Before these walls were blue...

The world says you're ready when you're eighteen
Well I was no exception to the rule.
Eager to try my hand at proving that I was a man
Not an ounce of fear in anything I do.

Yeah I thought I knew it all
Turns out I didn't have a clue
Before these walls were blue.

Well I remember sitting there in that old rocker
Reading, trying to get you back to sleep.
Well I'd find myself, laughing at you laughin'
Wishing the hands of time that I could cheat

Yeah I thought that I knew love
Turns out I didn't have a clue
Before these walls were blue.

I believe in heaven, I believe in magic
I believe in the life inside these walls.
Now I believe
In dinosaurs and toy trains and baseball
What are you gonna be for Halloween?
I'll be the villain, and you be the hero
You save the day the way that you saved me

Yeah I thought I knew myself,
Turns out I didn't have a clue
Before these walls were blue.

~Wade Bowen

________________________________________________________

If anyone knows Kam and I - they know that Wade Bowen has always been one of our favorite musicians. When we were first dating, we went to every possible performance. Our first dance as a married couple was to "Who I Am" and now 5 years later, as I listen to my son play, another Wade Bowen song perfectly captures our lives. 

I listen to this song and I cry happy tears. I think of my sweet boy when he was brand new with his sweet chubby cheeks and his soft cry. Then I see this wild little boy ramming trucks together and "shooting birds" and my heart just bursts with happiness. I couldn't have ever imagined the love, the laughs and the complete crazy/hectic/wonderful life being a mom really is.  

My Kye boy will be 2 years old in a week.  And I really didn't have a clue before he was in my life.  I look forward to all the ups and downs that are in our future with this crazy little man! 

Peace, Love & baby Boys,

w

Rockin' W Photography & Princess of the Panhandle

As a photographer, I get to meet so many different people - people from different backgrounds and walks of life. And sometimes, just sometimes, you meet a complete stranger and they quickly become a good friend!

Last year, I met Amanda and her sweet family (Dustin & baby Teale). She and I quickly made friends and though we don't hang out on a regular basis, I absolutely adore her and I love it each time we get together for photo sessions whether they be family photos, birthday photos or a blog update session like the one we did just this past week!!

SO...go check out www.princessofthepanhandle.com when you get a chance! 

But before you go...here's a few shots from our "I just need a few shots" session that turned in to an hour of laughing, talking and riding around looking for the perfect locations!

 

 

 

 

 

Peace, Love & Rock&Roll,

 

w

Country Roads Take Me Home..

Tonight, I needed to wind down after a fantastic engagement session, so I rolled the windows down, cranked up the music and hit the back roads.

I love the night air. I love the peaceful feeling of open country - no street lights, no passing cars, no rows of houses...

The end.

Peace, love & dirt roads,

w

Summer lovin'

I love lists. I make them ALL the time. To Do Lists, Shopping Lists, Packing Lists, Idea Lists, Dream Lists, etc. etc. etc.   Today is no different...

I am so very in love with this summer and I have to tell you why!

1. My son is having a blast.
He is growing up so quickly and I am blessed to get to watch him grow and explore.  We stay outside as much as possible. We swim, we water plants, we dig in the mud, etc. He's always got a new scratch, bump, bite or bruise and as odd as it may sounds, I LOVE it.  He is such a boy - shooting everything with finger guns, tearing everything up and finding the smallest mud hole and managing to get completely covered in it!

2. We went on our first REAL family vacation
My little boy loves the "feesh" and the "mamimals" so our vacation was spent petting, looking at and feeding every animal we could find.  We went to Dallas/Ft. Worth for 4 days. We went to the aquarium, the zoo and the Fossil Rim Wildlife center (see the last post).  It was so much fun focusing on Kye and what he loves. I love our little family so much.

3. Large Marge
Large Marge is my swimming pool. Yes, I named my swimming pool. Don't hate.  I am a fish. I LOVE water. I love sunshine. I swim at least three times a week. It's been the best thing EVER.  I love me some Large Marge.

4. We've actually paid attention to our yard (well the back one any way)
Our backyard has been an eye sore since we moved in, but when I convinced the husband to let me get a pool, our world kind of changed.  We dug flower beds and cut back some plants that were already established, but were completely out of control. We made a bottle tree and had fun junkin' it up back there with all of my crazy metal yard art and bright colored flower pots.  Kam even planted a small garden. We have tomatoes, peppers, squash and okra. He's gotten slightly obsessed and has done great keeping things producing way more than we can eat.  He's even built a compost tumbler and is now building us a green house!

5. The lake
We've gone fishing and floating this summer several times. Just us as a family and with friends. Kye loves boats and fish and especially loves when we ride around on the lake, he laughs and waves at other boats.

6. Fourth of July
I adore fireworks. I'm a kid in a candy store on the Fourth! We went up to the baseball park, piled up in the bed of my father in law's pickup with the Baker clan and watched a beautiful display put on by Post Volunteer Fire Department. Kye held his first sparkler and did great! He was amazed by the fire and kept saying it was "hot"!

7. I quit my office job to pursue my dreams
Maybe I'll fail, maybe I'll be interviewing all over the place all over again, but today...today I am dreaming and I am prepared to do what it takes to make it succeed.  Maybe I'm not the best designer or photographer there ever was or ever will be, but I love what I do. I love capturing moments for others that they will cherish for always.  This summer, I took a leap. I had returned to work to help out and discovered that my place for the time being is home - with my son, with my camera and with my dreams! 

So here's to summer. May we all have happy sunshiny days! :)

Peace, Love & Large Marge,

W

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center

Warning: I'm about to bombard you with photos...

 

 

This was seriously one of the coolest things we've ever done as a family. We got to feed wild animals from our car, hang out the windows and "pet" them, go to a petting zoo, see endangered species in a more natural habitat and listen to Kye attempt to say all the animals' names. ("ebra" "raf" "goooat" "udad"  "de-ear") The giraffe's were put up in there pen, but we still got to see them. Other than that, we saw everything from audads and black bucks to zebras and rhinos and cheetahs. There was a petting zoo with goats, pigs and turtles that we walked through as well. Kye LOVED the goats and tried to kiss the big ram.  We hollered, we laughed, we squealed...Kye sure loves the "amimals"!! And Momma loved the zebras! ;)

Peace, love & zebras,

w

No more blowin' smoke...

Sometimes, the best decisions are the hardest to make. 
 
I have prayed, I have struggled and I have changed my mind 1001 times...BUT
 
I have decided to turn Rockin' W in to a full time gig.  A passion that has turned in to a job.  So...after Friday I will never again get up and go to a job I hate. I will never stress over other people's problems. I will instead stress over my own problems and love it every time I "go to the office".
 
So that being said, if you need photos, invites/announcements, design work, etc...I'm your girl!
 
Take a deep breath, step out on the ledge and have faith that you will fly!
 
 
"...We all say that we'll
Quit someday
When our nerves ain't shot
And our hands don't shake, yeah

Wipe down the bar, take out the trash
Light one up and count my cash
Swear I'm never coming back again

I'm just blowin' smoke
Hey yeah
I'm just blowin' smoke..."
 ~Kasey Musgraves
 
 
But this time folks, this chic ain't blowin' smoke!!
 
 
Wish me luck, folks!!
 
 
Peace, love & follow your arrow,
 
w

Love is in the Air...

Happy Happy Happy Valentine's Day

from the Baby Baker's!

 

Peace, Love & Cupid Kisses,

 

W

Rockin' W Update

Here's a few shots from some recent shoots and weddings!  Enjoy!

Peace, love & happiness,

w

Helping, hoping, healing

Today I was at the pharmacy, (picking up an antibiotic because I have a stinking ear infection...ugh), and this older man was purchasing his diabetes medication.  We were standing in line when the lady at the counter came and told him his insurance wouldn't cover his insulin and it was going to be $150 + his other medication.  He looked concerned, frustrated, upset, but he quietly paid for the other medicine and walked out with out his insulin.   No one cared, no one was concerned.  He didn't have the money so he had to leave without it.  Had I had $150, I would have gotten it for him, but I didn't, I wish so badly I could have scraped it up for the guy...

So many people take advantage of programs  that provide free health care, free or discounted prescriptions. In fact, while I was in the pharmacy, an obviously unemployed, single mother sat at the counter with her boobs and her crack hanging out whining and griping at the pharmicist because her son wasn't covered on her government supplied health coverage. She sat next to me and started telling me all about her 4 kids who's ages were insanely close together and who all had something "wrong" with them. She had made quite a scene over her situation, while this man quietly walked away with  OUT medication he really needed.  

It broke my heart and it was a prime example of what is wrong with this world. A man who needed help couldn't get it, while a girl who is perfectly capable of employment and finding some form of birth control(and maybe some full coverage clothing) made a scene because she wants more help.  Granted, I know I don't know either of their full stories, but it was just a very striking scenario in a very public place. 

This little rant means nothing and noone will see it, but it has bothered me all day.  Writing makes me feel better...

On another note: I really do have a stupid ear infection and the beginnings of a respiratory infection.  O the fun. Kye has had a double ear infection which seems to be clearing up, but he's still got a runny nose, poor boy.  It's driving him crazy that I'm not letting him play outside as much. :(  Hopefully our house is on the mend and all these bugs and infections will LEAVE us alone soon!

God Bless and remember to help those who need help as often as you can. It's a great feeling...even when it might put you in a bind or slow your plans down...it's always worth it, whether it be a dollar to a homeless man, $5 in the Salvation Army bucket, dropping clothes in a donation box, buying a t-shirt that supports a great cause or leaving your extra change in the McDonald House drop box at McD's (the McDonald House is a FANTASTIC program if you are looking for something to donate to, btw)...or maybe even shelling over some bigger bucks to help a man out (I really wish I would have today, it's really weighing heavy on my heart).  Be kind. Be happy. I'm out.


The end.

Peace, Love & silly, stupid ear infections,

W

Grit & Grace

When I'm older, I imagine I'll be something like Katharine Hepburn in 'Rooster Cogburn'. Full of grit and spirit. Full of God's word with just enough hardened edges to keep that edge, that spunk.

--------------------------
Side Note:

At the end of the movie, she says something that always makes me think of my daddy...I always imagine my dear mother might say something like this to him:

"... Livin' with you has been an adventure any woman would relish for the rest o' time. I look at cha, with your burned out face and your big belly and your bear-like paws and your shining eye(s), and I have to say you're a credit to the whole male sex, and I'm proud to have ya for my friend..."
--------------------------

Maybe I'll work in my flower beds with a flower pot on my head like Aunt Mattie Belle did.  Now she was a tough old bird. She had grit. She was plain and tall, but she was beautiful.  

My great grandmother, she toted my Pa while she pulled cotton, she raised two boys, kept a perfect home and a perfect yard and expected the same from others, she lived through the depression all the way to the age of 97. She was a tiny thing, but her presence was something to be reckoned with. She had grit.

My Gran Gran.  She is the epitomy of strength. Lived through scarlett fever, fought off west nile & sleeping sickness (that's what I call it any ways), she's lived through some tough times and yet her calm, sweet demeanor has never faltered. She's got such a gentle spirit, but she's one of the strongest people I have ever met.

NaNaw.  O sweet NaNaw.  She married a bull headed man, raised a bull headed son and a red headed daughter.  She kept a song in her heart and a smile on her face, no matter what.  She was so strong and beautiful and vibrant. Big jewelry, loud clothes and kickin' boots...she had style. She had grit.

My mother. A cowboy's wife, but a cowgirl in her own right. She has a way with horses that she learned from her daddy, (my Pa). My mother has had to find strength when nothing else was to be found. Her faith is resounding, Her strength is admireable. And if you mess with her daughters, you got a load of hurt coming, I assure you...


I've said it a million times. I hope I can be half the woman these women are/were.   I am blessed to have a family full of grit and grace.  I've heard many stories about the ones who passed before I was around and I know with out a doubt they were strong, vibrant women as well.

A little Katharine Hepburn mixed in with those women...I think it'd be a pretty fiesty combination, just right for someone like me. ;)

Peace, Love & Grit,

W

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2012 in review...

2012 in REVIEW

I found this survey on a friend's blog and we all know I love lists, so here we go!!

What did you do in 2012 that you’d never done before? I learned (still learning) to be a mom to a wild little boy, had seizures (not cool) and for the first time in more than a decade, I went an entire year without a conventional source of employment (freeing). O! And I shot my first buck!!! You bet!
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Last year, I made 2 resolutions: lose weight & grow as a wife and mother.   I lost 50 lbs in the past year (now down to 38 lbs, thank you, holidays!!), I have a happy healthy son & a great husband. I hope that means success! :)  ~ Yes, I'll make more for 2013, I consider them goals more than rules...

Did anyone close to you give birth? Several friends, yes.

Did anyone close to you die? Not terribly close, no.

What countries did you visit? I stayed in the good old US of A this year.

What would you like to have in 2013 that you lacked in 2012? Nothing particularly...just some goals I didn't reach that I'd like to reach in the near future.

What date from 2012 will remain etched upon your memory? 10/16/2012, for no good reasons.  It was a rough day.

What was your biggest achievement of the year? Growing a hobby in to a pretty successful little business

What was your biggest failure?  I don't think I really had any failures...learning experiences, yes, but no failures.   Compared to this time last year, are you:

Happier or sadder? Happier!
Thinner or fatter? For the first time in a long time, I get to say thinner!!!

Richer or poorer? Poorer financially, richer in life!

Did you suffer illness or injury? I had 6 seizures in one night...haven't had another one, had never had them before. Freaky deal.

What was the best thing you bought? A new lense.  It's the bomb.com. True story.

Where did most of your money go? The boys in my life.

What did you get really, really, really excited about? Moving Uncy (my horse) to Post, Kye's swimming lessons, Kye's first birthday, etc.... I get excited easily LOL

What song will always remind you of 2012? Springsteen - Eric Church, Easy Living - Miranda Lambert, Cruise - Florida Georgia Line,    - - Even if it Breaks Your Heart by Eli Young Band --  I'm a music junky, so there's a list a mile long for this answer, but those are the main ones

What do you wish you’d done more of? I wish I would have rode Uncy more, wish I would have lost more weight, worked out more, read my Bible more, etc.  but Wish in one hand & ...make it happen in 2013...right! ;)

What do you wish you’d done less of? Procrastinating

How did you spend Christmas?  With the Massey's / Baker's / McNeely's  we didn't make it to HC this year...

Did you fall in love in 2012? Every day with my sweet Kye Rance

Who were your best friends? Hannah, Callie

What thing did you do that was meaningful to others? I pray that photographing people's families and creating lasting memories for them is meaningful.  

What were your favorite TV programs? Criminal Minds, Swamp People, New Girl, Suburgatory & Friends reruns...

Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? Hate is such an ugly word, such a strong emotion.  I would say there are some people who dropped in importance in my life...but I do not hate them, no.

What was the best book you read in 2012?  Honestly, I started three books and never finished them.   I use to read all the time... maybe I should put that on my resolution list. LOL What was your greatest musical discovery? Max Stalling. I'm ridiculously obsessed. I had heard him before, but he's kind of my new main jam guy. Also, I am hard core in love with Turnpike Troubadours.    

What did you want and get? a new lense, crazy red pants, a new computer, an Iphone, shot a deer...life is pretty fabulous

What did you want but did NOT get? a house of our own in the country, a canon Mark iii and a new pistol...a girl can dream...

What was your favorite film of this year? Pitch Perfect.  It's not exactly oscar worthy, but I laughed my hiney bo off the entire movie.

What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? Kam, Chas, Wacey & I went to the Piano Bar.  Good times.

What kept you sane?  Late nights editing, watching friends reruns, riding/hanging out at uncle noel's barn with Uncy, music, prayer, friends, my sister

Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? That hasn't changed ever: John Wayne.

What political issue stirred you the most? presidential election...nuff said

Who did you miss? My NaNaw.  I so wish she could have met Kye...I'm selfish, I know she is whole again and walking streets of gold in fabulous boots, wearing rockin' earrings, but I miss her still. Every day. Also - a friend I finally learned to let go of. It's for the best, I know but it was one of the hardest decisions I ever made.

Who was the best new person you met this year? I meet so many wonderful people doing photography, but even though I already knew her, I would have to say the friendship I have formed with Allisha Jones-Belongia is something that is really special to me.

Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012. Sometimes, no matter how good of a friend you are or try to be, some people will just let you down.  Sometimes it's best just to let it go and let it be, no matter how much you care about them, no matter how hard it may be.     New Resolutions: 1. Lose More Weight 2. Run in a 5k 3. Read more 4. Ride more 5. Grow my business 6. Remember to be thankful for something every day, no matter how small 7. Make sure the ones I love know I love them  

 

Peace, Love & Cheers to a New Year,

W