Friends

She looks pretty happy for someone who has a big birthday coming up., originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

I miss my friends. I feel like it's been forever since I've seen my closest friends and it's driving me crazy. Luckily, I have plans to see several of them this weekend. Can I make till then?

2 little monkeys

2 little monkeys, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

My brother-in-law's first thought was "Be careful!" That thought hadn't even crossed my mind. These days it seems that we tend to be more overprotective of our children than is necessary. Or maybe it is necessary and I'm just naive.

But I think the experience of tree climbing is worth the risk of a broken arm. Isn't that better than getting carpal tunnel syndrome from playing too many video games?

summer

summer, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

Summer break is coming to an end. Boo hoo! I'm really not ready for school to start.

In The Diner

In The Diner, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

Another from Shakespeare on Sunday. Neither of these ladies like their picture taken much and I have no idea why. I love how this photo turned out, with the camera noise from the low light conditions, the high ISO setting and the long exposure. I also love the lights in the background framing Teri's hair. It feels like an intimate moment and I want to know what they are talking about.

Pecan Pie ala Mode

Pecan Pie ala Mode, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

Small Town Charm

Small Town Charm, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

I've been converting all the photos I took on this day to black and white. It just seems to fit. Shakespeare in an old small town in the country lends a certain feel to the day. But this one wants to stay in color.

rare bird

rare bird, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

I know I said I would be posting more and I know that hasn't happened. But I don't usually post photos of my family here. That's what Flickr is for. And most of the things I've done lately are family photos.

But I have also taken lots of other photos. In fact, I am quite behind on going through everything I've taken lately. Because I've been very busy. Last Sunday, I went to Shakespeare at Winedale, and while I didn't take any photos during the play (Antony and Cleopatra), I took many of the barn, the split rail fence, the little town of Round Top, and curious things found behind the cafe.

Rock Star

Rock Star, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

the album cover

the album cover, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

I love having a cooperative child, one who loves to pose for the camera. And I love my red wall.

My sister and my nephew

My sister and my nephew, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

I thought about giving this one a title like "Don't tell my sister but I think she's gained a little weight". But then I decided she's just too beautiful to give her a hard time about all that extra weight she's carrying around. Plus, she assures me she will lose most of that weight by mid-September, if not sooner.

Spiked

spiked, originally uploaded by MonicaSmoot.

From my mother's garden.

I need to get my mom to come to my house and make a garden for me.