THP - Day 31

I am now concluding my self project: The Happiness Project that has lasted the entire month of March. Everyday for the past month I have taken 1 picture that represents that day the best and blogged about it :) Some were better than others and it was nice to give myself reasons to break out my camera. Honestly, I don't know HOW people do year long projects because I found it difficult for just a month! But, maybe someday something else will come to mind for me to fulfill a year long project of my own :) Gotta start somewhere right?

So I wanted to create something really epic for my finale. And it ended up being perfect because we have a full moon. So after having some fun getting shots out in the dark... I broke out some of my stock photos laying around in some folders, broke out paintshop, and had fun with it. The picture of the moon and the "star" photo are ones taken by me. The light rays I pulled from this texture. And honestly, I'm pretty proud of it :) It's not an editing marvel but it's definatly something I could take a stand for.

The Happiness Project has definatly been something I'm going to have fun documenting :) I haven't really done much with it yet other than putting the pictures onto this blog. Drawings, scrapbooks, icons.... lots of fun stuff to come out fo this! So after analyzing I must say that this project has been successful, and complete.

Thanks to all who have been reading :)
.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 30

So this is my second to last day for my monthly project: The Happiness Project. I didn't take any pictures because I wanted to share something with everyone on here that I came across and absolutely fell in love with and its a darker take on disney princesses. Based on this site the drawings are done by Jeffrey Thomas who lives here in the U.S. and based on these images, is very talented! My favorite one he recreated of course, is Pocahontas.



Click on the site HERE to see more. They're pretty epic.

I feel this represented what made me happiest today :) I love Pocahontas and she's always been my favorite disney princess. This just made it even better and kind of more metaphorical my stage of life these days :]

Anyway more to come!
Brooke

THP - Day 29

Well, I've been having some weird dreams lately :/ and it's all reflection on the thoughts in the back of my mind that I don't really think about or reflect on so my subconscious takes over at night and completely MAKES me lol. I had one last night that I got together with an old friend of mine from when I was a kid and he has a kid of his own now (he does in real life too) and it was just weird. My dog could talk in another. But nothing tops the one I had yesterday night.... I was a cop and I was chasing down this man who was trying to rape a girl into a kitchen of a restraunt, grabbed a butcher knife, and he hid in the bathroom. When I opened the stall, all I saw was a boa constricter? I chopped off his head and the snake went swirling everywhere and the chefs came out from the kitchen, caught the dead snake, COOKED IT!, and served it to my family! =o Weird. I know. lol BUT I promise you I'm not crazy :)

Plans for today though - FFXIII of course :), work from 2:30 to 9, draw out a couple pages in my comic that won't leave my mind, organize, and keep reading.

P.S. This year, I would really like to invest in a macro lens..

Time to start my day!
Brooke

THP - Day 28

Today I got to witness the gorgeous cloud formations that I only getto witness here in Ohio during the March, April, and May months of the year. For some reason I've always had this thing with clouds with their inspiring beauty and awesome power. They conquer over all land and water, constantly are changing into new forms, growing and expanding, and helping life continue to grow as it spreads the most desired element across this planet: Water. Without clouds, many inner places of continents wouldn't see much water and plant life wouldn't have the ability to grow. So on rainy, gloomy days, I try to remind myself that the earth needs replenishment too sometimes :) But here are some others just to show off the astonishing mother nature....



.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 27

Well today really was a great day :) Work went smooth. I enjoyed a Ben Ten: Alien Force marathon (yeah I'm a nuurd..). Have a photoshoot planned for next friday! The weather was absolutely beautiful. And I finished up the night watching a movie :) Very relaxing. So, this is dedicated to the simplicity of the day and the overall relaxtion that I felt throughout. My favorite ice cream: Blue Moo Cookie Dough :)

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 26

I had the day off work today and did a lot of driving and exploring. I used probably half my tank of gas today and for a Corolla drivers, you know that's a lot lol ! The stars looked exquist on my nighttime, thoughtful drive and when I took my camera along with me to a very dark part out in the country, I quickly came to find I didn't have a battery or charger on me that allowed me to actually turn my camera on!!! :( So the only thing I have to contribute for today's photo, is a simple photo of my most obsessive game right now - FFXIII! :] I've put 16 hours into the game so far and I'm only on disk 2 of 3.

But... Time for me to play more!
.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 25

So it was a FANTASTIC day at work today :D And I was determined to get better numbers than yesterday. My manager let me stay a little longer due to the fact we have a huge game day sale starting tomorrow that required a lot of prep and it made my day! I love getting extra hours ^_^ So I decided to dedicate today's entry to one of my favorite things that follows me to work everyday... and that's my lanyard. The famous famous button covered lanyard.



As you can see, there are quite a few star wars pins, mario is obnoxiously huge. I want to get one for Deathnote, LIGHTS, Tomb Raider (I'm sure theres one somewhere), and absolutely anything that just makes me laugh. :D It will be COMPLETELY covered one day.. I promise ^_^

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 24

"We must be willing to get rid of the life
we've planned, so as to have the life that is
waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before
the new one can come. If we fix on the old, we get
stuck. When we hang onto any form, we are in
danger of putrefaction."

-Joseph Campbell from the Reflections on the Art of Living



It's easy to lose yourself within a world where everyone wants to make you into something that benefits themselves and society. It's easy to lose sight of your dreams, your hopes, the things that make you different than the rest as doubt begins to cripple your confidence and self-respect. There are many negatives that drown this world, and many darks avenues that steer you away from your path. But if you venture through life afraid of what's around the corner, you'll never get a chance to make things differet, or better, or make your dreams become a reality. If you live by somebody else's standards you only cage your soul into slavery.

I feel a change coming. I feel my life's calling drawing nearer and nearer. My soul anticipates the freedom ahead, to free myself of the shackles that have inevitably been placed around my hands and feet. Who knew that so little could weigh so much?

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 23

So despite the fact I didn't really have much fun tonight... starved myself to death today lol... movie plans failed... I decided to humor myself and pull together all my cameras, from oldest to newest and wondered.... if my cameras could talk.... What would they say to each other?



I feel as though my Canon would be very arrogant. Everytime it enters the public it gets infinite stares and jaw drops because its so big. Canon really can make a "Canon" :)

Good Night World
Brooke

THP - Day 22

I'm waiting for the night drifting away
On the waves of my dreams to another day
I'm standing on a hill and beyond the clouds
The winds blowing still and catching my doubts
I'm hunting on the night the slave to my dream
an illustrated scene decends in the steam
We're playing for the fights and emotional games
I'm turning off my eyes and hiding my shame

A Neverending Dream
By Cascada




Music has always been a huge source of inspiration for me... and the types that I listen to change depending on whats going on and whats around me at that point in time. But I sat down to really think about it... and these songs stick stronger to my heart and influenced the way I hear/see music in totally new ways. I'm sure as my life continues, this list will change :)

Most influencial music of my lifetime:
1. Just Around the Riverbend - Pocahontas
2. Terra Firma - Delirium
3. Hymn to the Sea - Titanic, James Horner
4. The Battle - Gladiator, Hans Zimmer
5. Star Wars - John Williams (too many tracks to list)
6. Journey to the Island - Jurassic Park, John Williams
7. From Yesterday - 30 Seconds to Mars
8. Saviour - Lights
9. Viva la Vida - Coldplay
10. Avatar Soundtrack - James Horner

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 21

Sisterly fun in the sun.
Happy Spring!
And happy happiness :)

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 20

Ok so I got to spend some time with my cousins today who are visitng this weekend and I want to dedicate this entire blog entry to my cousin Taylor. She really means the WORLD to me. Even though we've spent very little time together over the years, she means soooo much to me and she better know she's VERY loved by so many! She's so unique and talented and there really isn't anything we can't talk about even though we are a few years apart :) I'm so glad her and her mom have moved up closer to us because I've seen her more now than I have probably in the last 10 years and that's sad to say :( But here's to you Taylor! I'm so fortunate to have you around in my life. Thank you ♥



Speaking of Taylor's many talents, archery is one that my sister and I introduced her to back at my graduation party in 2007. She really caught onto it, got her own bow, and now is REALLY amazing at it! Look at her nifty little trick she did :)


So, to say the least it was a great day! The animal shelter dealio is actually next weekend... not this weekend (sorry Jessie lol!). Work went great and I have good hours next week :) But with teh warm weather, I'm in need of doing some exploring and photoshoots!



Time for a sleepover now. You can never be too old for a girly movie night sleepover...

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 19

Well I keep having weird dreams and its inspiring a lot of creativity inside of me. As dark as they are. While watching a movie I was doodling this and it all just came together and felt kinda like my dreams do.

Epic event of the day - I totally got a new hairstyle that I think really suits me. Did some MORE shopping with my sister and got a lot of random things done. Epic failure of the day... I didn't really get a good picture of it lol. BUT I did get a decent one on my cell phone...

As short as an entry this is it's time for me to go to sleep... have a lot planned for tomorrow! 1. Animal Shelter volunteering meeting 2. my cousins are visiting! 3. work and close tomorrow night... after that who knows?! :D Should get some great pictures tomorrow :)

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 18

Well today was an absolutely GORGEOUS day for weather and I got to spend some wonderful time with one of my best friends today going shopping :) Totally got new shorts, earrings, and a shirt that is rockin when I wear it.


I've been drawing/writing out a lot of concepts that I want to work on this year for photoshoots and things but can't seem to find the time to do any TFP shoots anymore. I'm offering shoots now for $50 for models who are wanting to do creative photoshoot sessions and that covers a concept that will benefit both our portfolios, hair, and makeup. And yet, I'm still havin trouble getting the sessions booked? Need to come up with some new advertising strategies I guess. But if you ask me, it's a steal!

Anyways though, I'm gonna call it a night before my interent decides to keel over again. Good Night!

THP - Day 17

For starters... Happy St. Patty's Day for all you Irish out there ;) While looking for an Irish Pub to try and do a personal celebration, Paul and I took a long motorcycle ride since the weather was VERY nice and we got a few good pictures of him :) I also got to play FF XIII tonight and have fallen IN LOVE with the game! Its fantasy with a whole futuristic twist and the graphics are TO DIE FOR. I haven't played any of the previous FF games but I plan to :) In fact I was feeling so inspired by some of the outfits in the game that I want to try and create a version of my own. Going shopping tomorrow with some friends of mine, I'm gonna have to keep a look out for materials :D

But it's time for me to go to bed. I'm very tired and want to TRY not to sleep in too late :P Good Night World.

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 16

These Mickey Mouse ears are at the top of my atennea on my car. My husband Paul and I got them when we went to Epcot last May and it hasn't left my car since :) It makes me happy. The sun was shining so beautifully today too and the clouds looked AMAZING! It was nice to feel warmth on my skin.

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 15

James Horner is a composer that can REALLY touch the depths of my heart. With composing the music to Titanic, Avatar, Willow, Braveheart.... some of his songs nearly bring me to tears (good ones of course :D) and so while I was listening to my favorites from Avatar and Titanic tonight, I edited this photo together using a cloud picture I took when I was down in Florida last year and textures that I forget where they came from.... (sorry!!! I always like to try to credit...). I've been feeling in a very dreamy state lately with my hands in my pockets... and my head in the clouds. (can anyone quote what song that's from?)

So here's to you... my deep deep imagination that makes it impossible for me to keep my feet on the ground.

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 14

I didn't really take much time to take many pictures today but spent a little time editing another selfie of mine. I've been really inspired by the warmth of the spring air dropping in and with the clocks moving up an hour we got an hour more of sunshine :) I'm REALLY looking forward to the summer this year. Supposed to be a hot one!

This summer too I'm going to try and take a trip out west. I've never been farther west than St. Louis and I'm really wanting to visit the desert and take pictures of the stars. Catch it at the right time of day/year and I could see pictures of the milky way and maybe give Jim Richardson a run for his money ;P No, his pictures for National Geographic are priceless. Check these out...




http://www.jimrichardsonphotography.com/

I really want to master night time shots, learn more and expand my knowledge on astronomy, and really explore this summer. I cannot WAIT! It's weird to say that I feel a lot bubbly, happier, and "warmer" lol than I did this time last year. Theres a lot ahead of me and my story is just an open book waiting to be written.


Quote of the Day:
"It is our choices that show who we truly are, far more than our abilities."

Fun Fact for the day:
The Cincinnati Reds was the first baseball team ever created. :) Woot!

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 13

So today not much happened but I've been thinking a lot. Planning, exploring, and reflecting on a lot about myself... and those in my life. I've been reading Sarah Palin's book "Going Rouge" because I'm so tired of hearing what everyone else has to say about her. How dumb she is. How close-minded she is. How she's TOO conservative, this that and the other and pushing her beliefs onto others. So, instead of LISTENING to what everyone else is saying about her, I decided to learn about her myself and take on this book. I'm finding out that she's quite a goal-oriented individual who is VERY passionate about the things in her life including politics, her family, and being a go-getter. There are very few people, especially women, who are as gutsy as she is and I'm finding it quite intriguing to read about her, through her point of view instead of what everyone else wants to make you see her as. I think its important to always maintain a curiousity and find things out on your own and don't just accept what others around you say. You can lose your freedom that way.

So here's to you Palin :) I'm one that isn't trying to completely tear apart your kids, embarace them, put you down, or completely rip your soul apart. The media has completely tried to tear you to pieces and I admire you for sticking your ground and doing whats right for you and yours.

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 12

I suppose these pictures here for today are pretty generic and unoriginal as I have seen MANY photographers attempt this exact shot. But I really wanted to add it to my portfolio :) We had our first spring thunderstorm tonight and I was inspired by the beauty that the rain renews the earth with and wanted to try to capture the beauty of water and how it makes up all living things on Earth. The shot above is definatly my favorite but here are a couple others I can't help but include:

I think this one kind of looks like a little space creature:

Other beautiful things/thoughts from today:
-bought Deas Veil's album today (opening band from the Owl City concert in Jan)
-all the bills have been paid for the month :)
-getting Aion next pay day
-donated clothes to good will..!
-watched empire strikes back <3

Oh.. and I'm wanting to build a website to feature some of my work :) Does anyone have any good suggestions on where to start that wont eat away at my wallet?

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 11

Today after a little mishap at Skyline Chili, I set out to find the closest Animal Shelters because I'm interested in volunteering on my off days. I've always loved animals and all the pets I own or have owned in the past have all been saved from shelters or from people who were gonna release them. Bonzi (the dog above) is one that I saved myself from a friend of mine who's dog about 10 years ago accidentally got pregnant with a litter of EIGHT puppies...! 6 of them were all black and 2 were brown and fluffy and Bonzi was one of them :). Him and I instantly connected. Over the years he's become a huge part of our family. Around this time last year we found out he has a tumor that is causing some enormous pain for him some days and we've all considered putting him down but won't do it until the day he can't even walk anymore because he still is good ol' Bonzi :] So, here's to you..!

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 10

So today I really didn't have much time to take a decent picture since I worked a 12 hour shift today...! Fellow friend and co-worker was pukey sick and needed to be covered so it was cool :) I have the next 2 days off though so more creative thought will be put into those images :)

For those curious - this is my savings jar. I got bored of it being plain glass so I covered it with icons that inspire me and my photography. Yayyness :)

.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 9

I was late getting my post up for today because I ended up waking up late and then worked for the majority of the day...! My mind has been all over the place the past few days in particular and right now I just want to focus on the things that make me who I am and having fun with life :) The picture above btw is my mall that I work in during midday shopping hour. It's very quiet these days and honestly I don't know if I enjoy being isolated more.... or equally about to go insane?! It's kind of a love-hate relationship :D

Shower. Drawing. Then Bed.
Good Night :)
.::Brooke::.

THP - Day 8

There is a lot I feel I need to say but I'm having a hard time speaking my mind. The only thing I can really seem to focus on right now is video games, drawing, and my photography. All creative forms of expression to letting out all these feelings and emotions bottled inside. I don't really have many optimistic and positive words to say today just becase right now I feel so down. But, I still can make people laugh. Still make them smile. And make the day feel a little brighter. :] Which in turn makes me feel a little bit better knowing I made a little difference :)

I worked most of the day today and felt inclinded to start drawing some of the things that have been haunting me in my dreams. I was living with my friend for a while and during the 3 month period I only had ONE bad dream and since I've been back at my parents, I have at least one a night.



Sorry for such a downer today but this project is really opening my eyes to see the important things around me. What I truly want out of life and where I want it to take me. The shackles of safety won't hold me in much longer.

P.S. Doing the midnight launch tonight for final fantasy 13! Pretty excited :D Time for me to go play some Infinite Undiscovery

.::Brooke::.

The Happiness Project - Day 7

^This was really neat in Pizza Hut... but I couldn't get rid of the glares!

I had a horrible dream last night. I play video games and it's definatly where I got the inspiration I guess for this dream that was a real life deathmatch through a maze where everyone was dressed up in gas masks and running for their lives through an abandoned warehouse. It involved a lot of misery and saddness and some really weird mutated creatures that only exist in my imagination and I was just happy when I woke up. I'm wondering if I should start a dream blog or recording these very odd dreams of mine... but in a way I'm afraid to because I'm afraid people might declare me insane or overanalyze me lol. Oh well, the dream is over for now and to cheer myself up I had a fun little outting with Paul today :)

Went to the nearest book store and came across 2 of Zecharia Sitchin's books and bought them to add to my collection. Couldn't pass it up! And Paul treated me to a pizza from pizza hut express :) It was fun.



I'm looking forward to seeing how many awards Avatar is going to walk away with from the Acadamy Awards tonight. Theres no question there will be a few :)

.::Brooke::.

The Happiness Project - Day 6

Not much today... but I was driving in my car and I was greeted by a wall... =o Thought it was pretty epic. Not gonna lie :P

.::Brooke::.

The Happiness Project - Day 5

So there were a few beauitul things that I noticed today:
1. I traveled the whole length of Vine Street (pretty much one of if not the longest street in Cincinnati) that runs from the Ohio River up close to my house.. about a 40 mile distance
2. Took a visit to Spring Grove Cemetary and I have to admit it was the most beautiful one I have ever seen and actually surprisingly peaceful!
3. Visited the mall and when I went into Hot Topic I came across LIGHT's shirt up on the wall! I felt it was a HUGE accomplishment for her :D
4. Saw Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland

The picture I took above was from Spring Grove Cemetary. There was a little man made lake my sister and I came across and found all these stumps that have pretty much stopped growing? Maybe from a flood? Lack of nutrients? I just found it was weird how many there were. They were surrounding the pond. And the trees there were huge, check it out:



And this too, can't forget this :)



Today was definatly a good day :) Lots of wonderful things. But after seeing Alice in Wonderland and having such an adventurous day, I have so many ideas that I need to sketch/write out!

Good Night for now :)
Brooke

The Happiness Project - Day 4

So today was another chill day. After spending most of the day cleaning (and still the place being a complete disaster lol) I came across my purple lights and if you know me, you'll know I'm a huge sucker for christmas lights. I dunno what it is but they just give me flying feelings :) So here is my tribute to my favorite purple lights.

.::Brooke::.

The Happiness Project - Day 3

I had off today and much of the time today was spent toward relaxation. I did venture to my high school today for a visit since my sister needed a ride and I had not been there since I graduated in 2007. It was weird to walk through the halls again and relive all the old memories... and why I left early. But, mostly good :) I didn't however have my camera with me! And I really should've because it was the highlight of my day :)

BUT! When I got home I did explore the world of Jurassic Park on my 360 and broke out Operation Genesis. One of my favorite games :) (you get to build your own Jurassic Park...) Well, while cleaning up my living space, I came across my old Nat Geos that my grandparents gave me from the year I was born. It's really what got me interested in National Geographic and admiring so much of their work and progress they put towards the world. Well, the June issue from 1989 had my favorite dinosaur: Brachiosaurus.. all over the cover! And after playing a couple hours of Jurassic Park, I couldn't resist.

Quote of the Day:
The priviledge of a lifetime is being who you are. -Joseph Campbell

Have a good one everyone :]

.::Brooke::.