Ok, here is the soup recipe that would send the Soup Nazi running in shame!!

I was really tempted to keep this for myself…but that would just be wrong…it’s TOO good!!!  lol 

Let me know how you like it!!       Blessings!!

Holy Guacamole Soup

1 tablespoon cooking oil

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1 medium red onion, chopped

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 tablespoons bottled minced garlic

4 medium avocados, peeled, pitted and mashed

1 14 oz can chicken broth

1 ½ cups whipping cream

1 cup bottled salsa

2 tablespoons lime juice

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon ground cumin ( I didn’t have any cumin, so I didn’t put any in mine )

salt and pepper to taste

(I served mine with the option of flavored crackers and/or tortilla chips. If you wanted to get fancy with it, you could top it with avocado slices, chopped tomato, sour cream etc. And I added grilled chicken to my leftovers the next day… that was good too!)

In a large saucepan, heat oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic; cook until onions are tender, stirring frequently. Stir in the remaining ingredients and heat through. Serve with toppers if desired. Enjoy!!

From start to finish: 25 minutes

Serves: 6-8

Calories: 350 per serving

Ok, somehow I managed to live for thirtyish years without internet. And frankly, they were good years! I felt sufficiently connected to the world…I didn’t feel the need to have a constant and instant exchange of information with my bank, my cable company, my favorite tv shows, some lady in Australia selling crocheted baby hats, or everyone I’ve ever known AND all of their friends!

But now, tenish years later… I can’t function without it! My modem went out yesterday and my world went all whackadoodle!! Apparently, according to the lady at the cable office, I have the world’s longest functioning modem, since it’s 8 years old and apparently they’re supposed to self destruct after 2-3. So I guess I should consider myself blessed. And I should be happy that they called back and said they have an opening to come fix it late this afternoon rather than FRIDAY! But have you ever realized how much of “what needs to get done” HAS to be done by Internet? It’s really quite frightening how dependant we are on technology! (maybe I should just speak for myself..but the fact that you’re reading this says something about your relationship with the internet).

I’ve been in the photography business for around 15 years, (yes, I started with FILM ..just imagine, many of my “subjects” will grow up not even knowing what that is!!) and my business operated just FINE without computers and/or internet. But Since yesterday’s “passing” of my modem, I’ve been virtually shut down! I had to copy client images for posting, to a jump drive, and take it down to my mom’s house to post on my site for them to view. (And don’t even get me started on the fact that my mother still has DIAL-UP!!)

And so HOW am I making this post to my blog, you ask… Well since we are SO dependant on our computers and Internet, we created tiny little things we can carry around in our pockets that will do just almost the same things as our computers…(must admit, I love my iPhone.. But this is definitely taking at least five times longer to type than it would on the computer!)

But IT’S JUST CRAZY!!

There are pluses and minuses to all this technology, but I’ve got to say it’s really quite amazing. And just think… I’m 42 years old. When I was a kid there were only three channels on tv and it went off the air at midnight. Phones had circular dials and were attached to the wall. If you wanted to cook supper, you had to do it on a stove. Typing involved the very loud hammering of little letter-shaped presses over carbon tape onto paper, and all your mail was delivered by a living, breathing human being. What a different world in such a relatively short amount of time! What could possibly be down the road? Kind of exciting… kind of scary.

But for today,… “Please, Suddenlink, …get me connected!”

Ok. I’m bound to be the world’s WORST blogger. I own it…but I’m gonna try to do better.

Carousel was great this weekend, and I’ll chat about that later. Right now I want to say
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Sesame Street!!

What a wonderful part of our “growing up” it has been! And how many other shows have stayed relavent for 40 years?!!

Some of my favorites are of course, Cookie Monster, Mr. Snuffelupagus (I used to scream at the tv trying to get Maria to come into Big Bird’s place while he was there so they would all know he was REAL) hahahaha. I STILL think of the little skit with the older sister working through (in her mind) the consequences of popping her little sister’s red balloon and deciding it wasn’t worth it. And there was the whole “one of these things is not like the other” thing.

So let me see, that’s one, two, three, four…Four…FOUR favorite Sesame Street moments!! (crash of lightening!) Ahahahahahaha!!!!

Yes, The Count was also one of my favorites.

What were some of yours?

Yes, it’s true!  We are participating in the National Charity Model Search, benefiting “Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.”  We have been working with  “NILMDTS” for a while now.  This is a wonderful non-profit organization of photographers who donate their skill and time to create photographic memories for families who lose their little ones at birth or shortly after.  It has been one of the single most difficult experiences of my life, … but also one of the most rewarding.  It has been a true blessing.

And now you can share in this blessing by entering your kids in the National Charity Model Search that will raise money to promote NILMDTS, and you just may win some great prizes in the process!

Here’s some general info, but call us at the studio to set your appointment, and we can answer any other questions you might have.

BUT HURRY!

March 25 is the last day!

325-677-3733

I’m leaving today for our annual mission to Zambia, Africa.  We will be there for the next three weeks.  This is the seventh year that God has blessed us with the opportunity to serve and fellowship with his children there.  So before I left I just wanted to thank everyone who sent in titles for the contest images, and let you know that I will try to post some pics and updates to my “my space” page while I’m gone.  I can’t promise anything though, as access to internet (or electricity for that matter) is extremely limited.  But we do carry a satelite phone and occassionally we are able to get through.  I’ll give it my best.  But our mission director, KB Massingill has set up a blog spot where he will be posting updates on the team in general, so if you’re interested in keeping up with what’s happening there, the blog spot is http://www.zmm2008.blogspot.com .  

 Kathie will be checking in at the office from time to time while I’m away,  so if you need anything, just give her a call at the office and she’ll get back to you as soon as she can.

We greatly covet your prayers for safety, and mostly that we will allow God to use us to His glory, according to His plan.  May you all be blessed to truly know Him.

Leza Amuleleke ( God bless you! ),

Shelli

I want to thank all of you who showed such excitement about our “moving” plans!  But, as I had said, we left the situation in God’s hands, and this time he answered with a ‘no’.

We had a great open house that Sunday, and had several interested buyers.  But the next morning, the people we were buying the property from, called and said they had another buyer who didn’t have to sell another property in order to purchase theirs.  According to our contract, that then gave us two days to either follow through with our offer, or let it go to the other buyers.  Jay and I prayed and discussed wether to contact the people who were interested in our house, … or leave it in God’s hands …. if our buyers called in the two days, … then the move was meant to happen…. if they did not, … it wasn’t.  So that’s what we did.  Our buyers didn’t call.  SO, for now, we’re staying put, and although I am disappointed, I want to thank and praise God for knowing what is best for us, and keeping us from making mistakes.  It has taken me 41 years to figure out that what I ‘want’ isn’t always what I ‘need’ … and it is a tremendous stress reliever to be able to let God direct my plans, rather than having to worry about whether I’ve “got it right” or not.  And hey, it’s kind of exciting to see what He will have around the corner for us!  We’ll see!

May each of you experience the joy of walking in His footsteps!

Shelli

The professional lab where we have our prints developed is having a contest! I have selected some great images to submit, however, I need your help! Each image must have a title! Are you quick witted? Do you have a knack for creating a play on words? Then, this is your chance! Submit your title for any of the images posted below. Just be sure and number your entry with the same number as the respective image. Hurry! Don’t delay! Our deadline is Thursday, June 19. If we use your title in the contest you will win a $50 gift card which can be used towards any future session or given away as a gift! So, put on your thinking caps, and let me hear from you. Remember . . . . . June 19th!!

Blessings, Shelli

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As many of you know, it is pretty tight around the studio.   In fact, we seem to be bursting at the seams.  However, we may be moving soon!   We have a wonderful opportunity to purchase an awesome two story house on a beautiful acre of land.  There are a lot of trees, a barn with a loft, a flower garden and much much more.  It seems to be a perfect place to enlarge my studio!  The studio will have room to grow, and I will be able to expand my services by adding additonal staff.  The possibilities are so exciting!  However, in order for me to make this move, I must first sell my house. 

This is where you come in.  I am hoping you will help me spread the word! 

 Our house is near ACU, in a beautiful and established neighborhood with wonderful neighbors.  One reason I first fell in love with this house is because, being older, it has
a lot of characher inside and out.  The exterior is Austin stone, and it sits on a large lot.  Built in 1952, the house has approximately 2100 square feet, and it was fully rennovated about 11 years ago.  (new wiring, plumbing, sheet rock, flooring,central heat and air etc.)  There are 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 living areas and a bonus room.  It has beautiful hardwood and ceramic floors and a working, woodburning fireplace.   It is in the Taylor Elementary, Craig Middle School and Abilene High school districts, but of course, Abilene Christian Schools are just up the street, making that a convenient educational option as well. 

The purchase price is $147,000. 

So, if you’re looking for a great place, or know someone who is, … please give us a call.  We’ll be happy to show it to anyone who’s interested.  (Studio- 325-677-3733 or Shelli – 325-669-4196)

We have placed this opportunity in the Lord’s hands and know that He will continue to
bless us immeasureably with or without this move.  Please keep us in your prayers, asking God to do only what will bring Him the most glory. 

Blessings,
Shelli  

P.S.  We plan to have an open house this coming Sunday, 2-4 and would love for you
to drop by with friends and family!

Yes, it’s crazy, but it’s true!  Shelli Kay Studios is going to add a free Photo Handbag to the order of the first person who mentions this post when booking a new session!  And heck, … not to leave any of you out, … everyone who mentions this post when booking a regular May session, will receive 20% off any handbags ordered from that session.

Call now!  You could be the Lucky Winner!   325-677-3733

Happy Mother’s Day!

(free photo handbag offer applies only to new sessions and is not valid with any other discount)