Posted by admin on Jul 19, 2012 in
Cats!,
Inspiration,
Photography,
Travel I was lucky enough to be doing some traveling the beginning of this month — seeing Asheville, Savannah, Charleston and the Outer Banks to mention a few of the stops along the way. But, only I would want to plan a stop on vacation at a cat rescue. Now, hear me out — this was no ordinary rescue. To start, it was a sanctuary. In other words, every cat there never has to worry about finding a new home ever again. But, more than that, it was a sanctuary for blind cats, and other less adoptable ones (with FIV and FELV). Yes, blind cats. In truth, I have had very little experience with blind cats. Maybe, throughout my photo sessions with The Shelter Me Project I came across one or two, but never more than one at a time. My curiosity had been piqued by following their facebook page — I wanted to meet these little guys.
Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary
Welcome to the Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, located in St. Pauls, NC. It was a late day visit as we traveled from Charleston to the Outer Banks, but Alana at the shelter (aka the wonderful person who makes this all happen) was kind enough to deal with our fluctuating arrival time and give us the grand tour. And it was grand — seven immaculate rooms!
Blind kitties at the sanctuary
They were all so sweet and friendly!
Along the way, we made plenty of friends. It’s a completely different experience than any shelter I have been to. These cats, because they’re blind, or because they are just so happy, are not shy. Since they can’t see you, they come up to you to sniff you or to touch you. At some points, we were simply covered in cats. It’s a heart-warming experience to say the least.
This little guy was blind -- born with detached retinas.
One of the younger cats from the kitten room -- so playful!
They were so much like “seeing” cats in their behavior that you didn’t even really notice that they were blind. They had the most adorable faces — some with eyes (detached retinas), but most without. But, after meeting a few of them, you stop thinking of them in that way. They get around just like any other cats you are familiar with — jumping, playing, rolling, purring, scratching, meowing — it’s all there.
Another friendly little kitty...
Enjoying a quiet moment...
The shelter itself consists of two buildings with seven rooms total. There’s an FIV room and an FELV room where seeing kitties enjoyed the company of other blind kitties with these disorders. Each room had plenty of places for the kitties to get comfy, and a door leading outside to a big fenced-in play area. It was very well done, and very, very clean.
The outdoor areas for the cats.
This visit might have been a once-in-a-lifetime. Truly. I don’t know of too many groups dedicated to only blind cats, or that I will ever be down in North Carolina again. I can only hope I get to visit again someday — it was that moving and that wonderful of an experience. In the meantime, my view of blind cats has completely changed — I no longer see them as handicapped or helpless — they are different, yes, they are survivors, true, but they don’t know that. To themselves, they are simply cats. You have to respect that outlook on life.
Posted by admin on Feb 16, 2012 in
Artists,
design,
Inspiration,
Photography A couple of months ago I received a very flattering email — a marketing agency in St. Louis had seen The Shelter Me Project and it was one of a handful of projects that had inspired them to start something similar in their own city — and what could I tell them about how and why I started it.
Wow. Not that I was the only influence, but to be on that list was exciting and an honor. So, what ensued was a lovely afternoon conversation about shelter animals — how wonderful they are and what we can all do to help them find their forever homes. I got off the phone from my conversation with Andi Garavaglia with such enthusiasm for what she and her colleagues were planning to do. And then yesterday I just got the big news — their project has officially launched! “Pics of the Litter” was born!
Pics of the Litter
Check out the website (the design of which I am in love with!) and all of the great images of the animals they photographed (with the help of photographer Lynn Terry). It’s a fantastic project and already has made great impact just out of the gate! Can’t wait to see where it goes from here! And yes, they have now inspired me in return to give even more energy to my project, too. Hey, what wouldn’t you do for faces like these:
Pics of the Litter
Pics of the Litter
Posted by admin on Dec 15, 2011 in
Photography,
Travel Yup — it’s true! I made my television debut this past Tuesday on FOX’s morning news show! So exciting!! Okay, and completely nerve-wracking, lol… :) But, I made it through and overall really enjoyed the whole experience. I was promoting my Shelter Me calendars which means a lot to me anyhow, so it’s not like it was a presidential debate or anything! Here’s the link, and then below are a couple of pics I snuck with my iPhone camera — sorry, a bit blurry, but I was on my way out!
http://www.ctnow.com/videogallery/66742570/News/Pet-Photo-Calendars-|-12/13
Posted by admin on Nov 12, 2011 in
Artists,
Great Finds,
Photography It’s not too often I photograph myself, but this one snuck by without my even realizing it…. I love those surprise moments that happen before you even know what’s going on. Just another small moment in life. 
Caught in the act!
Posted by admin on Nov 12, 2011 in
Artists,
Cats!,
Photography It’s that time of year again — the Hygienic Gallery’s Art=Gift show! I’m honored to have been asked again this year and have been working away at framing this year’s photographs. I decided to promote Shelter Me again as I had all new images I was excited to share — plus, why not raise a little extra money for the shelters, right? It’s always a great show — join us next Saturday, November 19, for the opening!!
Friday night framing here in New London!
Posted by admin on Oct 25, 2011 in
Cats!,
Photography This is my third year of photographing for the Shelter Me Project Calendar, and by far the best year yet… Not just because of the final product, but because of the amazing and heart-warming experiences I’ve had along the way. I am so lucky to be able to spend time with the wonderful and compassionate people who run these shelters and rescue organizations — and I am better off for having known them. And then there are the animals themselves. I take so many pictures while I am there, only to select a few for final production. So here are a few of the cute moments that will never make the calendar, but will remain in my heart. These animals make me smile, laugh, and cry. And I can’t wait to do it all over again next year — I’ll be counting the days.
My new assistant at Forgotten Felines
Silly ducky at Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary
"He's mine -- you can't have him." at Meriden Humane Society
Getting nuzzled by a miniature donkey at Beech Brook Equine Rescue
Shoelaces getting nibbled at Hop Along Hollow
Getting hugs and kisses at PAWS
Buster at Greener Pastures Horse Rescue so wasn't interested in being photographed, lol...
This little guy at Ray of Light Farm had me cracking up! Too cute!
Posted by admin on Oct 19, 2011 in
Cats!,
Photography What a wonderful event last weekend — my darling client, Dog House Diaries had a book signing for their new book, Rescued in L.A. The story is about a shelter dog who finds his forever home, and since they knew of my Shelter Me Project, they invited me to display some work at their signing which was held at the Gallery at the Venetucci Home. Well, it was a lovely evening. Not only did I get to meet my clients face to face for the first time, but Shelter Me sold a photo to the Madison Veterinary Hospital! A successful night!
Gallery at Venetucci Home
Venetucci Gallery
Nikki, Annie, and Paul from Dog House Diaries
The Shelter Me Project photos on display
You can see this print at the Madison Veterinary Hospital!
Posted by admin on Oct 19, 2011 in
Entertaining,
Friends,
Photography I’m so honored to share some photos from my wonderful friend’s wedding. It was a beautiful, warm October day for Katie and Rob to exchange vows in a beautiful garden overlooking green fields with blue water in the distance…. The entire day couldn’t have been lovelier. While I don’t normally do wedding photography, I couldn’t turn down the offer to be there for my friends. And I am so glad I did. :)
getting ready
the ceremony
exchanging vows
flower close-up and a special tree in the distance
the rings and flowers
the sweet couple
after the ceremony
holding hands, soaking it all in
it's official!
the table!
cheers!
amazing food by Gourmet Galley
cutting the cake
mr. & mrs.
Posted by admin on Aug 16, 2011 in
Inspiration,
Photography So, I was on a sandbar off the coast of Plymouth over the weekend and while the whole adventure was tons of fun, one part was very inspiring… I ended up taking a stroll all along the edge of the sandbar just as the tide was starting to come back in. It was beautiful. Not just “look at that pretty sunset” beautiful, but truly a wealth of small wonders. Often all the inspiration we need in life can be found in nature, and this was just another example of that. My favorite find was this guy — a snail. I’m used to seeing them all tucked up in their shells, so watching this little guy cruise along the sand in about 6 inches of water was fascinating to me. It was simply one of those moments that makes you appreciate nature in all of its wonder.
Posted by admin on May 14, 2011 in
Great Finds,
Local Interest,
Photography Mom and I spent a lovely afternoon buying some herbs and veggies for her garden on Mother’s Day. While there are plenty of large chains around for buying plants, we didn’t hesitate in going to our favorite off the beaten path location — The Salem Herbfarm. We’ve been visiting them yearly for the past few years and always in awe at everything they offer. Not only are the plants healthy and beautiful, but their shop has so many adorable items. It’s definitely worth the visit!
And since I don’t have a garden yet (but hopefully soon!) I went around snapping pictures of all of my favorite flowers for future planning/planting. Looking at them afterwards, apparently I am very drawn to orange and purple flowers. (And on a side note, these pictures were shot with my iphone — not perfect, but I was pretty impressed with the clarity).
Anyhow, enjoy the pics and make plans to visit the Herbfarm soon!
Flowers at The Salem Herbfarm
Flowers at The Salem Herbfarm
Flowers at The Salem Herbfarm
Flowers at The Salem Herbfarm
Flowers at The Salem Herbfarm
Flowers at The Salem Herbfarm
Flowers at The Salem Herbfarm
Flowers at The Salem Herbfarm
Flowers at The Salem Herbfarm
