Unexpected Joy Received Today

Today was a long day for me. Make that a very long day. I shot my second wedding today, and I have to say that it would take me a while to really get the hang of this to where I don't feel like I just finished a marathon! I did surmise that taking photos of a wedding is similar to an athlete performing during an important do-or-die game. You only get one chance to get it right. Lots of pressure, and the opportunities really go quickly. Like, say, the kiss at the end of the ceremony. That only happens once!!! But that all is beside the point to this entry...

This morning I showed up at the grooms house to document some of the action of the guys getting ready for the day, attempting to tie ties when they've never worn one, etc. It was a good time. The coolest thing happened at the end as we left the house to go to where the ceremony was being held. All the groomsmen loaded up in a traditional wedding car and where whisked away to the hotel. As soon as they left, I grabbed my gear, got in the car, and set out to follow them. Now, the house itself is really neat. It's registered as the oldest inhabited house in Connemara dating back to 1552 when it was originally built. To get to this house, essentially you have to drive from one end of the village to the other, and wind down a long stretch of road that's two way, yet barely wide enough to fit a single car. All down this lane, there are houses lining the road...probably about 30 in all. As I'm driving, I began to see smoke, and lots of it. I quickly realized what was happening. You see, in Ireland, the bonfire for ages has been a way the people have marked celebrations, major events and even the changing of seasons; a tradition that lives on today. On our own road into the city, for instance, if the local team wins a match, there's places along the road where fires are lit to show the support for the team. There's bonfires lit every Halloween night, and every Summer Solstice. You get the idea. Well, as I drove along, I noticed that every house had a fire lit next to the road. And not just a measly little camp-fire, I mean a fire. Hot enough I could feel it through the car as I zipped past. I was stunned at the symbolism of what this meant. Here's two people that have been living in this little village for several years getting married, and as a show of support, they light the fires. I know the fires in themselves weren't much, but the show of support, the "we're behind you in your new life" statement really touched me. I think they may have caught a glimpse of what "community" truly means.

Photo Exhibition - The Entry's

Alright - now for my two that are entered:

You've already seen this, but the group really got behind this one. The rain on the lens, the woman finishing her race with the support of her kids on a dismal day really tells a great story. Perfect for what we're showing.

And this is my favorite. This is an old Abbey and Roundtower just south of our city.

Photo exhibition

The little photography club that I'm a part of is having its second photo exhibition soon during the Arts Festival happening in the city in July. We're honored that we get to have an exhibit during such a packed week with so many artists and performers having their stuff on display! Our "theme" for this exhibition is based on a day in the life of our surrounding area, whatever that meant to us. We all gathered with our photos one evening a couple weeks ago to display them and have them voted on as a group to make our selections. I was fortunate to have 2 of my photos chosen to be entered!! We're also having a smaller display beyond the 24 photos of some that were great photos, but we just didn't have enough room for, and I have a couple in there as well. I'll show you my entry's in a couple of days, but first, I'll show you the ones that I had either shown to the group that night, or a couple that I held back. (I mean seriously...I didn't want to bring in my whole collection!! LOL) Here's my "alternates": And, as always, I would love to hear your thoughts!!!

A Bridge at Night

This Pheasant was caught in our front yard

A clear evening in our city

Obviously the same place as the previous spot, but I couldn't decide which of these two I liked better. What do you think???

The same location later that night. I was taking this photograph the same time as a friend of mine - we'd agreed that this would be his location to submit an entry. (Graciously, he gave me the location to one that I submitted)

This is one I didn't submit, but kind of wish I had. I really like this shot!

A Day in the Life of Isaac

You may remember this post where we outlined a typical day in the life of the sweet Deibel girls. Well, I thought you might like a peek at what a tyipcal day might look like for our lil' Deibel guy!

Getting a little work done first thing in the morning

Take some time to play with my sister

Then it's time for some more work

Taking some time out for a photo shoot

Hit the gym for a workout

Then relax with a nice, hot meal

An Interview with Cailyn

Ok, you ready to get started?
This is an interview of Cailyn Rae Deibel. One of the most interesting and wonderful 4 year olds in the world.I am going to ask you several questions about yourself so we can all get to know you better. Okay, let's get started.

What is your name?

Cailyn *trying to hide in the couch* My name starts with a “C”.
Is that it?
*Yep.

How old are you?

4
Where do you live?
*Ummmm….right at where we are.
Do you have any pets?
**nods head yes* I have a kitty and a bunny. Do you know how to write “bunny” and “Kitty”.
Yes I do. What are your kitty and bunny’s names?
* My cat is named Rose-rose and my bunny is named Pink-pink, not pinkey-winkey

Who do you like to play with?
*Ummm….Hannah
Anyone else?
*Yeah. Um, Katelyn.

What is your favorite Cereal?

Umm, Cheerios

What is your favorite vegetable?

Um, tomato *big grin on her face*

What is your favorite drink?
*Ummmmmm…juice
What kind?
Ummmm…Ribena

What is your favorite snack?

Ummm, sweet popcorn!

What is your favorite toy?

Ummmmmm….*playing with the pages in a book* my magnadoodle
Where did you get your magnadoodle?
*Ummmm….I don’t know.

What is your favorite book?
*Ummmm, Snow White. Lalallalalalal

What is your favorite restaurant?

Ummmmm…the one that we went to yesterday when me and Daddy and Hannah went to check the car.
KFC?
*yeah, KFC

What is your favorite holiday?

Ummmmm…snowing

What’s your favorite Holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July, St. Patrick’s Day, etc.
*Ummmm, St. Patrick’s Day

What is your favorite animal?

Um, a cat

If you could change your name to anything, what would you change it to?
*Ummm, to…ummmm…Cailyn Debbil

What do you love about your Dad?

Ummmm…playing the game Daddy’s playing

What do you love about your Mom?
*Ummmm…Having a birthday.

Where would you like to go on vacation this year?

Ummm…tooooo…I don’t know.

What is your number one wish for this year?

Ummm…that Isaac loves me very much.

What is your favorite TV show?

*Ummmmm…a kid show
What kid show do you like best?
*Ummm, Jake.

Thank you for your interview Cailyn Deibel. I appreciate your time.

An Interview with Hannah

So, you may remember that every year we interview Hannah, asking the same questions. You can see last year's interview here. So, here's her interview for this year. Enjoy! Also, stay tuned for Cailyn's first interview!!





Ok, you ready to get started?



This is an interview of Hannah Jane Deibel. One of the most interesting and wonderful 6 year olds in the world.I am going to ask you several questions about yourself so we can all get to know you better. Okay, let's get started.





What is your name?

Hannah
Is that it?
*Hannah Jane Deibel


How old are you?

6



Where do you live?
*Inverin
Where is that?
*in Ireland

Do you have any pets?

*thinks for a minute, then shakes head ‘no’*

Who do you like to play with?

*thinks, wagging tounge back and fourth* Katelyn. Ow my lip hurts! I need chapstick!
Anyone else?
*No


What is your favorite Cereal?

Special Flakes!



What is your favorite vegetable?

cucumber. I mean, cucumber is a fruit! Hehe So, it’s, celery – with peanutbutter! *holding 1 finger up in the air*

What is your favorite drink?

*licking lips* Ummm…7-Up

What is your favorite snack?

Peanuts

What is your favorite toy?

My puppy
Where did you get your puppy?
*From Granny. *big grin*



What is your favorite book?
**shrugs, and giggles* Ummmm….Grandma’s Magical Storybook. Mommy, watch this: *rubs her toes on her cheek and pops her lips*
What’s your favorite story in it?
*Sophie in Toy Land

What is your favorite restaurant?

Chili’s!
What’s your favorite restaurant in Ireland?
*Umm….*puts her blanket on* um, um, um, um, Supermac’s!

What is your favorite holiday?

Colony??
Holiday
*oh! Germany, hehehe
Why?
*Because I like to see Maddie, and Isabel and Jacob, and Dawn and Philip.

What’s your favorite Holiday like Thanksgiving, Christmas, 4th of July, St. Patrick’s Day, etc.
*Christmas; every holiday haha!

What is your favorite animal?

Rhioncerous (manical giggle) Actually, no, no, no, no, cat. Kitty cat. A little kitten.

If you could change your name to anything, what would you change it to?
*Amy
What would your middle name be Amy?

*Jane! Deibel. Amy Jane Deibel

What do you love about your Dad?

That he loves me so much.

What do you love about your Mom?
*The SHE loves me so much.

Where would you like to go on vacation this year?

Africa!

What is your number one wish for this year?

Number one wish? I wish I could be a superhero.
What would your superpower be?
The power to spell! Hehehe Like Princess Pea in Super Why!

What is your favorite TV show?

*Hmm…Lilo and Stitch. I mean, Jake!! (Jake and the Neverland Pirates!)

Thank you for your interview Hannah Deibel. I appreciate your time.

For the Grandparents

So, it was recently finally warm enough for Isaac to show off some of the outfits given to him by his awesome grandparents...

Thanks, Grammy and Grandpa!

Thanks, Granny and Papa!