Traveling Hearts Photography: family

Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Monday, July 1, 2013

moving, loving, and cherishing

Military transfers are hard in many ways. I've talked about some of that in my previous blogs here and here anddddd here....

But I wanted to change it up and talk about one of the positive aspects of a military move.

Fernandina Beach, FL

(iPhone photo)

A typical military family endures many separations due to deployments, duty shifts, or just the regular demands of the job. But during a military move (PCS) there is often the ability to take some time off in between jobs. It sort of recharges the military member as well as the family.

my two littles

Instagram Photo

Yes there is the normal moving stuff that goes on.. unpacking, reorganizing, traveling, ect.... but there is also time just spent with the family. Sort of like hitting the pause button on life for a bit.

one of our "waiting days" in the new house

ISO 800 ~ 33mm ~ f/5.0 ~ 1/40 sec

We are settling in nicely to our home... watching for lizards, listening to the rain, walking on the beach, searching for shark teeth and most importantly just being together.

magnolia bloom from my front yard

Instagram Photo

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Waiting...

The countdown is on for our move. While there is so much we "have" to do, I am spending a lot of time hyper focusing on the moment. Perhaps this is just a reflection of my coping mechanism (which is the ostrich mentality)... but I'd like to think that I am relishing in our last days here in Northern Virginia. One of the things Micah (my youngest son) loves to do is watch for Gabriel's bus. Most of the time he comes with me to the bus stop, but when he doesn't, he watches faithfully from the window.

So Serious...

ISO 400 ~ 60mm ~ f/3.5 ~ 1/125 sec

As our house begins to echo, and the pictures start to come down off the wall... I am choosing to focus on my two loves and the things that make them who they are. If I focus instead on the move and the fact that I will be leaving some pretty fantastic people behind, well... I'll just fall apart.

Micah with the Window Reflection in his Eyes

ISO 400 ~ 60mm ~ f/3.5 ~ 1/80 sec

Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

Saturday, March 23, 2013

It's a hard knock military life

This is a little off subject, but it is about something I hold near and dear to my heart.

It's a hard knock military life.

If you are in the military yourself, or part of a military family, you know what I am talking about. There are deployments, separations, sacrifices, isolation, transfers, moving... saying goodbye more times than you can count.... It's not easy to say the least.

I've mentioned before that my husband is in the military, U.S. Coast Guard to be exact. We are just getting ready for our fourth move ~ leaving the Washington DC area and heading to Georgia. This move seems harder than the others as we have really settled in here. We've made friends, found a church, met neighbors (that took the longest!!) and now it is time to move.... again.

The recent budget cuts on the Military's tuition assistance and other things going on in the political world have had me pondering the outsider's view on the military. Thankfully tuition assistance for the military will no longer be cut, but this doesn't mean that other military benefits are safe from being cut in the future.

The public's attitude towards the military seems to be either very hot or very cold. You have those who are supportive, but you also have those who think that the pay and benefits do not match the Military job title. I'm sorry, but these are men and women putting their LIVES on the line for OUR FREEDOM. There are suicides, divorces, mental illnesses, combat injuries, and combat deaths ~ for US!! I firmly believe you cannot put a price on that. Just yesterday there were three people killed on Quantico Marine Base. This is a place I go often with my family... It was a murder/suicide situation and although the cause is still unknown (or hasn't been released), the fact remains that one Marine killed two people and then turned the gun on himself.

My husband and I just celebrated our ten year anniversary. It has not been an easy road, but it is one that we have made. We got married a few months before he left for basic training and immediately learned how to be "married apart." A military marriage/relationship is completely different from that of the civilian world. It almost becomes easier to be apart than to be together. It is like a yo-yo back and forth between adjusting for life with the family while the military member is deployed/training and then suddenly they are back in the picture... and then yanked away again. And the family is left fending for themselves without the support of family or friends because they just moved to a new area, are in another country, don't speak the native language... the list can go on.

My Husband and I at the White House

(photoshopped part of his uniform out for privacy reasons)

I can count more holidays spent apart than together. We've celebrated birthdays a month late, Christmas after New Years, and Thanksgiving the day before... all because the "needs of the service" come first. Another issue is the negative stigma within the military population towards mental health and asking for help with relationship problems/issues. Most end up sweeping things under the carpet rather than dealing with them... until it becomes too late.

So yes, we are able to buy items tax free at the exchange and commissary, use the USO lounge at the airport (my personal favorite :), buy cheaper gas, get 10% off discount sometimes while shopping, have medical coverage, receive tuition assistance, and use the GI Bill.... but this is ALL at the great cost of every man and woman putting their lives on the line DAILY and the CONSTANT sacrifices made of the family.

If you meet someone from the military, don't shun them because you know they are only temporary. Rather, invest in their lives. Open your hearts. Invite them over for holidays because chances are they will be celebrating alone. Offer a listening and supportive ear. Share your local favorites and introduce them to your friends. Be a friend... because chances are the exterior you see that looks so put together is rather the opposite. They are most likely a facade of delicately placed puzzle pieces ready to fall apart at a moments notice.

I love my husband and I am proud of the service he gives to this country. I know that it is a sacrifice that both he and I make for the safety and freedom of all of you. Before you judge what it is like from the outside, just take a minute to think about what it is like on the inside.

To all those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice, I am eternally grateful. My heart, prayers, and tears go out to your families and children who are to continue on without you.

Solemnly Capturing the Moment,

Corrie <3

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Hurricane Sandy, Power Outages, and your Camera

I am sitting here in my living room waiting for Hurricane Sandy to make her appearance. I've been trying to only check on the weather/news minimally. When I watch too much, it starts to really get overwhelming. But isn't social media like that? There never seems to be a middle ground. Either we can't get information on a topic, or it is everywhere, like a deluge of information.

Being from South Florida, I have a good idea of what to expect. But at the last news report I saw, they are saying Sandy is 900 miles wide. NINE HUNDRED MILES WIDE????? I've been through countless hurricanes and tropical storms, including Andrew and Katrina... but I've never been through a storm of this size.

I hope that all the newscasters and weather reports are wrong, but in the event that we will be hit by this massive storm, I figure it is better to be prepared. We have a decent stock pile here of canned goods, water, and candles/flashlights. So I am not concerned in that area, but threat of such widespread power outages is where my focus lies.

The last time I went through a hurricane I was newly married and we did not have any kids yet. I was in school at the time and remember having to read schoolbooks via candlelight. There was no TV, no internet, no movies, no a/c... But in the middle of all of it, something amazing happened... suddenly we had so much extra time on our hands. We played cards, talked, read books, and hung out. I think the last lengthy power outage was with Hurricane Katrina and we were out of power about a week. I remember that time with such sweet memories as my husband and I got to really be with each other without the electronic distractions that occupy our daily lives.

I wish I had photographs of that time... of us hanging out or cooking by candlelight. But sadly I don't. Even when the power goes out, your camera still works. Don't miss out on the opportunity to capture these memories with your family. Be creative with light. Use a flashlight or candle to illuminate and photograph this special time. Take advantage of the darkness and practice experimenting with night photography. Use a tripod so you can keep your ISO low. Find different things to use as your light source. Take this time to be creative and experiment. There are no excuses because there is nowhere else to be except right here. Live in the moment and enjoy the time rather than "wishing" you were somewhere else.

Here are some ideas of things you can do with your family to pass the time should you have a power outage.

make a fort
create a "campfire" out of blankets
do puzzles
make shadow puppets with flashlights
start a journal
catch up on your magazine pile that you've been too busy to look at
play board games/card games
pull out the crayons and color with your little one

But most importantly cherish the moment.

Happy Shooting!

Corrie <3

Friday, October 26, 2012

Pumpkin Patch at Belvedere Plantation in Fredericksburg, VA

Belvedere Plantation hosts a Harvest Festival that showcases an ENORMOUS pumpkin patch! It is a 645 acre working farm just outside of Fredericksburg, VA, located right off the historic Rappahannock River.

My son in the Pumpkin Patch <3

ISO 200 ~ 30mm ~ f/6.3 ~ 1/125 sec

I came last week as a chaperone for my son's kindergarten field trip and fell in love with the plantation. I made plans to return this week to take photos. I was able to bring my 3y/o son with me and to say he had the time of his life would be an understatement!

Cornfield Maze

ISO 100 ~ 60mm ~ f/6.3 ~ 1/400 sec

If you've never heard of Belvedere Plantation, check out their website here. I could list everything that is available and offered, but it would be easier for you to just check out this map because there is seriously so much to see and do.

When we first arrived, we walked around the flower garden on the back side of the slides. There were rows and rows of sunflowers and wildflowers. The sunflowers were so tall.... so tall that I had to look up to see many of them.

Sunflower in the Garden

Instagram Photo

Wildflower Illuminated from the Sun

ISO 100 ~ 60mm ~ f/3.5 ~ 1/640

Butterfly enjoying some Sweet Necter

ISO 100 ~ 60mm ~ f/4.5 ~ 1/400 sec

Next we went over to the Pumpkin Slide Mountain. This is old school FUN ~ you grab a burlap sack, climb to the top of the mountain (large hill) and choose whether you want to go down the open slide or the tunnel slide. I'm not sure who had more fun on this, me or my son :)

Pumpkin Mountain Slide

ISO 100 ~ 60mm ~ f/6.3 ~ 1/640 sec

Sleepy Pig @ Ye Olde Barnyard

ISO 100 ~ 135mm ~ f/8.0 ~ 1/100 sec

Fun Barn filled with Hay and Rope Swings

ISO 100 ~ 53mm ~ f/6.3 ~ 1/800 sec

Pedal Tractors Track

ISO 100 ~ 28mm ~ f/6.3 ~ 1/640 sec

From the slide we went over to the Cornfield Maze. After speaking to the farmer (what they call employees, cute, right??) who was working the maze, we decided to not go very far. The idea of getting lost in there wasn't appealing considering my 3 y/o and his ten minute attention span. So we walked a little to take some photos, but then turned around and left the same way we came. I'd love to come back another day to be able to go through the whole maze. Check out the arial view, it is HUGE and has a pretty neat design!

Cornfield Maze

Instagram Photo

Cornfield Maze

ISO 100 ~ 28mm ~ f/13 ~ 1/160 sec

So to celebrate NOT getting lost in the maze, we then went on the Jumping Pillow. It is like a huge bouncehouse without the top. There are height restrictions, but my little guy made the cut-off. They ask adults to not jump, but we can be on there with our kids. I've got to tell you, between the Pumpkin Mountain Slide and the Jumping Pillow, I felt like I was a little kid again.

Jumping Pillow

Instagram Photo

Next, it was time for the hayride to the pumpkin patch. The hayride takes you through the farm and you get such a beautiful view of the colorful leaves, the river, and the historic homes (that are still lived in today). The farmer that joined us on our hayride was so polite and helpful. She readily shared information about the plantation and enthusiastically answered any of the questions we had.

Entrance to the Hayrides and Pumpkin Patch

ISO 100 ~ 44mm ~ f/5.6 ~ 1/640 sec

Hayride into the Pumpkin Patch

ISO 200 ~ 28mm ~ f/6.3 ~ 1/500 sec

The hayride was my son's favorite part of the day. He wasn't too crazy about walking though the pumpkin patch, but that was only because his little legs kept getting caught on the vines that seem to sneak out and trip him. He was also concerned the tractor would leave without us. But they waited for each of us to pick our pumpkin and I never felt rushed, even with the extra time I took taking photos.

Pumpkin Patch

ISO 100 ~ 28mm ~ f/6.3 ~ 1/160 sec

Our Pumpkin <3

ISO 100 ~ 28mm ~ f/6.3 ~ 1/250 sec

My little guy with our Pumpkin

ISO 100 ~ 28mm ~ f/6.3 ~ 1/125 sec

After picking out the pumpkin and taking our return hayride back, it was time for us to head home. There was so much we didn't get to see and do that we will be returning at least once more before the end of the season. The ticket prices are discounted during the week and then are higher on the weekend. But it is worth it! They even offer a military discount of a dollar off each ticket. Being a military family, that is much appreciated <3

So we took our pumpkin to the Market (where there is also a bakery and gift shop) to have it weighed.

My little guy's BIG 15lb pumpkin!

Instagram Photo

Market & Bakery

ISO 400 ~ 28mm ~ f/4.5 ~ 1/60sec

The farmers were all extremely polite and were very patient with everyone. Even while waiting for the hayride, the farmers were asking my son questions and joking around, but at the same time making sure we were all safe.

It was a bit of a drive for me coming from the DC area, but well worth the trip. If you are anywhere near Fredericksburg, VA and you are looking for an incredibly fun Fall experience, please check out Belvedere Plantation!

On the down side, we lost my son's sweater while we were there. I didn't notice it missing until we were back at the car and by then I was too tired to walk all the way back to the lost and found hut. When we got home I realized that my son swiped three rocks from the cornfield maze. I figure its an even swap, but Belvedere Plantation, if you would like your rocks back, please let me know and I'll mail them....

"I don't see how a pumpkin patch can be more sincere than this one. You can look around and there's not a sign of hypocrisy. Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see."

Linus from It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

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Happy Shooting!

Corrie <3

I have not been paid or reimbursed to write this blog and everything written is purely my opinion.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Reconnaissance Mission 101

Today I went on a little reconnoissance mission with my family to check out the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge. I took my camera, but was not expecting to get anything of value because of the time of day it was. The dreaded middle of the day is typically the worst time to shoot, especially when the sun is directly overhead and washes everything out.

Out first stop was to the visitor's center for a trail map. I was pleasantly surprised to be greeted warmly upon entering the center. There was a very friendly and informative ranger who spent time with us talking about the preserve and all the different types of animals that live there. She showed the boys some photos in books and also let the boys feed their fish. They had some items that were out for touching and exploring and it was overall very kid oriented and friendly. The center had a very "lodge" like feel with huge picture windows overlooking Belmont Bay.

Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge is also known for its American Bald Eagle population. There are many nests here in this preserve and the eagles should be returning soon for the winter. I kept an eye out, but didn't see any today.

The scenery was beautiful and the mood was peaceful and serene. There were all sorts of wildlife around, from turtles to butterflies, and everything in between. I am looking forward to returning again without my 2 little bears who were the noisiest "quiet" I've ever heard! They enjoyed exploring for a little while and then were happiest when dad took them to the playground while I walked around a little more.

Dad and the Two Little Bears <3

Great Blue Heron (I think??)

Dragonfly

Wildflowers

It was a beautiful day and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. There are so many trails here and places to explore I am already planning when I can return. I think the added vibrancy of Autumn will make the scenery all the more beautiful.

Happy Shooting!

Corrie