CLARISSA'S CORNER

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 ...

One early rainy Saturday morning, the Central Kentucky Photography Group (CKPG) met up for photo-scenic tour of Amish country. When I say early, I mean early – Jeanette and I left home at 6 am. When I say rainy, I should say storms, lighting, thunder, flash flooding, can’t see anything driving but inches in front of you. Ordinary people would have given it up, spent the day indoors but no, full of hope that the storm ...

Realizing it is still early October our trip to the Smokies may seem strange to most folks. However, there are few things to remember: 1) my hard drive recently crashed 2) a line of Greeting Cards is not complete without a few Christmas Cards 3) Christmas Cards must have scenes reminiscent of Christmas.Although Mom encouraged me to check out the Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge for some ideas, it was dad who traveled ...

Some of my fondest memories are our family vacations and weekend getaways. Quite often, my Granny accompanied us girls on these ‘spur of the moment” trips. However, due to ill health, she has not been able to travel with us very often.I don’t know how many times in the last year I’ve heard my Granny mention that she would love to hear Bro. Lee Stoneking preach once again in person. But enough times that I made up my ...

Dear Readers,I wanted to say "Thank You"! Thank you for your support, for your patience when I'm in-between blogs, your comments and just the fact that you keep coming back for more. I am amazed and humbled and deeply touched! Since the birth of my blog in April, I feel like my entire life and outlook has made a 360 degree turnaround! I never dreamed I would ever journal, sharing my thoughts and adventures in such a ...