CLARISSA'S CORNER

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 and each one has a story to tell. Some are orphaned, some left on the side of the road, or maybe their families can’t afford their upkeep or children, who once begged for this pet, have lost interest – so many reasons why animals need a good home.



Although she answers to “Pup”, we have nicknamed the little white dog “Sassy”! She was rescued from a busy intersection chewing a on a dried up chicken bone. Now, she is totally attached to Sheryl and prefers plain cheeseburgers for dinner! What a pup’s life but isn’t she so photogenic! for a pup?

Brown Dog, on the other hand, still has a way to go! She just can’t help being afraid of everything! I was actually astonished when she came right to me to be petted! But having her picture taken is not too high on her favorite to-do list! I think she did so much better than the spring! We might make a model of her yet!

I certainly appreciate Sheryl for being a good sport, a great assistant and supplier of cheeseburgers for treats! When I do my next pet shoot, I know just who to call! Seriously, thanks a bunch!!

So do you need a picture for Christmas? Just send me an email and we will see what we can set up!!

Welcome to the Holiday Season! Just don’t forget the reason for the season in all the hustle and bustle!! Jesus is our Reason!

Joy 2 u! ‘C’

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, Birds, Sea Serpents and Horses! Come spring’s arrival this will be a five star locale for children’s pictures! It is so well laid out and wonderfully landscaped! I am so glad we stopped to scout it out!

Onto the Center: After checking out the displays, signing up for give-a-ways, and grabbing a quick bite, Jeanette and I met up with Judy, Laura, and Marcy. My friend, Tawanna and her sister, Tammi, were also there! Let the good times begin!! A perfect girls' night out!! Oh, but wait..this event is not only for the ladies, there were quite a few gentlemen present as well! Chefs in the making! Ohhh la la!

Dana, our Taste of Living Culinary Specialist (a.k.a. Cook for the Evening but Culinary Specialist sounds so “Oui! Oui!”  (Yes, it is an inside joke!)...but she has an inviting personality and a sense of humor that keeps you in stitches. She is well-informed with bits of trivia (Got a sore throat? Chew on the core of a pineapple and immediate healing – who knew? How Cool!) Dana definitely makes cooking a holiday spread look incredibly easy. It is cool that shops for all of the ingredients locally so it is doable! Not to put her too high on the cooking pedestal, it was a relief for the beater to act up and for her roll of dough to be not so perfect. Just maybe there is hope for us not so talented cooks yet.

The perfect recipe to end the evening: a table of good food surrounded by friends and laughter.

Until next time… ‘C’

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 Cemetery. Row upon row, line upon line, story after story of individuals and families who have lived to serve.

We salute you who have served and those who continue to serve. We support you and your families! May the Lord bless, protect and keep you!

Happy Veterans' Day!

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 growing by leaps and bounds) and my travels (diverse and spontaneous). Therefore, I present Clarissa's Corner - Photography and More...with a new and improved look!

Where does that leave "everything else"? I am so glad you asked...come check out my new blog: From the Heart of Clarissa's Corner! It is here you will find my posts considered to be more of an inspirational writing by sharing my spiritual travels along this road of life with the Lord, my family times, tributes, and anything else that might be on my heart.

http://theheartofclarissascorner.wordpress.com/


Of course, there will always be those posts which could fit here or there! So, keep coming back as I iron out all the details. I look forward to your feedback. Let me know if you like the new look and new posts! I am always up for suggestions in this new chapter of maintaining not one but two blogs! :) Exiting days are ahead!

Joy 2 u! ~ C ~

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, difficult times and yet been there for the good, the joyous, and the rolling on the floor at our own craziness times. It's remarkable how many interests we share like our love for the Lord, travel, good music, christian books, and taking pictures. We always get so tickled when people from around the world think we are twins. We really don't think we look (or act) anything alike! We have been blessed to travel through the United States, and Canada but my most memorable trip was Italy. She has been a source of encouragement as I walk through new doors of opportunity! She is a great example for overcoming the odds and has shown tremendous strength and endurance in completing her nursing/RT degree. (I totally would have given up and changed fields!)
So, if you are blessed, as I am to know her and call her friend, then your life has been enriched!! Family ties may make us cousins but the Lord has made us sisters!

A most blessed, wonderful and happy birthday to you Jeanette! May the coming year open your own doors of dreams come true! Love ya!

~ C ~