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You can’t go home again! Or can you?    I recently went back to my hometown the place I was born and where I spent the first eighteen years of my life. Living in the south for the last twenty-three years, I have often wondered if I was missing something by not being back in the DC/MD/VA area.  Not just the food, culture, public transportation, but my past, my memories, a sea of firsts. I hadn’t been back in about ten years and we really excited for the chance to show my now grown children my past.

Somewhere during the trip I started to realize that it wasn’t like I remembered and time hasn’t always been kind to my beloved city.  By the end of the trip I was ready to get back to my house, my bed, my dog, my home. It was wonderful for a while to eat the foods, hear the music I missed, ride the Metro, but than it changed and it wasn’t so wonderful anymore.  That makes the place of my birth a nice place to visit, but no longer my home, still familiar and comfortable just not quite the right fit.

So I guess I understand that old adage now, as we move forward in our lives and our way of thinking the things we used to hold dear may be better left as just that a sweet memory.

Five years ago today I started on a new journey.  After many years of just being friends, dating not dating Kyle and I were ready to make it official.  We weren’t sure if the wedding was going to happen, not because of us but due to Mother Nature. As the minuted ticked by I remember watching the tv to see what Katrina was going to do.

As we got closer to the time for the photo shoot I had scheduled with our Photographer prior to the ceremony all I could think about was marrying my friend.  The photo’s we took in the French Quarter have turned out to be some of my favorites.

After returning to the hotel I was relieved to learn that all our vendors but one had shown up.  The one who didn’t make it was the DJ but thanks to me having back up music on CD and the chef loaning us his boom box the rest of the day went off without a hitch.

Some of our guests were unable to make it due to the hurricane, our honeymoon that was supposed to be in New Orleans got cancelled.  Our adopted home city was devastated and it took us 6 months to get our wedding license.    But it’s all part of our history, our story that we will pass on to our grandchildren and they to their’s.   And even with everything that happened then and since I would still do it all over again!!!!!!

All of our guests that did manage to make it in to the city and out again safely.

This is my blogsite.  A combination of website and blog that shows you my images and what goes on with the person who creates them.  This segment is all about the adventures of planning a wedding from the step-mom’s point of view.

This weekend was the first meeting of the two familes.  While I had no apprehension going in a few other’s expressed various concerns over the days leading up to this meeting. 

Saturday afternnon arrived with clear skies, lots of sunshine and anticipation.  I am happy to report that all parties were present minus the brides Mom and the get together was a great event.  The conversation flowed easily and their was plenty of  laughter in the room.  Later as we were cleaning up the groom remarked to me that he was glad it went well.  He said was worried weall wouldn’t get along.  Or even worse something would happen like the secne in Father or the Bride where Mr. Banks ends up in the pool. I just laughed to myself  as we finished up at the thought of Kyle falling in a pool.

Well that’s all I have to report right now.  It would appear that we are off to a good start but only time will tell.  I welcome comments and or advice and  if you haven’t seen the movie you really should watch it.

Till Next Time

When I look at other’s blogs and websites I see them doing things like ten things about me or ten things I like. I thought of doing something similar. Then while watching Ace of Cakes a show that I really like I got the idea to just start a series of things that I really like/love. So once a month I will talk about some random things that I love.

I’m not sure if it will really help anyone know if they want to hire me but you will get to know me a lot better. And in the process you will find out just how eclectic and broad my taste and interest are.

So here is a short list of Books I love.

1. Danielle Steel books are wonderful sometimes they take me a minute to get into them but once I do I can’t put them down till I finish them. I think every girl needs a little romance in her life sometimes.

2. Donald Trumpbooks are like an obesession with me. I can’t always afford them at full price but whenever I see them at Barnes and Noble on sale I buy it. Even though I may not read it right away. This is a big deal because I used to have so many books that I have had to stop buying them and just borrow them from the library.

3. Christopher Lowell’s books make me happy and I have read them all and keep them next to my bed. My secret desire is to have him come and help me redecorate my house using only Ikea products.

4. This is actually a big one and I could go on and on about this for days but I will try to restrain myself. I have this thing for Vampire books. But not just any vamps certain ones only. There are three female authors who each have a series of books involving some the kookiest, funny, sexy, or just plain badass female lead characters ever. The first is by Mary Janice Davidisonwho writes about Betsy the Queen of the UnDead and lover of shoes. She’s like Carrie of Sex in the City but with fangs. The whole Undead series is one funny ride full of lots of interesting  humans, ghosts, wares and vamps. All I can do is laugh when I read her books.

Then there is Charlaine Harris who writes the Sookie Stackhouse novels now more widely known as True Blood. I was reading the books way before the series came out and while I like the series the books are way, way better. Sookie reads minds and dates vamps, and wares. She gets into all sorts of messes, while still holding on to her serving job. You never know what Sookie is going to end up doing next and her passion with vamp Eric is great reading.

My absolute favorite series ever that I love,love,love is the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Series by Laurell K Hamilton. It’s not just that this character has more lover’s than I keep track of. But she carries a lot of weapons and knows how to use them. I really like reading about strong woman who go after what they want and don’t wait on a man to always rescue them.

5. My last book that I love has to be the Bible because it has everything I need in it to know how to live and love myself, my family and my fellow man. It brings me more comfort than other book I know. And when you think about it, you can find murder, betrayal, forgiveness, miracles anything you need all in one place.

And there you have it a little bit more about me. I really do love to read and always have. I thinks libraries are wonderful places and visit mine once a week. So yes I am a nerd and I like to read books!

You know I figured when I got to the point that I get to be the Mother of the Bride or the step-Mother of the Bride that it would be easy.

I thought it would involve helping out with little things, getting a good dress and showing up. No mess no fuss. Wrong!!!! This whole adventure has just started and I am already ready stressed and thinking is it over yet? Not the best thought when this is just the first child to get married and we have four more to go.

The topic of conversation today was the actual cost of a wedding as in “how much per person”. After going over the numbers, what they wanted and what they can afford. I think they were left feeling like running away and eloping. It reminded me of that moment in Father of the Bride where Steve Martin suggests having a backyard BBQ. Kyle and I suggested they go home and sleep on it.
As it stands now this wedding may be here in Orlando, in Miami, on a cruise ship or who knows what? Keep coming back and I let you know about our journey to the altar as the Parent of the Bride.

It has been a long time since I have blogged. I wish I could say it’s because I have been on a long cruise and I had no way to blog. I wish I could but I can’t.

I have been very busy and very sick and than very busy again. I feel better than ever and am now ready to hit the ground running again.

We have a new look in case you haven’t noticed. In order to make things easier on me and simpler for you we have just launched our brand new blogsite. It’s a blog, it’s a website it’s a two for one kinda deal. Everything and anything you need to know about me or the company will be found right here. since it’s all in one spot it should be easier to keep everything fresh and new.

I have been doing some great work with some amazing people and will be blogging about it in the coming weeks. Please feel free to write comments and email me with suggestions or ideas.

Tina

One afternoon as Kyle and I strolled through Universal Studios a cast member walked up to us and wanted to know if we are interested in being in the show?  How did he know that Kyle and I are not the kinda people to turn down a chance to do something new, fun, exciting, scary, etc?  And having watched Fear Factor for years we couldn’t say no. 

 As we stood in the waiting area with the other lucky contestants I started to consider myself the luckiest of them all. Compared to what the other participants would have to endure I felt I was getting off easy.  The Mother and Daugther we talked with before sitting told us they would have to eat mystery stuff.

As we were escorted in to our special seating area the tension started to rise.  Despite the fact that we knew in one part of our minds that this was all more show than anything, and they wouldn’t let anything really happen to us. The fear of the unkown was almost enough to make us turn and run from the place.   Before I was ready it was my turn.  My heart was beating in my chest so hard I was sure people in Miami could hear it.  I sat in the chair and felt them strap me in.  You can do this I told myself.  The ear plugs, nose pincher and goggles made it hard to see and hear.  Stay perfectly still and don’t move is all I could remember at that point.  Then it was time, the moment that they were going to put the live creatures they showed me in back on my head. 

From the little I could hear I learned they were putting live scorpions in the box with me about 30 seconds before they did it and I have never been so scared in my life.   Anyone who knows me, knows I am basically a scardey cat about creepie crawlies.  I wasn’t about to move or even breathe I was so terrified.  What was only a minute or two seemed like thirty.  Then wouldn’t you know it one got stuck in my hair and they had a little trouble getting the last little guy out.  All the while I am sitting there praying that I make it out without wetting myself.  When they finally released me I could barely walk back to my seat.   Mom and Daughter were up after me, they had to eat some gross bug stuff that they said tasted as bad as it looked.

It took the rest of the show for my heartbeat to return to normal.  In fact I was shaking and crying as Kyle put his arms around me and told me I had done good.  As we exited the theatre a woman handed me a picture so I could remember my time in the show. 

 People approached me the rest of the day.  Some to tell me what a good job I did and others to question if the scorpions were even real?  They were I assured them, they actually crawled across my face and I will never forget the feel of thier bodies.  Hard with pointy things sticking out of them.  Your brave I heard over and over again.  And you know what I agree with them.

Just so you know this really happened and it not a figment of my imagination I have included the picture of me and the scorpions.

I am brave and fear is not a factor for me, I can’t afford for it to be.  I have too many things I want to accomplish, places I have yet to visit and experiences I have yet to have.

It’s 2010 and I haven’t really posted on my blog like I would like.  While everyone else was celebrating and making resolutions (which I don’t do) I was taking care  of my youngest daughter.  She’s 19 and thinks she’s grown but sometimes she needs and wants her Mom and I am glad to have a chance to be there for her. 

Now that Jasmine is doing better I have decided that it’s time to get down to work.  Last year as Kyle and I were talking and trying to decide what the next step should be in our business  my son (17) encouraged me to write in my blog.  At the time I wasn’t sure what to say or how to say it.  I hadn’t really put myself out there since I was planning our wedding back in 2005.  I had an online journal of a sort on this wonderful site called African American Bride and I had the chance to meet, share, and learn from a great group of women.  I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do that again or if anyone would even be interested in my rambling.

Now that we have a clearer vision for our business and where we want to go I have decided that it’s time to do like my son said and blog the good, bad and ugly.  So here goes with a new year and a new focus I am going to giving you more of me and who I am.  This blog will be about the adventure of changing our entire business at the age of 40.  Our wonderful clients and the events and people we get to shoot.  Dealing with grown children who have had to move back home.  The joys of  being Grandparents.  The trips we love to take and anything else I feel like talking about. 

C &K Photography is in a sense just starting out.  Back in 2003 when Kyle and I were just dating we started a videography business.  Since then we have worked with some amazing couples and had a lot of fun making videos that moved our clients.  During that entire time I was always shooting images that we would incorporate into the final video.  There were times I was asked to be the photographer at the wedding along with doing the video.  As time went on I was finding myself less interested in the video side of our business and more interested in the photography side.  I hadn’t really taken images for pay since I worked for a major studio doing school photography.  But I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame.

Around June of 2009 the decision was made to not take on any more video clients and only do photography.  So in many ways this is going to be our offical first year of business.  Making this change has been exciting and scary, full of some real ups and downs.  As 2010 starts we are looking forward to a great year.  Hoping to meet lots of great people clients as well as other’s in the business and we hope that you will join us for the ride.

I would love to hear from my two readers if your still out there.  Sometimes it’s nice to know your not alone!  Fell free to leave me a comment, contact me here or email me at Tina@candkphotography.com.

 

It’s no big secret that I love food.  That fact became very apparent when at a young age my way of retelling the story for any vacation we had taken had more to do with the types, amounts, and quality of the meals eaten than anything else.  Truly that is still my way of talking about trips that we take.  I remember the sites now and take photo’s just don’t expect me to talk about them very much.  Ask me the best meal I had or where to find good chocolate or pastries and my eyes will light up and I could go on for ages.

The holidays are my favorite time of year.  I used to say it was the joy and good will people seemed to have or the shopping and wrapping of presents.  And  I can’t wait until November to start listening to my vast and ever growing collection of holiday music.  I am listening to some very nice music put out by Victoria’s Secret years ago. 

I have finally come to realize that what it is about the holidays that excite me so much apart from the music, spending thime with friends and family and the mezmerizing lights (a story for another post) is the food.  I love the pies, cakes, breads, soups, cookies, all of it.  Some of my best memories growing up were of making cookies with my Mom.  When I had kids I made sure that we made cookies every year to give to friends and family.

The kitchen the dinning room table everything would be covered in flour by the time we were done.  But the laughs and the good times we shared are priceless.  They enjoyed those nights so much that as they grew to be teenagers they invited their friends and took over the whole thing.  All I had to do was answer questions and then feast on the goods.  Who wouldn’t be in food heaven.  Christmas parties with all sorts of mouth-watering goodies, baskets full of tempting tidbits, pot-luck dinners with soups and cookies.  I am thrilled at this time of the year.   Do I need it no but that dosen’t stop me from wanting it.  And so I shall becuase I know come January and the new year I will go back to my sensible and healthy eating plan.  But until then let the good times roll…………………

 

 

It’s fall again.  That’s what the calendar keeps telling me but somehow I don’t feel it.  Maybe that is because I live in Florida now and it’s just not the same as fall back home in the DC/MD area.  Growning up I associated fall with back to school, wearing boots and coats, raking leaves into piles then jumping in them, and sipping hot cocoa from steamy mugs.  Now falls means the busy hectic holiday season, sipping coffee from paper cups while on the go to stay awake, mowing the grass that never really dies, and wearing sandals all year long.  Not better or worse just different……

 

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