The blogging carnage

Whew! This blogging this is hard work! I started this blog as another way to network with like-minded people, share information that I thought was unique, and empty out some of this business going on in my head. It has turned into an obsession. I struggle to get new followers, then to get those followers excited. About what? Deals, photography, crafts anything!!! I know there are passionate people out there that share the love and appreciation of the same things, I just haven't found them. If I have, they are very quietly passionate. My dream is to have people having conversations on my blog, sharing ideas, creating new friendships, synergy and interdependence . Aaah yes wouldn't that be lovely? The thought gives me a zen like feeling. The process through which I have to go to get there however, not nearly as zen. I'm on Facebook, twitter, two blogs, and two social moms bloggy things so far, all which require constant attention and posting. I struggle to find balance, and apparently need to set "office hours" for this unpaid position. My online persona "Frugal Queen" eagerly follows any blog that seems unique or similar, however I feel like I have to shove free stuff in people's faces to get them to pay attention to mine. Like a (metaphoric) comment hoe... I feel like I'm giving myself (writing) away just to get a, "nice post" or " I know what you mean." There are always a few reliable two or three followers (one being my mother, thanks mom :) that comment wherever they may find me, which is great, but as with so many other things in one's life , I'm not satisfied yet. Being the over achiever, I put myself 110% into anything I do, spreading myself thin and sometimes crashing. So whether you love me, or can't help but slow down and strain your neck to see the carnage, welcome! This is me. So I take a few deep breaths, practice my Sun Salutations and move forward one step at a time.

Facebook photo contest

Anyone can be an artist..I'm tired of professional photographers looking down on those of us who love to take photos but haven't had the same technical training. Have you ever been to an art museum? Art is in the eye of the beholder. Every individual wil like and dislike different aspects of piece. I've seen art that seemed completely ridiculous to me. If everyone hates it does that mean it's not art? Not if that was the artist's intent. And how do we know an artists intent? Professional photographers often judge a picture by it's composition, lighting, emotion etc, but a picture that is completely "wrong" can be art too! So here's your chance to be an artist. Email me your favorite picture, limit of two, to frugalqueen@ymail.com. I will post your photo on Frugal Queen Facebook Page  and followers will "like" their favorites and winners with the most votes will receive a $25 credit on Deal Pulp. This means you will be able to get AT LEAST $50 worth of a national product or service for free!  I will collect photos for one week, and voting will begin. Winners will be announced on Monday April 11th. So start sending In your art!!

Photo Session Giveaway

If you live in or around San Diego or will be visiting within the next six months, join me for my Photo Session Giveaway.  Prizes will include a 1 hour session at a location of your choosing within 10 miles of San Diego, and a cd of digital images for your printing pleasure. You must be willing to let me use your photo in my portfolio online and in print.  To enter, fulfill one or more of the entry methods below (you will receive one entry for each method completed)Winner will be announced Monday, April 4.

1. Follow my Giles Smiles Photo Blog
2. Follow my  Deals and Steals Blog
3. Become a fan of my  Frugal Queen facebook page
4. Follow me on twitter Frugal__Queen

When you have completed one or more of these entry methods leave one comment below for each of your entry methods. Good Luck!!

Picture of the Month March

I took this pic of my darling while my mother in law was in town earlier this month. I have always been a lover of baby feet.  I was particularly drawn to the details and sparkle of the sand particles on her tiny tootsies... while I was paying such close attention to her toes, you'll notice she decided to eat a handful of sand lol.  Such is the life of a momma.

WELCOME!

Well, here it is.  I'm the lady your professional photographer hates.  A soccer mom with little if any training and a nice camera who thinks she can take great pics and wants to make money.  Well, I can honestly say I tried not to be that person.  I started out taking pics of my kids and family members at get-togethers.  With over 30 grandchildren total in the family, it was difficult and expensive to get everyone together for pictures so I became family photographer. I invested in a high end point and shoot, some lights, made a few backdrops and off I went.  Then, here and there friends would ask if I could take photos of them.  Sure, why not? I came to love the art and enrolled in a photography degree program. I finished one semester before my husband enlisted in the navy and we moved across the country.  There went my degree. I find myself now in an amazing city full of photographic opportunities, and I'm trying again.  I've attended a few classes and I feel that I've grown as a photographer and I now have a Dslr that I shoot completely in manual mode.  Impressed? I didn't think so.  So here I am, testing the waters.  I want your true and honest opinions. Constructive criticism an pointers if you have them.  I want to serve the community part time and get quality photographs to those who may not be able to afford high end photographers. So PLEASE give me your opinions and remember these are my family and friends so please no negative remarks on subjects themselves.