You Win Some, You lose Some, You Win some

Fall is my favorite season. The changing light and comfortable weather gives me the urge to do some portraiture experimenting and practicing with the family. They moan and groan but it's Mom's joy, so they go along. This family outing was to Plum Island. I just got a camera upgrade and am still learning it as well as how to get that great exposure. In the process, we get a few keepers and maybe a Christmas card photo. This day, I had some good success with good lighting, mild weather and winds and smiling faces with not too much resistence. Finding the one Sunday where we are all free and the weather cooperates in the short season is limited opportunity. We left the beach with a keeper for the holiday card and we were all pleased that it went without a hitch. We ended the evening meeting up with family in Newburyport for dinner and I was so excited about my photography triumph. But when I got home and began to review the images on my laptop, the files got corrupted in the reading process. I lost my Christmas card photo and all the keepers with it. The moment of perfect lighting, calm winds, cooperative family smiles and the completion of holiday photo task all lost. It's a sick feeling. So frustrating. That moment in time is lost, gone. The whole reason I love photography is because it freezes a single unique moment in time. And when you capture a good one one camera, it can really be a winning feeling. When you lose it, it stings. I would say it's the same feeling as when an athlete made an error and cost the team the game, or a fisherman's catch that got away. I sulked about this for a few days. I started looking into how lost files can be recovered. My family were all hoping for recovery because they don't want to have to repeat the whole process of a repeat photoshoot!! Neither do I, because time is scarce and New England weather is fickle. Fortunately I work with a former photo journalist for the Salem News and he had a program to recover lost images. He look my memory card and was able to recover 75% of my lost photos!! THANK YOU MAT! So, here is what was recovered and after all the emotional turmoil behind this Christmas card, it definately earned it's spot on the front of 2010 card.

Pick a Peck at Parlee

We made our annual trip to a farm for apple and pumpkin picking. Parlee farm has it all. They cater to the family for lots of fall activities.

First Day of Second Grade....Hookie style

I think it's easily justified that we missed the first day and a half of second grade for that awesome California trip, no? I really don't understand why the kids go back to school for the half day Wednesday and Thursday before Labor Day weekend. It really throws a wrench in our annual california trip. So we bent the rules this year and will consider this each year as long as we don't get in too much trouble. It really was a great way to end summer with a bang.

It's hard to believe my babes are in second grade. They remain in separate classes. Both are looking forward to returning to school. This year, Zachary is placed with Mrs. Payack and Jacquelyn is placed with Ms. Mustone. Zac is happy to be in class with his pal Tyler and Jacquelyn is pleased to be in class with Rebekeh. They will continue to take karate and swim lessons all school year. Jacquelyn is interested in trying out gymnastics. We have joined the YMCA so other intermurals will be fun to try. Mimi and Papa will continue to take care of the kids on Wednesdays. They keep the kids busy with trips to the library, walks to the playground, museum trips and Boston excursions. We anticipate the need for a friday babysitter as I continue working at 3 days/week and Chuck can no longer swing being home for the kids school release time. He's too busy at work. He has moved to a new store again. This was a welcomed change. He now manages the Fresh Pond Cambridge store. He is an expert at adjusting to constant change. Frankly, I don't know how he does it with such ease.

As the school year begins, I have hopes and aspirations for my children. I hope they continue to enjoy school and learning. I hope they grow in the areas where they lack confidence. For Jackie, this is reading. For Zac, this is making friends. I hope I can be the wind beneath their wings and help them be happy second graders. I feel a pang of anxiety for them, starting up a new year with new challenges. They seem to be taking it all in stride, so I guess I should to.