101 Goals in 1001 Days - A Progress Report

So, it's about a week and a half into this new round of goals and I wanted to share what I have done so far. I'm finding this time around that not as many people are familiar with this program and how it works but are impressed that I am doing it and overwhelmed at the thought of starting themselves...I find that it is easy and more effective than anything else I have done toward achieving goals. So here is where I am at.

Completely Done:

#100  Release 20 Christmas Ornaments
#65    Get Buddha Statue set up in backyard
#91    Build LinkedIn contact list to 500
#53    Get on Etsy Before my friend does.

Still needs a bit more landscaping but at least it's out of the garage.  ©marciaphoto.com

          


In Progress:
#2     Read Prosperity Bible
               I am in a Mastermind group that is studying and discussing chapter by chapter. 
#5     Have a friend over for coffee or meal 6 times in 6 month period
               I've had one friend over for lunch and plans with three more over the next two weeks.
#36   Print 3 new canvases for gallery\public display
               Printed a 16x24 of one of my favorite little clients, Maggie.
#74   5 beauty visits in one year period 
               I'm so bad about self care and want to be better. Got hair done last week and was gifted
               with a certificate for a facial, so that takes care of two and three to go.

I'm so happy about this...it's hung right across from where I work so that I see it all the time.                   ©marciaphoto.com

As you can see within the first month I should have at least five goals accomplished and while it is a big list on track to have most done in the 1001 days. I'll keep you posted as to how I do and where I am.
 

101 Goals in 1001 Days 12/2/11

A few years ago I participated in a program called 101 Goals in 1001 Days and I found it so valuable that at the conclusion I wanted to do it again. While I accomplished only (only?) 55 of the goals I found that I got more done in a focused manner than at any other time of life so I find myself here again. I wanted to share my list with you. There are a couple of goals that were very personal and have been dropped from the list and already I have gotten one done. Here is my list in the hope that it will inspire you to reach for the stars and capture the moon. I'll post photos as I accomplish each goal but don't laugh at the quality because have Crackberry, will travel and will most likely use it ;-)

Goal # 100 Release 20 Christmas Ornaments. There's a bit more than that here going to Goodwill.

•   1. Read 25 books
•   2. Read Prosperity Bible
•   3. Go Snowshoeing
•   4. cook a turducken
•   5. have a friend over for coffee or lunch 6 times in 6 month period
•   6. go camping 4 times in one year period
•   7. Day Trip to Bisbee
•   8. Dig for Crystals at Diamond Point
•   9. Go Tubing Down The Salt River
•   10. Photograph 10 HIgh School Seniors in one year period
•   11. Photograph 20 babies in one year period
•   12. Photograph 5 weddings in one year period
•   13. Photograph 10 dogs in one year period
•   14. photograph 20 children (2 or older) in one year period
•   15. photograph 10 families in one year period
•   16. Stay in a cabin by a lake
•   17. Participate and photograph a cattle drive
•   18. Drive a jeep offroad
•   19. Go sledding
•   20. Do a charitable gesture like helping in a food kitchen or flowers for vets again
•   21. Go to the Phoenix Art Museum
•   22. Go Fishing
•   23. Ride The Camp Verde Railroad
•   24.
•   25. Visit with Tara
•   26. Visit with Libby
•   27. Visit With Jeff Pine
•   28. Get Motorcycle license
•   29. Go Horseback riding 6 times in one year period
•   30. Ride the Grand Canyon Railroad
•   31. Play my guitar 15 minutes every weekday for one month period
•   32. Drop one pants size and keep it off
•   33. create marketing plan to accomplish photography goals by Christmas 2011
•   34. Create a photo book for Jeff of his family
•   35. Get chairs for gallery
•   36. Print 3 new canvases for gallery\public display
•   37. Take Zuri to Canine Rattlesnake class
•   38.
•   39. Market myself in Rim Country for summer weddings, make one firm connection
•   40. Market myself at wineries, make one firm connection
•   41. Market myself for Grand Canyon weddings, make one firm connection
•   42. get in 3 baby stores not including 7th street baby bloomers (already in)
•   43. get in 2 wedding stores
•   44. Win an award in PPA international competition again
•   45. Take an interesting class that is not photo related
•   46.Photograph an Indian Wedding
•  47.
•   48. Walk Zuri 3 times a week for 3 months straight
•   49. Go hiking 6 times in 6 month period
•   50. Go hiking on 3 new trails in 6 month period
•   51. Ride Mountain Bike RT Christensen Trail
•   52. Make Amethyst necklace
•   53, Get on Etsy Before Libby does
•   54. Make 10 pairs of earrings to sell on Etsy
•   55. Put 5 photos on Etsy
•   56. Put 5 greeting cards on Etsy
•   56. Refinish media cabinet in gallery
•   57. get mac mini for gallery
•   58. get flat screen tv for gallery
•   59. create and implement surveys for gallery
•   60. Ride bike at least 20 times in 6 month period
•   61. Ride Horseback Canyon de Chelly
•   62. Go to Chiracahua National Monument
•   63. Hike Havasupai
•   64. Ride Helicopter
•   65. Get Buddha set up in back of yard
•   66. Road Trip to New Mexico
•   67. Go To Chimayo again
•   68. Photograph Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
•   69. Get another membership to Botanic Garden
•   70. Photograph one portrait session or wedding at Botanic Garden
•   71. Go To World Wildlife Zoo
•   72. Take Cross Country Ski Lesson
•   73. Hike up Cathedral Rock
•   74. 5 beauty visits in one year period
•   75. participate in 2 networking groups regularly and concurrently for one year period
•   76. hike up Camelback
•   77. hike up Piestawa Peak
•   78. Hike up Pinnacle Peak
•   79. Release 25 pounds
•   80. Release 25 pieces of clothing in 3 month period
•   81. Go to Sedona 6 times in one year period
•   82. do yoga 6 times in 6 month period
•   83. Donate 5 gift certificates to 5 non profits in one year period
•   84. get email lists fully integrated in 3 month period
•   85. send 25 email blasts in one year period
•   86. Build email list to 600 in one year period
•   87. Build email list to 1000 in two year period
•   88. Build FB to 3000 in one year period
•   89. Build Twitter to 1200 in one year period
•   90. Run four headshot promotions on Linked in in one year period
•   91. Build linked in to 500 in one year period
•   92. Camp at Pategonia Lake
•   93. Go Kayaking 4 times in one year period
•   94. Go to Tucson Metal Arts Village
•   95. Go to Steve Poltz concert
•   96. See Concert at Toby Keith's
•  97. Get main Christmas tree fully decorated by 7pm Black Friday 2012
•  98. make mint dog biscuits for Zuri
•  99. have dog portrait event for charity
• 101. Make Raw Apple Pie 
   
  DONE 
  100. Release 20 Christmas Ornaments
  
  
  

Green Wedding Friday - Fresh From The Kitchen

I have this friend, Noelle Salinas who is a fabulous eco-friendly caterer and she constantly teaches me the good things about food ;-) Here is what she has to say about being an Green Caterer.

 Fresh from the Kitchen ~ Your Green Vendor

When selecting Fresh from the Kitchen as your caterer, you get something more than just great food, great service, and great presentation. You're booking with a caterer that cares about what goes into your body, food, and the environment. Most are familiar with the term eco-friendly, and this is some of the things that make us such.

All of our meats are not only fresh, but free of hormones and antibiotics. Why is this important? There are several factors that contribute to the overall answer, but in a nutshell, you're getting a healthier, more flavorful, natural, synthetic free item. Further, the environment benefits by this choice, and doesn't it make you feel great to know that such a simple choice is making a large impact on saving the planet?

You get farm fresh cage free eggs. Not only once again does this contribute to a more flavorful product, it also contributes to a humane treatment of animals. Chickens that are raised on farms that allow them to enjoy life outside of a cage, result in fewer diseases spread among the animals, that can affect our health. Sick animals, lead to an ailing planet, which results in ailing people. Prevention is key to successfully saving our planet.

You get minimally processed foods. This means that instead of injecting our food with synthetic preservatives that you can't even pronounce, you get real butter, real cream, real herbs, fresh never frozen vegetables, which equals real taste, and taste so good!!!

You get all natural. Self-explanatory.

You get organic and locally grown. Fresh from the Kitchen spends that extra dollar to purchase as many organic foods as well as locally grown. How does this help the environment? Although organic foods cost a little more, certified organic foods are grown without the use of pesticides. Pesticide residue kills nutrients and good bugs, like ladybugs, that help our planet thrive. Organic foods uses natural and safe farming methods to prevent soil erosion, acid rain, and excess refuse. All of these things equal a cleaner planet. Buying locally is important too, because this saves on carbon monoxide being released into the air, a byproduct of gasoline, which makes our air less clean and less easy to breathe. When local products are used, they don't have to travel as far from farm to the kitchen, thus resulting in less carbon monoxide polution.

You get better ingredients, for better food, at a price that beats the competition. Thus, Fresh from the Kitchen is not only your green choice, we are your choice for a better you, better planet, better event.

As Fresh from the Kitchen continues to grow in our green philosophy, we hope you continue to support our efforts by booking your events with us. Afterall, together we can help save the planet one plate at a time.

Fresh from the Kitchen is your one stop event planning solution.

www.freshfromthekitchenllc.com <http://www.freshfromthekitchenllc.com>  | 602-694-2878 | info@freshfromthekitchenllc.com

Baby, Oh Baby! I've Got An i-Phone, Do I need Professional Portraits?

A couple of days ago I saw a commercial for the new i-Phone that showed a very nice picture of a little girl and the announcer said.."i-Phone, the only camera you'll ever need...". It got me thinking about how one phrase like that along with a really great product could change the perception of many in regards to commissioning portraits. After all, why bother, you've got a great camera (phone) right? Well, maybe no, not right.

While you will certainly capture great moments with your phone, there's a lot to be said for the experience of participating in a portrait. A beautiful portrait of your baby is a co-creation between you and your Artist. From the first consultation, your trained Photographer is learning about your likes and desires, suggesting ideas that meld with your tastes, molding the session to give you a perfect piece of art that is your son or daughter. On Portrait Day, you'll have the opportunity to play with your baby while your Photographer styles the session, with background, lighting and sometimes props to give you a designer image that you will be not only proud to display in your home but also to give as gifts.

A Portrait is much different than a snapshot. A well done Portrait is a study of your child at that moment of life, a personality essay captured in a moment or two of time. It takes into account that your baby's miniscule fingernails will never be so tiny again, toes will never be so round and fat. It's not just a smiling face in a stroller but all the details that are gone way too soon, A Portrait is the most personal art you will ever own,

Marcia The Art of Photography specializes in the first year of your baby's life. Call today to find out how your baby's first stages can be the art of your life. 480.366.4476.

It's in the details and the artistry. A Professional Photographer can take those details and give you art.     ©marciaphoto.com 

Green Wedding Friday - What's A Green Photographer?

One thing I get asked all the time is what makes me a Green Photographer. Like Kermit, it's not always easy being green, but it's part of who I am and extends to my business.

Yes, I am a digital photographer. I came kicking and screaming to the dark side several years ago and once I realized that it was really better for the environment never looked back. But it's not enough to just shoot digitally. It's a commitment to offering eco-friendly products, being mindful of how much energy I use in my business, working with other eco-friendly vendors to offer a Green Team to the couples that share the same philosophy.

Being a Green Photographer means that I don't print anything that is not necessary to print and the same with shipping. For the clients that would like it, I offer a direct download option to share photos. Only prints that are actually purchased are printed. While traditional albums are available, I offer presentation products from companies that utilize recycled products, soy inks, green production practices. I work as much as possible by window light to lessen the burden of electricity and when I need to actually get in the car I bundle all my errands into one trip so that I am as efficient with fossil fuels as possible.

In promoting Green Photography I offer incentives for hiring other eco-friendly vendors for events. I keep a list of event businesses that provide eco-friendly services and when two or more are hired along with me I give a rebate to my client.

I love the idea that I can help my planet while creating family heirlooms that stand the test of time. I love being Green.

Under The Oak Tree                                                      @Marcia Mauskopf

Baby, Oh Baby! Ben

So I'm with one of my girlfriends watching her toddler happily play while we were having coffee and I am marveling at how big he's gotten in eighteen months. I photographed Ben at around a month old and he was so active already, sparkling black eyes and already a lady killer smile. I realized that I never did put him up on the blog, so, for your viewing pleasure, I'd like to introduce you to Ben <3

Ben at one month.                                                                                                                       ©Marcia Mauskopf 2010

Freebie Friday - Puppy Love

Who doesn't love their puppy? Today's Freebie Friday is a portrait of your four legged kid. The first person to answer the trivia question gets a complimentary Puppy Love session and 5x7 print. Pretty cool huh?

Trivia Question:
What is the THIRD most popular dog in the U.S. for 2011?

Wintersong                                                                               @Marcia Mauskopf

Baby, Oh Baby! Little Miss Maggie

Is there anything prettier than a baby girl in a tutu? I had so much fun playing with Maggie at the Desert Botanical Gardens. Here's a bit of Maggie.

Baby, Oh Baby! Using Soft Props In Your Baby's Portraits

Many of the soft goods used in my baby portraits are handcrafted by me, offering unique original pieces for use by my clients.                                                                                                                                          ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

You love the look of today's current style of baby portraits but are unsure where to find the cute headbands, beanies and blankets you see in the images. Styling is one of the most fun parts of Baby Photography and many of the items are produced by artisans selling on Etsy, E-bay and Facebook. Because they are doing it as a business, craftspeople will often make the same piece for a number of photographers.  Here at Marcia The Art of Photography I make many of the props that I use in my images. This ensures that you have pieces not seen in other photographer's portfolios and unique to your baby's custom designed portraiture.

Ready to have your baby photographed? Let's talk about the possibilities ;-)

A Little Something For You

Graveyards...what's scarier than the above ground mausoleums of New Orleans...BOO! Download to spook you through this, the scary season.

Baby, Oh Baby! The Best Time To Photograph Newborns

Your baby's development plays a key role in scheduling your Newborn Photography session. Those beautiful images of sleeping babies with their little heads cradled in their tiny hands are possible because of the fact that as a brand new life they are still behaving as thought they are still in the womb.

The first 10 days of life are the best time to photograph your baby and get those wonderful poses. Babies at this stage of development are still most comfortable in the fetal position and sleep more deeply than they will even just one week later. Because they sleep so deeply it is very easy to softly move small legs under chests and little fingers around elbows and have them stay in position long enough to create those incredible images.

The time to book your session is before you give birth. This way I can reserve time for you based on your expected due date and place you on our list. Once your baby arrives, a fast phone call can finalize your date and time to make your session the best it can be.

Sarah at 7 days old                                                                                                                        ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

Just Another Steve Jobs Tribute

So, with all the tributes for Steve Jobs running rampant across the internet I wanted to share my first experience with 'Mac'. I accepted a job at a photo lab and was asked at the interview if I knew how to use computers and of course said yes, although it wasn't by any means a joy...the first day came and when it was time to do the office work I was introduced to 'Mac', that very first little box that called Steve "Dad", and chirped happily when I turned it on and then smiled at me...and the love affair began. We intuitively got to know each other and I yearned for the day I could have 'Mac' by my side forever...I finally bought my own first computer, used, from another photographer and it was of course, a Mac...and I've never looked back. Through the incarnations from desktop to laptop he's been by my side, journaling my adventures, carrying my tears through e-mail and facebook, a part of my creativity and joy...and it all started with a chirp and a smile in a Northern California garage....

...So I say Thank You Steve. You gave us our joy and turned the world upside down with your vision and creativity. I will always look to you as my inspiration drawn from a box with a tiny screen who smiled at me ;-)

Green Wedding Friday - The Centerpiece

My good friend Jennifer Colvin Foster is an environmentally creative florist and fabulous at her work. Her company, Ever After Florals is a mainstay of the Phoenix Wedding and Event Industry. Here she shares her secrets for GREEN centerpieces:

When designing weddings for my brides who are more “green” or environmentally cautious, I always try to give them plenty of options.  One of the most exciting places to design for is the reception.  The reception is the place where most of the décor is necessary to make things look amazing.  Here we must tie in with the theme or the style of the wedding that the bride & groom have chosen and make sure our centerpieces fit that overall look.

Here are a few ideas for GREEN centerpieces:

I always first suggest fresh flowers.  To stay green, you will need to choose in season blooms from local farms.  If you have trouble with local farms, then try for blooms from close to home such as California.  Don’t be afraid to ask for organically grown flowers as there are some types available.  Using tulips in spring and Sunflowers in the summer, you are using the types of flowers that are available when nature wants them to be.  Nothing is forced or brought in from overseas.    Be sure to ask your florist what is available and when.  They will be able to provide that information for you with each season.

Use materials such as greenery, pinecones, twigs, tumbleweeds and rocks.  Some of which can be found on a fun trip up north or even in your own backyard.  Including some of these items can make a very profound statement, especially if your floral designer is creative and can do amazing things with these items.  Whether it be tying them to your containers or even using them to decorate the aisle or arch at the ceremony. 

You can also be very savvy by making your centerpieces reusable.  Why not ask your florist to provide centerpieces that can be planted afterwards.  Designing a centerpiece from flowering plants, cactus gardens, or pretty ferns gives a very earthy feel to the table and knowing that these can be planted and enjoyed for years to come vs. tossing them in the trash at the end of the night, is a great way to spend your décor dollars. If done right, these can actually look more interesting and more expensive than some of the flower arrangements out there. 

Get creative!  Don’t just design with flowers & plants.  Tell your florist that you would like something made up of fruits & veggies. There are more organic fruits and vegetables readily available and floral designers can do some wonderful things with those too.  You would be amazed how beautiful a large bouquet of kale can be in a vase.  So can lots of leafy & frilly herbs in various containers.  Also imagine a vase filled with bright happy lemons or fresh green pears.   Add in a few organic soy candles or local made candles and your table will look even more amazing!  

Being green does not have to be hard.   Florists can help you with all your décor needs, even if they don’t necessarily include flowers.   Florists are artists who know how to think outside the box and have the flair to make memorable and remarkable statements using any natural material put in front of them.

Jennifer Foster Colvin is a Master Floral Designer and has been creating florals for Phoenix weddings since 1995. Colvin is a Board Member of the ASFA (Arizona State Florist Association) as well as the Arts and Flowers program at the Phoenix Art Museum.  @Marcia Mauskopf 2010

Baby, Oh Baby! The Best Time For Your Maternity Session

One of the places many women feel conflicted about is the decision to do a Maternity Portrait. Money issues, body issues, the list goes on and on. But, all of that aside, should one be done? That answer is an overwhelming yes!

The months your baby is with you in vitro are a time of great change for you and cause for celebration. It is a part of your baby's journey, your own as well as an integral part of your family history. Physically, women glow more at this time of life than any other except perhaps falling in love...and of course that's natural, because from the moment you realized your baby you have been in love. In addition to this, doing a maternity portrait is a great way to 'test drive' your photographer and start the relationship that will lead to trust in handling your newborn.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks to commissioning a portrait are the changes to skin and body during this time. Stretch marks, weight gain and pregnancy mask are valid concerns that any mother has, and that is exactly why it's important to go to a trained professional for this series of photographs. A good photographer's education and experience go a long way toward knowing just how to pose you to emphasize your beautiful belly while minimizing the areas you are sensitive about. The understanding is there to know how much retouching to do not only on your face, but within the stretch marks and discoloration that may appear along your stomach to give a polished, yet real look to your growing belly.

So, when is the best time to schedule your maternity session? For most women that will be 32 to 36 weeks. At this time your energy level will be high and you have that beautiful glow that is often lost near the end of the pregnancy. Your stomach will have that great high basketball shape and you still will be able to flex and move in a way that will help your photographer to offer you a great variety in your selections.

Find out more about your maternity photography by scheduling a visit with our gallery. Visits are welcome by appointment, 480.366.4476, info[@]marciaphoto.com

At home session. Retouching can vary depending on the tastes of the client going from cleaned up a bit yet realistic to a complete retouch that deletes all stretch marks and discoloring.                                                  ©Marcia Mauskopf 2010

Freebie Friday

This first Freebie Friday celebrates newness. Soft pink cheeks and big innocent eyes. The promise of things to come. A baby portrait. Got a little one? Know someone with a new member of the family? See if you know the answer to this question and win!

Here we go:

When born, what size is the baby's head in relation to the rest of his/her body?
A. one half the size of the body
B. one quarter the size of the body
C. one eighteenth the size of the body

First person to get this right wins a Gallery Window Light Mini Session and 1 5x7 print for their baby up to One Year.

A Little Something For You

In September The wine country folk are opening bottles and making room for Harvest Crush, a time of parties and of course buying more wine. I love making abstracts of common objects like wine bottles...this is going to look just smashing on your screen ;-)

Our Annual Special is Here! Reserve Yours Now!

There's never been a better time to get your family together, and get those Holiday Cards off your To-Do List, too! Limited Sessions so book yours now! 480.366.4476

A Little Sunday Surfing - Frankie And Annette

Wishing you a little Moondoggie love on this hot and sultry Sunday.

From The Other Side of The Pond - Hiring A Professional Wedding Photographer

HAHA! From the people that brought us the term "...and Bob's your uncle". Some thoughts from U.K. professional photographer Annie Smith on the decision to use Uncle Bob for your wedding photography needs (thank you to Photography 1827 for publishing this Post)

Uncle Bob Versus The Professional Photographer

Credit: http://www.freevectordownload.org

Simply Beautiful - Recent Portrait Sessions

This is what One Year Old Looks Like         @Marcia Mauskopf 2011

Teething, crying, OMG, what are you putting me on....grass?!?!?!? Even I wasn't sure I got anything until I downloaded the images and then Baby, oh Baby....I had Max! I can't wait to show his mom and dad what a handsome little guy he is.

Got a baby? Call to see how your little one's best age can be captured to be enjoyed again and again. 480.366.4476.

This is reallly beautiful...The Art of Photography

I caught this video on ABC Now@9 and just had to share it with you. This is such an offbeat use of still photography and I am amazed at the thought and creativity that went into making this performance piece. Since we know a picture speaks a thousand words, what does 500 pictures say?

Does Getting A Protrait Help Your Self Esteem? You Bet It Does!

 I've been saying this forever....when you know you look good, you can't help but feel good. How commissioning a portrait can help your self esteem.


Self Esteem Photography in Ft. Lauderdale from HealthyState.org on Vimeo.

A Little Something For You

I miss the wineries...my home in California was surrounded by vineyards and in the late summer was the anticipation of harvest. These grapes have been soaking in the sun and slowly sweetening. a perfect reminder on your computer of the glass of chardonay waiting for you after 5pm.

Simply Beautiful - Recent Portrait Sessions

Is there anything more beautiful than a baby? Meet Owen, all of twelve weeks old. I love photographing babies in the summer, it gives me an excuse to be indoors and window light is the perfect, peaceful way to photograph infants.

Do you have a beautiful baby? Let's talk about how we can use these dog days of summer to capture your little one's special smile. Limited sessions are still available and are the perfect way to spend some quality time playing with your little one while I photograph away. The babies love it, I love it and you will, too.

This Day I Helped A Blind Man See

I marched into the room with a smile on my face and flowers in hand. A gift from Teleflora and some dedicated Phoenix florists. "I have flowers for you, a gift....where can I put them that you can best see them" "Pfft, I can't see them, I'm blind" he replied. Taken aback and embarrassed, I regrouped, brought the flowers near his bed and asked if I might bring them closer. "They smell beautiful, may I bring them closer to you?" He agreed and I held them close to his face, where he leaned forward and took a deep breath. "They're Carnations and Daisies, may I show them to you?" I lightly laid my hand over his. Taking his fingertips we touched a carnation together. "This one is red, and this one next to it is white with red tips...and this one over here, well it's a pink gerbera daisy..." I swallowed hard noticing the tears in his eyes, thanked him for serving our Country and backed out of the room fast so that he couldn't 'see' me cry.

On Sunday we were invited to help with Teleflora's Make Someone Smile Week, arranging bouquets and delivering them to our local Veteran's Hospital and Hospice. It's not often that we can personally be of service, touch another's life. Walking through the wards delivering flowers I saw first hand the sacrifices these men made in service to our Country and I was humbled. Thank you to our local florist, Jennifer Foster Colvin of Ever After Floral Fine Wedding Design for giving me the opportunity to be of service this day, to Teleflora and Clara at Razzle Dazzle Flowers for organizing this event and Roy Houff Company for donating the beautiful flowers.

Happy Face Mugs were the base for our creations.  ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

Karin Crawford of God's Garden Treasures                       ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

Clara from Razzle Dazzle Flowers creating floral magic.  ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

Finishing Bouquets.                                                            ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011

Ready for delivery.                                                           ©Marcia Mauskopf 2011