Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Dreams Of Enjoyment ~ Petals Of Time

I awoke this morning with a pounding heart stressed by worry and bother so intense it caused me to sit straight up and think out loud, "What the heck, was that"? I'd been dreaming. It's not often I dream anymore but whoa this seemed so real, so ick... so... I don't want to travel let alone even dream of living like that.

Jumping out of bed I quickly started some coffee and picked up the phone to call Danny. He'd left for work at 5 am this morning and although I'd gotten up, fixed his lunch and hugged me a good day... I still stumbling tired, sunk deep back down into the covers in hope of finding just a wee bit more sweet sleep. Sleep I found... but sweet it was not.

Danny answered his bluetooth headset and the first thing out of my mouth was, "I've had an awful dream so you've got to make me a promise"! Poor guy... I surely must throw him for a loop as often as the hula goes round. "Promise me we'll enjoy the journey every single day and plan to stop however long it takes to discover even the seemingly silly little world wonders and that rather than only see big things from afar, that we'll go down and find out what makes it special and, and... and that you won't be in a rush to always hurry to the next destination." Danny laughed and assured me that not only did he plan to see the roses but that we'd stop and smell everyone of them. :-) Ah... the sweet aroma!

So what was your dream, Danny asked. All kinds of crazy awful stuff... but the last dream we were standing on the top of a huge rock wall cliff. Not a mountain but more like a rock hill. There were stairs carved into the cliff leading down into a massive body of water and all along the edge were what appeared from the top to be little pools... hot tob sized pools that nature had carved into the rock. The water was cool but as waves come in washing into the pools, the warmth of the rocks immediately warmed the water within to perfect steamy bliss. I wanted to descend the stairs and get lost in the blissful invitation but you... you pointed to your watch and said we've got exactly three days to get across this country and only another day to get to... wherever. You were rushing ahead and I was reluctantly following along picking up everything of importance that you were dropping along the path in a hurried rush. I later found out from others that within each pool of warm water floated rose petals that continuously fell from the plants alongside them... rose petals which when floated on the waters of time emitted the sweet aroma of life pleasantly at rest and hidden by a hot steamy view from all but those who took the time to descend the steps and enjoy the luxury of that particular passing moment.

Selah...

So... that was my dream. I've written it down so that a year from now or maybe even just after the passing of the next seven short weeks (the estimated time we've set to launch into our journey down the road)... that I'll have something to point to and reference each time I hear Danny utter the word: "Hurry". And to remind myself, Danny and everyone everywhere that: Life is short... as quoted from the movie Bucket List: "45 years goes by pretty fast. Like smoke through a keyhole". In Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 I read, "I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - This is the gift of God." When I reach the end of my road I of course want to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Ref Matt 25:24) and yet I'd also like to pause a few moments both at the end of my road and now and then along this path towards our destination to inhale deeply of a sweet aroma created from a life well lived fully of joy... full to overflowing with love, hugs and laughter!

After all this dreaming and promising and writing it down... I looked over to ponder the last of this years quickly wilting rose petals, that I'd tried to preserve just a bit longer. That pondering led to the following photograph!

Petals Of Time ~ Like Smoke Through A Keyhole ~ 2012 Cynthia M Colbert ~ Co-Bear Photography

It is my hope that you enjoy this journey to. Until next time:

Wishing You Love, Hugs & Laughter In Abundance,
Cindy Colbert ~ Co-Bear Photography
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Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Fall Color At Pittsfield City Lake In Pike County IL

All My People Sessions Have Been Private Here Lately
(Yes, we keep them offline when that's your preference)
But Occasionally I Get A Day All To Myself To Photograph
Nothing But Pure Fun 'Walk About'!

Last Monday was just that special kinda day. *Sigh* I desperately love days like last Monday. There truly like a breath of fresh air providing new vision and hope and life… and… inspiration… and all those things that make us feel all warm and fuzzy and/or in this case… colorful through and through.

I'd finished my morning errands and decided to head out to the Pittsfield City Lake in hopes of confirming whether or not what I'd heard was true. With the new RV (nope, we still haven't named her yet but are open to suggestions) I've been searching for some fairly local campsites to take her for a few test spins before we head out on the open road later this year. The rumor mill suggested that Pittsfield Lake had reasonable rates and possibly full hookups so I had to find out for myself.

Wow was I surprised! Full hook-ups, boating, fishing, playgrounds, absolutely beautiful scenery all around, and the best part… Only $12 Per/Night for full hook-ups. $5 Per/Night if you camp primitive ;-) I'm certainly looking forward to an overnighter real soon but in the meantime...

How bout this view? Wow, right?
Took a walk around the Pittsfield Illinois City Lake on October 15th, 2012 and was certainly not disappointed by the beautiful fall color display. I'd heard there was RV camping sites there and was pleasantly surprised to discover they not only had sites but they have full hook ups for only $12 per day. Needless to say I'm very much looking forward to staying over for a visit soon!
Took a walk around the Pittsfield Illinois City Lake in Pike County Illinois on October 15th, 2012 and was certainly not disappointed by the beautiful fall color display. I'd heard there was RV camping sites there and was pleasantly surprised to discover they not only had sites but they have full hook ups for only $12 per day. Needless to say I'm very much looking forward to staying over for a visit soon!
Took a walk around the Pittsfield Illinois City Lake on October 15th, 2012 and was certainly not disappointed by the beautiful fall color display. I'd heard there was RV camping sites there and was pleasantly surprised to discover they not only had sites but they have full hook ups for only $12 per day. Needless to say I'm very much looking forward to staying over for a visit soon!
To see more and/or purchase prints visit:
Co-Bear's Pittsfield Lake Fall Color Gallery

For more information about the Pittsfield lake,
camping and/or how to get there visit:
www.pittsfieldil.org


Wishing You Love, Hugs & Laughter In Abundance,
Cindy Colbert ~ Co-Bear Photography
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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

3 Teddy Bears + Kaydance = A Tea Party For Four Portrait Session!

While chiropractic finals were certainly stressful for my oldest daughter Ashley, they were this Mamaw's absolute delight because my 2-2/3 year old grand-daughter Kaydance got to come spend the entire week with us. We spoiled her perfect and although her activity level reminded us that we're well past twenty (shhhh, don't tell) we were reminded that no matter what's going on at any given moment… we MUST RACE for the bathroom when she said she had to go. I'm happy to report we're still plenty fast and made it every time... well almost! :-)

While Kaydance was here we:

Had A Teddy Bear Tea Party

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Tea Party Portrait Session Tea Party Portrait Session

Walked to the post office and enjoyed "Dancing In The Street" Urban style


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Spotted Tinker Bell through the cracks of this old wooden building

CoBear, Illinois, Kaydance Sneed, Love Hugs Laughter, Pike County, Pittsfield, barn wood, child photography, children kids portfolio, cobear, facebook, nebo, outdoor, teddy bear, wood wall
CoBear, Illinois, Kaydance Sneed, Love Hugs Laughter, Pike County, Pittsfield, block wall, brick, child photography, children kids portfolio, cobear, facebook, nebo, outdoor, quiet, teddy bear, thinking, thought, urban

Watered the roses with Tilly's close supervision

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Jumped on the trampoline until tuckered way past to silly to jump

Kaydance Sneed, trampoline,
Kaydance Sneed, Laughter, trampoline
I would love to know the thoughts going through Kaydance mind at this very moment… hmmm… maybe best not to know!

Played on the swing we made early one morning

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Took Great-Grandma Colbert to KFC for her 81st Birthday Party
At this point I must add that when Elizabeth said she wanted to go to KFC for her 81st birthday in Pittsfield I wondered "How can we possibly make it special?" I called ahead and asked if they had a cake and could sing or just do something to make it special for her. I was shocked with wow and can not possibly confirm with mere words how super kind they were. Not only did they prepare a cake and sing but they even hung a banner and had a table all prepared for us. Excellent Customer Service!!! A special Thank You To KFC for going above and beyond to help us ensure Elizabeth had a great time!!!

Danny Colbert, Elizabeth Colbert, KFC, Kaydance Sneed, Kentucky Fried Chicken, birthday
Elizabeth wanted to go to KFC for her 81st birthday in Pittsfield so I called ahead and asked if they had a cake and could sing or just something to make it special. I can not tell you how kind they were. Not only did they prepare a cake and sing but they even hung a banner and had a table all ready for us. Excellent Customer Service!!! A special Thank You To KFC for going above and beyond to help us ensure Elizabeth had a great time!!!Elizabeth wanted to go to KFC for her 81st birthday in Pittsfield so I called ahead and asked if they had a cake and could sing or just something to make it special. I can not tell you how kind they were. Not only did they prepare a cake and sing but they even hung a banner and had a table all ready for us. Excellent Customer Service!!! A special Thank You To KFC for going above and beyond to help us ensure Elizabeth had a great time!!!
Elizabeth Colbert, KFC, Kentucky Fried Chicken, birthday

And... we enjoyed Nebo's Vin Fiz Parade collecting tons of candy, played in a moon jump, blew gallons of bubbles, went swimming, read lots of stories, drew books of pictures, learned to fly like any beautiful fairy, watched Tinker Bell, Dora, Veggie Tales and… to cut it a bit short… We had more fun than 3 monkeys in a barrel full of banana's and most important we made lots of great memories that this mamaw will cherish forever. Mamaw loves you little fairy K!

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Wishing You Love, Hugs & Laughter In Abundance,
Cindy Colbert ~ Co-Bear Photography

Monday, July 30, 2012

We're Finally Back ~ Ready To Blog ~ And Better Than Ever!

Testing, Testing. 1-2... Just checking the functionality of this long time lonely space. Those of you who know me know it's been a L.O.N.G. drawn out painful few years. In truth, it was simply to heartbreaking to write here while not knowing whether or not I'd ever be able to follow my photography dreams again. With that said, I'm back and would like to everyone new and those of you from the past... Welcome and Welcome Back!

Since last blogging I've went through nothing short of major life changes, injured my neck which required not one but two surgeries after my body rejected the bone graft causing yet another blown disk, was forced to close Inspiring Designs ~ Cindy Utterback Photography when I couldn't even lift my camera and have since been blessed with several grand-children who bring a whole new level of awe, wonder and joy to my entire existence, met and am now happily married to my Co-Bear Danny, finally recovered with the doctors permission to work again and if you didn't already know it: Launched Co-Bear Photography! Sometimes life is hard, but through it all God has been and is good. I'm forever thankful for His love and the grace He provides each and every single blessed day! Here's to today and to the future. May yours truly be full to overflowing with love, hugs and laughter!

To celebrate being back I've included two photo's. Click the images to see them larger and / or to read the captions and I hope you enjoy. If so please leave a comment below.

The Joy Of The Redeemed
Joy Of The Redeemed - Isaiah 35:1-2 - Scripture Photography

Featuring: The Blessing Of New Life!
Illinois, baby, beautiful, bellies, flare, location, maternity, nebo, outdoor, pregnancy, pregnant, silhouette, spring creek, pike county

Until Next Time May Your Lives Be Full To Overflowing
With Love, Hugs & Laughter In Abundance,
Cindy Colbert (Utterback) ~ Co-Bear Photography
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Leave Us A Comment Hug Below And-Or Share This Post With Others