September 26, 2009 - Its been a while

I would like to apologize for the lack of updates. My only explanation is that life is CRAZY!! I have not done as much this summer as I would have liked but I did get to mark and item or two off “The List”

Here are some updates......

I went to Forks, WA…cross that off the list!
I flew into Seattle and rented a car. First stop, Port Angeles, WA then the Olympic National Forest. After that I headed west to Forks and then to La Push. It was amazing. It is so pretty there. The town was Twilight crazy of course. I ate at the Forks Diner and talked to some locals. It was such an experience. After Forks I drove south to Portland, OR where I picked up Jamie and Gina from the airport. We ventured around the city before heading to our friend Sheli’s house for one of the most amazing weekends I have ever had. I have not seen these girls in three years, but it was like yesterday we were all hanging out. We explored Tillamook, OR and drove up the Coast. We hit Cannon Beach, Ecola Park and Astoria. I could definitely see myself living there. It was paradise. Of course I might not think that in the winter months. While I was there Jamie and I did the Tillamook Milk Run. (we did the 2 mile portion) It was fun fun fun! So that is three things off my list
Went to Forks, WA – Check
Went somewhere new, Tillamook, OR – Check
Race #3 – Check

Actually, lets mark another one off. We went to the Cape Mears State Park and hiked up to the Octopus Tree.
Hike park #3- Check!

Here are some pictures of this great Adventure!

















I started playing co-ed softball. Those of you who know me, know that this is a major thing. I am so very girly and if I could play in a skirt and swing a pink bat I would. Seeing as how I have not played since I was 9 years old, I was very nervous that first game. The umpire even commented on my nervousness. It has taken me about 8 games to actually start enjoying it. The last game we played I made two outs, got a hit and almost every time I threw the ball to the pitcher it made it. I will try and get some pictures up soon. We usually play on Tuesday and Thursday nights at the fairgrounds if anyone wants to come out and cheer us on.
Play a sport for fun – Check!

I took my niece Karagen on a “K day” adventure to Elk River Canoe Rental. We canoed, had a picnic, and played in the water. We loved it. Here are some pictures of that day.
Canoe #1 - Check







My business is going pretty good. I have been doing weddings, children’s portraits, parties and even took some pictures of night life in Downtown Nashville. Its still a slow process but I don’t think I could ask for a better start.
Sell my pictures – Check!


Hopefully the Fall season will be more productive as far as "The List" goes. We are planning a Camping/Canoeing trip the weekend of October 17th. There is also a 5k that morning I plan on doing. The Adirondack chair will hopefully be made by the end of October and I am in the market for a Banjo. Wish me luck!

Week Ending 6/14/09

I have had 6 photo shoots this past week! It started with a wedding I was helping with, a shoot with Camille's dogs Oscar and Isaac, Holly and Chad's engagement,Jamie and Caleb, a Secret shooting (can't tell), and my cousin McKenzie's Senior Portraits. Here are some of my favorite ones from the week! You will be able to see more on my website. www.karriehillisphotography.com. They should be up by Tuesday.
Colby and Sarah's Wedding






Camille's dogs Oscar and Isaac



Holly and Chad's engagement Session featuring Chase




Caleb and Jamie





McKenzie Moore Senior Session









Remember my garden... well I picked and ate a few of the onions. Delicious!! and just look how pretty they look :)





I went hiking with my niece Karagen at Rutledge Falls where they filmed a scene from Hannah Montana the Movie.. She loved it. She was a little disapointed that we didn't get to swim... but it was freezing and the rain caused an early departure.




I have started running again. I've been getting up at 6:00 sometimes 5:30am to go run... Is that dedication or what? I am looking to run a race in July. Once I know which one I will post it.

I might try to go Canoeing this week. I have to check my schedule but I could definitely use the relaxation time. I have been going non stop... I need some outdoor time!

Friday night bookclub is going to read Eat, Pray, Love this time around. I have heard good things about it. Can't wait

Week of 5/29/09

At precisely 12:37am my website www.Karriehillisphotography.com went live! I want to dance around the house screaming but it might wake everyone. Kind of stinks that I can’t share this excitement with anyone…everyone is either out or asleep. Lol.
It was a very exciting week. Hell, its been a very exciting past two weeks. I got to help Hope Smith with a wedding in Tullahoma, TN and she has asked for my assistance with another wedding June 6th, 2009. The first wedding was amazing. I had no idea how hard it would be but I loved every minute of it… Thank you Hope! I had a photo shoot with Amanda West’s kids. It was so much fun and they are precious. It was my first paying solo job!! I have two more shoots lined up in the near future and now that the website is up….the business is going to be pouring in (positive thinking).









Another piece of great news… I am going to Forks, WA on June 23rd. Some friends from California are getting together on the Oregon Coast the last weekend in June. After doing a little research, I found out that Forks is only a 5.5 hour drive from where we will be staying. I am going to fly in a day early and check it out. I am so excited. If anyone wants to join… let me know. I am going alone.

I am also planning a trip with Erica, Camille and Shea to go to Destin, FL July 1st-5th. Such a busy summer I am going to have! 

I have put off running since the last race but I started that back up this week… I have 8 more races to go, I can’t fall behind now.

I entered some pieces in the Appalachian Photography Salon contest in Kingsport, TN. I did not win but I have several more I am entering in the near future. I will win again, I will! (won previously in 2000)

I know it has nothing to do with “The List” but my niece Karagen graduated from Kindergarten…. It was an exciting night for her. We went to dinner, she got presents and then we had a little party for her when she got home. So fun!… she is the cutest thing alive! Here are a few pictures from the night





I feel that there is so much more to tell but I can't get over my website starting! Its taken me weeks.

I will try and update in the next few days!!