Prom and the Good Old Days

 Saturday was my hometown's high school prom. I have a friend who is still in high school and called me on their way. 

She informed me that I was allowed to come to the restaurant where they were eating and take a few photos of them like a proud momma. 

I was unnecessarily excited. 

Can I just say that these girls are too gorgeous? 

I was awkward in high school — my pants were probably too short and my 

backpack weighed more than I did.

These girls look like MODELS.

Look at her hair! Someone call Pantene because they are missing their model.

LOVED her dress.

This makes me smile. 

Her dress was so fun! I had the strongest urge to twirl her around in a circle. But we were in a public place..... and I can NOT dance. So I merely told her to smile for me. 

Would you look at those eyes? I may or may not have contemplated how to steal her earrings. 

And THIS is my beautiful dearest friend. 

I used to drive her to high school every morning when I was a senior and she was a freshman. 

I also used to make her late by FORCING us to go by McDonalds and 

get a sweet tea every morning, too. 

I taught her every thing she knows. Unless she does something bad — she picked up that junk from someone else. And her sarcasm — NO WAY did she get that from me. 

Oh the old days. 

FLASHBACK:

Aw... aren't we purrty? That girl in the blue is married now. That girl in the black is going to be a famous graphic designer pretty soon (and hasn't grown an inch since this was taken). That girl in the purple and black dress spends her summers in Orlando sharing her faith. I am not sure who that girl in the purple dress is.... oh wait... it is me! Hmmmm. I look a little tired here. Yup — nothing has changed.

Amen. 

Grace

 

Another Wedding and All New Lessons

     I shot another wedding on Saturday. I love weddings — part of being a girl I suppose. It is almost like I still get to play with my Barbie and Ken doll. Except now I get paid to do it. That's beside the point, though.

     Saturday's wedding involved a BABY. If you know anything about me then you know that babies are my absolute weakness. I may or may not have taken MANY photos of this baby — he had a tux on. Kill me now.

     I have to say, though, one of my favorite parts of this wedding was one that probably no one else saw. The father of the bride had just handed the bride's hand to the groom and the minister was saying a prayer. During the prayer, I peaked around (I know, I know, my momma taught me better). However, while I peaked, I saw the groom staring at his bride with the biggest smile on his face. She had her eyes shut as far as I could tell. However, the groom still kept a big grin on his face while he looked at his soon-to-be wife. 

I really, REALLY enjoy small moments like that. They are make this life so worth it. 

Grace's Advice of the Day: Peak when you are not supposed to and try to catch those wonderfully small moments. They are worth it.

  

Naders

Union University is VERY SERIOUS when it comes to Tornado season in West Tennessee. 

This is what happened the last time a tornado visited my campus. 

So, you see, it is kind of understandable why Union has a cow every time a green blob is seemingly heading our way on a radar.

Last Thursday was our first experience with Tornado weather this semester.

We were shoved into our "panic room" a.k.a storm shelter a couple times during the evening. Our panic room consists of reinforced concrete walls and three dead bolts on the door. It is very safe. 

Georgetown University called while I shoved into this bathroom with 6 people. I apologized for the noise and informed them that we were under a tornado warning. Georgetown became concerned for my safety but I assured them that I was in a secure location. Georgetown was happy about this. 

Union also always has us pack a "tornado bag" when ominous weather comes. 

My bag consists of my eye lash curler, a change of clothes and the external hard drive where all my photos are backed up. Its all about priorities people. 

Grace

Engagements and Cow Patties

Bobby and Jennifer

March 5, 2011

Had the opportunity to photograph Bobby and Jennifer this afternoon. 

The weather was so chilly that we decided to just use her home instead of venturing outside much.

Got some wonderful shots.

We did go outside for a little bit.

There is a lake a little ways behind the house.

However we had to venture through all of this to get to the lake. 

It was the first time I have trekked through cow patties for a photo.

These are the culprits.

Considering my life, it probably won't be the last time I have to zig zag through poop for a photo, though.

New adventures every day! :) 

Amen.

Grace

Hello all!

I am back in the grand state of Tennessee where the trees are green and the tea is sweet.

But I still have a few tastes of New Mexico to share with you.

The last event I covered for the Baptist New Mexican was an annual event they host called the Legislative Breakfast.

All the state legislators are invited to attend a breakfast that includes a speaker and time of prayer and encouragement before the legislators start another day of their job at the state capitol.

This is former Lt. Gov. Walter Bradley. He heads the Traditional Values Action Committee.  

"I have not found anywhere in the Good Book where it says that Christians should not be involved in politics," Bradley said during a dinner held for church leaders the night before the Legislative Breakfast.

"You have to be passionate about politics and you have to be passionate to change  them. We need to reignite the passion."

"If a law passes that is an ungodly law then we have the right to oppose it."

"We are fighting from a position of victory because Christ is already victorious," Bradley said.

The breakfast the next morning started bright and early. Prayer requests cards were placed at each seat for the legislators to fill out. The leaders of the breakfast told the legislators that it was our duty as Christians to pray for them as stewards of the nation. 

"God does command us in his Book to pray for you," said one speaker during the event. "And that is our commitment to you."

This is the new Lt. Gov. He offered a brief greeting to the audience and brought a message from the newly elected governor of New Mexico, Susanna Martinez. He said that the new administration has a "bold and strong vision for New Mexico" — something the people of the state seem to be begging for. 

And this my dear friends is Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church in Washington D.C. He was the keynote speaker. 

He said during his address that President Obama is wrong — America IS a Christian nation and needs to "honor our heritage and God who gave us such great guidelines."

He attributed the Tea Party Movement as part of America's next "great awakening." He also referenced a time when he was applauded for being a man of Christ while at a Tea Party rally.

"The Tea Party movement is anything but racist — more of a civic awakening," Jackson said.

"Church groups are starting to stand up and say they have a dog in the (political) fight."

Jackson concluded by encouraging the legislators present to stick to their morals and faith.

"We are on the wake of the next great awakening; it will be politically safe to vote according to it."

Grace