A touch of something with lace
A little black dress
A fantastic pair of shoes
A little black box
What more could a girl want?
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Basic black
I am a low maintenance chick...all I need are a few basics in black
A touch of something with lace
A little black dress
A fantastic pair of shoes
A little black box
What more could a girl want?
A touch of something with lace
A little black dress
A fantastic pair of shoes
A little black box
What more could a girl want?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Cyclone Vance 22 March, 1999 - Ten Years On
Yesterday was the Ten Year Anniversary of when Exmouth got clobbered by Tropical Cyclone Vance, one of the strongest storms to ever hit the Australian mainland.
Dave and I had just moved up to Exmouth from Coral Bay. In fact, Dave and the boys were still living in Coral Bay and I was living in a room out at the base as our house hadn't settled yet. Turned out to be a very good thing as I literally watched pieces of the house we were buying fly off into the distance during the cyclone! I stayed in town at a friend's house with Diva as the hotel owner would not let her stay with us at the base, despite authorisation from the Base Commander for the exception (no dogs are allowed on base normally) while Dave and the kids stayed in the hotel there.
It was a wild event, for sure. I don't think either Dave or I will stay in town for another Category 5. No one was hurt or killed in this storm but there was tons of property damage, the utilities were down, there was no water and many people were evacuated. We finally rebuilt and reopened the dive shop, but it took months. During the process, I moved to Coral Bay to run our operation there while Dave stayed in Exmouth to oversee the rebuilding of Exmouth Diving Centre. It was a tough, long haul. Had I been more organized this year, I would have some photos to share LOL
Yesterday Exmouth held a commemorative event to dedicate a plaque and to celebrate our recovery. The Shire Hall had exhibits of photographs, art work and personal testimonies from those who were here. They also showed a compilation of the news coverage.
There was a pretty good turnout, including quite a few who hadn't been here for Vance.
Doreen Blum gave a nice speech to kick off the event
Local media turned up
Mrs Mac, a beloved long-time Exmouth resident, took a moment to reflect
Ned was the official unveiler
And many residents took the time to stop and read the dedication & share their stories
I never did get a t-shirt...
We're still in cyclone season for a while yet, but so far - fingers crossed - it's been a pretty uneventful year for us. And we hope it stays that way!
Dave and I had just moved up to Exmouth from Coral Bay. In fact, Dave and the boys were still living in Coral Bay and I was living in a room out at the base as our house hadn't settled yet. Turned out to be a very good thing as I literally watched pieces of the house we were buying fly off into the distance during the cyclone! I stayed in town at a friend's house with Diva as the hotel owner would not let her stay with us at the base, despite authorisation from the Base Commander for the exception (no dogs are allowed on base normally) while Dave and the kids stayed in the hotel there.
It was a wild event, for sure. I don't think either Dave or I will stay in town for another Category 5. No one was hurt or killed in this storm but there was tons of property damage, the utilities were down, there was no water and many people were evacuated. We finally rebuilt and reopened the dive shop, but it took months. During the process, I moved to Coral Bay to run our operation there while Dave stayed in Exmouth to oversee the rebuilding of Exmouth Diving Centre. It was a tough, long haul. Had I been more organized this year, I would have some photos to share LOL
Yesterday Exmouth held a commemorative event to dedicate a plaque and to celebrate our recovery. The Shire Hall had exhibits of photographs, art work and personal testimonies from those who were here. They also showed a compilation of the news coverage.
There was a pretty good turnout, including quite a few who hadn't been here for Vance.
Doreen Blum gave a nice speech to kick off the event
Local media turned up
Mrs Mac, a beloved long-time Exmouth resident, took a moment to reflect
Ned was the official unveiler
And many residents took the time to stop and read the dedication & share their stories
I never did get a t-shirt...
We're still in cyclone season for a while yet, but so far - fingers crossed - it's been a pretty uneventful year for us. And we hope it stays that way!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Liz & Paul - a week to go!
I got together with Liz & Paul to go through some last minute wedding details and to do a short photo session. They are such a happy and gorgeous couple - I can't wait to get to Coral Bay to shoot their wedding next Monday!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Getting back under the sea!
With my travels and work commitments so far in 2009 I haven't had much time to spend time under the sea. I finally got out for two dives on some of my favourite sites last weekend and had a fantastic time!
These polka-dotted crabs are just so cute, but oh so tucked down in the coral that they can be very frustrating
but a little perseverance pays off when I find that one has an awesome surprise for me...eggs!
I'm not sure this coral trout really trusted me!
I first noticed this turtle as she hit me in the back of the head with her flipper swimming past. She was on a mission to have a nap...she spared me a bored look
before ignoring me completely in favor of catching some turtle zz's
I was excited to find that the Clark's Anemonefish
had a new cluster of eggs secreted under the tentacle's of his anemone
And I couldn't post photos without some of my favourite critters - nudibranchs & sea slugs. There is such a wonderous variety!
I hope to get out again over the weekend so check back for more!
These polka-dotted crabs are just so cute, but oh so tucked down in the coral that they can be very frustrating
but a little perseverance pays off when I find that one has an awesome surprise for me...eggs!
I'm not sure this coral trout really trusted me!
I first noticed this turtle as she hit me in the back of the head with her flipper swimming past. She was on a mission to have a nap...she spared me a bored look
before ignoring me completely in favor of catching some turtle zz's
I was excited to find that the Clark's Anemonefish
had a new cluster of eggs secreted under the tentacle's of his anemone
And I couldn't post photos without some of my favourite critters - nudibranchs & sea slugs. There is such a wonderous variety!
I hope to get out again over the weekend so check back for more!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
My Big Trip 2009 - Montevideo
Our first port after leaving Buenos Aires was Montevideo in Uruguay. We thought we might miss out at first as the conditions were too rough for us to make port, but it turns out that Montevideo is a must-do port as the Star Princess needed to take on more fuel and supplies here! So we waited. I'm glad we did as it turned into one of the most enjoyable tours of the trip. The waterfront is colourful and even from the ship you can see some of the excellent architecture of the city.
One of the women in our group had organized a private guide for a few of her friends,but we didn't think that the guide would still be there waiting for us after 6+ hours. Turns out the guide wasn't - but her sister and partner was! Noemi was an excellent guide and I highly recommend that you contact her - nmnoemimarquez@gmail.com - if you are headed to Montevideo!
The city is filled with monuments and architecture reflecting a strong and diverse past. We explored the beaches, some residential neighborhoods and some "touristy" areas. It was a Sunday and pretty much the whole town was shut down, but on the up side, it meant that we had pretty clear shots of the interesting things we stopped for!
Memorial to Uruguay's sailors at Plaza de la Armada
Enormous cross given to the city by one of the popes...yes, I know, I should have been taking notes on all the cultural information but it was hard enough to shoot from the moving tour bus!
Parliament House is beautiful and we were even treated to a few minutes of sunshine and blue skies!
I don't remember what this building is (big surprise) but again, I was struck by its beautiful lines
The sunny conditions didn't last long and more clouds moved in as we drove back through the city, but it kind of suited some of the ornate buildings we passed
My favourite part of my visit to Montevideo was catching glimpses of all of the groups preparing for upcoming Carnival. There were dancers, drummers, jugglers, stilt-walkers and other performers practicing in any available open spaces - parks, alleyways, parking lots. Our driver was kind enough to back up down a one-way street so we could all scramble out of the van to watch one group
The music was raucous and addictive...it made us even believe we could dance - until we saw the real thing and remembered that we have no rhythm!
One of the women in our group had organized a private guide for a few of her friends,but we didn't think that the guide would still be there waiting for us after 6+ hours. Turns out the guide wasn't - but her sister and partner was! Noemi was an excellent guide and I highly recommend that you contact her - nmnoemimarquez@gmail.com - if you are headed to Montevideo!
The city is filled with monuments and architecture reflecting a strong and diverse past. We explored the beaches, some residential neighborhoods and some "touristy" areas. It was a Sunday and pretty much the whole town was shut down, but on the up side, it meant that we had pretty clear shots of the interesting things we stopped for!
Memorial to Uruguay's sailors at Plaza de la Armada
Enormous cross given to the city by one of the popes...yes, I know, I should have been taking notes on all the cultural information but it was hard enough to shoot from the moving tour bus!
Parliament House is beautiful and we were even treated to a few minutes of sunshine and blue skies!
I don't remember what this building is (big surprise) but again, I was struck by its beautiful lines
The sunny conditions didn't last long and more clouds moved in as we drove back through the city, but it kind of suited some of the ornate buildings we passed
My favourite part of my visit to Montevideo was catching glimpses of all of the groups preparing for upcoming Carnival. There were dancers, drummers, jugglers, stilt-walkers and other performers practicing in any available open spaces - parks, alleyways, parking lots. Our driver was kind enough to back up down a one-way street so we could all scramble out of the van to watch one group
The music was raucous and addictive...it made us even believe we could dance - until we saw the real thing and remembered that we have no rhythm!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
It's my birthday today!
And I'm handing out the presents!
Book your family or individual portrait session with me this week and it's 39 Madness to celebrate!
$39 for the session fee (a savings of over $100!) and 39% off everything in your first order!
Crazy good deal, I know, but I'm so giddy from all the birthday cake ... hurry before the sugar hit wears off. The offer is only good on new sessions booked before 18 March, 2009 (but you can have the photo session after this date). Mother's Day is coming up fast and this would be a perfect gift!
Fill in the form, email me or ring me on 0438 433 356 to book!
Book your family or individual portrait session with me this week and it's 39 Madness to celebrate!
$39 for the session fee (a savings of over $100!) and 39% off everything in your first order!
Crazy good deal, I know, but I'm so giddy from all the birthday cake ... hurry before the sugar hit wears off. The offer is only good on new sessions booked before 18 March, 2009 (but you can have the photo session after this date). Mother's Day is coming up fast and this would be a perfect gift!
Fill in the form, email me or ring me on 0438 433 356 to book!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
I love babies!
And I love shopping for them! My friends are expecting their first child later this year so while I was back in the US I did a little shopping for the new bub. Do they have the cutest clothes for tots out, or what?! Anyway, I can't stop myself when I see these wee clothes...the stuffed animals are mine (except for the baby cheetah!) ;)
And how irresistible are these baby foot rattles?
And how irresistible are these baby foot rattles?
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