Sugarberry photography

I haven’t written in awhile…still trying to keep up with everything on this internet thing! But, really, if I had to handwrite a letter to everyone…well, let’s just not continue that thought.

Tonight is the premier of the new album for The Mumbles! These guys are so great! The band contains Keith and Ethan, plus many other talented guys that will play with them. Since migrating from Brooklyn, they have made a huge impression on our New Orleans family. They’ve also become a part of my family since joining us for Christmas two years ago. I wish that I could be with y’all to celebrate the new album, but I wish you guys lots of luck on making many sales!

They’re easy to find! You can get their sounds on iTunes. Also, if you want to (and you should) keep up to date on their happenins (not a typo. it’s to read in a really cool voice.), they are on FB, so go press ‘like’. Also, you can get to them through myspace (go to my link: Support New Orleans!).

Here’s an extra blurb for all the musicians that I love so much. I love supporting you! And I’d love to be an extra outlet to help get your information out (p.s. I’d especially love to photograph you!). So, post your events through my FB page- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sugarberry-photography/154616007920570 or contact me if I can do anything else to help you. I have more contacts and tricks up my sleeves than you know!

While I’ve been ‘under the weather’ (This got me distracted. Where in the world did the phrase ‘under the weather’ originate? It makes no sense to me, but it was the best way to put that I was feeling horrible. Okay, maybe I could’ve just written that…), I’ve been trying to improve my creativity on Photoshop. I’ve been playing with a lot of pieces that I didn’t really like, but I’m not ready to let go of because as I grow in my creativity I feel like I’ll be able to use them someday.

I have to give a shout out to my friend, James Avatar. He’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, and I’m so thankful for his encouragement! Without him, I would’ve given up photoshop long ago (and he was a great excuse to get Krispy Kreme donuts…distracted again!).

Anywho…all that led to this idea of my Musician poster series. Like it or not, I’m truly enjoying designing this. Here’s a preview. I may not ever attempt to sell it, but I’m still stoked at how it came out. So, we’ll see how this series turns out. I am greatly inspired by the many musicians that I have seen this year. You have all shown me that it’s worth it to keep pushing for this dream. I’ve seen how hard y’all work, and I admire your gifts! Just to name a few: James Avatar, Jayna Morgan, The Mumbles, Will Repholz (along with all the amazing musicians he plays with), Liquid Peace Revolution and many many more!

Whether you’re living or visiting in New Orleans, you know that the whole city is not Bourbon Street crazy. And the people here are normal, passionate, hard working, friendly people. Well, mostly normal…

Anyway, my point being is to introduce you to something in New Orleans that maybe you didn’t know about. I love New Orleans, and I want to do my part in supporting businesses based here. So, for any plans that you have for the weekend- add the Crescent City Farmers market in the CBD for Saturday morning. It’s fun that the whole family can have together, and this is coming from a woman who dislikes grocery shopping. You’ll find everything you want from flowers to produce, as well as homemade jams (featured in Southern Living).

Here are some extra tips for parents. To keep kids from saying “mommy, I want…” over and over (or even the husband from getting bored) start the trip off with an amazing, homemade fruit popsicle. It’ll help with the heat, too. Speaking of heat, don’t forget to wear deodorant! Women with ‘mom-brain’ (official medical term) should take note. Not that I’ve ever forgotten to brush teeth or something else as equally important before leaving the house… Oh, and to finish this great family outing, walk to Lucy’s Retired Surfer restaurant. It’s hidden amazingness.

Website to check out the Crescent City Farmers Market: http://www.crescentcityfarmersmarket.org/

Some places just make me stop in awe. Homeplace plantation is that place. It’s breathtaking! Driving too fast down River Road, one could pass this huge French Colonial plantation located in Hahnville, LA.

Construction took place between 1787-1791. It was built by the same man who constructed Destrehan plantation. Currently, it is privately owned by the Keller family.

Don’t be mistaken that the blues are only for the heartbroken. Blues4Sale is a soulful group that you shouldn’t miss! Catch them at the Balcony Music Club on Esplanade Ave, Wednesday nights at 9:30 pm.

To enjoy more photos, check out www.sugarberryphoto.com under my Bands section!

In just a few hours, my girls and I will be going to witness Kalyn’s graduation! This is bittersweet for me because although I am over the top excited for her, my “little sister” is leaving for college! I know that she will do many many great things, and I hope that she fills me in on her awesome journey every now and then!! We love ya so so much, Kalyn!!! (p.s., sooo glad you’re done with Curtis.) You have so much beauty inside and out! A few short memories…’You’re so pretty’; I think we’re prepared for a zombie attack; and, we’ll always have an extra room for you!!!

Although I LOVE nature pictures, I am not always so much into taking them. But who can ignore the beauty that nature expresses so loudly? So, I am telling you, especially with the onset of Spring, to stop and smell the roses (and then maybe follow it with Claritin). Here’s some of my examples to get you going. Please, enjoy!

Jeremiah 31:3, “The Lord appeared to him from afar saying, ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.”

How easy is it to forget what is not right in front of your face? I think after forgetting this so much, it is so sweet to be reminded that God loves me (and you!) with a love that does not end. It is a love that is full and sweet and unbreakable. And He draws us to Him with His lovingkindness (meaning,: mercy, favor, kindness, goodness).

And there’s more! If God calls us with His love, then aren’t those who are Christ followers called to do the same? To point others to His lovingkindness? I think that is a part of God that is often missed by us. We are to find rest and peace and hope and mercy and love and healing and purpose in Him. How can we succeed in that if all we ever witness is criticism and meanness and unfairness?

Love you, dear one.