A reason to be MAD!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081007/ap_on_bi_ge/meltdown_aig
Have you seen this story or heard the news today? This really makes me mad! There are Americans across this country unable to pay their UTILITY bills because of the soaring costs associated with fuel and oil and EVERYTHING else (do a Google News search on 'utility shut-offs' or look for the Associated Press story) and meanwhile, we, the PEOPLE, are paying for such luxury on top of the bailout! There needs to be MORE ACCOUNTABILITY!
People are attempting or succeeding suicide because of their own personal financial problems - like the 90-year-old woman who tried to kill herself because she was being evicted from her home that was being FORECLOSED. She had been paying on it for 38 years!

It's just not right. And what is this winter going to be like? Where is the government going to be then? Will there be a bailout of the American people when it comes to heating their homes this winter? Probably not! Guess who suffers the most? The elderly and children.

There's a program across the country that assists many with their home heating costs, but it's a drop in the bucket and I see fault with it on many levels. Not everyone is on public assistance, so not everyone will benefit from the low income energy heating program. The program first kicks out benefits for those who do get PA. But what about those on disability who don't go through their local DHS resource office? In Oklahoma, that's the agency that handles the program. Other states have other agencies handle it (or did in the past).

And what about the working class poor - hey, don't most of us fit in that category these days?!
And everyday I hear of people in my own community who are losing their jobs because "it's slow"... it is such a vicious cycle.
Thanks for reading my rant, but now I must go tune into the Presidential -ah-hem 'debate'....
I think we are all screwed! Democrats, Republicans ...sorry, I don't have much faith right now for either side.
We've got Barack preaching 'change' and McCain who refuses to even tell his running mate he's getting ready to cease campaigning in Michigan and the list goes on and on for both sides. I'm holding my breath, have been blue for a few weeks now! ....
And to those of you who were not expecting my rant, I apologize. I know, usually it's just photos! But maybe I will share photos later!
I'd love to hear comments, just keep it from being too ugly or I won't approve it for publication!

Happy

I decided to try my hand at Dictionary of Image, a flickr group. I came up with this. It's a blend of different images and textures, then a cutout of Hannah. Decided to go with a word using her name initial and came up with Happy. After I created it, I realized the image was too small, resolution, so I am not sure about the final printing size of it. But it was fun!

And, if you haven't registered to vote, you have until Friday in Oklahoma!

I love pets!

I haven't had a dog in a couple years. And if the economy/read-my budget-wasn't so tight, I'd probably get one immediately! I've got three cats (outdoors) and right now that will just have to do. I shot this photo a couple years ago when I was the photographer for Bark in the Park, Stephens County Humane Society's annual fundraiser. I 'revisited' it and jazzed it up just slightly to repost it. I love this photo, so cute! This little dog won the best dressed? contest, and part of the win was to have a photo taken. But the owner never claimed her photo! It was FREE! Go figure! I called her several times and left messages. I just can't imagine someone not wanting such a cute photo of their pet!

Anyway, since it's fall and Bark in the Park is around the corner, I decided to share this one again in its new improved form. I believe the event is Oct. 25, so bring your dogs and head to Fuqua Park for a great time and worthy cause. I won't be the photographer this year. As much as I enjoyed doing these events, they are a lot of work and I don't have the assistants now that I once had. One of the pet owners who always had her pugs pictures taken when I did Santa Paws asked if I was going to do these events this year. She said she really liked it when I did them. That was so sweet!
So, I won't be doing them as events. I would like to do some pet portraits, so just ask!

Friday Fun

I only have time for posting one right now! I shot these on Sunday and am really pleased with the set. I hope you like this as much as the other textured images! I just wish I could get some more sales! They make great Christmas gifts! I offer blank greeting card sets, images on canvas/gallery wraps, large prints and small prints. And if you like to collect the large 5x7 postcards that are hot items these days for decorating, I can do that too! Just let me know!

Just 5 friends

NOTE: There are a few colorful words used, only a couple times, but for those who would rather not, then DON'T watch it. I happen to like the meaning of this! I do know a few people who plan not to vote this year. I will be voting, what about you?

NEW NOTE: So, apparently Glen Beck mocks this clip! Well sure to some people, it might seem stupid, so if you don't want to watch it -- JUST GO REGISTER to vote. In the state of Oklahoma, you have until Oct. 10. My problem, I just don't know who I'm going to vote for in the Presidential election yet. I'm still trying to make up my mind! What about you?