Skinny Bitch is Changing my Life.

You know that certain point of desperation, & you say "THAT'S IT" something must be done, NOW!? Well, I've had it. Last week after being down about my weight, I went shopping with my Mom. My wake up call came while trying on spring dresses at Target. GUH!!! I thought I was at my largest last summer, but once again I broke the record for this year. And I'm saying enough is enough. Obviously it's not going to go anywhere unless I make the change. A conscious change to choose a healthier way of eating and living. And my food choices changed that exact same day. Grilled, not fried. Salad with fat free dressing, not french fries. Water not soda or sweetened drinks.

I had picked up a new book while shopping called "Skinny Bitch." It was blunt, harsh, and funny. What started out to be about healthy food choices turned into a campaign to turn vegan. Not vegitarian, VEGAN! meaning no meat, no dairy, and all organic products. The result being the skinny beautiful body you always had but couldn't find. Normally I'd be like "HA" yeah, "NO CHANCE of THAT" happening because I love my meat and dairy. But the authors of the book are realy convincing! It becomes more about the cruelty behind the scenes that goes on, the lies and big business marketing behind healthfood adds and commercials. Organizations put in place that are supposed to oversee the food packaging process out of health concerns for our nations citizens are lieing to us all! Lies lies lies!!! The information in the book is backed up with tons of facts, and info collected from various studies, laws, and statements that you yourself can double check for authenticity. It's seriously been an eye opener for me personally. The cruelty farm animals endure for our consumption is unethical and disgusting! I for one do not want that KARMIC residue. And so I have decided to make serious changes in my diet. But it doesnt stop there! I'm more informed now about all the chemicals that are put into our foods and other products like health and beauty aids! We can't even pronounce the shit thats named on these ingredient lables, yet alone the ones that are not required by law to even list. READ YOUR LABLES PEOPLE! Inform yourself! With a conscious effort, you can live healthy. I am starting to do just that.

This entire week I've been following a simple food plan. Fresh fruit for breakfast, a salad for lunch, and a light meal for dinner. Dinner time has been tricky to start because I have a fridge stocked with planned dinners and snacks we would normally eat so it's a process. Eating healthier is my step 1. Soon I will wean off all read meat, then poultry. Not only is it cruel to eat it, it sits in your colon unable to fully digest for years!!!! No wonder I cant lose weight. Holy shit speaking of shit- I cant shit normally either! Now I know why. Detox Detox Detox! I've cut out all soda (not that I really drank it anyway) and artifical sweeteners and sugar have been a big one for me. I'm sticking to tea instead of coffee too. I use natural honey instead, no dairy creamers. And it's really not been that hard to do! which is totally suprising the hell out of me. It just goes to show- I can do it once I put my mind up to it.

My husband and I went out to dinner with friends on Friday and it was a true test. I passed by ordering a vegatarian meal. I really had limited options so vegan was out of question. Being it was a social night I endulged in 2 margaritas and 2 beers that evening which would be a big NO NO on any other typical day. (Hey I have to make allowances-I dont want to stop living afterall). Oh and there were some cheese fries later that evening. So no one said it was going to be easy especially when impaired lol. But I will do better.

The weekend passed and I the cravings were in full force. Damn it, the price to pay for indulging the night before. Skinny Bitch advises to refrain from old habits for at least 30 days- by then you will have come so far, that you wont dare blow it. So here I am, starting week #2 still wanting to walk this path. Water is my friend :) I dont need sweeteners. I don't need that box of Mike n Ikes or that chocolate chip cookie. Ok maybe just a couple.

Right now Im feeling guilty about all the unhealthy food in my pantry. I hate wasting food especially when money has been tight. So the plan is to eat it sparingly, and hopefully stick to this plan somewhat until it's all out of here and replaced with fresh fruits and vegetables instead. Another big part of living healthy is exercise. Yeah haven't quite gotten to that part yet. But I'm thinking about going for a daily walk to build up my energy to start.

The one thing I am REALLY excited about is weaning from prescription medication that isn't needed any more. Getting rid of even more pullutants! Birth control gone, and adjusted to. Anti-depressants gone, and so far so good. I only have one more thyroid medication that I may be very well stuck with forever unless I can get super healthy with diet and exercise. I have to tell you, being off the anti-deppressant has been "just wow!" I feel alert, alive, and I have a physical sense of feeling back to my body. I feel things! my body hurts! my finger tips arent desensitized! The first week I started weaning myself and eating better was physically hard because the headaches were non-top. But I got through it without disrupting the detox process. And I mean taking nothing for the headaches. I let my body work it out on its own. And guess what? I lived! lol

My husband, wants to join me partway on my new health kick plan. He's smoked his last cigarette!! He's cutting out red meats, and he wants to go on daily walks with me :) Perfect! I can't think of anyone else I'd like to walk this path with more. I feel a nice change happening for us... All my wishes are slowly being answered. Thank You Universe.  Now... about that windfall of cash and a big beautiful place to live....

K'Naan - People Like Me [LIVE]

Somedays (short poem)~Amy Wons

Somedays I feel like giving up, giving in.
Tired of this city, and situation were in.
Most days I don't have it together. I feel defeated.
I've let myself down, and lord knows I've let myself go.
I'm not the woman I once used to be,
and right now Im not happy.

I try to get a grip before my emotions go wild.
Inside Im throwing a tantrum, screaming like a child.
I want to point and blame kick and yell
tell you all to go to hell.
But I know it wouldn't do any good
I'll still be stuck living in this ghetto neighborhood.

Somedays I feel like giving up, giving in.
Tired of this city, and situation were in.

35 years I've had enough mediocracy
I've pictured life a little differently by mid- thirty.
When does someday ever come?
Does it ever really? It does for some.
I'm probably not that lucky
We are stuck here, as far as I can see.

I once had dreams, ideas and hopes
Now I'm left with sleepless nights, and trying to cope.
Some seem to make life look so easy
Everything wonderful falling at their feet.
But I'm not that naeve, there is always more unseen.
I only wish it could soon happen for me.

I'm not the woman I once used to be,
and right now Im not happy.
~Amy Wons

Phenomenal Woman Poem by Maya Angelou

Phenomenal Woman


Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms

The span of my hips,

The stride of my step,

The curl of my lips.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.



I walk into a room

Just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

The fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees.

I say,

It's the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.



Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When I try to show them

They say they still can't see.

I say,

It's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of my breasts,

The grace of my style.

I'm a woman



Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.



Now you understand

Just why my head's not bowed.

I don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It's in the click of my heels,

The bend of my hair,

the palm of my hand,

The need of my care,

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.



Maya Angelou

Another Pet Addition.

While at the carnival last night, my son wins this goldfish! Haha great just what we need, another pet to care for. It's terrible knowing this fish's impending doom- coming home with us. It's either going to go belly up from boredom or die of a heart attack inflicted by all 3 cats. So far so good. I decided to keep the fish in the powder room up away from the bratts. And I'll see her all the time therefore remembering to feed her. lol

So, I was watching this tiny little feeder fish tonight, just observing it's gracefulness as she swims back and forth wondering how long she'll stay. Then, I remembered Tiffanys story of how big someone's pet goldfish grew to a huge size. hmmm..... we shall see. I haven't had fishies in quite some time. I'd love to have an aquarium, a real nice aquarium with tropical salt water fish. It's just so relaxing to watch. Someday we hope to live in a place where we can keep a Koi pond. :)

The Best Day :)

Spent the afternoon yesterday at the zoo with my guy, Toni, & her friend Scott. I feel a little guilty when I say, it was nice not having Jake to tend to for once where we could just see everything without being pulled in 10 directions, making potty runs, and spending a fortune on food and junk. In fact, the trip didn't cost a dime (1st time ever). I was hoping to get fantastic pictures of the animals with my zoom lens :) I got a few that I like. But I really wish I had spent even more time just sitting and observing the animals. And I really wish I had a good view not protected by glass and wire cages. Oh well, whatcha gonna do?

This little Monkey happens to be my favorite photo of the day. The Bald Eagle was a close second, but mostly because he was such a little show off in front of my camera. If I had a clear view of the eagle (without fencing) the pictures I got would have been pretty good. The eagle saw me point the camera, and spread its massive wings to glide over. Then proceeded to turn around showing his impessive set of wings to the crowd. I found this guys personality quite fascinating! He must really be used to people.

My husband might think Im nuts, but I wouldn't mind him dropping me off at the zoo for an entire day. lol Does anyone know of any good zoo's on the East Coast to visit?

I can't really narrow down my favorite animals, because I find them all rather fascinating. However I love watching the birds anywhere I go. They just happen to be so colorful at the zoo- an artists heart. Well mine anyway. I love color! Vibrant exciting color!

Later, after the zoo we all went out to Honey's for dinner. Mmmm mmm good! Farm fresh humane & organic food. My tastebuds were alive with flavor! I had brisket soft tacos, omg it was delish. Thanks Toni for introducing me to this place.

Even later that evening, my chickies Rubie & Tiffany paid us a nice little visit. We plus my son and hubby went to check out St. Tim's Mardi Gras Carnival for kids. It was put together really cute. We enjoyed ourselves playing the rip off tickets, and chances, while Jake won tons of prizes with the games. Taking him there kind of lessened my guilt from earlier not taking him along to the zoo. lol

Once back home, I spent the rest of the evening catching up with my girls. Jobs attained, lost, house hunting adventures etc.. it was really good seeing Rubie and Tiffany. Sometimes I don't realise how much I miss my friends until I actually see them for the 1st time in a while. We topped off the evening with a home video taken of our Cinco de Mayo party last year. FUNNY STUFF right there! Now my cheeks hurt from laughing just as much as my legs from walking the zoo! hahaha Good times! It was a perfect day :) I needed it too after the funk I've been in. Funk no more... (it might have been pms-now that I think of it.)

Maternity Shoot Take #1

Amy Wons Photography @ http://www.funhousefotos.com/
Maternity Session. 2011

I was flattered when asked to photograph Lorie & Josh's maternity shoot last week. It was exciting to see an old friend that I hadn't seen since our Hallahan days in highschool!

When Lorie and Josh warmed up for the shoot, you could really feel the love between this couple. Newlywed bliss was nearly intoxicating. How refreshing to see two people so much in love, and expecting their first child.

I feel the shoot went really well. I had my sketches and ideas all planned out to keep the shoot flowing. We moved along nicely, getting some really sweet images. I hope Lorie & Josh will enjoy them for years to come. I had to share one here now.


I've been getting lots of inquiries lately about doing wedding photos and vow renewal ceremonies. And even though I've yet to do one of these events, it's pretty exciting to maybe one day capture those beautiful memories on film for couples. I would love to give it a shot. Lord knows I'm a perfectionist and I have the ideas in mind of the images I would like to get.

PERSONAL STYLE:  I'm currently focusing on building a porfolio. What is my style? I'd have to say that I love photos that tell a story, and make you feel something. I love the softness that lights can play in a photo, natural and infused. My interest/range is wide... so depending on the event and mood, I like to toy with all different techniques. But my favorite inspiration for Maternity and baby however would be Anne Geddes. She really knows how to capture the innocence and purity of the subject.

As an artist, there's nothing more that I love than stirring up emotion, and controversy of sort. I want to create art that leaves peoples jaws hitting the floor. lol And yet, I have a small desire to photograph high fashion and advertisement. I guess being relatively new to photography, I'm anxious to experience everything. And create amazing photos whenever I can, as I can afford it. I've been reading my eyeballs to the bone, articals and columns on photography jotting down useful tips, and self helping along the way. Books!!! If you dont have the time or cant afford schooling, BOOKS are the answer. Read, as much as you can about the subject. Experiment on your own. You'll see what works and what doesn't. And the more experience you get, the better you'll be. Knowing your equipment and lighting will produce awesome results, so keep toying until you find what works for you. Read those manuals! Test out the settings! Understand how different lenses can create different looks to your work.

Currently I'm in the process of buying professional high grade backdrops. And although I love my speedlight, I think I'd prefer to have a strobe light for inside/studio shoots. But for now my speedlight can be awesome when adjusted properly. I'm teaching myself lighting! So expect to see some dramatic lighting in my current & upcoming pictures.

As my work progresses, I hope to have put together an impressive collection. That's the goal. Now I just wonder how to come up with a decent pricing list that will make both the customer & myself very happy. hmmm....