chocolate milk

love and French parenting

2012-02-11T07:37:00.000-08:00

B. Jane Hasson, my beautiful grandmother and one of my favorite people in the world, 1962.
I think my favorite thing about these is how much you can tell she loves the photographer, her husband, A. Gene Hasson.

I know there's tons of buzz about the book, but in case you missed it, here's an interesting and inspiring glimpse into French parenting.

2011, Best of

2012-01-19T17:18:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite images and memories from 2011.

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Greta, this is your jam.

2011-10-05T18:04:00.000-07:00

Image: Untitled. Chicago Skyway, August 2011.

The following sentences were said to me or in my presence recently.

I'm just going to get back on facebook after Easter and tell people I gave it up for Lent.

In my opinion, there's no alternative to fun dip.

Ah watch out Greta, this is your jam.

I've become somewhat of a rainbow chaser.

I wish Greta was in Iceland.

What's the invasion? Tall beetles?

So I took a family portrait of my turtles and Josh photoshopped lasers into the background.

I would move to Seattle just for the cherries.

I took his jacket down there and they just wanted to know where the eyes and teeth were.

If Norway isn't even safe, we need to get the f*** out of Baltimore.

I like your moving outfit with the tank top. You know how you always see guys moving stuff, wearing tanks tops.

Quotes by Manda Kowalczyk, Caitlin Badowski, Rebecca Johnson, Dave Mancini, and Zach Trout.

2011-06-13T14:16:00.000-07:00

Ahoy Iceland

2011-04-27T16:33:00.000-07:00

image by Giorgio Diwi

image by orvaratli

It's almost impossible for me to fathom that in three weeks, we'll be in Iceland. We'll fly into Reykjavik and spend a night there before we take off in a rental car into what seems to me like a wild and untamed world of glaciers, fishing boats, and maybe (if we're lucky) some time with the whales.

Burt's Bees does it again.

2011-04-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

I totally recommend.
I've always been a fan of Burt's Bees, but when I decided to examine the chemical content of my cosmetic supplies a few years ago, I found a new appreciation for their commitment to natural ingredients. The concept of "tinted balm" is a big win in my book.

Finally, an egg for my generation.

2011-04-24T18:14:00.000-07:00

We made these for Easter, but they'll be perfect at picnics and barbeques all summer long. Be advised, these aren't your grandmother's deviled eggs.

Ingreds:

6 eggs

1/4 C mayonnaise

1 tsp dijon mustard

1 1/2 tbs hot relish

a couple shakes hot sauce

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

cayenne pepper (for garnish)

Boil the eggs in water for 14 minutes. Peel off shells, cut in half and remove yolks. In a medium bowl, smash yolks with a fork, add mayonnaise, mustard, relish, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Mix it all up and put it back into the egg halves. Garnish with cayenne pepper.

The Sun

2011-04-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

Brooke introduced us to The Sun Magazine, which publishes incredibly rich words and photographs and describes itself as "invoke[ing] the splendor and heartache of being human."

She's in Richmond

2011-04-22T12:46:00.000-07:00

Images from our stay in Richmond with Brooke, Bob, and Adele, where we had authentic Chinese food at Mama Wok and a dog-themed birthday party at Maymont.

Goodnight Moon

2011-04-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Goodnight Moon is what I can do.
I'm gonna turn little Gustav into a survivalist.
The biggest thing people get excited about around here is outdoor seating.
Baby you should just send that to Wikileaks.
There is thunder in our hearts.
I just got word that Matt, the hazardous waste guy is here, so.
This just in from the job reports, Greta: still unemployed.
This just in from the homeland security reports, Greta: still not allowed around little children.
Allie hates Reykjavik.
Aiight. Have yall ever heard of ESPN?
Sorry Al. There just aint no where up ere for me to park.

Quotes by: Kim Trout Morris, Rick Morris, Zach Trout, and Bob Hasson.

She won't.

2011-01-11T16:05:00.000-08:00

Me and mom are working out right now just so you know.
You never know when one of your coworkers might lose the long and painful fight with brain surgery.
You've got those big boots, why don't you just fly home?
We have the Smithsonian Channel and it is real cool.
So coffee is like a nap in a cup.
Is this how girls put on make up?
I'm making my own gingerbread man latte over here.
I bet you wish we would find a house made of buffalo wings.
Rick as much as you like Under Armour I'd think you'd love mussels.
She was real pretty Al, but then your mama came along and she overshadowed everything.
I got my phone taken away the day I got it. I told my mama she was 'fraid to take it away. She won't. (As in, she wasn't.)

Quotes by my favorite gentlemen: Zach Trout, Bob Hasson, and Braxton Markham.

2010-11-12T07:16:00.001-08:00

Image: Montpelier Hunt Races. Montpelier, Virginia. November 2010

You are actually wearing a huge full body diving suit reminiscent of jacques cousteau.
Welcome to my world of hot sauces. They range from mild to wild.
Describe Kimberly today.
Imagine a stink bug wearing a human shirt.
I know I would like to listen to the Monster Mash six times at least.
Greta was being a little coquette.

Quotes by: David Helmer, Leah Prickett, Zach Trout, and the hot sauce guy.

rock climbing in capes

2010-07-22T08:25:00.000-07:00

I have to eat them one at a time to pretend I'm delicate.
Sometimes I like to go rock climbing in capes. It makes me feel like a super hero.
For example, imagine we are invited to something as banal as a superbowl party.
Uncle Bob told me when he retires I can cut him a mohawk. Aunt Cheryl wouldn't go for it.
Mammie I'm going to pants you.
I know a lot of cute people who are horrible at rave ball.
After supper, when the glow worms light the meadow.
Daddy wanted me to tell you that he is talking like an Indian right now.
Do you want to be in a Facebook relationship today?
Greta, what are you going to get your degree in? Veterinary medicine? Fashion? Culinary sciences? Yeah you can't get your degree in Facebook and if you could you'd already have it.

Quotes by Erin Hasson, Meg Weckstein, Shelby Thomas, Braxton Markham, Zach Trout, and Neal Hefti.

Typing delicious emails.

2010-05-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

image: the book. washington ave. may 2010.

And [on top of it all] I had to drink out of a coffee cup that had Goofy on it.
Well I just worry that hunters might be Republicans.
Zach, do you have four stop watches?
Why don't we just get dressed up and see what happens.
Hello, I'm ready to help you on your cinematic debut.
I just want someone to take care of me, someone to make me laugh when I'm sad and feed me when I'm hungry.
When I come, can we take pics and you make me one? I will pay you anything.
My handwriting is sloppy and I don't have creative wrapping papers.
So my only hope is to woo him with my kickball skills? Awesome.
Allie it's lunch time. But you are not allowed to look at or talk to anyone one your way up because we. are. not. waiting.
The lady next to us has Starbucks and it looks SO GOOD.
Well I see Zach sent you something in some kind of crazy different language that no one can read. What is that, Swaheally?
If that is in France, you are not going.
Allie, you weren't working on City, you were typing delicious emails!
Do you know that song Gin and Juice? Well I rewrote it for babies.
You are on your blackberry, aren't you? Gosh this convo is so over.

Quotes by: Leah Gardner, Maddison Bradley, Eric Philipkosky, Genevieve Morris, Brooke Plotnick, Erin Wommack, Zach Trout, and Bob Hasson.

That stick fortress I've been talking about.

2010-04-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

Image: caroline's dance. 4th street. 2010

I spent about 15 minutes talking about how it's not a story about aliens.
Well I guess I'm going to have to get serious about building that stick fortress I've been talking about.
If you guys ever started a business, you could call it A to Z whatever.
I don't know how to act at webinars.
Um yeah, I would have definitely chosen Athens.
He came up riding his motorcycle and my dad was not about to let her go but not because of the motorcycle. It was because he had on penny loafers but no socks. "My daughter is not about to leave this house with a boy without any socks." So I lent him a pair of mine and off they went on the motorcycle.
In the beginning, all of America was Virginia.
Is Kimberly among us?
There was like 85 bonnets up in there.
You certainly are a dangerous woman to be around sometimes.
Greta, I will miss you too.

Quotes by: Leah Gardner, Erin Wommack, Zach Trout, Mayor David Bowers, Kim Trout, Cheryl Hasson, Shelby Thomas, David Helmer.

Maybe then I can win.

2010-04-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Image: Our eyes could barely stay open. Smith Mountain Lake. 2010.

We will have a little blanket in the back for Greta. We want her to be comfortable. Do you think she might want a pillow?
God I love doing stuff Obama does.
My dachshund loves getting drunk off red wine.
Were we making some beats?
I'm thinking of you now because I'm pretty sure several students in my class don't shower either.
Let's just say I used to chew a lot of tough things when I was younger.
Oh heck, I am going to go out this year and buy a cake and throw it on someone! Maybe then I can win.
You look like a character from an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel.
I suppose you could say it was like feeling a snowflake on her cheek and saying, "Yes, there is a glacier somewhere."
Do you feel like you are on ChinaTV?
Excuse me waiter, this beer is green.
Birds do not actually die.

Quotes by: Evie Sweet-Hurd, George, Kim Trout, Zach Trout, Bob Hasson, Zach's other friend from D.C., Joanna.

Your rosy cheeks.

2010-03-03T10:28:00.000-08:00

image: post-run pancakes. windsor, nc. 2010

Your order has been dispatched.

I really like your rosy cheeks.

Oh nothing really man we are just hanging out at Meg's eating chicken nugs.

We might be vanilla but our lives are chocolate.

Braxton said to tell you that he has a remote control car that is going very very fast in the kitchen.

This could be your yoga room. I really like having themed rooms.

I drive way to fast to worry about cholesterol.

Well I don't know what it is, but I talked to this old gentleman who used to be a whaler in the Atlantic Sea, and he was saying that the fishing would be excellent this summer. I think it has something to do with all the snow we've been getting.

Ask permission to have a baby.

What if you get out of the car and you are like a monster because you haven't eaten in so long?

I told them sprinkles but they didn't listen.

Do you have a favorite? Is it text messaging?

Quotes by: Bob Hasson, Joe Trzemzalski, Zach Trout, Leah Gardner, One of Zach's students, Design Museum of London staff, Janine Hasson, Eric Philipkosky, Layne Brumback, Grace Helmer, and this sweet photo.

Valentine Production

2010-02-10T08:10:00.000-08:00

Image: Valentine Production. Washington Ave. 2010.

Mama if I EVER get a skateboard it needs to have a skull on it.
Why is that gorilla vacuuming outside?
It happened like 15 minutes ago and I'm still laughing out loud about it and I think I am getting on their nerves.
We live in vacation.
Oh you don't like cinnamon gum? Do you not like puppies either? Are they going to be a problem too?
It's called The Squealing Hen. It's got a DVD with it.
It's like pasta cereal.
Is it even sticking to it?
Well Allie if its not one thing its another. Like those things with the seeds that you like called popegramates or whatever.
I just learned to g chat.
Welcome aboard.

A keeper?

Quotes by: David Helmer, Grace Helmer, Morgan Stanfill, Meg Weckstein, Zach Trout, Bob Hasson, Brooke Plotnick, Zane Tyler, Grace Tyler, Erin Hasson.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

You might not want to let that go.

2010-01-29T10:37:00.000-08:00

Just hold on a second, Allie. Are you wearing scrunch socks?
Hey I was calling to see when we should come over. I made some guacomole that I'm going to bring. Its going to be epic.
You might not want to let that go.
Why are they snuggling with their shoes?
Does she have more than one Indian girl outfit?
When he picked up that golf club his demeanor completely changed.
I should have brought my lap desk.
My favorite thing about your crown is that when you laugh, the jewel shakes.

Quotes by: Bob Hasson, Meg Weckstein, Lauren Williams, Kim Parker, Leah Gardner, Joe Trzemzalski, and Joanna.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

It is pronounced twenty-ten.

2010-01-07T19:10:00.001-08:00

image: clean sheets. roanoke, va. 2009.

conversational extracts:

Is that you in that hot pink dress?

You guys are two peas in a pod.

I shaved my legs two days ago. Do not tell my mom.

Any idiot would know the tree needs to go in the center of the lounge.

A perfect moment of goodbye and hello.

This time of year is notoriously conducive to sentimentality.

I found a piece of confetti in her hair this morning and knew instantly this year was off to a good start.

Time will tell.

It is pronounced twenty-ten.

Me and her had a conversation about sports once.

quotes by: Shelby, Jen, Robert, Joe, Morgan, Erin, and Anonymous.

another version

2009-12-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

image: you may have seen another version of this. 2009.

conversational extracts: I'm going out with a Quaker rapper who tours by riding his bicycle from city to city. Well guys, I just had an early report that Santa was spotted over Greece. and as you know, I'm saran wrappily challenged. when I think about it I just imagine you guys coming here and hanging out, eating supper, relaxing. someone who just wants to take care of you. checks your oil for you and tells you when your car sounds a little funny. "Let me look under the hood for you, " you know?

quotes by: Shelby Thomas, Kim Parker, Bob Hasson.

Evenings Come Earlier

2009-12-18T10:27:00.001-08:00

Image: Rural Retreat.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

I don't want them to be anxious about the future.

2009-12-09T19:35:00.001-08:00

image: tiny fists. roanoke, va.

"My grandma used to plant tomato seedlings in tin cans from tomato sauce & puree & crushed tomatoes she got from the Italian restaurant by her house, but she always soaked the labels off first. I don't want them to be anxious about the future, she said. It's not healthy."

Brian Andreas

okay

2009-12-09T12:07:00.000-08:00

i'm impressed.

The test of a first-rate intelligence

2009-11-29T19:16:00.001-08:00

November 29

“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise.”

F. Scott Fitzgerald

I can't keep up with you, partner.

2009-11-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

November 28 - Birthday Time

I will not be rushed on my birthday. Can you please hurry up? Look at him goin'. I can't keep up with you partner, you're too fast. Are you going to play the electric guitar when you get bigger? She is the tree monitor. (The Santa head ornament is) one of my favorites. Ewww what's this sticky stuff all over my hands?? It's sap from the freaking Christmas tree. It's not Christmas without bubble lights, huh Ben? Once Allison finishes her cake we will go outside and look. I can sing a darn sight better than that other guy. Mom's turning the jams up, getting into that holiday spirit. Goodbye, spider friend.

In honor of his birthday, all of today's conversational snippets are courtesy Robert Paul Hasson, who I feel lucky to call my dad.

Comfortable Synonym

2009-11-27T18:59:00.001-08:00

November 27

We got our b&j's double chocolate fudge. Have I mentioned how much flowers make me happy? And he just walked in the door like he had walked in there a thousand times. Faded orange. Our jeans are the same. She just hangs out with her dad a lot while he's working on the Jeep. Every time I see these ads I want to punch my pillow. A soul saving love or just the dirt above and below me. Comfortable synonym. I'm feeling pretty good about myself, actually. Hi, don't touch me. This is ridiculous. Don't take my picture. I'm feeling pretty good about myself actually. You're embarrassing me. Blue jeans and fleeces. Wind chimes and portable Swedish fireplaces. Still a lot of dancing. And you give yourself away. Would you rather have grape?

Quotes by: Meg Weckstein, Shelby Thomas, Maddison Bradey, Chris Thile, Stephanie Thomas, U2, Mike Thomas.

I think of your Mama when I sing it.

2009-11-27T14:09:00.001-08:00

"A happy family is but an earlier heaven." - George Bernard Shaw
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-26T20:41:00.000-08:00

November 26

Sleeping in. Helping out. Good morning Judge. Walking a lot. Dancing a lot. Grape crush. Making plans. Passenger seats. New linens. Birthday surprises for Daddy. Baking adventures. Fuschia heels and silver flats. Pony tails and polo shirts. Hugging tight. Holding hands tradition. All creatures here below. Mm what you say. Mammie has a boomerang in her back seat.

Extracted Phrases: Pookie. There will be no xbox tonight. It hurt her. You don't realize your strength. I feel cool air. How did your hair get so dark, girl? Mighty near black. Jet crow black. Yours used to be like that. Partner, that's what we called him. Something about you has changed.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Erin Elizabeth

2009-10-14T05:15:00.000-07:00

"I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It is probably the most important thing in a person."
Audrey Hepburn
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Now it's time to be very afraid.

2009-09-09T19:17:00.001-07:00

image: rain boots. washington ave. september 2009.

My grandfather used to come home from work and he'd stomp twice on the porch with his big boots and he'd say, it's time to be afraid and we'd start screaming and my sister hid behind the piano and I'd hide in the closet that smelled like moth balls and it would get very quiet and then we he would say, it's time to be very afraid and then we'd start laughing and he'd drag us out, one under each arm, and give us toffee and chocolates and to this day whenever someone says it's time to be afraid, I scream for a little while like everybody else, but I'm really just waiting for the treats.

-Brian Andreas, StoryPeople

hello thursday

2009-08-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

Here's how I decided to display this summer's Polaroids. Its just two thumb tacks some light pink ribbon and little silver binder clips.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Vestige

2009-07-24T14:15:00.001-07:00

"Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety. Other women cloy the appetites they feed, but she makes hungry where she most satisfies." --William Shakespeare
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

No really, I get it.

2009-07-16T12:21:00.001-07:00

image: the spyglass. highland ave. july 2009

"I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
-- Robert McCloskey

My blood is boiling and no I would not like a brownie or a sandwich.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Terrapin Point

2009-07-14T20:34:00.000-07:00

image: zane tyler. leesville lake, va. july 2009

A special thanks to two beautiful women and photographers who renewed my blogging spirit this weekend. I'm so glad I got to see all of you. I promise I'm getting on a plane soon.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

take it from the top?

2009-06-16T20:43:00.000-07:00

image: laundry+letters, washington ave. june 2009.

"You're the strangest person I've ever met, she said and I said you too and we decided we'd know each other for a long time." --Brian Andreas www.storypeople.com

courage

2009-05-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

image: forward. boones mill, va.

Courage doesn't always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying "I will try again tomorrow".
-Mary Ann Radmacher

it rolls in from the sea

2009-04-28T18:07:00.000-07:00

image: sx-70. pop's brownie. washington ave.

i'll be your harvester of light

and send it out tonight

so we can start again

red cabbage and turmeric

2009-04-14T20:43:00.000-07:00

image: a new kind of nest. altavista, va.

I kept thinking this whole weekend that I hadn't realized before now how fun Easter could really be. This time around we dyed these eggs the natural way. And also played Wii a lot. Tennis was my favorite. That and when Mame bowled with us. My shoulder was pretty sore afterward but I laughed so hard the whole time, it was worth it. I played my dad's guitar and sang my heart out until my fingers were purple and felt permanently molded/dented by the strings. Nathanael stopped by and offered me $1000 for Greta. A new dress arrived in the mail today, beautifully tied with a white bow. That was probably my favorite part of today. And also being in the bike fashion show at the library.

"it smells good in here"

2009-04-11T09:52:00.001-07:00

image: saturday breakfast. washington ave.

“Evolved individuals know that people who are not intuitive can be dangerous to work with, since they are guided solely by the current appearance of things that are in reality, changing. Evolved individuals seek out others who have intuition and vision - a form of intelligence that comes from cultivating the instincts, observing the direction of change, apprehending the evolution of ideas.”
— Lao Tzu

{via swiss miss}

dance moves

2009-04-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

i can only hope i'll have a son who can dance this well.

light fades stars appear

2009-04-09T20:06:00.000-07:00

image: painted barn. fincastle, va.

i'm all jumbly:
tea with honey jazz shampoo fresh new pride need careful slowly soft clean russled woods walk tulips instant mailbox full speed break ticket dance black sweet juxtaposition feel tension wake roll stretch extend transform unfurl break loose listen wait breathe pop break lavender texture warm run fleeting snap crank bundle untie unroll twine bail take rest give sweep

good morning thursday

2009-04-09T05:10:00.000-07:00

image: limes. washington ave.

i like pretending it's summer. before it really is.

good news

2009-04-08T21:05:00.001-07:00

image: self-portrait. washington ave.

i'm back.

new loves

2008-11-24T08:52:00.000-08:00

my polaroid and my smith-corona corsair deluxe.

aimee + brian = true love

2008-10-27T15:45:00.000-07:00

About midsummer, Aimee emailed me into photographing her and Brian's wedding.

I wasn't so sure.

After the big day, I couldn't be more thankful she did. Everything and everyone there was so beautiful, it would have been impossible for me to not do a good job. Here are a few of my favorite things about the day.

01) Aimee's sense of style. Aimee is an interior designer and she's got this whole super chic "sings like an angel" from the 1940's with my musician husband fabulously in love and so not stressed out about this wedding kind of thing going. So basically a photographer's dream.

02) The glow. This wedding happened on a gorgeous day in mid October in Richmond, VA when it was about 72 degrees out and the sun made everything glow, including every one's skin. Also a photographer's dream.

03) The flowers. Aimee, her mom Joann, her sister Alison, and her Aunt Nancy labored over gossamer hand crafted flowers for the ceremony. They were everywhere, and they were the perfect unique addition to her wedding.

Thank you Aimee + Brian. You guys are awesome.

See the rest of the images here.

my grandfather's argus

2008-09-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

I was never lucky enough to meet my dad's dad, Gene Hasson, but somehow I did get lucky enough to receive his legacy - the argus.

My grandad (or "Pup" as we lovingly call him) was a photographer in his own right, and I know that the reason I started shooting was because I wanted just to feel like I was connected to him. I wondered if perhaps his love for capturing light might have gotten passed on to me, just like the shape of his nose did.

My dad tells me how he remembers learning to shoot on this camera, and the way its ripened leather case felt in his hands. When he talks about it, I can see the love and respect for the medium that his dad instilled in him, and I understand why it's so important that I do what I do.

Did someone in your life help cultivate a love for something specific in you? I'd love to hear about it.

notes from a sleepy saturday

2008-09-15T19:06:00.000-07:00

image: sampson and ethel's quilt. a triptych. september 2008.

The only thing that separates me from the animals is a lot of words, so when I’m not talking much, the gap closes really quick. - Gap by Brian Andreas

Happy about:

tennis lessons

a new lens

my dad cutting mayonaisse from his diet

erin's job prospect

my "birds and nests" rubber stamps

the socks i'm finally making progress on

http://vi.sualize.us/ a new visual bookmarking haven for inspiration in the form of images.

this charming new blog i found today

and this lovely post that you should see.

a happy monday evening to you all. :)

late summer laundry

2008-09-12T08:56:00.000-07:00

image: folded. september 2008.

This morning as I was stumbling out of of my still-a-little-bit-asleep stupor, I felt the newness of the cold black and white tile on the bottoms of my feet as I walked into the morning lit kitchen, and I became aware once again, how happy I am to be embarking on a new autumn in this old house in Virginia. Thank God.

a special swap

2008-09-04T10:10:00.001-07:00

image: orange heels in the window, taken august 2008.

When we were in college, I somehow got lucky enough to convince Shelby she should trade me these heels for a plastic tote bag. How did that happen? I'm not really sure.

I don't wear them that much, but I'm still totally in love with them and their little bows. I wonder if they are terribly out of style by now? I could be blinded by my love for them.

Sweetest wedding programs EVER via Brooklyn Bride. Check them out. You have to click on the image to really see them. They are the first image.

Also Dear Shelby,

01. I love you.

02. You need to start a blog because everyone will want to read it.

03. We can trade back if you really want to (please don't make me).

Love,

Allie

Why are polaroids so perfect?

2008-09-01T08:21:00.000-07:00

image: purple weed at the campground. troutdale, va. taken may 2008.

image: peony bud with little lady. on the markham farm in bedford, va. taken may 2008.

I love love love the polaroid images that I see floating around the blogosphere/flickrland. I haven't been brave enough to spend the money to buy my own instant image creator, especially since they are putting a stop to polaroid film manufacturing and people are hoarding it more and more by the second. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to afford the polaroid hobby in about 5 minutes. I did, however, find this polaroid generator that takes my photos and makes them a little more polaroidific.

2008-08-22T06:25:00.000-07:00

image: fiddler's convention, 2008. galax, virginia.

You have to click on this image to really get a feel for it. Blogger doesn't display panoramics as awesomely as I would like.

2008-08-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

image taken by jessica woods and edited by allie hasson. grayson county state park, cabin creek. fiddler's convention, august 2008.

and an interesting article on olympic bodies from the new york times.

celebratory eggs

2008-07-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

image: "celebratory eggs" taken may 2008.

sidewalk lemonade stands

2008-07-15T10:02:00.000-07:00

image: new vintage version of greta with my kayak. edited july 2008.

An article about kids selling lemonade on the streets. Some of them spell "lemonade" wrong on their signs to increase business! (i would have fallen for that)

2008-07-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

image from inside the museum for a public service announcement. taken july 2008

iced coffee a la new york times.

we've been struggling to find the perfect glass in the perfect atmosphere. hasn't happened yet. perhaps it might happen at home. this looks super easy and probably would make the kitchen smell realllly good.

hope to post photos de paradise (oak island) soon.

have an excellent monday!

poppyseeds!

2008-06-17T10:12:00.001-07:00

daddy
Originally uploaded by Allie Hasson

our dad
a loose explanation.

a night owl
makes grilled cheeses in the microwave
masterful at fixing all things
patient (unless he's teaching me to drive a stick)
a best friend
l.l. bean shirts with patches on the elbows
worn out mocassins
expert storyteller
folk singer
dog lover
enthusiastic
athlete
jokester
opens car doors for us
works out on the stair stepper
tells us look both ways (three times)
taught us how to catch lightning bugs
still pays to get our oil changed
showed me the difference in poplar and maple
hates stickiness
loves kids and babies
talk radio
his police scanner
cuts some rug!
really loves our mom
yard sales
hates breaking his routine
digital watches
fishing
teaching
leaves his coffee spoon on the edge of the sink
photographs on the wall
jimi hendrix
amateur radio
mischief with john john
trucks
cracked pepper
V8
wrangler jeans
the hunting channel
pepper spray and stun guns
mexican dip
an eternal optimist
hamburgers with "special sauce"
emails me every day
meatloaf
"anything goes at the beach"

we love you so much! happy fathers day, popsi!

2 days until the beach. i cannot wait to see you all.

inspiration central @ martawrites.blogspot.com

2008-06-13T19:07:00.000-07:00

image: lindsay with bubbles, early summer 2008

eight days until we leave for the beach.
i read a story today about a tiny piglet who was afraid of mud. so it's owners gave it some tiny wellingtons to make it easier.

tomorrow i'll be on my way back to altavista with sampson by my side for father's day.

sorry nothing else to interesting is happening at the moment. but i wanted to touch base here. hopefully i'll have more photos from this weekend.

greta von schnouza

2008-06-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

greta's first summer, may 2008.

"The elegance is something that must be whispered, not shouted." - Unknown

Things I'm thinking about right now:

Tag line community contest for the museum.
What I'm going to wear at the beach.
If I should buy a new computer.
A conceptual ad campaign for the museum.
Iced Mochas.
Painting the kitchen blue.
Father's Day gifts.
How Ben loves to sit down in the yard.
Tree seats.

What are you thinking about?

i love you, june.

2008-06-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

Baby Lily at 9 weeks.

Ethan's 9th birthday, at Aunt Janine's yellow house in Bedford. 18 days until Oak Island.

Good things about today:

I finally got my laptop to work again.

I thought about my talk with Mammie last night a lot.

I ate chocolate chips waffles for breakfast.

I didn't work out.

I found my turqouise ring.

I talked to Erin about how she needs to move here.

Greta is so cute.

I found this sweet photographic show and now I need to go to dc to see it.

I love my house.

as promised

2008-06-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

I had written that I would post a photograph of Betty, so here you are! Lindsay's uncle rescued her from a violent situation, so she was a little skiddish around the wild and crazy Sampson + Greta, but once she found that they were nice, she had the best time with them. I loved seeing them together.

I'll also post a few other shots from the weekend. It's so beautiful there.

last year at the beach

2008-05-29T10:25:00.001-07:00

I'm so pumped that I was ahead of the game on this one. New York Times says "Swim Suits Offer More Coverage" and vintage suits are back! This mine from last year (when Sampson was just a babe). You can sort of tell it's old school style. Right? I love it.

a mondayish tuesday

2008-05-27T07:13:00.001-07:00

this is simple, and i love it.
http://underneathmytree.blogspot.com/

this weekend was multi-faceted and amazing. we tried out the new kayaks for the first time on the river, and i want to go back now.
this tuesday feels like a monday, and i'm so thankful it's not.
only a few short weeks until BEACH 5. we are printing in the darkroom tomorrow night, and i'm so excited to get back in there. i want to start shooting holga next. i want to bring them to you!
will post shots from this weekend later. i also met a new dog this weekend. her name was betty and she had very pretty blue eyes. you'll see her soon.

xo.

sam and i

2008-04-10T11:30:00.001-07:00

sam and i
Originally uploaded by alliehasson

This is one of the first photos I've taken in the new house. I love it so far. We are starting to paint this weekend and I know that will only make me love it even more.

2008-04-05T19:28:00.000-07:00

lately i've been inspired to make some changes in my life as we enter this new and refreshing season. here's my list so far.

i'll take more walks early in the morning

i'll write more

i'll stretch more

i'll waste less of everything

i'll be more in tune with my surroundings

i will love more.

it's going to be so great. :)

also, you have GOT to check this out if you're a dog lover. http://www.fetchingtags.net/

above image taken at mammie's house, march 2008.

Salem Avenue

2008-03-28T10:27:00.001-07:00

Salem Avenue
Originally uploaded by alliehasson

This photo was taken as I was walking across the pedestrian bridge in downtown Roanoke. I was working on the TravelHost story and this was something I shot for myself along the way. The clouds were amazing yesterday. Basically everything about yesterday was amazing. It is the beginning of spring and I also got to eat my first breakfast outside on the porch of our new house. Amazing in sharp contrast to the day before when Greta ingested rat poison. She's better now, thank goodness.

moving!

2008-03-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we moved.

And I cannot wait to show you the new house and it's process of becoming ours once I get a new computer!!!

Until then, I'll show you what's going on at work. We've recently opened O. Winston Link's darkroom, and it is so interesting. If you are anywhere near Roanoke and have an interest in photography, you must stop in to see it. I'll post my photo of it here.

I'm also doing an article for TravelHost magazine (photos + story) so I have a photo of the museum that I just took an hour or so ago that I'll post as well.

I've been totally slack about posting, and I felt bad about it, but then I remembered I do this for fun. Not because it's my job. So, I bet I'll be posting more because now I'm remembering how fun it is.

at the Center

2008-02-21T06:11:00.000-08:00

When I first moved to Roanoke, I worked at a nonprofit community center that supports an afterschool program for underprivledged kids in the city as well as emergency services for working families that need help. This month they are one of CITY magazine's nonprofit spotlights, and I'm really thankful to have been able to shoot the pictures for the article.

these are some of the girls that were in my group when i worked here. they are so fun. they were also so excited about being "models" which made it even better. i hope they choose this shot for the article.

cya CITY

2008-02-20T07:53:00.001-08:00

today is my very last Wednesday with CITY magazine. and although I will be a little sad to leave, I'm happy to be doing it on good terms (which seems to be rare around here). I haven't told snap! yet, but I was offered the marketing coordinator job at the O. Winston Link (historical photography) Museum here in town, and I'm not sure I could have been more excited. I start Monday, so wish me luck!

I received my copy of Photographer's Market '08 and if you are anywhere close to where I am, just starting out in the photography business, you need to buy it. it was something aroun $15 on amazon and it will be a valuable reference for sure. it makes the business end a lot more understandable and not so intimidating. which is nice.

also found google reader today, if you haven't seen that yet, check it out. it will help you keep up with all the different places you want to keep up with on the web. which is also nice.

I'm shooting this afternoon for a fundraiser in the area benefiting underpriveldged kids in SE Roanoke, so hopefully I'll have something for you to see. But for now, here's something for you to read.

"There is always something to do. There are hungry people to feed, naked people to clothe, sick people to comfort and make well. And while I don't expect you to save the world, I do think it's not asking too much for you to love those with whom you sleep, share the happiness of those whom you call a friend, engage those among you who are visionary, and remove those who offer you depression, despair, and disrespect." -Nikki Giovanni

she loves giving kisses.

2008-02-08T11:11:00.001-08:00

she loves giving kisses.
Originally uploaded by alliehasson

and greta should be on here too because i love this photo of her. today i ordered the "war of art" to help me win my inner creatives battles..

we'll see. i'm hopeful. and fighting resistance always.

you would love him.

2008-02-08T10:51:00.001-08:00

you would love him.
Originally uploaded by alliehasson

one of my favorites of sampson taken so far. this day it snowed 6 inches, which is a lot for the roanoke valley of virginia, so i was thrilled. thrilled enough to take the day of from work at CITY magazine. thrilling!

i'm going to try to be a better flickr'r frm now on because i love it, and i want to do more things that i love more often.
so stay tuned.

Keeping Your Word

2008-01-17T14:00:00.000-08:00

"Everything in life is a battlefield. Fight with anger and you are the problem. Fight with joy and you are the solution." --Santana (I think)
I was reading today about relationships and keeping your word. It was talking about how important it is in relationships in life to follow through with what you say because everytime you don't, you chip away at the foundation of what you share with that other person. It also struck a chord with me because it talked about the importance of being able to count on people and that's true. If you can't count on the people that you love then what do you really have?

introducing Ben

2008-01-02T17:54:00.000-08:00

for christmas i struggled endlessly over whether to get my mom a dog or not. "it's such a huge commitment," i thought. and "are you sure?" i heard from people i had talked to about it. i was met with more doubtful reactions than i would like to think about now. i definitely was not sure, and doubtful myself, but something just told me to check the times once more before erin and i ventured out on a last minute shopping trip on the 22nd.

and i'm so glad i did. because that fateful ad led me to our beautiful sweet ben. both my parents are thrilled and i am so happy to be able to have been a part of bringing him into their life. i received an email from my mom today that erased any doubt i ever may have had. she wrote, 'you changed my life, thank you". i almost cried. i'm so thankful for the christmas we had together, i can't remember one that i enjoyed more (and i have had some good ones).

so here is one of ben's first photographs. i think he'll become pretty used to being a model because i'm starting him out so young. best.

twinkle

2007-12-12T10:19:00.000-08:00

i love christmas time so much. publisher of the magazine insists that we listen to christmas music all day every day, and everyone talks about how awful it is and how they are going to stealthily plot to turn off the christmas music. i go along with it so they won't think i'm crazy, but i really love it.

"The Divine has no body on Earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which the Divine compassion is to look out to the world; yours are the feet with which the Divine is to go about doing good; yours are the hands with which the Divine is to bless men now."
St. Theresa of Avila

This seemed of interest on a day that I might choose to forget the divinity that lives within me. Good thing I didn't. I hope I'll see you a little later.

In addition. I don't know if anyone else is as excited as I am about the fact that flickr added some editing options, but I'm pretty excited. I always thought the watermarks on people's photos were a little lame (some of them) until I tried it. Okay so maybe I was just jealous. I really think the font could be better but I haven't bitten the bullet and paid the extra for the good fonts. but anyway, just so there's a record of my first shot at editting on flickr, since i haven't seen editing software since I lost photoshop CS2 when my hard drive crashed. sweet.

sampson's best shot

2007-12-10T17:36:00.000-08:00

i shot around some with sampson and greta in the backyard today. there were clouds that filtered the light really well. sampson proved to be a much more willing model this time. it always varies though. the fur on his face is so soft it feels like velvet. i hope it will always stay that way. they are both sleeping at my feet right now. i love it.

the reactive mind

2007-12-02T15:00:00.000-08:00

"the fact is, there is a single source of all your problems, stress, unhappiness, and self-doubt. it's called the reactive mind - the hidden part of your mind that stores all painful experiences, and uses them against you."

i wrote down this quote last week some time because it made me think of a couple people in particular at the time. but i'm posting it here today because today, and probably every other day, but definitely today, it would have been ideal for me to have remembered this a bit earlier than 6 o'clock this evening. i hope i'll keep it further up in my mind in the future.

i took a lot of pictures last night, but nothing spectacular or even noteworthy revealed itself. awesome weekend! last night though, we met up with melissa and maddison, which redeemed the weekend's value altogether. i miss them in my life, and last night definitely reminded me of that.

i hope i'll have more time for you later.

my first blog EVER

2007-11-29T15:14:00.000-08:00

today at work, my editor said something like, "i'm computer literate of course, but i'm not all young and hip. i mean, it's not like i blog" ...

i'm 22 and i've never blogged so i felt like this was something that needed to happen.

i love journaling. but this is scarier since you could be reading this and i have no idea who you might be. so, we'll see how long this lasts. i don't even know what i'm supposed to be writing about or who i'm writing for. i know nothing about blogging etiquette.

i'm going to post and see what this looks like.