The Happiness Exhibit

Rachel and Chris - our friend and my hubby

I'm one of those people who actually clicks on Facebook ads. Not all of them, of course, but sometimes one will peak my curiosity. The Happiness Exhibit is project sponsored by Lay's, and while I'm no big advocate of potato chips, I do like photographs of happy people.


Tim and Bree - our cousins


Jennifer and Jane - friends that are like family

The project is a collection of photos uploaded by everyday folk to their Flickr group--and they'll be using some at random in future promotions. Promoting HAPPINESS...now, that's an idea I like.


Aimee - our niece


Sarah and Brandon - friends that are like family


Chris and Tinkerbell - Disneyland '09


Naomi and Joshua - also friends, Nay = BFF

The images featured in this post are a small sprinkling of people that make me feel happy. Some were taken by me, some by them, and all make me smile.

Try posting your own Happiness Exhibit and be sure to share it!

Make it count

One of my favorite blogs to follow is written by Leah of moxie photo & design. In the post I read today she wrote about examining oneself. I understand completely about wondering what it is that I am actually doing...is it making a difference? Is it just motions that go by and are forgotten? To learn, to share. Create things, see beauty, find wonder, show appreciation, expression, joy. Wasting minutes in any day is always a concern for me. Can't get those minutes back. Better make 'em count and rack up the memory points to the max!

Thistle by Tina - Pfeiffer Photos 2008

Sometimes I honestly have to tell myself (yes, out loud) to STOP and to BREATHE. No wonder I love to sleep so much...

Mid October by Tina - Pfeiffer Photos 2008.

Last weekend Chris and I took a drive out to Oregon City, the oldest incorporated city west of the Rockies (1829), and walked along the overlook above the Willamette River. The photos displayed in this post are part of a series I captured along the way...if you're interested in owning one for your wall or on a notecard, please contact me, and I'd be happy to make you a print.

Happy weekend to Leah, and to all of you that read along...get out there and enjoy it!

VFW Post, Oregon City by Tina - Pfeiffer Photos 2008.

Visit Leah's Etsy shops, moxie thrift and moxiephotodesign, to view more of her handmade art, fine art photography and unique vintage finds!

photos and text copyright pfeiffer photos 2008 - all rights reserved.

Second Time Sophomore

"Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!"

~ Jul Brynner as King Mongkut of Siam in The King & I

In spring of 2007, at age 38, I lost my last JOB and my new husband of 4 months encouraged me to put down the want ads and pick up the school books in search of a CAREER.

Looking back at my work for the last five terms at community college, the thing that stands out most now is the increase in my confidence level to achieve my goals. I remember at the start I would approach each assignment with a fair amount of apprehension and then slowly make my way through the process. My fingers were figuratively crossed each time I finished a piece of work and submitted it for review. Afterwards I would find myself wishing there was more time to spend in the text, more questions to answer, and more time left to write and to share.

L to R: El Grande Cowl by Fringe, Leaf Earrings by Spotted Octopus Jewelry, Cranberry Crossover Cordoroy Tote by Camille Star

As I've progressed through each course I have learned to be more precise in what I want to convey. I've grown beyond surface statements, simple declarations with nothing to back them up, and learned to add detail and to better explain my ideas. I try to be very honest in both the written and visual work I produce and to ensure that what is in my head comes out on the page (or screen) in just the way I intend.

This Sunday is the first day of Fall. Next Monday is the first day of Fall term for me. A mixture of excitement and nervousness builds as I cross each day off my calendar and we inch toward the 22nd. I look forward to learning but I am nervous about meeting and interacting with new people.

L to R: Tree Landscape Cuff by TigerLilyShop, Vintage Spectator Tassel Heels from Nerdybird Vintage, Grass by Pfeiffer Photos

I found this video clip today on YouTube (see below). It's not only a fun piece of cinematic memory and a happy song, it gave me a little boost in my spirit for these weeks to come.

Whatever you're undertaking that is new, and in this time of many folks feeling some uncertainties, I hope it brings you a smile!

My back-to-school picks are featured in the photos included in this post. These items are the quality handmade and vintage goods offered by our fellow small business owners on Etsy.com. Please click the links for more info and to view their shops--thanks so much!

"I Whistle a Happy Tune" by Rodgers & Hammerstein from The King & I - 20th Century Fox, video clip via YouTube.

copyright pfeiffer photos 2008.