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Oct

Dad’s Birthday–New Orleans

It is my dad’s birthday today and we decided to celebrate it in New Orleans! My mom, dad, Aunt Tina, and I grabbed our cameras and hit the Quarter – tourist style, snapping shots of any and everything beautiful.

First Mission: Looking at Pretty Things!

Mission 2: Visit Ms. Betty (Failed!! She was sick, but said please do come again!)

Mission 3: Have a lot of FUN on the street of The Big Easy!!

Mission 4: FOOD! Margarita Ville!

below and to the right, we were all laughing so hard Aunt Tina was crying! We asked my dad if they took the Crawfish Etouffee off the bill (we had to send it back because it was not so good – it was super bland, but everything else was Fantastic! especially the Bread Pudding!! Ahh!!) and he looks at the bill and says “Yup, they only charged me for 2 Jerks and a Mother.” Which had us all bust out laughing! He was talking about the 2 Jerk Salmons and the Mother Seafood Plate, but man, it came out so funny and we couldn’t stop laughing. Good times! Rolling on the floor laughing And look at the bread pudding!! Best I’ve ever had!

Mission 5: French Market! So Much Stuff!!! I bought a pretty dress and a print of the Laffite Bar

Mission 6: Pictures of Doors!

My mom saw an artist that had taken really pretty pictures of French Quarter doors, so she wanted to try and replicate some of the photos to fill a set of empty picture frames she has at home. So we were all on a mission for doors!

The End! We had a lot of fun today. We were out walking the Quarter for 6 hours! I had to get this post out because I knew if I didn’t post now it would never happen. (Been. SO. Busy!) So, I just went for letting the pictures do the work. I love my family. And I love this blog too, soooooo… Yes, I’ll try and find more time.

Category: Fun, Love Tags: adventure, Birthday, family, Love, New Orleans, phtographs, pictures 2 Comments

Sep

New Orleans Photography Tour with My Dad

rachel

Very first picture of the day. My dad and I went on a 4 hour New Orleans photography tour of the French Quarter. He has one of those fancy schmancy cameras, and I am a maniac for taking pictures with my Point-And-Shoot, so it was a really excellent learning experience for us both. When the tour began the teacher had me snap a photo of my dad in front of the cathedral and this is what I came up with. When he went to critique, he only had good things to say. it was a nice way to begin the tour on a positive note, as it gave me a bit more confidence to start. Open-mouthed smile

The teacher, Dan, had us think about object placement and depth, and also photo framing and portrait lighting. It was a great learning opportunity for both my dad and I because we were able to get over that fear of altering settings on our cameras. You’re always so afraid to push buttons and change settings for fear of messing something up or being unable to get it back to where it was, but after this tour I felt so much more knowledgeable and unafraid of my camera. It was enlightening. We started in Jackson Square, and then went up towards the river side, where we stumbled upon a sax player.

As we hopped from location to location we got a feel for taking pictures of things that you normally wouldn’t feel comfortable with. As in, use your knees, bend down, get in the funny positions to get that perfect unique and interesting angle. The teacher told us not to be afraid of what performers or even viewers were thinking, just be courteous and open and tip a dollar every now and again, and they wont mind, usually…

The French quarter really is such a beautiful place, its difficult to NOT get a decent picture or two. With all the different architecture and the beautiful shapes and colors, you could spend hours photographing one block. I am a fan of textures and colors so I enjoy taking shots of pavement and door steps and handles, and paint peeling off of the old historic buildings. The opportunity is endless, you really are surrounded by so much beauty.

As we were walking the streets, I mentioned once or twice that New Orleans homes and buildings look like pieces of art in themselves. the houses alone are so detailed that they remind me of wedding cakes, with all the trim and detailed features. There really is nothing like walking the streets of New Orleans.

I was taking the photograph below and to the right when this woman walks up and starts questioning what we are doing and why we are taking photos. My dad fills her in on our tour and that we are learning but she seems a little put off by the idea and continues to ask questions, saying the property we are photographing is hers. My dad is so funny, he tells her that he wants to come visit and bring her coffee and donuts and bring his wife back to take more photos. I tell the woman that my dad is only picking and that he likes to pick on everyone. I mention that her home is absolutely beautiful and I cant seem to wipe biggest smile off my face, while continuing to take snap shots of her door. She seems to lighten up a bit.

It was funny, this women walks up a bit turned off that we are in her space, and by the end of the conversation, we find out her name is Betty and she’s invites my dad and I into her home to discover more! We had to continue on with the tour but she told us to come back and visit her again another day so we can see the courtyard and guest house in the back. She made sure the include me, saying that I had to come back if we did come around to say hello again. How interesting what a few kind (or goofy, in my dads case) words and a smile can do, huh? Smile

What was so cool about talking to Betty was that she was explaining to us that her home is only 20 feet wide, but goes back further than you would imagine and that the courtyard in the back is hidden so most people don’t realize what they are missing. She filled us in that she rents out the first floor of home home and lives in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th floors, making her living space alone 3000 square ft. living. AND also she had s courtyard and guest house that you cant see from the street. Wow! Yes, we will be come back for a visit. Yay for talking to strangers! Winking smile

As the tour came to a close, and my dad and I were walking back to our car, we stumbled across this interesting artist. We asked if he minded taking a photo with his creation and he happily obliged. Can you see what it is? He created a man entirely out of garbage and set him up in a trash can. I was very impressed! How clever and out the box. He was a very nice man to talk to.

That sums up my experience this past Saturday. I learned so much! I could go on for hours and hours and this post could be endless with all of the interesting shots I got and the beauty I captured of the streets of New Orleans. But, I have things to do. Lawns to cut, sushi to make, pumpkins to carve. Ah, the joys of weekends.

Love you guys! Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy your Sunday!

Category: Fun, Love Tags: camera class, canon, dad, family, French Quarter Photography, New Orleans, Photo Tour, pictures One Comment

Sep

Colorado–Part…? 3 I Think!

rachel

I forgot that I was suppose to continue on with my Colorado trip until Paula kindly reminded me. Sometimes you get too wrapped up living life to remember to reflect back on past occurrences. Colorado was awesome though so let me keep it going. I need to keep it fresh anyway, to motivate me to get back there more quickly.

The following morning, day 2 of the trip, Daniel A. and I woke up at 7am and hit the streets for a nice jog. The weather was, and always seemed to be, absolutely perfect! We jogged down Mathews street until the road ended, and then we looped around to head back home. I would say it was about a quarter of a mile one way. Not that far but, it was a nice way to get the blood pumping.

We made it back and waited for Daniel R. and Paula to wake up so we could head down town to rent some free bikes from the bike library. I think we finally made it out the door around 11am and took the walk, 5 or 6 blocks, to downtown Fort Collins. Here are some lovely discoveries along the way!

The bark on many of the local trees were interesting to me. I’m not sure what type of trees these were but they felt so soft and spongy. I had to take a close up. Beautiful. We also kept passing in front of this one particular church that resembled a castle. I loved it.

We made it to the Bike Library, a place where they let you rent out a bike and a lock free of charge for 7 days, as long as you bring the bike back. We each picked out a bike and headed out for a nice little ride around the down town area. Something I wish I had taken a picture of was the “Dismount Zone” signs. It was for the high traffic areas, where you have to get off and walk your bikes. I enjoyed the little sign dude. Smile Also, I was really impressed that the grounds had little sensors in the bike lanes that picked up whether a bike was waiting at the light or not. So very cool. I’m a big fan of Fort Collins, it really sucked me in with this first bike ride.

The picture below and to the right is where poor Paula got stuck at a traffic light in the middle of a high traffic intersection, all alone. Sad smile It was so cute though, she came around the corner and up the street just like a pro.

Daniel and Paula led the way taking us to a little café called Indulge. I’m not sure of the origins, but it was very nicely decorated in a Mediterranean like décor. The interior was beautiful and very welcoming. The woman there was sweet and friendly. We chatted with her about how we were afraid of the winter weathers, being southerners, and the we had heard they were not very pleasant. She assured us there was nothing to worry about and that the winters there in Fort Collins is something she looks forward to every year, as she really enjoys it so much. She told us that the snow never stays of the ground for very long and that the sun is always shining, so its never dreary or depressing. Sounds like I need to start planning a winter vacation! Winking smile We hung out for a bit, tried some teas, fruit drinks, and nice little treats.

After the trip around town we stopped back at the apartment for a moment or two, but I couldn’t stay in-doors for long in the beautiful CO weather. Arbour and I saddled up again and hit the streets to go discover on our own. The apartment is only 2 or 3 blocks away form the college campus, so after strolling the streets for a bit (unintentionally, I sent us in the opposite direction) we made it to campus and plopped down on their huge gorgeous grounds! I snuggled up with a book and Daniel with his iPad and we laid out on the grass.

The bugs started coming out after a bit so we headed home before the sunset.

That night the four of us relaxed and enjoyed each others company. I missed having us all hang out doing nothing together, just like back when we used to live together during college. It felt nice being there with my brother and Paula. Miss them already!

Paula treated each of us to our own little homemade mini apple pies. Perfect ending to our day.

Day 2 way wonderful there. I loved every second of being in Fort Collins. Remembering this day makes my long for a quick return.

(BED TIME! For real this time! I’m going to be late for work if I don’t head to be NOW! lol! 2nd post complete! Sweetest Dreams, AGAIN!)

Category: Fun, Love Tags: biking, Colorado, family, festival, Fort Collins, Hiking, vacation, vegan, vegetarian Leave a Comment

Aug

Colorado: Part 2!!

rachel

Adventures in Colorado: Take 2!! Hehe! I was just now looking through all my pictures from the trip when I realized I still had more to cover from day one!! Apparently that crashing on the couch photo was just a quick nap. Winking smile I had completely forgotten that the same day we arrived in CO was the same day that the Bohemian Festival was happening and being that it was Sunday, it was the last chance to check it out. It was only a couple blocks away from the apartment and completely free to the public, so the 4 of us took a stroll to check out the goods. Here are some lovely shots of the happenings from later that first day.

Let’s take a walk, Shall we?!

I was amazed by how perfect the weather was in the middle of the day! The sun was out and shinning brightly. Gardens and veggies growing in every other lawn! There were bicycles everywhere! The trees were pretty amazing too! So different from home!

I couldn’t get over the bicycles! Everyone rode one! It was so biker friendly there in Fort Collins! There were bike lanes and bike sensors to activate the traffic lights! It was really neat!

There were colorful flowers all over the place!

<—I came across this neat painting of Buddha on the side of a garage. I LOVE IT!

The houses there were older and beautiful! Everyone was different and full of character. I could imagine myself in each of them. The greenery, the life, and the colors pulled me in immediately. From the moment I arrived in Fort Collins and started walking the streets I began to dream of one day moving there.

I kept passing each house and seeing a veggie garden front and center or tucked away in the back yard…! It reminded me of how difficult it was for me to keep everything in my veggie garden at home alive and thriving, with the constant heat and having to water all the time. The heat made it difficult to tend the garden at home. BUT HERE!! Everything was flourishing!! I could picture myself here spending so many joy-filled moments in an organic veggie garden of my own. How wonderful!?

We finally made it though all the cuteness several blocks and to the festival. There was much going on there! Blocks and blocks of tents and people. Selling everything you could think of: spices, hoops, tai chi classes, dresses, dunking roller derby girls for charity! Even Encouraging words! Well, those were free!

We walked around down town and scoped out what everyone had to offer! It was a lot of fun! Check out the Zombie band we saw and the bicycle-built-for-many down below! Even the electrical boxes are pretty in Fort Collins!

We walked around a bit, Paula purchased 2 prints of some paintings from this really great artist. I wish I would have gotten shots of the prints at the time but it slipped my mind. I purchased some seasoning that accompanies bread and olive oil. After sampling some I couldn’t pass it up.

On the walk home we stopped in at the grocery store and picked up a few things to make dinner that night: Vegan Spaghetti and “meat” sauce! Yum!

We called it a night with a game of Apples to Apples! I totally whooped ass! And check this out! The final score was Daniel, Daniel, and Paula, tied for 2nd place with 17 cards each! And me placing first with 27 cards! What are the chances of THAT! Pretty neat, huh?!

Well, that’s all for now!! I’ll post again tomorrow! Its off to relax before bed for me! My brain is about to explode. I apologize for the scattered and unpolished post, but I’m tired! Nighty night, everyone! Sweetest dreams!

Category: Fun, Love, Uncategorized Tags: Birthday, Colorado, family, Fort Collins, fun, plane, rip, vegan, vegetarian Leave a Comment

Aug

Colorado: Part One

rachel

Morning!! It’s a beautiful Sunday here in Louisiana! It’s 90 degrees outside, but the wind is blowing and the humidity is down so its been a great day so far. I woke up around 7am and took the motorcycle for a cruise this morning. It’s been about 4 weeks since I’ve actually ridden it (the heats been unbearable!). I’ve cranked it up a few times to let it run, but I haven’t had much time to do more than that with all the running around I’ve been doing lately. So, after 4 weeks it felt amazing to hop on and enjoy the nice weather.

Right now it’s a little past 12 and at this very moment I’m at my house relaxing and enjoying the beauty of being home with nothing to do on a Sunday! Its GLORIOUS! haha! It’s been so long since I’ve been home and able to just relax and be. I feel like I’m constantly doing! GoGoGo! But not today! It’s a Rachel just BE Day!

With some of my free time I thought it would be nice to catch up on filling you in on my recent Colorado trip. It’s been exactly a week since I’ve returned home so I need to get the experience out of my head before I forget too many details… But, really, how could I forget this?!

IMPOSSIBLE!

This year for my 26th birthday I was surprised with plane tickets to take a trip to Fort Collins, CO to go visit my brother, Daniel, and his girlfriend, Paula, and check out their new home. Paula is attending grad school at the college in town so both her and Daniel moved there about 2 months back. I had always wanted to visit Colorado, so I was super stoked about my birthday trip! Daniel A. was sweet enough to set up everything with my work to allow me to take the trip on such short notice, as he only gave me a 2 week heads up! What a nice birthday gift, eh?! Round trip to AmazingThisTownWasMadeJustForRachel Town! In love Rolling on the floor laughing

We had tickets to head out of New Orleans for a 7:30am flight. The day before we had the Red Dress Run shenanigans in New Orleans and rather than taking the trip back home, Daniel’s brother, Ryan, was nice enough to let us stay at his place and drop us off at the airport the following morning.

Flight took off at 7:40am and it was a 2 hour and 45 minute flight. We had fun! It was the first time Daniel and I had ever taken a plane together (or any vacation at all, really!) so it was nice to just have the two of us there. Usually on a plane I don’t have someone sitting next to me that doesn’t mind that I’m sitting Indian-style in my seat and bumping knees and elbows every few moments, so I enjoyed the experiience. Winking smile

We arrived in Denver in no time at all (or so it seemed). Paula and Daniel were there waiting for us and the moment we stepped of the plane we could feel the “amazing” that is CO weather! Fresh, crisp, clean, cool air! Aaaaaaaamazing!

This picture to the left is the first photo I took of my new found love. Colorado! Oh how I’ve come to adore you in such short time… ::sigh::

This photo to the right is of one of the many “Kum & Go” gas stations that seem to be all over the state! Daniel and Paula made sure to point it out to us for good for a giggle. Smile with tongue out

When we finally arrived in Fort Collins the 4 of us were starving!!! Daniel and Paula were so awesome, they brought us to this (VERY!) vegan friendly restaurant a few blocks from their home, called Rainbow. Everything on the menu was either healthy, organic, vegetarian, or easily made vegetarian, with many vegan options as well! I was so impressed! 1st experience in Fort Collins and I was already falling in love.

The building was actually an older home redone as a cozy little café type restaurant. There were many open windows allowing in the fresh air and sunshine. Hey! Did you kinwo that most homes in Colorado don’t have central air conditioning?! Yep! No need!! you can just keep the windows open for fresh air flow and the weather out side never gets hot enough were its uncomfortable! I’ll bet you the people here benefit mentally and physically because of this! Nothing like breathing in fresh air! Aaaaaahhh! Love it!

I wound up ordering a tofu and veggie scramble with the potato wedge hash browns. I’m not sure what they did but that tofu was really good! I have attempted a few times before to do a tofu scramble but I could never get mine to come out anywhere near as good as theirs did. The seasoning on the tofu was super flavorful. I really enjoyed it.

We had a lot of fun here and we had the best hosts!! hehe! I love my family (Paula included!)!

After getting some food in our tummies we drove a few blocks down to the apartment. Daniel and Paula’s place is in the perfect location!! Literally 2 blocks from the college, shops, grocery stores, and down town!! Open-mouthed smile

The first day was a lot of fun, but we wound up crashing pretty early (from what I remember). I don’t think we did much more on this first day, besides walking the streets a bit and seeing many many adorable little houses every where! I’ll show you how lovely and cute everything is there in my next post. I took tons of photos!!

So, yes! We crashed early so we could have a fresh start the next day!

See you tomorrow for part 2! Hope you come back, because that’s when it starts getting good! Beautiful pictures to come!
Happy Sunday, Everyone!

Category: Fun, Love Tags: Birthday, Colorado, family, flight, Fort Collins, fun, plane, trip, vegan, vegetarian One Comment

Aug

I’ve Been in Colorado!

rachel

I have much to fill you in on, but I’ve been enjoying my vacation in Fort Collins, CO! SO! Many posts to come! A few topics being my 26th Birthday Shenanigans, The New Orleans Red Dress Run, and the amazing that is Colorado! Here is a little teaser!

Category: Exercise, Fun, Health, Love Tags: Colorado, Exercise, family, Fort Collins, fun, healthy, Hiking, Love, Mountains, New Orleans, rainbows, Red Dress Run, running, vacation, vegan, vegetarian 2 Comments

Jun

Timothy’s 19th and Daniel’s Farewell

rachel

June 21st, 2011

So, I have 3 brothers… One was moving to Colorado in less that 48 hours, one was turning 19, and the other was running late (and actually never made it)… We all had decided to get together and meet at The Chimes restaurant to celebrate Timothy’s birthday and have a family dinner before the big move.

Daniel, Timothy and I showed up a bit early to try and hold a table and grab a drink while we waited for the others to arrive. I had attempted to get a decent photo of Daniel and Timothy, but one of them was either looking away, or making a goofy face, or not smiling…

BUT I was finally able to sneak in a nice one. Open-mouthed smile

They are both such handsome young fellows, are they?! In love

Since they had opened up the Covington location I’d heard over and over again how nice this place was. I’m a Chimes veteran since the original was right on my college campus at LSU. So, I was really stoked to come see what they did with the newest location!

My parents showed up and there were so many smiles and happy faces! I can’t remember the last time we all got together with just the family and had a nice dinner out. Pure joy!

The Chimes is a really neat place. They have an extensive selection of beers from around the world and a Louisiana influenced menu. I decided to try a Dark Side of the Moon and I believe Daniel ordered a Dark and Tan. Both were tasty! We also got a Spinach Artichoke dish to start with fried bowties for dipping! They wiped that out in 5 minutes! Yowza!

While waiting for our entrees my mom and the bros and I had headed outside to check out the surrounds. The deck was massive!!! And it wasn’t even finished yet! The Chimes was building an entire pathway out through the swamp to the river! Wow, it was just so impressive! I can see why this place is the new big thing in the area!

We walked back in to our both only to find my dad chowing down on some raw oysters! He was having a grand old time holding down the fort while we were outside. Look at the smile!!

I didn’t get a chance to take a photo of the table loaded down with everyone’s entrees, but they were all fantastic!

I had a wonderful time with my family. I wish my brother Matthew could have made it as that would have been the only other thing that could have made this dinner any better.

Happy Birthday Timothy!! And I’ll miss you Daniel!! I love you all!!!!

Cheers to my favorite family!

Category: Food, Fun, Love Tags: family, fun, happiness, Love, smiles 2 Comments

Jun

All the Wonderfulness

rachel

Smile I woke to a sunshine filled morning, hopped out of bed and into my “Me” room. This is where I spend most of my time, either through movement, reading, creating, or just thinking and relaxing. Pure love and goodness seems to radiate out of this lovely room. Angel

I opened the window and let the light shine in. I turned up the day’s guided blissitation from the Rock Your Goddess Life program that I’m currently taking and proceeded with the affirmation meditation. I was able to let go of any fears and doubts and open my body and heart to the day. Yippee!

After feeling refreshed and renewed I felt as though I needed to treat my body to something nutritious and healing. I had some left over wasabi garbanzo beans, organic spinach, shredded carrots, and Goddess dressing so I whipped up a salad before I headed off to Whole Foods with some of my extra beautiful loved ones. (We all know what happens to our wallets when shopping on an empty stomach! Winking smile )

I got there and started scanning the lovely food aisles with my aunt Tina. I turned around wondering where Daniel had run off to only to find him deep in conversation with this older man. I asked Daniel a little bit later what the man was so enthused to share with him. He told me that the man had explained the importance of healthy living. He went into detail about how he is 85 years old and feels absolutely amazing. He explained that a couple years back he was climbing some stairs with his daughters and a few steps shy of the top he was wiped out and couldn’t make it to the top without stopping. After that experience he decided to change his life up a bit and make exercise and healthy eating a priority. He told Daniel that now, at 85 years of age, he wakes up each morning and runs 3 miles, does 15 normal push ups and then another set of 15 push ups with his two hands together, one on top of each other, below his chest. WOW!!! Impressive! They were both so into the conversation that I decided to take a quick snap shot so I’d remember to find out what was making the man so joyful and excited!

I had a great time roaming the aisles with Daniel and Aunt Tina today. Strolling through the aisles and checking out all of the goodies and gadgets at WFs really is one of my favorite things to do in my spare moments. And I absolutely love tasting all the free samples and enjoying the yummies, especially when I get to bring some buddies to enjoy it with me. Great Day!

*I just wanted to share some of the cuteness that I happen to enjoy in my daily life. I walked out of the shower this evening to find a cute boy in a Viking hat playing the Wii in my living room. Red heart In love Man, do I love the company I keep!

Have a lovely day!! Rainbow Rainbow Sun Smile with tongue out

*Today I am grateful for my family. My oldest brother Daniel is moving to Colorado in about a week so the family got together for the first time in what seems like forever. My parents, myself, and my 3 brothers…

I miss everyone already and I was just with them. Red heart

Category: Food, Health, Love Tags: family, food, shopping Leave a Comment

Jun

Guests for Dinner!

rachel

I had my oldest brother Daniel and my aunt Tina over for dinner and I just wanted to share the smiles and yummies with a quick little post. Smile

Combination for an absolutely mouth-watering salad: Garbanzo beans toasted and coated with wasabi tastiness and some toasted almonds! Wasabi avocado dressing! Mixed salad greens with some lightly sautéed broccoli and shredded carrots! Shake it all together! BAM! Perfecto!

I also made the Vegan Alfredo Yummies again! It was just too good NOT to share! Winking smile

Happy Faces!!! *Compliment of the night: Daniel says with a ton of enthusiasm: “Wow! This Alfredo is so really AMAZING! AWESOME!!” Yay! Score one for Me! Open-mouthed smile

Category: Food, Love Tags: family, fun, happiness, recipes Leave a Comment

Tag-Archive for » family «

Dad’s Birthday–New Orleans

New Orleans Photography Tour with My Dad

Colorado–Part…? 3 I Think!

Colorado: Part 2!!

Colorado: Part One

I’ve Been in Colorado!

Timothy’s 19th and Daniel’s Farewell

All the Wonderfulness

Guests for Dinner!

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