Well, it’s here.  The holiday’s!  This time of year always seems to sneak up on me out here in the desert!  We don’t get those environmental cues like the rest of the country!  In October you begin to see decorations in the store, but you know you’ve got awhile so why rush.  Then, next thing you know it’s Friday.  It’s the last day of your daughter’s school for 2 whole weeks.  It’s Christmas.  Game on!

In effort to spend some awesome quality time with my little one this year, I will be closed until January 5th. I’m hoping to spend time doing some wonderful creative projects to celebrate the season.  Do a little baking.  All those things to really bring Christmas “home” in the next few days.

I’ve received some amazing submissions for the “Giving Is Awesome” program and have enlisted the help of a panel to help decide.  I will be contacting the nominator on Christmas Eve in private.  

Thank You all for your support this year & may you have a happy & blessed holiday season!

I could not be a more proud mamma right now.  My little one has worked so hard for the last few months now for her role as the Tissue Elf in this weekends production of “Randy the Red-Horned Rainmoose”!  It was at the community theater in our area and man did she do awesome!!!  Performances were Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday afternoon.  My heart just swelled each time she came on stage and delivered her lines flawlessly!  My favorite line in response to Rudolph’s sneezing she says to Santa: “That’s twelve boxes of tissue’s today Boss!”…..her comedic timing was dead on!  She got great laughs each night!  Then, the “Wrap-Party” tonight was the most fun, I have had in a long time!  All of the kids did such an amazing job!

She has definitely been bitten by the acting bug and is anticipating trying out for the upcoming production of Charlotte’s Web!  C’mon, can it get any cuter than that?!  

In this picture she is signing an autograph on the playbill on Opening Night!!!

You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – $1500 worth, to be exact. Whether it’s canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $300 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services.

* The nominee must reside in Arizona. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : cfrabotta@mac.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Carie

There are many more photographers participating in this awesome give away.  Want to nominate someone in another state.  Check out www.givingisawesome.com to find a photographer in that area!!

Here is my horoscope from msn.com yesterday:

You are speeding along in your vehicle, and suddenly there is a huge ramp in front of you, dear Leo.  You have the choice of avoiding the ramp, staying on the ground where you know it is safe and clear, and being content with your very limited view of the world.  Another choice, however, is to hit that ramp head-on and let it send you soaring up over the trees and beyond.  Who knows where you might land?  There is an incredible adventure waiting for you when you take that leap into the unknown~

If that doesn’t make you feel motivated & excited for the future I don’t know what would!!!

I have been exploring a little on my own lately some vintage or just older way of doing things.  I have always been attracted to things that have a history so it’s no wonder that I would be attracted to film camera’s still and the slow process of lining up the shot in camera and paying close attention to all of the details before clicking the shutter.  I purchased a film scanner recently so as I play a little more with film, I can process my own negatives and then scan them onto the computer before having them printed.  
Here are two images taken with my holga.  A holga is a plastic toy camera that they gave away years ago at the World’s Fair.  They still make them today.  They are inexpensive and take medium format film.  They are a great way to play & explore.  Each holga is unique and each has it’s own “light leaks” but it’s fun to see what will be revealed. I took these images awhile ago, but now have them on the computer since getting the new scanner!  Aren’t they beautiful!