Effective 6/29/10, I have a new Blog which you can view here.  Thanks for visiting!

Mary Ann

One of my favorite things about moving to this neighborhood in RI, is that we live close enough to walk to the water - the Narragansett Bay.  I never get tired of taking the same old walk and then plopping myself down on a bench that overlooks the beautiful bay.  That is where I find my peace...watching the sailboats go by, the birds swimming and just basking in the sunshine.  Heaven, I tell ya! 

As I've done before but not neary enough, I grabbed my camera at the last minute.  I wanted to photograph some of the beautiful sights along the way.  Some of my favorite moments are when I stop to chat with my furry friends that I've met over the last few years.  Yes, I really do talk to them....all of them.  I wish they had all been out that day so I could post their photos, too...maybe on my next walk.

The next time you go for a walk; grab your camera and REALLY see what you've been missing. 

Enjoy!

 

When I last wrote about Dr. David Dosa, his first book was just about to be published.  “Making Rounds with Oscar, The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat” is anything but ordinary.

My heart has been touched by the amazing stories in this book about real families and their painful journeys as they search for answers and guidance with dealing with a disease that has sadly stricken a loved one. 

Many of us may have already lost a mom, dad or spouse and I can only imagine that to lose someone to Alzheimer’s disease surely must be like losing them for a second time. 

Dr. Dosa provides us with a glimpse into the lives of several patients, their families, and caregivers as well as into a few of his own personal health issues that he struggles with daily. 

Did I mention that this book is also about a cat who seems to know when someone is about to die?   Oscar is a very special type of caregiver in this book; not just for the patients, but for the families as well.  I truly believe that every nursing home should have furry caregivers.  They provide unconditional love and companionship where and when it is truly needed.  In turn, they are provided with a special place to call home.

I have met Dr. Dosa and his wonderful family on a few occasions and his thoughtful way of writing has only confirmed my belief that he is truly a concerned and lovely man.  Please don’t miss out on reading this heartwarming  book!

Follow Dr. Dosa here:  http://www.daviddosa.com

As Mother's Day approaches, I find myself missing my mom so much lately and in need of recognizing all the awesome moms and grandmothers out there.  My mom died just over 3 years ago at the young age of 75.  I miss our daily chats on the phone and also her special relationship that she had with my kids.  It was so nice that she was able to be part of their young lives.

As a grown woman, I was still way too young to lose my mom.   My children were too young to lose their grandmother.  There is never a good age to lose a loved one.  Still, I was so lucky to have my mom close by for so long so that together, we could make lasting memories for me and for my children.  I'll never lose that.

It's so easy to take our moms for granted as we're growing up.  I know I did.  It's not until we have children of our own that we begin to realize that our moms really DID have a clue.  In fact, I have turned into my mom when it comes to raising children.  I also have a clue but my middle school aged children just don't know it yet.

Being a mom is THE hardest thing that I've ever experienced. Delivery was a breeze compared to actually trying to raise a child.   A mom is always "on".  We sleep with one eye open and both ears alert.  We can't help but worry about our kids - is he sleeping enough? is she eating enough? is he pooping enough? is she studying enough? is he happy enough? does he have clean underwear? does he really need an ipod touch? will she go to college? will he be successful? what if I die before my child? what if something happens to my child?  The worries are endless! 

Okay, so we worry, we love our children, we tend to their every need but sometimes - just sometimes, we do understand why some species eat their young.  For any children out there reading this, don't worry; we really won't eat you....yet.  Be good to your moms.  They really do love and care about you even though they may hear "occasionally" that you hate them and they are the meanest parent in the world.  Many of us said the same thing to our parents.  We really do know that it can be tough growing up.  We had to do it, too.

Here is my photo tribute to all you wonderful moms and grandmothers out there. Enjoy your special day!  What am I doing on Mother's Day? We're taking my mom-in-law out to eat.  I'm so lucky that I still have my awesome mother-in-law so for me, it's really her day. I bought my kids socks and underwear.  That's what mothers do.













These last two photos were taken of my mom with my kids just 4 days before she died at home of lung cancer.  She was still so happy to have her family around her right up until the end.  As I said before, my mom was just 75 years old.  Enjoy your mom and grandmother while you have them.  We really miss my mom and wish we could be spending Mother's Day with her as well.

Happy Mother's Day everyone!!

Mary Ann

     

I LOVE taking pictures of little kids.  They are full of surprises and sometimes really ham it up for the camera.  Their cuteness makes for great greeting cards, too! 

These cards along with other designs may be purchased from either my website's Catalog Page at: http://rosenlofphotography.com/id95.html or from my Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rosenlofphotography

Thanks for taking the time to view My Blog!

In addition to selling my greeting cards on my website, I've opened an Etsy.com shop where my items are also for sale.  I'm really excited because I made my very first sale today from Etsy...from someone in the United Kingdom!!  Wow...so cool.  Since I am so thrilled (you'd think I won lotto), I'm posting the card that I sold.  Check out the inside greeting by either clicking on the link to my "Product Catalog" of my website or by viewing my Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rosenlofphotography



New cards will be posted over the next few days.....

I'm sad to report that my daughter's 2 yr old hamster, Little T was found unresponsive last night just before bed.  It looked as though he went peacefully in his sleep.  I think I feel just as bad as she does.  This was a very special furry friend.  He would actually cuddle up in our arms and sleep for as long as you'd let him.  May his wheels keep on 'turnin in hamster heaven. 

I'm introducing a new feature to my business - I will now be selling photo greeting cards (and eventually other items) directly from my website using Paypal.  All of my cards feature photos and greetings created by me.  It took me a while to figure out this whole process but I finally did it and hope that you enjoy the variety.  Remember, I'm just starting out so I have a limited inventory.  However, I continue to add new items and can always order more when the stock runs low.

I will soon be establishing an Etsy.com account where I will also be selling my items.  I'm very excited about this because I'll be among some unbelievable talented people who sell their handmade goods on Etsy as well.  If you haven't already, please visit Etsy.com and browse around.  There is something there for EVERYONE!! 

Please click on the link below to view the "Product Catalog" on my website or simply choose "Product Catalog" from the menu on my website: www.rosenlophotography.com.  My Easter Cards are ready for shipping in plenty of time for Easter!

http://rosenlofphotography.com/id95.html (Product Catalog page)

David M. Dosa, M.D., M.P.H
"Making Rounds with Oscar: The Extraordinary Gift of an Ordinary Cat"

It wasn't until my second photo sitting with the Dosa family that I discovered that David was the creator of the incredible story of Oscar the Cat.  I had heard about Oscar in the news and was very excited that I was photographing the "soon to be" author and his wonderful family. 

The story of Oscar became famous around the world after an essay written by David was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.  

Book description (taken from another website):  An otherwise ordinary cat, Oscar has the uncanny ability to predict when people in the Steere House nursing home in RI are about to die.  Dr. Dosa tells the stories of several patients and examines end-of-life care as it exists today.

Please visit David's website below to read more about his book and where to buy a copy. 

http://www.daviddosa.com

The book release date is in early February.  I will be attending the first "Book Signing, Question and Answer" gathering at Borders Books in the Providence Place Mall in RI on February 10th at 7 PM.  
Everyone is invited to this free event.  There will be other Book Signing events if you can't make it to this one.  Please see his website for the places and dates.

I personally can't wait to read this story that has been described as both heartfelt and inspiring.  I plan on buying more than one copy on Feb. 10th.  This book is going to make great gifts for my family for birthdays, Mother's Day and Father's Day.  My dad is very excited for this book to arrive!

I'll be posting my own review....

I really think that this is a valid excuse for NOT exercising today in a public place.  I was truly all set (in my mind) to head for the "Y" but decided to have a little snack first.  Although the carrots were very healthly...and harmless, I proceeded to dip about 15 of them into my husband's very delicious and VERY garlicky blue cheese dip/dressing. 

About half way through my snack, it dawned on me just what would happen if I exercised today.  I would work up a sweat and the garic would ooze through my pores and literally "knock out"...no, KILL anyone exercising within 10 feet of me.  Really, this is a strong dip. 

Being the thoughtful person that I am, I decided; for the good of the entire YMCA, that I should stay home and finish off the dip so there could be no temptation tomorrow that may prevent me from getting my "much needed" post holiday workout. 

I'm heading for the bank and CVS soon.  Wish those people luck. 

My neighbor called to tell me to get my camera and come over and see the biggest spider she had ever seen.  Yikes!  Guess she was right!  This is her son, getting a good look at the NOT so itsy bitsy spider!

 

Meet Skittles and Bella, our cute little tweety birds.  Ed & Annie are so excited to have some new treats friends.  We got them from my daughter's friend and we just love them.  They love us, too!  They are great company to have around.  I love the sound of birds chirping up a storm!!  Now every day will seem like Spring and Summer around here!!

 

Poor Ed doesn't understand that he can't drink from the faucet this week.  We have a "boil water" advisory going on after a water sample taken from a home in my town tested positive for E.coli.  Ed sits and stares at the faucet and empty sink many times a day.  Don't worry, he's getting fresh boiled water in his kitty bowl even though it's not as exciting.  Each morning, we find the bowl of water in the middle of the kitchen floor.  Think he's trying to tell us something?



Meanwhile, Annie could care less about the water crisis.  As long as she has the smallest box possible to squeez herself into, she's just fine.  Notice her empty big cozy cat bed just behind her.  Haven't we all learned anything yet about cats and kids??  They don't need expensive plush beds and extravagant toys!  Just give them a box, wrapping paper and an empty toilet paper roll and call it a day.

Meet Popcorn the cockatiel and his adorable human friend.  

Making new friends....

I love to visit my longtime friend and her husband at their beachfront summer home in Old Saybrook, CT.  I've known Vi for over 30 years and worked with her for 10 years before her retirement many years ago.  I'm so happy that we've continued to keep in touch.  My husband and I used to rent her home for a week each summer before we had kids.  Oh, how I miss this beautiful place. 

My kids had a blast yesterday playing with two of Vi's grandchildren.  They spent close to 7 hours in the water or playing on the sand bar at low tide while I had a wonderful time with Vi, her husband, and two of their daughters.  My cousin from New Hampshire and her daughter were visiting me for a few days and I'm so happy that they got to come along, meet my good friends and enjoy the day with the rest of us.  The weather could NOT have been more perfect!

This is the thanks I get??  I opened the door to the deck and this little guy continued to "go to town" on my cushion!  Does he look like he's afraid of me?  I've created a monster!!  No more granola bars, popcorn, trail mix, grapes and nuts for you mister!

This is Ed's favorite position.  No, he's not looking for action.  He's just lazy, overweight, and wants his belly rubbed. 

My kids are done with camps for the summer so I'm trying to keep them busy whenever possible.  They can only take so much of me sitting at my computer editing photos for hours on end.  So...they have been after me to take them to a water park in Wareham, MA.  It's only about 45 miles away.  My daughter went there with a friend and loved it. 

We were there for 8 hours!!  My kids never stopped except to eat the fabulous fried dough with about an inch thick (no lie) of powdered sugar.  It's my new favorite food.  It's worth the trip for that alone.
 
The minute the place closed, they asked if we could go back next week.  I might consider returning sometime this summer if they promise to eat only cereal and toast 3 times a day for the next 3 weeks.  I might be able to swing the $30 PER PERSON admission fee if I stop buying groceries for a while.

I spent a good part of the day relaxing in a lounge chair, surfing the waves in the wave pool or floating on down the lazy river in a tube.  The kids, however, enjoyed the scariest water slide called "Pirate's Plunge" over and over again.  It looked like a blast but I stayed off for fear of losing my leg.....really.

The nice thing about this place is that you can bring a cooler with all your own food if you want to save a few bucks.  Need a day to keep your kids busy for 8 hours without complaining that they're bored???  Go to Water Wizz!  You'll all have a great time.  Don't forget to eat the fried dough!!