In addition to not eating air fresheners — or maybe because of not eating air fresheners? — I had a lovely weekend in Houston with my parents. We were celebrating my mom’s birthday, which mostly meant spending time together and eating a lot of Dairy Queen. (Those mini Blizzards are the perfect size!)
I also made sure to take out the camera a lot, because I’ve been a little lax since coming back from the cruise. But this week helped me remember how important photos can be. For my mother’s gift, I made a photo book at Snapfish, and it turned out beautifully. The printing and production (colors, cover, etc.) were top-notch, and I spent hours arranging the photos to tell the story of my mother (as best I knew it). She and my dad loved it, and as I flipped through, I realized that I want to make more of these books, both for myself and for my loved ones. And to do that, I need photos.
Sugarland Town Center, which is a great little plaza with food and shopping
Out and about on our boat, in Clear Lake
I am first and foremost a writer, but sometimes an image says it all.
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Photobooks are great! My wife and I print them for everything instead of putting 4×6′s in an album. They take up way less space on the shelf and let you add captions and information (who, what, when, where, why) that you don’t typically get with a standard print album.
I’ve been camera slacking too! Looks like a fun time, I miss lakes…
I’m a picture fanatic – seriously, I must have at least a hundred up – and I’ve definitely found that they can speak volumes. Sometimes they’re also really inspirational and thought-provoking when it comes to writing. You never know where you’ll find a catalyst!
Glad you had a great weekend! Houston looks beautiful :-)
Ooh, sailing. Now I’m jealous.
Your mom is beautiful!! 60?!? And that pic with your dad is really sweet. It’s great to get a little insight into your family. Full moon in a purple plaza…almost as good as a campfire at my place. :)
Wow, I love the plaza pics. What kind of camera do you use? Good for you taking so many photos. I haven’t taken any photos since a couple of weeks ago. I’m such a slacker :(
Your photo of the dock brings back SO MANY memories. :-) Love to your mom — this weekend came up so quickly for me.
That’s like…. 5088 words right there. Prolific day of writing? :)
Simon-
Yeah, I was thinking of doing something like that for me and Andy, since most of our photos are digital, but “albums” are so much easier to view.
Les-
Get on it, girl! ;P
Shari-
That’s true — photos can really feed a writer’s imagination! I use Flickr all the time for “research” for my WIP. :)
Sonja-
LOL. Well we just motored around this time, but yeah, sailing rocks. Still, you have a boat now!
Sarah-
Aww, thanks. I wish I could have come to the campfire (next time!!) but it WAS a good weekend with good parents. :)
Jon-
I just have a little Panasonic Lumix LZ8. I figured I needed something small so I would actually carry it around. :P (Plus it was a good price, haha.)
Alex-
Being in that area always reminds me of you. :)
Albie-
LOL I WISH.
I love those boat pics!