I believed and I felt. I felt and I knew. I knew and I saw.
~ myself

Thursday, March 31, 2011

Angel lashes ObG#23

"The eyes are a mirror of the soul."
~ Yiddish proverb


A. Rogers July 2010


I took this picture of the most beautiful boy last summer when we were at Disneyland. As we wandered around the park for a couple of days all the ladies, from 3 years to 99 years old, were mesmerized by his luscious lashes and blue eyes! It's the first thing that anyone notices about him.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Bub's Green "B'yew" ObG#22

"Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon."
~ Winnie the Pooh


A. Rogers 2010

"B'yew!" "B'yew!" "B'yew!" Bub loves b'yews!!!!! I love this picture I took after he pooped out in the car during a little Saturday jaunt down to Logandale for the "Pomegranate Days." I love the way he is holding his "b'yew" in his hand as he dreams... probably about millions of "b'yews" floating in cerulean skies filled with fluffy, cotton ball clouds.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Believing is seeing, really!

A. Rogers Mar. 2011

Today, one of my students used his classmates for his science fair experiment. His question is, "Does believing in yourself, and visualizing success, really help you to succeed?" We had his karate instructor come and help him with this project. The kids came out, one by one, and tried to break a board. At first, he just told them to tap it three times and then break it. After a couple tries, he told them to close their eyes and visualize themselves going through the board. It was AMAZING to see the change in their faces, their confidence was visible, after they had visualized themselves succeeding. Only a few kids broke it on the first or second try, but everyone broke it! So, the moral of the story is....

"Whether you believe you can or you can't... you are right." ~ Henry Ford

A. Rogers Mar. 2011

Monday, March 28, 2011

Spring time snowy peaks

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!

America! America!
God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
~Katharine Lee Bates




A. Rogers Mar. 2011

Cedar City, Utah

Saturday, March 26, 2011

An image of hope ObG#21

"Repentance may begin instantly,  but reformation may take a sphere of years."
~ Henry Ward Beecher


A.Rogers 2009

I love this picture and I love the way the huge piece of bark is hanging from the tree. It inspires a beautiful image within my mind of repentance, of shedding our old skin and revealing the tender, new skin beneath. It is easy to see the missing bark and to see that the new bark has not yet formed. Yet, the time will come when there will be no visible difference; when the tree has completely healed. I think that is the way it is with repentance. We may expect to feel better and whole and healed right away, but all we really should expect to feel immediately is the love and peace that our burden has been lifted, and the renewed hope that one day, we will no longer feel the painful effects we left behind.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Montana on my mind ObG#20

If you had been here at the beginning of the week you would have been doing the "Happy Spring" dance, however, yesterday things took a nasty turn as clouds and rain came in. I am so disappointed. I was looking forward to spending some time outdoors this weekend.
I want spring to be here so bad! I decided to post a few pictures I took a couple of years ago when I went to Yellowstone with my sister and mom. The landscape of Montana is amazing. I think I could totally live there! Amazing rivers and lakes, mountains, and trees that let you know that you are definitely in God's country.
My favorite flower is a daisy and as we were passing through some desolate mountain areas, I started to notice the most amazing daisies I had ever seen! There were fields full of them. They were huge- about the size of my hand, and were creamy white, buttery yellow, and the purest white colors I had ever see. I finally got my mom to stop so I could get a few pictures and pick a few. Sadly, though, they didn't press very well.
These pictures are my prayer for spring to come...and stay!

A. Rogers 2009

 A.Rogers 2009

A. Rogers 2009

Thursday, March 24, 2011

La Luna

A.Rogers Mar. 2011

Love that moon! 
This morning it was too cold for a spring day and really cloudy and foreboding looking, but it has drifted mostly away into a beautiful afternoon. Hoping it lasts through the weekend!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Puppy Love

One of the sweetest symbols of God's love, in my opinion, is a playful little puppy that loves you to death just for being there. This extremely hyper little pup practically licks your toes off the moment you step through the door. Bub is just starting to get used to Scooter's "in your face" style of demonstrating his love. It was precious tonight to see how they followed each other around, even though they both are still slightly intimidated by the other. I can see a great friendship forming!

A. Rogers Mar. 2011

A. Rogers Mar. 2011

A. Rogers Mar. 2011

Monday, March 21, 2011

Fussbol

I love this game! Spring tournaments are underway and I miss everything about it. Playing, coaching, cheering. Maybe I will have to stop in and watch a game or two.

A.Rogers Mar.2011

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Happy birfday!

A.Rogers Mar.2011

March 20th is not only the first day of spring, but it is also the day my mother celebrates her birthday! I am so grateful for my "angel mother" and for all she has taught me. Here are 59 amazing things about my mom.

1. Her beautiful blue eyes.
2. She loves me even when I am not so lovable.
3. Her faith.
4. Her strength to get through hard times.
5. Her belief in her children.
6. The way she sings so beautifully.
7. Her comfort in living simply.
8. Watching her with her grandbabies.
9. She smells good.
10. Her bed is more comfy.
11. She can do that funny thing with her eye.
12. She knows what makes her kids tick...
13. Like when she made those cupcakes last year for me that were an awesome version of "Starry Night."
14. She makes awesome tacos.
15. She is a hard worker.
16. She has a fiery testimony.
17. She has never doubted her children when it mattered.
18. She pushes me to do the things she knows are important.
19. She taught us correct principles.
20. She has more strength than she knows.
21. She likes good music, not old people stuff (she went to a Bon Jovi concert with my sister yesterday!)
22. She fights for her kids when everyone else has given up.
23. She makes her bed every day.
24. She never talked bad about my dad in front of me...
25. She let me discover the truth about things on my own without trying to sway me.
26. She likes to play in the dirt.
27. She likes icky things like worms.
28. She likes to try new hobbies.
29. She is willing to go camping.
30. She likes the things I draw.
31. She supports me in karate, and came to every tournament, and several belt tests.
32. She always shared her coke when we were little, even though we would drink the whole thing.
33. She woke up at 4:00 in the morning to drive us to St.George to meet our dad,then turned around and drove back because she couldn't afford a hotel.
34. She took us to the beach, even when it was not a pretty day.
35. She gave me the love of the Beatles.
36. She raised us in Southern California.
37. She always tried to find fun things to do.
38. She is beautiful.
39. She is talented.
40. She is a good teacher.
41. She took me to soccer and basketball games, even when she would rather be sleeping.
42. She is honest.
43. She draws faith from experiences.
44. She sings along with Lady Gaga, even when she doesn't know the right words.
45. She is silly, though she tries to hide it.
46. She reads her scriptures and prays.
47. She attends the temple.
48. She does service for others, she used to visit Helen (over 100 years old) weekly, until she finally passed away.
49. She cares about others.
50. She is friendly.
51. She is smart.
52. She likes to read.
53. She likes In N Out as much as I do.
54. She appreciates my love of things, even if she doesn't feel the same way.
55. She always knows what gifts I would like.
56. She doesn't sway in her beliefs.
57. She never gives up.
58. Po' man's lunch (Peanuts and coke)
59. Her version of "You are my sunshine" is unmatched and cheers me up no matter what.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Lucky Bug

"This lucky little ladybug
has landed here to stay
To make my garden pretty
And keep the weeds away."
~ Author Unknown

A.Rogers Mar. 2011

I really like this blurred version.


"I'm sending luck and wishes
All wrapped up in a hug
Good things should come your way
With this tiny ladybug."
~Author Unknown


A.Rogers Mar.2011

Friday, March 18, 2011

If these old walls could talk

A.Rogers Mar. 2011

A.Rogers Mar.2011

This pioneer home is still standing in Harrisburg, Utah. A simple stone and wood home still standing as a testament of the skill of the craftsmen of the day, and the persistence of the pioneers who built it to survive in a barren and remote area, only 15 miles from the main settlement, but still it seems so far away. It was built over 160 years ago, and yes, it is dilapidated, but it is cool! I love it!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Meet Georgie

A.Rogers Mar 2011

Can you see him? Georgie. He's the little brown guy just bigger than a pinprick right there on Bubs' right leg. I named him when he popped up when Jude was only a couple of months old. George is Bub's only freckle. He is very special. We ask Jude, "Where's your freckle?" or "Where's George?" and he pulls his leg and twists it till he can see him. Then he taps gently several times next to Georgie. So cute! 

Here is another special picture, from last summer, of Bub and Georgie; their first time swinging.

A.Rogers July 2010

"A face (or a leg) without freckles is like a sky without stars."
                                                             ~ Unknown

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Chips and salsa

A.Rogers Mar. 2011

A.Rogers Mar. 2011

A.Rogers Mar. 2011

He's a pro at this dipping thing and loves his chips n salsa. Who doesn't?

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Still popping up

A. Rogers Mar. 2011

This is what my peas look like as of today. They are really growing! I am really excited for my fresh fruits and veggies straight from the ground! Every day, I find several more popping their little heads out of the ground toward the sun. In fact, my friend and I (I am sharing my yard with her) dug up 2 half rows of peas a couple weeks ago because we needed the space for other things and didn't want peas coming out of our ears (even though we both love them). Well, I have found 14 little sprouts that we missed on that side of the yard next to the zucchini and yellow squash. I guess we will have a few more than expected.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Tonaquint Park

 
A.Rogers Mar 2011
Taken with Droid, edited with Photoshop Express (free app!)
Warm vintage tone, film emulsion border

A.Rogers Mar 2011
Taken with Droid, edited with Photoshop Express 
Vignette blur, vignette border

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Antiquated or modern?

By turning this picture into a sepia daguerreotype, I feel I am looking at an image that was taken by an early explorer, or by the pioneers who came and settled this area. I absolutely love it! Can you imagine what people may have thought upon hearing the prophecy of Brigham Young in 1861?

"There will yet be built between those volcanic 
ridges a city with spires, towers, steeples, 
and homes with many inhabitants."

A. Rogers Mar. 2011
Panorama created using Corel Panorama Plus (11 original shots)

A.Rogers Mar. 2011
Edited using Corel Photo Album (sepia and daguerreotype frame added)

A.Rogers Mar. 2011
Photo corrected by Nicola Gonzalez (nicsportraitsplus.com)

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Just me and my shadow

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him."
                      ~ Buddha

A.Rogers Mar. 2011
Original

A.Rogers
Edited using Corel Paint It! (Pencil Sketch)

I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed.

The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow--
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an india-rubber ball,
And he sometimes goes so little that there's none of him at all.

He hasn't got a notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close behind me, he's a coward you can see;
I'd think shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!

One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup;
But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.

~ Robert Louis Stevenson, from A Child's Garden of Verses

Friday, March 11, 2011

River Rats ObG#19

Now that spring is here and the weather is starting to get nicer, I am reminded of the time I spent in Page, Arizona for 2 years teaching. I loved the lake but didn't spend as much time there as I would have liked, since I didn't have a boat or any lake toys. But each year, the 4th graders would do a river run down the Colorado River from Glen Canyon Dam to Lee's Ferry. The first year's trip started off well, but ended disastrously- for me- at least, to the point that I was injured, my life (and the lives of several students) was put in danger, and I nearly had to threaten a lawsuit on the river tour agency in order to get a new pair of glasses. I am sure you can figure out what happened, but that is as much as I will say at this point. If you want to know the whole story, well, maybe you can ask me sometime. :) The second year, however, went much more smoothly and I stayed completely dry. I decided with the flood of river memories I have had over the past couple days with the beautiful weather coming in, that I would post a few pictures that demonstrate the unique beauty of the area, it's special history, and some special faces that I loved. God's finger truly must have designed this unique area to be like no other. No wonder it attracts so many visitors from all over the world! I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to spend 2 years there, the experiences that I had, the people I loved, and all the many things I learned about myself, others, and the area. It truly was a blessing I will remember every day for the rest of my life.


This post is a bit longer than normal, but I could not decide on only one or two favorite pictures from this experience. It should also provide some interesting western American/ Mormon pioneer history for many of you. I have included some links throughout this post that will give you more amazing information and pictures about the river's sites,
John D. Lee, Lonely Dell Ranch, and Lee's Ferry.

A.Rogers 2006

A. Rogers 2006
Kids in front of one of the homes at the ranch

A. Rogers 2006
The kids were all confused about what this big thing was, and to tell you the truth, so was I. What I was later told was that it was a boiler, a part of a large machine, that was used to spray large amounts of pressurized water against the rocks in hopes of removing flakes of gold. I had never heard about gold sluicing and had no idea that gold had been found in the area.

A. Rogers 2006
These images are a small part of a larger petroglyph panel that is just a short walk from one of the river's small "beaches." It was very interesting!

A. Rogers 2006
Kids in front of the "petro panel." This picture makes me laugh because KrystalLynne's face looks so tiny with her life jacket under her sweater.

A. Rogers 2006

A. Rogers 2006
The fort
click here
for the Sons of the Utah Pioneers' history of Lee's Ferry and Lonely Dell.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Shadow Puppets ObG#18

This picture gives my heart a tickle. These cute kids were completely unaware that I snapped this picture, and it is one of my all time favorites. It was taken two years ago when we took our kids to Snow Canyon State Park. They were obsessed with shadow puppets and were always playing with their hands during class trying to figure out how to make certain animals. It drove me absolutely batty. It is funny how crazy it drove me, yet I adore this picture and the memory it brings back. Maybe it has something to do with how much I loved and miss these kids. The one in the hat was one of my extra special kids because I got to teach him in 1st grade, then again a year later in 3rd grade.

A. Rogers 2009

A.Rogers 2009

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

I need your vote!

I took these pictures this morning on the way to school. I was noticing the other day (so was my body, due to allergies) that nature was starting to blossom. I don't know what kind of tree this is, but they are all around the area; parks, homes, shopping centers, streets, and they are beautiful! After snapping these this morning, and having a look at them, I thought they were so amazing that I might make them into prints for cards or gifts or even to frame and hang. The problem is I am having a really hard time picking my favorite one. Please vote and comment here, or on Facebook, and give me your opinion and maybe even tell me why you like the one you do. By seeing the beauty the way you do it might help me decide. For example, (I don't want to sway you, but) I really like photo D a lot because of the contrast between the blossoms and the dead leaves. It reminds me of the birth of new life at spring time. I also like photo E a lot, though too, because of the streaks in the background.

A.Rogers Mar. 2011
Photo A

A.Rogers Mar. 2011
Photo B

A.Rogers Mar. 2011
Photo C

A.Rogers Mar. 2011
Photo D

A.Rogers Mar. 2011
Photo E

A.Rogers Mar. 2011
Photo F

A.Rogers Mar. 2011
Photo G