CLARISSA'S CORNER

June seems to be the birthday month for my friends! In fact, today two of my friends are celebrating! As a special treat, my friend, Sheryl, and I went out to dinner! Since it was her birthday, I let her chose, after a few qualifications: not a restaurant with a location in Mt. Vernon, not Chinese nor Japanese, not fast food (I mean we are celebrating her birthday!). So we went to Somerset, up and down Hwy 27...so many choices!


To make a long story short, we ended up at Donatos Pizza on Buffet Night! Wow!

Donatos sure knows how to do a pizza buffet: pineapple/pepperoni, chicken bacon ranch (yummy), pepperoni, sausage, veggies, and even a chicken/spinach (yes, this picky girl tried it!)





 And dessert, fresh hot out of the oven - apple streusel and loaded cinnamon! Very delicious!




So finger licking good, this girl had trouble focusing for a picture! :)

 I only wished I had a birthday candle for the birthday girl! :) Happy Birthday Sheryl! 

Joy 2 U!

Clarissa

After a week of Bologna sandwiches for lunch (in my process of becoming more financially savvy but that is another post :) ), I had a dinner date which a friend! At the last minute, my friend had to cancel but my heart was already set on some Bar BBQ Chicken! So I called up another good friend, Ginny Jackson, and said "Lady, Whatcha doing?" Ginny is up for nearly anything and readily agreed to meet me at the Back Porch Bar BBQ in Renfro Valley. Being this was my first actual visit to the restaurant, I was a little nervous! I love Barbecue Chicken but I am also a picky eater! But barbecue chicken with potato salad and baked beans plus some homemade banana pudding (to go) was the final decision and a good one I might add.      
        
                       

After eating all that delicious food, a walk through the valley was a must! Now, I am no stranger to Renfro Valley as it is one of my favorite all-time photo session locations but I don't often make it to the village shops when I am there by myself. I prefer a picnic with a good book creekside. The flowers are in full bloom outside each shop where antiques, collectibles, souvenirs and knick knacks, bluegrass recordings, framed prints and so much more! On this quiet Thursday evening, most of the shops were closed, except for the grist mill!  How have I missed the ice at the Grist Mill?  Yes, I know...more food?  In the mood to try something new,  I could resist not a good size dip of Orange Pineapple Ice Cream! I believe I may have found a brand new favorite to add to the Ultimate Bucket List!

                          


So we wondered around the store looking at cute signs and figurines: including the hillbilly Ten Commandments.  Then we finished our treats by sitting on a bench and just soaking up the beautiful sunshine and good company.   If you and your family want to enjoy a nice stroll, a good dinner topped off with a yummy dessert, then I highly recommend a visit to the "Valley Where Time Stands Still!"

Oh, and I said all of this just to say "Happy Birthday to my dear friend, Ginny!" What a blessing your friendship is to me!

Joy 2 U!

Clarissa

A while back while meeting with some clients, I had the opportunity to admire a friend's "Butler Bag" from Avon. With the pockets for organization, everything seeems to have its very own place! Now I don't know about you, but here it is for this gal, if I am carrying a big bag then everything I need is hidden in the bottom; or if it is a small handbag, money, notes, and camera straps are hanging out! Of course, you also may be aware I am the Queen of Procrastination so I missed the Sale! Bummer! Then out of the blue, I get a call yesterday afternoon, would I like to the proud new owner of a second hand "Butler"! Absolutely Positively!


 



 Today a very excited gal is sporting her new Handbag! I will let you know if it helps "ME" to stay organized and on track! A handbag may seem such a small item in life's grand scale but for a gal in organizational mode right now, I am thinking it will be just one more step to the New Me! What "tool" helps you feel organized or helps you STAY organized? I would love to hear back from you! Oh, and if you are interested in Your Very Own Personal Butler, then visit my good friend, Robin's page: http://rrumsey.avonrepresentative.com/

Joy 2 U!

Clarissa

My dear Readers, Here we are again....! I could apologize for the long delay in posts but life does happen! Settling into a new life, establishing a business from the ground up, and the myriad details of everyday responsibilities can sometimes get a little overwhelming! I have often heard that technology is our friend and that these "tools" assist us in getting the most out of every moment! Maybe for some! But for this gal, I confess it is a chore! For months, YES MONTHS, I (and a friend) have been working on creating a website for my studio, Clarissa's Corner Photography (a.k.a CCP Studios) and every spare minute has went into that project plus work, auctions, holidays, tax season, farm machinery season, photo shoots, church, and travels! It's not that I haven't been a busy gal with lots to share, my tools have just been an "issue". Sometimes I wonder how in the world I can just keep it "Simple"! However, I said all that just to say....Howdy! Welcome Back! Are you ready for adventure? And Laughter? Then settle in and let's begin.I know this is silly but knowing that I was writing my first post in a while, I couldn't decide where to begin so for a while my posts may seem a little random as we catch up with each other. During my lunch hour, I drove out to Lake Linville, to think things over! and I am so glad I did! In fact, if I ever dedicated a post to anyone...this one would be dedicated to my awesome friend, Deborah, in NC! If there ever was a Geese Fan Award, it would be hers! Maybe she can answer my questions....!!! I was so thrilled to see all these little families of geese...at least three or four or more. It was hard to tell just who the real parents where in some cases because the older geese were working together to care for their young. I wonder do grandparent geese help out their young'uns with baby sitting duty? Hmm! :) As I watched them eat and lay in the sun, I couldn't help but feel at peace. What a perfect world they live in...NOT! First, there was one little gooseling with a hurt foot! When his parents lead the way for cooling swim, all his little brothers and sisters quickly waddling after them, leaving this little one behind. Right there on the bank was this huge (well, from his point of view) log that was nearly too high for him to get a jump on. Time after time, back and forth, he tried! I was ready to risk a flogging by his parents to help him over but finally, he made! I nearly Whoo-hooed OUT LOUD for the little one! But, even sweeter, was the momma on guard, not swimming too far until all of her family was together. Then, there were three big strapping single (lol) geese gliding along strutting their stuff or it could have been some bad mommas. I say single guys because when they sailed to close to the bank, one of the daddies was flogging their hides! Oh yeah! It was surely something to see! Nothing nor Nobody was hurting his babies! He had 'ATTITUDE"! Even the blackbirds were getting to close for his comfort! Which makes me wonder...if the blackbird was just eating the grass designated for the Gooselings or if he would really hurt one of them? I guess this is enough rambling for one post....so get out and enjoy this beautiful weekend! Make a memory and come back and share it with us! I would love hear of your adventures! !

Joy 2 U!

Clarissa

Photo Sessions are always a challenge...trying new things, capturing those moments that just bless your day and wanting each family to have an incredible, unique experience! I say challenging because with the busy schedules of school, work, sports, church and the multitude of other commitments that families have these days, sometimes it takes an extra special effort to make time for a photo session! Once you put in a full day on the job or at school, the last thing you want to do is get dressed up and smile! Sometimes though...it is worth the effort! Some moments only come around once!


Six Years! SIX YEARS! It is hard to believe that my friend, Chrissy, has been in my life for SIX years but so it is! Her beautiful daughter, Camryn, was only a few months old when I first met Chrissy. Just recently, Camryn, now in kindergarten, has just celebrated her sixth birthday! During this photo session, I thought she was six going on sixteen at times! :)






But that is not all....this family has been blessed with a new addition or is he a new addition? Little Parker is already six months old! Ever changing and becoming his own little man!







As a photographer, there are times I worry that this shoot is just not flowing well! It is always a relief to get off by myself for a sneek peek and hope there are some "keepers"! Thanks Andrew, Chrissy, Camryn and Parker once again for an incredible evening!







So, if it has been a while since you and your family have taken a photo together, make the time now! Tomorrow will be just as busy as today!

Joy 2 U!

Clarissa