CLARISSA'S CORNER

2009 has been an amazing year for me!! January started out with hopes and expectations but, like most new year's to do list of resolutions, it kind of fizzled out to ordinary day by day responsibilities until April! Until the day I started my first blog! Unknowingly, this blog began a whole new chapter in my life. The day I stepped out on a limb by faith...I mean who would take time to read my jumbling thoughts and find it interesting?2009...Visits with Friends ~ A Spring visit to Biltmore. a summer trip with the girls to Chimney Rock and our chance encounter with Elfin the White Squirrel, Chimney Rock. Then onto Charlotte to see the Phantom of the Opera and adventure at the Latta Plantation.2009...Family ...

Merry Christmas from our family to yours. As we celebrate on this day, I wanted to share the story of the birth of Christ with you. May we always remember the day a babe came to this earth to save a world!"The Christmas Story" King James Version"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and The Government shall be upon His Shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty GOD, The Everlasting ...

When I was just a little girl, I memorized a quote for Christmas. Although I can’t remember whether it was for a school performance, church pageant or just for a family gathering, the quote has stuck with me all these years. The gift you give another need not be a costly thing, If you tuck a little love as you tie the string.As I watch people worry, and fret over their Christmas shopping lists. Hurrying, scurrying from store to store for the perfect gift or that special must-have can’t live without toy of the season, I wonder if we’ve forgotten the real meaning of Christmas. Christmas is a time to remember the birth of Saviour, the one who came to live and to die in order ...

When I think of December, my mind automatically thinks of Christmas celebrations, fun-filled snowy days, decking the halls, family gatherings in front of the fireplace, gifts galore, and lots of laughter. The joyous songs of the seasons, adorable children in memorable Christmas pageants, and choirs lifting their voices in Christmas cantatas.However, is it so in every household this December? I think not! In this season ...

Although we've already had a dusting of snow or two recently, the snow last evening took me by surprise. A few flurries as I was leaving work so I thought I had plenty of time to run by the bank and youth center. Twenty minutes later the main road to my house was covered..how was that even possible? One moment I was praying, the next I was calling myself crazy for not coming straight home, and then I was overwhelmed ...

Presenting...the 2009 Christmas Card Collection only available here...at Clarissa's Corner. If you're looking for a unique card (limited edition) this holiday season, here are some of the pictures available for selection. There are beautiful christmas trees, angels, ornaments, a cross to remember the true reason for the season, slorious sunsets, and majestic mountains. One of my favorite scenes may seem exotic for a ...

Photography is a journey…every day…each subject…a new learning experience.This past Saturday, the Central Ky Photography Group had a studio photography meet up! Although it was one of the smaller groups, there were still new faces! Once again, we had a “Super” model - Paula. She was incredibly patient and good natured enduring several hours of sitting in the “hot” seat.As usual, I was feeling a little overwhelmed leaving ...

As you may recall, back in the spring, I tried my first pet photo shoot. Poor “Brown Dog” surrounded by wild kids in a noisy room – let’s just say, she was not in her comfort zone!Since Christmas is just around the corner, no line of greeting cards or picture gallery, could be considered complete without at least a couple of pet pictures. My friend, Sheryl, offered her pups for the photos. She is always rescuing animals ...

If you know anything about me at all, you know “cooking” is not where my talents die! Still each year, I enjoy attending the Taste of Living Holiday Cooking Show and it’s that time of year again. On our way to the Centre, Jeanette and I stopped by the new children’s garden by the Pulaski Co Library. What a beautiful spot for a photo shoot or a hand’s on learning center? Flowers, Herbs, Shrubs, Ponds, Butterflies, ...

I wanted to take a moment to say Thank You to our veterans for their time of service. Where would our country be without the men and women who defend freedom every day...laying their all on the line? Not a day goes by without them making extreme sacrices...serving may be an honor not taken lightly by the troops but it is hard work all the same!!! Whenever I think of honor and respect, I think of my visits to Arlington ...

I can hardly believe that seven months ago, I started this blog - a mixture of photography, traveling, family and the thoughts of my heart - all compiled in one spot. It has been an amazing journey! Probably even more amazing is the realization that it is still ongoing and growing and has become quite meaningful to me. Never in a million years would I have ever thought I would be writing in such a public journaling format. My writing and my photography has been a private, personal pleasure. Surely the Lord has brought me a long, long way from the shy girl I used to be. But you asked for it..so I have come to a decision...from now on...this blog will be dedicated to my photography (which is ...

Today is my best friend and cousin, Jeanette's birthday!!I would be very remiss not to share with you how much she means to me!!! No matter what I want to do or where I want to go, she's up for the adventure! Though we were separated by miles when we were young, before the days of myspace, facebook, and IM, after her family's move to Kentucky, we connected all over again. We have seen each other through some hard, ...

Since going on my latest photo rampage, I’ve been meaning to take a trip to the Levi Jackson State Park just outside of London, Ky. Then the London office needed help at their auction in Corbin yesterday so it provided the perfect opportunity – the best of both worlds. (And don’t forget...this is still the same weekend that I am forcing myself to take a break from stress :)). Let me just tell you that the Grist Mill at the park is surrounded by fall beauty everywhere. Of course, everyone else had the same idea, families were everywhere taking pictures, but it was cool! It felt great just to walk around the water, taking pictures of the ducks, enjoying the moment and the beauty. The oranges, ...

The past few weeks have been so crazy hectic that I have felt like the puppy on the lake. From a distance, he looks like he is smoothly sailing along but take a look underneath the water…his little feet are moving and getting it! Joining up with the photography group, church conference, Bittersweet festival prep, fall auction season in full swing, auction training sessions, photo sessions, unexpected trips out of town, illness and, then, the loss of our Aunt Dorothy…my schedule (and my emotions) have been up and down like a roller coaster. Totally wore out even though there were some precious memories made and doors of opportunities opened. I don’t regret one moment BUT…there comes that final ...

Since Kevin and Donna moved to North Carolina, it’s so hard to have one-on-one time with anyone person during visits whether in Kentucky or North Carolina. So, this past weekend, when Donna agreed to go with me to my basic photography class, I was pretty pumped! I figured it would be overwhelming based upon my experience the first few weeks. But I also know both Kevin and Donna enjoying taking pictures as much as ...

Kevin, Donna, and the boys were in Kentucky last weekend on another unplanned, unexpected visit. But we will take their visits whenever we can get one! Six states in less than twenty-four hours, they were exhausted and wanted to do nothing but hang out and relax on Saturday. So we ate, played Boggle, Scrabble, and I-Spy for hours, and watched Monsters vs. Aliens way too many times.I remembered the re-enactment at Camp Wildcat was going on this weekend and I was truly hoping to get to visit as I had never been to you before and it was so close but then plans changed so I put it on the to-do list for another time. I could tell Donna was getting bored so I mentioned Camp Wildcat to her. But it ...

The Rockcastle Co Extension office sponsored a day of play and good health downtown Mt. Vernon one sunny Sunday afternoon. I arrived a bit late but there were still plenty of happenings: cloggers in the streets, foot races, give-aways, music, blood pressure testing, and the ROTC obstacle course. But I think the ones who enjoyed the day the most were the skateboarders and BMXers. Community Trust Bank allowed them ...

A lot of hard work, long hours and worry go into preparation for the annual Bittersweet Festival. Each year, I find myself involved in a different project or craft, such crocheted items, twisted animal balloons, or fund raisers for the youth center/skate park, and every time I say “Never Again!” And here I am again this year – presenting my first public display of “Clarissa’s Corner – Photography and More”. The more ...