C.G. Ward Photography

well since everyone else is posting these.....

2012-02-15T10:50:00.000-08:00

she's here....

2012-02-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

the new laptop. Woo Hoo! Still trying to learn to use all these new gadgets and software programs :) And with as cold as it is outside.... its nice to have an excuse to stay in and call it work haha! lol

no title

2012-02-08T10:42:00.000-08:00

too sick and too tired to think of a title. sick and tired of being sick and tired. only thing keeping me smiling is knowing my laptop should be here soon. :) I'm excited for the changes coming up for me! For now I've been taking things slow and trying my hardest to sit quietly and wait for everything patiently. This summer will be a whole new ball game for me and C.G. Ward Photography. So sit back, and wait with me.... ;)

oh and yea and don't forget to wash your hands and all that jazz and if you do catch this cold I've had for 2 weeks now.... alka seltzer seems to help :) lol

TTFN!

R.I.P. Picnik

2012-01-21T19:38:00.000-08:00

so, apparently google is shutting picnik down in April. I'll miss it because it was a lot of fun to play in and a lot of young people who are just now finding their passion for editing, digital design & even photography really liked its simplicity. I've had a couple of younger photographers I chat with online a little upset about it because they don't know what else to use. Not everyone can afford photoshop. Is there anything comparible I can recommened to them? If you are a picnik user, how do you feel about google's decision?

A mans point of view about facebook breast cancer awareness "games"

2012-01-21T19:35:00.001-08:00

http://runningdanw.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/real-breast-cancer-awareness/

What in the World is That? {game}

2012-01-12T21:48:00.000-08:00

there's a little game going on over on my facebook page.... there will be a prize for the winner... go check it out.. maybe you'll be the winner! :)

CLICK HERE

I think winter is finally here!

2012-01-12T21:46:00.000-08:00

We actually have snow! Bout time. It was sorta creepy for me being January with no snow in NY! lol

Just wanted to share a super cute photo from the birthday party I shot a couple of weeks ago.... the birthday boy was crawling on the floor... I think he likes me.. he always smiles so pretty lol. Love those big brown eyes! This was my 3rd shoot with him and I'm honored his family chose me again for their event. Thanks guys!!

Stay warm!

What have I been up to?

2012-01-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

I hope I haven't seemed to be MIA. Really, I'm not. :)

I've just been busy. I'm working on the photos from the birthday party I shot New Years Eve, and sipping a chai tea while I scarf down a couple of eggs and listen to the washing machine, my dishwasher, and Steve Perry is serenading me. lol. Ok but seriously, I've been up to a lot more than eggs, tea & editing & lusting that 80's mullet (totally joking). During winter, business slows down a bit, so instead of just collecting dust I've been working on me :) I did a boat load of decluttering and donated a ton of clothes, old toys from Abbys closet, some small decoration items, books, winter coats, and misc. items. That was refreshing! Rearranged a bit, made room in my office to set up my indoor studio when needed. (its ready to go whenever anyone needs it :)... just wanted to throw that in there lol.

Abby and I did our annual bell ringing for the Salvation Army at the mall in the same spot we do every year :) It's always so much fun to do and I love that she is learning to help others with enthusiasm. I'm also extremely excited to announce that she met her goal she set for herself to raise $252 for World Vision. She actually raised $272! She used that money to purchase seeds, tools, and training for orphans in Africa, and a foot powered water pump. I'm so proud to have an 8 yr old who goes so far out of her way to make a difference. She's a pretty awesome kiddo. :)

So did you guys make any new years resolutions? I think we all do lol. I made a new years resolution to cut down on purchases from large retail chains with products made overseas and try to shop more at local mom and pop stores. I know that sometimes this wont always be feasible, but I will do my best when I can and I have really enjoyed finding stores in my downtown district I didn't even know were there. I think more people can do this too and they dont realize it. I think us Americans shop too much. I think we buy too many things we really don't need. And if we saved that money we could be buying quality products at smaller stores that we DO need that will last us a long time. I understand a lot of people are really strapped for cash.... (I'm one of them)... and sometimes the only way we can get what we need is to shop at those larger stores like wal mart, kmart and target. I do. I admit it. Sometimes at night when I get bored, I go to wally world. lol So don't feel like I'm criticizing anyone who shops there. lol. Not at all. I'm just trying to be more conscious of where I put my finances. Also.. when you eat out... try to eat at local places instead of big chain restaurants. :) The change will be fun anyway! Think of what a difference it would make if more people shopped and ate at smaller places local to their community!!

And... *drum roll please*...... I finally joined the Y and I love it!!!!!!! Its a lot better than doing my walk outside in the snow and sliding all over. Yikes. lol. Plus now I'll use things I never did before. Abby was so excited when we got our cards and went up yesterday that she told me "Mommy I feel like doing a happy dance right here in the hallway!" lol.

I'm also going to be doing a lot more classes this winter. I can't wait to see what I learn and how my work improves. I don't want to go into too much detail right now.... I'm gonna let it be a surprise :) Hint.... its not cheap so y'all hire me so I can afford my tuiton! lol I'd love to get a local couple for some engagement portraits in the snow!! If you are that couple, email me at christine@cgwardphotography.com and I will offer you a generous discount for engagement portraits in the snow if you let me use them on my website (you'll be models and get awesome photos! :)

I'm stocked up on extra large canvases as well, so perhaps on really cold days I can stay in and start painting again. I had some fun painting on wine bottles and I have two wooden elephants I plan to do something funky on. lol. why not. I'll be selling more of my work on etsy as well.

Also, I am making little critters for your camera lenses to help children focus in the right spot for that perfect shot! So be sure to check out my etsy store to order yours. CLICK HERE

I finally got a real cell phone. I'm able to stay in touch with everyone via email and facebook while I'm on the go and can take better photos. Not as good as my equipment I work with obviously, but much better than before. So next time I have a post of cell phone photos for the year, you may actually be able to see what I was shooting lol.

and for now I guess that's it. My tea is cold. My eggs are consumed. Steve Perry left awhile ago and I'm going back to editing! Have a good day and an awesome New Year.

Dear Keurig

2011-12-28T12:45:00.001-08:00

Dear Keurig,

You do it so much better than my last coffee maker. And you give me what I need a lot faster too. I love that. I always hated when it took forever before. And you're not as messy as you know who. So I'm breaking up with my last coffee maker. He's old news. The only time I'll ever need him is for group coffee. And even then, I may still use you.

So what. I cheated. And they were wrong. The grass IS greener on the other side. But I hope you'll be a good coffee maker and understand, I won't be completely tamed. There will be days you expect me to play with you, but instead, I may have the urge to play with my espresso maker......... right next to you............... while you watch!!!!!!!!!!!! And if you're ok with that, we're going to have an awesome relationship and I'll be good to you too.

Love,
Chrissy

John Lennon-Happy Christmas the War is over

2011-12-24T14:55:00.000-08:00

Annual Salvation Army Bell Ringing

2011-12-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

every year the saturday before Christmas my daughter and I volunteer as bell ringers at our local mall. Boy was it a cold one this year!!! But we enjoyed it anyway. We bring a little boombox with us with a CD of christmas music to pass the time and make everyone smile. Abby sorta dances a little bit when she's greeting everyone and she's a people magnet. OK maybe we sway together while we sing along. lol. I used my cell phone to snap a picture of her. I hope we always do this together, even when she's not a little one anymore.

not able to respond to your comments...

2011-12-07T11:00:00.000-08:00

I've been trying ever since I had this blog to respond to many of the comments I've recieved... but I always get error messages... and I've checked my settings, I should be able to respond.. I can respond on other peoples blogs but it keeps telling me it doesnt recognize me as a user when I try to post on my own blog?? huh?? very strange. I just dont want any of you thinking I ignore you or anything, I really do try to respond to you! I just can't! sorry! :)

Hometown Holidays Glens Falls NY

2011-12-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

Last week the little city I live in had a hometown holidays celebration all week long in our downtown district. Each day had various happenings around town and we stepped out on friday to join in. We started at the queensbury hotel to "build a cookie" lol. Abby loved that. And while we were walking downtown Santa was walking around playing a saxaphone! :) He's good too, I had no idea Santa was a musician! lol

Gramma is gone....

2011-12-05T20:31:00.000-08:00

A few hours ago my grandma left this world. She had been very sick for awhile, so it was not a big shock when it happened. My Abigail took it worse than I thought she would... she had formed a bond with my gramma over the last couple of years. I think the shock has wore off for her & she went to sleep finally.

I wanted to thank everyone who worked at the nursing home she had been in, for everything you've done for her & our family. We appreciate it & I sympathize with you for how difficult your job can be in situations like this & I appreciate the friendship many of you have extended to me over the last several months.

I had taken a nap because of a migraine earlier today and while I was sleeping, I dreamt gramma passed away. In my dream I cried & accepted it & thanked God she wasn't suffering anymore. Then the phone rang and startled me awake... and I KNEW... without even looking at the caller ID, I knew it was THE call. Even though I was awake, it still felt like I was dreaming. Sure enough, it was my dad letting me know. I don't believe I'm psychic or anything like that, not at all, but I do believe sometimes God has ways of speaking to us, and He was telling me in my dream when it happened, and He prepared me for the news. It had started off as a great day hanging out with a good friend downtown & back home to chill with her... and then turned into a very sad day. I'm going to take a few days off from business for personal time.

My session for this weekend is still on. I know Gramma wouldn't want me to stop everything in my life and cry forever. So I'm going to do what gramma would tell me to do. Say a prayer, cry a little bit, and pick up the peices and carry on.

Thank you for everyone who has emailed me or called, I appreciate knowing I have friends and family who reach out to me during sad times. It helps me get through it. God has given me a very strong heart that I am thankful for, so pray for my family if you don't mind. Pray for my dad too. He loved his mommy & his birthday is coming up on Christmas and I don't want this to be a miserable year for him. Thank you.

Shalom.

Woof!!! Arf!!! (the cute little barks) lol

2011-12-01T11:19:00.001-08:00

baaybeez.. tutus.. & sock monkehs, say... "awwww"

2011-11-30T09:51:00.000-08:00

family!!

2011-11-30T09:42:00.000-08:00

an old friend of mine who seems way too young to be a grandmother lol..... had me come up for a visit and we did some photos for her grandsons first birthday! boy does time fly!!! Can't wait to do more with her this spring!! love those baby blues on her little man!!

what if black friday was boycott friday?

2011-11-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

So all this madness about Black Friday & going to check out the crowds for the first black friday of my life (I only bought a pack of batteries lol) & hearing horror stories got me thinking.... My family lost thanksgiving because of black friday shoppers...

IIIIII WONDERRRRRRR... what would happen to our economy if "the 99%", boycotted "black friday" & stopped buying things made in china at huge retail chains operated by the 1%, while the turkeys are still warm & instead, bought things from smaller stores in local shops that are american made..... I just wonder.... ya know.....

PCOS Cysters....

2011-11-19T17:29:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to open a discussion with all of you who have PCOS.... Lately I feel like it's kicking my butt. I'm trying really hard to drastically change my diet to help me out with my symptoms. Unfortunately a visit from strep throat to my home is sorta putting a damper on things lol. I have no energy lately. How are you guys doing?

the last of the autumn leaves!

2011-11-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

my last session in the mountains was the last I've seen of any of the beautiful autumn leaves! I'm going to miss them! But they'll be back next year! What a sweet little girl I did photos of!

Dear Mattel, I've got a bone to pick with you....

2011-11-02T21:36:00.000-07:00

I'm getting up on my soapbox again. Not like I did last time... but just for a minute.... lol. I'm not really angry about this..... just doing a lot of eye rolling over it and I am curious to know who the heck thought this was a good idea to invent?????????..... I have an issue with a Mattel toy. Actually... I have an issue about a few but this blog is about one particular toy. That would be "Sweet Talking Ken".

I ran into this one the other day while asking my daughter for ideas for Christmas and I literally stopped in my tracks and said outloud, "no freakin way dude" and then I looked at the box, I flipped it over... I read... and I literally stood there in the middle of the doll aisle of my local wal mart with a dumbfounded look on my face wondering if there was a hidden camera nearbye pulling one on me. Nope. It was real. Mattel has really invented a Ken doll for our daughters where our little girls can press a button on him, say what we want him to "say" to us and it plays back in his voice. It's called Sweet Talkin Ken and it LITERALLY tells our girls right on the box "You make me talk" "The ultimate boyfriend always knows the right thing to say" and in the bottom left corner features a little girl twirling her hair like a ditz with the caption next to her "oh Ken, you're such a sweet talker". The part with the little girl is what disturbs me most.

Haven't Disney movies and romantic comedies already given us females an unrealistic expectation level of our male counterparts?

The average girl who enters her tween years thinks she's a princess and will meet prince charming who will be PERFECT and gorgeous and adore her and sweep her off her feet. And then when they get to junior high and they find out that boys have the capability to think for themselves too, they're in shock, and the heartbreak and male bashing begins. Ha. lol.

here's the tacky toy.
http://shop.mattel.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11189063

My daughter won't ever get a toy like this. This is disapointing to see being marketed to little girls for me. Now if it were marketed to women my age.... I think it could actually be pretty funny and make a great gag gift. lol This shouldn't be in the barbie section on the bottom shelf marketed to our daughters. This thing should be in Spencers. lol. I just think its better suited to the older ladies who have already had their reality check who can actually laugh at the ridiculousness of this plastic sweet talking gadget. *shrugs*

You know....... I wish my husband had a button on his chest that I could press and say ....."sit down hunny.. let me do the dishes.... can I please rub your feet? Let me brush your hair..... You are GORGEOUS today baby, don't bother putting make up on. Can I cook something for you sweetness? I just want to hold you......... Kim Kardashian? Ew. She's disgusting, I'd rather look at your ass hunny....... "

I think I might buy myself that damn doll......

Trick or Treat!!!!

2011-10-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

Happy candy day! lol. did you take your critters out? We had a party at school & a parade AND we went to two malls and the local neighborhood for some candy gathering. lol. This was another year of a homemade costume for Abby, and we even used the same box as last year. She has declared we will keep using the same box each year and see what we can come up with. I like my Abby. She's original. *smile* Here are a few pictures from today. The first 2 are from her school party. I made a veggie platter and another mom made the punch with eyeballs lol. They went perfect together. Dont worry, there were plenty of cupcakes & cookies as well. lol.

oops.. i did it again. lol. I made this same display last year.

this lovely punch & eyeball concoction was made by another homeroom parent :) Cute huh?

and now for my "costume". I don't normally do anything for Halloween but this year Abby sorta begged me. So since I love peacocks.... why not? Even though peacocks are boys, peahens are girls, their coloring isnt as vivid, peacocks are the desired look when thinking of a peabird..... I found a make up tutorial on youtube to get me started and I tweaked it a bit. I also sprayed my hair blue, added green clip ins, homemade peacock feather hair clips, & gold glitter spray. I also used feather lashes & glue on rhinestones on my face. It (my makeup) stayed on all day too! Gotta love that revlon primer! lol

yes that is my natural eye color... i love how the bright colors made my eye color pop.

and last but not least... my favorite part of halloween... ABBY! And her homemade costume!! a Rubix Cube!!! She was a hit everywhere we went.... geeks my age totally appreciated this & weren't shy to high five her or pose for pictures with her. lol. And yes, she made out like a bandit... and mommy has already had too much candy..... Dude seriously Gertrude Hawk was giving out their chocolates...... meeeeoooowww! lol

(note.... abby has candy stuffed in her cheek in this photo!) ha

Want to win these FREE!!!!??? Yup! A FREEBIE FROM ME!

2011-10-30T00:03:00.000-07:00

Two of my favorite summer shots! The prints are GORGEOUS! The online photos do them no justice! They are watermark FREE of course in print..... and... if you go to my facebook page and follow the directions.. you could win one of them FREE!!! SO hop on over HERE to check it out! and enjoy the images!! What an awesome Christmas gift for the nature lover.. or for yourself!!!

Continental United States only please. To win, go to my facebook page, click "like" on my page, "share" the image(s) on your wall, and leave a message on my wall to let me know you shared, and which one(s) you shared so your name will be enterted into the drawing(s). Drawing is November 19th, 2011. Good Luck!! It's anybodys game!!

8"x10"

11"x14"

Senior Portraits

2011-10-26T18:05:00.000-07:00

I always try to do something unique with each of my seniors to represent their class year. This session we used leaves and posed on the green at the Golf Club!

so i had this idea & apparently... so did a few other people.... lol

2011-10-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

Ever have one of those "aha" moments where you think you've come up with something completely genius.. only to go onto google & discover.. there are other genius's just like you? It happens to me all the time. lol. Ok not all the time. But it has happened a few times.

I was trying to figure out a way to get the little ones to be more focused right where it counts... the lense. The Rubber Ducks have been such a success, I've ordered themed rubber duckys & now every child gets one from me at the end of a session. So I was working on a little design, a prototype if you will... for a critter or animal or toy to be attached to my lense. This way, they'll look right at it and prett much right where we want them to. I actually got out some elastic hairties & I was trying to figure out how to sew fabric over them to make them slip over my lense & sew on felt peices, buttons, googly eyes.. fun stuff. I'm crafty & creating something whimsical, colorful & fun wouldn't be a problem... it was the best way to get it onto an elastic... So I googled the idea just to see if anyone else had something simliar and low and behold.. there they were. and they're on etsy too. I saw several other people have used scrunchy hair ties that match the character you are creating. Genius idea!!! That was my missing link. So, I borrowed that part. lol. While I can't claim I was the original, because I'm obviously not, I can claim, the idea felt like it was birthed in my own mind, and the critters I am making, are most definetely my own creativeness. I've kind of been building them as I go. After I get a few prototypes created to sell I'll take pictures of them for my etsy store in case anyone else is interested. I'm working on a pink flamingo right now. But here are the few I've created so far. There will be LOTS more :)

tinkerbell lives down the road from me :)

2011-10-20T19:09:00.001-07:00

I took pictures of her last week :) She's a sweet pie! & she loves rubber duckys!!

Rubber Duckys!

2011-10-13T16:46:00.000-07:00

I started buying rubber duckys for my childrens and family sessions (with children) and it is now going to be a regular part of my routine. I have found that a little rubber ducky for each child really helps them focus, look where I need them to, keep them entertained & gives them incentive to smile like a good boy/girl for the "circle that catches smiles" (hey..... I gotta get creative lol) and at the end of their session.. they keep the squeaky quacker. So in the future, expect to see rubber duckys in my camera bag & to have a ducky per kid go home with you after your session ;) I've got yellow ones and cutsie novelty duckys ordered and on the way :)

last weekend! :)

2011-10-13T16:43:00.001-07:00

my camera bag & strap cover came last week!

2011-10-07T05:47:00.000-07:00

I was out of town so I wasn't here for its arrival, but I ordered a black and white damask (thats a shocker lol) handmade camera bag with a matching strap cover for my girl. Yes my camera is a girl. I got it from a lovely lady named Judy who has a store on etsy. I was searching for a black and damask camera bag months ago, typed in what I wanted on google and BAM photos of her camera bags popped up. It was a glorious moment. lol. I saved it to my favorites and ordered it a few weeks ago lol. I was a giggly little girl here in my chair when I realized there was actually a real live camera bag that looked like it was made just for me out there! And I just HAD to get my little hands on it. And finally, I have. *smile*

heres what I have

This bag was twice the size of the bag I had before. What I love about it, is the pockets inside that prevent my camera and lenses from rubbing against eachother.. which eventually makes everything look scratchy. With this bag, I can avoid all of that. Plus, organization. There are those times I have seconds to get my lense on to catch something, with this, I dont have to fiddle and panic. Did I mention its gorgeous? High quality too. Nice and thick but not really heavy. And the strap cover, makes my camera even more MINE and has a neat little pocket for my lense cap. The strap is perfectly padded and the camera strap cover adds cushioning that I desperately needed. The clips and buckles are very high quality and makes access to your equipment very easy. Putting everything back together or getting it out is a breeze.

When I first opened the box and pulled away the plastic... there she sat.... looking back at me... like it a was reunion with a long lost friend.. (ok maybe I'm a little melodramatic, it's early, I've only had one cup of coffee)... but seriously... it's like I heard angels singing.

I couldn't find a bag like this anywhere else. I searched and searched. It took a long time. Then I found one..... I ordered... waited for my beauty to be made and when she finally got here.... it was a happy moment for me lol. I can't wait for my appt tomorrow so I can toat this baby around. I'm proud of her ;)

Thank you Judy!!

I'm going to include the photos Judy has posted to advertise the bag :) These are her pictures not mine. :)

I give Judy's homemade camera bags and strap covers 3 thumbs up. I only have 2 thumbs up, but I still give it 3. Because this is my blog, and I can lol.

Thank you Judy!

Gosh I love the fall!

2011-10-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Fall is beautiful. And a perfect time for family portraits. I know I probably sound pretty monotonaus saying that, buts its so true. I have pumpkins & hay & mums for props right now if you want to use them! I was honored to do family portraits an old high school classmate and his family this past weekend. Gosh they're a good lookin bunch! Don't ya think?

"I miss my dad"...

2011-10-04T23:18:00.000-07:00

This drawing here was found by a dear friend of mine in the school journal of her 6 yr old first grader, Robert. Roberts dad, also very near and dear to my heart for many years, who to many is known as SPC "Goose", is serving our country overseas and has been gone from his family since April and is hoping to return this coming spring. She posted this photo on facebook for her husband "Goose" to see!

We love you Goose! Come home soon!!

aha!!

2011-09-29T12:10:00.001-07:00

The Autumn is here....

2011-09-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Another Season gone by! I was a bit hesitant to accept fall this year... which makes no sense as fall is my FAVORITE season.... I just wasn't quite ready to let go of summer.. because this last summer for me.... was about the most awesome I've had in many many years. I gave in a couple of weeks ago and switched out summer fruity scented candles for apples & cinnamon. I pulled out the sweaters & coats, bought some tall boots. Just went shopping for a haybale, pumpkins & mums for decor.... got some apple cider.... & warmed that to sip while I worked..... and I'm totally feeling the fall now. The leaves are changing where I live, and changing even more back up home, where I will be this weekend doing... guess.... autumn family portraits. Because it IS that perfect time of year.

I even changed up my website a bit to fit the season!

In the meantime, find some quiet time alone with a cup of hot apple cider & watch the leaves fall and listen to the breeze...... & if you want fall family portraits.. hit me up quick while photos are still on sale!

Cowboy Shots

2011-09-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I went out to Stony Creek to the Thousand Acres Golf Course/ Ranch Resort for some cowboy shots! What beautiful country it is out there... I had never been before. I was surrounded by mountains and changing leaves, peace, quiet, sky, streams, horses, and a cowboy named Bryan who I met through a mutual friend. My only complaint.. it was muggy and buggy. lol. But Bryan was so much fun to work with and the horses were so pretty... I really enjoyed myself. It also didn't hurt that Bryan was nice enough to let me spray his cologne in my car for the ride back. Totally g rated I swear. *wink* Thanks Bryan! It was absolutely.. awesome? yea.. being out there in such a pretty area and all those horses. It's been years since I've had horses around.. My grandfather used to own retired race horses and we got to play with them and baby them... but that has been forever. So when Bryan had me followed him into an open area with (he said) 39 horses walking around and some coming up to me like puppies sniffing my pockets for treats.... at first I was intimidated.. but then I got the giggles a bit. He was right, they were all very sweet & I liked being there. I'm sure all the pretty single girls will be hitting you on up facebook now Bryan! haha. You asked for it! LOL Cheers!!

what a wonderful birthday it was!!

2011-09-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my....... are you ready for this?..... 32 birthday! *gasp*. haha. No honestly I'm not one of those who freaked when I turned 30. I was actually looking forward to my thirties. And now that I'm IN my thirties, I can say, I'm loving it. Yesterday was one of the best birthdays I have had in ages and I wanted to thank everyone who went out of their way to make me feel loved & celebrate with me. I sorta felt like a kid again with all the party stuff & gifts & going out to "play" with my family (mom & dad too, don't worry mom I'll settle for second place.... you just got lucky this time... don't let it get to your head lol). Thank you to my awesome friend/former coworker Desiree who took me out for some girl time & excellent gourmet chocolate & coffee, to Lacey for everything you have done for me and made for me and all the birthday attention you have given me since I was 13 years old.... to my in laws for the wonderful gifts & dinners out last week, to my husband and daughter who surprised me with many gifts so sweetly wrapped in homemade paper all decorated by hand, can't wait to make myself an espresso tomorrow morning! (loved it! lol) and another special thanks to my husband who cleaned the ENTIRE house and did all the laundry and dishes! (sorry ladies he doesn't have a brother)..... to my grandparents and grandmother in law for the spending cash *smile*, to my mom and dad for coming down to visit us for a couple of days & take me out to play & eat & for the gifts & the home cooked meal! (I love my mommys cooking) and to the couple hundred friends and family and customers & former co workers who took the time to email me or snail mail me a card or leave me a message on facebook.... THANK YOU!!!! I felt like a birthday girl!! :) If I missed anyone in this blog I'm sorry! lol

It's the class of 2012 already!!

2011-09-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

It's the class of 2012 already and its a beautiful time of year to get Senior Portraits done! I'm running a special for you guys... One full hour session, includes 1 location change if you'd like, and a wardrobe change, 35 to 50 final edited photos (around 6 to 8 hours of editing) on disc with print release form, on sale for only $80! Yea seriously!! And..... $10 of that.. I will donate to the Breast Cancer Website to fund mammograms for low income women.

I did some Senior Portraits the other day for a beautiful young lady who I did prom pictures for last spring. She made me so proud when her second outfit included cowgirl boots. lol. Congratulations on your last year of high school Emily!

I put my money where my mouth was!

2011-09-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

Just for the record, because I gave everyone my word.... I went ahead and gave my first September donation to the Breast Cancer Site in response to my viral blog "regarding the facebook breast cancer awareness game". I donated $10 from each photo session I've had this month and 10% of my Breast Cancer Awareness T Shirts sold. It's so EASY to donate! Did you know you can donate as little as $1 if that's all you have to spare? Just think of the impact facebook users could have made if the players of the fake pregnancy game could have donated $1 to fund mammograms for low income women instead of updating their status message? Wow! So..... I ran my mouth... and I put my money where I promised. And I will continue to donate as promised for the rest of September & October just like I said I would. If you are interested in joining me and donating (even just a dollar helps!) You can go RIGHT HERE to do it! And if you live in my area & are interested in having new family pictures done... now is a great time! Not only is the foilage perfect.... My one hour packages are on sale for $70.... and $10 of that goes to the Breast Cancer Website!! So we all win! lol

Cheers!!!

Greek Fest Schenectady ~ Fotia Hellenic Society

2011-09-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

Last week I drove down to Schenectady for the annual Greek Fest at St George Greek Orthodox Church/Hellenic Center. Abby & I had. a. blast. If you live anywhere near Schenectady, NY., you have GOT to go at least once in your life. I went to the Greek Fest near my home in South Glens Falls last month, but missed the Fotia Hellenic Society Dancers. I was so bummed, but.... hope came back when I was told they put on an even bigger show in Schenectady. I came home and marked my calendar. :)

So Abby & I made it a mother/daughter day. I have a little bit of Greek in me... not much.. but enough that I feel special lol. We LOVED, pretty much everything there! We even took a church tour & I learned quite a bit about the Greek Orthodox faith thanks to Rev. Fr. Paul Panos. Which was nice because I have photographed a Greek Orthodox Church before and I had no idea half of what I was looking at lol. Don't worry I didn't touch anything or walk anywhere I wasn't supposed to! lol But now I know what a lot things are that I didn't before! lol. It was very interesting and very very beautiful & Fr. Paul was such a sweet man! I think it's impossible to chat with him and not like him.

When it was time for dinner, I ordered us each a gyro (not pronounced like you probably think it is lol). It was fabulous! We loved the live music by The Aegeans (honestly they were fantastic), the vendors, (we did a little trinket shopping), and LOVED watching the dancing. By the end of the night Abby was learning some steps from some of the other children who danced and she was joining in. It wound up being a great party and a very fun experience. We stayed a lot longer than we had anticipated, and it was well worth it!!! I'm so glad I drove all the way down to see them & I have plans to go back next year! Thank you so much St. George Church & thank you Fotia Hellenic Society for the wonderful show! I loved reading your story about your group on your webpage as well! You get two thumbs up from me & two from Abby as well! lol

I packed lightly when it came to what I had to shoot with... so at times lighting was slightly tricky. Here are just a few of what I came home with. Enjoy! You can also find the Fotia Hellenic Society on facebook! Be sure to go click "like" on their page! They're a great group!!

Share your blog with us!

2011-09-08T03:53:00.000-07:00

I've found several of your blogs for those of you following me and they're great! Share a comment on this thread with a link to your blog to share with me and my followers!

For those of you in the drought.....

2011-09-06T02:39:00.000-07:00

I have family in Texas who is telling me how dry it is down there..... we're thinking about you! I wish I could send my rain I am having right now down to you and spray it everywhere and water everything that needs it so desperately!!!! I'm so sad to hear about the fires because of this! It has me worried sick about everyone!!! If anyone on my list is in that dry region.. how are things for you?

This always brings a tear to my eye.....

2011-09-04T23:42:00.001-07:00

A Snoodle's Tale. One of my FAVORITE Veggie Tales of all time. I first watched it when Abby was a toddler & I remember getting a little teary eyed at the end. What a wonderful message we could all learn from this! I think the writers & producers of Veggie Tales are absolutely brilliant. Wonderful lessons, cute cartoons, witty humor,... it's a win in this mommy's book! Be sure to turn my music off at the bottom before clicking "play". :)

Thank You

2011-09-03T21:29:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely speechless, and amazed, and honored, to hear from the wonderful people who have shared their stories with me. I am in complete awe. I feel privileged and humbled. Thank You from the bottom of my heart....

Hearing your words has made it all worth it. You have inspired me & brought tears to my eyes, literally. Again, thank you.

Many Blessings to you all.
CgW

T SHIRTS AVAILABLE FOR BREAST CANCER AWARENESS!

2011-09-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

NEW PRODUCTS AVAILABLE!

CLICK HERE TO ORDER

*hint* they actually look much prettier when printed!

Ladies t shirts now available.

Available in S,M,L,XL,2X

made to order

for $30-$35 includes FREE shipping & a

10% donation to the Breast Cancer Site!

As soon as I get mine in, I'll snap a picture of me in it so you can see how it looks when printed and worn! :)

Cheers!

I just wanted to clarify something, as I just got an email from someone who didn't quite understand this.... I am not making a big profit off of this at all. Like actually. as of last nite, I sold 1 shirt. The reason the shirts are so expensive is because of the price I am being charged. The company asked me to pay for the shirt, pay $5 per shirt to upload my logo there I designed, print the shirt, mail it to me, so I can then mail it to you. I am lucky in the end IF I make $2 per shirt (less actually, sold one shirt, in the end, I made .80 cents, $3.50 went to the Breast Cancer website, the rest was all fees, costs, taxes & shipping) for myself for all of my work and organizing this. The larger donation is going to Breast Cancer Awareness, believe me. This is not about me and it never was. If you know of a place where I can upload my own logo to a t shirt and have it printed and shipped SUPER CHEAP please by all means, let me know and I will GLADLY change who I am ordering through so I can lower my prices! thank you!

and here are photos sent to me via facebook by the lovely lady who purchased a shirt!

$10 from each session going to the Breast Cancer Site!

2011-09-03T14:40:00.000-07:00

For every one Hour Session, Couples Session, Childrens, Maternity, Infants, or Boudoir, during the months of September & October, $10 will go to the Breast Cancer Site! Give me a call NOW while the scenery is amazing!

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

You could get portraits you'll love AND help support a noble cause! 524-4192 or christine@cgwardphotography.com

I look forward to working with you!

Breast Cancer Chemo Cut

2011-09-03T02:11:00.000-07:00

Senior Portrait Sale Extension!!

2011-09-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

I know not all of you have the time to cram in a senior portrait session before summer is over, and sometimes it's easier during the school year to get them done.. not to mention the beautiful landscapes we get during the autumn here.... so I've decided to extend my senior portrait sale until the end of October!

You get one full hour of shooting.
This gives us plenty of time for you to change your wardrobe & even shoot at 2 locations! :)
You will have at LEAST 50 final EDITED portraits on disc with a print release form
Only $80!! Normally $100.
AND.... $10 of your payment will go to the Breast Cancer Website!!
You will look fantastic!!

I can also order enlarged prints for Mom & Dad to hang up! Email me or call me! christine@cgwardphotography.com or 524-4192

See YOU soon!!!

My Pretteh Kittehs!

2011-09-01T16:14:00.000-07:00

This is what happens when you have 2 female cats & an 8 yr old daughter. I dare PETA to whine about this. Trust me, my cats are spoiled, well loved, little babies. They purred the entire time.

This is Greycie Girl.

And this is Libby Lou

Greycie again.....

PS. Libby's Lipstick is STILL on!

New products available!!!!

2011-09-01T13:37:00.001-07:00

http://www.cgwardphotography.com/printed_portrait_prices

so I've added more products for you to order with your photos! let me know what you think!!! :)

new facebook profile picture :)

2011-09-01T10:59:00.001-07:00

A little mood lightener...

2011-09-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

I borrowed these from a friend of mine :)

Regarding the facebook "Breast Cancer Awareness Games"

2011-08-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

***THIS is my blog. I am aware there are other "copies" going around the internet. It has been brought to my attention many of them have been "edited". This is the one to read. ;)

**NOTE SEPT 2nd 2011, 2:55 pm eastern time. I am overwhelmed at the response I received from this blog entry. I never imagined in a million years how many others would be so understanding, including those who played the game. Thank you. I would also like to apologize ahead of time for my lack of writing skills. lol. I am not a writer or journalist. I am simply a woman, with feelings. I never meant for this to become viral. So, point being, please don't let my writing inabilities take away from the point I am trying to make. I was simply defending the infertile community, the TRUE Breast Cancer Awareness Cause, and then, myself as I was personally attacked. This blog was NOT written to attract attention. Apparently it has. Whoops. I had no idea the masses of eyes that would stumble upon this.

A couple readers pointed out that by THIS blog post I am doing exactly what the creator of the game wanted; to bring breast cancer awareness. Well... I just don't think they planned on me coming along. lol. My destiny can not possibly be that special lol. But I am very glad that by getting up here on my soapbox (I'm really short, I need one lol), that I did make it (the game) about Breast Cancer Awareness again; as it should have been in the first place. That doesnt mean their game worked, it means the people who protested it did.

We have recieved THOUSANDS of letters from hurt & confused people with valuable emotions who felt this way. We have yet to hear of one single person who has actually scheduled a mammogram due specifically to THIS game. There doesn't seem to be a mass exodus of women rushing to their Dr's right now because their co-workers, sisters, teenage daughter posted a facebook status message that made them think they were pregnant for a few hours. ONLY hurt and confused people, and still, men who are left clueless. That says it all.

I love the ideas from commenters! Many of you have opened my eyes as well! Thank you!!!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Warning. I'm long winded. lol.

Ok I'm going to be the party pooper. :( I know someone will get offended & try to judge me in return for my feelings. I hope instead of being angry, if you participated in the latest facebook "breast cancer awareness game", that instead, you will open your heart and listen to me and maybe be able to see things from a different perspective. Pretty please? Our circumstances tend to be the basis for our opinions right? Ok. :) So here's a different point of view.

Last year a game was started on facebook, to "raise breast cancer awareness". Women emailed other women, to keep it a "secret from men" (which slices the possible amount of awareness spreading in half immediately), of how to play, to post their bra color as their status, so men would wonder what the fuss was all about, and somehow, this was helping to raise breast cancer awareness. Maybe because bra's are for breasts, that was the link *shrugs* When you get a minute, read that story about the bra game from a survivors point of view. It's worth it. Short read. Informative.

CLICK HERE FOR A SURVIVORS OPINION ON THE BRA GAME

Then it became posting where you like to leave your purse by saying "I like it on _____", so you were left with a sexually suggestive status message. For instance, "I like it on the chair in my office" Again, I'm having difficulty understanding how this helps anything related to breast cancer. And what is the point in "hiding it from men", when men TOO can be the victims of breast cancer... but many don't know.. because nobody tells them! I mean, if we were really trying to raise awareness, we'd want it to reach everybody, right?

Then we were told in secret, to post our shoe size, but in inches, with a sad face after it, another sexually persuaded status message. So I guess if you have big feet, or small feet... well you get it. In the end, most people had NO idea it had anything to do with Breast Cancer Awareness. :( If you did. Cool. I'm glad. But I have found that the majority of folks, had no idea.

Now another game is being played. This particular game, was when I had enough and felt I needed to speak up. I was going to keep my mouth shut, but then I saw dozens of people I am in touch with online voice the same hurt I felt. So here I am talking about it. We now have women on facebook pretending to be pregnant by choosing a number representing their birth month, and birthdate. Yea seriously. The birth month states how many weeks "pregnant" you are, and the birthdate claims what you are craving". There was a cryptic chart being emailed from women to other women via facebook with a list to choose from as far as "weeks" and "cravings". For instance, had I played the game, my facebook status message would have said, "I am 13 weeks and craving gummy worms!"

When someone figures out that it's a game and that person is not really pregnant, they are not an ounce more educated about breast cancer than before they fell for it. :) They're actually probably either extremely annoyed, upset, or just laughing at being thankful that someone WASN'T pregnant.

I'm not playing this game. As it appears, I can not have anymore children due to health issues and an ovarian disorder. I have one child. My Abby who is 8 years old, who, yes for the record, I appreciate and love to the core!!! If you look at the rest of my blog, you will clearly see that. :)

I suffer from secondary infertility. That means I can not have anymore children even though I have had one. An estimated 15% of americans, (more than 5 million people) suffer from infertility. This means, someone you love, who wants a child and deserves one, can not have one (who is likely on your friends list). My husband and I have tried since we got married to have a baby, pretty much every month. My daughter really wants a brother or sister. We have tried vitamins, bettering our health, counting days, taking temperatures, creams, ovulation kits, you name it, even taking unsolicited advice from friends and family. Everything we can do besides invitro, as we can not afford it. I did conceive in March of 2009, but miscarried around 4 weeks after conception, when I did not yet even know I was pregnant. We were devastated. As you can imagine, pretending to be pregnant as a joke, is downright vulgar to me. It would PAIN my family and friends who have been praying for us for years for me to jest of pregnancy on facebook and then say "just kidding!".

From this game, I witnessed someones mother become ELATED at thinking she was about to be a grandmother by her daughters (newlywed at that) participation in the "game". It took nearly a day for her daughter to sign back onto facebook (I'm assuming she has a job :) ) and tell her she would email her; the email that informed her that no blessing was on its way. I haven't seen that girls mother say much since then on her page in the last few days. Is it related to her post? I don't know. Maybe not. But, nonetheless, at least for a bit there I imagine she felt like a dream come true for her had just been ripped out of her chest. But hey, it was for charity right? I mean, come on, it's for a good cause, why should anyone say anything bad about it! I'm not alone in feeling this way. Maybe if you played along, your family and friends don't mind that kind of humor. Ok cool. If you're that confident that absolutely nobody on your friends list wasn't disapointed or felt awkward after, then hats off to you. And for the record, I recieved about a dozen emails just from other moms who experienced something similiar. One of them was so excited, she called her husband at work, her sisters, and they all started to celebrate and squeal in excitement. She is so hurt, she doesn't even know how to talk to her daughter about it :( . Doesn't that just break your heart?

And keep in mind, and this one is important folks, many of the young breast cancer survivors who won the battle, are now INFERTILE from the treatments they needed to fight breast cancer. So I imagine a mockery of pregnancy "on their behalf" via a facebook status message is probably adding insult to injury. :( not cool.

I'm the sure next comment will be... "yes but now people are more aware of Breast Cancer Awareness because of the game". Again.. this. whole. thing. is. an Epic. Fail. All this has done is cause strife and divided us as women. Not drawn us together. Not taught us anything about a serious medical issue at all. It is still pointless and a bit unintentionally, insensitive. Non productive for sure.

We know nobody meant to hurt anyone. Of course not. Nobody is being mean in return by asking folks to please stop or try to understand how hurtful this can be. But when you tell someone "lighten up" after they say "ouch", that's when it feels personal. Instead, just say, "I didn't think of it that way". Because we know you probably didn't. What ever happened to a good old fashioned apology without a "but, but, but!", right after it? I'm not lashing out at the people who sent it to me, gosh I know you probably meant nothing by it. I still love all of you :), promise! I know that no one intentially hurt me by sending it or by playing it. But I feel confident that when they decided to play, they weren't feeling a passion for raising Breast Cancer Awareness, but rather a bit of a giggle inside of pulling the legs of the people on their facebook friends list and eagerly waiting the reaction they got. Come on guys, you know you did that. lol. I wonder how many of you were excited for those who took the bait and actually emailed them and said "Ha! Got your attention! I love you and it's important to me that you get a Breast Exam", and they responded "Why yes, that's a fabulous idea! Had you not pretended to be pregnant, I would have never thought of that!" And if you were one of the few who WERE thinking about Breast Cancer Awareness, I'm super proud of you. Honestly. Maybe siking your friends & family out into thinking you've been given a blessing is that much fun to you, ok, fine. If you enjoy that kind of shock value, have at it I suppose. Maybe it is funny for some people. But to connect it to breast cancer awareness is hardly justified or tactful. We all love it when we pull a good clean trick on someone, myself included. But please try to understand, this, is very, very, tacky. I understand that spreading Breast Cancer Awareness is a very important cause, but this idea, wasn't very well thought out for the cause at all. Not to mention the rumor mill that will come from those who are new to facebook and not internet savvy who saw someone post a pregnancy and doesn't check their page often or have any clue what is going on. You watch. There be those peeps out there, yo. *wink* lol. And now the loads and loads of teenagers and scared and angry parents who were affected by this game are coming out of the woodworks. And NONE of them are talking about Breast Cancer Awareness.

We're just asking for understanding, and a better effort. Unfortunately, some people can't stand it when they accidently do something wrong and instead of trying to learn anything or think with their heart, they stomp their feet and throw toys. Instead, we ask that you please sample a slice of humble pie. It's good for the soul!

Yes, I know; we judge others based on their actions and ourselves based on our intentions. It is a human flaw and it's not fair of us. I don't see how a passionate intention to help spread Breast Cancer Awareness could have ever been the focal point in starting this game. This was a game that never should have had the Breast Cancer Awareness Cause pinned onto it.

Let's find more productive respectful ways to spread awareness instead of using silly facebook status messages. As a society, we have just GOT to be more creative than THAT. Mmm hmmm. I believe that in my heart of hearts. We can do better! *big smile* You know which one really worked that WAS funny and WAS focused on Breast Cancer Awareness!? The "feel your boobies" campaign! :) When I first saw this, I can tell you, I remember it. It was on my friend Renee's myspace page about 4 years ago. I cracked up laughing & I said to myself "well yea I guess you do have to feel your boobies to see if theres anything weird there, that makes sense". And honest to God, I gave myself an exam. I felt my boobies! And you know what, I found an OWIE! Turns out, it was just a fluid pocket & cutting down on caffeine can help it. PHEW! (and I learned that malignant tumors doesn't exactly = pain.) I have fibrocystic breast tissue. I wouldn't have known that or what it was even called or how to check for changes had my friend Renee not said "FEEL YOUR BOOBIES!" lol

Now THAT!!! Up there! That is great marketing! It's colorful humor, is what helps it get passed around... cause I know.. it's gotta be catchy and attractive to get it out there... BUT... it is so obvious what it's about so it's right on the point and DOES in fact make you think about getting a mammogram or doing at home self breast exam!!!! *big smile*

There were a few passionate ridiculers who felt pretending to be pregnant was a noble deed, who sent me hate mail. (Not very many, no worries, maybe only like 5) Apparently not only do I live with infertility, but now it is my responsiblity, my albatross to carry, to suffer in silence, while a very tasteless game is played in the name of a very serious cause. And again, I am not alone. I am just one of many many many.

Thinking that this is tacky is not being judgemental either. And please, don't try to use my faith against me. I actually had someone try to tell me that as a Christian, I shouldn't feel this way. I'm sorry, I disagree. It's called discernment, not judgement. Jesus Himself got angry when He saw something that was wrong. And He never sinned. Being a Christian or Jew or a Muslim or an Athiest or whatever you are, doesn't mean we aren't allowed to think & feel anger. Yes we are to control it. Sometimes our anger can be processed in a productive way to make wonderful things happen! God feels anger when something wrong is done does He not? It is not a sin for me to feel this way. I can "discern" that this isn't such a fabulous game. It wasn't a very well thought through idea. Just like when I see someone screaming at their small child in the store and cussing & acting like a fool. I'm not judging their parenting skills. I can discern that they need to calm down & learn more affective ways of parenting.

We are all AWARE of breast cancer. Being aware of it doesn't make you immune to it. You can be a Dr. who treats breast cancer patients and become a victim yourself, correct?

If you played the game, I guarantee you there is someone on your friends list who saw you post your fake pregnancy, and for a moment, she was reminded of her empty aching womb, preparing herself to congratulate you, because she loves you, and yes, she IS truly happy for you if you ever do get pregnant, please know that. She went through the emotions that come with such a sensitive situation for her, and she probably cried. And when she found out it was all a joke, she probably felt anger and pain and learned NOTHING about Breast Cancer Awareness.

This is blog post is NOT a guilt trip. If you played & you feel bad now, let it go. Here's a hug! (((HUG))) I don't want you to feel guilty. I want you to feel inspired! And I want you to feel your boobies!! Haha!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm all for being proactive. I have a plethora of ideas to help you be more proactive too!

Next time you get paid, donate some money to your favorite Breast Cancer Awareness Charity. There are so many to choose from.
You could even donate to a local clinic that treats breast cancer patients who can't afford their treatments.
If you know someone who has breast cancer, go to her house after she's had chemo and help take care of her and cook for her family and clean her house so she doesn't have to. Be her friend. Be sensitive to her needs.
Ask her that if you faked a pregnancy on facebook, if that would help her get through her battle.

Here are some examples to help you understand more if you still don't quite see the big deal. For instance, I'm against animal testing for cosmetics. I can pretty much promise you being "facebook pregnant" isn't going to help make people realize how bad it is or stop big companies from doing it anyway. I'm also all for promoting Autism Awareness. Autism has affected a few children in my extended family. I don't think people realize how common it is. If I started a game emailing women in secret saying "Don't send this to men, leave them clueless, but post your status as the last time you vaccumed but say it like this, 'I did it yesterday' or 'I did it this morning', and we can spread autism awareness!" Really? Does that really help spread the word for a cause??

Oh wait here's an idea! Let's have all the men, email each other, and not women, and all post their shoes size on their status messages but end it with inches.... to help spread prostate cancer awareness!!! For instance.. my husbands status message would say "10 1/2"!!! See how easy that was to help!??!! Wait... what do you mean we didn't help..... Oh..... well it's ok, my heart was in the right place and that's what matters. *wink*

I am pretty confident this "game" was started by someone who will never know what it is to ache and pray for a child and to not be able to have one, or who isn't close to someone who goes through the same monthly pain I do. You may roll your eyes in irritation when your dear Aunt Flo (period) shows up for her visit, but many times I clean myself up while I CRY!!!!! And your infertile friend or cousin, well, she does too. And then when I let my husband know and I see the disapointment in his eyes too. If you've never been through that on a consistant basis, please don't judge me or my lack of enthusiasm for this whole fad, or your friends who are going through it.

Breast Cancer Awareness is a noble cause. It deserves better treatment and publicity. Nobody who is truly passionate to the core for breast cancer awareness would be proud of a game that has not been effective in spreading breast cancer awareness, but only the hurt feelings of many of its sufferers.

ADOPT! Ok, well, for those of you who seem to think adoption is so easy and afforable for us all and are rude enough to insult me because I have not gone that route yet, trust me, I've thought about it. A LOT. I didn't get to tell my ENTIRE story in ONE blog! My journey with infertility is still young, I am only 31 yrs old (32 in a couple weeks, those of you who actually tracked my birthday from the game already knew that lol) . I may very well adopt someday. I'm sort of adopted myself. *big smile* and I'm an only child! :) And if it really means THAT much to you that I do adopt immediately, I'll give you my address so you can send me the money to pay for it. *smile*

I know things can always be worse. That's true for pretty much the entire population. Just keep in mind, there are no winners in the Pain Olympics.

I am stepping off of my soapbox now. I hope at least one person who played the game can see it through a different set of eyes and understand how tasteless and tacky and useless that "game" is.

NOW HERES Something to pass on via facebook that IS productive! You can CLICK a simple button right from where you are sitting, to give FREE mammograms!!!! Yay!!!

CLICK HERE TO HELP! <no seriously its really quick and simple and useful!

and join them on facebook! they have some GREAT easy to share "pass alongs" that are productive and cute!!!!

THE BREAST CANCER SITE ON FACEBOOK <great stuff to click "share" on you'll love!

Best Wishes! Hugs! Smiles!
CgW

UPDATE. I have received an overwhelming positive response from so many people today after I posted this blog entry. I have had thousands of strangers contact me. It turns out, many many women, and men too, were upset over this "game" and I was not alone. I would like to mention, many of those responses were from Breast Cancer Survivors, who agreed that posting a facebook status message suggesting a possible pregnancy, does nothing for Breast Cancer Awareness, or treatment for those living with Breast Cancer. I've had Dr's contact me & thank me. Women who experienced negative backlash from playing the game because they accidently hurt feelings of their family members who believed they were pregnant. Widowers who thought it was senseless. And a man who has breast cancer who had no idea it was even possible until he was diagnosed! If you could read the comments in my inbox, you would know exactly why I spoke up. Trust me. It was worth it. I would like to thank everyone who has left me supportive comments and for taking the time to tell us your story and experience with this topic. We have opened many eyes. I have decided to leave this post on my blog.

Still not sure it really bothered anyone? Scroll down and read the comments ;)

a survivors perspective <warning, she speaks her true feelings. Good read.

more about me :)

CHEERS!

©C.G. Ward 2011

I put my money where my mouth has been and I donated $10 from each session I've had since I wrote this blog and 10% of my tshirt sales to the Breast Cancer Site at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com/

https://www.thebreastcancersite.com/store/item.do?siteId=224&itemId=40805

I hope you'll join me!!!!

Abbys Dream Fundraiser Progress

2011-08-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much to those of you who sent a donation to my daughters World Vision Fundraiser she is doing! So far she has raised $100 of her $252 goal. She couldn't have raised it without the donations from the generous people who mailed her funds. Thank you thank you thank you!

For those of you who don't know about it, my 8 yr old daughter Abigail is raising money for a World Vision fund to purchase a foot powered water pump, seeds, gardening tools and training for a family in Africa. $200 is for the pump. $52 is for the seeds tools and training. She is very excited to do this.

It may take her a little longer than anticipated to raise the money (she was hoping by the end of summer) but we will continue this until she reaches her goal. Being that she is only 8, I am helping her keep track of the funds and put them in the bank in a seperate account specifically for her fundraiser.

If you are interested in sending a donation of any amount to Abbys Dream (she also has a facebook page for this) feel free to contact me at christine@cgwardphotography.com ! I will be sure the donation is taken care of! As soon as she reaches her goal we will let everyone know! Donaters also get a super sweet handwritten "thank you note" from Abby. lol.

Here is a picture of Abbys progress poster as of now,

http://cgwardphotography.blogspot.com/2011/07/i-am-so-proud-i-could-just-pop.html

Oh. Em. Gee.

2011-08-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

The world is indeed coming to an end.

I wonder what Mattel will think of next. *blink, blink*

Vincent Van Gogh Facts

2011-08-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

Vincent had an older brother who died at birth. His name was also Vincent van Gogh.

Van Gogh was close friends with Paul Gauguin, another famous artist.

Van Gogh suffered from temporal lobe epilepsy as well as other mental and physical conditions.

Vincent shot himself in a wheatfield in Auvers, France but did not die until 2 days later at the age of 37.

Vincent’s brother Theo died six months after Vincent and is buried next to him in Auvers, France.

Vincent’s brother’s wife collected Vincent’s paintings and letters after his death and dedicated herself to getting his work the recognition it deserved.

In a short period of ten years Van Gogh made approximately 900 paintings.

Vincent only sold one painting during his lifetime and only became famous after his death.

Vincent van Gogh did not cut off his ear. He only cut off a small portion of his ear lobe.

Van Gogh created his most famous work The Starry Night while staying in an asylum in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, France.

Vincent’s earliest career aspiration was to be a pastor in the Dutch Reformed Church like his father.

Van Gogh wrote over 800 letters in his lifetime. The majority of them written to his brother and closest friend Theo.

http://www.vangoghgallery.com/misc/fun_facts.html

Deer... Home Sweet Home Part X

2011-08-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

I got lucky enough to find this family of deer on the side of the road in Saranac Lake on my way back to Tupper Lake right outside of my old high school. Literally in the yard right outside of the track. I got so many shots because they seemed pretty friendly and didn't seem to mind me snapping away and talking to them. I made a lot of eye contact with them and got nervous at one point when one started to approach me a little too close for comfort. lol. So I backed up for a minute. I think I was being inspected for a snack honestly. But I couldn't help but picture one of those scenes from that TV show Worlds Dumbest when that guy got trampled and got his butt whooped by a deer with its skinny little kicking legs when he got too close. I didn't want to be that guy so I relied on the zoom to "get me" close enough to them lol.

Waterfalls Past Keene Valley... Home Sweet Home Part IX

2011-08-27T06:20:00.000-07:00

This can be seen from the highway when you pass Keene Valley. I recommened pulling over to look at it or take pictures lol. Its in a windy road on the left not long after you pass the village.

Sunrise In Tupper... Home Sweet Home Part VIII

2011-08-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

The morning after I watched the sunset alone, I decided to get my Abby girl up with me the next morning to go watch the sunrise! We drove down to the bridge on Simon for this. On the left side when you are headed towards the bog, and out by our last home (beautiful place) you can be lucky enough to capture this view if you show up at the right time. We made a memory here. This was so cool.

Campsite Waterfalls... Home Sweet Home Part VII

2011-08-27T05:55:00.000-07:00

My dad drove us out here. I can not remember where it is. But we dead ended at a campsite and took a small hike.

Wilmington Area... Home Sweet Home Part VI

2011-08-27T05:50:00.000-07:00

The Sun Setting over Tupper Lake... Home Sweet Home Part V

2011-08-27T05:45:00.000-07:00

One night during my visit I took a cruise down to the park at the lake for some pictures. I eventually found myself sitting on the docks alone watching the sunset. Well not completely alone. I was visited by some curious seagulls double checking to see if I had any food for them. lol. Which I didn't. Sorry guys. lol

Indian Trail Off Rt 3 -Home Sweet Home Part IV

2011-08-26T21:26:00.000-07:00

This is a neat little place right off of Rt 3 between Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake. Abby hiked back there with me a bit and we even saw some cute mushrooms on the ground that looked like little Smurf houses. lol.

Adirondack Loj Rd, Home Sweet Home, Part III

2011-08-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Yes I spelled that correctly. That is how they spell it there on the sign :) Many years ago when I was a teenager.... I was 16 actually... ok.. so half my life ago lol.... I went to a 2 week long Wilderness Youth Camp down at the Adirondack Lodge. One of the most memorable experiences of my life. Loved it. And I've always loved the view from the very front of this road heading back. So many different colors in the fields!! It looks like God Himself painted it!! These photos were shot directly from the side of the road. :)

Keene Valley.. Home Sweet Home Part II

2011-08-26T20:52:00.000-07:00

this is just one of those little stops you can take on the side of the road that you see everywhere in the Adirondacks. If you drive by.. you'll miss all the good stuff. If you pull over in the little parking area and walk down the trail... you'll see this...

The Cascades... Home Sweet Home Part I

2011-08-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful view! I love driving through the casades when I'm headed to visit my family! I also enjoy picking up family at the airport in Albany and taking a trip through here when we're headed back home. People who aren't from this area love the view.

I have so many pictures from the last few days, so I'm breaking them down into categories to share them with you. First, being the cascades. :) There is only one mountain called Cascade Mountain, however, us locals call the entire area, the cascades. :) Notice the highway in some of the pictures!? Its a gorgeous view driving through. :)

shooting the cascades today!

2011-08-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

Finally! LOL I've been ancy to do this for awhile and today's my big day! I'll be taking my time driving through the cascades today making multiple stops for some great photos. I've wanted to do this since way before I ever decided to become a photographer. As a teenager I was always so excited to drive through them. I've even hiked a couple of mountains in this area. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world to me! I can see why my ancestors loved these mountains so much. It feels like home here. Such a clean, majestic place to be. I'm packed up, pretty much ready to go. I just have to go make some sammiches now lol.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cascade_Mountain_(New_York)

2nd Annual ADK Greek Festival

2011-08-22T12:02:00.000-07:00

It was nice! I'm still bummed I missed the dancers! Turns out they had another prior engagement and were accidently double booked so they could only dance once earlier in the evening and had to leave. *pout*. I was really looking forward to that. But luckily I found out they will be at the Greek Fest in Schenectady in Sept and I've already made arrangements to be there. But it wasn't a total loss!

Before I even made it out of the parking lot from my car I was immediately greeted by two very friendly St. George Church members who let me know where everything was so I didn't wander around aimlessly (sometimes this happens to me lol). I knew right away if they had people that friendly in the parking lot, there would probably be more inside. They were also very gracious in allowing me to enter their sanctuary to take some photos. It was beautiful inside!!!!! Being of the protestant faith, there were several things inside I wasn't familiar with the meaning of, but I was intrigued by the beauty of the artwork. Naturally and respectively, I made sure not to touch anything. lol. I'll share some pictures from inside the church as well as the party. I have several friends who are Greek and of the Greek Orthodox faith, I'll have to ask them what some of what I saw was. :)

Afterwards I headed over to the party. There was food everywhere! Even outdoors! I'm told I should have expected this lol. Games for kids, prizes to be won. Totally bummed I didn't have my Abby with me, but she'll be with me for the next one for sure. The aromas made my tummy rumble but I really didn't want to get food on me or my camera. But next time (in september), I'm digging in & bringing Abby with me. lol. So I feasted with my eyes instead.

Inside I was greeted by even more friendly faces, beautiful music, and MORE food and desserts, as well as some great Greek Novelties, religious items and jewelry. I got a kick out of the hats, t shirts and aprons. Now if I ever find one that says "I'm only part Greek, but that's good enough", then I'm in. lol. The room was decorated very much as what I would expect for a party or even a small wedding reception. There were families eating together, visiting, and children playing on the dance floor together. Very friendly atmosphere.

I wound up buying a bracelet for my Abby & socialized with some sweet ladies & even learned a trick to improve my own baklava recipe. We exchanged business cards & she'll be emailing me her full recipe, although I think I can remember pretty well. Such nice people running the show at Greek Fest and I really enjoyed myself.
Thank you St. George's Church of South Glens Falls for your generosity and hospitality!

Regarding modeling for C.G. Ward Photography

2011-08-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to clarify what it means to model for me. :)

Occasionally I need new material to work with, whether it be for a class, a contest, artistic purposes, or to advertise and I will search for local people in my area to model a certain "category" for me. Many photographers (not all!) go to local modeling agencies and hire real models and pay a pretty penny. I don't agree with that, for a few reasons. To each his own businesswise, I'm respectful that each artist is different in what they do. But for me, I want my clients to see real people like themselves represented in my work. AND, I want to give real people the chance to be photographed. Also, I've had very, very, positive experiences from doing this. The people I've hired who I've even never met before working with, were very fun, kind and respectful and very enthusiastic about working together, and I've even made some friends when I wasn't planning on it!! Our sessions have always been fun, the photos have always been wonderful. I'm happy, they're happy. It's a good thing and I will continue to do this as long as the need for new material comes my way quickly. Which will probably be.... as long as I'm doing photography.

But I can't do it for everyone! :) I have a family and bills to pay! lol If I always only work for free.. there is no point in doing it at all. :(

What I have done for this arrangement (modeling services) is explained what it is that I am looking for, as each category requires something different. A few times I have used people I know. Most the time I have used folks I didn't meet until our shoot! Either we made our deal online or had a mutual friend. It is run just as a normal session for any client would be. I meet with them, we have a great photo shoot. I edit all the photos just as I would normally do. I burn them to disc and give them to my client for free in exchange that I can use ALL of their photos I love, in my advertisements, my work, my online album etc. A lot of professional models already have enough pictures of themselves, that they just want cash to show up. I prefer to give my clients the finished artwork for their modeling services.

In other words I pay them with free photos, and they work for me as employees by wearing what I need them to wear, and by posing as I need them to. It is important that when I make arrangements with someone to model for me, that they understand they are working for me, it's like being employed. I really need my models to wear the colors and wardrobe theme I request and be prompt on our appointment, as there are times as a businesswoman that I NEED material by a certain date. Just like any modeling gig, it's a first come first serve deal. Say for instance I need you to dress in all white and you show up in jeans & a black t shirt to shoot in, I wouldn't be able to continue our business deal & would have to replace you. Another example. If we have an appointment on wednesday and you cancel right before and say you're available in a month, then I'm going to have to find someone else and I wish you the best. If I needed the material in a month, I'd book you in a month. See what I mean jellybean? :)

I think it's wonderful how many people would love to be a model for me. But I can't use everyone. And if someone can't model for me until it's convenient for them, I'm going to have to hire someone else, it's nothing personal. It's just like any other job you go to. If you apply and you can't work until December, they're going to hire someone else to replace you. It's not that I don't want to do free sessions for nice people, but it takes a lot of work and time away from my family.

Let me explain. A photo session may only be an hour long. But that's only the beginning. Then comes the editing. Let's say a client has a temporary skin blemish as most everyone on the planet does (pimple, scratch or bruise) and let's say there were kids in the background no matter where we shot from or what angle we used. This is where around 8 hours or more of tedious detailed editing comes in. That's an entire workday! See what I mean? It's not so simple as a few minutes of clicking with a camera. I do love what I do, but I just can't always work for free. So when I do a shoot for free, it's because I need the material, therefore, it's not really free to me. I get what I need as well, so I also feel "paid". It's just business.

If you can't do a certain session you are interested in at the time I need you to, then chances are I'm going to find someone else. Please understand. But if you want to do your session in the future, keep in touch with me and I may run a great special on the particular category you are interested in. If you have missed an opportunity to model for me in the past but you still really want to, I recommened keeping track of me on facebook at www.facebook.com/cgwardphotography and occasionally I will run ads looking for models. Maybe there will be another one you will get to do! :)

If you have modeled for me in the past I'm so glad you did! If any of you ever consider a career in modeling it is absolutely okay to use my webpage on your resume.

Until then, I hope this explains what I mean when I say I am looking for a model! If you want to model for me, I hope you get your opportunity! I'd love to work with you!

cgw

You are my sunshine.. my only sunshine....

2011-08-17T23:46:00.000-07:00

she makes me haaapppyyyyy when skiiies are greeeeeey. Don't think she knoooows juuuuuuust hooow much I loooooOOooOove heerrrrrrrr. Please don't taaaake my sunshinnnne awaaaaaaaay!

Abby & I hit the park again today. She wore some of her new big girl clothes she got for school and she wanted me to put a little make up on her. I kinda regret that part. She looked too grown up for my tastes. lol. I have such a pretty love bug!

All images on this website are copyrighted by C.G. Ward Photography. The images posted through this album are for viewing only. It is illegal to copy or reproduce these images in any manner. Please do not remove the watermark or alter these photos. If you would like to order professional high quality prints email me at christine@cgwardphotography.com

Sara gave me fwows

2011-08-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

yea that fwows thing again. For those of you who are newbies to my lingo, that is how I say flowers in honor of my daughter Abby who was obsessed with "fwows" as a toddler. When we would go to the Hott House she would squeal because we were "goin' to da fwow howze!". So fwows are flowers. Sara gave me fwows from her garden this week when I went to Tupper Lake. I sitll have some of them here in my office in front of the window in a wine bottle. :)

Maternity Portraits

2011-08-13T05:04:00.000-07:00

What a gorgeous day it was yesterday! What a gorgeous lady I had to photograph! She is 31 weeks pregnant and absolutely beautiful! She makes pregnancy look sexy! lol. Ashlee and her boyfriend Kyle were a lot of fun to work with! I had so much fun and she was a wonderful sport with all the things I wanted to wrap around her, stick to her, and paint on her. Yup! She actually let me paint on her! I can't wait to show you all the pictures! This is just the sneak peak. We took about a 2 hour session, about 15 minutes of that was painting. I can EASILY do this again for someone else! Just call me at 524-4192 or go to my webpage at http://www.cgwardphotography.com/

My Daddy

2011-08-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

I finally talked my dad into letting me take his picture! He doesn't like to be in pictures so I kinda had to beg. lol. When I was young my dad used to play his guitar a lot, and sing. He was in a band when he was a kid. Many times in my childhood I remember my dad playing and singing Bob Seger. He tried to teach me once, but I didn't have the patience to learn lol.The only thing I know how to play is my windpipes. haha.

So I got him down to the train tracks set up a chair, handed him his guitar and told him to sit. LOL. Dad took his seat, picked up his guitar (which belonged to one of his old friends who was sadly murdered when I was a child, that guitar is special to him). I started to walk away to find a good angle and distance to start shooting from and before I had even gotten 10 steps away I heard him break into "Stairway To Heaven". My dad is pretty cool. Well anyway, here are the pictures. And yes, I am very aware that I look like my daddy. :)

Before and After

2011-08-06T15:34:00.000-07:00

This is why it is essential to hire a photographer who also has mad editing skills to make your photos their very best! I LOVE editing! So if you feel like you aren't very photogenic...... believe me.... you'll look great! If someone accidently walks by during a great photo op, most the time, its correctable. If you're concerned about a skin blemish or something... NEVER HAPPENED! :)

I hear a whisper.....

2011-08-06T15:11:00.001-07:00

The watermark thingy....

2011-08-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

I really wanted to change the watermark thing I had going on. For awhile my photos had a very simple "C.G. Ward Photography" in various fonts somewhere on the photo to mark my digital work online. (never in my customers final portraits). Then I started experimenting with translucent designs, stickers, and shapes and trying multiple fonts. I get bored doing the same thing over and over and over again. It's one of the reasons I love photography. I never get bored because nothing is ever exactly the same.

Because my work as an artist and photographer is always evolving, I've decided it's best to let my watermark do the same. I can't decide on just one. I like so many things. I just don't have it in me to limit myself to one trademark design as of yet.

I think I'll probably stick to a color scheme that matches the theme of the shoot I am labeling and just flow with whatever looks right. So for now, I am logo free.....

I feel so liberated lol

just kidding lol

CgW

Beach Baby Pics! Baby Buns included! lol

2011-08-04T09:55:00.000-07:00

I had a great day Tuesday! Not only was the weather beautiful, but I got to do a photo shoot on the beach in Lake George with one of the cutest, sweetest babies on the entire planet! I had soooo much fun. I'm one of those moms that can never get enough baby giggles, wittle pudgy arms and legs and chubby cheeks (face or buns lol). Caden sure did seem to enjoy himself playing with the beach toys I brought him and he posed like a pro. Oh who am I kidding, he wouldn't even have to pose and he'd still be a perfect model! Caden just oozes "adorable". I drove home with a big smile on my face and when I loaded the photos and start going through them, I was actually laughing out loud at some of them. He's going to be a lady's man someday I'm sure lol. Lock him up mommy! lol

If you don't smile when you see this, there is something wrong with you lol

and as always... be sure to click "older posts" at the bottom of my blog for more!

Lake George Steamboat Cruise

2011-08-01T11:50:00.000-07:00

If you're from the Lake George, NY area, or ever plan to travel here, I highly recommened a Lake George Steamboat Cruise. Yesterday was my second trip on the Mohican. I have yet to conquer Lac du Saint Sacrement!

We took the morning Paradise Bay Cruise. It's about 2 1/2 hours long, the boat has 3 decks. A little gift shop, a little bar, a snack bar, etc. It's a lot of fun. If you want to be in direct sun and catch all the breeze hit the top! If you need a little more shade but like the breeze, hit one of the decks on the front on either the 2nd or third level. If you want to be completely indoors and just look at the scenery through a window, there is plenty of room for that too. You can even get married on a steamboat!

Yesterday I took my baby girl on her first steamboat cruise for her birthday. She loved it. I took about 500 pictures. We boarded nearly 40 minutes before the boat left and I started snapping away at the local tourists and parasailers. I actually saw a man parasailing, who was texting the entire time. I couldn't believe it!

http://lakegeorgesteamboat.com/

^^^^ thats their website.

Here's a few of my photos.

every year, the night before....

2011-07-30T19:44:00.000-07:00

Here I am again, in the same emotional state as I was exactly 365 days ago. And the year before that. And the year before that. Today is the eve of my only child's birthday. My Abigail. Tomorrow she will be 8. Every year, the night before her birthday, I sit alone and reminisce the year before.... and force myself to accept that my baby girl is a year older. One more year closer to leaving the nest. One more entire year, has slipped by in the blink of an eye.... Then the waterworks come. I do this alone of course and I have never missed this occasion on any July 30th since my baby was born. But I wonder if I'm destined to do this for the rest of my life and I wonder if other moms do it too? Abby is probably the only child I will ever bring into this world (health issues). I watch everyday life turn into nothing more than tomorrow's "memories"....

I loved being pregnant with Abigail. I was very content with my hands on my swollen belly feeling her move and kick around as if we were already together even though I couldn't see her. When she was born, I felt like I truly started living. My entire life has revolved around her since she was born and I don't regret a minute of it. I finally began to understand things my father had always said to me about how I broke his heart without even meaning to. The first time I heard the words "I got it mommy it's ok, I don't need your help anymore",...... I clenched my jaw and fought back the tears and allowed myself a bitter sweet smile. I was glad she was learning from me, but sad at the same time to watch each phase of her young childhood years come to an end. I miss when she was a newborn and I would nurse her to sleep while I petted her back and kissed her little forehead. I miss when she was 1 and she said "mama... I yuva yew!" (I love you )... I miss the time when she was 2 and she toddled off to play from cuddle time and exclaimed "I love you mommy! and chicken nuggets!". I miss when she was 3 and we were in the mall and she said "mommy i just like to hold your hand, it feels nice". I miss when she was 4 and she was "taking care" of me because I had a headache. She got me an ice pack and "petted" my head like I was the baby lol. I miss when she was 5 and she said "mommy, did you know that you're my bestest friend?" (but she was very serious like it was important to her that I knew). I miss when she was 6 and she got frustrated and first said "dude!" (I laughed so hard because thats my expression lol) I miss this last year watching all the changes she's gone through turning from a little girl into a young lady..... and now.... she's turning 8..... I anxiously anticipate what this next year will bring. I'm excited and a little scared....

I'm amazed at how quickly she learns things that I never expected her to understand. Very proud of her compassion for others. Her ability to forgive (I could take a good lesson from her in that). I adore her sense of humor as it evolves with her growing wit. I'm very grateful for the way she loves me for being the silly, quirky, emotional person that I am. She's the honey to my tea!

I wonder what she'll be when she is all grown up. Not that I want her grow up, I'm no where near ready for that, but I can't help but wonder who she'll be someday..... I hope she has more than I do by time she's my age, I hope she's seen more of the world, and I hope she's not afraid to reach for the stars like I used to be.....

This year the night before her birthday she is nearly up to my shoulder in height. She has recently ditched her former tomboy wardrobe for a more grown up feminine version of herself. She likes to spend her afternoons riding her bike and her evenings with her nose in a good book. I look at that little girl and I see myself 23 years ago.... just with a different hair and eye color lol.

My parents came down last night and spent the night with us and we had a little party for her, so we already did presents and cake and ice cream, so I have a picture of my ever growing girl to share already.

I love you Abby girl! Happy Birthday Baby!

P.S. I love YOU ... and chicken nuggets!

I am so proud I could just pop...

2011-07-27T22:41:00.000-07:00

this isn't photography related (I'm sure you've noticed not all my posts are). But I will be taking pictures as this unfolds to share with you. My daughter, who is still 7, won't be 8 until Sunday, heard about Miss Rachel Beckwith and her inspiring, tragic story.

Rachel Beckwith

Rachel was raising money for charity to provide clean water for people in Africa. She had just turned 9 years old. Little Rachel lost her life a little more than a week ago in a horrific car accident. She had not yet reached her goal of $300 before she passed, but was only $80 short. But since the accident, word got around about her charity, and now many wonderful generous people have donated money to Rachel's charity fund in excess of $496,000. My Abby was blown away, that Rachel was just a kid like her, but had big dreams to help others. It inspired her to try to raise money to help a charity that she likes.

It is a shame that Rachel never got to see her goal met while she was with us here on earth. But I do believe that she knows now. Rachel has inspired so many of us with her generosity and kindness to others.

My daughter has always been my little dreamer. When she was 5 she donated her long beautiful hair to Locks of Love She had full knowledge of what she was doing, and she was the one who talked me into letting her do it when I didn't want to cut her hair. When we filled out the form to send the hair in, Abby was the one who made sure it was sent off and celebrated at the mailbox.

(we changed shirts due to the amount of hair sticking to her clothes lol)

Then last Christmas while she was 7, early in the morning when she could have slept in and watched cartoons and been inside away from the bitter cold winter wind, my baby bundled up warm and happily went with me to serve as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army outside the food court at the mall. And she was a pro at friendlness, greeting people, and thanking them.

Abby was so moved by Rachel, that she decided she wants to start her own charity fund, to purchase a water pump and seed growing kit through World Vision.

The details for the water pump are HERE

and the details for the seed kit are HERE

Abby needs $252 to make her dream come true.

To get us started we opened up a facebook page called "Abby's Dream" letting friends and family members know that she is raising the funds to purchase these items. We are in the process of working on a bank account. The bank tells us we need a form from the IRS so they can title her bank account Abby's dream. This way, people she doesnt know can send her money as well. Plus when anyone donates, they'll know their money is going exactly where it is promised to go. Our other dilemma, the IRS needs a $62 P.O. Box for an address on file, otherwise we'd have to give them our home address for the number, and we don't want the world knowing where we live for obvious safety reasons. (see our bump in the road??).

So right now we are both feeling a bit discouraged. I am going to the bank tomorrow to see if they will let us open her a regular account to deposit the funds & for now we'll just take donations from those we know, while we work on the IRS thing. At least with a bank account, we can work on setting up a paypal thing online so others can donate too.

We are also going to put together a bake sale and a raffle. I am going to raffle off a photo package and see if other area business's can offer us something to raffle off as well.

She is also working on her fundraiser chart. This way when she meets her goal in incriments of $25, she can color in the graph and take a picture of it to show her "fans" her progress.

If you are reading this message and you are able to make a donation to Abby's Dream, plus contact me at christine@cgwardphotography.com or abbys.dream@yahoo.com

We are taking cash & checks at this time, but for now checks will have to be in my name, Christine Ward.

She said if she gets more money than her goal, she will simply buy something else through World Vision. Any leftover funds that are not used after that will be general a World Vision donation.

Her goal is to raise $252 by the end of August, when summer is just about over. When she meets her goal, she can make her purchase and let everyone know on her facebook page!

I am so proud to have a daughter who such a giver at a very young age. I told her to keep dreaming her dreams, and to dream those dreams BIG!

insert giggly noise

2011-07-24T17:04:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's rough huh? I think once in awhile, we all deserve a break.. but that's me.....

Take a moment today to let loose.... and just be you, without the formality, the serious face, the wall, the front.... smirk for crying out loud. Laugh at something you probably shouldn't. Make an obnoxious noise out your car window when someone bends over. Brighten up the world a bit... I'll do it with you. *wink*

doodle bugs birthday is coming up....

2011-07-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

My doodle bug is going to be 8 on the 31st of July. *tears up* I hurried up and did my shopping and wrapping while she wasn't here for a bit... I'm a dramatic gift wrapper..... it's another one of my quirks.

and that "rose" is just the leftover peice of the pink foil paper I twisted and wrapped floral tape around the bottom to create a "stem". I'm proud of that thing lol

So now I have to put all of this away and hide it before she comes home. We're going on a Lake George cruise for her birthday. And today I ordered her cake... it's going to be a giant cupcake with chocolate cake, with pink buttercream icing. Totally cute. I'll post more pictures next week from our outing and party.

crappy camera phone pictures...

2011-07-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

I have a love/hate relationship with my phone. Mostly hate. I do love that its not big like everyone elses phones... its easy for me to text on and I've finally learned how to navigate it in cell phone land... for the most part. I HATE the camera on it. I don't have one those nice phones where you can adjust stuff for your camera. Mine is as is. And as it is, it sucks. But there are times I've had no choice but to resort to using it when I really wanted a picture of something. With my camera, I have to tote my bag along, my lenses, etc, put it together when I need it... which honestly isn't as bad as it sounds when I say it like that, but it's not always feasible. I also like that when I take a picture, I can immediately post it to my facebook to share with my friends and family.

So I'll share a few of my favorite pics that I took with my camera phone. Some people don't understand the point of even having one... I didn't either... until I realized when I was out in public... there are just things worth saving.... ;)

Poor Kitteh.....

2011-07-21T19:42:00.000-07:00

My poor cats endure such torment between myself and my Abigail. Abby is always following them around to hold them, tucking them in, bringing them toys etc. I pretty much do the same. I make them necklaces, put make up on them.... Ok I only did that once. Poor cat reminded me of how silly Dumbo looked with clown make up on. Next time I do that I will so get a picture for my blog.

We love our felines. Greycie was trying to take a cat nap (pun intended) today in Abbys room and Abby took full advantage of her sleepiness and called me in to take a photo. I was very proud of Abby lol. The pathetic look on Greycie's face was so worth it. This cat is a very good sport. lol.

Greycie was reading "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" with Mr. Bookworm. :)

I love my fwows :)

2011-07-20T18:22:00.000-07:00

Fwows: Pronounced "fwowz".
"Fwows" is the word my Abby used as a baby to say "Flowers". So "Fwows" is "Flowers".

I love my flowers! From my Abbys class that is! This last school year I had the opportunity to serve as homeroom parent for Abbys class. I loved it. I planned class parties and stuff. We had a great time and did some good crafts and I got to meet a lot of other class parents. I was just elated on the last day of school when the class invited me in one last time and presented me with this beautiful gift! Flowers! But not only that... the flower pot was painted by each student! I got a little lump in my throat when they gave it to me and I saw that each of their little hands had put something on it. I totally DIG these kinds of gifts. I'd rather have this over a dozen long stem red roses anyday! I sprayed it well with some krylon kamar varnish to seal it to prevent the paint from smearing anymore. This way she can get all the fresh air and sunshine she needs. I already have a perfect home for her in the kitchen during the winter. Right now I have my fwows on the porch and everytime I walk by them or water them I'm reminded of how precious this part of life is.... when our children... are still little....

I'm sure this gift was Abby's teachers idea (of course she kindly gave the kids credit, as most wonderful teachers do)... and I think it's just brilliant. I knew I liked that lady! lol She was a great teacher honestly and I loved being the homeroom parent for her class.

that bright pink ladybug with the curly legs was my Abbys contribution lol

and even more on this side :)

Thank you kids!!! I had fun with you and I'll miss you!! Have a good summer and enjoy 3rd grade!!
"Abbys Mom"

A frog that said Andrew.....

2011-07-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

I went camping last week. It rained a bit, but we stayed nice and dry in the tent. The daytime was great for the most part. I took an attempt to ride in the canoe and chickened out like a big baby. Then my dad took me out and talked me through it like a little kid, but it worked. I actually started to enjoy myself. lol. My Abby went out with him and she was spinning around in her seat and helping him paddle in no time, little show off. It was quiet and peaceful.

We had a real treat when a Mommy duck brought her babies right up into our site and they weren't shy at all. They gave me a lot of opportunity to take photos.
We were there 2 nites and both nites, I hardly slept a wink. All the noises. Yikes. I was very paranoid of bears. We took every precaution to make sure we had no food or drinks to attract critters to our tent. I was paralyzed each time I swore I heard a sniffing noise lol. As I laid there I listened to the sounds of nature. First of course was the breeze, and the soft rain. Then I heard some tapping in the trees from the racoons. Loons were in the background. That was hauntingly beautiful *thumbs up on the loons*. Then the frogs. The were frogs EVERYWHERE. I could make out 5 distinct frogs communicating back and forth. There was a croak. Another higher pitched double croak in the other direction. A squeaky sounding one far away. A really deep croak right on the shoreline outside of our tent. And then this delicately feminine sounding froggy that I swear kept saying. "Andrew, Andrew". But she said it so casually and gentle, almost a note deeper the second time she said "Andrew". I listened to "her" for hours. That frog was saying Andrew. lol She said "Andrew" until nearly 5 am! And by time she stopped, the people around us began to wake up and make noise. I got no sleep at all. I was tired and miserable. You could say, I wasn't a very happy camper. haha.

I took hundreds of photos, but I'll just share a few. :) I also wanted to mention, these are completely untouched photos not digitally enhanced. I only put a watermark on them. The second photo is the same duckys as the first photo. :)

I need a change.....

2011-07-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

I need a change.... I'm a very restless spirit. Although what is familiar is comfort, I tend to get a little bored with my surroundings after a time just from the whole monotony of the every day colors & substance matter burned into my retinas. It's like plain oatmeal everyday. Who the heck wants that? (for those of you who raised your hand, I'm sure theres a pill that can help you) Sometimes it can be something little that fills my void. Sometimes I'm ridiculous...... and melodramatic. Who, me?

So I stood there (errr, actually I was sitting right here in this chair like I usually am) debating on whether I should rearrange the livingroom? Didn't happen. No energy, thought I'd start small. I began by thinning down my decoration inventory a bit. I parted ways after many loyal years to some of my embellisments of the "wanna-be" kind. That would be.... just some faux greenery and stuff I've been toting around for years that I've reorganized in everyway imaginable without consulting Martha Stewart for new ideas. Don't worry guys.... not the tree. She stays. So I took all my boring crap a.k.a. "another mans treasure" and crammed it into a few boxes and stuck it all out by the curb with a "FREE" sign. Now my neighbors can't say I've never done anything for them.

Small change. It feels less cluttered in here. Good. It was worth it. BUT.....I was't satisfied with that. I thought. is it something drastic I need? Is it ME? Ok..... maaaaybe... if I change what I see in the mirror everyday.... that'll kick this right in the gut and cure me! So I bleached my hair blonde. Yea. I'm blonde now. After a few days, the shock wore off. Now I'm used to it.
I barely scratched my inner itch. The void was back. Tried a little retail therapy. Ain't got moneh so it was the Dollah Sto'. That was cool. I almost got an antique type writer at a yardsale that still worked. I half regret leaving her behind. If anything, I could have used her for a prop...... but I'm trying to be frugal over here....
Although I am looking forward to wearing my gigantic dangly iridescent blue shell earrings that I'm sure will turn my skin green.

Too hot. No money...... then it dawned on me. I know what I can do for free while I sit here on my rump in the air conditioning that will change what I look at on a daily basis!!! I have been really bored with my logo and the general color scheme of my website. Why not update those? So I did. And I wrote this useless blog full of rantings and hollow thoughts you just plain didn't need to even know about to explain it! Sorry about that.

So go check out my new website!

I feel better now. Until next week......

Greycie is camera shy....

2011-07-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

I shot a couple hundred pictures of my girls (cats) between last night and this evening. Mostly just pictures for myself of them playing. But I've discovered that while Libby is quite the poser, Greycie seems to have a bit of anxiety with having her picture taken. Of course I don't actually think she has any clue what a camera is, but she does seem to be a bit shy of it. It took forever to get her to let me take pictures of her, without her running and hiding. I coaxed her with food. She wanted a perogie. lol. Of course now that I am done she's sleeping peacefully in plain view. Figures.

I also wanted to mention to my fellow photogs, that if you have a hard time with red eye or green eye with your pets and the red eye tool is too harsh or not working, use the burn method and see if that darkens your critters pupils :)

Greycie wearing her pink "bling bling meow". (Cat jewelry line I make)

Greycie in the beginning attemping to hide from the camera... lol

and as always... when you get to the bottom be sure to click on "older posts" to see more. :)

just in case you were wondering what I would like for my birthday this year.....

2011-07-16T00:23:00.000-07:00

The first thing I want for my birthday which will be on Saturday, September 24th, the second day of autumn, is for everyone to remember, that it will in fact be, my birthday. I will be thirty something, just as I was last year... don't you dare (ask)......

I know I have a lot friends and family members who enjoy peeking into my blog (thank you guys so much and I love the feedback!!) so now that I've gotten your attention.... let me show you guys what Miss Chrissy is lusting after..... And I'm sure once you see it, you'll laugh.. because it's so "Me". *smile*

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73973391/preorder-digital-slr-hobo-camera-bag-lge?ref=sr_list_32&ga_search_query=damask+camera&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

Aren't they so sexy?

AND... the best part.... is they would be totally useful to me! I'm not really happy with the camera bag I have now. With this one, my equipment (lenses & such) would also be better protected from scratches and very secured in this gorgeous ensemble. With that strap cover, it would provide better cushioning on my babys strap so it wont rub the back of my neck or shoulder too much as it sort of does now during long shoots. So if you love me and you see this, you'll feel the urge to get this for me, or to team up with someone else who loves me and pitch in together. You totally know this is my style! It's bad enough some of you see anything in damask and think of me isn't it? *smile* You could even call a few family members and spread the love even more! Not only would yours truly get what she would totally LOVE and be able to use for her birthday, but you could get in touch with family members you don't normally call that you've been meaning to! I mean... just think of all the possibilities! This is a win win situation for us all guys!!! I'm so glad I posted this for us!

*laughs*

my little mountain girl....

2011-07-15T13:03:00.000-07:00

I have a bazillion things I will be adding here within the month... I've been as busy as a bee.... Summer has been so fun! Right now I just wanted to share a couple of pictures that I know I will always love. I'm sure someday, these photos will bring tears to my eyes. I knew as soon as I loaded them and saw them, this is going down in the family history books lol.
I went camping up where my parents live for a couple of days. I live right outside the Adirondack Mountain Park, but my parents are right in it. On the last day I was there as I was leaving camp, my dad showed up and my daughter wanted to stay there with her Papa for a few nights along with an uncle and some cousins. She's a Papa's girl. I'm an only child and so is my love bug. So my daddy is really attached to my baby and vise versa.
My father grew up in the Adirondacks so this is very much home to him. I am a 6th generation "Adirondacker", but I did spend many years down south in the city until I was a teenager, when I was violently transplanted into the mountains. It took me awhile to adjust to this place, but it's definetely home now.
Before I left, my daddy & daughter went out on the canoe for a peaceful ride. It was her first time in a canoe and she learned very quickly what to do. She was even spinning around in the seat, unlike her scaredy cat mama (show off lol). And I snapped a few from far away (zoom). My baby is growing up so fast! And my dad is turning her into a mountain girl. She loves to camp, fish, boat, you name it. When she first showed up I expected her to sit and complain about bugs but instead, she went on the hunt for firewood. lol. And by golly, she found it. lol. Here is my baby and my daddy in the canoe :) and yes.... I am quite aware that I am my fathers clone. lol

Family photos in the park....

2011-07-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

You know whats way better than getting family photos done in a portrait studio with a generic or obnoxious backdrop and sitting in weird poses that will embarrass you and be outdated in 10 years? Skipping that whole scene altogether and having FUN family photos done in the park where are you are more relaxed, timeless, classic, with a beautiful backdrop provided by mother nature that will never go out of style!

I had one such smart family give me the opportunity to do that for them this past weekend. What a fun group with three little cutie pies to work with! I loved it! Thank you so much guys for working with me!

and as always.. be sure to look at the bottom of my blog for "older posts" to see more.

CgW

God Bless America!

2011-07-09T16:33:00.000-07:00

I hit Crandall Park for the 4th of July celebrations this year! Very glad I did! It's a short walk from my house, so I was able to avoid traffic, there was so many nice people there, the weather was absolutely perfect, beautiful classic cars, and the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra, which I can not say enough about! They were awesome! And I was thrilled to discover my daughter also shares my joy for the symphony! It was very inspirational to hear beautiful patriotic music playing in the background during the fireworks!
There were also some great vendors at the park with some really fun treats for the young and old. I may have indulged in a snow cone.....
I didn't sit not once, because I was having too much fun walking around and shooting! I was also very blessed to come upon a gracious family who welcomed me to photograph an intimate family moment during the star spangled banner while they sang and lit sparklers together. I was not able to catch their names, but if anyone who sees this recognizes them, please let either them or myself know and I'd be honored to give them a disc of the photos I took.
Here are just a few of the hundreds of photos I took!

and as always... be sure to check the bottom of my blog and click "older posts" to see more!

oh how they make me puuurrrrrrrr

2011-07-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

CLASSIC CARS! MEEEOOOOWWW!

There were some beauties parked in the back of Crandall Park on the 4th of July, so people like me could come over and drool and dream.... and take pictures :) The car owners were most gracious for those of us like myself who were snapping away and admiring their treasures. Some day, by golly, I will have one of these. You mark my words!! If I ever strike big or win the lotto I am so totally getting myself a vintage beauty and pimpin it out! She'll be either pink or red, with black and white leather and velvet interior, rhinestones around the mirrors, sexy shiny chrome, with a lacy looking pearlesque finish on the hood! Mmm hmm!! Yup. I will dream her to life!

But for now... here are photos of the cars at Crandall Park.

Kristen Stewart Confirmed For 'Snow White And The Huntsman'

2011-07-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

Kristen Stewart Confirmed For 'Snow White And The Huntsman'

YES. I have got to see this. Kristen Stewart has blossomed as an actress so much since the first Twilight Movie. At first, for me, it was hard to buy into "Bella" because she didn't seem comfortable in her own skin. It was "Edward" who kept me hooked until the second Twilight, "New Moon" when Kristen finally made me believe, she was "Bella". And she's only gotten better. Now that she has that ability to play such a cut throat, emotions through her fists character, I'd really like to see her in her newest project, "Snow White And The Huntsman". I bet this is gonna be good!!!

A little vintage humor....

2011-07-03T23:08:00.000-07:00

I am not the creator of ANY of these. I simply found them floating around on the web, with no way to trace the original artists who made them. This is the kind of thing that totally cracks me up! Here is a small collection of my favorites.

Quack

2011-07-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

this shot was the most difficult. It's not easy to snap a zooming dragon fly. :)

Jimmer Jam!

2011-06-30T01:26:00.001-07:00

June 23rd was Jimmer Jam at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Jimmer fans (including myself and my baby girl) gathered together to watch Jimmer be drafted to the NBA. Jimmer is from Glens Falls, and attended the same elementary school my daughter did. She's going through a little bit of Jimmermania right now, along with many others lol. My daughter wound up for a brief second on Fox23News saying Jimmers name, and was followed by an array of other cute critters who were also happy to be there. In the photos the civic center appears to be empty but it wasn't. We were all on the side I was shooting from. lol. Hence the empty seats in the background. I got us at about halfcourt at the bottom. Very good view. And I got some shots of super cute kids! Enjoy!

and as always.. be sure to click "older posts" at the bottom of my blog to see more!

cGw

Jimmer Jam: Local residents celebrate NBA draft pick

2011-06-30T01:26:00.000-07:00

Jimmer Jam: Local residents celebrate NBA draft pick

Video from Jimmer Jam. My little love bug is at 1:18 saying "Jimmer Fredette". She's in pink. :)

Blasts from the past.....

2011-06-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

I love old photo's. The ones you stare at to study well and you find yourself caught up in what you see. When you are either remembering something you once recalled, or learning something about someone you never knew, or someone who you decended from, those are the best.

Do you have any old photos to share? feel free to add me and post them, or hit me up on facebook @ www.facebook.com/cgwardphotography

The Wild Center

2011-05-29T21:58:00.000-07:00

Took a trip to the Wild Center in Tupper Lake Friday afternoon....

as always.... don't forget to click "older posts" at the bottom of my blog for more.... Thank you!

CgW

South Glens Falls High School Prom 2011

2011-05-23T21:51:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon I hit the park near Coopers Cave to do some prom photos! What a crowd! A lot of limos too! Boat loads of teenagers dressed up to the nines all ready for the prom. My biggest dilemma was the amount of parents and grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins etc...... who all wanted to jump in front of myself and the other photographers present to snap pictures. lol. At times it made it a bit difficult, and in all the chaos of relatives and friends parents screaming "look at me" it was hard to get groups looking at the camera at the same time. Note to self. Next time, bring a step ladder.

But let's get onto the prom pictures from South Glens Falls High School, prom 2011. I was hired to do portraits for a stunning, lovely, young lady and her group of friends. We had a lot of fun and they really seemed to be enjoying themselves. We even got the boys to show us their tailfeathers lol. I couldn't help but smile when one beautiful girl showed up in a killer dress, luscious curls and cowboy boots! It's fun to see how everyone figured out a way to show their own personal style in their ensemble. I'm looking forward to having a much more slow paced, less chaotic senior portrait session with the same young lady She'll be great to work with....

as always... don't forget to click on "older posts". Thanks for stopping by!

CgW

ahhh the fresh scent of flowers in the air.....

2011-05-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the fresh fragrance of all the flowers and trees when I walk downtown this time of year. The breeze literally carries the floral scent like potpourri...

don't forget to check out my older posts :)