CLARISSA'S CORNER

So, first I must apologize for being so long in updating this blog...busy has been an understatement but that is no excuse. January, February and March have passed in a blur for me and now I am headed off on another "trip of a lifetime". But before I go, there are a couple things I would like to share. So I decided to share a late February/March in Review. Now I must confess that I may revisit some of these in future blogs...but I just couldnt wait any longer to share!

CUMBERLAND FALLLS

The very first bright sunny weekend we had in February, spring fever caught us all! Jeanette and I took her nieces, Makala and Morgan to visit Cumberland Falls...for their very first time. I still find that so amazing....just how many people have not seen Cumberland Falls...and it is in our own backyard! Maybe I am blessed, Maybe I take my privileges for granted...but enjoying the beauty of creation never gets old! So I love being tour guide for the day! Oh, what a day! Makala and Morgan are both tomboys...kind of like I used to be. Wait, did I say used to be...I must confess that I am the one who climbed a mountain face just to get the right angle for the icicle pictures and I was totally with the girls when they wanted to climb closer to the mini waterfall (which I am sure has a Real Name). We made a trail where there was no trail just to find out there was a trail! :) Leave it to us! As warm as it was that day, ice was everywhere and every time an icicle dropped into the water...we all jumped thinking we had been shot or attacked by a bear! But what a fun, relaxing, good day we had with these two young rambunctious girls..hopefully, only the first of many good memories to share.




WINTERJAM 2010

I love Christian music and I really enjoy a good concert. So to be able to attend WinterJam each year is always a treat. It is the ultimate best of the Best and for only $10! How can you miss with such artists as NewSong, Newsboys and Third Day and that's not counting all the rest. There are always a few that are a bit "wild" for my taste...but this year was a real treat. Although we were "early", we still werent early enough but ended up with seats kind of like backstage! It was the best of a bad situation! and Very Very Loud!!! But that is WinterJam! Newsong is always great. I had never seen Michael Tait and the Newsboys together but it was memorable. Third Day stole the show and I was able to share a part of that concert with family in NC and Ohio. Already counting down the days until next year's winterjam!!


But here I am out of time and so much yet to share...so stay tuned as there is much more to share: birthdays, special visits from my Kentucky family, Princess Classics on Ice, Spring has Sprung, all kinds of new pics from the area lakes plus a weekend I will never forget....a weekend with my cousins in Ohio!

Thanks for your continued support and patience as I get my act back together! In the meantime, enjoy spring! enjoy family! Make some memories of your own!

May God Bless and Keep You in my Prayer,

Recently, one evening as my parents were watching Kentucky Afield, the program featured s special segment on the migration of the Sandhill Cranes though Kentucky. The thought of hundred, possibly thousands of cranes feeding and resting in a corn field in Kentucky was just mind boggling and simply irrestible.

So, on the spur of the moment, my dad and I set on a road trip...armed with cameras, video cameras, snacks, boots, coats, maps and as much information as I could find. It is always special when my dad gets to accompany me on a photography outing, especially since it doesn't happen often. Of coruse, he still doesn't understand why I need 100 pictures of the same thing when surely just five would do! :)

We made excellent time heading to Glasgow. Not exactly sure where to start looking, we headed out toward the Barren River State Park.


Beautiful country and doesn't it make sense...birds need water so where there is water there should be birds...Right? WRONG! It might have made sense to us, but we searched high and low, an off road here, a pasture there, following the suggestions everyone had given. My dad was getting a little nervous...he wasn't real sure we were going to find any cranes...how was I going to handle the disappointment?

I had to take a moment and remind him of my white squirrel story....just when it seemed hopeless, the Lord came right on time! and it helps, that I am not afraid to ask for help or directions!

As a final resort, we stopped by the Barren River Resort where the lady directed m eto the Bear's Den! No Kidding! Down those steps, follow a long hall..until you see the Bear's Den (aka the Ranger's Office!) Believe you me, it was a ranger's office...critters and books everywhere. Talk about timing...it was just perfect! The ranger had just arrived and was accompanied by Mr. Romer, a local photographer who had been scouting area cornfields for the cranes. Wow...that is just all I can say! Wow!

It is also unbelievably cool when you meet a fellow photographer who is willing to share information and this gentleman was very, very helpful. He not only told me where to go, he asked about my equipment, and he drawed me a map that was quite detailed and took us right to the cranes! Without this map, we would have never found the cranes...especially since they were on the "other" side of Glasgow! And then to beat it all, we very nearly missed them.

In fact, if we hadn't noticed a van pulled off to the side of the road, we would have missed our first field. But then suddenly, there were Cranes, Cranes Everywhere! I couldn't even begin to count the number of cranes! Their coloring of browns and grays blended in so well with the cornfields, it was the perfect camouflage.



We drove on a little ways where we found a 'couple'...just two cranes strolling through the pasture with the horses...like they had not a care in the world....Beautiful and amazing! and Unbelievable...if I had not seen it with my own eyes, not sure even I would have truly believed the numbers.


We traveled the whole area marked on our little map. Some roads had only a few cranes and others had multitudes. To see all these cranes literally sitting in folks backyards and pastures..can you imagine? If I had lived in the area, I would have been hard pressed to go to work until they left the area.


One of the coolest things was watching their mating dance. They would coo and dance and sway and just show off!

Here are just a couple videos that show off the cranes so much better than the actual pictures.





After several hours, dad who had been extremely patient and an awesome chauffeur, finally asked: Reckon you have enough pictures yet? So although it was hard to tear myself away, just as the cranes themselves were flying off to settle in for the night, wisdom dictated that as the sun was setting, we begin our long drive home.

Spring is here and with it warmer weather..when was the last time you had a spur of a moment adventure? Why not take one today!

Go Adventuring,

I still remember the text message, Chrissy (which is what my family still calls me) you are so awesome with the camera, could you please take my senior photos? What? Me, surely you have texted the wrong number. Girl, dont ya know...I am a nature photographer! All of these random thoughts flew through my head in the space of seconds.

But how to say No to a young a lady I care about so much and has become a great friend...I just could not do it! So, Sara...who is also my cousin, along with her mom and I went to Renfro Valley for the first portion of our shoot. Catching the fall foliage at its peak requires perfect timing and somehow we managed to get there at just the right evening! The sun was just beginning to set which made the lighting by the Renfro Creek and bridge a great place for pictures. Then we went out to the garden pulloff at Lake Linville. This has become of my favorite to shoot the lake and it was even more beautiful with the final rose blossoms still hanging on. While out and about, we also took some pictures of Sara and her mom, Tammy together! All in all, I think they came out pretty good! But we didnt stop there, as Sara became my "senior guinea pig", we did a photoshoot with horses, on city walls, and in Nashville, TN at the Opryland Hotel.



Congratulations Sara and to the rest of the Class of 2010.


Signature

This winter has been one memorable snow event after another. Thankfully, most have arrived on the weekends so I could actually enjoy them with the worries of driving in it. The other reason I am thankful is for one of my dad’s brightest, most inventive ideas.

Our home is situated on a hill with a pretty steep driveway which can be quite treacherous when covered with snow and ice.

So my dad had an idea one day to cover the concrete portion of our drive with plastic. Then when the snow’s come and go, all we have to do is sweep off the snow, scoot over the plastic…and Voila…a clean driveway!!!

Well, our last snow was some heavy stuff and, of course, dad’s snow blower tore up! That meant some muscle work and a snow shovel was involved! As I was already bundled up and out taking pics anyway, I “assisted” my dad with the snow removal (in between pictures!).

With some good team work, it didn’t take long to get the snow off and the driveway cleared but it will be a long while before I forget the special time together!



Make a memory with someone special in your life! This very day!

One Friday evening, we girls (Jeanette, Makala and I) decided on a girls night out…but what to do? Being it was January, there was not a lot on…but then I saw it: Motorcross Championships at the new Corbin arena. Why not? After a delicious fish dinner at Cracker Barrell, we were off to our adventure. For a Friday night, I was surprised at how few people were out and about – mostly teens and young families. I must confess, having never been to a motorcross event, I was a little nervous about this being a “Family-Friendly” event. I should have had no worries. The evening started with a devotion from the Bible, prayer, and a salute to the flag. Wow! I was totally impressed! (just about as impressed as I was the night we went to the radio and had a similar experience!) Of course, if I were out there doing the stunts these guys (and gals), I would have wanted to start the evening with prayer as well.



From the Peewee Division (who were too cute and determined) to the Juniors (who were quite competitive) then on to the pros. I kept finding myself holding my breath over and over as flips and jumps kept happening, near misses on curves, and, of course, the accidents (you kept hoping the guys on the ground would get out of the way in time and sure enough they did!) The pics make seem like the action was slow but there was was no doubt these riders were moving on. And the Noise..you need to know sign language!

As the evening progressed, I don’t know who got more excited, Jeanette, me or Makala. (Actually, I am thinking Makala won by a landslide!) With bikes, dirt bikes, four-wheelers, and some strange contraptions, we saw a little bit of everything! I must say the lady riders were just as exciting as the guys! (Almost! but they did really well!) By the time of the finals, we were cheering the guys on with the best of them but #355 totally stole our cheers! He was definitely one talented, awesome rider! Of course, he wasn’t the only one but what can I say! He won!!! Oh Yeah Baby!

So, if you are looking for some good clean fun, family atmosphere, exciting, sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat-adventure, check out the Victory Sports sponsored motorcross coming to you!

Joy 2 u!

This day was a day of blessings, surprises and laughter...not that this would atypical for a day in my life but it was more the "whoms" that made it special.

First off, our family was surprised with an unexpected visit from my Uncle Joe and cousin Rex. We had no idea they were on a road trip through Kentucky when we received the knock on our door. Surprise!! We had a good evening of catching up, some serious discussions, good stories, and lots of laughter...it had to be good as we were up until at least 2 am.
It felt so good to re-connect with family! Who knew there were so many photographers in the Hodge family? You can be sure I am going to be taking advantage of their experiences.

Then early the next morning, Joe and Rex was up making breakfast before I left for work. Although I am not usually an early eater, a gal could get spoiled having gentlemen cooking in the kitchen at 7 am!
Joe did most of the work: making homemade biscuits, bacon and gravy. But Rex did assist - as he made the eggs. Of course, he forewarned everyone that normally the kitchen is off limits for him...even the fire department advises him to stay out of that location! :) A pretty good country breakfast to start the day out right!

I hated to leave while we still had company but off to work I went. Later in the morning, I had another extra special surprise. As you may have noticed from my previous post, January 20th is Dawson's birthday, my oldest nephew. I got to talk to him for quite a while via Instant Messaging (there are days when I really love technology). If I had any doubts that this boy is growing up, they vanished during our conversation. He is a really good typist and excellent speller and quite funny to boot. Later, he told his mom that the best part of His day was chatting with me. How this auntie's heart just melted? This birthday boy gave his aunt a most precious gift on this day!

Just as I am feeling overwhelmed with blessings...a friend brings by a special treat: Blueberry Italian Cheesecake...oh my, there aren't any words to describe how delicious it tasted. Not a store bought but Home Made by Italian chefs topped with REAL blueberries. Life is Good!

A quick power nap after work invigorated me for a good service. There is just no better to end the day than with worship and the Word of God which speaks life and truth and hope to our innermost beings!

Overwhelmed with Thanksgiving!

Early one very snowy morning ten years, we received the much anticipated phone call..."It's time!" Heading to Lexington as fast as we could in the horrible weather conditions wanting to be present for the arrival of Dawson Grant Hodge. Joy quickly turned to tears as complications arose and this little guy suffered a stroke in the womb. Fearing we would lose both Donna and Dawson, frantic calls for urgent prayer were made. And those prayers paid off! Although he spent several weeks in the hospital, if you know Dawson today, you would never believe the rough start he had in life! He is amazing proof of a living, miracle-working God!

So to celebrate his 10th birthday (he has lived a decade now!! - it is unbelievable how fast time is progressing), I put together a special slide show. Of course, for you to really appreciate Dawson, would take more than the many pictures I have included (how do you pick and choose from so many pictures?) so I had to choose the highlights of the early years and the latter years. (Thanks Donna for sharing pics with us!)



I've heard it said that you can't love another's children, more than your own. However, with no children of my own, I can't imagine loving any kids more than my three nephews. Each one has a special place in my heart. Dawson has always been the one whose heart is touched by others' hurt and is compassionate. He always loves to make people laugh. He is quite artistic and an imaginative writer. He likes to read, loves puzzles and games. He is a Star Wars Junkie (like his grandma) and a collector of old-fashioned trucks. Brothers will be brothers and he can really irritate his but just let someone else try - and he is all over it. I will never forget the night at the beach, when Grandpa and Kevin were playing but acting like they were going to throw Jaden in the ocean. Although Dawson was afraid of the water then, he was not going to let them hurt Jaden. Pretty soon, everyone needed consoling.

Dawson, I hope you have a very Happy Tenth Birthday! Know that you are loved! May the Lord bless and keep you in all yours ways and may you honor him in all you do!!

~ C ~
Posted 1/20/10 at Clarissa's Crew and Ky Hodge Podge

A recent quote I came upon says it so well “Family is our link to the past and our bridge to the future”.

When I was very young, my parents felt the call of God upon their lives, moved to Kentucky and established a church there. Starting a Home Missions work, a new ministry and church, from the ground up is never easy. Leaving family and friends, secure jobs and entering a place where you know no one requires dedication and a strong faith and my parents had both attributes. As a family, we have made many sacrifices through the years but no regrets.

In the last few weeks, I have realized that one of our sacrifices including visits with family, especially the Hodge side of our family. The Chasteen side of family, especially my Great Aunts and Great Uncles, lived close enough and were such a part of lives that they were more like additional sets of grandparents rather than aunts and uncles. Growing up, there was not a lot of money for traveling back and forth to Ohio so we only saw the Hodges once in a great while. Then as everyone gets older and busy with school and work and family, it is so easy to let the bonds slip. Now today, my cousins and I are more strangers than cousins.

Should it be that way? Every family has differences. Every family has their own lives. Every family has its problems. Everyone is busy. But should we become so self-involved that we forget who we are and who we are connected to? Probably not but I am sure my family is not the only one facing this reality today. It seems parents/grandparents are the glue that holds a family together and once that glue is gone…the thread is broken.

Last winter, as I tried to work on our family’s history, I was amazed at how much has been forgotten on both side of my family. Maybe even more incredulous is how much we’ve never known…like the name of my dad’s grandparents. What would life be like today if the internet had been around 100 years ago, 50 years ago or even 25 years ago. This picture is one of only three that I have of my grandparents, Maggie and Elmer Hodge, together.

My dad comes from a large (at least in this day) family and they are blessed to still have each other. Last week, as we gathered for my aunt’s homegoing service, someone wanted a picture of those present. It was a picture I had only dreamed of getting but would never have asked this side of the family for…(the rest of my family knows I am a crazy photographer!) but I was playing it cool. Only one brother was missing from this group picture (and with a little photoshopping – I may even be able to remedy that small problem).

Another unexpected picture…first cousins reunited! (At least of the ones who were present at the moment…a few late arrivals were left out – so sorry guys!) Over the weekend, I have been thankful all over again that my sister-in-law introduced me to Facebook. It has been an amazing memory to be reunited with so many cousins. One of my favorite all time songs – “How can we reach a world we never touch?” That is the question resounding in my heart – How can we show forth love to a world in need – if we can’t even send out a friend request to a family member?”

If you’ve been a follower of my other blog, you may know that back in June when I couldn’t located any pictures of my immediate family for my Father’s Day tribute, I became an advocate for “Family Pictures!” I am here to say – Take Pictures! Capture the moments you are together – you never know what will happen tomorrow! It doesn’t have to be some fancy DSLR – use what you have – whether it is a disposable camera, a phone – whatever!

I have enjoyed becoming reacquainted with my cousins and their families and look forward to the memories still to be made! Welcome to my world! To share joys and sorrows, rejoice at accomplishments and cry together at loss! We maybe strangers today with a shared past but I pray it doesn’t stay that way – We are the bridge to the future!

Joy 2 u! ~ C ~

P.S. Thanks for indulging me on this post…I promise this blog…won’t be too serious too often! That’s why I have “From the Heart of Clarissa’s Corner!

Previouly posted 1/17/10 at Clarissa's Crew and Ky Hodge Podge

There is just something about some fresh white powder lying untouched on the ground that brings out the kids in all of us! Jeanette and I were no exception this weekend!
I had been watching the birds and taking pictures when Jeanette decided to join me for a walk in the snow! A short walk as I was trying to find the right angle to capture the snow covered creek across the road. Trying not to fall over the hill as no one had been out and about even in boots was quite a challenge. According to Jeanette’s calculations, we had about six inches of snow by Saturday afternoon (I'm not really sure how accurate this was - as she was measuring on the side of the hill!).
While I am taking pictures of snow covered pine trees, Jeanette and the cats (yes, the cats are always nearby when someone is outside) are posing for pics as they are the prime suspects in why I don’t have more “Great” Bird Watching Pictures! However, I did talk Jeanette into making a snow angel…which was way funny (check out the video) and totally offended the cats’ dignity (so they were off…back to the house in a flash)!!~


By the time, we got ourselves back to the house, we were ready for a warm fire, some hot tea and lunch! All this exercise and fresh outdoor air sure stirs up a girl’s appetite! We weren’t the only ones enjoying the snow…dad has been out several times each day with the leaf blower turned snow blower “playing” (a.k.a. blowing the snow off the drive, making paths through the yard..why do we need paths in the yard? - it's not like we are going anywhere!) So if you are wondering what to purchase for that hard to please guy on your list...I highly recommend a really cheap leaf/snow blower (you might not get very much work done but they will have lots of fun doing nothing!) Get out and Enjoy the winter wonderland! ~ C

Previously posted 1/10/10 on Clarissa's Crew and Ky Hodge Podge

A few weeks ago, Jeanette found her niece. After Makala's family moved to Knox County a few years ago, phone numbers changed, and we lost touch with her not knowing they moved back last year. Through Facebook (you gotta love it!), Jeanette found Makala's mom and got permission for us to take her Christmas Shopping.

So early Saturday morning (the day after Christmas), Jeanette, Polly and I picked up Makala. Our first stop, remember - this is a Girls' Day Out and where do the Girls go on any excuse? Yes, you guessed it...Chick-Fil-A! Since Makala had never been, we had a fun time introducing her to the Eat-More-Chicken Cows!!

Then on to the serious business of shopping. Polly just had to check out all the after Christmas sales and there were a few. After several hours of going from here to yonder, we girls were plumb tuckered out (none of us are what you call "Shoppers till you drop"; we are more the "Git N and Get R Done!) and getting hungry again. So the vote was made: pick up pizzas and eat them at Pollys. After filling our bellies, it was time for a photoshoot! So we took all kinds of pictures, especially of Polly, Jeanette and Makala trying to make up for lost time.

We had a good day filled with laughter, giggles, silly antics, stories and twenty questions getting to know Makala and reacquainting her with the rest of her family! I am so used to shopping for boys from my own nephews to the skaters at the youth center, that it was quite a new experience shopping for girls: Makala and her sisters! Makala's only request for our next outing: not quite so many pictures! What? We really didn't take that many pictures on this excursion but next time...no such promises could we make!

I couldn't help but be reminded of Britt Nicole's song "The Lost Get Found" as I thought about this reunion. In fact, I bought myself a copy that very day!

Is there someone you thought was lost but now is found? Can you share a little hope? Give someone a reason to believe. Take time to get reunited... the rewards are worth all the efforts!!

Joy 2 u! ~ C ~