A word on birthdays...

Last Sunday I celebrated my 26th birthday.  I don't feel that old, but I guess that's the way it goes.  Anyhow, this year for my birthday, I celebrated for an entire three-day weekend by spending time with a good friend on Saturday, seeing a movie with the boyfriend on Sunday and going to the zoo in Atlanta on Monday.  It's been a refreshing change of pace from previous birthdays and I must say that if you're looking for something to do this weekend, the new Will Ferrell movie, The Other Guys, is time well spent.  And there's really nothing like the zoo, if you're into that sort of thing.  Here's a trailer for the movie.  Check it out below. 

This year I also took matters in to my own hands in regards to a birthday cake.  I got out my recipes and found Grandmother Luton's recipe for strawberry cake and I just knew I had to make it.  There's really nothing quite like a homemade strawberry cake to celebrate your birthday in style.  To top it off, the recipe made so much cake that I've had the pleasure of sharing it with everyone at work. Here's my beautiful cake and you can find a similar recipe here.

Here's my delicious, homemade strawberry birthday cake!

Well, that's all for now.   It's been all of six days of being age 26 and I'm feeling pretty optimistic that this will be a good year. Please stay tuned for upcoming posts.

Entering the world of photography

This summer I had an opportunity to take my first real photography class.  Thanks to the lovely and talented Danielle Fields, I picked up a few things and learned quite a bit about the basics of photography--aperture, shutter speed and ISO--followed by a few weeks of practice and critique from the master of the art.  Since then, I've been working on my photography as a work-related skill at any opportunity that presents itself. I took a few great photos at the local market last month when a giant truckload of peaches were delivered for purchase, despite the rainy weather.

Baskets of delicious peaches at the local market.

More baskets of peaches with a rain puddle in the background.

Here's my honey after quick dip at the lake this summer.

Next month, my photo will be featured as the cover photo for Milledgeville Scene Magazine and I took photos for a fellow reporter's article on Memory Hill Cemetary, as well as my own article on Georgia's Old Capital Museum.

The sun hit this iron fencing just perfectly one August evening at Memory Hill Cemetery.

In the midst of a regular workday a few weeks ago, I was approached by a woman, whom I'd never met before, while I was at a local radio station.  The woman randomly asked me if I'd be interested in taking photos at her small wedding the very next day in front of the old county courthouse.  Since it was just her, the groom, the judge and a witness, I agreed to photography the event in exchange for being able to use these images on my website, blog and portfolio.  I was quite impressed with the results, even though I had to get some help from a friend in touching the photos up, but I think all in all, despite the 5:00 shadow, the photos turned out well.

Take a look and give me your feedback.

What a beautiful bride.

A ring on the bride's finger.

A ring for the groom.

It's almost time...

to kiss the bride!

I just love the antique touch-up on these shots.

This may well be my favorite shot of the whole bunch.

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Avery

Congratulations Dan and Katherine!

In the beginning...

I can think of three things that I loved when I was little kid that I still love today--arts and crafts, baking and music.  Throughout the years, my tastes have changed, but those three things, have remained.  I graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism, Magazines to be specific, and another degree in Political Science.  You can add politics and journalism--writing, design and photography alike--to my list of interests. 

By day, I am a reporter for a small, daily newspaper in Middle Georgia, but in my free time I enjoy baking, cooking, photography, arts and crafts including sewing, quilting, scrapbooking and jewelry making, music of all types, photography, technology, popular culture and politics.  This is the place where all those things come together and I get to express myself as a true individual.  As a reporter, it's important to be able to express yourself outside of the workplace, as you have to remain as objective as possible in the news setting.  Sometimes not being able to give your opinion can drive you up the wall.  My hobbies are my escape. 

Enter into the world of Journalista Artista.  You can call me Jessica for short.  Enjoy!