Well, this semester is coming to an end. I am eagerly awaiting for some time away from this computer. In fact this past couple days have been slow but productive. I took the girls to the airport Saturday morning so they can spend turkey day with their dad.

I then made my way down to Wilmington for some down time, even if it was only for a day. Of course, beer, friends, and great food as always. I returned Sunday afternoon and prepared a stew and quickly settled in for the day. The Broncos lost yet another game and I’m finding myself on the Verge of giving up on them. Needless to say they are not doing so hot, but I can never give up on my Broncos no matter how bad they do.

I had a great day on Monday, spent some down time with a great friend. Took a stroll on the beach and ended the night with movies, food, and good wine. All in all I would say that I’m doing pretty good. Even though the economy sucks and I’m struggling with the day-to-day routines, I have some great friends and life is good. I forsee it getting better so that is a blessing all in its self. You have to learn to take life one day at a time, keep things simple, and except things you can not change.

I wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and try not to eat too much….

Oh.. Here is my new home…. yeah on a good day.. Maybe when I retire in……………how many years.. uggghh. Long way to go.

The weekend went pretty well, went to the pub Friday night and enjoyed some good beer and good company. Woke up the next morning and we were off to Wilmington for the JDRF Walk for the Cure. The girls had a good time, free food, fun, and games as always, even though the weather was a little unorganized.

Julia, shop at Mayfare Town Center

Michelle, trying to do the warm up exercises

Sunday was busy as well, with church, classes and choir. The weather turned and the temperature dropped and the rain came in on Monday morning., which has come and gone, as well as my fist half day observation. My first day went well, even though all I did was observe. Third graders are not as bad as I made them out to be. On to the next half day, many, many more to come.. Time to go to bed.. Exhausted, This weekend is going to be hectic as well, Fall Festival church on Friday, and of course Halloween on Saturday, and church on Sunday. whewww.. Busy, busy, busy.

I think I might take a walk on the beach in the morning, depending on the weather of course

Beach Tracks

I awoke the other morning to a beautiful pink sky in my backyard. It was a great day to take a brisk walk along the beach. I took my camera out this time around, knowing that I have seen everything before. The season has come to an end and everything that was once packed full of people are now empty. The once loud noises of kids laughing and running around, is now silent, and bare.

Empty Bumper Boats

Closed Track

Like I alway do, I walked out to Bouge Pier, watched the fisherman bring in what ever they could catch for the day, and continued on my way back. It was a peaceful walk, among all the spiders above the tree lines.

Saturday is here and we had the blessing of the animals at church this morning. It was nice, and even quite considering all the animals that were there. I had to keep Jaucie at bay, so Michelle was in charge of taking pictures. Here are a few she took, she captured some great ones.

The girls are going out to a birthday party tonight so I have some time too myself. Going to the pub for some great music, great beer, and some great friends.

God Bless Everyone and have a Peaceful Weekend.

It has been almost a month since my birthday bash, and my little swim. I was cleaning out my drawers and came across the phone that received the brute of the swim that I had taken. I put in my old sim card and my battery and to my amazement, it worked screen and all. I was able to download some pics of a beautiful sunset from that night and now I have a back up phone when I need it. Life is great…

My girls are in school and doing well. My classes are all in order and up to date. I will have Internet at home on Monday, thank God… My bills are paid for the month, and I’m starting a new workout regiment on Monday. So far life is okay. I have a couple of papers to write one I can hold off until next week, the other I would like to finish it by tomorrow so I can enjoy the weekend. Also, I am working on getting my passport application filled out and sent off next week. I have a big trip next year and I am determined to go.

On another note, I have been feeling a little bit lonely lately. Even though the girls are here and I have been keeping myself busy there is still that one element that is missing. Everywhere I go I see couples together, holding hands, going to the movies, going to the beach, and more. I miss the connection like that with someone. I miss hearing someone say I miss you or someone who wants to be with me in spite of all the things I have got going on in my life.
Then when I sit down to think about it, it is also nice to just be on your own. It’s nice to be able to go anywhere you want and not have to answer to no one. But in reality you can only take that for so long. My oldest daughter, who will be 11 in the next couple of weeks, has a boyfriend. She is only in the sixth grade and of course she has no idea what the concept of having a boyfriend is but she has one. I was joking around with her last night and said that she could have a boyfriend as long a I had one. Well I don’t have one so she couldn’t have one, that didn’t work out very well.
The weekend is here and I plan on relaxing. I plan on doing as much as I can today, clean the house, fold clothes, and work on my paper. Maybe I will be able to get out and go to the pub for a beer or two, not quite sure I have to play it by ear. September is here already and Julia’s birthday is coming sooner than I thought. This year has flown by and I’m sure next year will be the same.

I was talking to a very special friend of mine and we both came to a conclusion about life. Things have changed and relationships aren’t quite like they used to be. Now a days people don’t stay together much anymore, and it’s getting harder to find that one person who will be with you forever. I personally don’t want to be alone that long. I’m not saying that change is a bad thing, I mean if you are happy with the way things are than so be it. I just hate being alone, especially when I know what I want and I know I can’t have it. That is the hardest part to deal with. Anyway…………………………….. I will deal with the best way I know how… stay busy and leave it up to God…..

On top of everything else I found out this morning that my great Aunt passed away last night from cancer. She has been struggling for quite some time now and it finally caught up with her. I vaguely remember her but family is family and hurts just the same. I know she is in a better place, a place where there is no pain or suffering and that comforts me in the long run. Even though I complain about being lonely and having bad days I am so grateful to just be here. I try to cherish each and every moment that I can and love the ones who mean the most to me.

I picked up the girls Tuesday night from RDU it was great to see them coming out of the gate.  It’s now been four days since the girls have been home and I’m already exhausted. It has been raining since Tuesday.  Although they have been with their friend from across the street for the most part (not surprised) it still is great to have them home. I now have to get back into the swing of things, and get them ready for school. I myself have to prepare for the upcoming fall semester with ECU and CCC. I have a full schedule ahead and I am ready to get this semester out of the way. After this semester I can breath a little easier knowing I will only be going part time.  I would like to get the girls out one more time before everything starts, maybe camping or even a trip to Myrtle Beach not sure yet. It’s still raining today and muggy outside. I really have no plans for the weekend but hopefully the weather will cooperate and we can get out and do something.

I took them to the aquarium yesterday and they had a good time. It was packed with people trying to get some indoor fun time since it was raining outside.  We made the best of it and afterwards went to the pub fo some dinner and a quick drink.

Here we are outside the Aquarium. Of course Michelle has eyes closed

Well another year, another number. I had a great birthday this year, even though my kids are with their dad. I visited with friends and had a couple of beers with my brother. All in all I had a blast. I watched an amazing sunset with a very special friend, someone whom I thank God everyday to have in my life.

The only bad thing about my birthday was that my phone got wet and is now inoperable. I had to order a new one, and hopefully I will get it next week sometime. I have been using skype to let everyone know that I’m still alive .

So I am now without communication as well as Internet and no cable TV. I’m able to deal with no cable and I can go to the coffee shop for a quick Internet fix but, I feel extremely naked with out my phone.

Went to the pub last night to say goodbye to a good friend who is leaving for Iraq today. My prayers will be with him and his family. I have made some pretty good friends here in this little town of mine. I’m so very thankful for everyone and everything that I have. And even though I may feel alone at times and wish I could share certain moments with someone, I can honestly say that I’m not alone, and that what ever happens, happens for a reason. There is no use in asking why all the time, I’m learning to just let it all go and follow what ever path that is put in front of me.

I have been getting up early and running on the beach, it has been pretty rewarding and I have time to sit and reflect on what I have accomplished up to this point in my life. I have so much to look forward to. It is Friday and I have some errands to run and cleaning to do around the house…

I want to thank everyone that came out and celebrated my birthday and I hope that we can do it again. Friends are a definite must in this life.

I finally was able to get out of the house to get some camping time in. Even though it was only for a day, I really enjoyed being on my own and reading under the trees. I took my dog with me and she enjoyed it as well. We hiked, and went waling on the beach and just had a great time. She was very well behaved, no barking at all. She has never been camping before so she was up and down all night because of all the sounds and rumbling in the woods. The hiking trail was unexpected and I was not well prepared for it at all. I was in flip flops and Jaucie was chasing everything she seen moving in the woods. It was a great hike, up and down hills and we walked along ravines which I almost fell in because of my dog. She loves turtles and can spot them within a hundred yards.

I will be going out again on Monday but I’m not sure where, either Greensboro to the Cliffs of the Neuse or I will drive up to Hatteras and hang out there, maybe even hit the ferry ride back through Ocracoke and stay there as well. Either way I’m going somewhere, it’s nice to get out of the house. I have to take advantage of the time I have because when the girls get home and school starts I will be so busy and probably tied to the house. My life is still full of questions but I’m learning to let go and have fun and to accept things as they are. Here are some more pictures of my camping excursion. I will post new photos in the weeks ahead of my next traveling trip.

Morning Walk on Beach

My Favorite Spot

This was our morning walk out to the beach, it was a beautiful morning and the water was low and calm. The water revealed many trees, rocks, and many other things that you wouldn’t see during the day. Jaucie enjoyed walking on the beach, although she was a little timid around the water.

Jaucie

Basic Essentials

Inside tent

Tree on The Beach

It is the beginning of a long week. I’m starting off my day at the coffee shop, loading up on some caffeine and checking my emails and blackboard work. I have been without Internet for the whole weekend as well as being in a slump with no sense of urgency to get out of. I am moving a little bit quicker this morning knowing the fact that my ex is probably in town already. We have talked very little and I’m not sure what the outcome is going to be after the 10th but I will be as civil as I can, for the kids sake obviously.

Today will be a busy day, after leaving the coffee shop I have to cook for Julia’s class party today. They are having a Mexican fiesta, so I’m cooking a casserole. Than I have to clean and prepare for Tim to get here this afternoon. Probably go out to eat or he will take the girls for a little while not sure. Nothing going on tomorrow, just working and doing research on my paper for my Developmental Psych.. class.. (fun)

Wednesday will be extremely busy and I’m looking forward to Thursday, it needs to get here quick. I have ordered some film for my Holga and can’t wait to get into the camera for my trip next week. Even though my class is moving so fast I need to get away from everyone and everything. I’m trying my best to give everyone their space, and learn to except what I cannot change no matter how bad I want them to. So with that said, this is probably why I’m in such a slump, go figure?????

My dad is doing so much better and hopefully he will be released from the hospital this week. I can’t wait to get on the road and just go. The drive will be long but I’m looking forward to it.. I will stop along the way and get some shooting in hopefully, if time permits. I would like t make it at least in to Nashville by the evening of the 17th… Nashville TN Waterfront

If I have enough money and time I plan on staying in Nashville on my way back for a couple of days. Who knows I will play it by ear. I will post more soon

Well I have about 3 weeks until me and the girls leave for Arkansas. I have so much to do before we leave it seems so overwhelming. My psych class is in constant need of attention. I have two papers, plus DB questions and tests to accomplish. My girls get out of school on the 10th and my schedule up until than is packed full of to do lists. From class to parties to meeting with lawyers and preparing for Michelle’s birthday, this is just the tip of the iceberg. I will be so glad when we can get on the road and just get out of here. The drive will be long but I’m really looking forward to getting on the road and stopping here and there to take photographs. I need to figure some things and enjoy my family as well. I will be bringing my Holga and can’t wait to start shooting once I get there. Although we will be stopping along our 18 hour trip to shoot as well. Yes 18 hours… I have done it plenty of times and know the route like the back of my hand.

Mansfield is a small town that survives on the local Lumber Mill, and if it goes under Mansfield will become a ghost town. I grew up in this town and it has changed so much in the past 10 years. Some of the original buildings are still standing but most of them are gone. I can remember walking down this street to Don’s Drugs with my class while in elementary. We would all hold hands and walk to the store to get a scoop of ice cream during the summer. This was our so called field trips back then. I believe that Don is still in business but I’m not sure. I think I will take the girls to get some ice cream there if he is.The way this town looks early in the morning is great for shots with the Holga, I can’t wait. I’m going to stock up on film, and just take the Holga and my digital. That’s it, nothing more nothing less. This will keep me pretty busy in Arkansas and my trip back through Nashville.

I will probably update my blog the day or two before I head out and will post as much as I can afterward. I’m not sure how much internet I will be able to get while staying with family. We live in the backwoods so who knows. Here are some old photos of Mansfield from way back when.

Old Train Depot (Now Gone)

This was the old bank and it sat on the right hand corner as you came into downtown. It is now gone replace with a park…

More to come…

]]> http://shannonla.wordpress.com/2009/05/27/3-weeks/feed/ 0 Shannon street1 007 008 http://shannonla.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/holga-shots/ http://shannonla.wordpress.com/2009/05/24/holga-shots/#comments Sun, 24 May 2009 21:08:18 +0000 Shannon http://shannonla.wordpress.com/?p=1595 ]]>

I have finally developed the two rolls of color film that I have taken with my Holga. This camera may feel like a toy and even look like one but it is definitely not. I need to practice more with it to get the type of look that I want. Here are a few shots that I really like. Some were taken in Wilmington and some are from Bear Island.

Bear Island Ferry

Restraunt on Wilmington Water Front

Internet Cafe in Wilmington

Wine Sold Here Wilmington

Road Work Wilmington

Seaweed Bear Island