Memorial Weekend In The Yard

Yet another Memorial Weekend has come and gone.  Where does the time go?  First, thank you to those who serve, have served, and those who lost their lives fighting for my freedom to spend the weekend in my beautiful yard.  Your service is our gift!

Each year I spend Memorial Weekend with my parents planting and getting the yard done for the season.  We do one day at their house and then they come over and spend a day with me.  It's always such a great time and at the end the 3 of us just stand back in awe of what we accomplish.  This year was the best one yet by far!  My yard is my "happy place."  It makes me feel happy, safe, and proud.  Thank you, Mom & Dad, for the love you always pour into helping me build my home.  I love you!

Here are some shots of the flowers & fun of Memorial Weekend.  Cheers,  Nici

My Place

  

Mom's Place

My incredible parents!  

Some flowers we saw at the greenhouses we went to

and here are a few from the iPhone

Before

 After

May Photo Challenge: Catching Up!

Friday, May 10th

FAVORITE

One of my favorite things in the world is makeup.  It's a way to change yourself and transform into something else for just a small time.  Maybe you want to be prettier, or different, or have eyes that pop? Whatever it is.. You can be with makeup.  Your creativity is only limited by your imagination!

Saturday, May 11

FUN

What an experience today was!  I started my day with the Color Run and ended it with the beautiful wedding of a friend living an absolute fairy tale.  My heart is full & warm.

Sunday, May 12

MOM

Well, you know I couldn't get away with anything less than a photo of my mom.  She'll probably kill me because this photo isn't her all done up.  It isn't her looking her absolute best either.  It is her, in the moment, posing for a photo for me.  Maybe it is because we got her those Beats headphones she's been wanting?  I call her my tree and I am the apple that didn't fall far.  This couldn't be more true.  I'm fortunate to have a mom as forgiving, beautiful, strong, kind, outgoing, and thoughtful as my mom.  Happy Mother's day to the woman who shaped who I am... MOM.  xo

Thursday, May 16

CITY

I know, I know!  I skipped a few days.  I owe you 3 "photographer's choice" photos before all is said and done.  Like any new habit this photo a day is sometimes hard to keep up with but CITY is definitely something that can re-light my spark.  I went for a photo walk and here, in the "dying" city of Detroit, I found a garden.  This made me happy!  Please check out Lafayette Greens when you are in town.

Well, that's what I have for you today.  There are few more on the way in the days to come so please stop by and check them out.  As always, comments are welcome.  I love to hear your feedback.  Make it a great week!   Cheers, Nici.

Photo Challenge: Words

Thursday, May 9

WORDS

I have a feeling that this one is going to look just like my photo challenge partner in crime, Jenna Randall Photography, considering that we went to this show last night together.  What a great time seeing someone that I respect and admire so much.  Jillian is a total rock star.  She owned the challenges that she faced in life, worked through them, turned them into an opportunity to help others, and make a good living in the process.  If only we could all be so determined!  She spoke about being selective of what we eat and put into our bodies.  Have you read a food label lately?  Kinda scary!  But most of all she talked about finding what is important to you in your own life.  What is that thing that drives you and motivates you in all aspects of life?  Turn to that "thing," whatever it is, to push your through during those moments of deception when the critic in your own head is telling you that you can't.  I am so happy that I was able to go see Jillian and spend a little time with my BFF!            Cheers,  Nici

May Photo Challenge: Animals

Wednesday, May 8

ANIMALS

A shot of Detroit's finest making sure our Downtown area is safe.  As I shot photos he tipped his hat, smiled, and galloped away.  I am so glad I was standing there to grab this shot.  Just another amazing day in The D!   Cheers, Nici

May Photo Challenge: Direction

Tuesday, May 7

DIRECTION

There were so may ways to express "direction" with a photo.  I thought of several different ways but this one hit me first and I feel like it worked out ok.  I really tried hard to get a good sunflare shot since I love looking at them so much.  This is me looking up through the fountain at Hart Plaza.  This shot makes me happy.  And just because I found so much today on my walk here's another one I captured:

This one was shot near the end of the Detroit Riverwalk.  I have never walked the entire thing before so today was a first.  It was incredible to see all of the people out enjoying our great city and an absolutely perfect day.  Special thanks to my friend Jamil for going with me on this adventure and for holding her stories while I shot my camera at things that made her scratch her head.  I appreciate your company!

I can't wait to see what's next!  Cheers,  Nici

Photo Challenge: Transportation

Monday May 6th

TRANSPORTATION

On the blog tonight is a shot of the ride provided by The Detroit Bus Company.  This is a locally owned business that runs a small route through Downtown Detroit.  In addition to the stops all over Downtown they also run tours and specials all throughout the city of Detroit.  Check this out if you are looking for a fun way to explore the D or just looking to get from here to there by clicking here!    Have a great week everyone.  Can't wait to see what Jenna has in store for tomorrow's photo.  

Cheers,

Nici

Photo Challenge: May 2013

Detroit has FINALLY had some nice, sunny, 70+ degree days.  I have had the windows open at home watching the trees bud and my lawn grow out of control.  The bunnies have appeared once again in the yard to eat my lilies.  Spring has truly arrived.  With that comes something that my BFF and I have talked about for months now, a photo challenge.  We decided that each morning we'll take turns picking a one word inspiration for the day's photo and we'll blog them.  You're front and center on my blog and you can find her incredible and inspiring work here:  Jenna Randall Photography

First up for Wednesday May 1st:

GREEN

These little brats like to eat my lilies but they sure are cute!  The grass is finally starting to come in nice and green too.  Just have to find a lawn service to cut it now.

Thursday May 2nd:

SPRING

The bees are out spreading pollen like crazy.  Here is a shot from my 2nd year weeping cherry tree in my back yard.  I wish the flowers would stay all year!

Friday May3rd:

HOME

Anyone who lives outside of the Taylor/Romulus area near Detroit Metro Airport who comes over always says "WHAT is THAT noise??"  The noise they ask of is the sound of airplanes taking off in all directions for their destinations.  As a kid we would go to a little lot outside of the airport, sit on the hood of the car with a blanket and watch them take off one after another.  Sadly, today you can't even get close enough to get a great shot.  Here's the best I could do on a beautiful day!  I'll always love watching the airplanes come and go.

Saturday May 4th

SATURDAY

Had this sweet little cucumber margarita while out shopping.  You know I had to ask the bartender how to make it for future reference.  Cheers!

makes 1 drink
1 Tbl sugar
1 oz fresh lime juice
¼ c thinly sliced cucumber
1 ½ oz silver tequila (Patron was great!)
1 oz Cointreau
Pour sugar and lime juice to glass tumbler, add cucumber, and muddle. Then add the tequila and Cointreau, fill glass with ice and stir!

Sunday May 5th

SKIN

Holding hands, skin to skin, feeling safe.  This shot is of my parents holding hands on the couch while they enjoy the cool breeze on a beautiful Sunday while our family dog Roxy looks over them.  Their love inspires me.  


Please check back for the rest of the updates and don't forget to comment!  Maybe we'll use a suggestion for one of our challenge days?  Have a great week everyone.

Cheers,  Nici