For whatever reason, I decided to check out my Google analytics today. I have to give a shout out to those of you who've tuned in this week! My blog has hit a summer high. THANKS for reading. It means a lot to me. Let's see if August can beat the month of July...please keep coming back.
I learned a few interesting things about my blog. Of course, most visitors are American. However, some kind folks in Germany, Brazil and Australia have visited. WOW! Please leave a comment and let me know who you are. I'd love to know more about your life.
A sweet girl named Christy has me listed as an amazing photographer, with a link set up to my blog. What a compliment! THANK YOU Christy. Please don't be a stranger. Here's a link to Christy's blog... http://christynacianceno.blogspot.com/.
As far as the USA goes, most of my readers are in TX. Thanks friends and family.
#2 is CA then Georgia, New York, Alabama, New Mexico and Alabama.
I won't bore you all with any more stats. Instead, let me make a request--
If you just read this post, click below where it says __COMMENTS button and say HELLO!
PLEASE!!! Happy Thursday, Sarah
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Challenge.Inspire.Encourage.
...Those were some of the first words from DavidJay's mouth. I've been thinking all day, trying to find the proper words to describe last night's experience. What I know is that I walked away challenged, inspired, encouraged, fulfilled, purposeful.
Let me be REAL: I haven't followed DJ's work nearly as long as I have Jasmine's. Jasmine took my breath away the moment I laid eyes on her blog and I've been hooked ever since. Meeting her has always been more dream than reality. It is Jasmine that drew me to David. She was the initial reason I signed up for the tour [sorry DJ]. Of course, I know who David Jay is. People talk about his magnificent photos, his forum and his innovation on a DAILY basis. He's a BIG deal in my line of work. Still, walking into last night's Free To Succeed Tour, I didn't feel like I knew DJ.
Brandi and I showed up for the tour over two hours early. The crew didn't need a whole lot of help because Crystal had everything lined out and Shyla was running it! The cool thing about that is that it gave us some time to meet new people and network! I love making new friends, especially when those people have a love similar to my own. Before we knew it, the moment had arrived. DJ and J* walked through the door...DJ slipped into the conference room and Jasmine walked straight up to me, shook my hand and started talking to me! Seriously, things like this don't happen everyday. I was so excited to meet one of my all-time favorite photographers. Jasmine is every bit as fun, funky, and friendly as I thought she'd be [oh, and she's GORGEOUS!]. She's every bit as successful as I dream to be.
Next thing I knew, David Jay was at my side, humbly thanking me for my willingness to help his crew setup. What he doesn't know is that I'd work for free for the rest of the tour! For REAL! DJ, you surprised me. I didn't know what to expect from you, but I can assure you that I was BLOWN AWAY. I guess I expected a loud, goofy guy [I'm sure that you can be]. I mean, I read about this high-maintenance, white sheets obsessed man that sleeps with a stuffed animal and instead, I see someone who is kind, caring, sincere and completely genuine. Your interest in my life/my work, your conversations with me, what you said to us as a group....wow, it changed my life. No, your words aren't magical. It's your intentions, your heart...your goodness shines through you. It is REMARKABLE. Now I feel like I know you. I feel like I am better because of you. I am honored to have met you. Thank you for being willing to challenge, inspire and encourage. Thank you for coming to Houston. Thank you for hanging out with us. Thank you for a late night bus tour, a super soft tshirt that I LOVE, and the most REAL hug a new friend has ever offered me.
I hope we can meet up again someday. I'll be sure to let you know when I'm in CA.
Be safe on your tour!
Real Grattitude,
Sarah
The Super Cool Tour Bus-
Ready To Help Out-
Look at all the people!
Miss Shyla [I LOVE HER!]
Mr. David Jay! Isn't he adorable?
The One and ONLY, Jasmine Star-
I HAD to wear my new shirt today
Can you find the hidden icons?
*I've re-read this a dozen times and I don't know that I did the tour crew justice.
Some things can only be felt.
Let me be REAL: I haven't followed DJ's work nearly as long as I have Jasmine's. Jasmine took my breath away the moment I laid eyes on her blog and I've been hooked ever since. Meeting her has always been more dream than reality. It is Jasmine that drew me to David. She was the initial reason I signed up for the tour [sorry DJ]. Of course, I know who David Jay is. People talk about his magnificent photos, his forum and his innovation on a DAILY basis. He's a BIG deal in my line of work. Still, walking into last night's Free To Succeed Tour, I didn't feel like I knew DJ.
Brandi and I showed up for the tour over two hours early. The crew didn't need a whole lot of help because Crystal had everything lined out and Shyla was running it! The cool thing about that is that it gave us some time to meet new people and network! I love making new friends, especially when those people have a love similar to my own. Before we knew it, the moment had arrived. DJ and J* walked through the door...DJ slipped into the conference room and Jasmine walked straight up to me, shook my hand and started talking to me! Seriously, things like this don't happen everyday. I was so excited to meet one of my all-time favorite photographers. Jasmine is every bit as fun, funky, and friendly as I thought she'd be [oh, and she's GORGEOUS!]. She's every bit as successful as I dream to be.
Next thing I knew, David Jay was at my side, humbly thanking me for my willingness to help his crew setup. What he doesn't know is that I'd work for free for the rest of the tour! For REAL! DJ, you surprised me. I didn't know what to expect from you, but I can assure you that I was BLOWN AWAY. I guess I expected a loud, goofy guy [I'm sure that you can be]. I mean, I read about this high-maintenance, white sheets obsessed man that sleeps with a stuffed animal and instead, I see someone who is kind, caring, sincere and completely genuine. Your interest in my life/my work, your conversations with me, what you said to us as a group....wow, it changed my life. No, your words aren't magical. It's your intentions, your heart...your goodness shines through you. It is REMARKABLE. Now I feel like I know you. I feel like I am better because of you. I am honored to have met you. Thank you for being willing to challenge, inspire and encourage. Thank you for coming to Houston. Thank you for hanging out with us. Thank you for a late night bus tour, a super soft tshirt that I LOVE, and the most REAL hug a new friend has ever offered me.
I hope we can meet up again someday. I'll be sure to let you know when I'm in CA.
Be safe on your tour!
Real Grattitude,
Sarah
The Super Cool Tour Bus-
Ready To Help Out-
Look at all the people!
Miss Shyla [I LOVE HER!]
Mr. David Jay! Isn't he adorable?
The One and ONLY, Jasmine Star-
I HAD to wear my new shirt today
Can you find the hidden icons?
*I've re-read this a dozen times and I don't know that I did the tour crew justice.
Some things can only be felt.
These were taken by KennyKim-
Here I am in the front row!
And, here I am with my mouth open. THANKS KENNY!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Rattler Spirit
Last week, I spent 4 days with these girls and I have to say...Ialready ADORE them. We had so much fun working out. It was torture, but the laughing and goofing off helped make the workouts much easier. Today, in the spirit of FOOTBALL, I took the NHS Cheerleaders' pictures for the football program. The girls prettied up and we hit the field--mid morning humidity and all. Hope ya'll like your 1st team photo. You can purchase one HERE.
Varsity-
JV-
Freshmen-
SR Silliness-
Varsity-
JV-
Freshmen-
SR Silliness-
Idea For Financial Freedom
I won't dare try to explain this here, as I did to some of my friends on another blog. I'll simply cut and paste a few things from the BANKING ON YOURSELF website. If you're interested in saving money while making money, check out the link above. This could be an amazing opportunity for you. Email Paul with any questions you have and tell him I sent you! paul.nick@thomsonreuters.com
From the website-
Dear Friend,
If you're financing any major purchase the ordinary way — by using a bank, credit union, dealer financing, or putting it on a credit card — I have one word of advice for you: STOP! You see, you could actually be putting those interest and finance charges in your own pocket and turn them into a tax-free income for life. Let me explain. There is a little-known, but safe and proven financial strategy that enables you to keep the interest and profits you now pay to banks, finance and leasing companies for any major purchase you make — personal or business. This strategy even beats paying cash, because it also lets you get back the entire purchase price of your cars and other big-ticket items. This strategy has existed for more than 100 years, but the public—and even most financial advisors and CPA's—know nothing about it. And your banker would prefer you never hear about it. It's a strategy almost anyone can benefit from, regardless of age or income.
From the website-
Dear Friend,
If you're financing any major purchase the ordinary way — by using a bank, credit union, dealer financing, or putting it on a credit card — I have one word of advice for you: STOP! You see, you could actually be putting those interest and finance charges in your own pocket and turn them into a tax-free income for life. Let me explain. There is a little-known, but safe and proven financial strategy that enables you to keep the interest and profits you now pay to banks, finance and leasing companies for any major purchase you make — personal or business. This strategy even beats paying cash, because it also lets you get back the entire purchase price of your cars and other big-ticket items. This strategy has existed for more than 100 years, but the public—and even most financial advisors and CPA's—know nothing about it. And your banker would prefer you never hear about it. It's a strategy almost anyone can benefit from, regardless of age or income.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Get Real [Estate]: Part II
Last week, I had the chance to meet up with the crew at Navasota Realty again. We got some great headshots that I think will look amazing in all their new material. Best of all, we had a yummy dinner and a good time hanging out afterwards. Thanks for such a fun opportunity ya'll! I hope that I can continue to work with you in the future!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Real Recipe: Beef Tips & Rice
I know it may seem silly to post a recipe on a photography blog...but much of what I post is personal so you'll just have to hang in there. By popular demand from the readers over at Stretch Marks [which is hilarious]...
BEEF TIPS & RICE
Place the following in your crockpot-
3 lbs. of frozen stew meet [once i put in defrosted meat, left it to cook all day and it burned!]
Add chopped onion, garlic, salt and pepper
1 whole package of lipton onion soup
2 cans of golden mushroom soup
3/4 cup of cooking sherry [in the aisle with the vinegar]
Cook on LOW all day. It'll smell WONDERFUL when you walk in the door in the afternoon!
Cook the rice separately [minute rice is super duper easy!]
Serve your meat over your rice...ENJOY!
Try the recipe, come back to comment and let me know how you like it!
Hope you like it!
BEEF TIPS & RICE
Place the following in your crockpot-
3 lbs. of frozen stew meet [once i put in defrosted meat, left it to cook all day and it burned!]
Add chopped onion, garlic, salt and pepper
1 whole package of lipton onion soup
2 cans of golden mushroom soup
3/4 cup of cooking sherry [in the aisle with the vinegar]
Cook on LOW all day. It'll smell WONDERFUL when you walk in the door in the afternoon!
Cook the rice separately [minute rice is super duper easy!]
Serve your meat over your rice...ENJOY!
Try the recipe, come back to comment and let me know how you like it!
Hope you like it!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Get Real Published
As I promised, here is the one year old photo book. It just came in today and I'm so excited about how it looks. This one is different in that it has a clean, polished background. It is 20 pages with 56 images. I love the simplicity! I can't wait to deliver this to Lawson's Mom.
Let me know if you'd like one of your own.
Let me know if you'd like one of your own.
The Photog's Blog
I've created a blog for photographers of all kinds, no matter what the experience level! If you're interested in joining us [there will be multiple authors], please leave your email address in the comments section and I'll send you an invite to be a participant. I'm totally looking forward to this. We'll use the blog forum-style and share all sorts of info: tips, top secrets, shortcuts...the list goes on!
Monday, July 21, 2008
Dear Jasmine...
Dear Jasmine Star,
I have no idea what day you're arriving in Houston or what you have going on before or after the Free To Succeed Tour...but I'd love to hang out with you if you have time!
That would be a dream come true for me. I'd have to take a picture with you just to prove to myself that it was actually REAL. The same way you look up to and are inspired by those around you [DJ], I look up to you and am inspired by YOU! I love to read every detail you write. I sit and study the images you post on your blog. You're one of my all-time favorite photographers. I love that you respond to my emails, answer all my questions and provide advice for me when you can. I'd like to call you friend. Let me know if you want to grab a bite to eat or stay up till midnight chatting. Nonetheless, I at least want to hug your neck and say thank you! I can't wait till July 29th!
Love,
Sarah
Honey and Polo could be friends. He's super cute!
Who wouldn't want to be friends with a chick this cool?
I have no idea what day you're arriving in Houston or what you have going on before or after the Free To Succeed Tour...but I'd love to hang out with you if you have time!
That would be a dream come true for me. I'd have to take a picture with you just to prove to myself that it was actually REAL. The same way you look up to and are inspired by those around you [DJ], I look up to you and am inspired by YOU! I love to read every detail you write. I sit and study the images you post on your blog. You're one of my all-time favorite photographers. I love that you respond to my emails, answer all my questions and provide advice for me when you can. I'd like to call you friend. Let me know if you want to grab a bite to eat or stay up till midnight chatting. Nonetheless, I at least want to hug your neck and say thank you! I can't wait till July 29th!
Love,
Sarah
Honey and Polo could be friends. He's super cute!
Who wouldn't want to be friends with a chick this cool?
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Print Order Deadline
CLIENTS,
In order to receive your prints before school starts on August 25th, please have all your orders placed by Tuesday, August 12th. The online store is found here www.sarahshalley.com/store. I'll place all orders and have them in your hands the week of August 18-August 22.
Please email me if you have ANY questions! sarahshalley@gmail.com
THANK YOU!
In order to receive your prints before school starts on August 25th, please have all your orders placed by Tuesday, August 12th. The online store is found here www.sarahshalley.com/store. I'll place all orders and have them in your hands the week of August 18-August 22.
Please email me if you have ANY questions! sarahshalley@gmail.com
THANK YOU!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Real Cheery
For the remainder of the week, I'll be at NHS Cheer practice from 8-4:30. If you need anything, please call me on my cell phone as I won't be checking my email until the evenings.
THANKS,
Sarah
THANKS,
Sarah
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Get Published: Photo Book Products
I'll recommend a photobook ANY day. I definitely prefer them to ordering a ton of 4x6 prints and stuffing them in a plastic sleeved album. These are classy and timeless and can be made to suit your individual personality.
This "cheerbook" was made for my sister as a bday gift. I photographed it to show a sample of a 20page hardback leather album. Each page has a different background and the result is amazing! These are available for real joy, real success and real unique sessions. They are originally $125, but you can sometimes find them on sale for $100...just keep checking back!
Front Cover
Profile
Top Line
A few pages -
Please let me know if you're interested in your own photo book.
I just ordered one for a one year old little boy that I'll post once it arrives.
This "cheerbook" was made for my sister as a bday gift. I photographed it to show a sample of a 20page hardback leather album. Each page has a different background and the result is amazing! These are available for real joy, real success and real unique sessions. They are originally $125, but you can sometimes find them on sale for $100...just keep checking back!
Front Cover
Profile
Top Line
A few pages -
Please let me know if you're interested in your own photo book.
I just ordered one for a one year old little boy that I'll post once it arrives.
Monday, July 14, 2008
4th of July
For the 4th, Daniel's parents and members of my family came over for lunch and some hangin' out. It was our first family celebration at our new house. We really enjoyed everyone and can't wait to have them back.
Bek & Mad went for a swim
Mad swimmin' hard
I love his faces!
Bek had to leave early to go to work
My sistas
The B Team
Our famous group photo
Bek & Mad went for a swim
Mad swimmin' hard
I love his faces!
Bek had to leave early to go to work
My sistas
The B Team
Our famous group photo
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Prayer Request
A lady in my life needs special prayers. She's been through a tremendous amount this year and deserves a break. God provided her with an organ transplant and has healed her, but the waters just can't be all smooth sailin'. We are extremely grateful for her extension of life and the fact that she is much more healthy. Please just utter a prayer that the spots in her lung xray are nothing at all and that she'll continue to be fine. This has happened before and many of you have prayed on her behalf. THANK YOU...please do so again.
Much love to you.
Much love to you.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Destin, Florida
I had the opportunity to spend a few days on the beach in Destin, FL...and I snagged it! Mom and I went to Florida with Mike, Gin and Rilee. The trip was just what we needed -- RELAXING! I spent time sitting, eating, drinking, laughing, talking, sun bathing, and taking pictures just for myself. It was great to get away from the computer and the internet. I came home feeling refreshed and re-energized. Enjoy!
My first few minutes on the beach.
Our adorable room
There were lots of fly-overs
Our Condo
The shoreline
Rilee went straight to digging
Soon she was burried
Our Beachfront
A few mornings I got up early to spend some time alone on the beach
We loved our view from the balcony
Goofy girl
Rilee and Ginger
Cousins
Whew! That was a lot...the scenery was too gorgeous to choose just a few.
My first few minutes on the beach.
Our adorable room
There were lots of fly-overs
Our Condo
The shoreline
Rilee went straight to digging
Soon she was burried
Our Beachfront
A few mornings I got up early to spend some time alone on the beach
We loved our view from the balcony
Goofy girl
Rilee and Ginger
Cousins
Whew! That was a lot...the scenery was too gorgeous to choose just a few.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
