Santa Paula Hot Air Balloon Festival

It's been a while since I posted because it's been a while since I've been out shooting. I recently attended the Santa Paula Hot Air Balloon Festival, as it was a photo op I couldn't pass up. The main attraction was seeing the balloons inflated and lit up at night. I had no idea what to expect, and it was awesome to be able to get up close like we did. What a unique experience!

Vacation Photos

I was off of work for a week and we did a lot of projects around the house. We decided to do a quick getaway and went to Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach. It was right on the beach, which was about 5 steps from our room, which was wonderful. If it weren't so cold and windy, it would have been much more enjoyable. I did take photos the entire weekend. We walked to the Channel Islands Harbor, watched the sun set on the beach, and went to the Santa Barbara Zoo.

How I am Spending My Vacation

My goal is to get out and shoot this week while I am off, but unfortunately, have not gotten out yet. We are working on lots of house projects and I am so happy that the den is now painted. One more bathroom to go and we're done with the major painting (except for the kitchen).

I have started a great project that I hope to complete this week. My friend Adele suggested I use my photographs to create homemade cards for an organization she makes cards for. It is called Operation Write Home. The cards are sent overseas to service members for them to use to write home with. I loved the idea, gathered my supplies, printed some photos, and began the process. Here are pictures of the different cards I have created. I am making 10 of each to send.

Welcome!

I am currently under construction, but hope to be moved in soon. Then, I can share my photo adventures with you. In the meantime, here is my favorite photo from my Descanso Gardens shoot.