Rodeo is a Dirty Sport

Day 16/365

We had a HS Rodeo in Texarkana today. I really hoped that my picture today would be of Tyler bull riding, but with the weather the arena was just too dark to get any shots.

I think I have mentioned that I'm not a winter weather girl. Today just confirmed that. I think my dad said it best when he said, "I love rodeo. But not on days like this." Although the arena is covered, you still have to walk to and from the horse trailer multiple times during the day. And the bathroom. Especially when your drinking coffee like it's been poured from the fountain of youth. Being cold and damp all day made me miserable. I hope my kid appreciates how much I love her, because I wouldn't have been in that weather for any other reason.

Today was the first day that Alissa has ridden Buddy in almost 4 months. He has been out with a mysterious injury. We're not sure what he did or how he did it. He just came up lame. At first the Vet thought it was an infection, but after a round of high powered antibiotics that was ruled out. He suggested we lay off him for a while. Fortunately, most of the Rodeos have been canceled during this time due to the uncharacteristic weather Arkansas has been having.

They had a decent run. Not great, but decent. Alissa doesn't have an ounce of hustle in her whole body. Sadly neither does Buddy. It doesn't make for the best barrel racing team. They did place 11 out of 28. Only one placing out of points. But it was a really good confidence booster for her to have a good clean run.

If you know me, you know that I'm not one to "dress up" often. I really don't for horse events. I'm not wearing my best clothes and shoes when I'm going to be rubbing up against horses and stepping in poo. But I do normally try to look presentable.

Something told me to wear my old tennis shoes today. I hadn't checked the weather; I didn't know it was suppose to rain. I just had this gut feeling that I needed to wear my old shoes. The ones with holes in the toes.

I'm so glad I did. And those are my socks. They were white when I put them on.

One of THOSE Days

Day 15/365

Have you ever just had one of those days? The ones were you know the instant you wake up that it is going to be one of those days? When you just want to crawl back in bed and pull the cover over your head and forget the world?

Welcome to my day. There wasn't anything bad about my day. It was just one of those days.

It all started when the alarm went off and I thought it was anything other than the alarm clock because I had just closed my eyes. It couldn't possibly be time to get up. And I really did think I had just dosed off. I didn't wake up at all last night, and yet I felt like I hadn't slept at all either. I knew then that it was going to be one of those days.

Evidently, Sloane's day was like that too. That kid. She is always perfectly content until I point a camera toward her. Then I get this face! Every single time! But even screaming her lungs out, she is beautiful. She should be. She looks just like me.

Show Me The Money

Day 14/365

Alissa and I have a standing agreement about book orders. She can order up to $5. I used to make her get the $0.99 books and then another $3 book, but now I let her choose as long as it is under $5. When she asked if she could order something in that voice, I knew she was wanting something that was more than $5.

I braced myself for saying no. I'm not very good at it. The "N" word always makes me feel guilty. (Just in case someone reads this that never developed the ability to infer, I feel compelled to add the following disclaimer: By "N" word, I mean "NO." Not that other "n" word. That is not a word I use.)

Being a teacher, I see the result of all different parenting styles. And as much as I would love to give my daughter everything her little heart desires, believe me when I say that is not a good idea.

I set limits. I try to follow through. I try to be consistent. So I force myself to say the "N" word on occasion. (For those with short term memory loss, see the disclaimer above.)

It turns out I was bracing myself for no reason, as I discovered when she said "Well, it's $14." No need to brace to say no this time. I do not spend $14 on books for myself; I am most definitely not going to spend $14 on a book for my 10 year old.

I looked her straight in the eye and said, "No."

But that didn't deter my little angel. She had to show it to me. "It" was an electronic organizer. And you know it must be a good one since it is in the book order for $14!

"Mom, you always say I need to be more organized," was her strong selling point. Poor thing. She doesn't have a chance. She is my daughter after all, and organization is not one of my strongest traits.

Her next selling point was to offer to spend her own money. Alissa doesn't have a lot of her own money. She use to get a small allowance, but once she started participating in high school rodeo's I decided that her allowance needed to go toward her entry fees so that she would understand you have to pay your own way in life. So now her own money basically consist of change she finds laying around the house.

Next thing I know she is informing me that she only needed $2.25.

Yes, you guessed it, I caved. After she went to bed, I found this in my office. The book order was inside the bag. I guess she intended to turn it into her teacher like this. I had a good little chuckle and wrote a check.

That's So Random

Day 13/365

I have a random brain. One of my students says that I have the attention span of a squirrel on crack. I don't think I'm that bad. But sometimes thoughts just pop into my head and run away with my brain. It's like I have no control.

I was looking around the house trying to figure out something to shoot for my 365. I walked into the garage with the intention of finding something "gardenish" as reminder of spring and warm weather. When I first glanced at my OSU chair my inner self laughed. The following is the conversation my brain had all in the space of a few seconds.

I could always shoot that chair. It's certainly colorful!

Ty thought he was so funny getting that for me. Little does he know how much I use it.

Doesn't Lakyn play at OSU?

OSU...aren't they the cowboys? But the girls teams are cowgirls. Right?

Yes, that's right. That's kinda odd. Most sports teams use ambiguous mascots.

Well, there are female warriors, but not generally in the Native American realm. Wouldn't it be funny if we were called the Wickes Squaws. Doesn't have much of a ring to it.

Horatio girls would be the Lioness'. Try making a cheer rhyme with that one!

My mom would have been a Tigress instead of a Gillham Tiger.

Maybe it's good that teams pick ambiguous names.

Van-Cove Hornets. DeQueen Leopards. Mena Bearcats. Those are all unisex names.

What is a Bearcat anyway?

I think I will shoot the chair.




My chair is BRIGHT huh? It was bought as a gag gift. I love it. In Arkansas, I never have to worry about someone stealing it. I can see it from a mile away. And I will never get mistakenly shot while sitting in it.

I did look up Bearcat by the way. It's not a bear or a cat!! It's a common name for an Asian animal called a Binturong. They kinda look like Wolverines, but not as cuddly looking. If you could call a Wolverine cuddly. (That means they are really nasty looking little creatures. Not something I would ever pick to be my school mascot.)

One Step At a Time

Day 12/365

I promise I will not turn this into a weight loss blog! However, I do want to use my 365 to really document what is going on in my life. Today what is going on is "Project Get Fit Day 2."

As I watched the biggest loser tonight (yes I do), I cried. Not so much for those strangers, although a tear or two was for them, but more for myself. I could empathize with each and everyone of those people. I have felt what they feel.

I have this little devil sitting on my shoulder right this minute yelling at me that I have thought these things before. I have promised myself to make changes before. I have given myself deadlines, strict diets, and exercise schedules only to fail over and over and over.

But then I also have a little angel sitting on the other side that is whispering softly and quietly that I can do anything I want to do. I choose how I want to live my life. I can make that choice at any time. All those starts and stops where just practice getting me ready for THIS TIME. This time when I will not fail. This time when I will find me again.

I have never liked loud, pushy people. I don't like this little devil guy. I think I'm going to kick him out of my mind. I choose NOW!



Ohh, and this is my very first B&W in my 365 which is really strange because I love B&W.

Today is Monday...

Day 11/365



I think this one is pretty self explanatory.

On a positive note, I did work out with a friend today. I wasn't sure if I could make it through the whole thing, but I did and felt better because of it.

Gary (well John) got the heat working in our house. It went out at eleven last night. And my sister and her boyfriend visited for a little while tonight.

Redeeming part of the day, I realized a few of those lbs on the scale were from my camera. Yes, I'm a dork.

And the Winner is...

Day 10/365

My little Sis!! We had our OBRA awards ceremony today. OBRA is the 4-D Barrel Racing Association that Mom, Lena, Alissa, and I compete in. Even though we already new that Lena had won in 4-D, it was still exciting for her to finally get her saddle.

She had to fight hard to win this. She and Leroy were running consistent times until about half way through the season. Then she starting losing weight. With the load a little lighter, Leroy started speeding up. Lena tried just not pushing him so she would still qualify in 4-D, but they were still running a little fast. The last several competitions, she was actually having to hold him back through most of the run.

My mom placed second in 2-D behind my sister-in-law Lucinda. Alissa placed second in 2-D youth (we really thought she had won, but I guess we miss figured on the points). I started off late and my little horse is pretty green but we still managed to get 7th place in 4-D.

Numbers Don't Lie

Day 9/365

I have noticed lately that my clothes are getting too tight. At first I tried to blame it on my new dryer. Which really is ridiculous considering it has a sensor and stops when the clothes are dry. But anyone who has ever gained weight understands how you will try to justify that extra snuggness (is that even a word?) in your waistband.

I haven't been on scales in several months. It's actually been so long that I don't remember when the last time I got on them was. Taking this shot was the first time I have actually seen the numbers to go along with the pinching clothing. Maybe it's just because I'm a math person, but the numbers really get to me. I don't think I have ever been this large. Maybe when I went into labor, but even then I don't think so.

I have struggled with weight-loss most of my adult life. In the last few years it has been a battle I have only fought in small burst. I'm always too busy to eat healthy or work out. I'm always going to start on Monday. Even when I do start, I will last a few weeks then fall off the wagon.

The weight doesn't come off as easy as it used to. Not that it has ever been easy for me, but it was easier in my twenty's. I have to do something about this now. I have friends actually say to me that I'm fine the way I am. They are slender people. They don't know how it feels to try on clothes and nothing fits right.

I also have to do it for my daughter who has already developed my bad eating habits. I don't want her to have to deal with this her entire life.

When I decided to take this shot for my 365, my intention was to blur out the numbers. But maybe showing my weight to the world will push me into doing something about it.

To Do List:

Day 8/365



I've said it before, I'm a summer girl. I don't like cold weather. Once it starts dropping below 50, I'm not a happy camper. Fortunately, living in Arkansas I don't see drastically cold temperatures. Those people who live in places that stay in the 20's and below all winter have to be made of steel.

Today I saw something I don't think I have seen in my adult life. Twelve degree weather! It might have happened before, but I don't remember it. I wore my coat most of the day, even in my classroom!

We could have at least had some snow to go with the extreme cold. At least then I could have stayed home an snuggled on the couch with a good book.

Gilbert's Got A Fan

Day 7/365

I don't watch college sports often. I wasn't intending to watch the game tonight. I was quite content to play on the computer while Gary watched the game. I was sort of listening to it, but not very intently. Until The Longhorns Senior Quarterback got hurt.

Put yourself in the shoes of that young freshman that took his place. I can imagine that a part of Garret Gilbert was excited at the opportunity to play in such a major game. But I doubt that excitement lasted very long. I bet the emotion that took it's place was sheer terror. All that pressure being placed on the shoulders of a 18 or 19 year old kid that probably saw very little playing time this year prior to tonights game. After that disastrous play at the end of the first half (which I personally believe was so not Garret Gilbert's fault), he was probably praying that McCoy was going back in the second half.

But the kid didn't give up. He keep trying and eventually began getting his rhythm. He made a couple good passes and they managed to score a couple touchdowns. I cheered for him each time just hoping he could manage to pull it off. Unfortunately inexperience and a big guy in a red shirt slammed him to the ground hard (did you see the poor kids head snap?).

I'm not a big football fan. I'm certainly not a Longhorn fan. But I'm going to be watching for that kid.

WARNING: Blog contents may scare small children and pets! Proceed at your own risk!

Day 6/365

As a teenager, I didn't suffer from acne. I was one of those lucky people that got the occasional pimple every six months or so. However, something happened in my early 20's. I started having breakouts; normally on my chin. After I had Alissa it got worse, spreading past my chin onto my cheeks, forehead, and jaw line. The past couple of years have been especially bad. I can't even begin to list all the products I have tried! I have been using beauticontrol products the last year or so and love them. But I still get those very hard cystic type acne bumps. The ones that hang on for weeks.

A few days ago, I was reading a blog by a friend of mine. She is struggling with hormone induced acne during her pregnancy. Someone suggested she use baking soda as a mask. After a couple uses, she blogged that her skin seemed to be clearing up.

I decided to give it a try. It certainly couldn't hurt! This is my fourth day of using the baking soda mask. And I can tell a difference in my skin!! I have had a very bad bump on my jaw for weeks that has almost disappeared completely. Several others have reduced in size significantly. My face seems to be less red around those areas and is super soft. Which makes sense since baking soda is an abrasive. It does burn just a little bit when I first apply it, but if it works it's definitely worth it.

It took me 30 shots to get this picture. I wanted my eye to be in sharp focus and silly me wanted to get the perfect mid-face crop "in camera." Gary had just asked me how many shots I was going to take when I shot this. Checking the LCD, I loved it. Well, as much as I can love shots of myself anyway.


On a side note, this shot reminds me of Tyler. The Twins were 4 months old when I went off to college so I was really just a visitor in their home when they were little. I didn't get to come home very often, and it wasn't until they were almost two that they really remembered me from one home visit to the next.

I used a Noxzema mask back then that was white like this one. If you have ever used a Noxzema product, you know they have a distinct odor.

One day my mom made pickled eggs or turnips or something like that while the twins were napping. Tyler woke up from his nap and started looking for me. My mom could not convince him that I wasn't there. Finally he said, "I know Noni is here, 'cause I smell her!" He thought the stinking food was me! I quit using the noxema after that.

Mmmmm!

Day5/365



It's amazing how two weeks off work can make you soooooo tired when you do go back. By the time I got home, I just wanted to ball up on the couch and sleep. I do not take naps, but I did today. Lucky I have such a sweet hubby who fixed dinner for him and Alissa. Well, he heated up leftovers, which works for me. I almost didn't do a shot today. I'm just so tired! I was rationalizing like crazy. (I can just do 2 tomorrow. That will make up for missing today.) But I knew if I missed one so soon, I would never make it all year. I was racking my brain for a shot opportunity while making my hot chocolate. The mug is a new. It was a christmas gift. I have a thing for coffee mugs. I love big oversized mugs!


ETA: My mug is sitting on hubby's piano bench. The thing is so old that there is no longer any padding in the padded seat. And no, he doesn't play the piano. He has an Organ that he is "self-taught" on.

I Got Frost Bite Taking This Shot!!!

Day 4 of 365



Seriously, I had this idea of trying to capture my breath since it is so cold. I couldn't wear my gloves and press buttons on my camera to make setting changes. My remote didn't want to work. I couldn't get the camera auto focus to work right in the dark. But I couldn't manual focus and get in the right spot. I finally just gave up when my fingers stopped hurting AND moving! Not exactly what I had in mind, but kinda cool anyway.

Vacation Gone Wrong!

Gary took one of his weeks of vacation this week. I'm not sure what he had originally planned to do during this time. He probably hadn't planned anything since he just is not much of a planner. But I'm 100% positive he didn't intend to sit in his chair all week long.

Last Saturday, the day after Christmas and the second day of his extended vacation, he complained that his throat was sore. Sunday he felt bad, but was convinced if he just layed around for a bit he would feel better. Monday he was very ill, but it didn't even compare to how bad he was on Tuesday. He doesn't even remember Tuesday. He pretty much slept all day between doses of Theraflu. On Wednesday, I could tell he was making his way back to the living. But he still complained of just feeling bad and achy all over. Then on Thursday, he felt great. He was still coughing some, but he didn't feel bad. He left the house for the first time in 5 days. Friday he was still coughing, but he was still feeling okay. He felt good enough to get out of the house again for a few hours. It must have been to much to soon because on Saturday it hit him hard again. Another day of sleeping all day. Today he seems better, but he is still sick.

So my day 3/365 shot is of my hubby's vacation chair. I'm pretty sure his vacation plans didn't include having the flu! I bet he wished the vacation chair was an Adirondack on a beach somewhere.

My Little Angel

I almost forgot to get my photo of the day in! That would really stink if I missed it on the second day.

Alissa and I had a lot of fun today. We played "make-up" for a couple hours. Poor Lis, it's hard on her being an only child. And to make matters worse, there are NO kids in the community we live in. I swear it is becoming a retirement community! The entire time we played she kept saying "When I'm in 7th grade, your going to have to show me how to do that." LOL!

Anyway, here is my beautiful angel with make-up! I have the hardest time getting pictures of her in her glasses without getting glare. Since you can actually see her eyes, I consider this one a success!

Waiting on Spring

As I looked around my house for the inspiration to strike me for my first 365 photo, I noticed my little garden stakes standing sentinel over the empty flower bed. The look so forlorn and lonely. The thought struck me that they were "Waiting on Spring" just like I am. I am not a cold weather girl. I do not like being cold or wet, and I definitely don't like being cold and wet.

I'm a summer girl. Give me 100 degree weather any day of the week; I can find a way to cool off! Anyway, my first 365 is my little angel and flower guarding the garden until spring arrives.

Photo Snob

Hi, I'm Leona, and I'm a photo snob. There. I said it. Ooo, that feels good to get off my chest.

I guess you might be wondering what a photo snob is huh? Well, let me explain.

At one time, I loved taking pictures. I would carry my camera everywhere and anywhere. I shot stuff just for the pure fun of shooting. But as I learn more about photography and what makes a "good" image, I shoot less. One reason is because it takes me fewer practice shots to get the good one. Part of it is because I just don't like taking snap shots anymore. I want every shot to be the best shot ever!

That doesn't sound so bad right? The problem is that I now go days (sometimes even weeks) without picking up my camera. I have allowed my passion for photography to die down from the burning bon-fire inferno it once was to a slow smoldering flame. I want that inferno back!

So I have challenged myself to a 365. A 365 is when you take a shot a day for one year. Okay, I'm sure I will take more than one shot, but I will publish one shot. The whole goal is to just starting shooting again. To keep this from being just another job I am imposing some rules on myself.

1. Once I develop the idea of the shot I want, I can take as many shots as needed to get the shot I want but I can't change my mind just because It doesn't work out in camera how my mind saw it.
2. I can spend no more than 5 min on post processing. This is about capturing the image, not fine tuning it in lightroom and PS.

That's it. Although I may add more rules later if I see the need. Because I want each post to be seperate, I'm going to follow this one up with my very first 365 image.