and lost, and she went to an asylum for two years to show for it. Having a new start in Cripple Creek, Colorado, is a blessing, and she does not want to ruin it.  Still, as a talented artist, she is in need of a job to support herself as a young widow.  When she sees an ad for a portrait painter, she is overwhelmingly filled with joy. When she begins to have feelings for her new boss, she feels like she is betraying her late husband, Sam. Will she ever love again?

I liked:

• The characters. I absolutely love how Mona can bring the characters to life! Having read the first three books, I can honestly say that I adore the characters.
• The Setting. I loved that it was in Colorado. The vivid descriptions were wonderful, and I could hardly believe that one author has so much talent in describing!
• The Dr. Quinn-like feel. I don’t know if anyone else has watched the TV series, Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman, but I watched the entire series, and I loved them!

I disliked:

• That the series ended! ;) I actually almost started crying that the Sinclair Sisters were over!

Content for ages 13+

• There was a miscarriage scene :(, and while it really wasn’t graphic, I don’t think it would be the best for those under 13. 

Overall:

• I absolutely loved this book. I am still trying to decide which book was my favorite in the series, but I believe it is between “The Bride Wore Blue” and this one. I would definitely recommend this to ages 13+

The publisher gave me this book in exchange for a review,

And this is crazy,

but I want to review more books,

so rate it maybe. 

SO. The winner of "The Bride Wore Blue" is....

 CostaWisdoms

Congrats! I  emailed you!

If you didn't win, don't feel bad, I am planning the next giveaway as we speak...er...as we read pixels.

Sincerely,

Libbi H. 

Well. My apologies. And News.

Well. I don't think I have a non-book-related post since April. Sheesh. Sorry about that. I am definitely going to work on that. In other news, my life has been go-go-go non-stop since graduation. Now, I'll clue everyone in on what was going on during my blogging siesta (And what is going to happen in the next couple of months)

• Graduation/Graduation Party. Graduation went well, no mishaps, my dress worked perfectly!

(Photos courtesy of Carrie Pitzl)

• I have had such a great time living in the country; we have lived here for almost a year now! How time does fly!
• I have been taking pictures like, nonstop. I'm serious. A few of my favorites from the summer are:

{Our new neighbors}

• I. Am. Going. To. Alaska!
  I am leaving in mid September for 10 days! Yay!
• I did two photoshoots! I did one set of family pictures, and one set of engagement pictures, which brings me to the next part of my news...
• I get to  be a maid of honor! I am so excited.
  
  And now, for news that involves YOU.
• I want to start doing a weekly fashion post. So that's what I am going to do on Sundays. Given, I am not the most consistent person, but I am going to try really hard! ;)
• Enter in my giveaway! http://lifeisfunner.blogspot.com/2012/08/book-review-bride-wore-blue-by-mona.html

Well, this has definitely been a picture and word laden post! I am going to do this more often so that there are less words! :)

Sincerely,
Libbi H.