Currently Reading: Bright-Sided by Barbara Ehrenreich (which, thus far, is really good). I really enjoy Barbara Ehrenreich’s writing (even though she’s a bit of a curmudgeon. Who am I kidding, I can be too). I appreciate her level of digging to get to the truth. Also have Hillbilly Elegy on deck, which was recommended to me.

Currently Spinning: Nothing new right now. I haven’t been in the car much to listen to anything. It’s mostly been Broadway mixes. I belted out a rendition of “Suddenly Seymour” for Bridgie the other day and her only response was “No mommy. No.”

Currently Watching: Holy CRAP on a CRABCAKE you HAVE to watch AfterLife on Netflix. It’s Ricky Gervais’ new 6-episode series and it’s effing genius. I laughed and then I sobbed and laughed some more and, like Truvy in Steel Magnolia’s said, “Laughter through tears is my favorite emotion”.

Yes, Lin was on Brooklyn Nine-Nine. And yes, of course, I watched it. Naturally. But, damn. I didn’t get it. I don’t get why that show is funny. Maybe it’s just way too rushed. It felt a lot like the Big Bang Theory, which I find grossly unfunny in the worst way. So, I followed up the Brooklyn Nine-Nine debacle with a Curb Your Enthusiasm chaser and felt better.

This winter, man. I know everyone is saying it. Let me join the chorus of complainers…because Jesus. It’s just been the WORST. Can it just end already? Please?
Beloit Daily News did a big feature on Tin Dog Records, which is now owned by friends of ours from high school days. I’m so happy to know it’s still alive and kickin’.
I tortured my family while we were stuck inside on account of the bitter cold by watching a 10 hour Broadway documentary. Someday when I’m dead and gone, these are the moments they will remember fondly. I hope.
Over the past month Richard Marx (yes, Hold On to the Night Richard Marx) responded to me on Twitter, one of my personal heroes Joanne Freeman (she’s a Yale History professor) replied to me on Instagram, and Ricky Gervais liked my comment on his new show.
The internet, for all it’s awful faults, can sometimes be incredible.
Yeah, I watched the Oscars. It was actually pretty decent this year, except for Green Book winning best picture. That was stupid.
The news dropped about Alex Trebek having cancer and I gotta say, threw me for a loop. I am a Jeopardy fanatic. Alex Trebek has been popping into my living room (or my grandparent’s living room) since I was a little girl. A world without Alex Trebek seems crappy.
And then Luke Perry dies and I’m pretty much convinced now that this is the worst winter ever and it all needs to stop.
On the bright side of things, I’ve been working away like a busy little bee as I’ve been stuck inside.

I released TWO courses over on Type A Camp that I put of ton of time and effort into and I’m quite proud of. So, if you’d like to learn how to kick off a Wedding Photography business OR learn how to use your DSLR, I highly recommend coming “camping”. No tents. No dirt. No bugs. Lots of learning. I’ve made the courses comprehensive, in-depth, and accessibly priced.
I also have some brightly colored Spring Mini Sessions happening next weekend and the weekend following at the studio. If you’re up for those, head on over and pick one of two mini options: HERE
Also, the SPRING FORWARD DOUBLE UP SALE drops TOMORROW. This is the one I tell people about all year (well, that and the Cyber Monday sale, which is the same thing). It’s essentially 50% off a voucher that can be used for portraits, seniors, prints and products, courses, lots of stuff! Spend $100, get $200. Spend $500, get $1000. The vouchers don’t expire so you can hold on to them for when you need them.

For you early birds who actually read these blogs, you can get a head starts….Head on over to the page and PICK ONE UP
This month? I’m teaching a few workshops for a few libraries on event photography, photographing some minis, and working on a personal project that I’m hoping I’ll be able to reveal more about soon (how is that for dropping some vague bombs? LOL….Gee, guess you’ll just have to, oh I dunno, follow me on Instagram or something to know what’s up)

Currently Watching: I have been ALL about Fear Thy Neighbor on ID lately. It's so ridiculously dramatic and it's a nice little sociological peek into how nuts some folks can be when they start out being slightly annoyed.

I watched the Netflix series Anne (I refuse to call it Anne With An E because that's just stupid). It actually wasn't TERRIBLE. Still doesn't hold a candle to the Sullivan version. Naturally.

Also saw Mommy Dead and Dearest which was BEYOND fascinating and has to be must watch for anyone.

Currently Spinning: Hubby just got the Book of Mormon Soundtrack (on 2 GOLDEN PLATES) and we WERE looking forward to spinning the Singles Soundtrack, especially given the untimely passing of Chris Cornell, but our copy was warped. So, back to the store it went. Hubby bought the Bob's Burgers album instead.

We have very varied tastes.

Currently Reading: Nothing right now, just trying to get caught up on work from the move. But next on my "want" list is Girlcode, a book for female entrepreneurs.

I'm writing to you from the well-decorated recesses of my in-law's basement....tucked into a corner with my work computer and all my needed accouterments.

We have embarked on our multi-month "adventure" of living in the in-law's basement while the Little House in the Woods is being built.

We have yet to break ground.

So yeah....it's gonna be an interesting summer. Let's get to a little catch up, shall we?

- Updating the Death Hag Pool: Prince Phillip....not dead. Chris Cornell, however....ugh. That one HURT. Bad. I wallowed in Pacific Northwest sound for a good week. Just....ick. We are getting far too old and far too removed from the "good ole days" sometimes.

- We survived Move #1 out of our house on Kaleen Ln. Someone else lives there now. It's weird.

- We began our journey of picking out cabinets, flooring, everything and then some for the new house. That is a JOB....seriously.....it's completely overwhelming and I can see now why people hire folks like Joanna Gaines to just do it all for them.

But, since I'm not independently wealthy....well, I have throw my cruddy taste all over the build. Hopefully by sticking to a mostly neutral pallet we will avoid any faux pas.

- Lin Manuel Miranda is going to be on DUCKTALES. So is David Tennant. Obviously they have created this show entirely for me.

- I found out that they (whoever they are) are flipping my grandparent's old house. I drove by and the door was open so, being the nosy nellie I am, I popped in to check it out.

Have to say, I was none too happy that some wayward teenager decided to paint various song lyrics all over the bedroom walls.

Apparently the house was far worse than that and I should be happy to see it being addressed. But, it was THEM. And now its gone, for good.

I had a hard time with it.

- Miss Betty performed in her school's talent show and scored 3rd for her performance of "How Far I'll Go" from Moana. I gave the song a pass because Lin wrote it, even if it wasn't from Hamilton.

- Since moving into the in-law's house I've managed to nearly kill myself tripping over one of the multitude of baby gates set up to keep Miss Bridget out of harms way.

Is that irony? The thing meant to prevent harm caused harm?

Yeah. Thing that's irony. I have a big, fat ironic bruise on my leg.

WORK STUFF:

- Wedding season is ON like Donkey Kong and it's proving to be a busy one! I have a crap-ton of weddings booked for June and it's going to take me all over....so keep your eyes trained on the Facebook page for fun sneak peeks!

I'm booking for 2018 folks, so if you're starting to plan your big day and still need someone there to tell the story....hit me up!

- SENIORS....I'm booking strong for the remainder of the summer for 2018 grads. If you're wanting to reserve fall color time, NOW is the time to secure your date because those will get taken first, trust me. I am WAY excited about what I'm bringing to the Senior market this year, and I'll be hitting the marketing HARD in Rock County, especially in Janesville, Milton, and Edgerton. So, if you're looking for something new and different for your senior portraits, come visit the gorgeous Milton studio and let's make something awesome!

- Portraits - YES! I do portraits! I've gotten a lot of questions about baby portraits lately and yes, I do those too. Studio or on-location....bring it!

- WORKSHOPS: I have moved the Basics workshop to September 10th, based on availability of interested parties. Looking to get your head around the workings of your fancy camera? Come hang with us for an afternoon, shoot around, learn what ISO means, and shoot some models.

Good times! Check out the Workshops 2017 link up top and reserve your spot. I have 8 spots currently open.

Above:
-Talent Show goodies and proof I actually did Betty's hair for once.
-Last time at the house. Pretty lacking in tears, thankfully.
-Molly's Spring Sing. Guess which one is Molly.

Fractured Thoughts.

Fractured Thoughts. ~ Wisconsin Photographer