I ♥ Faces Photo walk ~ Nashville Style !

You know, it’s been a while since I’ve updated.  The big thing is, I’m not apologizing, I’m just stating the truth.  As much as I would like to sit and write everyday, life happens.  That’s just the way it is!

So, here is a small update on an event I attended last weekend! I ♥ Faces was in town for the Blissdom Bloggers Convention @ Opryland.  While in town, Angie and Amy from I ♥ Faces put on a Photo walk of our great city.  Now I love to do these things, but never alone, I’m just not that kind of guy.  What usually happens is this, I’ll sign up for something, then I talk it up so much, that friends of mine will usually join in. Kind of like the Franklin Photo Walk (Melinda did this one), or the Digital Wake Up Call (Randy joined me for this event).  But if I don’t invite my friends, odds are, I usually talk myself out of going!You see, I’m really a shy person.  I know, I just heard a collective groan from my friends, but I am!

This event was different!  I think I really stepped out of my comfort zone on this one!  I went by myself.  Not one of my friends was there.  Sure, I knew some people that would be attending.  Heck, I even stalked their blogs just to see if they were mentioning the walk!  But I went all alone, with all the nerves and anticipation something like this brings.  And I’m glad I did!

I got to meet some photographers that I really admire.  People I’ve watched grow a lot these last few years!  Donna Tomlin was there, along with Rhonda Stansbury.  Now both of these girls are phenomenal photographers.  I joined the Nashville Meetup Group about 3 years ago, but have never been to one of their photo events.  But I have looked at the pictures, followed them on FLICKR and have saved their blogs in my Google Reader.  As soon as I walked up, Donna welcomed me with open arms, and introduced me to Rhonda.  It was great shooting with someone with their talent!

But that’s not all I met! Angie and Amy from I ♥ Faces were so friendly and talented as well.  If you’ve never been to I ♥ Faces, you need to check them out!  One of the most fun blogs I have ever been a part of.  They’ve created a community of  support, encouragement and talent along with that goes above and beyond what the world has to offer!  I’ve learned a lot from these two ladies, and their site! 

Most of all I can’t forget Michael Howard!  What a wonderful leader he was.  I had just became a fan of Michael Howard Photography over at Facebook about a week before the photo walk.  when Michael showed up, he came right over and started chatting like we had known each other for several years.  If you get a chance, jump over to his site at Michael Howard Photography.  Michael also has a workshop coming up that looks really interesting, check it out on his  .

There were many others who joined in as well.  In fact, I think I added about 30 people to my FLICKR account as friends, and have found so many more inspiring blogs to read !  But enough about that, here’s some shots I took.

Enjoy!

 

Now for fun, here is the link to the photo pool over at FLICKR.  If you want to see some really inspirational and fun shots go there.

I ♥ Faces @ FLICKR

But for even more fun, check out this link of yours truly!  I think the hat made all the difference in the world!

Click Here!

The big thing is this, I never would have ventured out in a group of people I did not know 3 years ago.  Losing 185 pounds really helped me become who I am today.  It’s truly given me a chance at life! 

Peace!

i heart faces~Family Challenge

This weeks “photo challenge” over at “i ♥ faces” is all about family. It’s been a while since I entered one, but I could not pass the opportunity to share this photo of my nephew and his new clan. I just love his girlfriend and her girls, they are so adorable!

Thanks Trev and Tiff for allowing me in your life!

This photo was shot at the end of a very long day, and Tessa (the one in red), wanted nothing to do with it! So, we went with it, and it became a theme through the rest of the family shots.

i ♥ faces …you guys rock, and I can’t wait to meet you when you come to my hometown of Nashville!

Blogger Labels: family,photo,kids,theme

Blizzard ~ Nashville Style!!!!!

Sorry I’ve been gone a while.  I use Windows Live Writer as my bloggin’ tool of choice.  It makes uploading of text and photos so much easier.  Well, something happened over the last few weeks, and Live Writer decided to take a break.  I finally uninstalled and then re-loaded the program, and all seems well with the world!  Or at least it is in my little part of the world!

Nashville finally got our first blizzard of the year last week, if you can call it that.  When we get snow, the city just shuts down.  For people that live where, you know what I mean.  Shoot guys, we did not even get an 1/2 inch and the schools closed!  What’s up with that?

I did get out and play a while in it though.  And of course, you know I had my camera!  So, I hope you enjoy the snow, at least it’s all gone now! :)

 

We had a lunch date set up with some friends, so I asked Beth and RJ if they would be all right leaving early and getting some shots of the snow.  We came across some kids out sledding.  To me it looked as if they were “surfing on leaves” instead of snow.  All that matters is they had fun!

 

Just to show you how bad it was…Nashville had to bring in special snow tires for the trucks to run.  OK, maybe I’m exaggerating a little, but I thought it made a cool shot!  I don’t think the animals had a problem though.

 

      

Well, I guess that’s it till the next “Nashville Blizzard”!!!

Have a nice day!

Blogger Labels: Blizzard,Nashville,photos

Family Portraits from Christmas 2009

 

 

This is of course, my wife Beth, my son RJ and me!

My sister and brother in law Jim.  Melissa has also had weight loss surgery, and has done tremendous!

My brother and his family!  Top right photo bottom row: Ashton and Ryan (my niece and nephew).  And then on the top row is Keith my brother and Marliss my SIL.

Now this is the “Maxwell Gang”.  Watch out, these guys might be the next “James Gang”!  Looking at the sepia colored photo, top row: Jim and Melissa (BIL and sister), then Lisa and Michael (nephew and his girlfriend/fiancé).  Bottom row is Tiffany and Trevor (my nephew and his girlfriend/fiancé), and one of Tiff’s daughters Tessa.  The other one is Tinslee (pink outfit in Mom’s arms).  Tinslee was getting a little tired and did not want to participate!  Which is understandable when you young!

My nephew Michael and his girlfriend/fiancé Lisa.  It seems we are waiting on a date to be set, and then she will not be his girlfriend anymore!  ♥♥♥

Now, let’s talk about these guys!  They are truly a hoot.  This is one of my sisters and her husband .  Sherry and David are nothing but fun, and I really enjoy the times we have together!

Last but not least is my nephew Trevor and his girlfriend/fiancé Tiffany.   Just like Michael and Lisa, we are waiting , and waiting, and…you get the idea! ♥♥♥  Tiffany’s 2 girls are really a beautiful addition to our family.  You can’t help but love both Tessa and Tinslee. I really like the top photo where Tinslee is sitting to herself and pouting! I have fallen for these girls hard.  Especially since they have given me a special nickname…

Uncle CooCoo! 

What’s even more coincidental is, Tiff’s dad is one of my best friends from High School!  What a small world!

 

The only family portrait I did not get was my Dad and Stepmom.  But that’s Ok, because I have several photos from Christmas Day that includes them.  And if you really want to see my stepmom, click here!

 

More photos to come shortly!

Wishing you and yours…

…a Very Merry Christmas from Bald Is Beautiful!

Christmas Support Groups and how I've spent the last two weeks!

For a long time on this blog, I’ve talked about support and what that means. Well, over the last 2 weeks, I’ve been reminded how lucky I am to have support. Throughout my journey of “extreme proportions”, I’ve met and befriended several people, not only here in Tennessee, but on the internet as well!

Over the last 2 weeks I’ve been busy. Busy gathering with family, friends, work and my support groups! Heck, there’s even two support group functions did not make this year! But through these gatherings, I’ve found friendships that not only have pulled me out of the darkest pits of depressions, but also allowed me to scream from the mountain tops how lucky I am!

I was noticing on the Obesity Help Boards the other day how someone from my own state was looking for support in her area. I found that odd, but then thought of my friends in Washington, California, and even Germany, who do not have the privilege and pleasure of meeting with people of like minds on a regular basis!

Anyway, my new hobby of photography has allowed me to capture these moments, and I thought I would share them with you. Sit back, grab a cup of java and enjoy!

Recovering Fatty Christmas Breakfast (RF06.com)

Obesity Help Dinner Club Christmas Party (OH TN. Forum)

Obesity Help Lunch Bunch Christmas Party (OH TN. Forum)

I have also put these photos to music, so turn up the volume, and enjoy Denver and the Mile High Orchestra!

I Heart Faces~Pet Challenge

I’ve only entered a couple of shots over at I ♥ FACES, but thoroughly enjoy them, and use all I’ve learned with my photography. If you’ve never checked the site out, stop what you're doing, put down that cup of coffee, and click your way over there right now…OK, I’m waiting. Just remember to come back when your done! LOL!

OK, now that your back, here’s my entry for this week:

This is my terroristic little one named Prissy!

Prissy is suppose to be a mix between a Chihuahua and a Shih Tzu. My thought is there is a little Doberman Pinscher mixed in as well. As rambunctious as this pup is, she can be just as sweet and loving!

Now Prissy is my entry for the week, but I also have to share the other one we have as well. This is Chi Chi. Notice how calm she is. These 2 are polar opposites. The nice thing, we love them and they are part of the family!

C Ya Next Time!