New Roommate...

Well it seems I have found myself a little furry roommate. Some black cat seems to call the grassy patch under my hammock his new home. That is great that he feels so comfortable in my yard, basking in the sun, enjoying the quiet ambiance of the Riso house. BUT I am completely allergic to cats. But don't fret, I am trying very hard to be extremely nice to this cat...but he just runs away even if I try to purr!

SO...this got me thinking, which got Tory thinking...which means my inbox has become the new home of puppy advertisements. I have narrowed it down to a yorkie or yorkie/poo OR a buff colored cocker (which is what Comet is---except he has a bit of King Charles in him--yes he is such a king on his thrown at the age of 14 come august). Any suggestions...

My biggest dilemma is coming up with a name and obviously finding one!! I want a male puppy so here I am putting it out there: let's start the name game!! Send them in!

cheers

Texans are invading Arizona soon...

Well, it's official...Michael and Philliip will be Arizonans come August 10th and 20th. I am so excited! They are two amazing guys that have so much fun in life. I cannot wait to have Phillip's creativeness around everyday and Michael's amusing sense of humor. I love friends and it's so refreshing knowing I will have them around to keep me grounded in my faith and my work during such pivotal changes in my life. Can't wait to see you!

17 days and counting till Watermelon gets here! Get excited boys!


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michael with a haircut

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phillip loving vino

Red Door

I know many of you haven't seen photographs from the new house...so here we go. This is where all the creative juices will be flowing in the lovely GREEN ROOM!!!! And of course since I have to carry on the tradition of Samantha's red door..here is the new door color! I'm so excited to be working from home soon!!
Blessings
Shannon

Friends as Teachers...

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pic from dinner with DJ and my new friends!!


It's official I gave my two weeks and will be working for myself come August 4th! CRAZY! The past 72 hours of my life have been a roller coaster....racing home to make it to DJ's meeting..while having one my best guy friends from TX show up on my door step with Erik! Seriously I was on a high for hours! Then meeting the most amazing group of photographers...and giving my notice and my managers completely supporting my new enedeavors! It couldn't get any better then this..oh but it did!


So David Jay (www.opensourcephoto.net) was just in town..which after 4 years of corresponding via emails led to finally meeting in person this week. It's amazing to have a connection with a person and then meet them and just know why you get along. I bring this up because even though he was only here for 72 hrs he opened my eyes to a whole new perspective on living life.

I had the opportunity to listen to him speak at the Phx PUG meeting, which was all about timing in my life since the following day I was giving my notice at work to go out on my own. Not only did he touch on important aspects of marketing your business thru word of mouth + word of mouse...his point to get across to everyone was to try and live a prosperous life but with freedom. He has pushed me with his guidance and strength to go out there and do what I love. It was helpful to know that he had started and struggled from square one but has turned into a successful, profitable and leading example of someone who is living their dreams.

Learning from your friends lead is the perfect example of the Lord at work. He has so blessed my life with wonderful people that share so much enthusiasm for giving back, leading by example and teaching others that they love to live a holy and truthful life. I feel like a nomad because I've lived and worked in many places in the world...gaining friendships and knowledge from every location. It's difficult to always keep in touch and follow everyone's life but that doesn't mean that each and every person hasn't impacted the way I live, make decisions or laugh everyday. Even though few of the people will be in in my life every day, their love and friendship that I value still impacts the way I make decisions and love life.

I watch David travel the world, touching so many people's lives, creating a following of people that see so much value in what he does and how he lives life. I realized last night that every door that has closed in my life recently has only opened a new one just this week. Thank the Lord for the way he works in our lives. I walk away from these past two days learning more about myself and friendships that will grow.

To those who are far away I value you and thank you for supporting me and being in my life. For those who I see everyday, thank you for being my day to day support system. I could not be this strong in my faith and work if it wasn't for the people that I love to push me to become the person they know I can be!

Love you all
Have a great weekend

DJ get that phone charged!
Phillip get home to TX safely!
And Annie CALL ME!

GU girls, I will see you soon...I'll be in Spokane in November..possible flying thru Portland is in the making!