a favorite flower

As with most Sundays, we spent time at my in-laws this past week for drinks and dinner with the rest of the family.  They have some pretty amazing gardens spread out around their property. And every year, around this time, you are greeted with some of the most beautiful sunflowers I have ever seen as you enter.  This year they have a stalk that is at least 12 feet tall, no exaggeration, right in the middle.  Unfortunately I left my camera chip in the computer so these were only taken with my iPhone.  I hope to get some better shots before they are gone though.

I have been in search of a sunflower field for the past couple of years.  To photograph rows upon rows upon rows of sunflowers is on my photography bucket list.  Do you know of any sunflower fields in SW Pennsylvania?

What is your favorite flower?

Do you have a photography bucket list?

What moments did you capture this week?

Linking up with Aimee today!

swimming, camping, and canoeing oh my

The weekend before last, the husband and I got away again for the night and spent time in Cook Forest for the first time.  I am not sure about him, but I think it may be my new favorite camping area.  

We got a bit of a later start to our day than we wanted but we took full advantage of the time we had once we arrived.  After picking our camping spot, which we both thought was a little bit too central for our taste, we headed to the pool for a little sun and reading.  The pool was horribly cold so all I did was dip my feet in.   But since it wasn't too hot it was the perfect first pool day of 2014.  

Since I failed to make a list, I am usually a list maker, I forgot my tennis shoes (and would have forgotten our tent, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags if the husband hadn't remembered) so we weren't able to hike but we did take a little walk around the grounds just to get a feel for the place.  There were so many options of places to camp so we hope to reserve those spots ahead of time the next time we plan on visiting. 

As goes with being in nature, I did not have any cell service, so we listened to the Pirate's game on the radio.  Even though you may not be able to tell from the photo below, the husband was pretty happy about it. 

^^not far from our campsite.  too close to everything and everyone else. 

After the game was over, we started the fire, grilled some hot dogs, and drank some gin and sodas until it was time to turn in for the night. 

^morning sun

After getting our tent all packed away we headed for a good ole fashioned country breakfast at Farmer's Inn not even a mile down the road.  Just what we needed after a night of camping.  

After breakfast we decided, since I forgot my shoes, to rent a canoe and canoe 4 miles down the Clarion River.  It was probably my favorite part of our 24 hours spent there.  If you can't tell from the photos,  I didn't do much of the rowing.  Just took photos. 

We pulled the canoe off the river just in time for the clouds to form and the rain to begin.  We had hoped to walk through the old growth section of the park but decided to head back since the rain didn't seem to be letting up anytime soon.  Next time, Cook Forest, next time.  

All of the photos above were taken with my iPhone5 and edited in Afterlight using the Hollow filter.  I am very pleased how well they turned out since they only came from my phone.  Technology these days, I tell ya.  And I used to think the iPhone3 camera was good.. 

Are you a camper?

Do you use your phone for photos a lot?

If so, do you have a favorite photo editing app?

Linking up with Rekita and Nicole today!

summer reading

One of my favorite things to do in my spare time is snuggle up with a good book with a big glass of red preferably soaking in a hot bath.  Some of my favorites are Harry Potter (in case you haven't already figured that out yet), My Sister's Keeper, DaVinci Code and Angels & Demons, Black Like Me, I Know This Much is True.  I didn't start loving to read until after high school but the first book I fell in love with was To Kill A Mockingbird in 9th grade Honors English (Honors English? I know, right).  I also love to spend Summer evenings on our back deck as the sun sets with a drink and book in hand.  So since I am posting from Topsail, NC on a week long vacation with my husband and his family I thought I would share with you what I have read over the Summer so far.  

*all images via Google Images

Inferno by Dan Brown

In case you have been living under a rock for the last 10 years, Brown made it big with DaVinci Code in 2003.  And his ability to capture your attention from page 1 has not changed.  Of course I loved this book.  Maybe not as much as Davinci or Angels & Demons but still a page turner.  And like all of his other novels, he throws in some good twists throughout just to keep the reader on their toes. 

And The Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini 

I am a huge fan of both Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns so I was excited to see Hosseini's next book on our book club's list of choices.  During the 5 minutes we discussed the book, most everyone found it to be quite depressing.  If you have read JK Rowling's new book The Casual Vacancy then you'd agree this book is no more depressing than it is maybe tragic.  I love Hosseini's writing.  He does such an excellent job of describing the story line so that you feel as if you are there.  I do have to admit I did confused a lot as I didn't always catch the transitions in the story lines and didn't realize he had moved onto a different character until a few pages later.  And unlike Inferno, while it's not a hard read, there were times I would have to put it down for something less heavy.  This is definitely a book you need to be in the mood to read.  But if you love learning about different cultures, this is perfect.  And if you'd like a much better summary of the And The Mountains Echoed, check out Casey's thoughts over on her blog.  She does a much better job at describing it than I would ever do. 

Deviants and Compliance both by Maureen McGowan

I accidentally discovered Deviants while browsing the Amazon's Top 100 Cheap books on my kindle while looking for a little break from And The Mountains Echoed.  If you are into those mindless post-apocalyptic young adult novels then this is perfect for you.  Both are page turners and entertaining in the same away The Hunger Games series is (although I don't think they are nearly as good as the The Hunger Games).  If you are into this kind of stuff then these are perfect.  I am hoping for book #3 soon. 

  

Darkly Dreaming Dexter and Dearly Devoted Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

As the last season of Showtimes' Dexter nears its end, I am starting to have a hard time letting go, so I decided to read the books in an attempt to ease the pain.  The show is loosely based on these books by Lindsay.  And by loosely based, I mean season 1 followed the first book almost exactly (until the end.  don't worry I won't give anything away) but starts to go a completely different direction in season 2 than the book.  From what I have read so far, all of the characters are the same from the show.  And to be inside Dexter's mind even more so in the books is just great.  That's my education in Psychology and sick interest in sociopaths talking.  I mean both my husband and I have laughed out loud to Dexter's thoughts.  If you can appreciate a sociopath serial killer who works for the police department as a blood splatter analyst humor then this book is for you.  And if you watch and enjoy the show, you will very much appreciate the humor as it is great in the perfect Dexter way.  

What books have you read this Summer?

I am currently reading Lindsay's #3 Dexter book but I am looking for some good mindless beach reads.  What do you recommend?!

Also, on Goodreads?  Friend me!

linking up with Tarole, Leann, Bre, and Carrie today!

Until next time

time off

Oh hey, July!  Where did you come from?  I have one favor to ask of you.  Please, pretty pretty please, do not go as fast as June went.  Much appreciated.  Thanks!

Anyway, I know I haven't been posting my recap of our California adventures like I said I would.  I haven't been in the mood.  Plain and simple.  Please do not take offense to that.  I haven't been in the mood for much these days except for reading, chillin' poolside, and drinking a gin & soda.  Preferably all three at the same time if I can help it.  

With that being said, I would like to take the month of July off from blogging.  Don't worry, I'll still be stalking all of you in the mean time.  I just need to take some time off to collect my thought, perhaps figure out where I want this here blog to go and focus more on my photography and re-open my Etsy shop.  I have a lot to look forward to this month and hopefully re-cap those moments along with my Cali adventure posts when I return in August.  I just didn't want to disappear on y'all.  I mean I would really hate to end up one of those missing persons signs or news segments when all I needed was some time off.  Because we obviously know y'all all would so very worried hehe. I hope you do decide to stick around and not give up on me quite yet.  I really have been surprised by how much I have enjoyed blogging on the regular for the last 6 months so I have every intention of returning.  Hopefully with a lot more to say and photos for your viewing pleasure.  

But before you go, check out June's #capturingmymoments Instagram photos.  These are some pretty talented folks, y'all. 

@ctomana * @principessaxox * @jennycorn11 * @diesel_girl_18 * @bustinjustin1986 * @andiepants15 * @bzlaforte * @_kellyscott * @kateholquist * @mrsfence. 

Be sure to check those folks out and follow if you'd like.  Who doesn't like more friends?  And as you may notice, in my tired/gin & soda induced haze I didn't add my correct IG handle in the collage above.  There is no man, just @acornphotography.  So if you want to follow along with this project and participate as well please be sure to follow me, I'll follow back as long as you aren't spam, so I can see your photos.  Spread the word too!  The more the merrier, right?  

Thanks to everyone who participates in this little project of mine!  I really do look forward to checking out what you are up through your eyes.  It's one of my favorite things about photography, being able to capture a second of time and being able to share it with others:)

But if you miss me that much feel free to follow along on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or here, and Flickr for my 365 photos:) 

Until August

Jeff & Alicia's Vow Ceremony

About 3 months ago I was asked to photography a friend of mine's vow ceremony.  Jeff and Alicia hadn't been together for long before they both new they wanted to start a family and spend the rest of their lives together.  I just love those kind of stories, don't you?  You know the kind where both parties "just know" from the very beginning.  I have always thought that was so romantic.

It was a very small vow ceremony at Walker Park in Sewickley with only immediate family.  It was such a perfect and beautiful Summer afternoon to celebrate two people together becoming a family.

CONGRATULATIONS on almost 3 months together and for your new addition to your family.  I cannot wait to meet him!  Thank you so much for allowing to be there to capture your special day.  

Scotland 7, 8 and 9: Night Out and Glasgow

As our trip came to a close we all I started to get a little exhausted.  As much as I loved seeing different parts of Scotland and Ireland I was ready for a few days of R&R.  So that is what I did.  I hardly left the flat we were staying in.  It felt so nice to just be lazy, not get out of my PJs and catch up on social media and trashy television.

Our one plan we had for the rest of the trip was to go out for a night of drinks and karaoke in Glasgow as a last hoorah and somewhat of a bachelorette (hen party they call it over there), even though Barry's fiance was there.  We rented a booth for just the six of us for two hours to sing at the top of our lungs, out of tune (at least for the Brantleys) and delicious cocktails.  We sang everything from Garth Brooks, Allmond Brothers and Michael Jackson to Kelis and Sir Mix-A-Lot.  So much fun!

taking a look at the children's menu!  I haven't seen one of these since I was like... 5) 

That's a lot to promise!  

And a disco ball.  Perfect way to end a Saturday night out!  

I literally did not leave the flat the next day.  I would blame it on a hangover but I was just lazy.  I read, napped, read, repeat.  It was so nice and refreshing.  And as much as I enjoyed everyones company this girl needs some alone time (even in Scotland) and it was nice to get that while everyone went out for a few. 

friends as ants. 

As I know I have mentioned A LOT our trip a majority of the time was rainy and wet (as I know that is how it is Scotland) but the sun always came out when it really mattered.  Like our last day.  It was absolutely beautiful.  The sky was the bluest I had seen in a while and the green was just so... green!  It was actually a little warmer and I had to peel off some layers. 

We had already planned to walk around Glasgow as a group but were so fortunate to have such a gorgeous day.  Our first stop was the Glasgow Cathedral.  As you can see parts of it are under construction but what a beautiful building.  Seriously, the architecture never ceased to amaze me!  

In a small park on the way to the necropolis 

We then headed up to the Glasgow Necropolis behind the cathedral for gorgeous views of the city and the cathedral from above.  

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle hands

Lego hands. 

As goes with walking around we all started to get a little hungry so Simon took us on a little detour of the city to grab lunch at a nearby SM Supermarket.  

I think Santa was lost. 

We found a perfect shaded area to sit and inhale our lunches while we people watched and enjoyed the scenery.  

I thought this was incredibly sweet!

Our last stop of the day was the Kevingrove Art Gallery and Museum.  A beautiful building with quite the range of art on display.  While everyone walked around I grabbed my kindle and found a sunny spot to read (and nap) and get some more photos. 

We took another scenic route home through a park in the city.  Since it was such a beautiful day there were loads of people out and about.  Kids playing, couples reading snuggled together, hippies playing guitars, etc.  Great for people watching.  

Great end to a lovely 2 weeks in Ireland and Scotland!

Thank you so much to K, Barry and Simon for letting us take over your flat for a week and half!  What a great way to spend my frist trip across the big pond!  Can't wait to go back!