Today's Painting...

I had a lot of fun with this one! I adore the original image and just knew it would make a beautiful painting.

Until next time...

Oh HAPPY day!!!

My Peyton puppy has arrived!! Got the call last night that the puppies were born sometime Wednesday night. I couldn't contain myself so we drove over this morning to see them. Mom had a litter of NINE!! OMG they are so adorable...look like little hampsters, lol. I knew from the beginning that I wanted a red and white (or sable and white) male. Without disturbing them too much I think I counted 7 females and 2 males. One tricolor male and one sable male. So I'm pretty sure the one I took pics of is my little Peyton!

For those that don't know the story...In September I purchased a beautiful little 9 week old Corgi puppy that I named Devon. He quickly became one of my children and I adored him. He never left my side and was just a delight to have around. At his first vet visit (for his second set of puppy shots) the vet detected a fairly concerning heart murmur. So I took him to have xrays done. What they found was devastating. He had what is known as PDA or Patent Ductus Arteriosus. Basically when he was born two vessels in his heart did not close like they should have. Causing his heart to work overtime to supply his lungs and body with oxygen. In turn his heart grew so large that it was pressing his esophogus so that he couldn't breath. We prepared ourselves for the enevitable and within 2 days it was so bad I had to make the dreaded decision to have him put to sleep. I feel I helped him cross the Rainbow Bridge with dignity.From the moment that I lost my little Devon there has been an empty space in my heart. I knew that I couldn't replace him but also knew that I needed to fill that empty spot. I contacted his breeder and she graciously offered me a puppy from their next litter. Just the thought of having a small PART of my little man back gave me the chills. So after patiently waiting I was informed that the breeder had bred Devons sire to a different female. This actually made me feel better as PDA can be genetic. This brings us up to date...and why today is such a HAPPY day!

Below are a few snap shots I took during our little visit today. Aren't they TINY and ADORABLE!?!?

Little Lucy

Today I had a good friend visit and she had two of her four daughters with her. Lucy is 10 months old and Grace is almost three! Of course I had to snatch out my camera and play a little bit. I grabbed my daughters tutu and slipped it on little Lucy. How cute is she? We had a lot of fun between Lucy trying to leave, Grace and Sydney running between her and the camera, etc. I got several cute shots considering...but really love the feel of this one. I feel it really whispers innocence.

So for todays 365 challenge image, I choose little Lucy! Thanks for being such an adorable little model for me today!!

Until next time...

*NEW* Jewelry being offered

I'm excited to announce that Natalie Kimball Photography is now offering these new products! Please allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.

Tile Bracelets

*one or two images*

"Daquiri Ice Bracelet"

Beautiful necklace with the semi-precious stone, amozonite, sterling silver beads and components.
$150

"Mommy and Me"

Made with pink freshwater pearls, sterling silver beads and sterling components. Mom's bracelet has the photo tile or sterling silver frame (both double sided). For saftey reasons, the child's bracelet does not come with a tile. It comes with a cats eye oval bead, engraved with your child's name on the front, birthdate on the back. Max of 12 letters for each side.
$225

Tile Necklaces
*one or two images*

"Charming Necklace"

Beautiful, simple two sided tile necklace. You can choose 18" a sterling silver snake chain or a simple black rubber necklace with sterling silver components.
$140

"Black Onyx Choker"

This 16" choker is made of black onyx semi-precious stones, two strands with a box clasp. All components are sterling silver. Your choice of double sided sterling silver frame or double sided clay photo tile.
$170

"Slender Turquoise Necklace"

This beautiful 18" necklace is made up of 3mm turquoise and sterling silver beads. Extra silver components set this apart.
$150

"Freshwater Pearl Twist"

18" necklace made with beautiful fresh water pearls, sterling silver beads and sterling wire. It is completed with a sterling heart toggle.
$140

"Large Tile Pendant"

Do you need more space on your tile? Then this is the solution for you! This tile is 2"x 1", on a double string 16" choker. Your choice of black onyx or ivory pearls. High quality swarovski crystals "pink, emerald, sapphire, peridot or ruby".
$190

Superbowl baby! GO COLTS!!!!!!

I have to give a shout out to my man Peyton Manning and all his teamates! What a nail biting game!! I have to say that I have never screamed at a tv like I did last night. My DH and I went to watch the game with some friends. It was a lot of fun because 'they' [our friends] are huge Patriot fans. Ooohhhhh, it felt so good to leave there with our heads held high! I never gave up on them even when it wasn't looking good (like the whole first half!). I can only image what Tony Dungy had to say to them during half time in the locker room, lol. Whatever he told them, it worked wonders! My boys are off to the SUPERBOWL!

Here's a quick little snap shot of Sydney wearing my Manning jersey. She likes to 'strike a pose' for all her pictures now, ha.

Until next time...

From Photographer to Judge...

That's right...no camera in tow for this excursion :( . That's ok, I'll have some fun anywho. I'll be getting up early tomorrow to hit the road as I've been asked to judge a horse show in Camden, SC. On the road for 2.5 hours starting at 6am will require a glorious French Vanilla capachino (or two - is that even how you spell capachino?). It's gonna be cooooooold so I'm planning to layer, layer, layer, lol. Wish I could return with some great horsie pics *sniff*! Unfortunately, there will be NO time. I'm looking forward to it, I just LOVE kids and ponies, he he. Ok, so I just love the whole horse show atmosphere. Won't be too long and I'll be the one doing the showing. I just want it to be a tad warmer when I do, ha ha.

Until next time...

Baby, It's Coooold Outside!

Well, winter is finally here! Not sure for how long...but it's currently 35 degrees outside and rainy. If only it would drop a few more degrees so we could see some snow flurries!!

As usual, with rainy days, my creative mind has been hard at work. A photographer friend sent me an image to paint. She wants to offer my paintings to her clients in Michigan! How cool is that?!?! So after 3.5 hours of work, here is the final product - Image courtesy of Diane Rudisill.

* Announcing my February Specials *

$30 off of all sessions scheduled during the month of February!

Valentine mini-sessions Special

Now booking Valentine mini-sessions,
your home, the park or the beach!

Great for babies, children or couples

You will receive 15-20 proofs from your session.

Packages to choose from
prices include your session fee and online gallery

I Love You 1 - $80
(choose 1 image)
(1) 8x10 bevel mount print
(8) wallet prints
(a $125 value)

I Love You 2 - $125
(choose 2 images)
(1) 10x20 storyboard
(2) 5x7 prints
(16) wallet prints
(a $230 value)

I Love You 3 - $185
(coose 3 images)
(1) 10x20 storyboard
(1) 8x10 bevel print
(3) 5x7 prints
(24) wallet prints
(a $325 value)

Until next time....

Change is in the air!

For those who are unaware, my website is getting a 'face lift'! It's been so much fun watching it's growth...and SOON it will be complete. Thank you to my wonderful web designer Jerry! The new format will be more client friendly, will offer direct ordering and allow for slideshows with music. My new logo along with my color scheme has also been added. I can't wait to show off the finished product!

This past Saturday I had my final Winter Hats mini-sessions. What a wonderful group and a beautiful day! I'll leave you with some previews...

Until next time~

T.G.I.F.!!!!!

What a week! I'm poooooped, he he. I'm looking forward to my second set of "Winter Hat" mini-sessions that are scheduled for tomorrow. Going to luck out again with temps in the 70s. Of course, it still makes it tough to get in the winter mood (not that I'm complaining - LOVE the warm weather).

I'm feeling guilty because I haven't had the time to work my horse consistantly since early fall. He's kinda been put on the back burner. I don't think he's minds one bit...nothing like not working, eating and sleeping all day, ha ha. Our show season starts in March so I need to put him back to work. I've also had a hard time finding the time to get my daughter on her pony. It just seems the days go so fast and before I know another week has flown by.

Until next time...

Sadly, no $ for me... lol

Well, so much for winning the lottery. Not even close with either of my tickets. Maybe next time!

I finally finished editing the images from my Winter Hat mini-sessions on Saturday. What cute girls! I couldn't resist, I just had to paint one of beautiful little Ms. B!! So although this post is short and sweet, at least I'm keeping up with it!

Until next time....

Fingers & Toes crossed!

So I purchased TWO of the Carolina Millionaire Raffle tickets the other day...and they draw TONIGHT! I figure someone's gotta win, right?! Why shouldn't it be ME?!

They will have (4) million dollar winners, (2) $100,000 winners, (60) $10,000 winners and (700) $1000 winners. At this point I'm crossing my fingers, toes, eyes, legs and anything else I can possibly think of, ha ha ha.

I can only imagine what I could do with a million dollars - besides pay off my cc bills, lol. So everyone keep your fingers (and everything else) crossed!

Here's another capture from my Winter Hat mini-sessions on Saturday - Until next time....

Winter hats at 75 degrees?

Another day at 75 degrees...but yesterday was bright and sunny! It's been so dreary here lately so it was great to see a blue sky again. Only problem...I had my first set of "winter hat mini-sessions" and it was way too warm for winter clothes, ha ha!!

There were 6 girls total and they were so much fun to work with. Thanks J for pulling it all together and allowing me to photograph at your home. To all the girls, thanks for being so easy to work with. You guys were awesome!

Since I'm sure you are anxious to see, I'm posting a few preview images to help tide you over, he he. These are some of my favorites of each of the girls (I haven't even gone through all of them yet). Until next time...

More Painting!

I thought I would post a couple more of the headshots that I've painted! What can I say, I'm on the ball today, lol.

Rainy Days and Creativity...

This has to be the strangest winter on record. Here it is, January 5th, I've got the window open and am wearing a tank top. It's 65 degrees outside!! It's also been raining for what seems like forever. So I've been finding things to occupy me since I can't get outdoors much.

I got a new program called Corel Painter Essentials 3 and have been trying my hand at digital painting. I've only been working with it for about a week now and I'M LOVING IT! It helps me express myself creatively during those times I don't have camera in hand. Each brush stroke is done by hand and I can choose from many different mediums and brushes.

Here are a couple examples of what I've created so far. It's tough to get a good feel of them unless you see them up close, so click on the image to see a full sized version. I would appreciate any CC, comments or ideas if you have the time!

First I have a head shot of little M, one of my stork club babies. I couldn't resist his cuteness and felt this image would be perfect to paint. Boy, was I right or what?! What mother would not love to have this on her wall? I just ordered this one in a 16x20 canvas board to use as an example.
The next one is my first attempt at a full shot with a landscape. This image of a precious brother and sister pair was taken last summer during a family beach session. I'm very happy with how it turned out! Until next time....

Starting Fresh in 2007

I had a tough time keeping up with my blog from last year...so thought I would try my hand at it once more. I can't promise that I will post everyday. I CAN promise that I will do my best to keep up with it better than before.

I had an absolutely wonderful 2006 - meeting the most amazing people and families. I'm looking forward to an equally amazing 2007!

Happy New Year to all. Wishing you much health, love, peace and unforgetable memories!

Until next time...