megan and ryan

home stretch.

2012-01-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

29 Weeks Pregnant

Its official. I'm on my final stretch of pregnancy! We can't wait to meet this little girl. The past three months have flown by....

November

Was a bridesmaid in my cousin's wedding. Thats right. Prego bridesmaid yo.
Embarrassingly balled my eyes out the entire evening. Hormones.
Flew to the Oregon coast. Went on walks. Ate good food. Read some books. Went over baby names. Had a great weekend with the husband, just the two of us, before the baby comes.
Spent Thanksgiving with Ry's family. Went bowling. Beat everyone. Blame it on my new lack of balance.

December

Went to the Adobe Christmas party. Thought we met the real Mr T. It wasn't him. Spent the whole night winning tickets for drawings. Played game after game. Didn't win anything.
Wrap dog treats for my brother and parent's dogs. Come home one day to find that Winston found the packages. Ate all the treats. All 20 huge sticks.
Crave cereal like crazy. Went through 2 boxes in 2 days.
Went home for Christmas.
Made Banana Cream Pie for Christmas Eve. Brother says "Its good but something is weird with the crust." Thats because I forgot to cook it.
Went bowling. Talked a big talk. 6 year old niece beat me.
Made Orange Rolls for Christmas Morning. Ryan's family recipe. Turned out perfectly.
Name cleared from the Banana Pie.
Opened a body pillow. Changed my pregnant life.
Cried openly in the store when they were out of something I needed. Ryan just hugged me. Hormones.
Randomly shout at work when baby kicks me in the ribs. The office is used to it now.

January

Took Glucose test. Tasted horrible. No diabetes. Feeling good.
Loving icecream. Baby loves it too.
Decide to repaint a dresser for the baby's room. Wore a mask while I did it in the driveway. Got some weird looks. Decide to put the handles in myself. Drill holes in the drawers. Took me hours. Husband tells me the drill was set to drill backwards. Not that surprised.
Have New Beginnings for the Young Women. Can't be more proud of these ladies.
Reach trimester 3 of pregnancy.
Baby moves constantly. Keeps me company when I can't sleep.
Tell Ryan he should talk to her. Instead he sings "There's a hole in my bucket..."
Baby is still nameless. What did I tell ya?

thankful.

2011-12-03T10:35:00.001-07:00

Thanksgiving Day - 22 Weeks pregnant

I'm grateful for this time of year when I can step back and really count my blessings. I am so thankful for everything Ryan and I have been blessed with--it seems like our life has been really perfect and we couldn't be happier. Starting a family has been a little overwhelming at times, but I'm so thankful for our new little addition. With Winston and Ryan, I could use another girl around here.

Oregon.

2011-12-03T09:05:00.001-07:00

Last month my sister in law was nice enough to let Ryan and I stay at her family's beach house on the Oregon coast. It was the perfect getaway filled with books by the fire, baby name lists, boutique shopping, spicy mexican food (baby did NOT like), morning waffles, pub dinners, and walks under umbrellas. Just the two of us...one last fling before the baby comes. Here are a few memories from my phone.

its a girl.

2011-11-21T10:45:00.001-07:00

Ryan and I went in for our ultrasound last week and found out we're having a baby girl. It was amazing to see her and feel her moving at the same time. Its interesting going in, not knowing what you're having or what to expect, hoping everything is growing and developing the way it should. Seeing her brought me peace and made this whole experience so much more real.

You're halfway done, baby girl! We can't wait to meet you...

simply pregnant.

2011-11-20T17:22:00.001-07:00

The past few months have flown by. Sickness tapered off in September. I started really enjoying my pregnancy, getting more energy by the day. I feel like I've blinked and all of a sudden it's November, 5 months pregnant, my new little baby growing bigger and bigger all the time. I can't help but love my little baby bump and am amazed by every wiggle I feel from our new addition.

recap (and big news).

2011-09-17T11:26:00.000-06:00

Kind of pathetic. I haven't written for 4 months. Sorry all. How about a little recap?

Trust me. You'll want to know some of this stuff.

June

Felt sick to my stomach. Went to the doctor. Had my appendix out that night.
Two of my images hung in the Best In Show Exhibit at Alpine Art SLC. Recovering from surgery. Didn't get to see them.
Ryan started working full time at Adobe. He loves it. I love their building and their cafeteria food. Come try it.
Saw Real Salt Lake team play for Ryan's birthday. Went golfing for Ryan's birthday. Ate Terra Mia for Ryan's birthday. Spent a complete birthday together since we've been married.

July

Went home for the 4th of July. Made a sweet flag cake with my brother. Lit fireworks. Winston tried to eat the fireworks. Made smores in my parents fire-pit. Got smoked out.
Went to Girls Camp. Loved it. Tried to teach them how to light a fire. Wasn't a good teacher. Girls gave me 'SuperWoman Award'. Went on a hike. Got stuck in a thunderstorm. Spent the next hour in my sleeping bag trying to get warm.
Decided our sleeping pad for camping was stupid. Bought a new one.
Drug Ryan to Harry Potter the night before it came out. Snuck in a pizza. Loved it.
Went to a Bee's game with Logan and Amy. Ate a hot dog. Ate icecream. Started raining. Thought about getting hot chocolate.
Spoke in church. When I wrote it I tested a joke on Ryan. He told me it wasn't a joke.
Went to a co-workers baby shower. Want a baby. Been trying for a while...

August

First day of the month. Feeling really sick. Friend at work gets a pregnancy test for me and makes me take it in the bathroom. Find out I'm pregnant. (WOOT!) Tell Ryan by putting the test in an envelope on his car. Watch him open the envelope from a distance. Feel like I want to cry but I can only smile.
Keep feeling sick. Throw up. Throw up again. Throw up again.
Sister and mom come to visit. Buy maternity clothes with mom. Take sister and kids to water park. Liam keeps falling in the water and stealing people's tubes. Makes me laugh. Go to the zoo. Ride the mary-go-round. Go to my brothers. Whole family gets into a scary video game. Spend hours playing it. Try to distract kids from watching it.
Crave Olive Garden Salad and Breadsticks. Ate it twice in a week.
Crave Denny's. Ryan warns me nobody feels good after eating Denny's. Throw up as soon as I get home.
Go to the Doctor. Get an ultrasound. Get to see baby and hear the heartbeat. Ry gets teary. I get teary. Cry as soon as I get in the car.
Tell Ryan what size fruit the baby is. He says its weird they compare it to food.
Throw up in the bathroom at work.
Ryan finishes his first Triathlon. Was worried his sister would beat him. She got close.
Show Ryan a picture of an actual baby our size in the womb. He gets creeped out.
Tell Ryan a few baby names. He hates them all. Tells me a few names. I hate them too.
Baby will have no name.
Ryan does a presentation. Impresses his boss. Gets hired at Adobe for the school year.
Have a tickle in my throat. Makes me throw up.
Feel really dizzy. Co-worker tells me I'm acting like I'm high. Almost pass out. Boss has to check my blood-pressure. Feel really awesome.
Only take one sick day.

This month

Start to feel better. Get more energy. Get an appetite.
Ryan starts school. Shows me something he learned in Excel. Don't understand it. Smile.
Tell Ryan I'm showing. He tells me I'm not yet. I am though.
Grow a new obsession with Cliff bars.
Get tickets to the Dew Tour. See Sean White skateboard. Think he is awesome.
Hear the heartbeat again. Amazes me every time.
Dr. changes my due date to April 1st.
Went to Noodles 3 times this week. Can't stop craving chicken noodle soup.
Love being pregnant.

best in show.

2011-05-16T20:12:00.004-06:00

I just found out that two of my images have made it into the Best In Show Exhibit at Alpine Art in Salt Lake City! The opening reception will be part of the Gallery Stroll on June 17th! Come check it out. Portions of artwork sold will be donated to No More Homeless Pets, so its for a great cause too.

here comes the sun.

2011-05-07T22:37:00.001-06:00

...and my new little garden. Thank goodness for May flowers.

daybreak heaven.

2011-05-06T23:09:00.005-06:00

Let me start off by saying that I've never been one for traditional. Bottom line. Ryan did a bad thing. He let me go to what I now view as a heaven on earth. I'm talking about a little place called daybreak. I've found my dream house...or two. Or three. These homes are amazing, modern, solar paneled gems in the heart of the perfect community featuring numerous parks and a man made lake. If we end up in Utah after Ry gets his masters, we will be moving there. Promise. A girl can dream right?

sma spring show.

2011-04-20T21:51:00.014-06:00

I'm so sorry that I have been slacking in the blog department. Life has been amazing and crazy. I'll fill you in later on the latest events in good old Provo. I just wanted to hurry and tell you all the great news! One of my photography pieces was selected for the Springville Museum of Art's Spring Show! If any of you are in Utah, come check it out! The show is open from April 22nd to July 3rd.

the fair.

2011-01-26T20:43:00.002-07:00

Running a little behind on my editing, obviously. Here are some images I took when Ryan and I hit up the Utah state fair this fall. Maybe you remember last time I went to the fair in Nashville? Enjoy.

ch ch ch changes.

2011-01-26T19:49:00.001-07:00

I understand that it is January 25th, not January 1st. You might have to excuse me on my late entrance into the new year. Just call me fashionably late. I feel like this month has completely snuck up on me and left me here, on the 25th. To make a long story short, this 'new year' has brought about a lot of changes. A lot of unexpected, very motivating, very interesting changes.

After an interview for a small night position at Stevens Henager College, I have turned around and found myself as the new assistant to the Dean of Graphic Arts. Don't worry, I'm still working for the great Justin Hackworth (and I'm hoping that it will still work out) and have more than quadrupled my workload. And get ready folks, because my amazing brother has completed my long awaited logo, my website has been purchased and I am in the process of designing the basics. Oh and did I mention I dyed my dark hair again? Ok, well, thats probably not a surprise to anyone, but still a change.

I started out the year with a completely different expectation on the year, but you just don't know what life has in store for you. I have a lot of high hopes for 2011 and although this year isn't starting out exactly how I had planned, I'm certain that 2011 will bring plenty of great and amazing things and I'm SO excited!!

So..as David Bowie would say..."Time may change me, but I can't trace time"

And I've stopped trying.

last minute gift guide.

2010-12-20T12:02:00.007-07:00

For those of you who are avid blog readers, this type of gift guide/sweet things layout may be common to you. I just couldn't resist making my own last minute gift guide for you who are struggling to get your Christmas done.

Check these out, then go get your Christmas shopping done already!

1. Circa Ceramics has some really fun ceramic dinnerware and kitchen accessories.
2. Check out this DIY portable fireplace from DesignSponge. For other DIY Christmas ideas click HERE.
3&4. CB2 has some amazing gift ideas like these fun mugs or chop sticks.

1. StoryByMia has some amazing calenders and cards. I LOVE these Eames chair designs.

2. Another StoryByMia design calander. Perfection.
3. Smock. Beautifully designed letterpress cards and stationary.

1. ZenThreads. Guys and gals tees. Not to mention really great pillows and towels.

2. TieLab not your average ties. These are really great ideas for that guy in your life.

3. These are threads, I swear. Well, kindof. Anthropologie clothbound classics. These are a must.

4. TinyModernest I'm obsessed with Eames chairs. I know.

its beginning to look a lot like christmas.

2010-12-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

christmas carbonara.

2010-12-14T12:23:00.005-07:00

Photo taken from MarthaStewart.com. I know, pathetic that I didn't take my own picture.

Once I realized I wanted to, my bowl was already empty.

I used her Everyday Foods recipe as a base for this one.

A blog isn't a blog without a recipe here and there, am I right?

Carbonara. Carb being the keyword here, people. But, with the holidays coming up, you may as well eat up with all the other Christmas sweets. Enjoy!

Carbonara al la Hobson
Angel Hair pasta                  Peas, frozen and thawed
Bacon                                       1 Shallot, halved and sliced
2 or 3 eggs, beaten                   1 Cup Half and Half (maybe more depending on how you like it)
Cook pasta as directed. Meanwhile, cook bacon on a skillet on the stove. Once bacon is cooked, remove and drain grease. Place Peas and shallots in the same skillet (this part is important.) so that all of the yummy bacon flavoring still on the pan gets onto your peas and shallots. Saute and then add Half and Half. Bring to a boil and then turn down heat to a simmer, stirring all the while. Let sauce start to thicken. If pasta is done, drain but keep about 1 cup of the leftover pasta water and set aside. Place pasta back into the pot and coat with a little of the pasta water (not all of it). With the sauce still hot (thats important too), add beaten eggs, sauce and pasta all together -- all at the same time. Since the sauce is hot still, it will cook the eggs. Mix very well. If you need to, add a little of the leftover pasta water you saved, but not a lot if it has cooled off, or the eggs won't get cooked. Add salt and pepper and bits of bacon. Serve!

I hope everyone has a great Holiday Season, filled with really good food!

mindy gledhill.

2010-12-10T10:12:00.008-07:00

So, as many of you know, I work at Justin Hackworth Photography. This past week we had an amazing customer appreciation party, with a private show by Mindy Gledhill. She is amazing. If you don't know her, you should. Her latest cd is magic. Yes, I am bragging that I got to go to this private concert, but the truth of the matter is, Justin's clients are some of the coolest, realest people I know. It was so fun hanging out with them and I'm so glad that I could have been a part of this really great night! If you want to see more about the evening check here.

Photographed by the one and only Justin Hackworth

tomato. tomäto.

2010-12-02T11:41:00.006-07:00

I took this image 3 years ago...almost to the day. I was just messing around in the kitchen.
Its one of my favorites, even 3 years later.

I'm thankful.

2010-11-30T09:48:00.008-07:00

I had the great privilege of hosting Thanksgiving this year. We had so much fun eating Ryan's tasty barbecued turkey (and countless other tasty dishes), playing Beatles Rockband (with Heather singing, "Shove it up your jumper!" and Logan yelling, "My fingers have blisters!"), standing in Black Friday lines in the freezing cold, taking the train to see the Christmas lights on Temple Square, and the typical McRae pastime...eating yummy treats while watching movies. It was so much fun to have all the family over and I can't help but reflect on all of the great things I'm thankful for.
I'm thankful for my family. Yes, even all of the dogs that go along with it. We always have so much fun when we're together. I love Ryan's family, too. I'm so glad we got to spend the summer with Kellie and Callen. We love you guys! I'm thankful for my husband who is fun, energetic, and determined. I'm so happy that he decided to go to Grad school, and I'm thankful that he got in when he did. I'm thankful for all of the amazing friendships I've been able to have this year. I love you all!! I have really learned so much about friends, and I hope I am as good to you as you have been to me. I'm so glad that I'm graduated and I have this whole new outlook on my life now. I have so much to learn and accomplish! The list could go on and on. I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! We all have so much to be grateful for.

chic 'do.

2010-11-13T09:56:00.013-07:00

For a while now I've been having thoughts about cutting my hair. I actually did a few weeks ago, making a completely spontaneous trip to the hairdresser. (Sort of how I roll when it comes to my hair.) Now I'm talking about really really chopping it off. I've wanted to do it for a long time, and after seeing these simply amazingly chic pictures of Emma Watson from Marie Claire and Vogue, I think I'm convinced. Granted, I'm no Burberry model, but I don't think I can resist. Maybe I'll celebrate the new Harry Potter movie with a new Emma Watson inspired 'do?? Thoughts?

vegas in black and white.

2010-11-11T16:35:00.002-07:00

More from Holga herself, but with black and white film.

holga vists vegas.

2010-11-11T15:43:00.005-07:00

Just going through some film. Here are some gems from our last trip to Vegas...taken with my Holga.

happy halloween.

2010-10-29T18:02:00.005-06:00

Our pumpkins. The Boogie Man from The Nightmare Before Christmas and the logo for the San Fran Giants. Go ahead and guess which one is mine and which one is Ryans.
Happy Halloween!

a broken heart.

2010-10-26T21:48:00.021-06:00

Ok, this is going to sound completely messed, but unless you have a passion in something, you can't understand how I feel. You may have realized that I haven't posted many of my own images lately. Let me explain. My heart was ripped into a trillion billion pieces when I found out that my backup hard drive crashed, and a lot of my images were torn from my fingertips. I know, I know. I don't have a clue why many of these weren't backed up on additional hard drives. A lot of them were, but a lot of really great stuff was lost. I know I should have backed it up. It was on my to-do list for MONTHS. Lesson learned, people. Really really shizzy lesson learned. What I'm saying is my heart broke. Honestly. It is still broken (and will be until I hear back from the man retrieving my files). BUT there has been hope in working for Justin Hackworth.

Let me explain.

Justin is a funny guy. You want to know why he's so great? He doesn't realize how really amazing he is. I'm serious. He's been all over the states doing shoots this month, and when people say, "Oh my gosh I can't believe you're taking my pictures!" or "Oh my gosh. You answer your own phone?!" or something along the lines of "Justin is your brother? He's famous!", he can't believe it. He thinks it hysterical that people know who he is. I think everyone should know who he is. Especially in the photography world.
And here is one reason why. Check out this amazing wedding in Spring City that Justin photographed.
Simply beautiful.

I guess my point, and I think I have one, is that while my photography is on a stand still because my heart is broken, Justin's photography makes me excited about photography. It makes me want to learn more and be a better photographer. It makes me think, shame on you once for not backing up those files. AND shame on you a million times for feeling sorry for yourself and stopping your photography because you're sad. And guess what? I took my camera out of its case today to shoot for the first time in a month. (ohhh that makes me embarrassed). Its progress and I'm done being sad.

sixx.

2010-09-26T20:16:00.005-06:00

Introducing my favorite designers. Please enjoy the beautiful work of sixx design.

going places.

2010-09-18T12:15:00.007-06:00

Hey everyone. So the photographer I'm working for, Justin Hackworth (who took the above and below shots), is going to be doing some special shoots in Provo, SLC, Seattle, Denver, and San Francisco in the next few weeks. If you're going to be in the area and want some images done this is your chance. He's amazing. The info about it is posted on his blog. Its a great deal because it includes $100 credit to prints and 50 4x6 prints for Christmas cards. I mean seriously? Don't miss this guy!

provo i was wrong about you.

2010-09-03T08:44:00.012-06:00

Hello again from the lovely city of provo. Real fast...no I did not take the picture above. I'm getting to that. First, I have to say I had my doubts about moving here, but I can honestly tell you that Provo has brought me nothing but great things. I had been job searching for 2 weeks, carrying resumes with me wherever I went, even interviewed for a 911 emergency dispatcher job (if you ever want to hear pure terrorizing phone calls that take you straight to a shrink, they have a job opening. haha I'm sorry and excuse me but...what the hell was I thinking?) and then it happened. I had a slight inkling to drop my resume by one of the top photographers in the area, Justin Hackworth (thats who took the amazing photo above). Although, to be completely honest, I didn't think I had a chance. He called me 3 days later with a job offer. Well, after proving myself I will have the job that is. But still amazing.I can't begin to tell you how blessed we have been since moving here.

Oh, so Justin Hackworth. He's a very talented photographer. Here is some of his work from a project he did called 30 strangers. He's done it for the past 3 years (I believe these were from the first 2 years on the project) and this years exhibit will be showing at the Provo library art gallery all this month, starting September 3rd.

So make sure to check it out!!

any opinions.

2010-08-29T15:10:00.009-06:00

Hey everyone! We are officially living in Provo and loving it so far! Ryan starts classes tomorrow and I've just been looking for a job (thats a different story for another time. I have got some interesting stories...but if you hear of any art related job openings in utah let me know. no seriously. please do.) We've been trying to get the house set up and organized and we're trying to decide between a few prints. Any suggestions on these? Urban has some really cool art. We want something really modern and urban looking. Oh and if anyone knows how to make an elk head look modern, those suggestions are welcome also.

holga farm.

2010-08-23T13:24:00.002-06:00

Just a little something I took with my holga last spring. I finally got around to scanning some film so I thought I'd share. Hope everyone is having a fantastic last few weeks of summer!

taits.

2010-07-28T23:07:00.003-06:00

Hey all. It's been a while sorry I haven't been posting anything for a while! I have a lot I need to get on here but for now here is my latest shoot. This week I had a great opportunity to take Jordan and Abbie's family pictures. Here are a few of my favorites.

ali and mckay take 3.

2010-06-22T18:55:00.006-06:00

More of my favorite engagements! Congrats you guys!

ali and mckay take 2.

2010-06-19T17:36:00.005-06:00

Just a few more of the engagements...honestly some of my favorites.

mckay and ali.

2010-06-18T19:46:00.003-06:00

This week I had the amazing opportunity to take my cousins engagements. They are seriously one of the cutest couples ever and they were so easy to photograph! I think they turned out great considering we sacrificed Maddi's new shoes and almost died by an angry cow. Heres a quick sneak peak...Love you guys! Congrats!

vietnam. first set.

2010-06-09T21:19:00.004-06:00

Just a few old photos from my trip to Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam a few years ago. I never got a chance to edit them but I'm working my way through them slowly. Heres Vietnam...

winter flashback.

2010-06-02T15:22:00.006-06:00

Just going through some old stuff. Here are some old images I took this last winter of my beautiful cousin Madison and some of our amazing friends Vic and Mel. ps these are incredibly fun people don't be deceived by how serious they look.

the grad.

2010-06-01T16:37:00.005-06:00

Its been a really crazy month and I'm so happy that I can finally kiss the month of May goodbye! I hope June will bring more sunshine instead of rainy days. This last week Winston graduated from his training and I had to post some of these cute pictures of him! He was the hit of the class and it was hard to get the instructions in with people constantly coming up to pet him. haha I know he's like my child....but you have to love this face!

fall holga.

2010-05-21T14:23:00.006-06:00

I just found this image that was taken in the fall with my holga. I can't wait to introduce her to spring.

eden.

2010-05-03T21:31:00.000-06:00

byu.

2010-04-20T08:31:00.005-06:00

We just found out that Ryan is officially accepted into BYU for the fall!! I'm so excited and really proud of him! It's great to have a plan for the next few years...not that exploring space, buying a ranch, or being a professional golfer isn't fun, Ryan. It's just that grad school seemed like a much better option. :) love you.

By the way moving to Utah means our townhouse has got to go! If you want some info on it or know someone interested in buying heres some information!

huge yard sale.

2010-04-13T18:32:00.008-06:00

Hey everyone! I'm having a HUGE yard sale this Saturday! April 17th. 8am-5pm at

256 Mohawk in Rexburg ID. I'm selling household items, pillows, picture frames, never been used baby items, cell phones (including a SmartPhone), an iTrip (ipod accessory that allows ipod to be played in car via radio), jewelry and other accessories, prom dresses, men and women clothing and shoes! Several items of clothing have never been warn! Brands including Abercrombie and Fitch, American Eagle, JCrew, Fossil, Banana Republic and others! There's a lot more so come check it out!

new family pictures.

2010-03-16T17:57:00.004-06:00

This fall my sister and I decided to do a little photoshoot with her family as a start of a fresh new beginning for her. Since there were over 100 shots to edit, it took me a really long time to finish. Here are just a few of my favorites.

puerto vallarta.

2010-03-03T22:43:00.018-07:00

So I know our trip to Mexico was clear in December, but I finally edited the images and thought I'd share them. It was such a fun trip and the family all had an amazing time together! Here's a peak of the beautiful Puerto Vallarta...

ok. maybe too many portraits.

2010-02-03T09:50:00.004-07:00

This last weekend I was able to do some portraits and I really loved how they turned out so heres a sneak peak (a really big sneak peak). I know I've been posting a LOT of portraits lately so I promise this is my last one for a while. Thanks again Ashley!

logan and heather.

2010-01-25T16:23:00.004-07:00

Here are a few portraits I took of my brother and sister last semester. It was so fun getting some time with them in the studio! I'm so glad I have such great examples in my life. Love you both and...'sorry about the fook'. haha

new info regarding my last post.

2010-01-15T10:59:00.002-07:00

Since writing about Haiti yesterday I just found out that my friend Jen Hale will be selling loaves of bread and giving 100% of the money to the efforts in Haiti. Heres another way you can help!! The info is on her blog.

Haiti.

2010-01-14T19:03:00.013-07:00

My days have become lazy lately. Really, really lazy. I have files and files of images to edit, goals to conquer, books to read, recipes to try, but for some reason I can't sum up the energy. Maybe its just because my brain has been going overtime these last 4 months...I think I feel like I owe it to myself to soak in the pure joy that watching Oprah and reruns of Friends has to offer me. Yeah, I'm pathetic guys. Actually Ryan and I's life has become pretty pathetic and I guess you can't blame jobless, school-less people like us. "This is what my life has come to," Ryan joked with Vic yesterday, "Watching Ellen with my wife." When Vic asked why he wasn't watching Oprah Ryan says, "Vic, don't you know Oprah doesn't start until 4?" Ok. Seriously pathetic. But, like Ryan amusingly told me last weekend, "My twenties have been a blast." haha. We seriously are so blessed even though we don't have much going for ourselves this winter. Which sort of leads me to my point.

Today I was just browsing the internet when I came upon these amazing images from Justin Hackworth (Utah Photographer) on his visit to Haiti last July. Then, it hit me. I've been a sack of nothing this whole month so far, completely disregarding the fact that I live a very blessed life. I take so much for granted. Here I was, sitting in my pj's still (pathetic, folks!) and I looked at these faces who were so happy and full of life this summer. I wondered what they were doing now. If they were still alive. If they had a home. I felt the sudden urge to do something about it and get off my butt and do something important. The people of Haiti truly need our help. Here are a few websites we can donate to: LDS Humanitarian Services and The American Red Cross. Lets make a difference and help out those in this world that need it. If any of you hear about any humanitarian projects to help Haiti please let me know! I've been thinking of making blankets or sending packages down there to help out as well. Anyway, I thought these images were beautiful and they touched me so I thought I should share them with you.

more portraits.

2010-01-13T12:25:00.008-07:00

These few weeks have been really chill. I've just been hanging out, trying to get my photography website and everything set up and ready. I just had a 3 hour meeting with my brother (fabulous graphic designer) to make my logo. I'm getting excited to see it all finished. Anyway, I just found these portraits I did last semester and thought I'd post them.

portraits of dad.

2010-01-12T23:36:00.005-07:00

Here are some portraits I did of my dad last semester. He's honestly the most amazing father. It's no wonder whoever meets him loves him. No, I'm not biased.

meet holga.

2010-01-05T13:16:00.005-07:00

Ryan gave her to me for Christmas and I can't wait to spend more time with her.

updates.

2009-12-29T12:53:00.011-07:00

It has been a crazy couple of weeks but here are a few updates on what's been going on lately...

GRADUATION.

I'm officially graduated with my Bachelors of Fine Art in Photography! It's so weird to think that I'm done with school. I'm so happy that I'm finally finished and its been a long road, but I loved school and this last semester was so much fun. It is a very bittersweet time in my life.

SHOW ENDING.

It's official. The BFA show is over and I went to take it down right after the graduation ceremony. It was such a great experience to go through and it has honestly changed the way I think about my photography. I'm so happy I was able to do it. If anyone in the photography program is thinking about applying to do the BFA--DO IT! It's so fun.

MEXICAN HOLIDAY.

This year my family went to Mexico for Christmas. It was so much fun and so great to go spend the holiday together in such a fantastic (and WARM) place. We had a great time by the pool, deep sea fishing, whale watching, jet-skiing, zip-lining and EATING! And for Christmas we drew names and shopped for each other in the marketplace. We had such a great trip!! I hope everyone had a great Christmas and have a great New Year!!!

still up and running.

2009-12-07T22:53:00.005-07:00

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to the opening reception for the show!! It was so great to see all of you and to have so much support from such great family and friends. Thanks again!!!!

The show is still up and running until the 18th so go check it out if you haven't seen it! There is a lot of great work from a lot of other students! (here are some of my fellow photographers who are showing as well)

BFA show.

2009-12-01T10:03:00.006-07:00

My show is finally hung and ready for the opening. Come check it out!

runaway chicken.

2009-12-01T09:59:00.002-07:00

detour.

2009-11-22T23:19:00.006-07:00

I've been meaning to post some of these for a while. While shooting for a portrait assignment some of us got a little carried away. It was such a fun afternoon!

a few more.

2009-11-22T22:53:00.011-07:00

Since I already posted an image of Jacob I thought I'd post a few more of my favorites from the shoot. Enjoy! Thanks guys for letting me take your pictures!

jacob.

2009-11-10T18:24:00.004-07:00

I just took Josh and Heidi's family pictures and I could not help but post this one right away. Who could resist that face!? He's adorable. More to come!

student show.

2009-11-06T10:53:00.004-07:00

Here are some older images I did for my photo3 class where I did a project on phobias. My teacher recommended that I turn these in for the student art show on campus-basically everyone turns in work and they judge who gets in. I found out yesterday that one of them made it into the show! Theres a lot of amazing work in there so go check it out.

car wash.

2009-11-06T09:25:00.007-07:00

Just in need of a good laugh (really desperately) and Rob and Big never let me down. (ignore the Viacom comment..got this off youtube)

maddi.

2009-11-03T12:34:00.013-07:00

I finally got Madison's images done and here are my favorites (it was nearly impossible to choose only a few). Thanks again Maddi i love you! (single boys,watch out.)

studio time.

2009-10-20T20:25:00.014-06:00

I'm taking a portrait class this semester and we have to do studio time once a week. I'll admit, I was not that enthusiastic about shooting in the studio at first, but I've been having a lot of fun so far!! Here are a couple of my favorite shots. Thanks you guys for being such amazing models! (Check back for my cousin Madison's amazing shoot.)

family pictures.

2009-10-17T15:37:00.013-06:00

Earlier this week I had the opportunity of taking Paul and Jenna Haynie's family pictures and thought I'd share a few of my favorites. Thanks for letting me go out and photograph with you!!!

Cyanotype Pears

2009-09-15T14:13:00.007-06:00

I was just going through some old photos in my basement and I found this series I did for my final in my Historical Processes class. I went out and shot some images of pears, printed them to be film negatives, made cyanotypes out of them and then I watercolored them. It took weeks to finish. I loved the class and making cyanotypes so I thought I'd post these.

we're back

2009-09-12T11:34:00.010-06:00

After 3 days of driving we finally made it back to Idaho! It's been great to get back to our friends and family but it's been really great just spending more time with Ryan. This past week we've had a cookout, gone 4-wheeling, taken my sister and my favorite nieces and nephew fishing, gotten hustled by the games at the fair (by games I mean one game...we lost around $20 before I had to drag Ryan away), and I was able to get back to school to start my last semester and prep for my BFA photography show! I'll post more pictures later about those. It's so nice being back!

what's important

2009-08-24T16:09:00.010-06:00

Sorry I haven't written for so long...this month has been a little crazy with a lot of ups and downs. I definitely learned that the Lord is ever watchful of us and he hears our prayers, that in life all that truly matters are good friends and strong family relationships...oh and life is full of surprises. Did anyone else know that? But I have to say that when it really bites you where it counts it's refreshing to have a little laugh with the ones you love. Well where do I start? I'm not sure how much to say but basically my sister is in the middle of a divorce and her husband left her with 3 small kids. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do-sitting here in Philly when I knew she was hurting so badly. Luckily for me I had already planned a trip to our family cabin so I knew my family would all be together to be with her during her difficult time. It honestly turned out to be one of my favorite family vacations.

I have no doubt in my mind that Satan is working as hard as he can to tear families apart. Protect your homes, fill it with the spirit, download K9, do whatever you need to do but be careful of what you and your family let into your lives. It was amazing to see how much the Lord had strengthened my sister and helped her find the peace she needed. She is the most forgiving, strong and amazing person I've ever known and I'm so proud to be her sister.

On my little trip home I was also able to go to Ryan's sister Jess's wedding. It was beautiful and so great to be with all of Ryan's family. Congrats JESS!!!! You all will always be my family and I love you all so much!!! Thanks for letting me celebrate with you! (...and you got me to dance at a wedding again...something I SWORE I'd never do again. You guys are so much fun!!!)

urban streets

2009-07-27T15:43:00.011-06:00

About a month ago my brother hooked me up with this great photography job for a fashion show that is raising money for charity. He had me send him some urban photos that I'd taken and he showed them to his client and I got the job!! I just thought I'd post a couple shots that he's going to use for fliers and slideshows for the event.

4th of july weekend

2009-07-08T10:43:00.017-06:00

This past week my parents came to Philadelphia to visit. It was so much fun to have them here and it was great to learn more about our country's history around the Forth of July holiday. We traveled from one end of the state to the other (rocking out to Michael Jackson RIP) and were able to visit some amazing places. On the way to Gettysburg I had to stop along the side of the road so I could photograph an old house. Here is one of the shots-the house dates back before the Revolutionary War. (sorry for the photo overload)

When we got to Gettysburg it was the anniversary of the battle. As we stood on the battlefield we found out that at that exact moment 146 years ago, we were standing where the Union army would have been and Confederate soldiers would have been running right for us. It was a really cool experience. Here are a few shots-the hill where we were standing and an old cannon used in the war.

The next day we went to Frank Lloyd Wright's 'Falling Water'...my absolute favorite part of our whole trip!!!! I've always appreciated the architecture (who wouldn't), especially after doing a presentation on him for my art history class last semester but it was SO GREAT to see it in person! It was amazing.

We made the trip back to Philadelphia where we saw the sights around the city and celebrated the 4th. I had SO much fun!! Thanks for coming to visit! We love you!

happy birthday love

2009-06-23T09:25:00.009-06:00

This last weekend we celebrated Ryan's 27th birthday! Unfortunately now he keeps reminding me that a 27 year old should not be childless and if we wait any longer to have kids he'll be too old. (No this does not mean you should leave a comment about why I need to start trying to get pregnant...Abbie that goes for you especially.) This year all Ryan wanted was a boat, a truck and a new mountain bike. Wow. Maybe a baby would have been an easier present. After much thought, or not much thought since I knew the other 2 weren't happening, I decided to surprise him with a mountain bike. I was glad I did when I found him riding around the parking lot by himself as the sun was going down that evening. He was like an excited little kid. I felt like yelling to him "5 more minutes, honey, and then you need to come in". It was a really great day and we were blessed with really great weather. We had a picnic and cake with our friends out by the pool. Its really nice to have such great friends out here with us this summer. They feel like our family away from home. We love you guys and thanks for celebrating with us!!

Ryan, you never stop amazing me. Your love and excitement for life is admirable. I learn so much from you everyday. I love you. Happy birthday.

new york.

2009-06-20T07:37:00.009-06:00

Thank goodness for girls trips! Last Monday we decided to drive down to NYC for a little shopping day (ps Only 2 hours away! Who's coming to visit now?!). We seriously shopped our hearts out on Canal Street and had a complete New York City experience. We watched undercover cops arrest knock off purse dealers, smelt probably the worst kinds of stinky Asian food I've ever come across, watched Jamie step in nast pee water and a mini squid in her flip flops, ran through the pouring rain (and I mean RAIN), fell over when the Subway started moving, watched the 'Naked Cowboy' harass Ashley and Caitlyn, and ate at simply the best chocolate restaurant I've ever been to: Max Brenner. (Woot.) Thanks New York!!

Our new purses...shopping trip complete!

simple things

2009-06-11T13:10:00.010-06:00

A friend of mine just showed me this awesome video and I had to share it. It took over a year to make and he traveled to over 40 countries. Doesn't this make you want to travel the world and live your life to its fullest!? I LOVED it!! Dancing is universal. Sometimes the simplest things in life are the best things.

(love the one from Tongatapu Tonga!)

carnival

2009-06-03T10:47:00.012-06:00

I've got to admit that I have seriously been slacking lately. I've been out here since April and I've only gone out to take pictures once. PATHETIC!! I can't believe its JUNE already! I have spent way too much time at the pool and not enough time getting stuff done. I've made it a new goal to get off my behind and do some photographing. I've always been interested in mixed lighting so I thought I'd mess around a little with it at a local carnival this past weekend. Here are a couple of shots I liked...

memorial day weekend

2009-05-27T06:50:00.020-06:00

This weekend Ryan and I went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I thought I was going to drag Ryan around kicking and screaming, but there were actually a few rooms that I had to sit and wait for him. He got really into it. I got to see a lot of familiar art from my last art history class as well as a few favorites of mine. I also got to hit the Cezanne exhibit!!!! It was so amazing!! Not only was the art great enough to hold our attention for over 2 hours, but the stairs outside are those famous stairs Rocky runs up in the movie. They were full of people running up and down them. Ryan kept laughing because before we came here we watched an old episode of Oprah where her and her audience ran up the stairs like Rocky. He's like "Can't you just imagine Oprah and hundreds of other crazy older women screaming and running up this thing?" It's a pretty crazy set of stairs, too. There's even a Rocky statue at the bottom.

Ryan and I at the top of the stairs. GREAT view of the city!

Mondrian

Picasso's 3 Musicians (Ryan and I's fav on the day)DaDa classic "The Fountain"

and Rocky...

Monday the boys got off early and we all went to the park and had pizza. The guys decided to do a little basketball tournament while the ladies cheered them on. Here are some of the great wives that I get to spend my days with (...except where are you Jamie?!).

spooked

2009-05-08T18:14:00.016-06:00

I drove past this beautiful old graveyard while I was trying to find my way home last week (I get lost a lot here) and I finally summed up the courage to go check it out by myself and take a few shots. Its covered with trees budding with pink and white flowers and has really old tombstones-so old that the writing on some of them has completely weathered away. It was really cool. After ten minutes of wandering around I started getting really freaked out. I felt like someone was watching me. The longer I was there the more I was noticing scary things like newly covered graves and stuff. Finally my eerie feelings overcame me and I ran back to my car. As soon as I clicked the key into ignition, I started hearing really weird noises. It sounded like someone walking and a door creaking and my heart stopped....and then it finally clicked...my ipod was on shuffle and 'Thriller' came up next randomly. What are the chances!? I just started laughing at myself. I completely freak myself out over the stupidest things.

On the way home I decided to take a detour and I found this really beautiful church right in the middle of a neighborhood. Philly is full of surprises.

la vita e bella

2009-05-01T10:33:00.011-06:00

Happy first of May! I hope it's true what they say about April showers bringing May flowers. The past couple days here have been wet and a little chilly. I'm ready for the warm summer sun. I guess I can't complain since apparently Rexburg was hit with snow again (big surprise, right?). Winston is loving the cooler weather, though. He just can't hack it in the heat. Every time we go out he is greeted with the other neighborhood dogs. He's loving it and I'm glad he can play his heart out while the weather is bearable for him (not to mention it knocks him out for the remainder of the day).

Ok, what I'm about to go off on may seem really crazy and silly but I just can't help but write it down. I have so much in my head right now that I might just ramble and feel free to just shrug this off but here it goes... I have a lot more time on my hands now and its really given me a chance to pause to take in the beauties of life. While Winst and I were walking along the river a couple days ago I was overcome by how truly blessed I am to be a part of this amazing world. I just took in the spring air and stared up at the sky and soaked up EVERYTHING. I am loving my life right now!! I've appreciated so much reading some of your blogs about being blessed as well (Chelsey rocking out and not caring who is watching her and Ashley and those tender mercies that come everyday). Times may get hard but the important thing is that you're happy and that you surround yourself with the people you love. I'm reading, "Beauty in Photography" and there is this part where he quotes Thomas Gray, "many a flower is born to blush unseen, and waste its sweetness on the desert air". It just made me think that I'm still young and I don't ever want to waste me life overlooking these beautiful moments that life throws at us. I don't want to miss one of those simple tender times that we are blessed with. Life is beautiful!

(photo taken 8/20/2006 Glasgow, Scotland. f5.2 1/500sec)

a yoga summer

2009-04-22T16:53:00.004-06:00

Lately I've been feeling extremely inspired. I came out to Philly with a couple of simple projects and goals in mind but now I feel like I don't have enough time for everything I want to do! I have a million books I want to read, small (oh and BIG) projects I want to make, recipes I want to try, photography techniques I want to learn, and even perfecting a small green thumb (yes my tomatoes have failed miserably so far). One of my goals this summer was to get into shape and do a lot more yoga. I've been a huge fan for a while, but with school and everything I haven't had time to do it as much as I would like. One really great thing that I've just come across is this yoga video. It's Jennifer Aniston's trainer and she goes through the same workout she usually does with Jennifer Aniston. I know a couple of you are yoga lovers (Heather I knew you would like this) and that you would enjoy this workout.

finally in philly

2009-04-18T07:02:00.008-06:00

After about 36 hours of driving we finally made it to PHILLY! It was a LONG drive and when we figured out that our GPS was set to the wrong address, it was an even longer ride (about a 2 and a half hour detour). Needless to say, Ryan and I weren't the happiest when we finally pulled in at 7 am (we decided driving for 2 days and through the night definitely shouldn't be allowed for our marriage's sake) but once we had a good nights rest we found that we LOVE Philly!!

Winston is simply the BEST little traveler ever. He slept almost the entire way.

A bunch of us went out downtown for our first ever Philly Cheesesteaks. They were delish-just make sure you get the cheese wiz (I know it sounds nast but it really was so good!) We can't wait to see what else Philly has in store for us. After working SO hard with my last semester (but it paid off with straight A's! YES!), I'm SO ready to relax and enjoy another great summer away.

Hens Have Gobblies..Who Knew?

2009-04-05T18:13:00.001-06:00

I needed a rooster for this crazy photoshoot idea that I had for my chair BFA project. Once I found a lady who told me I could come to her farm and catch whatever I needed, I volunteered Ryan to help me. This place was honestly nuts. There were all kinds of birds running around free, giant turkeys chasing us, even a wild moose walked through at one point. I kept pestering Ry, "Catch that one!" "What are you waiting for, that one's perfect!" while he ran around trying to grab one. He will NEVER admit it, but he was freaking out the whole time that it was going to peck him or something. We finally cornered what we thought was a rooster in a cage and headed out to an old barn.

Once we got there I figured we could just set it on the chair and I would snap a few photos. Unfortunately, the following picture is what actually happened once we set the so called rooster on the chair.

20 minutes later we caught it, pulled the string out of my hoodie and tied it to the chair. From then on, the shoot went fairly well. When we got home I was so excited to show everyone my photos. They sadly informed us that our 'rooster' was actually a hen. Oops. It turned out ok though, yet much more difficult than we anticipated. Here's the final shot...

Who drives on sand anyway?

2009-03-29T23:25:00.000-06:00

This weekend I decided to go to Utah with Ryan to get some photos for my BFA project. You'll probably be confused when you start to see all of these crazy photos with chairs but I'll explain my concept for my BFA project later when I have more shots to show. In a mean time, here is a preview of what I had to get to go through what I did on Friday night (I'll post more when I get them edited at least. The color really doesn't show well on here.). Here's the story:

We started the trip out by going to the north shore of the Salt Lake (just by the Spiral Jetty if anyone is familiar). It is absolutely an amazing area!! It was perfect for what I needed and had in mind. The water is SO shallow on the north shore that you can seriously walk around in the lake. Ryan thought it would be helpful to get as close as we could to the shoreline so he got off the road and kept driving...and kept driving...and kept driving. I was starting to get nervous because this place didn't look like the most stable area in the world. It's surrounded by salt flats and unpredictable ground-but he comforted me by showing me the previous tire tracks in front of us and said "If they can do it, so can I". And....you guessed it.

Unfortunately, we ran into a little detour. But don't worry it was only for about 8 HOURS!!!!! DUH! Who drives on sand anyway?! Well I guess Ryan has his way of getting himself into trouble (like being stuck twice already in the last month). I ran out and took my photos because the sun was already starting to set. So there I was...walking ankle deep in freezing water taking pictures while Ryan was literally under the car trying to dig us out. We are INSANE! Who does this for a measly photo?

By the time I had gotten back to the car, Ry was still digging the car out. All of a sudden we see headlights off in the distance which was crazy because we were seriously in the middle of nowhere. WE WERE FINALLY SAVED! We turned on our hazards to let them know we were in trouble. The car kept coming towards us, and then stopped and turned it's lights off. We were so confused! And it was dark outside by then and we couldn't see a trace of them anywhere. I immediately thought they were coming to kill us or something and that we had to get out of there STAT. We had dug the car out as much as he could and we thought we'd give it another try. Of course, it wasn't that easy. The car sunk back down to the frame. I was starting to panic. By this time it was 9PM, dark, we were potentially going to be murdered by the freaks in this mystery car, and we were in the middle of NOWHERE. Seriously it was 45 minutes to the nearest town. Just then, the car's lights turn back on and the car simply drives away. So now they were just going to leaving us here to die!? I guess they weren't murderers after all....I've seen one too many scary movies!

There was nothing left to do but try and get help. Ryan's phone died and mine was completely out of service. We thought that we had no choice but to sleep there and hike out in the morning. Then, out of nowhere Ry found his car charger in the center console. (Miracle #1) He tried to make some phone calls but nothing was going out until he tried calling Callen and Kellie, Ry's brother-in-law and sister. The call goes through!! (Miracle #2) They decided to come meet us out there to come to our rescue. (Miracle #3...let's face it. After all the stories I've heard, Ryan didn't really deserve to be rescued from Kellie that night.) After that phone call, Ryan couldn't get another call out to anyone. All we could do then was sit and wait for another couple hours. Luckily we had Arrested Development in our car so the wait really wasn't bad. A few hours later, a big truck started to drive down towards us...but it wasn't Kellie and Callen. It was the county sheriff. He told us the mysterious car that came before came to help us, but got scared thinking we were sitting there, stuck, to trick them into coming down there and then we'd rob them or something. How sad is it that people don't trust each other anymore. I was scared of them and they were scared of us.

Finally Kellie and Callen came and they completely saved us. They towed us out at about midnight, still leaving us with a 3 hour drive to Ryan's parents house. But thanks to Kellie and Callen, we weren't sleeping out there.

Needless to say, I really hope my photographs were worth the trip!

Paul Mitchell Shoot

2009-03-24T18:10:00.000-06:00

This last week I did a photoshoot with some of the students from the Paul Mitchell school (www.hairacademypm.com) here in Rexburg. I was out on location with them all day. They did a GREAT job doing hair and makeup! If you like the styling I can hook you up with the stylists responsible. They are amazing. I was going to post my favorite shots but the color is really off on this thing. If you want to see the real thing check out my flickr account.

Brand New Blogger

2009-03-19T19:25:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone. I suck at this blog thing but I'm going to try and be better. A lot has been going on this semester! I started working on my BFA Final Senior project (I'm sure I'll post more on that later) which I'll show in December. I'm also planning on graduating in December! We also found out we're moving to Philly for the summer!! We're only a few hours away from New York so the wives will be taking some trips there I'm sure. I've also been taking a Historical Photography Processes class which I actually have come to find is one of my favorite photography classes yet. I decided to post a couple of my favorite photos that I've done in the class so far: (from the bottom up) kallotype, cyanotype and a gumprint. Enjoy.

welcome

2008-08-22T09:26:00.001-06:00

Welcome to my blog! I have decided to start this blog to share my love of photography with others. Photography has always been an interest of mine and has rapidly become a passion. Life is beautiful and should be captured.

If you want to see some of my work you can access my Flickr account at www.flickr.com/meganhobsonphotography where you can view sets and slideshows of my most recent pieces.

Feel free to leave comments and suggestions! I would love to hear what you think as well as what I can work on.

Enjoy!!