Posted in: family | My Life

This is my best friend, Julie. She lives in Southern California with her wonderful husband and their darling son.  This weekend they came up to our house in Northern California for a quick visit.  I always enjoy spending time with her as she is a very busy woman.  Her 10 year old son was diagnosed with medium to severe autism.  He is a sweet, beautiful little boy, but he is a full time job as he has many needs.

She and her husband have devoted their lives to this little guy.  Through their efforts he has learned to look at people, say please and thank you and communicate his needs in short sentences.  The love they have for him and the love he returns is obvious. As he is a full time job, Julie’s husband, Jack, works hard and without complaint, to support them both.

Autism is not something I was familiar with until my friends had their son.  I have watched them learn about it through their efforts to treat and understand their child.  They are the bravest and most loving parents I know.  I’ve seen the blessing that little guy has been through the trials and joy that he brings.  Autism is a very chaotic and hard to understand world.  This little boy has let me into his life and I thank God for that.  I also thank God for my friends who love this child with a fierce and wonderful love. I pray blessings upon this loving and hard working family.  They never give up.

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  • January 18, 2010 - 8:52 pm

    lesley - Beautiful people, inside and out! Since I work with autistic kids, I know how much work it is, and often am in awe of the parents because they deal 24/7 with the demands of raising these precious kids. Your friends are very special indeed!

  • January 19, 2010 - 5:13 pm

    Julie Winkle - Your words brought tears to my eyes Karen! Thank you for a love that goes beyond mere words. You are my dearest and bestest friend and I love you so very much. Thank you for sharing part of our story on your site.

    Warmly & affectionately,
    Julie

Posted in: Weddings, Engagements and Anniversaries

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I love Valentine’s Day.  It’s so romantic and full of kisses and roses and candy and holding hands and other romantic things.

That’s why I’m offering a Valentine special.  Let me photograph you and your valentine for a romantic photograph and a romantic photograph session that you won’t soon forget.

2009 Preston Castle-2102bw

Ten romantic photographs, fully retouched, ready to print on a CD.  You pick the place.  The cost…only $100.00. (Cost may be more outside a 30 mile radius of the Placerville, CA area.)

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This Valetine offer is available through February 5, 2010.  Contact me at schmautzhaus@sbcglobal.net for an appointment.

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Posted in: Animals | My Life

20091125-_MG_3138

My old faithful cat passed away today.  I think he was about 17 years old and we have had him since he was born.  This photo was taken last week, but you can see by his eyes that he seems very tired.  Poor old guy.

This is the first time in 30 years that I haven’t had some sort of pet.  Spot was the last of three pets to pass on this year.

He was a good old cat and he will be missed.080401_6260

Rest well, old friend.

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  • December 2, 2009 - 9:31 pm

    Lesley - Awww…sorry. That’s so hard! He was a beautiful boy. I can’t even remember a time when I haven’t had a pet. Must be really weird (and short-lived I hope).

Posted in: Photoshop art

blendingshapesportrait2

Since my portfolio is due tomorrow, I’m trying to finish up the pieces I want to present.  I finished the one above today and I’m pretty happy with it, so I will probably include it. I am still deciding about the next one.  I like it, but I’m not crazy about it.

picturegirl [Desktop Resolution]

I think this might make a good advertisement, but it’s not really portrait art, which is what my project for my portfolio is all about.

portraitart2 [Desktop Resolution]

This is my cover page.

singer8x10 [Desktop Resolution]

And I will probably include this one.  I don’t want to do too many because the more I turn in the more chances I have to screw up and get a bad grade.  Sigh.

At any rate, it was fun doing all these fun techniques and I learned a bunch about photoshop.

Wish me luck.

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