Squares Everywhere

Boxed In
January 2008

My iTunes: Never Dim by The Waiting

Hope everyone had a good day today!

When I was downtown roaming with my camera last week, I came across this amazing stain glass display at one of the MANY office buildings. I could have stood there forever looking at it but my husband was with me and SOMETIMES I try and spare him from my insane need to gawk and shoot. As you would expect, I love the squares! The lines, the boxes. I would love to do something like this one day on a smaller scale. Very nice!

Stepping Back a Bit

Wall of Wine

A Glass A Day...
January 2008

My iTunes: Love Song (live and acoustic) by Sara Bareilles

Back to blog reality and my photo of the day!

A lot has been going on here but I have been shooting more than just coasters and flowers! I was able to go to a new restaurant here in downtown Atlanta this past weekend....TWICE! It was so good. I haven't had food that amazing in a long time. It is called ROOM at Twelve.

There are hardly words.

If you are ever in Atlanta make sure that you make a reservation and check it out!

That being said I will write about the above image. You all know me. I saw these bottles of wine lined up from the floor to the ceiling and couldn't resist taking a picture. I don't even drink wine....(I am a margarita girl)...but I sure do like this image.

Take care!

ALSO...for those of you who asked, once my website is up, you will be able to order the sun catchers, coasters and other products directly from my site. I will be able to do international shipping as well. I will let you know when it is up and running.

Sneak Preview

Here you go....this is your peek into what is coming for Spring. As I look at them I am still overwhelmed! I hope that feeling never goes away! :)

Thanks for all your kind words from my post yesterday!

Assorted floral coaster set. Some of my seven floral images are available in car coasters as well...

Small desk clock...this is for my own sister, Kim.

My favorite sun catcher....reminding me that I am indeed "wonderfully made"...like everything in His creation.

The chain you see will not come on any of the sun catchers.  Instead they will come with a white ribbon which will give them a softer home decor feel.

"Pressed flower" sun catcher display filled with 12 styles in 6 different sizes! I photographed all those flowers and leaves and helped to develop the idea and design.

COMING TO A STORE NEAR YOU!

Hey...that's me on there!
January 2008

Signing coasters...

The past two days have been crazy, exciting and SURREAL!

I have eluded to some things happening with my photography lately. This weekend was the start of what hopefully will be a shift from hobby to career for me.

About three months ago, a company was interested in my images. They licensed several of my images to put on their products. Pretty crazy! I also collaborated on a new product idea with them and did the photography for that as well. I will post some images of the product tomorrow so you can see.

Back to this weekend...

The Atlanta Gift Show is going on now here. It is when manufacturing companies in the gift industry from all over the US show their new products to buyers from all over the world. This show is twice a year and thousands of people come through to do their buying for their shops and stores where they live.

With product coming out, I was asked to do a signing of coasters with my images on them during the show as giveaways to buyers.

Me? A signing? What?

The fear set in....
"What if no one wants one and I am just sitting there?"
It went so well that we ran out of all the coasters!

It was so surreal to see my images on these products and think back to when I took them in London. Thanks everyone for all your support and prayers! It has encouraged me to get to this point....I feel so blessed and I am so excited to find out what God has in store next with all of this!

NOW LET'S HOPE AND PRAY CUSTOMERS LIKE THEM AND THEY SELL!

The products so far include assorted coasters, clocks, car coasters and sun catchers. I have also done some custom work for the Lifeway Christian Bookstore chain which will be in stores for Mother and Father's Day. If all goes well we will add more of my images to the line and more product as well. YAY!

I will let you all know where you can get them in a place near you soon!

More tomorrow!

Decisions, Decisions...

This one? Or...

This One?

Downtown Atlanta
January 2008

My iTunes: What I've Done by Linkin Park

I just couldn't decide tonight. Usually it is much clearer to me. Sadie says she likes the top image...I liked the bottom. I posted both. What do you all think?

There is a reason that I have been downtown the last few days. I will be posting about that by Monday! This is another one of my favs from the other day. I love the lines and patterns on this building....mesmerizing if you stare at it long enough.

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

From the Street Up

Downtown Atlanta
January 2007

My iTunes: Dancefloor Anthem by Good Charlotte

I went into the city today to take in the Gift Show with my friend who is visiting. It was exciting and overwhelming. I will have more a bit later in the weekend about the show and the goings on there. HINT...it has to do with my photography! :)

I snapped this image while we walked along the street after lunch. I love tall buildings and Atlanta has some very unique ones. I hope to be taking in more walking around downtown so I can find some more interesting shots.

Have a good Friday everyone! Night all....I am exhausted!

Catching Up

All Smiles
January 2008

My iTunes: Maps by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

This is WonderGirl. She is more precious everytime I see her!

WonderGirl and her family came from London through Atlanta today on their way to visit family. We had the priviledge of having them spend a couple of days here with us. It is so surreal to have them sitting across from me at my kitchen table. I have missed them a lot and plan on savoring every second I can get with them. As I type they (the four kids AND Mommy) are nestled in their room sleeping soundly. No doubt they will be up about 4 in the morning still being on London time.

I feel so blessed to see the friendships that I have made in one country continue on and deepen in another. God is so good.

Bringing My Game

Mom's Playdate
January 2008

My iTunes: Work That by Mary J. Blige
(sidenote: this is an AWESOME workout song!)

This morning at 9 a.m. (after about 6 years of not regularly playing tennis) I walked out onto the court again. I was so excited to be doing this for myself. I have joined ALTA this season. I am thrilled to be playing twice a week. One day we will practice for 2-3 hours and then the next time we meet we play matches with other ALTA teams. This is going to be great for my New Years resolution to get fit. Not to mention that I know I am a better wife and mother when I am feeling good.

I joined an exisisting ALTA team. The ladies were so welcoming and kind to me. I fit right in with this humorous, sarcastic group. I was very nervous since I had not played in so long. They play doubles which was different for me to get used to since I am only used to playing singles. I was hoping that I would find my groove pretty quick and thankfully I came back to me. I had forgotten the things I liked...like the smell from the new can of tennis balls I opened to stretching to get THAT one shot (and hopefully getting it).

SO FUN!

As I write this I am nursing pains in muscles that I never knew I had! But it sure feels good! I am sure that I will be posting more about my fun teammates and my adventures courtside as the time passes. Thanks Susie for inviting me. I loved it.

And to my niece Sarah, I will meet you on the courts in April! :)

From Climbing Walls to Climbing Trees

Hang On Tight
January 2008

My iTunes: Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Today in Atlanta the temperature hit 70 degrees. That's right...it is January 7th and it was 70 degrees. Thank you global warming. That is some crazy stuff after living in London with totally different weather! The kids have been out of school since December 21st for Christmas break. Needless to say, for those of you who have kids, we are all about to go CRAZY! Not really.

OK really. :)

School starts tomorrow and I have to say that I should have a counter on my blog counting down the hours, minutes and seconds! Today was perfect for their last day off! I snapped these shots of my Sam climbing one of our trees in the backyard...or garden as they say in England. He had a blast and just kept going and going.

Warm Sun and Blue Skies

Loo-Uh-Vul

Big, Comfy Couch

December 2007

My iTunes: Go by Hanson

Thanks for all your encouragements from my previous post. This blog is much of the reason why my hobby has escalated the way it has and my family and friends in BlogLand have a lot to do with all the changes. I appreciate all of you who take the time to stop here and visit whether you comment or not.

The image above is what happens when I am experimenting with a new camera! Thanks to my photography jobs I am the owner of a Nikon D200....and I LOVE it! I am still figuring it all out...there is a lot to learn. This image is not spectacular but I just love the lighting and composition. This is one of the couches in my sister's home in Kentucky. It brings back memories of hanging around with her and the lazy days of Christmas break. Miss ya'll!

Good times. Good times.

A First Look

Snapshots
January 2008

My iTunes: No One Like You by David Crowder

The image above is the first look of my new venture.

anna carson photography
capturing life

I am excited to share these pics of my business cards that were just finished. My brother-in-law who is in advertising did them for me. I wanted something unique so we came up with these square cards with six of my different images. I am very happy with how they turned out. Thanks Randy! My website will be up and running in the next two weeks hopefully so later I will share the link with you. I am still also trying to figure out a logo to add to my images....lots to think about!

One of the reasons that my blog has been somewhat neglected lately is that I have had several photography jobs. What has happened with this "hobby" since I returned to America has been quite unexpected and overwhelming. I really feel like I have been preparing for this for the two years that I was away with my family. What a blessing!

I just wanted to share a bit of what has been happening over here with me.

My 2007 Christmas Post

Retro Santa
December 2007

My iTunes: I Celebrate the Day by Relient K

"Better late than never."

At the beginning of this new year...this phrase seems to be my motto.

When I visit my sister for Christmas I always find so much to capture my attention (besides my own three children along with her four kids and the four dogs). She manages to find the neatest things all year round. She likes to go to antique shops, craft shows, etc. She found Mr. Claus here at an antique store. I really like him because he reminds me of Christmas when I was little...

It was a very relaxed and joyful Christmas. Remembering the birth of a Savior around close family...nothing is better.

Where It Started

First Look Up
2006

My iTunes: Hero/Heroine (acoustic) by Boys Like Girls

I decided to take a look back today at my blog beginnings. It was great. I found this image above. By far, one of my favorites from my time overseas. I took this not long after we moved into out flat in London back in 2006. This was actually the first post I talked about looking up and my affinity for doing so while looking through my lens. It started me wondering why I was looking up so much when I got there. Was I looking for home? For heaven?

Anyhow, it was nice to be reminded of my journey so far, not only in capturing images but in Blogland as well. This image started a theme for me on my blog which has lasted all these months.

Pretty cool.

Pretty Yellow

Trees in the Smokey Mountains
November 2007

My iTunes: No One by Alicia Keys

I have been obsessed with trees since I landed back in the States. It is so beautiful here. We have been blessed to travel all over the Earth and every place leaves an impression that will be with me forever. But there is no place like home. In the midst of changes, my senses have been soothed by familiarity.

The better half and I took a trip into the mountains of Tennessee and he graciously pulled the car over while I ventured out of the car. These trees remind me of Aspen trees that I had seen driving up to Pikes Peak in Colorado two and a half years earlier. They are the most beautiful trees I have ever seen in fall...the reds and the yellows were magnificent.

Anyhow, thought you might like this one as much as I do.

Looking Ahead...and UP...

My Backyard
December 2007

My iTunes: Just Fine by Mary J. Blige

I can't think of a better way for me to return to my blog than this image. I have been known for my habit of looking up when my camera is hanging from my neck. This year will be no different. I hope that you all had a wonderful 2007! There has been many changes for my family and me. Thanks for sharing my winding journey. Hopefully we can share a lot more!

See you tomorrow....seriously. :)

Take care and happy 2008!

Home for the Holiday

Giving Thanks
November 2007

Hope that you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Light Show

Lights at Turner Field, Georgia
September 2007

Hey all!

I am going to be doing things different on my blog. I have pics to share but I am at a loss for words these days. I am running 24/7. I look forward to at SOME point getting my voice back in my writing....until then I will be posting pics!

This was taken at Turner Field. There I go...looking up again!

Hope that you are well wherever you are and you have a great week!

I Love Lucy

Taking a ride in Sam's pumpkin!
October 2007

My iTunes: Dancing Nancies by Dave Matthews Band

When we found Riley....(see last post)...we were in search of a puppy for our Sam. However, he had specific criteria for us to follow...

1. girl dog
2. small dog

Riley fit neither of these. He will grow to be about 40 pounds. Lucky for us and Riley...we saw him first and my husband went nuts! So we were still on the hunt for a little girl. Sam wants a little girl for a specific reason. He is our youngest and has always wanted a little sister! That was NOT happening! So a girl dog was the next best thing. He had her name picked out before he even laid eyes on her and her name fits her perfectly. He is very serious about this new relationship and takes her everywhere.

Lucy is two whole pounds of love. She is a sweetie and will grow to be 9 pounds. She is a Schnoodle not a Snickerdoodle as my husband keeps lovingly calling her! This breed is part miniature schnauzer, part miniature poodle....also hypo-allergenic and they don't shed. She and Riley have met and seem to be getting along just like brothers and sisters do! :) So at the end of week one....things are going well. With an A-OK at their first vet visit, they are being crate trained and they have been doing their "business" outside since they came home to us! YAY!

Anyhow....here is a few more pics. Have a great week!

Boy Meets Girl

Lucy Girl

Puppy Love

The Life of Riley
October 2007

My iTunes: Oh! Gravity. by Switchfoot

Our Checklist:
Get a house. Check
Get 2 cars. Check
Get puppy. Check

The transition is complete. We are back in the US folks.

Meet Riley. He is our new puppy. He loves licking faces and toes, football and hopping through monkey grass. He is such a sweetie. He is one of those so-called "designer dogs"...a Labradoodle. I didn't type it wrong....he is a lab/poodle mix. All of the great characteristics of a lab with the bonus of being smaller and he doesnt shed! Did I mention that he is very smart? He has fit right into our family, bonding with each of our children in his own sweet way.

I am positive that you will be seeing more of our newest additon on the blog. Here are a few starter pics of his first day in our family! Have a great week everyone!

Blond and Blonder

Sadie and Riley

Sam and Riley

Be Passionate.

The Game Face
October 2007

My iTunes: Real World by Matchbox 20

Yeah, I know....I am a loser.

I have been trying to strike a balance with my blog and I definitely haven't found it yet. Any advice? I am open! I have photos coming out everyhwere and haven't begun to share as many as I would like with you. My Mac is overflowing!

Anyhow....onto the pic. This is my nephew. He is a sweetheart. You can ask this kid anything about any animal in the world and he can tell you all about it. I love that....I love how God makes us all so different. The easy answer to where I have been lately is that I have been soaking up being so close to family and friends. My sister-in-law asked me to tag along to one of his games and take some shots for them of him playing with his team. I got some great ones...

Here is the first installment for you all.

Ready for the first pitch
October 2007

Obsessed.

GO BRAVES!

Ready for Fans

Pick a Row...Any Row
October 2007

My iTunes: All Star by Smash Mouth

Well, several of you were right on! I was at Talledega Motor Speedway in Birmingham, Alabama. I am SO hooked on Nascar now after the feeling of the cars going by me at 180 miles per hour. And my two favorite drivers came in first and second...Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson. I will be sharing more shots from my time there but first I am going to share a few more that I love from some another place I have been recently. I started sensing that I was having an issue with lines....more specifically seats...empty seats.

LOVE them! I hope you all like these!

Take care where you are!

My Weekend

Seats to Fill
October 2007

My iTunes: How Far We've Come by Matchbox 20

Hi everyone! Please accept my apologies for lack of posting. Seems like this American "way of life" is a lot busier than I remember....or maybe it is just because I am a mother of a freshman in high school now. Actually, I am sure this is the reason! My schedule these days is Crazy (with a capital C).

Anyhow, thanks for all the help on the flower. I will be letting you all know about my project as soon as it is official! OK, the image up top is one of my favorites....you all know why...the lines! I love it. Can anyone guess where I was? For those of you who do know....don't answer! :) I will be sharing lots of pics from my weekend as I can get them up.

Hint?

"Shake and Bake!"

By the way, check out the song I am listening to on iTunes! It has a great sound. Later!

Green Thumb Needed

Any "educated" guesses?

I am trying to identify this flower. Those who know me know I am absolutely NO green thumb! I can't stress that enough. I am working on a project and need to know what kind of flower this is. I snapped this in London at the start of summer and it is one of my favorite images....and yes John...I took the photo off center! :)

Thanks for all your help!

UPDATE
Thanks Julie for figuring it out! It is the Star of India or Clematis flower.

A Girl and Her Dress

The Dress
September 2007

Tie It Tight

My iTunes: Daughters by John Mayer

The day came and went. Her first formal dance. I need to reread that as I write. I am still wondering where my baby went.

What a wonderful way to start off this year of change! She has made some friends and together they all went to the Homecoming dance at their high school. I seriously wish I would have done that when I was younger. How great it is to just enjoy your friends and not have the awkwardness of a date as a freshman.

This generation may have it all figured out. We will see.

I snapped this image just before she put her dress on that night. It is very whimsical and dreamy and reflects the mood she had as she primped and prepared for the night.

I am not sure how much more of this I can take!

My Girl

Dem Bones

Sam the Quick Healer
September 2007

My iTunes: Wonderwall by Oasis

Sam's Clavical

These are pictures of what I have been up to the last few days. Now, I know some of you know all the fabulous things that my NIKON D50 can do but this is NOT one of them! :)

There's never a dull moment in our household and this past weekend was no exception. We were visiting a church in our area and the boys had gone to Sunday School. The teachers gave them a break to go outdoors and play for a bit and next thing I know I am sitting in the ER with Sam and his broken clavical.

What had happened was that our oldest son Jack tagged his brother, Sam then tripped which caused Jack to trip and then Jack's elbow went right into Sam's clavical at full speed. Nice, huh? I am really feeling that brotherly love right now. The first image is of Sam with his sling and his t-shirt (It says "I DO ALL MY OWN STUNTS") that I had gotten the night before this all happened.

Looks like I saw this one coming, huh?

Have a good one!

SIDENOTE....We got these images at the hospital. His clavical looks like a snapped pencil. It is totally sweet that I can see my sons bones in this XRAY. WAY COOL and I am so glad that I can share it!

Close Up
September 2007

Faded Pink

Jenn's Flowers
July 2007

My iTunes: Hand In My Pocket (Acoustic) by Alanis Morissette

This image just makes me smile! It is one of my favorites from recent months. I snapped this in London when I was visiting a friends home and had been meaning to post it (well before now!). It is exudes freshness and makes me think of all the things we are starting here while at the same time reminding me of fond memories. {BIG SIGH}

Hope you all are well where you are in the world!

Sign of the Times...

September 2007

My iTunes: Mr. Brightside by The Killers

What can I say? There are no words for this one.

This is for a friend of mine, Kathy. We have a standing inside joke and well...when I saw this sign while I was driving a few weeks ago...I couldn't resist pulling over a grabbing my camera. Sorry this was so long in getting posted Kathy.

Looks like I am back in America.

Have a great weekend all!

Head On

Truckin'
September 2007

My iTunes: Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

Here is a shot of the front of the semi that brought our 20 foot container to us last weekend. I have always loved trucks....for photography! :) Along with planes and trains.....there is something about forms of transportation! I was glad to get an oppotunity to walk around and take some shots that day. We had two loads come to us...the first was a 25 ft truck filled with belongings that we stored here in the States while we were away and then a week later the remainder of our stuff arrived. I was pretty grateful to have it come in two separate loads. It made it much easier for me and those who helped me unload.

Have a good Friday everyone!

Life in the Rear View

Rear View
September 2007

My iTunes: Landed by Ben Folds

It sure is good to be back!

I have lots to tell and many pictures to share with you all. Our container made it across the Atlantic and we are finally unloaded and starting to settle in together as a family under one roof. What an incredible ride this is! The last couple of weeks have been crammed full with painting, unpacking, moving and sorting. We are exhausted but ready to get back to whatever "normal" looks like for our family of five. Actually it is five plus 2....we added 2 small turtles to our brood. We will see how long that lasts. :)

I snapped this shot during the 2 hours we had to unload our container from London. That's right....we only had two hours. We got it done in one and I managed to take some time to get some images of the ocassion. I am anxious to see what my blogger friends have been doing and thanks so much for all the encouraging words...

I have missed you all too!

Looking Ahead

Empty Tracks
August 2007

My iTunes: Ants Marching by Dave Matthews Band

Hey ya'll.....

Sorry that it has been so long.....

I have missed this so much. Unfortunately I will be gone a bit longer. As I am waiting for our container to arrive from London with our belongings, I am preparing our new home for the day when when move in (which is right around the corner). I am very excited but also very tired. Living out of boxes has become WAY too common for our family and I am looing forward to unpacking for awhile. I am a such a nester. Funny how those behaviors just click in without warning! I will be scarce around here for a little bit more time....whether it is visiting or posting. The whole cross continental move has got me a bit overwhelmed and at a loss for time when it gets to my blog.

I will be posting in about a week so make sure to check back!

Take care and have a GREAT weekend!