Christine Wood Behind the Scenes

So here's a short clip of me behind the scenes at a birthday party and an engagement shoot. Thanks to Curt Wood for the video! It's always a bit odd to see what you look and sound like on video, but I'm getting used to it.

faces of 2008

WOW WOW WOW!!! 2008 is coming to a close in just a few hours. It's been a whirlwind. I think of these words to describe my photography adventures the past seven months: excitement, joy, wonder, and refreshment. Thanks to everyone I photographed in 2008. Sharing in your life through celebrations or fleeting moments meant a lot to me in that it gave me the gift of purpose. Best wishes to all in 2009! Love, cw.

A little Christmas Cherub

I wanted to take a quick break to share this cute picture because it makes me smile. I don't know why, but I also think it's a bit funny and unconventional. I hope you all are taking the time to slow down and enjoy Chrismas. (You will meet more of this little one in an upcoming post).

Warmth of Christmas Season

I do love Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's my favorite time of the year. I officially got into the spirit this past weekend when the snow fell and wanted to listen to Christmas music. We have no decorations up, but hopefully we can dig them out on Friday. And just maybe...we'll send out a Christmas card or letter for the 1st time this year :). That would be amazing if I get to it!

I know it's a tough time for families this year managing expectations for gifts. And many are choosing to scale back. But I think this is so great and refreshing. I'm just as guilty as everyone else making Christmas way too commercial and frenzied. Instead of wanting and desiring more I love the idea of keeping things simple and focused. I heard this from someone in college, "Jesus is the reason for the season." A bit cheesy, but nice to remember.

Here are TV Christmas classics that are very nostalgic for us:
1. The Grinch
2. A Charlie Brown Christmas
3. Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer

So yes, I've caught the warm fuzzies of Christmas. Also, the past few weeks we've been without heat, but it actually has been quite fun. It's a game to see how we much we can increase the temperature with the lights, TV, fireplace, and oven on. We've discovered that we can crank up the temperature from 59 to 63 in 3 hours with just these simple activities. Another cool experiment is seeing how much Curt alone can raise the temperature just by spinning on his bike trainer. After 45 minutes on the trainer it can go from 60 t0 62! Amazing!

Our Weekend Recap

Friday evening: We had dinner with Curt's parents and Claire's family. The news of Claire getting a sibling was exciting! Then we saw Chaska's production of A Christmas Carol (the musical). Curt's old roommate Tyler was in it and we were very excited to see him on stage. He can sing!

Saturday: After a morning photoshoot I had a knitting marathon so I could finish the blanket for Barnibus. In the evening I went to my sister's baby shower. It was a nice gathering and we are all excited to have the baby come. For Curt, he hung out with Anton and Nicole. They saw a movie which apparently was bad (I don't remember the name).

Sunday: After a client meeting we went to Ikea and the Mall of America. I was a bit surprised when Curt suggested that we go! At Ikea we had lunch and looked at their cool displays. At the Mall of America we swiped samples of lotion for our dry hands and sprayed on women's perfume in Macy's (Curt did too) before some people watching and crowd navigation. It was fun! And we finally checked out the Levi's store! Curt tried on a few pairs. It's always amusing to go jean shopping with Curt. His muscular thighs make some boot cut jeans look like skinny jeans. It's hilarious. The store clerk also told us about some unfinished jeans where you wear them while sitting in the tub. You get out and let them dry while still on. And magically they are the perfect fit! Finally for dinner I made a really spicy soup. I got carried away with the chilli flakes and red rooster chilli sauce. It was even spicy for me, but Curt was sweating a lot. I felt very bad because by the end of the night it looked like he just stepped out of the shower!

sorry you can't see the sweat in this picture.

It was a great weekend.

Whoa! Hot mama!

Katie Couric got a haircut! I like it! Not sure why I got so excited about this...oh well. One more random thing...my prediction for the hot hues in 09? Shades of deep blue with a purplish tint. I'm excited.

self-portrait time

Possible names for this self-portrait:

1. Obsession with mirrors

2. She lives in MN

3. Conquering flash

4. Brrrr...it's time to get out the scraper.

5. I can't feel my fingers.

Cleaning and rounding out the year

We have a wire, mesh strainer/colander. I find it to be sort of a challenge when I try to clean it. Same thing with wine glasses.

I'm looking forward to meeting people this week. It will be slightly busy as I have five photoshoots. After this week, with the exception of 2 weddings and four already scheduled photoshoots, I look forward to laying low for December and January. I'm going to use the time to reflect on ways I can improve the business, network, and work on marketing. I'm really looking forward to the time to think, plan, and reorganize. So, unfortunately, no more scheduled photoshoots for December and January.

Check back sometime soon for more pictures though. They are fun.

cw

Wishing you a warm thanksgiving!

Of course there is always lots to be grateful for! But I'm grateful that we were able to enjoy 2 meals with our families...and, I didn't have to do a single thing!!! Yippy! I'm nervous that someday I will actually have to prepare a turkey. Yikes!! The cute kid is our niece Audrey. We think she's adorable and so very lovable. Happy Thanksgiving!

My new foot condition

So apparently my body doesn't react well to sudden changes in temperature?!?! In addition to the normal dry skin, pale complexion, and dry throat in the morning... I think I have what they call: chilblains. It's when the skin becomes red, itchy, swollen and tender. I'm going to try to do more exercising over the next few days to get my blood moving. Calamine lotion can be used to relieve the itching too. Funny...as i'm writing this Curt is out mountain biking in the cold!!!!!!

Sappy

So i'm sitting in front of our computer finishing up the final edits for a wedding. Music is blaring through the speakers and the sun is shining through the window just right. I click through a series of photos from the morning and then come across an image that brings me to instant tears! Crazy I know! Thoughts flood my head. I start thinking about my grandparents and how I never really got to know them and how scary it must have been for my parents to come to the U.S. all alone not knowing a finger licking word of English!?!? Then the music swells. I laugh at myself for being all sappy, then decide that it's time for a snack of candy and mac and cheese. It is a good day.

Our Weekend

The colder weather has been surprisingly nice. I like the idea of getting cozy with blankets, eating comfort food, and watching movies. The last few days have been very nice. Here is what we did:
Friday: Had quick dinner with my parents and then saw the movie "Rachel's Wedding"
Saturday: Breakfast with Curt's parents, photoshoot, Curt's cyclocross race, and then Curt's Tri Night Banquet in St. Paul
Sunday: Hung out with Audrey, did reading and knitting at coffee shop, had dinner at Broder's Pasta Bar

It's been very busy lately as I continue to do photoshoots, edit, and substitute teach. I am looking forward to posting on Heather and John's wedding, and 2 other shoots this week!
peace,
cw

Happy 1 Year Wedding Anniversary!

Congratulations to us for being married for a year!!! Yeah us!!! We're excited and amazed at how fast time passes. Without getting too mushy because we are mushy enough on our own...the first year was wonderful. I love that we are Curt and Christine Wood. To sum it up: When we are together we feel TOTALLY COOL and on top of the world even though we may be really acting TOTALLY UNCOOL. Yesterday we were planning on creating some memories in downtown by visiting the new downtown library, mill city museum, and then dining at Broders. But after having problems finding parking because of the vikings game we decided to go home and create our special memory there and we did!!!!! We hung out, reflected, enjoyed each other's company, and played Scrabble!

Check out our yummy wedding cake! It's been frozen for a year and it was even more delicious a year later! We even did the whole cake cutting thing a second time last night!!! So much fun. Finally, if you weren't able to make it to our wedding you can check out the slideshow below.

snuggles

I am liking this sudden change in color and temperature outside. I like the browns and greys outside. It keeps things interesting. I am still editing, editing, and editing. I'm hoping to get caught up with everything before Thanksgiving, which I am really excited for. Not to mention Christmas!!!! Last night we got nice and cozy on the couch with a yummy meal of mac and cheese, peas, and the movie of Mice and Men. It's a really beautiful movie, yet oh so sad. We both read this novel by John Steinbeck when we were younger. After watching it I just wanted to cling on to loved ones and friends. Here's to having people in your life who look after you and care!!!! Lastly, here is a picture of Curt on election morning. We took a walk to our polling place. It was an interesting morning. You can see in the distant that the sun is rising and so the tones are quite warm. But it was foggy by us which kind of cast a colder tone. I like the contrast.

It's not quite over...

it's been an amazing election day and night.

I'm very interested to see who Obama will appoint to his cabinet. I'm also worried about the challenges and expectations he will have to shoulder over the next four years.

I feel very lucky to have witnessed an African American be elected president too. I really have no idea what impact race played on the election. But for me this strikes such an emotional cord. Obama has certain qualities that remind me of Dr. King Jr, my all time hero. i'm very hopeful and very interested in what the next four years will bring. Thanks America!

Blanco y Negro

Absolutely no complaints here. Life has been good. I suppose life is good. Hmmm...where to begin? It's been a very good yet slightly busy past few days. I enjoyed some friendships (over breakfast and a walk) with my friends Shannon and Regina and was in good company with family at Brent and Shanna's salsa party. I also had the pleasure of doing some photoshoots.

I have just one photoshoot this week. I am grateful for it, but am excited that I will have more time to sit and edit. I have 6 shoots that still need editing. Yikes! Even though I may not always see it, I love that the timing of things always work out for the good. So yes, I will be editing like mad with this time given to me!!!

In other news, I decided to do some substitute teaching and tried it out for the first time ever last week! It was great. During down times I hope to do lots of subbing. Me and Curt continue to enjoy each other's company during this great time of the year. Our interactions remain light-hearted and silly and sometimes serious. For Halloween I delighted in the fact that we had 7 kids come to our door! It was exciting. And of course tomorrow's election...it's been an amazing journey, can't wait to see the result!

Way to go Love on 2008 Tri Season!

Check out www.gearwestbike.com, scroll to the bottom and you'll see a huge picture of Curt courtesy of Yndecam, who takes the best triathlon pictures! If you click on the picture you'll see a summary of his results from this year!!!!! It's kind of fun. So way to go love!

In other news, I'm a bit tired. Blame it on an irregular sleep schedule, I don't know. But I had fun today! After a sweet photoshoot in Hudson, WI I went shopping with my sister for 5 hours, yep. Then I went home and went bike riding in the dark!!! We rode to my parents' house to make sure Speedy, the crazy beagle was still alive. And he's alive! I have to laugh because I wonder what Curt is thinking when he rides with me. Not only am I slow, but I'm extremely cautious and timid. I caught myself saying this over and over, "Don't go too fast! I'm not a fast biker!" "Wait for me!" "Don't worry, I'm right behind you!" "I can't see anything!" hee hee...have a great night everyone! love, cw

We will be open this year for...

Trick or Treaters! Yea! I just bought the candy. We will be providing assorted chocolate minis, swedish fish, and sour patch kids! Yea!

I've never really been a fan of Halloween because I don't like the idea of being scared or evoking terror in other people. But I like the possibility in making Halloween a fun, family-oriented event that can draw neighbors together. And kids in cute and friendly costumes are always welcome! Yea!

And gosh am I ready for Halloween this year! I've completely soaked in all of autumn's goodness; from the beautiful weather, colors, smells, to the yummy treats. Enjoy the last few days of autumn!

Our Morning Discussion: To Trick or To Treat

It's that time of year again where we are faced with a decision that could possibly bring joy to a kid or bring them disappointment. We live in an area that is full of school-aged children. There is an elementary school right across the street. But the traffic of trick-or-treaters is well...non-existent. This completely boggles my mind. Every year I buy candy and anxiously wait for the doorbell to ring so that I may drop the candy into the container,hear a "clunk", and wish the kiddos a "Happy Halloween", but I'm always left with a full bag of untouched, delicious candy. Here is what we discussed this morning:
1. Halloween is on a friday this year. Will we be around? If so, should we buy candy?
2. How could we increase traffic flow through our neighborhood? Is our home front not inviting enough? Should we decorate with pumpkins, gourds, goblins, and jack-o-lanterns?

If the kids come to our door, we would offer snickers, nerds, and hershey's milk chocolate. Off to Target!

I heart Fall

sweater and jeans weather...ahhh...this is Fall. Crunchy leaves, vibrant blue skies. me likeeee. And Chicago here we come! Hotel is booked. Five blocks from the start and finish! I'm excited. But firstly, we are going to watch the Twin Cities Marathon. Ahhh...more crunchy leaves, vibrant blue skies and me sporting jeans and a sweater. love you all, cw