tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50011914351542627672024-03-05T23:31:43.328-05:00Karen ShinkinsShinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.comBlogger300125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-15924538714935815442010-05-17T12:21:00.006-04:002010-05-25T11:19:38.561-04:00Its BIG Announcement Day<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Pack your bags everyone.........</span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWR7wmsdI6Q1nKSeafSeIKmjer2ix193BlTscYu-m9JjstlKEUlD4OFc18Url338004wdXAm83MxFttQqP0bJFyXobOUCouD6LIg2LplEuRWhJCQPVE-cn6JNGiR2Dx8-QUfon-AGc2M/s1600/DSC_0194-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKWR7wmsdI6Q1nKSeafSeIKmjer2ix193BlTscYu-m9JjstlKEUlD4OFc18Url338004wdXAm83MxFttQqP0bJFyXobOUCouD6LIg2LplEuRWhJCQPVE-cn6JNGiR2Dx8-QUfon-AGc2M/s400/DSC_0194-2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472275055708281378" /></a><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">........</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">WE ARE MOVING. No joke. I have a brand new blog and not only that, I have a band new website too. So hurry up, click on the link below to be transported to a spanking new blog and a spanking new website.</span></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"> <a href="http://karenshinkinsblog.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> www.karenshinkinsblog.com</span></a></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px"></span></p></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-56999962637124929292010-05-15T22:45:00.003-04:002010-05-15T23:10:47.242-04:00Photo-booth Fun<div><br /></div><div>The photo below might have you believe that its Mardi Gras again or maybe Halloween but you'd be wrong on both counts. These were the props used for a little photo-booth fun at wedding this evening. Yep, tonight for a couple of hours I help a photographer friend of mine put a little crazy into the wedding celebrations of a very cute couple.</div><div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_PROPS.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_PROPS.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>It was so much fun and the guests enthusiasm to play took an already enjoyable day to a whole new level. </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_WIG.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_WIG.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_GLASSES.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_GLASSES.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-19606403869597882622010-05-14T18:46:00.005-04:002010-05-14T18:58:34.169-04:00Big Announcement Coming<div><br /></div><div>Hold on to your pants everyone, there is a big announcement coming early next week. I'm so excited and I can't wait to share. But for now you have to be patient and let your imaginations go crazy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, and in this shot I was suppose to be fabulously cute, clever and coy, but sometimes things don't turn out exactly how you expected. It was a solo project and trust me when I tell you, this was the best of a very bad bunch, sad, I know.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_KAREN--.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_KAREN--.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Have a Happy Friday Everyone! Its been a tough week and I'm off to meet some friends for a cocktail.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-38522958199771555832010-05-13T23:53:00.000-04:002010-05-13T23:54:53.001-04:00Just A Photo, Nothing More<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_sillout.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_sillout.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_sillout.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-53958717418648903502010-05-12T21:19:00.003-04:002010-05-12T22:10:54.806-04:00Left V's Right<div><br /></div><div>Something happened early in the morning, something small, but for some unknown reason it p*#%ed me off bad and consumed all of my emotional energy for the rest of the day. I couldn't push past it. As a result I almost got into a confrontation with the lady at the sandwich shop cos I was convinced her tone was condescending. Or how about yelling at my GPS, Maggs, cos she kept changing the estimated time of arrival at my destination. <i>"Seriously Maggs, I'm not in the mood for mind games."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div>The left size of my brain, if that's the rational side, knew I was acting completely irrational. Yet the right side of my brain, if that's the emotional side, overpowered all reason. As a result I sit on my couch this evening depleted, drained, pondering my lack of ability to shake things off and move on. I guess that's why I married Husband. He appears to have this ability in abundance. Its so annoying. </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, todays Photo of the Day I wanted to be of my amazing friend <a href="http://www.rupakapoor.com/">Rupa</a>, but Rupa was not feeling her most fabulous, so instead she offered up a gift her husband had purchased for her as my subject. Why? Cos it was hugely expensive and hugely expensive gifts deserve to be visually documented. And I agree. So Voila</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_FULL.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_FULL.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-2428162703827526112010-05-11T22:17:00.002-04:002010-05-11T23:01:01.322-04:00Oncoming Traffic<div><br /></div><div>Boredom in the car and yet another red light lead to more camera play. However I'm sometimes a bit paranoid when I shoot randomly in public. I know I don't fit the stereo typical profile of a terrorist, but who knows these days. So I did my best while hanging out of my car window and aiming my lens at the oncoming traffic, to do it in complete style. Therefore looking less suspicious and more fabulous.</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_LIGHT.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_LIGHT.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_LIGHT.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-85048169279592478372010-05-10T21:11:00.004-04:002010-05-10T21:49:31.580-04:00Shopping List, Man Style<div><br /></div><div>I don't love Home Depot, not like Husband loves <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HomePageView?storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&langId=-1">Home Depot.</a> On a day off he would choose to hang out there all day, but not I. Going to Home Depot gives me anxiety. Usually I'm being sent there under Husband's orders for some very specific things and usually I mess it up. Why? Cos I'm a girl and girls don't speak man and if you hand me a list that says 5 x 2 x 10 x 12 then my instinct is to whip out my calculate and start doing the math or I'll just break down and cry cos how the hell am I suppose to know that that is code for a particular plank of wood? Seriously.</div><div>Or what about 3/8 of an inch x 10 inch 50lb spike nails? I'm smart enough to see the clue in this one, "spike nails" so obviously we are talking nails here. But have you ever gone to the nail section at Home Depot? It's <i>(insert Irish girl profanity)</i> huge. Rows and rows, ceiling to floor of nothing but nails, in all shapes and sizes on both sides of the aisle. Its completely overwhelming and what is a girl to do when overwhelmed? Why breakdown and cry of course. That or call the Husband and yell at him for setting you up to fail, cos trust me, in this situation failure is guaranteed.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, numerous failures at the Home Depot have allowed me to acknowledge my weaknesses and adapt a new technique of delegation. Now when I'm sent on a mission of lumber, nails or tools, I simply hand my list over to a very friendly Home Depot helper and ask them in a manner of Tim Gunn, a la <a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/project-runway/video?cmpid=PaidSearch-project%2Brunway-project%2Brunway&utm_source=ltd_google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=project%20runway&utm_term=project%20runway">Project Runway</a>, to "make it work". Thus avoiding all kinds of stress and increasing the chances of a successful outcome.</div><div><br /></div><div>All this is bringing me to my Photo of the Day. Today I accompanied Husband on a shopping spree to Home Depot. A stress free trip cos today he was with me. Today he would know exactly what to get and where to find it and all I needed to do was play a supporting roll. Easy. Before we left he handed me his shopping list, not on a post-it, not on a scrappy piece of envelope or the corner of an old newspaper, no, he handed me a piece of wood. Shopping list, man style. </div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/?action=view&current=IMG_PLANK.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/IMG_PLANK.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-21105437484450931722010-05-09T23:25:00.006-04:002010-05-10T08:54:47.656-04:00Night Light<div><br /></div>Tonight we took the camera out for some night time fun. Husband's business partner, Piotrek popped into town for a 24 hour visit and for the evenings entertainment we headed out into the darkness with a camera, tripod and a couple of torches in tow.<br /><br /><div>Long exposures and painting with light was the theme of the evening and by leaving the camera shutter open for 30 seconds, it gave us all enough time to write our various messages into the darkness.</div><div><br /></div><div>My message was of a personal nature.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_SHINKS.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_SHINKS.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Husband tapped into his marketing skills to promote my brand, but got the "S" a little ass backwards. I still love the effort and I like his thinking.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_KSPHOTO.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_KSPHOTO.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Here the goal was to light up Piotrek and I think we did pretty well.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_PIOTREK.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_PIOTREK.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_PIOTREK.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-4040496458394827812010-05-08T23:38:00.003-04:002010-05-09T11:21:00.846-04:00Natural BackdropLet me give you a little inside knowledge, photographers love long grass. Now if that long grass can also pull off some tall yellow flowers, then whooo, Hello, a photographers Christmas. And this evening I found my own mini Christmas. <div>What would have been even better? Having family and friends show up so I could have used this amazing backdrop to shoot some killer photos. But the next best thing was my trusted side kick and some times assistant, Dexter. I can't say he was particularly happy with my request to snap a couple of photos, he would rather I let him loose to run and explore, but he obliged for a good 30 seconds before a bumble bee grabbed his attention, then he was off in hot pursuit.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_GRASS.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_GRASS.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_DTONGUE.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_DTONGUE.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_EDEXTER.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_EDEXTER.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>And just for the curious, here is today's progress on the carriage house.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_HOUSE.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_HOUSE.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-6793439656642669252010-05-07T22:59:00.005-04:002010-05-08T23:38:02.103-04:00Hooked Up<div><br /></div>This evening Dexter and I were on our way to the forrest to run some trails. We were in high spirits, bouncing and singing along to the radio. Its Friday and both of us are excited cos the weekend is finally here.<div><br /></div><div>At one point I look in my rear view mirror and there behind me are the evil blue flashing lights. Seriously? What did I do? I know my singing skills are not excellent, but getting pulled over because of if? Surly not. But I pull over. I roll down the window as the officer lady approaches and Dexter being the social puppy he is, sticks his head out hoping to get a "Hello". </div><div><br /></div><div>Officer lady asks me for my license and insurance. Then she asks my dogs name. Thinking nothing of it I say, "<i>Dexter</i>" and I hand her my license. "<i>Do you remember me</i>?" is her next questions. I stare at her for a second. My head is racing, oh no, have we met before and if so what were the circumstance? Please, please let the circumstances have been pleasant. "<i>The dog park she says</i>". Then it all clicks. She and I had bonded at the dog park last week when her dog and my dog had become quite smitten with each other, but I had no idea she was a cop. This is awesome. I'm feeling confident that she may let me of the hook. The hook I'm currently dangling from says I was going too fast through a school zone. Not a good thing.</div><div>She goes back to her car, plays with her computer for a few minutes, comes back a lets me off with a warning. Waaahooo. High fives and chest bumps all around. Dexter saves the day and now I have a connection with the law enforcement, which means I can speed all I want, run a few red lights, maybe rob a bank or 2 and my new friend will do nothing more than slap my wrist and ask me what time and day Dexter will next be at the park. Talk about hooked up. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;">As far as the carriage house goes, things are starting to take shape. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_FRONT.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_FRONT.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>And are moving along fast.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_BACK.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_BACK.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Its a little airy and spacious right now, but soon it will all start to make sense.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_INSIDE.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_INSIDE.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>Unrelated photo, this is me, Mike and Fanz, playing with a little self-timer after dinner and vino at a downtown Atlanta restaurant.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_GROUP.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_GROUP.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-4641341347238302872010-05-06T23:35:00.003-04:002010-05-07T00:25:27.204-04:00Under Construction<div><br /></div>Big things happened today. The walls on the first phase of our home went up. So exciting. Husband and some helpers, under the supervision, guidance and assistance of a more experienced builder, worked their tails off all day in the blazing heat to build the shell of what will be our carriage house. The carriage house will serve as our residence until we get the plans drawn up and finalized for the construction of the main house. Its a serious project and one with quite a long timeline, but seeing things start to happen, makes me giddy like a child waiting for Santa.<div><br /></div><div>I just can't wait for all this unglamorous man stuff to be done so I can get cracking on what's really important, pretty kitchen appliances and layout, pretty wall colors, pretty furniture, pretty bedroom and bathroom designs, pretty much everything that will complement all the practical stuff that Husband is working on, like walls, a roof, running water and electricity.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">The first wall goes up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_WALL.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_WALL.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_WOOD.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_WOOD.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>There were supervisors a plenty on site today. Supervisors to supervise the supervisors.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_BOYS.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_BOYS.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Later in the evening I hit up an Atlanta photographers meeting.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_PUG.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_PUG.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Where they served cupcakes. Really, you can't get much better than that. A new home in the works and cupcakes for the masses.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_CUPCAKE.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_CUPCAKE.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /></div></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-83524757384906034832010-05-05T22:30:00.006-04:002010-05-05T23:06:59.575-04:00Cinco de Mayo<div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Today is Cinco de Mayo, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Olé</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For those not in the know, its Mexico's equivalent to St. Patrick's day. And since there is a huge hispanic community here in Georgia, its a pretty big deal. So where should one be on a day of celebration such as this? Why a mexican restuaurant/bar shakin her maracas of course. But where was I really? Shakin the lactic from my calves, hamstrings and butt after several 500m beat downs on the track, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Olé.</span></span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 15px; font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For me, sometimes the line between a competitive athlete and retired athlete feels kinda blurred. In order to pace-make I still have to retain a pretty high level of fitness and endurance, which means sucking up some tough workouts and pushing through the physical pain barriers I was sure I left behind when I announced to the world </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"Yo, world, I'm Retired, no more lactic, pukey, track beat downs for me. Peace out suckers" </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yet here I am, still pounding it out. Who's the sucker now? The sick thing is, I love it. I'm addicted. For most of my life, its all I knew. If I can't find ways to challenge myself physically, then I feel lost and out of balance. Twisted, right?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Anyway, here's my view of the track today. You'll notice its very close to ground level, cos thats where I was, laid out, all over the ground, waiting for booty lock to pass.</span></div><div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_TRACK.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_TRACK.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And there were no Corona's for me today either. It was smoothies all the way. Healthy, well balanced and perfect post workout.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_SMOOTHIE.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_SMOOTHIE.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_SMOOTHIE.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-60438106181448752152010-05-04T21:57:00.003-04:002010-05-05T15:05:50.314-04:00Down on the FarmWe live on 12 acres but the only animals we have are a cat and a dog. The only things we grow beside grass and trees, are grapes, yet Husband insists on calling himself a farmer. We do have a barn though, so I guess that counts for something.<div><br /></div><div>This evening Husband got busy on the farm and I tagged along to capture the moment. See how pretty our grass now looks cos of all his hard farming.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_Paullawn.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_Paullawn.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-79131607061818205312010-05-03T21:18:00.005-04:002010-05-04T19:49:05.947-04:00Sick Day<div><br /></div>Something felt off as I went to bed last night and this morning when I woke up, I was full blown sick and absolutely miserable. I'll spare the gory details of my emergency sprints to the bathroom, but honey, it wasn't pretty.<div>I tired snacking on some grapes. For some reason grapes felt like the solution, but I was wrong, grapes were actually a trigger for violent stomach reactions that left me on my knees getting better equated with the toilet. Misery.</div><div><br /></div><div>And for the record I would like to officially say that I'm blaming my Dad for this. Why? because he saw it coming. Last week while we were chatting to told to me slow down "<i>you'd want to be careful Ka, if you don't slow down you'll make yourself sick". </i>My reaction, <i>"Da, stop worrying, I'm fine, I like to keep busy".</i> Well I wasn't fine and don't you just hate when your parents are right? But the good news is I'm mending.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I didn't mend enough to pick up my camera and shoot today, it just wasn't in me, so I'm sorry but todays photos are a bit of "Here's one I made earlier" situation.</div><div><br /></div><div>These particular photos I took of a church in Southborough, Massachusetts, a town close to where my mother-in-law lives "Hi Diane" and I promise I'll have my camera back in hand tomorrow. </div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=_MG_SBCHURCH.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/_MG_SBCHURCH.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=_MG_SBROOF.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/_MG_SBROOF.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=_MG_SBDOOR.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/_MG_SBDOOR.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-91553575822948736122010-05-02T21:52:00.004-04:002010-05-04T19:50:50.201-04:00Sleepy Time<div><br /></div>We arrived back from Jamaica late this evening so I was kinda pushed for a photo to shoot and post. That was until I walked into Husband's office and spotted Fintan sleeping hard in his favorite bed on one of his favorite spots, Husband's bookshelf.<br /><br />How cozy does he look?<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_FINTAN1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_FINTAN1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>And since we're on the topic of sleep and I'm finding myself too tired to type, its off to bed for me too. I've reached a very intense part of the book I started reading, "<i>The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" </i>and I'm anxious to see what happens next.</div><div><br /></div><div>But let me leave you with one more shot, a close up, of the sleeping Fintan. Come on, you know he's adorable. Even you non-cat lovers have to agree.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_FINTAN2.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_FINTAN2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/56%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_FINTAN2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-6842972389306891802010-05-02T00:36:00.006-04:002010-05-02T01:08:09.342-04:00De FeetIts after midnight and we are just back from the stadium. I'm sweaty, tired, hungry and thirsty. Everything you'd expect to be after a long evening at the track, but thankfully all went well. I paced my ass off and then sat back to watch and support my fellow athletes in their respective events.<br /><br />The highlight of the evening was Usain Bolt. For those not in the know, Usain is the Olympic Champion and World Record holder for the men's 100m & 200m and tonight he proved once again why he's the best in the world when he sreaked to a comfortable victory in the 200m.<br /><br />Because I was using the old point n' shoot I tried to position myself as close to the finish line as possible to snap a photo of Mr Bolt and I did get a couple.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">These are some of the photographers waiting to capture the worlds fastest man.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX6DE0cQrkzhwPHGuFKiTwArdHgKUNxNHsb0yd_cTa5PFLgVbDNmC5aOEqhsMkVmOvDv-mQ1kGvcBcp8eCNT6YDbPKO2W3lg0fUhYb4nXsGxdDNANhyphenhyphenW8mmZYIEPAWGbuEXBUQ9y61sg/s1600/Jama1+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIX6DE0cQrkzhwPHGuFKiTwArdHgKUNxNHsb0yd_cTa5PFLgVbDNmC5aOEqhsMkVmOvDv-mQ1kGvcBcp8eCNT6YDbPKO2W3lg0fUhYb4nXsGxdDNANhyphenhyphenW8mmZYIEPAWGbuEXBUQ9y61sg/s400/Jama1+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466528693861183714" border="0" /></a><br /><img src="file:///C:/Users/Paul%20Doyle/Pictures/Bolt.JPG" alt="" /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">This is my snap shot of the word's fastest man.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhU8u9LCVJ2GCWGpV_adddeaWQ1OY26iKx9iF0C5FGQtEm5h89Xib-N5wGxiOfWrWC3ERA3YJFb1_upheBNogf0IppxUlynZsmMUEtR2cPYJifpfczEPTRx1QfiMhC8jgx3Xxl4eEYa4/s1600/Bolt.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhU8u9LCVJ2GCWGpV_adddeaWQ1OY26iKx9iF0C5FGQtEm5h89Xib-N5wGxiOfWrWC3ERA3YJFb1_upheBNogf0IppxUlynZsmMUEtR2cPYJifpfczEPTRx1QfiMhC8jgx3Xxl4eEYa4/s400/Bolt.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466529663921859730" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">And just for you Don, here are De Feet of the worlds fastest man. It was almost De Legs, De Torso and De Head too, but some random dude threw his backpack into my shot at the last second. Sorry.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kxyTBiZrls-syxOlJX88RWU7tvl2ZQU9t7uTUsbX8GcZFv1HR-EY2Fih5iPVeQ5K1XOsYK83XBksmj_U06Obeita2wLzQJ-xxtQwkpCQLsme1kbAYGsO1kmsrnyaXs6l2-rEwqi8nq4/s1600/De+Feet.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7kxyTBiZrls-syxOlJX88RWU7tvl2ZQU9t7uTUsbX8GcZFv1HR-EY2Fih5iPVeQ5K1XOsYK83XBksmj_U06Obeita2wLzQJ-xxtQwkpCQLsme1kbAYGsO1kmsrnyaXs6l2-rEwqi8nq4/s400/De+Feet.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466530366186982850" border="0" /></a>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-69885096013330620832010-04-30T21:57:00.007-04:002010-04-30T22:33:45.411-04:00And So It Continues100% of the comments to my last post said "Yes" to going another 28 Days of my photo challenge. And far be it from me to ague with the masses, all 3 of them. So I'll power on for the next 4 weeks and see what I can muster up.<br /><br />However, I've arrived in Jamaica sans lap-top and sans camera. My plan was to detached from both for a couple of days in an effort to recharge, but I do have my sometimes trustworthy point n'shoot and Husband's lap-top which I've hijacked for a few minutes, so pardon the rough appearance of my photos for the remainder of the weekend, I believe I am the proud owner of the worst point n'shoot in the history of point n'shoot's.<br /><br />I also wanted today's photo to be a shot of Jamaica, but right now its dark outside and something tells me that roaming the streets of Kingston in darkness would not be a smart move, so instead I've posted a picture of my racing spike cos they are kick-ass.<br /><br />First of all, they were designed in the Irish colors.<br />Second of all, my name is stitched on the side.<br />And third of all, there's a little Shamrock stitched onto the heel, along with my country, Ireland.<br />How cool is that? <a href="http://www.newbalance.com/">New Balance</a> designed them for me a few years ago for the Olympics and I still wear them now when I pace-make. I love em. They make me feel special and who doesn't like to feel special sometimes?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsgczgQQzlqnTxiUVAPX_qWN2198lpbcEJAt7RHwworUlkUcHq7ew94ABbZ0ELW0XEI9bzezyTcCbblxaZZPXokwKktP1wf7U5_YQ2q5ab8M04PXWoihyphenhyphenzV_XqjdBgRjFGOw05kTTtTY/s1600/Spike1.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXsgczgQQzlqnTxiUVAPX_qWN2198lpbcEJAt7RHwworUlkUcHq7ew94ABbZ0ELW0XEI9bzezyTcCbblxaZZPXokwKktP1wf7U5_YQ2q5ab8M04PXWoihyphenhyphenzV_XqjdBgRjFGOw05kTTtTY/s400/Spike1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466115382576097586" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Gmbau7cNnL6xADfPGq_FbbDHv477WFHuUnZ_ASfg52RO_1crTr8O-W5OcRJcx_E7-cX4oalsfDFBmU60lCkDdoGxBxnLSEXnt-IvlNBoUGRe7vTbfRlcgmC3Mr3IvB-TAVsLtjFib-M/s1600/Spike2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Gmbau7cNnL6xADfPGq_FbbDHv477WFHuUnZ_ASfg52RO_1crTr8O-W5OcRJcx_E7-cX4oalsfDFBmU60lCkDdoGxBxnLSEXnt-IvlNBoUGRe7vTbfRlcgmC3Mr3IvB-TAVsLtjFib-M/s400/Spike2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466115073937762930" border="0" /></a>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-39904510545928327742010-04-29T21:28:00.003-04:002010-04-29T21:47:36.239-04:00I Made ItI just realized that today is the last day of my 28 Day Challenge. I made it. I can't believe it.<div>It was actually more challenging than I thought, which would explain the word "challenge" I guess. Trying to come up with different things to shoot and some days finding the time to shoot and post was more than I was able to handle, but I still did it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now I guess the next question is, do I continue? Do I dare take on another 28 Days? Did anyone out there find it interesting or just straight up boring? Feel free to share, positive or otherwise.</div><div><br /></div><div>And while you ponder here is today's photo, its my laptop keyboard for a couple of reasons.</div><div>1. because of how obvious and genius it was of Apple to think if putting those little lights under each key?? And 2. because I really have been spending waaaay too much time with my laptop these days, working hard on an couple of things that I'm almost ready to share. </div><div>But like all relationships, not matter how much you like each other or how well you get along, everyone needs a break. As a result I will be leaving my laptop behind as I head off to Jamaica for the weekend. Don't be jealous, its not what you think, some grandiose vacation. I'm actually stepping back into my booty-shorts and spikes and pacing the women's 800m at the Kingston International. Should be a fun weekend.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_KEYBOARD.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_KEYBOARD.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_KEYBOARD.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-63958222326665841142010-04-28T21:17:00.004-04:002010-04-28T21:35:21.121-04:00Surprise!<div><br /></div> "HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD"<br /><div><br /></div><div>Today is your birthday and in honor of your BIG day Paul & I, Fintan & Dexter wanted to send you special wishes.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_SIGN1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_SIGN1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">To be honest, Fintan was not a willing participant and at the first opportunity he made a break for it.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_SIGN2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_SIGN2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We also got you a cake. Chocolate, your favorite. Oh wait, thats my favorite.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_CAKE.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_CAKE.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>And Fintan's too by the look of it.<br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_CAKE3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_CAKE3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a great day Dad, I'll talk to you later.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-37754179779626221422010-04-27T22:33:00.002-04:002010-04-27T23:12:31.072-04:00All The Bambi Lovers Should Look Away<div><br /></div>All the Bambi fans out there should look away, now. Cos tonight as Husband and I took a stroll around the lake we came across the bits and pieces of a very broken up Bambi. Outside of the Disneyland compound, there were no happy endings for this little deer. <div><br /></div><div>I'm an animal person, so I did my best to detach from the reality of what might have happened for this little guy to end up the way he did, scattered all over our property. But it's hard when your Husband, walking a few meters ahead keeps yelling "<i>Oh Shinks look, his vertebra. And over here, his ribcage. These should be your photos today.</i>" Everyone, please let me introduce you to my Husband, the barbarian. <div><div>And in the absence of anything else to post today, here is the carnage. Sorry : (</div><div><br /></div><div>The skull.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_SKULL.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_SKULL.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Some leg or hip bone.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_LEG.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_LEG.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The vertebra.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_VERTABREA.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_VERTABREA.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>The ribcage.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_RIBCAGE.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_RIBCAGE.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-51173034769742957572010-04-26T21:23:00.009-04:002010-04-26T22:21:36.500-04:00Someone To Throw Up On<div><br /></div><div>There is no denying we women are emotional creatures, f'real and I am absolutely no exception. In fact I am the most dramatic, emotional person I know and I don't do things by half. If I'm crying then I'm all in. Tears, runny buggers, inability to breath. If I'm happy then I'm all in. Laughing loud and hard, ferocious hand gestures and hyperactive tendencies. And if I'm mad, wow am I all in there too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight Husband arrived home from a weekend in Africa and was barely in the door when I was throwing my anger, frustration, stress and worry up all over him. Projectile emotion, that was his welcome home gift. I'm know, you don't have to say it, I'm a total sweetheart. Honestly I didn't mean for it to happen. But something about the person who knows you best, showing up when your at a low point is enough to open the flood gates on all emotion and I just couldn't help myself. Its a tough job no doubt, but like it or not, Husband has signed on to be the person I will forever throw up on, or at least until death do us part.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a separate but related issue, todays Photo of the Day comes from an engagement session I helped my friend Tessa with. I use the word "Helped" loosely, cos truth be told I was only there for about 30 minutes before I had to dash off. But my ego likes to think that I was completely invaluable for the short time I was there.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We shot at Paschal's Restaurant cos this is where the couple had their first date.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_MENU.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_MENU.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>The groom-to-be was rockin this fine pair of aviators which almost accidently on purpose slipped into my camera bag, ooopsie (said with coy smile)<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_SUNGLASSES.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_SUNGLASSES.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Our bride-to-be was sporting some fine ice on that left hand too.<br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_RING.jpg" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_RING.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_RING.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div></div></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-40727457102172781002010-04-25T20:17:00.003-04:002010-04-25T20:47:32.312-04:00Be Positive<div><br /></div><div>Have you ever had one of those weekends that you swear if one more thing goes wrong, you may not be responsible for your reactions? Well, welcome to my weekend. </div><div>It was a series upon series of unfortunate events with oh so many highlights that its hard to choose one. But if I had to, I would say its a toss up between the State of Alabama trying to kill me and the receiving of a speeding ticket just as I pulled into my own driveway. </div><div><br /></div><div>The only positive thing to come out of the weekend was this:</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_ManCart1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></div><br /><br />I passed this gentleman as I drove from the grooms hotel (where I shot the boys getting ready), en route to the bride's house (where the ceremony was taking place). And even though I was in a mad hurry, I still pulled over. How could I not? The man was carrying a message for me.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_ManCart2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_ManCart2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I have no idea what was in his cart, but I know each item had a story and meant something to him.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_ManCart3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_ManCart3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-69421759737921587702010-04-23T16:04:00.009-04:002010-04-23T16:40:28.814-04:00Road Trip Prep<div><br /></div>I popped the hood and looked for the dip-stick. Pulled it out to get a visual. Does my car need oil?? Hmmmm, hard to tell. What exactly is low and what is just right?? No clue, so I figured putting in a quart wouldn't hurt. But hang on a second, where does the oil go? I see loads of caps and knobs but nothing with a little oil can symbol on top. This is what Husband has trained me to look for, "<i>look for a cap with the picture of a little oil can</i>". But there's nothing. This car was obviously designed for a target market that does not include women. How am I suppose to know where the oil goes now?<div><br /></div><div>I whipped out my camera phone, snap a picture of my exposed engine and send it to Husband with a coy message "<i>there's no oil can symbol. Where does the oil go?" </i>Within minutes, in a discussion over text with attached pictures, the problem was solved. God I love technology sometimes and now I'm set of my road trip. Where am I off to? Florida baby. Yes, I'm second shooting a wedding on Saturday and I'm so excited. I'm all packed, (<i>see below) </i>and ready for my long drive. But I'm going to need a pass on my Photo A Day Challenge tomorrow due to the fact that I'll be flat out at the wedding all day. But I'll be back on track Sunday.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br />Clothes, equipment, hydration and snacks (healthy & otherwise), everything a girl needs for a long drive and a day of shooting.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_BAGS.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_BAGS.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>I know y'all are probably tired seeing photos of my puppy and kitty, sorry but this weekend Dexter is going to stay with a pet sitter for the first time ever and I'm so nervous and anxious. I'm afraid he's going to feel abandoned and unwanted. I've explained the situation to him over and over again, both to reassure him, and me that everything will be alright. But I not sure he really gets it. </div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Sorry Dexter, I'll be back as early as I can on Sunday, promise.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_BAGDEX.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_BAGDEX.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div></div></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-11467106042464054632010-04-22T19:10:00.002-04:002010-04-22T19:41:27.298-04:00Theme Thursday - Rust<div><br /></div>For today's Theme Thursday we are photographing "Rust" and as I drove home this evening a particular yard caught my eye, not for its well manicured lawns, flowing fountain center-piece or blossoming spring flowers but because of the complete opposite. We're talking old cars and lawn-mowers, filing cabinets and washing machines and lord knows what else. Now normally a scene like this would leave me baffled and confused, but this time, with my theme in the back of my head I basically gave myself a high-five and chest-bump. If ever there was a place to find rust, this is where was it. And I wasn't wrong.<div><br /><div><div style="text-align: left;">This is the not so pretty side of rust.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_RUSTTRUCK.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_RUSTTRUCK.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_RUSTGAS1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_RUSTGAS1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And to keep things balanced and offer a little yang to the ying, here is the prettier side to rust. The infamous Georgia clay.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_RUSTPATH.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_RUSTPATH.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Which I thought looked fabulous as a black & white too. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_Bwpath.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_Bwpath.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5001191435154262767.post-6465326954144610472010-04-21T20:51:00.004-04:002010-04-21T21:14:52.849-04:00Part of My Day- In Photos<div><br /></div>I'm a road rager, which is not a good thing to be if you live in Atlanta cos traffic is ALWAYS a nightmare. But today for some reason, I didn't feel like dealing with it. So instead I chose calmness, serenity and green tea over white knuckles, fowl language and elevated blood pressure.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_TEA.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_TEA.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Then I used my secret weapon <a href="http://shinkins.blogspot.com/2009/10/my-new-bff-maggs.html">Maggs</a>, to find me an alternative route home, away from the congested highways.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_MAGGS.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_MAGGS.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After dinner Husband and I took Dexter on a walk around our property.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_DOYLEDEXTER.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_DOYLEDEXTER.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">But something caught his attention. Something following close behind.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_DEXTER.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_DEXTER.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>It was Fintan. Fintan didn't want to be left out, so he trotted along behind us.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_FINTAN.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_FINTAN.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /><div>The boys taking a pit-stop.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_DOYLEDEXTER2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_DOYLEDEXTER2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>Fintan got distracted climbing some trees, so Dexter and I waited for him to catch up. No man gets left behind.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/?action=view&current=IMG_DEXTERFINTAN.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd345/shinkins/28%20Day%20Challenge/IMG_DEXTERFINTAN.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Shinkshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067115336744357139noreply@blogger.com0