http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/ Melanie Sikma Photography Blog en-us http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=83 http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=83 Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:38:00 GMT
I was nine and half and sitting in my babysitter's kitchen when my first royal wedding happened. I was so enthralled with the event. I was in love with Diana She reminded me so much of myself in that she was so quiet and shy and I was amazed that she was going to be a princess. I am a girly girl, although less so now that I live in a house with three boys. I loved the dress, the music, the beautiful carriage and everything about that day. I was a huge fan of the Princess as I grew older and was devastated by the loss of such a wonderful woman when she died so unexpectedly. I cried like a baby as I watched her funeral from start to finish just like I had watched her wedding. I didn't have children at the time but still was so sad for the loss that her boys must have felt.

I had intentions during the week to get up at 3am and watch it all unfold today but as I lay awake at 1am I realized it was not going to happen. So I set the DVR and had a restful sleep and got myself all ready to watch it this morning. I have to say being able to fast forward through the commercials and senseless chatter was a nice perk for waiting. So most of you who know me know that I cry.... I cry a lot and I cry often. I was given more than my share of emotions and thus cry when I'm happy or sad and just about anything in between. Tears were shed. I thought I was in a lot of trouble when I was crying when Prince William was driving to the church but I actually didn't fair too badly. My eyes are not red and swollen and I feel such a genuine sense of happiness. It was nice that in the crazy, dangerous and chaotic world we live in today that we were able to escape for a moment to a magical and traditional moment celebrating life and love.

So, my next moment of nostalgia is happening very soon. I am headed off to see the musical Rock of Ages with some friends tonight. I know I don't quite fit the rocker persona....Rebel I am NOT!! Let me tell you though I love a great rock ballad or anthem and I will be in heaven tonight reliving the days when tight leather, flourescent ripped t-shirts and can's of Alberto V05 could get you through anything. I have many of these songs on my iPod and will rock it with my terrible voice when I'm alone in my soccer mom van. Very not cool I know!

I didn't actually sport the big hair until the 90's. I was a little behind the times. I actually chopped my hair super short my freshman year of high school as you can see below and didn't grow it out until college. Braces, pearls and a sweatshirt is quite a fashion statement to make and the pole out of the top of my head is a big photography no-no. I guess my sister was not aware of that when she took this at Disney circa 1989.

Here is the big hair...high waist shorts (sorry for the lack of focus it was the best one I could find on short notice). Looking fab and headed off to see Bon Jovi in Orlando. Which brings me to my next nostalgic moment which will be my fifth Bon Jovi concert in a few weeks. Yes I'm in love with Jon and my husband is aware. We have some good friends who are kind enough to drag us along to see him again. It is the Greatest Hits concert so I will be singing every word in my terrible voice and loving every minute of it.

So I'm off to prep for my big night out. I will sing a song for all of you!! Enjoy all that life has to offer because it is the great memories like these that will keep you young and happy.

]]> http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=82 http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=82 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:16:00 GMT By the time I edit in my head and question who will even read the darn thing I convince myself it just isn't worth doing at all. Problem with all of this is that my poor clients suffer as well as they don't get to see their beautiful images posted here.

SO I will begin anew. A fresh start. A new leaf. Will it inspire? Will it be read? I certainly can not predict but I will try. In the hope that in doing so there will be a few who follow and perhaps even look forward to reading a post. I am not promising daily....lets not get too crazy but my hope is at least once a week and hopefully more.

So what on earth do doves have to do with any of this. Well not much but since this is my first post in a while I wanted to post something that happened yesterday. We moved into our house almost nine years ago. Ever since we moved in this dove couple have arrived each spring and roost around the house until fall arrives. I love the little "coo" they make to each other every morning and look forward to their arrival every year.

The dove mates for life and I have no idea how old they are but they have been going strong for at least nine years. They had some babies a few years back and nested in the cedar near the front of our house. We had to tear the cedar down two years ago because it was dying so I feared they would not return but they were back last year and I was elated.

This year I was in a panic. It was the middle of April and they still had not arrived. I began thinking the worst. That my poor dear doves may have been hunted or hit by a car or had some other ill fated accident. Besides being a perfectionist I unfortunately also tend to think the worst and worry like crazy. So it was sweet music to my ears when my husband yelled "Honey, look who's on the deck!" and there they were. And, like the crazy photographer lady that I am, I had to get out my camera and take a picture. So now, even if they do go forever, I will have this image to remember them by.

And just to clarify I am truly not a crazy bird lady just a sentimental fool who believes in true love....even for birds!

]]> http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=80 http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=80 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 21:00:00 GMT There were yummy desserts and wine. The floral arrangements were beautiful. The music was enjoyed by all and all of our vendors enjoyed showing off their wares. Nicole was on Fox 6 News (scroll through the interviews to Diva Night) in the morning to promote the event. Needless to say I would have thrown up on the set so I'm grateful that she has the ability to feel comfortable in that situation! The afternoon was spent preparing the space. We had to take a lot of furniture and things out of the studio before we could begin setting everyone up.

The vendors arrived promptly and excited to participate. The vendors we had were unique and enjoyed not only visiting with those who came but with each other as well. It was a great place to network!

Once 6:30 arrived the guests started arriving and the rest as they say is history. Time flew by and everyone seemed to be enjoying an evening out.

We had such great vendors with great stuff. They included Le Cakery, City Tins, Jam Pro Fitness, Elm Grove Travel, One Blue Moon Charms, Fleet Feet, Elements Therapeutic Massage, Great Harvest Bread Company, Gracie Designs, The Pink Shopping Bag, Welke's House of Roses, Boutique B'Lou,Jaxie , Bella and Bradley's Children's Boutique, Sharp and Harkins Band
, and Etcetera Clothing
.

There were great raffle items available to win throughout the evening generously donated by each of our vendors. The night concluded with
our raffle for a $1000 gift certificate....there were quite a few hanging around hoping to win but we had one lucky winner. It was someone who
we haven't worked with before so we are looking forward to working with a new family. There are not enough words to thank our wonderful friends
who helped us before, during and after the event. We are blessed with great girlfriends! If you didn't get a chance to make it here please call to
arrange a time to stop by and see what we are all about or to schedule a session. We'd love to hear from you!

]]> http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=79 http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=79 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:42:00 GMT Lots of great vendors, good food, entertainment and raffle prizes. Hope to see you!!!!

]]> http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=78 http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=78 Tue, 09 Feb 2010 22:21:00 GMT Guess I failed that one. My hope is to get some recent sessions and sessions from last year yet posted
on here in the coming weeks. So thank you for your patience if you've been waiting. Here is a quick post
of an adorable little man who just graduated from our baby plan program. Seriously one of the happiest
and sweetest babies in the world. I could eat him up!

Nothing cuter than a baby boy in his bib overalls playing with his favorite airplane. Hugs and kisses little man....

]]> http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=77 http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=77 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Loving those rolls!!!!

]]> http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=74 http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=74 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT to make you laugh and cry. Anyway I thought the post title was even more appropriate because this little girl is a little Molly Ringwald in the making.
Red hair, beautiful eyes and adorable in pink!!! So for those who thrive on nostalgia and all things pink and girly these are for you....

]]> http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=71 http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=71 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:14:00 GMT O'Shaughnessy) where her fabulous hubby is the sales manager....very yummy you must check it out.

These are in the cute little town of St. Helena...

And I can't forget my favorite lap dog...Scout...all 85 pounds of him! This dog has an uncanny
affection for me that I have yet to figure out!?!?

]]> http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=76 http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=76 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:22:00 GMT

]]> http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=75 http://www.melaniesphotosblog.com/index.cfm?postID=75 Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:50:00 GMT very easy. Great clothes and great personality to boot. She had a love for the art that we were making and I appreciated that so much. Good luck
to you K. this year and from here out...you will do great things!

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