tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24714752978735047582024-03-12T19:22:07.155-04:00Dita's DarlingsDitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.comBlogger317125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-20531064314674291602014-03-20T21:01:00.000-04:002014-03-25T10:51:17.992-04:00Beautiful Mind<div style="text-align: center;">
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She and her father stood on the curb this afternoon waiting to cross Main Street for opening day ice cream at Rita's. Traffic whizzed by...and she became impatient staring at the line at Rita's but unable to get there. Just then several ducks from the waterway behind began to cross the street. The cars immediately began to stop. She looked at her father and asked "why do the cars stop for the animals and not the humans?" What an incredible gift we have been given of being in a front row seat watching this little girl's mind develop.</div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/13405326314/" title="2S0A8979_WEBWMBlogBoard by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="2S0A8979_WEBWMBlogBoard" height="704" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/13405326314_341672bfb8_o.jpg" width="940" /></a>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-50844371024848878742013-11-08T08:00:00.002-05:002013-11-08T08:02:27.128-05:00SoccerAnd so, the Freshman Season finally comes to a close....<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/10741238066/" title="Freshman Soccer Collage WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Freshman Soccer Collage WM" height="1714" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/10741238066_d99b14ae81_o.jpg" width="940" /></a></div>
Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-84233842151096874722013-05-08T09:44:00.003-04:002013-05-08T09:48:39.528-04:00I Heart Faces Photo Challenge | PLAY<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Men do not quit playing because they grow old;</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">they grow old because they quit playing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">-Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/8717389307/" title="2S0A9934 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="2S0A9934" height="631" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7340/8717389307_d7311290c8_o.jpg" width="940" /></a></div>
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The theme for this beautiful month of May at <a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/2013/05/play-themed-photo-challenge/">I Heart Faces</a> is PLAY</div>
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C'mon over and join the fun!</div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #111111; font-family: Consolas, 'Andale Mono', Monaco, Courier, 'Courier New', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 10px;"><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img alt="Photo Challenge Submission" src="http://www.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/I-Heart-Faces-button.jpg" title="I Heart Faces Photo Challenge Submission" /></a></span></div>
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Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-46822358408537744142013-04-05T18:32:00.002-04:002013-04-05T18:37:14.709-04:00The Darlings on Easter Morning<br />
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No matter how old my Darlings get </div>
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they love the colors, tastes and the certain sweet treats </div>
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that accompany their breakfast on Easter Morning.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/8623375494/" title="storyboard001 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="storyboard001" height="350" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8244/8623375494_f909f46b92_o.jpg" width="940" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/8622272161/" title="storyboard002 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="storyboard002" height="156" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8249/8622272161_4948749957_o.jpg" width="940" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/8623375468/" title="storyboard003 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="storyboard003" height="267" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8623375468_c2db280ce7_o.jpg" width="940" /></a></div>
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Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-51836114453074654842013-01-08T14:38:00.001-05:002013-01-08T14:43:36.918-05:00I Heart Faces Photo Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>Best Face of 2012</u></i></div>
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I don't normally enter photo challenges because, well, I'm not good with rules and deadlines... </div>
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<i><b>and</b></i> I'm a Procrastinator with a capital "P" </div>
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I tend to sit on the sidelines and enjoy all the other participants' entries.</div>
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<i>But this was one challenge I couldn't resist.</i></div>
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Though its nearly impossible for me to choose <i><u>which</u></i> photo is my favorite of 2012</div>
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one thing is certain...</div>
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<b>To me, THIS is the Best Face of 2012 </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(and 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014....)</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/8361282871/" title="IMG_2685WM FB by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_2685WM FB" height="960" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8367/8361282871_876d3c130c_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This photo was submitted as an entry in the Best Faces2012 Challenge at I Heart Faces.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Click on the image below to head on over to their site and be AMAZED at the beauty of all the "Faces" showcased there!</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #111111; font-family: Consolas, 'Andale Mono', Monaco, Courier, 'Courier New', Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; line-height: 10px;"><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><img alt="Photo Challenge Submission" src="http://www.iheartfaces.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/I-Heart-Faces-button.jpg" title="I Heart Faces Photo Challenge Submission" /></a></span></div>
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Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-83247283952183155022012-09-27T14:12:00.000-04:002012-11-06T00:36:27.827-05:00Happy 5th Birthday, Sweetheart!<div style="clear: both;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Words cannot express the joy you bring to my life.</span></div>
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<i><u>You are my love, my daughter...my whole world.</u></i></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Happy 5th Birthday, Baby!</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/8051122334/" title="_L0A2348 Small WM Slightly Darker by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="_L0A2348 Small WM Slightly Darker" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/8051122334_b7f6f4cd55_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<i><b>You take my BREATH away!</b></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/8051115783/" title="_L0A2325 Small WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="_L0A2325 Small WM" height="549" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8321/8051115783_a70c6bd51f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<i><b>(and I am so grateful for you every.single.day!)</b></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/8051122182/" title="_L0A2368 Small WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="_L0A2368 Small WM" height="533" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8176/8051122182_2f7da877fc_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-7920926398844152192012-08-13T01:35:00.000-04:002012-11-06T00:46:10.144-05:00Sunday Snapshot: Style vs. Sensibility<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 18px;">Sweetie is BIG on Style. </span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771050146/" title="IMG_8323 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8323" height="1024" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8299/7771050146_d2ffd86849_b.jpg" width="683" /></a></div>
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She's a Fashion DAWG!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771050434/" title="IMG_8316 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8316" height="427" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8303/7771050434_61b91f2272_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm not so sure if she <i><b>would have been</b></i> had I not been her mom.</div>
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I mean, she <u><i>does</i></u> have an innate sense of style for sure...<br />
but her 4 year old style leans to, er, <i><b>ahem</b></i>..<i>.hip hop....</i><br />
<i>which is NOT my favorite genre </i><br />
<u><i>(more on that later)</i></u></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771051144/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="IMG_8308 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8308" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7771051144_87958f5546_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771055828/" title="6 space EVEN collage WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="6 space EVEN collage WM" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/7771055828_731e0306f3_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771049856/" title="IMG_8341 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8341" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7771049856_0ba9155e29_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
<b>I <u>was</u> once qu</b><b>ite the fashion plate.</b><br />
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Anyone who knows me knows that there were many a ball gown in my closet.<br />
They were tailored exactly to me and they saw lots of events.</div>
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They ranged from <i>avante garde ensembles.</i>..eclectic, cutting edge and dare I say....skimpy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771056668/" title="4 Board 2 WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="4 Board 2 WM" height="422" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7771056668_c6fdae8e8a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<b><i>Fast forward to today....</i></b><br />
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I look back and realize that<b> Life</b> has gotten in the way.</div>
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Well, not necessarily <i>gotten in the way </i>but rather, <u>life has happened.</u></div>
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I no longer have that hourglass figure that made the men swoon and the other girls green with envy.</div>
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My feet hurt if I wear heels higher than 3 inches for greater than 3 minutes <i>(ohhhh....gasp!)</i></div>
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I leave the house without makeup or my hair done and I admit...<u>.</u><br />
<u>I wear track suits sometimes</u>...<br />
yes, I'm DITA and <i>I'm a track suit-a-holic.</i></div>
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I do ONLY wear black...right down to my skivvies....so, for that, I am grateful (and you can be too).</div>
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But when it comes to my GURL....well, that's an ENTIRELY different story.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771051552/" title="IMG_8288 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8288" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7771051552_e5e73da525_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771050800/" title="IMG_8310 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8310" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7771050800_b94e93284b_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
For my baby, well....THE WORLD.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771054768/" title="Diptych 1 BW WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych 1 BW WM" height="442" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8423/7771054768_dc48bbda8e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771054960/" title="Diptych 1 BW 2 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych 1 BW 2" height="441" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8302/7771054960_7106940249_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Life is KODACHROME...and for good reason...this little peanut has a personality larger than life.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771053006/" title="Diptych WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych WM" height="552" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7771053006_fd37fb0b01_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<i>Nope, there's not a color that doesn't look good on her.</i> </div>
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Believe me, as an elder of my gender I tried...<i>yes, I have to say</i>....I tried....and though its not pretty to admit it..<i>.darn it</i>....I TRIED to find something that looked <u>horrid on her</u>...</div>
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and I'm here to report I failed.</div>
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I failed EPICALLY! </div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771048734/" title="IMG_8369 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8369" height="400" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7771048734_57db51daf7_b.jpg" width="266" /></a><br />
She's perfect.</div>
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<i><u>Did you hear me?</u></i></div>
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<b>I said SHE'S PERFECT!</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771054222/" title="Diptych JRR by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych JRR" height="441" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7771054222_fae3708ee1_z.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Imagine how grateful I am that she's my OWN daughter or all HELL would be breaking loose over that statement....<br />
(I'm jealous kinda girl, PEOPLE...the worse color GREEN kind of jealous. You know, that green color that doesn't look good on ANYBODY!)</div>
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But with her, my heart is all rose colored and giggly and swoon-worthy and well,<br />
sweet as <i>sugar-laced</i> cotton candy lollipops...<br />
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Because there's only ONE girl in this whole world that I get to shout from the rooftops and say..."that's my baby"...yep, and I'm proprietary like that....and oh, <i><u>so incredibly blessed!</u></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771049090/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;" title="IMG_8360 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8360" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8289/7771049090_2e0bec7675_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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My baby and I had so much fun with these "kiddie heels" she picked out<br />
but at the end of the day comfort won out;<br />
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SENSIBILITY trumped STYLE...<i><b>as it should</b></i><br />
...and we celebrated every step.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771049466/" title="IMG_8358 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8358" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7771049466_b0ac63ae98_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771048396/" title="IMG_8375 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8375" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7771048396_314725af31_z.jpg" width="427" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771048032/" title="IMG_8376 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8376" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/7771048032_7105bf8ac6_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771053788/" title="Diptych Pretty Girl WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych Pretty Girl WM" height="552" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8292/7771053788_a77787c1e8_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Sweetie and I enjoyed our day together with our <b>two favorite men</b>....these handsome devils need no introduction here but, as fate would have it....they get more stunning with time so be forewarned...</div>
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<b>Alas, our Hunky MEN!</b><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771054020/" title="Diptych Lunch JR by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych Lunch JR" height="441" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7771054020_d5276f0bb6_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771047670/" title="IMG_8429 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_8429" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8306/7771047670_4886970040_c.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771055562/" title="Ant Blog Board WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Ant Blog Board WM" height="441" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8299/7771055562_deb565766d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
If you think a look can't get'cha anything you want<br />
<i>Then you don't live here around these Darlings...I succomb to their sweet faces every single day.</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7771057012/" title="4 Board 1 WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="4 Board 1 WM" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7771057012_929888e703_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I took these with my 85mm on my Canon 50D.<br />
<br />
I'd tell ya the settings if I had one clue.<br />
I'm kinda a hit or miss kinda gal.<br />
Some days it works...some days it doesn't.<br />
<i>People tell me I must have a good camera.</i><br />
<i>I guess I do....some days.</i><br />
<br />
The first shot was edited with<br />
MCP Fusion Mix & Match but that's not telling you much because geez, the tweaking can go on for hours so I'm not gonna lie...I have no idea what I did with this one or any of the other shots after I hit that button.<br />
I know....L.O.S.E.R.<br />
<br />
<br />
However, there's a blog party goin' on.<br />
And I was kinda invited (ok, I crashed it....)<br />
<br />
Whaddya say? You didn't hear about it?!!! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, high-tail it over to <b><u>Stefanie's blog </u></b>and join in the fun!!
<br />
<br />
That girl's ALWAYS got room for one more!<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/8taxm.jpg?1" /></a></center>
Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-26059590647600150182012-07-31T03:50:00.000-04:002012-11-05T23:41:56.593-05:00Sunday Snapshot: My Ray of Sunshine<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="clear:both;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682454218/" title="Single First by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Single First" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7682454218_e0891d6a16_c.jpg" width="533" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">See this little ray of sunshine?</span><br />
She's my shadow.<br />
Glued at the hip, she and I...<br />
and I wouldn't have it any other way.<br />
<br />
She's an explorer, just like her Mama.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682408110/" title="6 space collage all by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="6 space collage all" height="533" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7682408110_17a186020f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
She's curious...curious to see it, smell it, touch it<br />
and absolutely compelled to talk about it...<br />
<br />
to anyone and everyone who'll listen.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682196544/" title="C by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="C" height="400" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7682196544_21cd311b1a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She's a <i>chatterbox</i>, alright...she must get that from her father.
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682193564/" title="E by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="E" height="552" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8292/7682193564_b7d327450c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a>
<br />
<br />
<br />
She's plenty capable of amusing herself no matter where she is.<br />
But I'm her favorite playmate so there's little chance of me getting ANYTHING else done when she's around.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682192728/" title="B by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682188126/" title="D by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="D" height="613" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8024/7682188126_9fabae6657_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
And, of course, she has to add extra DRAMA because, well....it's just in her blood!<br />
She's a Diva on Training Wheels.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682193128/" title="J by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="J" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8163/7682193128_44b3333a34_c.jpg" width="533" /></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682192728/" title="B by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="B" height="552" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8166/7682192728_e68ae2c3a5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682194702/" title="F by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="F" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7682194702_26c51a5e18_c.jpg" width="552" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
She's full of energy, happiness, smiles and boundless kisses all day, every day.<br />
She runs through the house and kisses me for no reason at all<br />
(which is clearly the very BEST reason I can think of)<br />
<br />
And, did I mention, she always gets her way?<br />
I didn't really need to mention that, did I?<br />
<br />
Well....just look for yourself.<br />
Take a gander at her "moves"...she's got 'em all down pat.<br />
It's impossible not to give in to her...kinda like trying to keep your eyes open when you sneeze.<br />
Nope...its NOT happenin'.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682193766/" title="G by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="G" height="552" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8008/7682193766_ca8b63c2f1_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
In a few short weeks my shadow starts kindergarten.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682195064/" title="H by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="H" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/7682195064_46bde4fcab_c.jpg" width="552" /></a><br />
<br />
She keeps reassuring me and reminding me not to worry because I'll be okay while she's gone...<br />
and she tells me not to cry when the school bus pulls away each day.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682195732/" title="I by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="I" height="800" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/7682195732_9dfd3f4a89_c.jpg" width="552" /></a>
<br />
<br />
I knew it was inevitable...she'd be off to explore new things<br />
but I never thought about the fact that she'd be doing that exploring without me.<br />
Nor did I imagine that the time would come so soon.<br />
<br />
My little Miss Confident.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682193346/" title="L by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="L" height="552" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7140/7682193346_cd1a806a85_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
Don't grow up so fast Little Girl.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682192938/" title="M by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="M" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8146/7682192938_2be313e184_c.jpg" width="533" /></a><br />
<br />
I just want to savor the sweetness of another wonderful day<br />
in the life of me and my very BEST friend.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7682195900/" title="N by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="N" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8156/7682195900_f40fac52ff_c.jpg" width="552" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>All images were taken with my</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Canon 50D</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
85mm 1.4</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The first image settings were: </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
ISO 320</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
f 2.2</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It was processed in CS5 with MCP Fusion and then</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I then used several curves and level adjustments to give the image as clean a look as possible.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Be sure to visit <b>Stefanie</b> at <b>Ni Hao Y'all.</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><b>She's always up to something over there</b></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
and there are some amazing photographers linked up just waiting </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
for you to discover the beauty in everyday.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/8taxm.jpg?1" /></a></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<b><br /></b></center>
<center>
<b>
UPDATE:</b></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<b><i>
Thrilled beyond words to report:</i></b></center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
I was featured as a the weekly winner this past week on Stefanie's </center>
<center>
<i>Sunday Snapshot at Ni Hao y'All!</i></center>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And, therefore, I proudly display this exquisite blog SWAG </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
provided by one of my all-time FAVORITE blographers....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/od7qk.jpg" /></a></center>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-55620211742452601202012-07-25T05:00:00.000-04:002012-11-05T23:42:59.794-05:00Wordless Wednesday<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="clear:both;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7638074604/" title="IMG_3662-2 Antique WM Blog by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_3662-2 Antique WM Blog" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7638074604_75757899c3_o.jpg" width="425" /></a>
</div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7638033790/" title="4up Antique WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="4up Antique WM" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7138/7638033790_8778970aa9_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-46962226822619554442012-07-17T00:51:00.005-04:002012-11-05T23:40:36.994-05:00Sunday Snapshot: Freezing Time<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Some of the most beautiful moments in life are those we glimpse accidentally. </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7588077526/" title="IMG_6965 Vintage Texture WM Web by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6965 Vintage Texture WM Web" height="432" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7588077526_f3f770c97e_o.jpg" width="648" /></a></div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am blessed beyond measure to stare at this precious child most of my waking hours.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I am, likewise, blessed in that my camera (and desire to grab for it) is never far from my reach.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So when my daughter has moved on from her childhood pursuits to follow the path of her own life's journey...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7588077366/" title="IMG_6973 Vintage Texture Chair Standing 300 at 900 size by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6973 Vintage Texture Chair Standing 300 at 900 size" height="972" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8428/7588077366_57323c3ff2_o.jpg" width="648" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I will not have to go far to look back on these moments that took my breath away and relive my own life's journey over and over again in the images of our lives yesterday, today and tomorrow.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7588077644/" title="IMG_6965 Vintage Sepia WM Web by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_6965 Vintage Sepia WM Web" height="432" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7588077644_92159bc93d_o.jpg" width="648" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>What a gift to freeze time, if only for a moment.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Here's my time machine:</i><br />
Canon 50D</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
85mm 1.4</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ISO 800</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
f 2.2</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The first image was processed in LR with MCP Quick Clicks</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then in CS5/Dodged and Burned </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
then layered with 2 free Jerry Jones textures.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be sure to visit <b>Stefanie</b> at <b>Ni Hao Y'all.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>It's never a dull moment over there</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and there are some amazing photographers linked up just waiting </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for you to discover the beauty in everyday.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/8taxm.jpg?1" /></a></center><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
UPDATE!!!<br />
<br />
I'm tickled pink to report that Stefanie chose me as a <b>runner up</b> in this week's Snapshot Sunday...so I get to decorate here with some exclusive Ni Hao Y'all official <b>blog swag</b>!<br />
<br />
BEHOLD......<br />
<i>(don't be a hater!)</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/od7qk.jpg" /></a></center>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-40209948302460277652012-07-03T05:30:00.000-04:002012-11-05T23:47:53.453-05:00Sweetie Grows Up<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="clear:both;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7475993744/" title="Angel Color and BW by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Angel Color and BW" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7475993744_8814afd539.jpg" width="500" /></a></div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As I was getting my baby ready for her second dance recital last week I found my mind wandering applying the requisite makeup she certainly didn't need her flawless skin....</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7475993988/" title="1 horizontal by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="1 horizontal" height="333" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/7475993988_2c7ecb52dc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I imagined myself catapulted 20 years...to the day I will hold this same exquisite face (the one I've kissed 10,000 times and will kiss <i>a million more</i>) in my hands on her wedding day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<b><i>A force to be reckoned with for certain</i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7476004436/" title="1 verticle by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="1 verticle" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8018/7476004436_db339f4624.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Sweet perfection</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7475993860/" title="2 Sweet by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="2 Sweet" height="383" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8002/7475993860_8833e24b95.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>And everything in between....</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>She is...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>forever my daughter</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>my heart</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>my every.single.thing.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-11429215079549345722012-06-30T23:32:00.001-04:002012-06-30T23:32:38.980-04:00Sunday Snapshot: About The Boy Wonder<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>There's this incredible boy who has been my shadow for 13 years</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7476254958/" title="WB WM Portrait by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="WB WM Portrait" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/7476254958_195ed8e3b1.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Out of the blue he has grown into a man.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Well, <b style="font-style: italic;">sort of a man.</b>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7476251038/" title="5 space WM Full Size by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="5 space WM Full Size" height="333" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8160/7476251038_a322604742.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He looks like one. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He walks like one. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He sounds like one<i> (in between sounding like a teenage girl).</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He sweats like one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He watches the girls go by like one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He argues like one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7476424428/" title="WB WM Square Blog by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="WB WM Square Blog" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7476424428_db3d83051b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He hogs the remote like one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He thinks like one.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He tests me like one</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He eats like one</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He watches himself in the mirror like one</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And when I call him out on it....he laughs so big as he yields to me and remembers that <u>he's still my baby</u>...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and he smiles at me...that smile that only he can...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7476255164/" title="WB WM Laughing Blog by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="WB WM Laughing Blog" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7137/7476255164_426598620c.jpg" width="333" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>And I melt</u></b>...just like the very first day I realized that he would be<u> the only man in the world </u>who would ever call me Mom.</div>
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And it doesn't get any better than that.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><b>No...no it doesn't.</b></i></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<u>These images were shot with my 50D</u></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>100mm</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>f 3.5</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>ISO 200</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i>Edited in LR and CS5</i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
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Join in on the Fabulous Fun with </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>the Hostess with the Mostess: Stefanie at Ni Hao Y'all...</u></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i></i></b></div>
<center><b><i><a href="http://nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/8taxm.jpg?1" /></a></i></b></center><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>(This Mama will make you wonder how you can justify sitting on the couch for 10 minutes.)</i></b></div>
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<br /></div>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-49001220349638630982012-06-27T02:46:00.000-04:002012-06-27T02:46:00.746-04:00Raining<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7452969750/" title="Double Slot Frame WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Double Slot Frame WM" height="356" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8017/7452969750_365743ea6e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We've had our share of rain this week...but my little Sweetie always finds the beauty in the day,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
despite the weather.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7452969842/" title="Diptych 2 WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych 2 WM" height="447" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8150/7452969842_f8ea15e538_o.jpg" width="648" /></a></div>
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May she always remember to stop and smell the flowers along the way.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7452969924/" title="Diptych 1 WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych 1 WM" height="447" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7452969924_84eb912ea0_o.jpg" width="648" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>(this raincoat, umbrella and boots all belonged to her big brother when he was her age...9 years ago...funny to see them lined up at the front door with his Men's size 13 army boots now!)</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-19373780485082273242012-05-07T22:11:00.001-04:002012-05-07T22:11:14.317-04:00Exploring Life's Little Treasures<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been unseasonably chilly 'round these parts this last <i><u>very</u></i> rainy week.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My little Sweetie has been my constant sidekick these last few months and with me on the phone and the computer much of the workday she's been doing her own brand of exploring of the everyday things right under our noses here in the house.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
One of her favorite places <i>by far</i> to explore is her brother's room when he's gone at school. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This venue has always held a certain forbidden allure for her.<br />
I'm reminded of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #b45f06;"><b><a href="http://www.ditasdarlings.com/2009/11/when-cats-away.html">the time I caught her in there</a> </b></span>so long ago.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This afternoon I found her grabbing that gorgeous inlaid jewelry box his Grandpa brought home from Italy for him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It was so heavy for her petite stature...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7155314438/" title="IMG_1615 WM FB by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1615 WM FB" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5442/7155314438_1ffa275cba_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
<br />
I watched her sitting there exploring within (with her brothers very cool dog tags strategically placed around her neck....as if he'd let her when he was home....NOT!)<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and I am reminded of just how magical 4 can be.</span></u></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7154928950/" title="IMG_1596 WM FB by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1596 WM FB" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7154928950_2e435c0463_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7154931066/" title="Collage 6 Pictures by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Collage 6 Pictures" height="496" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7154931066_a26bc260ba_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7154928624/" title="IMG_1601 WM FB by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1601 WM FB" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/7154928624_8e80c00a4c_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7154928298/" title="IMG_1605 WM FB by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1605 WM FB" height="427" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7213/7154928298_9cc3218860_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7154927990/" title="IMG_1619 WM FB by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1619 WM FB" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7267/7154927990_82210d2c92_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7154927696/" title="IMG_1620 WM FB by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_1620 WM FB" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/7154927696_b0eec84a37_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>It's Snapshot Sunday.</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<center><b><a href="http://nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/8taxm.jpg?1" /></a></b></center><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Stop on over to <b>Stef's place</b> to catch up on some fabulous images and share the love with some great bloggers who have a <strike>serious </strike>slight photography addiction just like me.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
These images were shot with my 50D<br />
and my favorite 50mm 1.4 lens</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
ISO 400</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Exposure 1/125</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
f 1.8</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Edited in Lightroom with MCP's Quick Click Actions<br />
<i>and a lotta love. </i></div>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-40222135111466006932012-04-28T14:31:00.000-04:002012-04-28T17:05:25.279-04:00Lucky 13<div style="text-align: center;">
I knew the day would come...but I never <i><b>really</b></i> knew...that 4751 days later;</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would be as madly in love with this boy...my <u><b>little</b></u> boy...even when he wasn't so little anymore.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6975756978/" title="CoffeeShop Storyboard 1 FB by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="CoffeeShop Storyboard 1 FB" height="960" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6975756978_5fb5c68baf_o.jpg" width="662" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Today:</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
his shoe size matches his age</div>
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I mistake his clothes for his father's when I fold the laundry</div>
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his voice is cracking so much it even makes <i>him</i> laugh</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
we have an arsenal of Axe deodorant products and men's colognes on a shelf just for him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he <i>gets </i>our jokes</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he has mastered the fine art of sarcasm</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I have to crane my neck backward to talk to him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he smiles the most adorable smile when a pretty girl walks by</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he marvels in the mirror at the muscles that have appeared on his arms and at the most amazing six pack abs he's developed</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>the girls get giddy around him</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he still hugs his Mama; only I'm the one who gets wrapped in<u> his</u> arms instead of vice versa</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he and his dad seem to have funny <i><b>man secrets</b></i> together that they won't let us girls in on</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he dreams of going to West Point</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
he sneaks in and rests his favorite stuffed animal beside his sister as she lays sleeping; ready to let go<br />
<u><i><b>and</b></i></u> that marvelous twinkle in his eye when he wants something...<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6975786374/" title="Horizontal Single Cream Band WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Horizontal Single Cream Band WM" height="616" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/6975786374_d6f0a91f08_o.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
<i>still paralyzes me into complete submission (some things never change!)</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Finally he is embarking on this amazing journey through his Teen Years...<br />
hopefully he remembers to <i><b>go easy with the wake</b></i>...'cause Mama's in the dingy right beside him!<br />
AHOY!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Happy 13th Birthday to my one and only </b><br />
<b>BOY WONDERFUL!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>You are loved beyond measure!</u></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br />Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-83683403154434990282012-04-02T00:06:00.001-04:002012-07-17T00:48:54.995-04:00Snapshot Sunday: We're BACK!<div style="text-align: center;">
It's been a very eventful Winter with lots of wonderful moments shared with my Darlings. Of course, I captured it all in photos and I do plan on posting a few of my very favorites here to share them and remember them always.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My blog hiatus went much longer than I had intended. I've certainly missed blogging and I've missed following the day to day lives of my favorite bloggers as well (you know who you are!) I have lots of catching up to do and I'm excited to get back into the swing of things now that the Spring is here. We've had lots of exciting (and unexpected) goings on over here...<i><u>all good</u></i>... and I'm hoping to fill you all in in my upcoming posts!</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6891385676/" title="Diptych 3 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych 3" height="378" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7096/6891385676_a201ae3055_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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My Sweetie has always been the perfect little muse for my <i>photography addiction;</i> but it seems she's really coming into her own now.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7037479701/" title="Diptych 4 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych 4" height="465" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6110/7037479701_1b3f8bf4c5_c.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Not a day goes by that my little pint-sized model doesn't 'strike a pose' for me wherever we are. I often hear people chuckling as we walk down the street catching glimpses of her ducking into corners, storefront windows and leaning against walls for my camera. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7037479971/" title="Diptych 1 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych 1" height="442" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7131/7037479971_c9999a6797_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Her serious face is the one that <u>really cracks me up</u>. It seems as fast as she puts that pout on is as fast as those big brown eyes break into a mischievous glare, then grin ending in a smile beaming ear to ear....</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/7037479579/" title="Triptych by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Triptych" height="294" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7037479579_20a17bcc96_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
....right along with her Mama!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6891385470/" title="Diptych 2 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych 2" height="640" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6046/6891385470_5a38a854a8_z.jpg" width="441" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Hop on over to visit <b>Stefanie</b> at <b>Ni Hao Y'all.</b><br />
<i><b>Not only is it never a dull moment over there</b></i><br />
but she's decided to mix it up a little on Sundays going forward.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Ni Hao Yall" src="http://i.imgur.com/8taxm.jpg?1" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Can't wait to join in on the her new format...(not to mention vicariously travel to China with her AGAIN!)<br />
<b><u>Safe travels my Friend!</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
<b><u><br />
</u></b><br />
<br />
<br /></div>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-12918087381073432372011-11-18T13:12:00.002-05:002011-11-19T18:25:44.539-05:00Favorite Photo Friday: New Beginnings<div style="text-align: center;">A cool windy November day on the beach...<br />
no sunbathers, frisbees, brightly colored umbrellas, coolers, laughter, sandcastles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Somehow the quiet yet powerful sound of the waves lapping on the shore <br />
reminds us that the possibilities are endless.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We weren't planning on being here today, but sometimes in life...we're put right where we <i><strong>should be</strong> </i><br />
just to allow us to witness <u>the next beautiful thing that will surely come our way</u>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6358914201/" title="IMG_7069 WM FB by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_7069 WM FB" height="480" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6358914201_ac43f0672a_o.jpg" width="720" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">To New Beginnings!</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>It's Favorite photo Friday</u>.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Head on over to Lisa's place to see some great photos from some awesome photographers.</div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6121833519_e37029da2c_o.jpg" /></a></div>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-63524537390471278912011-10-28T22:46:00.001-04:002011-11-18T13:10:53.852-05:00Favorite Photo Friday: Smiles & Stripes<div style="text-align: center;">Sweetie and I took a ride down the shore to visit a dear friend of mine last week.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">While we were chatting, I saw her through the screen door on the patio; overlooking the beach, amusing herself and just enjoying the absolutely gorgeous day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As I grabbed my camera I told her that if I ever </div><div style="text-align: center;">had a little girl one day <em>I'd like her to be just like her...</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6290095883/" title="Diptych Jade Striped Lollipop by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Diptych Jade Striped Lollipop" height="442" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6290095883_91b6190bd8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To which she responded.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>MOMMY!! I'm already all yours!</u></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6290095805/" title="IMG_5093 FB WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_5093 FB WM" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6290095805_38274d331e_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Oh, little girl...you are my dream come true!</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's Favorite Photo Friday at <strong><span style="color: #4c1130;">The Long Road to China</span></strong>...head on over to see some really great snaps from some very talented photographers!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6121833519_e37029da2c_o.jpg" /></a></div>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-36232760115807896212011-09-25T22:17:00.004-04:002011-09-25T22:35:49.520-04:00Sunday Snapshot: Leaving 3<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Yep, that's right....we are winding down the last few hours of 3.</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>What a wonderful year it has been.</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The memory of my Sweetie at 3 will bring a smile to my face always. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm so glad I took the time to chronicle this year in photos as a reminder of the wonder and joy she has brought to all of us this <strong><em>magical</em></strong> third year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">At 3, my Sweetie's absolute favorite place to be <span style="font-size: x-small;">(other than with her Nana)</span> is in front of a plate of <a href="http://www.ditasdarlings.com/2011/04/faux-sushi.html">sushi</a> at the <span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><a href="http://www.ditasdarlings.com/2009/10/sushi-anyone.html">best sushi restaurant</a></span> in town.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6183224693/" title="Jade Sushi 3 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Jade Sushi 3" height="610" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6183224693_97cf11e65d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>She loves her Daddy <u>to pieces</u>.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6183745094/" title="JR Jade 3 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="JR Jade 3" height="341" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6183745094_230e491313_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><em>And her brother?</em></u> Well, it's more than fair to say he is <em><strong>adored beyond words</strong></em>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6183225049/" title="Ant Sushi 3 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Ant Sushi 3" height="491" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6183225049_e708107ec5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Every single day she surely exemplifies <u>sugar, spice and everything nice</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (with a smile and a soft little voice that has been known to melt even the coolest of hearts)</span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6183228823/" title="Jade Sweetness 3 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Jade Sweetness 3" height="378" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6183228823_73f26efa45_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">She has just the right dose of <strong>charm <em>and </em>sass </strong>to ensure that no matter what life brings she will ingratiate herself wherever she wants to be and have the <em><strong>smarts, guts and gumption</strong></em> to pull it off....<em><strong>all by herself!</strong></em><em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6183749322/" title="Jade Many Faces 3 by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Jade Many Faces 3" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6183749322_d5c3d57866_z.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Thank you for sharing THREE with us, my Darling Girl.....</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>I cannot wait to see what year FOUR has in store!</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">You <strong><em>are</em></strong> our heart!</div><div style="text-align: center;">xoxoxox</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mama</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(a.k.a. the luckiest Mom in the world!)</span></em><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">It's Snapshot Sunday over at Ni Hao Y'all and its Poppy's Birthday...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Head on over and share the love!</span><br />
</div></div><center><a href="http://nihaoyall.com" target="self"><img alt="Sunday Snapshot" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/jpvipj.jpg" /></a></center>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-82150577174801270732011-09-16T20:31:00.000-04:002011-09-16T20:31:53.891-04:00See With Your Eyes<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Mom...can we just go and <u>look</u> at that fountain over there?</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Oh, well.....okay, just don't get <strong>wet</strong> we have several more stops to make after this.</em></div><div style="text-align: center;">Okay, Mom........we won't touch it.....promise....</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6153895387/" title="Kids Fountain WM Web by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="Kids Fountain WM Web" height="640" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6153895387_8b17c57caa_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Kids will be kids!</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>And I wouldn't have it any other way!</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><u>It's </u></strong><strong><u><span style="font-size: large;">Favorite Photo Friday</span></u></strong><strong><u> at <a href="http://www.thelongroadtochina.com/2011/09/favorite-photo-friday-smile-that-could.html">Long Road to China</a></u></strong></div><div align="center" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6121833519_e37029da2c_o.jpg" /></a></div>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-16158707155200352192011-09-06T23:09:00.005-04:002011-09-07T00:21:41.902-04:00Black & White Wednesday: Nose to the Grindstone<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">With all the hustle and bustle going on 'round these parts</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I've been keeping my head down,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> trying to get the things done <b>that I've been putting off for way too long</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b> and focusing on the future...taking it</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strike> all in stride</strike><i> one day at a time.</i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6122729734/" title="JRR BW Portrait by ditasdarlings, on Flickr"><img alt="JRR BW Portrait" height="427" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6122729734_0d94067217_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Sure am missing my old <strong>blog hopping days </strong>though....</div><div style="text-align: center;">I may be out of sight, <u>but <strong><em>you're </em></strong>never out of mind, Ladies!</u></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>Hugs.....from your old friend.</strong></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">To see some <em>fun black and white </em>images from some fab photographers,</div><div style="text-align: center;"> click on over to <strong><em><span style="color: #663333;"><a href="http://www.thelongroadtochina.com/2011/09/black-and-white-wednesday-final-edition.html">The Long Road to China</a> </span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #663333;">for Lisa's final installment of Black and White Wednesdays</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4370157827_1ee82e3900_o.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"></a><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">But never fear.....the ever creative, ever talented<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lisa</span> </strong><br />
<strong>has always got a Plan B</strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Can't wait for </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Favorite Photo Friday!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Whoo Hoo!</span></strong><br />
<a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6121833519_e37029da2c_o.jpg" /></a></div></div>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-11458408187978490912011-08-18T15:08:00.005-04:002011-08-18T15:21:29.608-04:00Daddy's Girl<div align="center"><strong>JR was off from work today.</strong>
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<br />His sidekick was busy as a bee following him around and "helping."
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<br />I heard music outside the garage<span style="font-size:78%;"> (the beat of JR's unmistakeable dance music reliving his old club days)</span> so I thought I'd have a peek what was going on.
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<br />As soon as I opened the door I saw her there....<strong><em>topless.</em></strong>
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<br />I asked where her shirt was and she responded<em>..."Papa's not wearing a shirt so neither am I."</em>
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<br />And she happily went about her business.
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<br /><a title="JRR Washing Car WM by ditasdarlings, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6056452005/"><img alt="JRR Washing Car WM" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6056452005_89c68514d9_z.jpg" width="640" height="560" /></a>
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<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The green marker on both their faces was her morning art project.</span></div>
<br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">I hope JR remembered to let her use the <em><strong>washable</strong></em> markers!
<br /></div></span>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-9012080822769410272011-08-14T23:14:00.001-04:002011-08-15T13:28:53.414-04:00Snapshot Sunday: {Strike A Pose}<div align="center">
<br />Evidently, the camera that is appended to my anatomy has given rise to a <em><strong>one-girl posing machine.
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<br /></strong></em>No matter where she is; what she's doing....she'll look up at me and say, "Mom, this would make a good picture, wouldn't it?" <span style="font-size:78%;">(Even when I don't have the camera in hand!)
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<br /></span>When we drive she'll see a wooded field, a green golf course or an architecturally interesting building and she from the backseat we'll hear..."Mom, that would be a <em>great place for pictures</em>!" <em>JR and I crack up...she's always thinkin' that one.
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<br /></em><strong>THREE going on TWENTY THREE!
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<br /><em>Whatever did we do before she came into our lives?</em></div>
<br /><div align="center"><a title="Striped Shirt Smiling Dyptich Blog Board by ditasdarlings, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6045949029/"><img alt="Striped Shirt Smiling Dyptich Blog Board" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6045949029_df76213cf9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" /></a> </div>
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<br />For some fantastic snaps of some super cool kiddos....head on over to Stefanie's crib and join the fun!
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<br /><center><a href="http://nihaoyall.com/" target="self"><img alt="Sunday Snapshot" src="http://i56.tinypic.com/jpvipj.jpg" /></a></center>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-57001855696945337312011-08-10T00:00:00.005-04:002011-08-10T00:18:08.190-04:00Black & White Wednesday: Snakeskin Boots<div align="center"><strong><em>Sixteen years ago</em></strong> my precious niece, <a href="http://ditasdarlings.blogspot.com/2010/06/flowering-tigerlily.html">Tigerlily</a>, received these custom snakeskin boots from Grandma & Grandpa when they traveled out West.
<br /><a title="BW Boots Single by ditasdarlings, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6028098676/"><img alt="BW Boots Single" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6028098676_b61d6e7645_z.jpg" width="640" height="493" /></a>
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<br />The moment I saw them on her I just knew that there was <strong><em>no way I could ever part with them...</em></strong>and <em><strong>if she had to grow up</strong></em>...well, then, the boots would remind me how little she was forever and ever and they do....
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<br /><a title="Color Boots Double by ditasdarlings, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6027547223/"><img alt="Color Boots Double" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/6027547223_6f0f658deb_z.jpg" width="640" height="338" /></a>
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<br />Actually, they remind me of <strong><a href="http://ditasdarlings.blogspot.com/2010/06/flowering-tigerlily.html">Tigerlily</a></strong> <em>and</em> <strong>WonderBoy </strong>because <em>he sported them too</em>. A rite of passage of sorts...cooler than cool; the kind of hand-me-down kids can't wait to get their feet into.
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<br /><a title="BW Tryptich by ditasdarlings, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6027547281/"><img alt="BW Tryptich" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/6027547281_f9ab0bca4b_z.jpg" width="640" height="274" /></a>
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<br />And now, <em><strong>the littliest of the 3 babies in my life</strong></em> finally fits in them. I was saving them in the back of her closet for her to grow into a wee bit more...but I don't really need to tell you how <strong><em>willful </em></strong>she is now, do I?
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<br /><a title="BW Boots Double by ditasdarlings, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6028098858/"><img alt="BW Boots Double" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6028098858_f7e52db425_z.jpg" width="640" height="412" /></a>
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<br />She called me out to the yard the other day and there she was, <em><strong>proud as a peacock</strong></em> in this little ensemble put together by none other than Princess Darling herself.... she was hunting for <em>"glow in the dark" bugs</em> she told me <span style="font-size:78%;">(lightning bugs, as I call them....or fireflies).
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<br /><a title="Boots Walking by ditasdarlings, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6027547065/"><img alt="Boots Walking" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6027547065_74e9eeb37d_z.jpg" width="640" height="513" /></a>
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<br />I didn't have the heart to tell her that she wouldn't be finding any in <em>broad daylight</em>.
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<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">P.S.</span></em>
<br /><em><span style="font-size:78%;">I'm.never.giving. these. boots. away.</span></em>
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<br /></div>
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<br /><div align="center">It's <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Black and White Wednesday!</strong> </span>
<br />To see some <em>great</em> images from some fantastic photographers,</div>
<br /><div align="center">click on over to <strong><em><span style="color:#663333;"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/2011/05/black-and-white-wednesday-6-months-home.html">The Long Road to China</a></span></em></strong>
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="the long road" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4370157827_1ee82e3900_o.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><a href="http://thelongroadtochina.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"></a></div>
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<br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2471475297873504758.post-39702923996415584382011-08-09T21:25:00.009-04:002011-08-09T22:08:19.075-04:00I Heart Faces: {Friendship}<div align="center">Two special boys who started out <em><strong>arch rivals.</strong></em></div>
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<br /><div align="center">Lo and behold....have become the <strong><em>best of friends</em></strong>.
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<br /><a title="Friendship by ditasdarlings, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6027246071/"><img alt="Friendship" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6027246071_a5cebe2d1b_z.jpg" width="640" height="530" /></a>
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<br />Hop on over to <strong><a href="http://www.iheartfaces.com/"><span style="color:#cc0000;">iheartfaces </span></a></strong>to see some fantastic <em><strong>Friendship</strong></em> entries</div>
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<br /><p align="center"><a title="ihf_logo by ditasdarlings, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dita40/6027858796/"><img alt="ihf_logo" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6027858796_181582db95_m.jpg" width="141" height="133" /></a></p>Ditahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14038360463907263947noreply@blogger.com6