When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.

-Edward Teller

I share this quote because I feel like my time has come to step into the darkness. I have been so afraid of just “going for it”, yet this past year has taught me that I can do whatever it is that I put my mind to! I have come to truly believe in myself when before I just didn’t think I had what it took to be successful in what I dreamed to do. I am so grateful to all who are standing by me, teaching me how to fly! There are so many people in my life right now who are teaching me so much. I know that God has brought me to this point and has put “you” in my life right now to be my mentors.

A note on the above photo. It was taken last summer when I went to the mountains for a weekend with my daughter, Carlie. The late afternoon sun illuminated the clouds in such a way that I was emotionally moved. This image is my computer’s screensaver. It has not been “Photoshopped”. . .it is nature’s pure beauty. . .God’s art. I love the peaceful, serene feelings it brings to me. And I LOVE that I “saw” it and captured it with my camera!

To view pictures taken at the Snowball Express Gymanstics Tournament at the Champs Gym on January 19th and 20th, go to:

www.shutterfly.com/pro/Merrill/SnowballExpress

The password is champion

 

‘Twas the day after Christmas in the Merrill household,

Puppies were running in from the cold.

Little children were happily playing on the living room floor

while the big kids were sleeping just a little bit more.

We hope that you all had a wonderful day

and that the joy of the season will linger and stay.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and all wonderful things to you!

My Dad is truly one of my heros. As I have taken the past 6 weeks or so and spent a lot of time contemplating his life and all that he did for me, I have come to know that without reservation. He taught me more than I could ever record here on this blog. He helped me and gently guided me over the 42 years that we had together to become who I am today. Although I am at peace with his passing, I also have times of great sadness. I long to hear his voice. . .telling me that he loves me. . .that he is proud of me. . .and that he believes in me! I have these words and many more wonderful, uplifting ones echoing in my memories. These carry me through the sad moments that come.

I have become well acquainted with grief over the years and death is no stranger to me and my family. But with each loss, the pain changes. It is no different this time around. I am profoundly grateful for my belief in our Heavenly Father and in His great Plan of Happiness. I know that my Dad believes in this also and that brings me a lot of peace.

I love my Dad. I am so grateful for all that he gave me. If you knew my Dad, I’m sure you love him too!

Kids seem to always find a way to enjoy themselves!

 I want everyone to notice a special deal on the right. It’s a deal from Kodak. Great ideas for Christmas presents!

Right now, the Kodak Store is giving customers three great offers. Check out these new deals below:

Spend $200! Save up to $75! – Customers receive $75 in coupons with any purchase over $200.

$35 off any KODAK EASYSHARE All-in-One Printer, plus get 3 FREE packs of 4×6 InkJet Paper! – Print, copy, and scan for less. Plus, create KODAK lab-quality pictures that last a lifetime.

Click on the link on the right to take advantage of this great deal!

This is one of the images that I took for Pure Panache (see link on right). The puppy is one of the owner’s. He is so cute and so small and such a good sport! I think he is absolutely adorable and enjoyed playing with him during our sessions!

A little note about Pure Panache. This company offers high fashion clothes and accessories for very good prices. It is operated by two wonderful women whom I have really enjoyed working with. They do sales out of their homes and help women to put together great looking wardrobes. Their website just went live and is actually still a work in progress. Their inventory will change with the seasons.

Meet Imoto-chan (Japanese for Little Sister). She is almost one month old. We have the parents and have promised this one to Carlie. Carlie bought this collar and plans to take pictures of her each month to document her growth. Isn’t she SO cute?!?!?!

Erika and I spent a week in Utah looking at schools for cosmetology. We learned a lot! Saw a lot! Visited with family and friends! Had just a fun time together. No decisions have been made yet as to where she wants to go or live, but she’s leaning towards Provo and the Paul Mitchell school. I think it would be such a fun place for her to be and she will end up really having a great time there. But she has a lot of decisions to make and it will take some time still.

(You can click on the image to see it larger)

I just got back from a couple of days in the mountains. I took lots of pictures, relaxed, rejuvenated and totally enjoyed the peace and quiet. Check out my new “Scenics” page to see more images from this weekend!

This is my Dad’s favorite portrait of Lindsay. He is in a nursing home right now and wanted some pictures of the grandkids. I took this one and “painted” it before printing it out. It looks pretty good on canvas! What do you think?

(Click on the image to see it larger)