Finally! I've started shadowing wedding photographers to learn tricks of the trade, eventually so I can make a living as a professional photographer. There's a new section in the Portfolio page to show my wares.

I like to grow my own vegetables. My apartment has limited space, but my table by the window has enough room to start seeds. This year I'll grow tomatoes and bell peppers.

Timer set to 12 hour intervals

Light stand with aquarium/indoor plant bulb

Seed flat with cover

Bell pepper sprouts

My friend Leah invited me to the Twisted Fork to help raise money to benefit staff and upstairs tenants of Pizza Man, which burned to the ground late January. Mr. Lucky played music. I took some pictures.

Thank you to everyone who agreed to have your pictures taken with your dogs. Let me know if anyone else would like a portrait, or if you'd like to get your own. Photos are here.

I traveled to the mythical island of Manhattan to visit friends for New Year's. Walking isn't something we do a lot of in the Midwest and my left calf and my right knee were casualties. I got a crash course on the New York Mass Transit Authority, and by the third day, I had a vague idea of what was supposed to happen and when.

I recommend Hotel 17 to anyone who wants to stay in Manhattan without spending a fortune. My room was small, but clean and comfortable. The hotel is a few blocks away from Union Square, which can take you to anywhere in the Five Boroughs.

Thank you to Jess and Josh for hosting the festivities and for your hospitality.

 Pictures are here and here.