charlie

I surprised my mom a few days early with a visit to STL the day after Christmas.  She had originally thought I was meeting them in Memphis for my Grandmother's 90th birthday party but my dad and sisters were all able to keep it  hush hush.  Anyway, after a visit to Memphis for the night, I had one full day left with my family before heading back to Pittsburgh to ring in the new year with the husband.  So before my mom and I headed out to grab some photos in Forest Park (a post for another day, I promise!), I grabbed some shots of Charlie, my mom's cat, basking in the late morning sun and warming up on top of the furnace.  

"Maybe if I close my eyes and I can't see you, you won't see me either." - that's what Charlie is thinking. 

My mom got Charlie from an estate sale her and her friend were shopping at for their antique booth.  He spent a good year and a half, at least, on his own, so Mr. Charlie is quite the survivalist.  I mean my mom has to keep all food off of the counter and the garbage locked because Charlie knows how to open it and help himself.  If I were ever to get a cat, I want one just like him.  

Charlie was such a great sport showing off for the camera.  Being that one of my goals for 2014 is to shoot in Manual, I did a little experimenting while Charlie posed for me.  I really love how the natural light from the window made his white fur glow.  I still have a lot to learn in Manual, but I know I am going to have a lot of fun trying. 

Do you have any pets (or do you wish you did)?

Are they good models for you?

Do you shoot in Manual?

And last but not least, Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis for some #backthatazzup.  And where have I been?  Mackelmore isn't gay?!

Linking up with Aimee, Jess, and Whitney today! 

until next time

a day in the life

The other day I spent the day taking a photo an hour for the day.  Why you may ask.  Well, besides that you care so much, Meg from Meg O on the Go thought it would be fun for everyone to share the exciting lives we lead through photos.   Below is what a typical snow day looks like around these parts.
 9:30 am

a bit of a late start to my day but a majority of it was spent in bed, which has become quite the habit of mine, reading.  at least I was productive, right?

10:30 am

daily vitamins laid out for photography purposes.  normally I don't take them until the end of the day but decided to get them out of the way early. 

11:30 am

salad prep.  I make a mean salad.  just sayin'. 

12:30 pm

caught up on downton while I enjoyed my delicious salad.  do you watch the show?  what do you think of this season so far (if you live in the US and are just now seeing them)?  I don't know about you, but I really hope Ethel finds love this season but I am starting to not trust this guy. 

1:30 pm

read my book in the tub for a little. 

2:30 pm

read more of my book.  i am finding it incredibly hard to put this book down.  if you like historical fiction and find the two world wars as interesting as I do, I recommend Follet's The Century Triology. 

3:30 pm

finally made my way downstairs and popped in The Goblet of Fire while enjoying Angie's Kettle Corn popcorn.  i finally found a legal form of crack, and it's come in the form of that popcorn.  

4:30 pm

after indulging in some popcorn, I worked on my infinity scarf.  it's coming along quite nicely.  

5:30 pm

finally the socially acceptable time to pour myself a glass of pinot (and yes, harry potter is still on). 

6:30 pm

my mess. 

7:30 pm

I went from Downton, to Harry Potter, to more Downton then to Sherlock.  what can i say, i just love a good british accent:)  #sherlocklives

8:30

thawed chicken chili for dinner.

9:30 pm

chraly selfie after watching 24 and before heading up to bed. 

Judging by the photos above, I watch a lot of TV.  And I am okay with that.  When it's sub zero temps outside, there is no other way I'd rather spend my day off (I work for a teacher so when she has off, I have off.  not complaining). 

Have you ever done a photo an hour for a day before?

What would a typical day look like for you?

(Or do you just watch a lot of TV;)?)

Linking up with Meg and Nicole today!

until next time

run. organize.

Last week:

crochet. start an infinity scarf. had to re-start it a few times but I am finally happy with the length.  my mother-in-law showed me how to use a slip stitch to continue in a circle rather than having to wait until I am done to connect the ends.

read. read a least 25 pages every day.  I  was not able to read daily last week but have made up for what I couldn't the past few nights.  I almost read 100 just last night.

laundry. do and put away laundry. accomplished. 

business. finish Craft, Inc. I have not finished it yet but have been making considerable progress the last few days.  i am finding it harder to get through than I thought.  just a lot of business wah wah wah, know what I mean?

This week:

run. keep to my 13.1 training.  because it has been so cold, i didn't run once this past week and weather doesn't look much more promising for the upcoming week.  the husband reminded me of the indoor track that isn't terribly far away for me to get in my speed workouts.  as he said "no more excuses."

organize. i have fallen behind on uploading my 365 photos and video.  i need to dedicate a little more time to doing just that before it gets too overwhelming again.  also, i would like to add more photos to my Society6 page.


I must say, I am really enjoying making weekly goals for myself and posting them once a week.  While I may not get them all accomplished, they are always in the back of my mind. 

What are your goals for the week?

How did you do last week?

Linking up with Melyssa today!

until next time

let go {sunday sound}

I was listening to the Noosa station on Google Play shortly after the new year searching for songs to add my our "2014 Jams" and this came on.  I recognized Kele's voice and was immediately in love. 

RAC ft Kele, MNDR - "Let Go"

What music are you listening to these days?

Any recommendations?

until next time

craving color

I know this is not news, but ya'll it is freeeee. zing!  And I am so over it!  And it's only January.  The sun is shining outside but it literally hurts to be outside for more than a second.  I mean, even my teeth hurt.  I mean what is that about (<---said in my best Chandler Bing)? Every year around this time I ask myself why I haven't uprooted and left for warmer climates.  But there is just something about Pittsburgh that stole my heart.  It must be true love for me stick around year after year.  

I am currently craving the warm moments these photos recall for me.  On Sundays we go to the in-laws for dinner.  These were taken while walking around their yard and checking out the freshly bloomed flowers in their garden.  If those colors don't scream Summer and warmth, I'm not sure what else would.

Has it been freezing where you are?

What helps get you through January & February?

And just because Bieber has had such a big week...

Linking up with  Jess, Aimee, and Whitney today! 

until next time

lazy saturday

^^ how it all started

As I write this post, I have only gotten out of bed only twice.  And it's 1:48 pm.  Once was to hang out with the husband before he left for work and the second was to go for a run (albeit a short run) and coffee around noon.  But I am back, and it's glorious.  And I don't plan on getting out until I have to like to pee (because unfortunately I forgot to buy myself some adult diapers) and/or the husband gets home.

Saturday was much needed.  It was so nice to be snuggled up in bed without any distractions (i.e. the TV) tempting me.  Something I am going to have to do more often.  Fo sho.  Now excuse me while I turn on Harry Potter and start my scarf. 

How was your weekend?

Anything fun or was it as lazy as mine?

Linking up with Tori and Tiffany today!

until next time

crochet. read. laundry. business.

Last week:

run. stick to my 13.1 training program. I ran ever day that was scheduled except on Thursday which was a tabata.  Is it wrong that I don't feel that guilty about skipping it?  

organize. make a list of January goals and hang them up. I half made a list on Saturday.  I know I had more goals I hoped to accomplish this month but I forgot them already. 

blog. blog at least 4x this week. Accomplished. 

This week:

crochet. start an infinity scarf for myself before it gets too warm to wear it.

read. read at least 25 pages a day of my book.  Since sharing my list of 25 books I hope to read this year, I realize I need to up my reading.  Instead of watching TV, I need to read.  I really don't know how hard this will be since I am loving the book so far.  I started Winter of the World (just over 900 pages) on Saturday and I am already 65 pages in.
laundry. start laundry and put all of it away after I fold it.
business. I started Craft, Inc last night.  I am only 25 pages in and have already found it useful.  I hope to continue reading this and take notes as I do.  Since it is just a short read, I would like to finish it by next week. 

What are your goals for the week?

How did you do last week?

Linking up with Melyssa today!

until next time

muse {sunday sounds}

I was introduced to The Wood Brothers by my sister the night we stayed up until 4 am solving the world's problems over a few bottles of wine while we were both in STL visiting our parents over the holidays.  They are quickly becoming a favorite.   Can you see why?

The Wood Brothers - "The Muse"

until next time

photograph

Melyssa started this awesome link-up twice a month called "The Creative Collective" to inspire everyone to get creative in 2014.  The first prompt is: Think of one word you want to focus on in 2014. 

{photo copyright: Alyson Cornman Photography}
Photograph: The one word I hope 2014 to revolve around.

Since first getting into photography more seriously, I have been wanting to sell my photos.  A lot has kept me from doing this.  Marketing, fear, organization, fear, time, initiative, fear, shyness, comparing, fear, etc.  As with wanting to go after your dreams, fear is the biggest factor that has gotten in my way.  Fear of failure, sure but also fear that I can't compete with those amazing photos and photographers that are already out there.  However, 2013 was a good year for me and was spent over coming a lot of those negative thoughts that used to take over on a daily basis.  2013 was a year for rediscovering myself and starting to care less of what others's think of me.  So I am hoping to carry my new found self and confidence into 2014.

I have ADD, seriously, so my thoughts go from one thing to the next quickly and easily.  I often get distracted and instead of completing one task, I quickly move onto the next.  Which then leads to a lot of feelings of being overwhelmed.  So in addition to just continuing to photograph every day, I will take the necessary steps to make this happen.

I will read book(s) on how to open a shop, sell, and market on Etsy.
I will continue to take a photograph a day, more so with my dslr this year, only in Manual mode.
I will share my photos on my blog more often, even if it is just one and without words.
I will look into other blogs to advertise my photography on.
I will make a WordPress site dedicated to photography only.

Having small goals for each step of the way will make it easier for me to achieve this goal.  It will help keep me on track and from getting overwhelmed.

Do you have any advice on books to read on selling, marketing, and posting on Etsy?

What one word are you hoping to focus on in 2014?

Linking up with Melyssa and Shanna today!

until next time

2014: read 25 books

I have decided to attempt to read 25 books this year.  As I made this list and thought about it some, I realized this is quite the lofty goal for someone who only reads at night before bed.  I guess I'll just have to plan a beach vacation at some point this year if I have any hopes of finishing them all. (And these do not include possible book club books).  However, it is nice to have a list to work from.  My Goodreads "to-read" has only gotten larger and I find myself so overwhelmed when I am looking for my next book.  So if nothing else, this will serve as a good guide

1 // re-read Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. {more than half way done with this one. i forgot how much slower paced this book is compared to the others}
2 // Looking for Alaska by John Green

3 // The Interestings by Meg Wolitzer {my mom said this was really good}

4 // The Book Thief by Markus Zusak {hear both the movie and book are excellent}

5 // Blog, Inc by Joy Deangdeelert Cho, Meg Mateo Ilasco

6 // Five Days in November by Clint Hill {i am fascinated by the Kennedy assassination and am eager to hear about it from a different perspective}

7 // Divergent by Veronica Roth {finally deciding to jump on the bandwagon}

8 // James Potter and the Hall of Elder's Crossing by G. Norman Lippers {if you know my obsession with harry potter then you will understand}

9 // re-read The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger {read this back in HS.  would like to read it with an adult mind}

10 // Winter of the World by Ken Follet {loved fall of giants}
11 // The Storyteller by Jodi Piccoult {i have loved every book of hers. well minus the pact. wasn't a fan of that one}

12 // The Wives of Henry VIII by Antonia Fraser {who doesn't find king henry viii interesting?}

13 // World War Z by Mark Brooks {because i love the movie and brad pitt}

14 // My Story by Marilyn Monroe {i have heard she was quite the intelligent woman despite always playing the token bimbo}

15 // Insurgent by Veronica Roth

16 // Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfeld

17 // The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

18 // 11/22/63 by Stephen King 

19 // Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell 

20 // The Lost Wife by Alyson Richman

21 // Allegiant by Veronica Roth

22 // Berlin Noir by Philip Kerr {I also find WWII and nazis occupied germany fascinating as well}

23 // Winger by Andrew Smith

24 // We Are Water by Wally Lamb {there is not one book of his that I have not loved}

25 // The Silent Wife by A. S. A. Harrison

Follow me on Goodreads for updates and to see how I am doing!   

Do you have a book goal for this year?

What are you looking forward to reading?

Which ones from my list have you read?

Any favorites?

Linking up with Tori, Kimberly, and Tiffany today!

until next time

run. organize. blog.

I am excited to link up with Melyssa for my first Weekly Wishes today.  There is something about the first of the year that gets me all fired up to make lists and actually wanting to stick to them.

My goals for the week are:

1 // run. i will keep to my 13.1 training schedule this week.  

2 // organize. i will make a goal list of what I hope to accomplish in January and hang it up next to my 2014 goals and my list of 25 books. 

3 // blog. i will post 4 times (including today) this week. 

I am coming off a very sick weekend, so I am still dragging a little today.  A day spent with a 5 year old and 22 month old will set you back a little.  

What do you hope to accomplish this week?

Linking up with Melyssa today!

until next time

under {sunday sounds}

favorite lyrics:

"life is no coincidence

it’s what you make it"

Aosoon - "Under"

until next time

old economy park

The Sunday before Christmas, the husband and I decided to head up the hill to Old Economy Park for a little hike.  It was the first day since the beginning of December that there wasn't snow on the ground.  With temperatures hovering around 55 and 60, that will happen.  Since it was so nice, we decided to take advantage of it and get some fresh air.  

We have been up here before but never really gave ourselves time to explore.  This day we did.  And we discovered a connection of a running route to the park.  I am excited to explore that route and other trails within this park more when I start the longer runs for my 13.1 training. 

It is so nice to reconnect with nature even when it's somewhere you have been before.  Does the body good for sure.

Do you enjoy spending time outdoors?

Do you have any parks you like to explore near you?

What is your favorite part?

Linking up with Tiffany and Kimberly today!

until next time