Market Day Again!

Hello! It's us again!



Did we mention that we got to see a new puppy! Above is Maverick! He's just getting used to the market!

Charlie was so excited to see his girls! It sure had been a while!



He got lots of love from his girls!



And,the girls even got some soap on their dad's birthday!



Did we mention how happy everyone is when they come to the market?





Soap and flowers and friends!!







And, dogs!



But, we have to be quiet! This gentleman always says we're too loud and happy early in the morning! He loves it though!



Thank you for joining us!



Here are some more pictures of other goodies at the market!



Have you tried the beef, fish, or pork from Dolce Vita Farm?



Look at these eggplants!



Yes, it's almost pumpkin time!



Before I go...I want to mention how blessed we are to have fellow vendors that support one another. Kay of Cardinal Hill Farm is a dear friend! She and her husband, Wayne, have been so kind and supportive to us since day 1. They are great people! And, Ashley's parents sell tomatoes and other veggies. They have been our "neighbors" at the market for years! We have watched Ashley grow up! When you spend every Saturday together for years you do develop friendships!



See you tomorrow morning bright and early!

Charlie's photo shoot!

I keep practicing and practicing with my camera. That's the only way to get it right! My subject is a quick one. He keeps me on my toes! My little man...









My gorgeous little boy...



Happy Thursday!

Virginia This Morning Soap Demo

I am so honored to have been asked to be on CBS 6 Virginia This Morning! It was a very fun experience to be in the newsroom and see how things work. Everyone was so friendly and helpful! I must be honest and say that I was extremely nervous. I spent lots of time preparing and practicing the recipe for my 4 minutes. Showing how to make soap in just 4 minutes is close to impossible, but through the magic of TV we came pretty close to a decent explanation. Normally the process can take over 2 hours, so this was a crash course!

I was so blessed to have Jeff with me! He took off to drive me up to the station and then helped me unload and setup. He kept me calm and encouraged me! He got to sit in the studio during the show and that was a huge comfort for me! I couldn't do this without him! We are such a great team! Thank you, handsome!

I hope you enjoy the clip! Again, I am so grateful for this opportunity! I am so blessed! And, thank you for your continued support of us and our business!

http://wtvr.com/2013/08/26/vtm-decorative-artisan-soap/

Mountain Bike Monday - The Battlefield Bike Ride

Last week we loaded the Jeep and headed for the Battlefield! I took my  camera to practice some more! We picked up dinner from Saucy's in Petersburg and then headed to the park for a picnic before the ride!





We took the little man too! It was such a glorious evening! The air was cool and the battlefield was quiet!





The evening light is so pretty coming through the trees as we rode along the Park Tour Road!





There were lots of creatures out! We saw several deer and even a fox! At least we think it was a fox!



Towards the end of the ride we had a little scare though! We were rolling quickly down a hill and I thought there was a stick in the road. It wasn't a stick, but instead a copperhead crossing! I screamed and swerved. Dynamo luckily was able to swing wide enough (remember he was hauling the chariot) to avoid the snake. As I looked back, I saw the copperhead strike. It was the closest we've ever come. Those snakes blend in, especially at night. Flying down the road doesn't give you a lot of time to identify them and act quickly. I was so upset and began to cry! It was very scary to think that the snake actually struck at my family. In all of our snake sightings this was the scariest!



It was a great ride together as a family minus the snake incident! Plus, I got to practice my new camera skills!

Down on the farm with Warthan Farms Photography

You all know how much I love to take pictures! I get that from my mom! It's always been like living with the paparazzi! So, it's only fitting that I get that trait! So much so that if you look at my flickr account you'll see over 3,200 pictures of Charlie. I have my fur-child! He's my main subject to photograph! He even turns his head at times when I come at him with the camera. I know what he's thinking, "Not again, Mom!"

Well, Dynamo bought me a Canon Rebel about 9 years ago! I love this camera! It takes great pictures. I will attest to that! It's always in auto mode, though! I had no idea what to do with all of those silly buttons! That is until now! I happened upon Jennifer Griffin Warthan of Warthan Farms Photography thanks to our hairdresser! (she's Jennifer's cousin). After a few emails back and forth, I signed up for her Beginner Workshop! Dynamo has always encouraged me to learn more about my camera and this was the perfect opportunity! And, the plus was that I was supporting a local business. Her farm is only 5 minutes from my parents' house.

So...last Sunday I ventured to her Cottage right outside of the Town of Waverly. Right from the start I received a warm welcome. It was like I'd always known her! She was so friendly and personable. The class was small - about 7 of us. She brewed up sweet tea and her sweet and knowledgeable assistant made lots of delicious snacks. The environment was laid back. We all felt comfortable with one another as we grabbed our seats in her studio.



She did an excellent job of explaining the terminology and didn't rush through. She spent time making sure each and every question was answered, as well as took the time to get each different camera set up properly. Sure, the terms were slightly foreign to someone who only uses the auto button! And, I must say that it is still a work in progress for everything to click into place, but she was patient and deliberate with her talk. She allowed plenty of time for us to take notes and re-ask or re-word if necessary.

We even had models! My first efforts on manual weren't too good!







But, I learned that I didn't have the best lens to learn on! So, Dynamo got me a new lens that's supposed to be just right! What a sweetheart!

Even though the class was only 3 hours the learning still continues. I am now a part of a wonderful online closed group on Facebook that allows "photographers" to interact with one another. These are photographers of all skill levels! They post pictures, ask advice, and most importantly, encourage one another. And, since the class Jennifer has received a few emails from me with follow-up questions, which she has quickly answered. At one point she asked me a follow-up email saying, "did you get what I previously emailed you?" and proceeded to reword the explanation another way.

Recently, I posted this practice picture of Charlie in the group...



I asked for a little guidance! She didn't just leave a comment with advice, but instead Jennifer took the picture and then proceed to send me a quick screenshot on how to adjust the white balance!



It gave me a point to work from. And, I came up with this...



I think he turned out pretty good! My handsome little man!

And, I took this pic...



So, needlesstosay, I am super pleased with my experience and hope to go back for more classes once I get some practice under my belt! She's a very kind and helpful person. She wants you to succeed! Isn't that a great quality of a teacher? So, if you are thinking about finding someone to help you she's your lady! Check her out on her website and on Facebook!

Family Fun at the Petersburg Farmers Market

This past Saturday my cousin joined us at the market!



She usually comes once a season! It's a lot to ask a teenager to get up early to sell flowers and soap with her cousin and Aunt.



Charlie loves her bunches! He goes wild over her! But, he loves all people and animals!



We continue to be blessed with beautiful flowers and customers who shop!



The market has so much to offer! Lots of beautiful fresh produce!



And, lots of happy faces...







Yes, we have lots of guy customers!



And, Charlie got lots and lots of love too!



We love to see families at the market bonding and spending time together!





And, we love to get hugs from our friends!





Thanks so much for coming faithfully each week!



Fur-children included!





We love it when you re-use your bags!



Did I mention that our adopted nieces came down to see us too!



We took a "groupie"...



Then, we got some assistance!



Swing by this week if you're in town!



We would love to see you! Charlie would too!