Vilonia - Devastation In Our Precious Little Town

Monday, April 25th, our precious little town of Vilonia was struck by an EF-2 tornado. Almost all of the one street light town was damaged except for the small part where our schools are located (I'm sure there are a ton of disappointed kids LOL!), which is also the same side that our neighborhood is on. 


Below is the damage to my best friend's home. Her and her family made it out just fine with no injuries.

These photos are her front yard.

The side and back of her home.

The second level on one side is completely gone.

Her bedroom and closet.

Her dining room.

Her living room.

Below is her little boy's room.

Below is the ceiling in her living room.

Her upstairs bathroom. The shower and the scrubby made it though!

Upstairs closet.

Below are photos from around town which are just a small bit of the damage.

More storms came through the next night and did even more damage to my best friend's home.

Below are photos of thunderstorms that kept popping up when we were trying to clean up. They made more rain so every so often more of the ceiling in her house would fall on us while we were trying to pack up what was salvageable.

More of the damage around town.

I feel so sorry for all my neighbors who lost their homes, and especially those who lost their lives in this terrible storm. My heart also goes out to the rest of the southern states who were effected by even larger tornadoes this week; it all just breaks my heart.

All About Dallas

My 15 year old son, Dallas, loves to take photos, and he loves to go out and take photos with mom. Yesterday I was assigned by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette to cover the Kidsfest Superhero Race in Conway. I was so excited about this event, and knew these kids were going to be Super cute, and a lot of fun. I was so right too! Most of the events I cover I can't take Dallas with me, but this one I was able to, and we were both super stoked about it. We got up super early, and headed to Conway, anxious for what the day had in store for our cameras.

This is my sweet Dallas all ready to take pictures of Superheroes. 

He has been going through a MAJOR growth spurt lately, and is hungry all the time. I told him to eat before we left, but he said he did. Of course, after being at the event for about an hour he says to me, "Mom, I'm hungry." The sweet ladies at the registration desk were sweet enough to offer him some donuts.

Dallas taking a photo of me while I take a photo of him while we are taking photos! Ha!

We had so much fun at this event. I love watching him take photos because I love how he gets so wrapped up in it....he loves it! I love it how he runs up to me constantly and says, "Mom! What do you think about this photo?" Plus, he is really, really good at it. He has amazing composition, and five minutes after showing him how to work the F-Stop, Shutter, and ISO he was taking amazing photos on full Manual. This is amazing to me since it takes many photographers years to learn this, especially at the level he has mastered.

With that being said, please enjoy HIS photos...this time. :)

 

Working For The Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Not too long ago I started working for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette as one of their event photographers, and I have been having an absolute blast! They send me out on event assignments all over central Arkansas. I have been meeting the most amazing people, and taking some fantastic photos of them. What could be a better job? Absolutely nothing!


My very first assignment was Mardi Gras at the Governor's Mansion. I had never been to the Governor's Mansion before so I was super stoked! I had a wonderful time, and the 2 young musicians who provided the entertainment were so talented! The Mardi Gras decorations were amazing!

One of my other assignments was the 2011 Chef's Ball at Pulaski Technical College. The food, of course, was amazing! Combine wonderful food and photos of Governor Beebe equals Good Times!

This past Friday night I was assigned to cover the Eggshibition XX at the Jack Stephen's Center at UALR. I had been there for about 40 minutes when I heard someone yelling my name. I turned to look, and it just happened to be an old friend of mine from junior high, Brian Russell! It is such an awesome feeling to run into people from so long ago! 

Below are some photos I took just last night in Conway at the 1st Annual Jazz and Cuisine Classic. The band, food, people, decorations, everything...perfect! 

At the Stem Soiree, which was held at the Clear Channel Metroplex, these little cupcakes were so calling my name! I love anything peanut butter! 

This particular event is so far the largest I have been assigned to yet. I don't know how many people were there, but there was a ton, and it too was perfect!

So far I have had a ton of fun working for the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. They have been keeping me super busy with fun places to go, see, and capture! They have already assigned me to the CARTI Ragin' Cajun Bash and the Arkansas Derby which are coming soon. I hope to see you there, and so does my camera!