Allie Dean Photographie

Snow in Boerne

2012-02-11T17:18:00.002-06:00

Back in December some of my family and I decided to check out

the Dickens on Main in downtown Boerne.

We ended up going on the last night, so there wasn't much to see,

but I did manage to collect some snow photos!

Okay. Snow machine photos...

Honestly, this year's 'winter' has been remarkably mild.

As in t-shirts-and-flip-flops mild,

with an occasional few days of sweater-wearing weather!

Grace & Life

2012-01-19T22:10:00.001-06:00

And of His fullness have we all received, and grace for grace...John 1:16

Enter ye in at the strait gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be who go in thereat.

Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:13-14

The only way to enter is by grace. But constant attention and diligence on our part,

in doing the will of God, is required to keep walking in the narrow way.

The broad way is everything surrounding the narrow gate.

365 days 730 photos...

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

This year begins with a new project...a 365 blog!

To me it is a slightly daunting challenge :D
So far so good, I am happy to report!

www.alliedean-me.blogspot.com

This year I am focusing on 3 words: dwell, behold, enquire,
and the verse Psalm 27:4.

The blog is for my study tidbits, project updates,

and other life happenings.

What brand new thing are you doing for 2012?

Hello and Back to Blogging

2012-01-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Now that we are 2 weeks into 2012, it's high time for me to start posting again :D

First up: I get to give an award! And so do you!

Liz at Becoming so kindly gave me the Liebster Award (liebster is German for "dearest"), and in order to enjoy it, you must share it!!

So here are the rules :)

Choose five up and coming blogs with less than 200 followers to award. Make sure and notify them by comment or e-mail that you did so.
Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them. If you’re not already a follower of their blog, that might be a great way to show appreciation for the award. :)
Post the award on your blog, and be sure to link back to the 5 blogs you awarded, so that others can visit them.

And here are my five links :)

Kathryn Grace - We haven't met in person...yet! But we both love photography, and I really like visiting her blog. Her photos are fantastic! So clear and full of light!
Lizzy Butterfly - Lizzy is my Texas-turned-Tennessee friend, who loves to write, have adventures with her Great Pyranees, and work on her family's farm.
Meagan - Carpe Diem Photography: Meagan and I met at an IPS class, and enjoyed spending a week learning all things Photoshop and Lightroom. Such fun!
The Vineckis - longtime, dear friends. We miss them so much, but are happy they have a blog we can stalk :)
Mieczowski Musings - more dear friends who are far away. You need to look at their music website, and if you live in Michigan, you neeeed to hire them for your next event!

Thanks so much for thinking of me, Liz! I hope I can make it out to your state sometime!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T06:30:00.000-06:00

Here is the rest of the Marshall Clan,
and we all wish you a very Happy New Year.

May it be full of blessings, adventures, lessons, delights, and smiles.

This is the {year} which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it

This {year} is the LORD's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Thou art my God, and I will praise Thee: Thou art my God, I will exalt Thee.

O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever.

Psalm 118

♥Allie Dean

{this moment}

2011-12-31T00:32:00.000-06:00

I am remembering soft snuggles with a baby girl on
Christmas morning...

I hope your Christmas was very merry!

Did you start any new traditions?

Roses In December

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

If I haven't said it already...I love Texas.

Roses in December? How can you not love Texas?

Twisted Updo

2011-12-29T06:30:00.000-06:00

Howdy, ya'll :)

Are you ready for another pretty & pretty easy hairstyle? It maybe juuuust the thing you are looking for to dress up your New Year's Eve outfit!

Let me know how you like it!

My Happy Birthday

2011-12-28T06:30:00.000-06:00

I had a wonderful birthday.

Chocolate mint pies

Dear friends (missed you Matt!) & family

Thoughtful gifts.
(they always come in Zales boxes...recycled Zales boxes...)

And a groomed dog.
(Many thanks to my sister for the effort!)

Here's to another year walking with the Lord on that narrow, ancient path :)

What is your favorite thing about birthdays?

Mittens

2011-12-27T00:54:00.000-06:00

I made mittens, for the first time, this month!!

The pattern was a bit of a challenge, but I am really happy with the result!

Buttons always add "a little something" don't you think?

How about you?
Have you done anything brand new this month??

Just for fun

2011-12-26T00:45:00.000-06:00

Earlier this month ThinkTankPhoto did a giveaway of some neat gear...a whole new camera case full!

You could enter through the giveaway form daily, and even post some ThinkTank photos on facebook in order to win another bag.

This is what I came up with: (congrats to the winners! it was a great giveaway!)

{this moment}

2011-12-24T06:30:00.000-06:00

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be. Genesis 49:10

....................................
But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah,
yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel;
whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2

Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
……………………….

Lo, within a manger lies
He who built the starry skies;
He who throned in height sublime
Sits amid the cherubim.

Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem

……………………………..

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

…………………………

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

……………………………

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

…………………………..

And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,
and all flesh shall see it together:
for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
Isaiah 40:5

……………………………

Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.
Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her,
that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned.
Isaiah 40:1-2

…………………………

O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountain;
O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength;
lift it up, and be not afraid;
say unto the cities of Judah,
Behold your God!
Arise, shine; for thy Light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.

………………………..

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude
of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God Glory to God
in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

………………………..

Hallelujah! for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,
and of His Christ: and He shall reign
for ever
and ever.

KING OF KINGS, LORD OF LORDS.

………………………..

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
and hath redeemed us unto God to receive power,
and riches, and wisdom, and strength,
and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Blessing, and honour, glory and power,
be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne,
and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

…………………………

Amen.

Pom-pom Cherries

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

While on our photoshoot in Boerne, we came upon this pretty tree which was covered in “pom-poms”!

Maybe they are really some kind of cherry…but against the bright blue sky I think they look like pom-poms.
And very cheerful ones at that.

If, of course, pom-poms can look cheerful…

Giveaway Winners!

2011-12-22T16:09:00.001-06:00

Hola!! I a have fiiiiinally chosen the winners!!

I know.

You have been waiting on pins & needles to find out who won :D

Congratulations to:

Jon :: you won the $15 gift certificate to Pink Lemonade <--- makes a great gift :)
Jaqueline :: you won the darling apron from Cold Creek Farm!
Hannah B :: you won the pearl & lavender bead necklace (pictured below)

annnd I decided to giveaway a bonus prize of 1 issue of Interweave Crochet Magazine,
annnnd the winner is :: Anna R.W.!!!

yippeeeee :)

Thank you to everyone who entered! I am definitely going to do more giveaways in the near future :)

Happy Christmas to all!!

♥AllieDean

Birthdays & Giveaways

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-06:00

Alrighty…the giveaway ends at noon CST today!! Be sure to enter before the day is out!

I’ve got a special way to pick all the winners, so stay tuned! 3 of you will be selected on Thursday.

I’d do it tonight, but…there will be lentil soup, pretzels, and my birthday mint-chocolate pies to eat.

So. I’ll be busy :)

The Petite Chef

2011-12-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

For all of you who loooove to see my niece, here she is on tape.

For all of you who like to see other things...I hope you might smile a little bit.

For all of you who like giveaways, you have until tomorrow (Wednesday) at noon CST to enter!

For all of you who read my blog...THANK YOU!

♥AllieDean

Boerne Photo Day

2011-12-19T18:51:00.001-06:00

At the beginning of the month, I went on a photoshoot with these lovely ladies…

We explored Boerne in all its festive glory :)

It was a fun day, and we made it more exciting by giving each other assignments
of textures, shapes, colors, and decorations.

One of mine was “fuzzy” and let me tell you…it was HARD to find something fuzzy!

There were no moss balls in vases, or sweaters on mannequins outside the shops…
so, I focused on other things…like light bokeh :D

Fuzzy-Thing, wherever you are, I will conquer you one day!

Try a holiday photoshoot sometime! Tis tons of fun!

{this moment}

2011-12-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

My words from Thee I cannot hide.
I feel Thy power on every side.
Oh wondrous knowledge, awful might
Unfathomed depth, unmeasured height.
Never Be Shaken || Psalm 139 || Judy Rogers

Hairstyle Video

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hello! I've got one video here for you to enjoy! Let me know if you have any questions :)

♥

Sophia Nicole 9 months || preview

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

My baby niece is getting SO big!

Crawling is her newest thing, and she loves to clap and wave.

More pictures coming soon!

P.S. Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

the allie dean GIVEAWAY!

2011-12-14T05:30:00.000-06:00

I am soooo excited.

{insert g.i.a.n.t. grin here}

{here}

{and here}

I've only done one giveaway in all my "life" as a blogger, and that was such fun that I decided to do a bigger and better one sometime. And that time is now!

Thanks to some lovely ladies and their shops, I am happy to have 2 wonderful prizes

in addition to 'mine own' contribution!! {extra grin here}

Alrighty...on to the fun part...

First up, is a $15.00 gift certificate to Paige's shop, Pink Lemonade.

(isn't that a delicious name??)

Second, Laura & Elizabeth, from Cold Creek Farm,
have a pretty handmade apron to giveaway.

(yes, they do have a creek, and they tell me it is c.o.l.d.)

And finally, I have a pearl-and-bead necklace for one winner.

Photo of the necklace is coming soon!

SO. Here is how you enter!

Mandatory Entry: Leave (one) comment telling me your favorite beverage!

..................................................................................................................

Extra ways to win:

1."like" Allie Dean, Laura Elizabeth, and Paige on Facebook

2. Post about the giveaway on your blog!
(And use this link!)

3. "follow" Allie Dean, Laura Elizabeth, and Paige

Be sure to come back and comment for each follow, like, and post you do!

This giveaway is open to anyone, and would make a great gift for
Christmas, birthday, or even 'just because'!

The Giveaway runs from December 14th until December 21st. The winners will be chosen by random pick, and in the spirit of generosity, if you win one gift, all your other entries will not be put in the mix for each of the other gifts.

Happy winning!

P.S. Paige was so kind as to gift a 30% off code to all my readers for this month!!
So check out her store and use code HAPPY at checkout!

at this time on || tuesday

2011-12-13T14:49:00.003-06:00

I am going for the large-turban-head look :)

Under the warm towel is a head of hair wrapped in plastic wrap
and soaking in a lovely blend of grapeseed & coconut oils, a touch of honey, and some lavender.

Me poor hair is becoming quite dry, so after looking around online,
I decided to try a hot oil treatment.

wow. does it smell good! and feels w.o.n.d.e.r.f.u.l :)

Baby Sophia was not tooo sure what to think when Auntie Al came to
get her this morning with a GIANT green thing on her head.
(pretttty sure it wasn't there last night...)

She and I are dropping to say,
be sure to come back tomorrow for the Allie Dean Giveaway!!

Such fun.

In other news, baby niece can now crawl.

which is fabulous.

and. now she doesn't just sit and play by herself.
she has to GO somewhere.

An evening with the French…

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-06:00

In November, our church family was invited to meet a wonderful French couple
who have a beautiful ministry to the Christian church in France.

My parents are fluent in French and enjoy French cuisine, so naturally,
we had to make some to bring!

Tart Aux Pomme

Apple Tart :)
(incidentally, tart pans are amazing. I found my new favorite kitchen item.)

Annnnd…a variety of Fromage: Brie, Jarlsburg, etc. with a baguette.

Chef & Madame Foucachon sang a hymn in French for us, and told us the state of the church in France,
about their ministry(Hugenot Heritage), and a little about cooking :)

Did you know that after 30 years of hard work, a church can only expect a congregation of 30 people?
So many pastors get discouraged after 20 years…keep them in your prayers, won’t you?

At present, Chef Foucachon is working with a team to translate a seminary program(Third Millenium) into French,
and the other great thing about this program is that it will be available for free to anyone,
who desires to minister the Word in their French-speaking area.

Isn’t that amazing?

All about dogs…

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

About 2 months ago, my sister Catrina and I ‘farm-sat’ for some friends,
and enjoyed all the ups and downs of rustic life.

And that life includes a pack of friendly dogs.
First up is Darby, the rock-fetching dog.
She is a real cutie, with silky ears that look like she has pigtails. Darby likes to cuddle,
and will also bark at the rock she drops at your feet.

Then, there’s Copper. He is Papa-Dog and probably would like to be Top-Dog, too…

(Milk-Bones come in handy when one wants good canine portraits)

Ruby is next, as Mama-Dog/Top Dog. And for all her superiority, she happens to be quite camera shy,
hence the funny, cropped shots…

Would you believe they actually got jealous if I tried petting two of them at once? Hilarious.
Lesson learned: pet ONE dog with BOTH hands :) Especially Ruby. She is very gentle…and very persistent.

Here we have the two Boys, Bonanza (affectionately called Bobo),
and Valiant. Valiant is still learning to live up to his name, but does
become quite the cuddle-bug once he warms up to you.

Bonanza & Valiant are still waiting for loving homes, so if you are interested visit the website!

{this moment}

2011-12-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

{I am reminded to live in childlike faith…}

Quilling

2011-12-07T00:28:00.000-06:00

The sister you wished a Happy Birthday to yesterday,

does beautiful work in quilled paper.

Isn't it lovely?

Happy Birthday, Evvie!

2011-12-06T06:30:00.000-06:00

My second sister is also my December-birthday-sister.

We are exactly 6 years and 19 days apart.

This post is exactly 4 days late, but won't you join me

in wishing her an extra Happy Birthday?

Portraits || Seargeant Family

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

I have some more friends to introduce to blog-land!

Meet the Seargeant Family...

For the family session we walked around a Texas park and enjoyed a huuuge tree

that was perfect for portraits!

Then there was a magnificent bridge!

The brothers...

The sisters...

Texas sunsets are pretty much perfection...

The Seargeants have some very friendly English Shepherds for sale for the dog lovers out there,
and a great ideas in survival gear for anyone shopping for Christmas gifts!

Portraits || Rickstrew Family

2011-12-03T19:13:00.000-06:00

I’d like you to meet the Rickstrew Family!
They have become good friends of ours, and we heartily enjoy conversations,
and adventures with the boys.

They have an A.maz.ING business called Sweet Seat
that they manage in a neat little cottage.

The Sweet Seats are the perfect child’s chair. Great for dining, playing, and so much more!

Did I mention the seats are available in fabulous colors and patterns?
It could be difficult to choose just one…this one and this one are my favorites…for now!
They’re easy to carry, and a dream to clean.

We did a family/lifestyle shoot one evening, when the golden light was beautiful.
Evening shoots in Texas? Gorgeous. sign.me.up.anytime.

May the Lord bless you Rickstrew family, in raising your little men, your business, your love for each other, and devotion to Him!
♥ Allison

This month on Allie Dean...

2011-12-03T17:17:00.001-06:00

...it's time to celebrate!

So you can expect daily posts, a giveaway on the 14th, and a few videos!

Thank you all so much for visiting and leaving wonderful comments,
I hope you'll enjoy coming back tomorrow, and the next day, and the next day... :)

Sophia Nicole || 7 months

2011-12-02T07:30:00.000-06:00

Our small darling turned 7 months in October, and in keeping with a fall theme, we dressed her in a pumpkin outfit…

Sometimes she gets so excited she can’t hold it in ^…

Caterpillar is a favorite toy :)

Babies make the cutest expressions when Daddy & Mommy make faces at them!

She makes this face ^ alllll the time.

at this time on friday...

2011-11-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

I am remembering fun times with Laura...

|| getting photos taken with our cameras & wearing ips shirts ||

|| apple laptops & apple stickers ||

|| canon cameras ||

|| shootsacs ||

|| miss you lots, my Laura friend ♥ ||

at this time on tuesday....

2011-11-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

I am remebering it has been a month since my sister's birthday, and I never posted about it!

So, this post is a combination of a "happy birthday!"

to my red-head "twin", Catrina, and a link to her blonde friend, Lizzy's, blog. Enjoy!

Happy {belated} Birthday, Trina!

Happy Birthday, Hannah...

2011-11-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

We love and miss you ...lots!!!

♥ Allison, Evvie, & Catrina

at this time on saturday…

2011-11-19T06:30:00.000-06:00

this is funny…

…and I am making these sandwiches tomorrow…

Bread
Pesto
Tomatoes
Mozzarella
+
Olive Oil (or butter)
grill pan/skillet
=
yumminess in a sandwich.
(serve with a side of sweet potato fries)

Bon Appetit!

Canon 40d || mini review

2011-11-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

For the wedding I shot in April, I rented the 40d body and 70-200 zoom lens from BorrowLenses.com.
I must say that the lens was A.maZ.ing. Definitely want to add it to my own bag one day!

The 40d itself, however, didn’t perform in the way I had hoped. The focus wasn’t tack sharp, which was my biggest disappointment. Perhaps if I had brought a tripod, it would have been a bit better. And if I did have a tripod I would have used the Live View option, which is a simply brilliant thing to put in a DSLR :)

I liked the feel of the camera, and the dials/buttons were easy to use. So all in all, since sharp focusing ability is one major thing that photographers look for in a camera, I wouldn’t purchase this model. I’d go with a 60d or 5d MarkII.

Next time I rent a camera, the 5d MarkII looks reaaaallly intriguing….

little brownie || personal

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Unlike it’s chewy and chocolatey counterpart, this little brownie is more fun than it is delicious,
and is made by Kodak instead of Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker :D

It is the little companion to my Rolleiflex :)

Many thanks to Kelly for investing in my camera collection,
and for parting with her childhood keepsake. ♥

I love it, Kelly!

||sweet seat||

friends || personal

2011-11-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

While out with our dear friends for Esther’s photoshoot, we took a few moments to
get a few portraits of sister-friends.

A quaint, white cottage wall, was a perfect backdrop…

Hannah & Evvie

Esther & Catrina

Catrina & Kathryn

at this time on tuesday...

2011-11-08T06:30:00.000-06:00

I am reminiscing about tennis.

Laura & Elizabeth gave us some tennis pointers while they were here visiting.

Let’s just say that Laura & Elizabeth are pros at the every part of the game,
I am a pro at chasing balls, and Trina is a pro at hitting highballs…. :)

O, what fun we had!

the adventures of souperwoman…

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

Yes, you read that right.
I really-really-really like making soup, and this year I am embarking on some new recipes!
Now that fall is upon us, we are enjoying cozy, delicious soups. Fall in Texas includes cold mornings and evenings with afternoons which are in the 70s and 80s :)

Lasagne Soup This lasagne soup is excellent. It has the delicious addition of a spoonful of “cheesy yum” in each bowl.
I will let you read the recipe to find out what that is :)

Crockpot Tortilla Soup We’ve made tortilla soup many times, and it never ceases to be a hit.
It is especially great for gatherings. Be sure to have a selection
of hot sauce, sour cream, cheese, and chips to go along with each serving!

Cheeseburger Soup This recipe looks sooo yummy.
I am putting the ingredients on the grocery list this week!

Do let me know if you think I should continue this new series!
If you like it, I’ll post on making chicken broth and our favorite potato soup next (hint-hint) :)

Enchanted Rock {Fredericksburg, TX}

2011-10-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

For my sister, Catrina’s, 18th birthday, she chose an outing to Enchanted Rock with some friends.
Once we arrived we realized how big that Rock is….

See the specks around the middle-left of the top? Thooooose are people….

We all enjoyed the hike up, and once you get to the top, the view is amazing!

All of Texas stretched out before your eyes….or most of it, anyway…

While Vance was jumping for my friend Jon’s camera, I couldn’t resist getting a shot too…

Evvie & Hannah on top of the world :)

P.S. If you ever want to climb the Rock, be prepared for 3 ways to climb down,
1. over giant boulders, 2. straight down the middle, or 3. squishing through a dark cave.
All three are guaranteed to spike your adrenaline and plaster excitement on your face.
But if you choose the cave option, no one will be able to tell until you come out. :)
-Friendly Allie’s Helpful Hints pg. 210

A taste of autumn…

2011-10-28T22:49:00.001-05:00

Wow. It was COLD today :)

Had to get out a hat and a warm beverage.

At 10:47 pm I am still wearing the hat….

Stay warm, folks!
(if you happen to live in a state that has chilly autumns, that is.)

Sophia Nicole 5 & 6 Months {San Antonio Family Photographer}

2011-10-26T06:30:00.000-05:00

And now that my niece is about ready for her 7 month portraits,
it seemed to be a good time to post her 5&6 month photos :)

Ready for some adorableness??

Her eyes are soooo pretty…

(annnnd lest I forget, kitty is now 10 months old…)

Sophia gets veryvery excited when Maisy prances in…

I kid you not, she makes the greatest faces all.the.time…
..especially when eating spinach :)

:: 6 months ::

Well, ya’ll, it is time to introduce you to our Texas cowgirl!
Isn’t the western shirt just too much??

I loooove to photograph babies with their families and in their homes.
The portrait sessions are always so much happier when baby can take a
break and have some snuggle time and a snack.

every small Texan needs a pair of small boots :)

All her pictures so far might just be always smiley, but reeeeally, she smiles all.the.time.
And now she is becoming ticklish.

2011-10-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

Time for more links!!

IPS :: since I was a student with IPS, I would be remiss to not post a link to their site at least twice a year :)
And I have a great reason to do so this week! IPS is coming back to San Antonio! All their classes are well worth the effort to come. You learn so much about photography, design, how to apply it for God's glory, and you also get to meet wonderful people!

The Theology of Food :: dear friends of mine started this site a few months ago, and it is all about food! And there is more...the theology of why, when, how, and where we we eat it is extremely important. We are to do everything in life for the glory of God, even eating and drinking :)
Their latest post is from World Net Daily on the rise of halal foods in the U.S.

"Shariah law is no longer creeping up on us. It's bearing down on us at full gallop. It's time for Christian civilization to grab the reins of this runaway horse and stop it dead in its tracks. No Shariah law in America, period." B. Fischer

Over my shoulder…

2011-10-22T06:30:00.000-05:00

Here are a few photos taken by my sister, Catrina, as we were on the photoshoot with Esther.

I thought it would be a fun idea to show what pictures I took from these angles :)

Standing here…

produced these….

Walls are wonderful for models to lean on.
They help them relax a bit more,
and if you can find a textured wall so much the better!

Here you get a view of my hairstyle…as well as a view of Esther by the pond :)

Another marvelous hairstyle shot!!
Okay, so I don’t usually plan on getting back shots of myself,
but I am very glad Trina was taking all these photos!

Did I mention textured walls are w.o.n.d.e.r.f.u.l.?

yes…they suuuuure are!

annnnd if you can find a bench that coordinates with
your model’s outfit, then so much the better :)

Yeeesss…I did shoot through the trees.
Funny? yeeeeesss….
but it makes a nice frame that encourages
you to look through the photo to the subject beyond.

Do agree with me that whoever painted the bench knew a lovely
model in coordinating colors would sit on it one day…

Here you have a wonderful view of my excellent reflector assistant, Kathryn.
She did a perfect job in holding it just right! ♥

So, what do you think? Should I do more of these ’over my shoulder’ posts?

{If you have a second, check one (or all!) of the boxes below or leave a comment!}

Esther :: portraits :: {San Antonio Photographer}

2011-10-19T06:30:00.000-05:00

May I present my dear friend, Esther,
who also happens to bean excellent violinist!
Esther is preparing for a recital later this month,
and wanted some portraits made for the occasion.
It was going to be one of the last photo sessions I would have with any
of her family, as they are getting ready to leave Texas for a new home,
so of course we HAD to do it!!!

friend + violin + daytogether + camera = howcouldIsayno???

We had a lovely time in quaint downtown Boerne….enjoy!

Dear Esther,

Thank you for posing for me and for doing everything I asked you soooo beautifully!
I will miss you very much when you have moved to your new state, but look forward
to visiting you soooon.

♥ your friend,
Allison

at this time on tuesday...

2011-10-18T17:51:00.000-05:00

...I am toting a smiling baby papoose-style :)

please pardon the mirror's lack of cleanliness,

for it is smudgy and makes me look like I am covered in dog fur...

tonight is the NCIFIC webinar on the 1689 London Baptist Confession,

and we will have a house full of delightful people,

delicious food (like zucchini-black bean-tomato rice skillet & Texas Sheet Cake),

and wonderful fellowship.

this picture was taken after making the skillet and before making the cake,

in case you wondered...

♥Allie Dean

{textured tuesdays}

2011-10-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

I suh-pose it could be obvious that this photo is a...

...of mine :D

{love in layers} :: Kim Klassen

link-to-monday

2011-10-17T05:10:00.000-05:00

time for some more links!!

Ravelry :: A friend recently helped me to start knitting again, and between my in-progress-project (baby hat) and picking up some lace crochet here and there, I occasionally spend several minutes...er....hours...ah...long moments...looking at Ravelry and adding projects to my list.

Yes....well...I have 76 projects so far that I want to start...mhm...am I not ambitious???

I don't have much in the way of needles and hooks, so I would LOVE any input on your favorite sizes and types. Anybody like bamboo needles?

Neauveau Fiber Art :: Did you know that you can unravel a knitted clothing item and reuse the yarn? (!?!?!?)

Was I ecstatic when I found out how to do it! The great thing about this project is that you know get to hunt for good deals at thrift stores. A sweater for 99 cents? O yes! You usually can't buy ONE skein of yarn for that price, and it takes 4 or 5 to make a sweater!

What are your favorite yarns to use? Cotton? Wool? Acrylic? Funky?

♥Allison

Ryan & Rachel

2011-10-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

Ryan & Rachel's wedding day was a wonderful picture of true, Biblical love, and the wholehearted support of family and friends.

It was a delightful pleasure to be a part of their special memories, and I have a slideshow here to give you all a taste....for there are far too many photos to put in one post :D

Enjoy!

www.alliedeanphotographie.com

{textured tuesday}

2011-10-11T22:42:00.000-05:00

'tis about time for another textured tuesday :)

{pourvous} :: Kim Klassen

Link-to-Monday

2011-10-10T10:33:00.000-05:00

Helloooo! I've been thinking about how I could share all the fabulous links I've come across for photography, recipes, and handiwork...and have decided on "link-to-Mondays"!

I have two for you this week...

PHOTOGRAPHY CONCENTRATE :: www.photographyconcentrate.com

A husband-and-wife team write this blog, and have excellent articles on posing among other things.

shutter sisters :: www.shuttersisters.com

True to the title, a group of ladies writes for this blog-site, and you can send in your favorite photos and read articles!

Defining your style

2011-10-07T06:00:00.000-05:00

I usually look over my shoulder a couple times a day to peek at what design blogs my mother is looking at, squint to read the address, then type it in on my computer and start browsing...every blog is SO creative!

What would we do without internet-ideas??? Make do, somehow...I suh-pose.... :D

Whether designing my website, or clipping household magazine pictures, or saving photos from the world wide web, it is a good idea to not just grab something randomly, but first take some time to compile what I really like and how I can use it.

Because, truly....I like a lot of things....and if I don't bring some kind of order to all the "likes" it will be just that...a bunch of "likes"!

Today I browsed a blog which led to articles on another blog about defining your style-vision, and I thought it would be great to share with ya'll :)

Meet Darlene from Fieldstone Hills Design:

Words of Reason

"Don't Buy" Words

P.S. If you do nothing else, take a peek at the Fieldstone house...a.maz.ing......

Textured Thursdays

2011-10-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

I am in the midst of organizing my desk, hard drive, and blog schedule,
hence the ridiculous lack of blog posts....

but I just had to share a 'textured thursday' photo :)

Esther : Sneak Peek

2011-10-05T23:30:00.001-05:00

Be sure to stay tuned! More of Esther's portraits coming up!

We explored the sidewalks, alleys, ivy walls, fountains, and windows of
quaint downtown Boerne, TX.

Suuuuch fun....♥

Where I have been....

2011-09-24T00:50:00.000-05:00

...would you believe that I have been teaching a photography class in the Federated States of Microlesia?

he-he.

I think that is located somewhere around New Braunfels, orrrr it is simply the way the British voice in our GPS interpreted the "farm to market" roads we have here.

At any rate, 'twas hilarious to hear "take exit 191 to The Federated States of Microlesia, and turn left" every day.

I hope any Microlesians won't be offended that their country is apparently located in South Texas USA :)

Laura & I had a marvelous time teaching our class, and will be posting many photos on the blog soon!

Annnnd yes, I will getting back on some sort of blogging schedule here as well.

Stay tuned!

Thoughts on the sea….

2011-09-13T10:49:00.000-05:00

The earth is the LORD's, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD?
or who shall stand in his holy place? Psalm 24:1-3

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3

By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; Who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea. Psalm 65:5

The sea is His, and He made it: and His hands formed the dry land. Psalm 95:5

P.S. There is something about the sea, oceans, lakes, rivers, that I enjoy.
I am not sure what it is yet :) So verses on the sea are some of my favorites…

Providence…

2011-09-12T15:23:00.002-05:00

“The one organization that was quiet throughout the events surrounding 9/11, was the ACLU. They had enough on their plate to keep them busy for the next few years with all the appeals to God that were going on in the schools, in the government, in the public square, when all of the sudden, the nation said “no” to deism and cried out for the reaffirmation of Divine Providence.” Dr. R.C. Sproul

Do we allow for God’s providence only when it is a blessing?
Do we have any room for His providence if it involves some kind of judgment?

On 9/11/2001, we girls were home while Mama was out shopping, and we had no idea
that anything was happening, until our grandparents called and told
us to look at the news. Even then it was a little surreal.

This weekend we are remembering all those who served, and those who mourn.
And, how God worked His glorious will that day. Nothing happened without His guidance.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear….” Psalm 46:1-2

CAPTURE photography workshop

2011-09-10T10:32:00.000-05:00

While browsing through photos for the photography workshop
my dear friend Laura and I are presenting in 2 weeks,
I found this photo from my visit to Michigan’s Mackinac Island in 2007 :)
I like how the blue of the uniforms blends so nicely with the blue of the shadow on the wall.

We are very, very, very excited (and that is an understatement!) about all the adventures we have planned!

There are only a few spots left, so click on the link to sign up!!

{this moment}

2011-09-09T10:38:00.000-05:00

…there are times when you have to look beyond what is right in front of you, to remember the bigger vision…

{textured tuesday}

2011-09-06T12:14:00.001-05:00

I put another Kim Klassen texture on my photo for this week, “1,2,3”

And the title of the texture (1,2,3) actually goes well with what the kids were about to
with the water balloons :D “On the count of 3 let’s toss them up onto the porch!”

Sophia Nicole 4 Months {San Antonio Family Photographer)

2011-09-03T15:07:00.001-05:00

Since ya’ll enjoyed Sophia’s 3 month portraits so much, I thought I would share the 4 month session, too!
Thank you for the wonderful comments!

I love to photograph children at their own pace,
so my sessions are laid back and include breaks for snacks or playtime.

In this case, Sophia was teething so we worked fast to get some smiles in before she started fussing.
All in all, she is such a delight to photograph, and her faces never fail to make me smile!

“Wow. Look how fast Auntie Al’s finger is clicking the shutter!”

Photographing family members is such fun. Don’t wait to capture yours…the little ones grow so fast!!

{textured tuesdays} kim klassen textures

2011-08-30T15:03:00.001-05:00

this week’s first texture is “serious magic”, I used it as two layers in screen mode,
and masked away some of the texture detail on the girl and pony.

while we lived in Michigan,
our miniature horses were a source of great delight to children.
I loved seeing them run around, ponies in tow, with great big
smiles on their faces…

the other texture is “crackerjack”

ah yes….you’ve seen this photo before :)

what can I say other than it is one of my favorites???

{this moment}

2011-08-27T14:11:00.000-05:00

…when I am satisfied, yet desire more of Him.

As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness:
I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.
Psalm 17:15

With long life will I satisfy him,
and shew him My salvation.
Psalm 91:16

Quotes on…

2011-08-26T12:12:00.004-05:00

…real photography:

“The camera doesn’t make a bit of difference. All of them can record what you are seeing. But, you have to SEE.”

“My theory of composition? Simple: do not release the shutter until everything in the viewfinder feels just right.”

"The camera only facilitates the taking. The photographer must do the giving in order to transform and transcend ordinary reality. The problem is to transform without deforming."

Ernst Haas

Many thanks to my friend Laura for the portraits! I love them!

Sophia Nicole :: 3 Months :: San Antonio Family Photographer

2011-08-24T12:54:00.002-05:00

Posting these are nearly 2 months overdue, but they are too darling not to share!

All the photos were processed with Coffeeshop’s Johanna’s Tea Party action.
I like the soft, dreamy, vintage feel :)

Textured Tuesday

2011-08-23T09:28:00.001-05:00

I found a pretty website awhile back, in which one can sign up for free textures to be delivered to one’s inbox!
Kim Klassen has some delightful textures and they are quite fun to play with!
Last week’s was “Just Stitched”

Stay tuned for more Textured Tuesdays…they are the perfect thing to get someone into Photoshop at least once a week :)

There is a man in my cup….

2011-08-18T19:28:00.001-05:00

I woke up from a nap, came back to my desk, and was about to put a marker back in my ‘pencil pail’,
when I espied a small man with a shiny helmet reposing between the card reader and nail polish.
By the look of some fantastic creations on the coffee table,
I think he arrived after our Lego construction-worker-guests left :)

{this moment}

2011-08-15T21:36:00.003-05:00

…when little feet still fit in little shoes….

O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Psalm 66

Busy Summertime....

2011-08-05T22:00:00.000-05:00

Howdy friends!
I am glad you are still visiting my little home on the web,
even though I have not posted in w.a.y. too long!
Summer is turning out to be rather busy.
That could be because I keep finding new, exciting projects to start...but I'm not sure... :D

In case you have absolutely nothing else to read,
here is what I am finding to do, outside of blogging:

* Ryan & Rachel's wedding discs were mailed last week,
(blog pictures coming soon)

*My sisters and I helped with some quilting
*I re-learned how to knit (and had better keep at it lest I forget again)
*Dixie gets to come inside and lay ~~under my feet~~ on the cold tile.
*My niece is 4 months old and beginning to teethe (= somewhat fussy little darlin')
*We attended a "Normandy Recap" at a dinner theatre, and we dressed in 1940s style.

*I made some 'camera buddies' to keep small children interested in the types of lenses I use

*My parents 28th anniversary is tomorrow!
*My sewing machine is being cleaned
*The weather is quite warmish
*We had a power outage on Sunday...
quite sure the monkeys in the neighboring reservation
pulled the plug...they were screeching about something... :D
*It takes time and talent to crochet a pair of baby shoes that look right together

How's your summer been?
Have you done anything new?

30 Day Photos: 20-23

2011-07-19T06:16:00.000-05:00

Someone you love
I love my grandparents.
Grandpa loved his wife.
And he loved designing and driving modern cars :)

Trees
There is a nice little pine outside the glass door.
Said door has a nice little frame for said pine.

Landscape
Confession: I did not take this photo in June, yet the reason I took it happened in June.
And it was worth documenting.
Texas is in a drought right now, and we have had burn bans on for months.
A few weeks ago, a fire got out of hand and torched a hill near the freeway.
It also jumped that freeway and raced up to a mobile home park on the other side.
Thankfully, no one was killed, though much damage repair is needed.
There is such a contrast between the orange and black of burned trees,
and the green of untouched ones.

Transportation
What, pray tell, is more transporting than one's feet?? :)

30 Day Photos: 16-19

2011-07-18T08:19:00.000-05:00

Family

….is where the family should be :)

Silhouette
Walking down the hill afforded a glimpse at some of God’s creation…birds on a roof at sunset!

Water
This was a toughie. However, it was exciting to experiment and get a glowing rim on the glass!

Something that reminds you of childhood
The little Disney land figures I have kept since I was small were a first thought for this category.
My grandparents surprised my sister and I (ages 3 and 6)
with a cardboard replica of Disneyland one year when we visited them for Easter.
O what fun we had! The Hundred Acre Woods characters,
Mickey and Minnie (with jointed legs!), and a handful of tourists, kept us busy for years!
Apparently, after going shopping with Grandma one day, I spied a horse-drawn trolley,
which was an addition to the set we had.I must have mentioned it later,
for dear Grandpa scrounged up 2 shoe boxes, cut windows and doors in them,
and printed “Minnie St. Trolley” on the back in his square, architectural handwriting.
Grandma let us hunt for wrapping paper scraps to decorate the trolleys,
and two more delighted girls with cardboard cars you have never seen.
It is one of the dearest memories of Grandpa I have :)

Wings

2011-07-16T06:02:00.002-05:00

He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou trust… Psalm 91:4

But unto you that fear My name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings… Malachi 4:2

30 Day Photos: 10-14

2011-07-15T07:05:00.000-05:00

Animal & Eyes
Combining two ‘days’ of subjects, sounded like a good idea when my sister’s dog
sat so nicely with her eyes riveted on her mistress….or was it the rope toy??
Kelsie is an Australian Blue Heeler, doesn’t she have pretty coloring?

Bokeh
Did I ever mention that I LOVE bokeh??? I realllllly do.
Sunsets make especially pretty bokeh…especially through a 50mm lens…
...especially shot through tree branches…

Black & White
I have a collection of my grandfather’s photos from his time in the Air Force
as an aerial and aircraft photographer during WWII.
His Agfa film folder is well-decorated :)
They had BIG planes to fly….

Your Weakness
Honey Roasted Cashews.
In a word: y.u.m.
Give me a good book and a plentiful stash of these nuts, and I am as happy as a squirrel.
I can settle for salted cashews, or cinnamon almonds, but honey-roasted cashews take the shell….every time.
Not exactly a weakness, even though I would take them over chocolate on any day that has a vowel in it.
My apologies to the chocolate-only lovers. I will trade you my chocolate for your nuts. Deal?

Rejoice

2011-07-14T06:42:00.001-05:00

Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. Psalm 97:12

Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:18

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4

30 Day Photos :6-9

2011-07-13T10:04:00.000-05:00

Breakfast Today
It took a few days to catch a breakfast I wanted to blog about, usually I stick to gud ald Sco’ish oatmeal :)
This one was peanut butter (a treat!) on toast and a McDonalds caramel frappe.
You know, one of those you get when you have a buy-one-get-one-free coupon? They taste better that way.
The manager at the local Mickey D's was quite the energy-giver!
Annnnd the caramel frappe was her favorite :)

Citrus
As I didn’t have any citrus on hand, or in the fridge, or in the fruit basket,
I found some citrus colored metal fruit and birds instead!

High Angle
In the process of reorganizing after our yard sale, we were able
to carve out a spot for….a sewing table!!! (cue 3 small huzzahs)
These upright hemming rulers are a neat invention.

Summertime
If there is one thing we use constantly in the Texas summertime that would be our fans.
Our fans have fans. Us. :D

Spotlight On || Sweet Seat

2011-07-05T07:18:00.000-05:00

Don’t you think these little seats are just perfect for little people?

SweetSeats are handcrafted in Texas, by a ranching family with three boys.
Just the right size for children between 18 months and 7 years.

We had two seats at our house in transit to another family, and I seized the opportunity
to do a mini shoot. My mother is quite partial to the teal-and-red polka dot one,
so I am sure we will have one soon for Sophia to use :)

The classy patterned vinyl and retro style are a delightful mix!

Bookmark SweetSeat, and check out all the color choices!!

Contentment

2011-07-02T07:04:00.002-05:00

The will of God is never exactly what you expect it to be.
It could much worse, but in the end it is going to be better, and a lot bigger. E. Elliot

Could our present trial be the result of sin? God does not ask us to connect all the dots.
He just asks us to be obedient. Maybe there is a connection between our unrepentant sin
and our difficulty, and maybe not. The point isn’t to figure out if there is a connection
and then to obey – it is simply to obey. L. Brownback

30 Day || Books

2011-06-30T07:50:00.000-05:00

I have determined to finish the June photo list, even though I take more than one day’s photo at a time :)

One of the days was: books

There is something about photographing books that is hard to describe, other than that it is a favorite prop of mine.

Behold.
The Stack I am currently reading through :)

Joy || Lydia Brownback
The Lord’s Prayer || Spiros Zodhiates
The Bible || I am making headway in reading it all this year chronologically
Let Me Be A Woman || Elisabeth Elliot
Desiring God || John Piper
A Tale of Two Sons || John MacArthur
Yehudi Menuhin || biography
The Institutes of Biblical Law || R.J. Rushdoony
Harmony & Voice Leading || Aldwell & Schachter

Generally, I have been keeping a book in every place I sit in the house,
which means I have several books going at once.
It works for some, and I like it myself, provided I actually finish all the books…

So far, the Tale of Two Sons has been the most riveting and heart-deep books on my
”finished'” list. You really ought to read it.
Mr. MacArthur recounts the parable of the Prodigal Son in such a way
as to open the whole thing up and give the meaning of each detail…
…something I had not done myself as yet.

There is more tension and intrigue in that parable alone which is enough
to give you a greater awe and love for Christ, and
to make one desire to know everything about the other parables.

Did you ever think about the last word from the father in that story?
”It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad:
for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.”

That is it.

Jesus says no more on the subject, and quite literally leaves you to finish the end.
Or to be more precise, He left the Pharisees to finish the end.
It can be summed up in one word.
(Leave a comment if you have an idea.)

Sophia Nicole || 2 months

2011-06-28T09:21:00.000-05:00

Not being around babies on a daily basis has resulted in

me not remembering what they do at each growing stage…
now I know that at 2 months, babies smile whole-heartedly when you smile at them.

Their half-grins are h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s to say the least.
Their full-faced open-mouthed smiles make me laugh. Every. Single. Time.

I love it.

Isn’t her cowgirl quilt adorable??

“Okay, Auntie Al….lets do something else now!”

Brothers

2011-06-25T07:00:00.001-05:00

Our last night in Michigan was spent with one of our favorite families….the Jasters!

Josiah instructed us in a rousing game of tag.

Nehemiah made sure we were well fed.

And Davie showed us his giant rainforest puzzle.

All three boys are such gentlemen, they are a pleasure to be around!

Annnnd guess what!! They now have 2 brand new twin brothers!!!
We will just have to go back to Michigan to meet them :)

FEAST convention

2011-06-21T07:21:00.002-05:00

Papa was in charge of the audio recording department for the FEAST convention, while Mr. Smithe was out of town.
Our audio team ran everything smoothly and we had a terrific time doing it!

Thanks to all who worked so hard, and to the visitors who came by to keep us going!!

Ryan & Rachel :: sneak peek

2011-06-18T07:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Summer!

2011-06-16T07:22:00.000-05:00

Hello all! Happy June to you!

In honor of my half-birthday next week, which I haven’t “celebrated” in at least 9 years
and it seemed like a good ‘excuse’ to share some fun, I thought I would share a download with you!

You can right-click this picture and ‘save as’ for your desktop or blog-art or… pretty much anything else!

And by all means copy and be creative with my idea if you are photographically or photoshop-ically inclined…
…..I got the idea from another graphic :)
I’d even be happy to send you the original photo to play with for free, so just drop me a line and let me know!

Babies

2011-06-15T20:50:00.001-05:00

I thought ya’ll might enjoy some darling baby pics :)
(l to r) Noah Titus, Silas Creed, & Luke Daniel
Definitely some of the handsomest little gentlemen of our church family.

And my wee bonnie lass of a niece…the first in a series of web-cam portraits…
…she was helping to keep me occupied during a wedding album design project :)

30 Day Photo Fun

2011-06-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

My desktop, at present, has a 30 day photo list and I am attempting to get a photo of everything on the list this month!

First up is a self-portrait…I managed to stretch it out over a few days :)

#2 Your Favorite Shoes
These are definitely MY favorite!
Bjorns are SO comfy…and I found them at Goodwill.
Shoes to fit my feet, at Goodwill, that are also pretty and functional = hard-to-find.

#3 Hands
A father with the Word in his hands.

#4 Sunset
The sun turned bright red and the only way I could capture it accurately was to have fun with bokeh :)

Here’s to hoping I can finish out the list!

Normandy Picnic

2011-06-11T07:06:00.003-05:00

June 6th was D-Day.
To commemorate the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for freedom,
friends of ours held a picnic on Saturday.
As you can see, period attire was encouraged!!! (and such fun!)

Our hosting family, the Frys, sang a few songs together…

…another family led us in The Star Spangled Banner,

…a daughter read a poem which she composed in remembrance of the day so long ago,
…Mr. Fry spoke on the history of the events leading up to and surrounding D-Day,
…there was a trivia quiz about the elements of June 6th, 1944,
…and plenty of delicious food and fellowship to enjoy!

After the main events, we congregated at the Fort Sam Houston Cemetery,
for some closing words, ”Onward Christian Soldiers”, and…

…Taps.

Day is done, gone the sun
From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky
All is well, safely rest
God is near.
Fading light dims the sight
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright
From afar, drawing near
Falls the night.
Thanks and praise for our days
Neath the sun, neath the stars, neath the sky
As we go, this we know
God is near.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”
Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

We WILL remember them.

Faith & Freedom

2011-06-10T07:00:00.002-05:00

These awards are part of a special remembrance project….click the “D-Day” graphic to find out more!

We {heart} Friends

2011-06-08T15:16:00.001-05:00

We {heart} friends at weddings…

We {heart} friends in Western attire….

We {heart} friends who have sisters…

We {heart} long-time friends…

P.S. I {heart} my turquoise hoodie from J. Jill :)

Eleganza Strings :: Hannah

2011-06-04T07:33:00.000-05:00

Let me introduce my friend, Hannah.

Hannah is a harpist, and quite an exquisite one at that!

She recently performed a beautiful recital of some amazing harp pieces...and most of them were memorized!

Hannah, her sister Esther, and brother Jonathan are a string trio,
and they provide music for all kinds of events.

Visit their website! www.eleganzastrings.com

Michigan Trip : part 1

2011-06-03T07:04:00.000-05:00

Ahola!

I am back to regular blogging!
(this is where you jump up and down with excitement and gasp with delight. or say “finally!”. or say “what blog?”.)

It was a delightful trip. Definitely the highlight of the spring for 3 Texans.
After a flight through San Antonio (scanners were not on!) to Minneapolis, our plane arrived at Bishop International, Flint MI.

we. were. so. excited. I still getting excited thinking about how excited we were.
Getting a car to rent was a little trying, but we did a Texas two-step over that hurdle, and drove off in a Nissan Versa.

Downtown Lapeer was still the same with a few new businesses, and thankfully Mancino’s was still there…
…we reeeeeallly wanted some Grinders :) If you’ve never had Mancino’s Grinder sandwhiches, you should try them some time.
And maybe invite us, we reeeeaallly like them.

With Grinders in hand, smelling sooo yummy, we drove out to our house to meet a friend.
A white rabbit met us on the hill. Apparently, he enjoys our yard on the occasions when no people are in sight.
Trina and I and the Versa. Please pardon my outrageous hairstyle, I realize I needed to become used to Michigan wind.
Inside the Versa. Okay. We photogs already look funny taking silhouette self-portraits, so might as well toss in a wave!

I would have taken a picture of the Grinders so you could appreciate their goodness, however…. well. we ate them.

Our friend Jon graciously drove up to share lunch with us by the barn…in front of the horse pasture…yes, we are country girls to the core.
And he played guitars with Catrina…they were sounding really good! Thanks for coming all that way, Jon! Maybe you can come to Texas sometime!

Evvie never had the chance to drive our Areostar van (best van for long-legged people…we loved that van!!!) so she hopped in for a quick photo.
Our old house still stands, and though we miss dear friends and family in Michigan, Texas is home.
Having that change of heart, when you love people in a certain place so much, is only something God can do if we will let Him.

Round 2 comin’ up!

Weddings are lovely...

2011-06-02T22:29:00.000-05:00

Life…

2011-05-23T10:19:00.001-05:00

has been full and busy with projects, work, warm weather, friends…..

…and the occasional hippotapotamus :)

I will return...

2011-05-10T16:52:00.000-05:00

...to regular blogging very soon!

My trip to Michigan was wonderful, and I have lots of photos to share! 3 portrait/wedding sessions are in the edit process which is why I haven't posted in so long :D

A few trip highlights:
- I am officially old enough to rent a car...and did so!
-sweet fellowship, laughter, and meals, were shared with dear friends
-Michigan is very green
-a family went from 3 children up to 5 (yay!) when they were surprised with twin news
-two friends were united in a marriage covenant, and their ceremony glorified God Almighty
-Michigan is VERY green :)

Stay tuned for photos!

Genesis 1:26

2011-05-07T07:51:00.000-05:00

Genesis 1:26 is another important passage, it is the first mention of the Trinity.

And God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

God is not pantheistic: part of nature. He transcends it.
God is not deistic: creator of all, but separated from it. He has planned all things, and desires relationship with His people.
God is not polytheistic: one of a panoply, like the Greeks and Romans, human-like, crowds of gods.
God is not dualistic: two gods. He is One in Three. A mystery we cannot completely know, but should rejoice in!

{life is too short not to wear red shoes} Photography Contest

2011-05-06T14:48:00.000-05:00

My dear photo-friend sent info on this super-fun-with-pretty-prizes photography contest!
Naturally....I had to join!

I love portraits and people, too, so it was hard to pick 2 favorites :)
This baby posed for me last summer...isn't she adorable?
She always has a delightful grin on her face which always brings one out in everyone who sees her :D

This second photo is the first of my edits of a family shoot.
I've known this young girl since she was born, and she is just as sweet as ever.

The contest ends tonight, so hurry and enter!
Thank you Red Shoes for holding the event...

Thanks to all the prize contributors..
Thanks to the unbiased, heartless, and artistic Mom & Brother who will be judging :D

♥allison

Little Niece

2011-05-04T07:08:00.000-05:00

…and her faces are just adorable :)

Harps & Harpists

2011-05-03T07:28:00.001-05:00

After the Trinity concert, Hannah shared her harp with some young ladies who look like they may be harpists themselves someday!!

Doctrines Of Genesis

2011-05-02T07:42:00.000-05:00

Another great doctrine in Genesis is the Doctrine of Origins.
Everything was created mature.
Adam & Eve were created ready to have a family, they did not have to grow from infancy.
Eden was full grown, as were the animals.
No thing required evolution. All was good!

Doctrines of Genesis

2011-04-29T07:29:00.002-05:00

One of the important doctrines of Genesis is the Doctrine of God’s Sovereignty.
Is anything too hard for the LORD?
At the time appointed, I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her:
yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.

Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart,
Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!

(It can be too easy to help God out. Ishmael was a son. He was born to Abraham.
And although God ordained the conception, it was not the son He was going to bring redemption through.
When a ‘son’ is ‘born’ to us, let us make sure we continue
to seek His face once the ‘son’ arrives. It may not be the ‘son of promise’)

And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac:
and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

But My covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

Allie Dean Photographie

Snow in Boerne

Grace & Life

365 days 730 photos...

Hello and Back to Blogging

Happy New Year!

{this moment}

Roses In December

Twisted Updo

My Happy Birthday

Mittens

Just for fun

{this moment}

Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasting Light The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in thee tonight ……………………….

Lo, within a manger lies He who built the starry skies; He who throned in height sublime Sits amid the cherubim.

Hail, thou ever-blessed morn! Hail, redemption's happy dawn! Sing through all Jerusalem, Christ is born in Bethlehem

…………………………

God rest ye merry, gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember, Christ, our Saviour Was born on Christmas day To save us all from Satan's power When we were gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy O tidings of comfort and joy

…………………………..

Pom-pom Cherries

Giveaway Winners!

Birthdays & Giveaways

The Petite Chef

Boerne Photo Day

{this moment}

Hairstyle Video

Sophia Nicole 9 months || preview

the allie dean GIVEAWAY!

at this time on || tuesday

An evening with the French…

All about dogs…

{this moment}

Quilling

Happy Birthday, Evvie!

Portraits || Seargeant Family

Portraits || Rickstrew Family

This month on Allie Dean...

Sophia Nicole || 7 months

at this time on friday...

at this time on tuesday....

Happy Birthday, Hannah...

at this time on saturday…

Canon 40d || mini review

little brownie || personal

friends || personal

at this time on tuesday...

the adventures of souperwoman…

Enchanted Rock {Fredericksburg, TX}

A taste of autumn…

Sophia Nicole 5 & 6 Months {San Antonio Family Photographer}

Over my shoulder…

Esther :: portraits :: {San Antonio Photographer}

at this time on tuesday...

{textured tuesdays}

link-to-monday

Ryan & Rachel

{textured tuesday}

Link-to-Monday

Defining your style

Textured Thursdays

Esther : Sneak Peek

Where I have been....

Thoughts on the sea….

Providence…

CAPTURE photography workshop

{this moment}

{textured tuesday}

Sophia Nicole 4 Months {San Antonio Family Photographer)

{textured tuesdays} kim klassen textures

{this moment}

Quotes on…

“My theory of composition? Simple: do not release the shutter until everything in the viewfinder feels just right.”

"The camera only facilitates the taking. The photographer must do the giving in order to transform and transcend ordinary reality. The problem is to transform without deforming."

Sophia Nicole :: 3 Months :: San Antonio Family Photographer

Textured Tuesday

There is a man in my cup….

{this moment}

Busy Summertime....

30 Day Photos: 20-23

30 Day Photos: 16-19

Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight
……………………….

Lo, within a manger lies
He who built the starry skies;
He who throned in height sublime
Sits amid the cherubim.

Hail, thou ever-blessed morn!
Hail, redemption's happy dawn!
Sing through all Jerusalem,
Christ is born in Bethlehem

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Saviour
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy