\ˈklau̇d\ (cloud)

A beautiful storm blew through last night. 

On the porch looking south you could see a spectacular lightning show and looking north-west you could see this! 

-'- Jewel

Our Celebration for Independence Day!

We had a little Independence Day celebration with some of our extended family! 

(Kimberly wasn't here - she was spending the weekend at Spirit Lake in Iowa)

Our uncle Ed with his grandson Lucas

Mom & our sister TaMera made homemade ice cream. 

WOW!

 It was delicious! We had farm fresh, organic, cage-free eggs from our Grandpa's chickens, and real cream from our local dairy. It must have made a difference because I usually don't like homemade ice cream...but this was like homemade ice dream!

L-R: Aunt Sharon, Grandpa, cousin Jerrica, Mom (Judy)

Caty and an ATV

I texted my cousin Caty last week asking if I could try out this crazy photo idea I had. She said yes! (She says yes to a lot of my crazy ideas...Awesome right? :)) 

The idea was a nighttime photo shoot with a light source and she was to be my model.

 I wanted to use the mower because you can shoot the lights anywhere, unfortunately I couldn't get it started and the next best thing was the ATV. We ended up parking the ATV on a hill to get the lights where they needed to be.

[Pre-Shot]

[Those eyelashes!]

Caty is so much fun to photograph! I am thankful that she helped me grow in this area of photography. It was quite challenging; having the light come from one spot and not covering the entire area. Boy! Does the sun spoil us or what! 

I'm sure summer is as crazy for you as it is for me!

-'- Jewel

After the Storm...

Yesterday evening, there was a CRAZY storm! Lighting, thunder and lots of rain! It was so overcast and dark, I was surprised when I glanced out the window that there was light coming in. Yes, when the worst had passed the sun came out. It felt like a movie!

I wish these pictures could recreate the feeling I had taking them. It really was breathtaking.

-'- Jewel

From Rusty to Rad Red [A Chair Update]

Our aunt is planning on moving and let us raid her backyard of stuff, on it's way to the dumpster...let me tell you we didn't come home empty handed. One of the "treasures" was this chair that Kimberly made into a beautiful statement piece! It really pops, definitely an eye grabber when you come into the driveway.

 

A chair from our aunt + wire brushing + red spray paint = STATEMENT!

-'- Jewel