Last night I spent hours with a camera around my neck, stalking guests at the local Women's Club fundraising gala.

Now, mind you, it's pretty standard for me to have my camera hanging around my neck at any function I attend…well, anywhere I go… but last night was different: instead of complaining about me taking too many photos, people were asking me to take more, because I was the official photographer!

It was truly photographer heaven!

Because it was a fundraiser for the Women's Club, my only payment was a delicious dinner and a glass of wine. The Women's Club supports our community in so many ways, including awarding scholarships to several graduating seniors. My daughter was a recipient a few years ago, and I volunteered to show my appreciation.

Not only did I get to snap photos to my heart's content, but I bumped into several friends, met new ones, listened to an awesome band…the Vintage 15…and enjoyed scenes from the Wizard of Oz, created almost entirely from toilet paper rolls.

 

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Monday: new dog beds made from an old mattress; French toast, courtesy of your husband; a call about one of your Craig's List posts

Tuesday: an extended property tour through your small town; a son who stops by after work to see your mom even though it gets him home really late

Wednesday: friends downloading and sharing your real estate mobile app to improve your chances of winning $20K

Thursday: a stranger helping you scrape ice from your windshield; making it home before the roadways are covered in ice

 

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Friday: a snow day…long walks, warm fires, and chili simmering on the stove; an email from an old friend, asking you to photograph his daughter's April wedding at a gorgeous outdoor chapel

 

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Saturday: exploring new homes; getting to see your oldest son and your mom in one visit; being the official photographer at a Gala; works of creative wonder made from toilet paper rolls; big bands; staying up late watching episodes of American Horror Story with your kids

 

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Sunday: a flash of blue in the woods, signaling the return of the Mexican Jays; Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies; watching a trio of Brady Bunch episodes with your mom

 

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I hope you've all collected a bunch of sweet!s this week, too.

Share them here!

If you do a good job for others, you heal yourself at the same time,
because a dose of joy is a spiritual cure.
It transcends all barriers.

~ Ed Sullivan

 

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20 responses to “Galas, Volunteering, Photography and other Sweet!s”

  1. lisleman Avatar

    Interesting pic with the snow and rocks (and your feet I assume).
    We saw a great movie at matinee prices today, American Hustle.

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  2. Lady Fi Avatar

    Sounds like a great week. Love that scene made out of toilet paper!

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  3. Ms. A Avatar

    Look at those Mexican Jays! I’ve never seen one!

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  4. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    They are such a gorgeous blue!
     

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  5. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Yes, my feet, in my circa 1979 "snow" boots. We didn't have much snow but it was still cold! "American Hustle" looked like it would be good. Thanks for the recommendation!
     

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  6. Gail Avatar

    Congrats on your photography gig! How fun! I was the official photographer at our HOA bowling event this weekend and it was too dark, even with a flash, to get any decent pics. iPhone to the rescue!
    Love the jay! I didn’t know you got that variety there. Cool!

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  7. lisa Avatar

    Congratulations on being the official photographer, Barbara!
    This is truly well-deserved.
    I am quite sure I have never sen a Mexican Jay, but he sure looks beautiful.

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  8. Suldog Avatar

    Ed Sullivan said that? Wow. I never knew ol’ Ed was such a philosopher. Loved his show, of course, but… well, he WAS a Sullivan and we do have a certain fondness for a turn of phrase, I guess.
    Very big props and congratulations!

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  9. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Well, he didn't say it to me personally. It's a direct quote from the Internets. 🙂
     
    From:

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  10. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I had never seen one until we moved here, either. They used to be quite shy, but have finally allowed me to take some photos of them over this past year.

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  11. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I was worried about the lighting at this event, too. I hate using my flash, but had to. They seem to have turned out okay, thank goodness!
     

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  12. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I can't imagine all of the work that went into the toilet paper scenes. They were all amazing!
     

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  13. Catskillblogger Avatar

    One of my hubby’s aunt’s keeps trying to get me to join…I may have to look into it.

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  14. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'm thinking of joining ours. It looks like they have a lot of fun, plus they do so much good!
     

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  15. Tabor Avatar

    Photographing a wedding really caught my eye. How cool AND how intimidating! Have you done weddings before? Sorry about your cold weather…but those up North will happily trade!

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  16. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I took photos at a friend's wedding a few years ago. I wasn't the official photographer but she liked mine more than those. This will be outside and a little more relaxed than a typical wedding, so I'm not too intimidated. Yet. I'm loving my little bursts of cold weather in between warm spells. No way I'll trade! 
     

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  17. Georgy Avatar
    Georgy

    Suddenly the world looks like heaven all around . . . thank you!

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  18. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    You're welcome…and thank you, back!
     

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  19. Wolf Pascoe Avatar

    The wonder of toilet paper! Who knew?
    Is that a view of Lake Travis from the house? Nice.

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  20. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I used to think I was creative! I would never have thought of creating Oz from toilet paper rolls. And yes, there is an awesome view of Lake Travis from that house! It's better on the second floor, but still visible on the first.
     

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