Books I Read in 2011

I managed to read twelve books in 2011, one for each month, although two took months to read and the final only days.  There was no set pace, no set list and no intention other than to be entertained and at times educated.  I picked them as I went.  Interestingly four were memoirs (2, 5, 8 & 9).  Only one was a mystery (12), which is what I typically like reading.  Several were for sheer entertainment (1, 5, 6 & 9) and fun to read if you are a female, an artist or are interested in pop music in 1980s.

1. Object of Beauty by Steve Martin
2. Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books by Azar Nafisi
3. My Ántonia by Willa Cather
4. The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen
5. Art and Madness: A Memoir of Lust Without Reason by Anne Roiphe
6. The Help by Kathleen Stockett
7. Antonement by Ian McEwan
8. Enemies of the People: My Family's Journey to America by Kati Marton
9. Wild Boy: My Life in Duran Duran by Andy Taylor
10. Once a Goddess by Sheila Lamb
11. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler
12. Bad Things Happen by Harry Dolan

One of the most interesting comparisons was how The Corrections and Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant shared the same plot and storyline throughout the both books.  A dysfunctional family with three children who set out on their own lives to create further drama, mayhem or dwell in sadness. They were both downers, but lead me to think of how important it is to make my life and the life of my children that much more captivating.

I got to travel to Iran, Hungary, Ireland, England, Mississippi, Nebraska,  Baltimore and New York City.  Several were set against the backdrop of war and civil unrest, some in the normalcy of domesticity and one was from a magical world where people travel by shape shifting.

One of the more moving, yet difficult to read books was Enemies of the People due to my father's history growing up in Hungary during the revolution.  Ms. Marton was able to gather her parent's secret police files and piece together her family's story during the Cold War with the help of interviews and remembrances.  Her parents were the last and only remaining journalists for the Associated Press and United Press during the Communist's control over Hungary and they were charged and imprisoned for spying.  When reading this I experienced a lot of the same feelings as I had upon my first visit to Hungary twelve years ago by saying, "Now it all makes sense."  Many of my father's strange or different habits were the norm during the Marton's life.     

Atonement was a wonderful book, possibly my favorite in regards to the subject of unrequited love and how beautifully the stories were strung together.  Once a Goddess had a similar driving force of unrequited love set against the backdrop of war. Support the author, who happens to be a good friend and check out Once a Goddess by Sheila Lamb.

I could write more about some of these books, but need to turn my attention to ringing in the New Year and picking out my next read.  Happy New Year Friends!

Antler Wreaths created by Ryan Williams

Let us know if you are interested in purchasing an antler wreath.  Here are two examples (one pictured with silver berries and bells) and Ryan is making more with red berries and gold bells.  I can put a different ribbon if you like.  The antlers and pine cones are real.  The one on our front door has lasted many holiday seasons. 

Above: Shed is adorned with wreaths. Below: Our front door

My 2nd Grader Gives thanks!

Cover & pg 2 & 3

Pages 4-7

Page 8 (final page)

His assignment is to disguise the turkey so it won't be eaten at Thanksgiving.  Last year we disguised it as a hunter.  This year it is a football player.

Artwork to go along with the writing piece...shoelaces and all.

If this doesn't make you appreciate the mind of a seven year old, I'm not sure what will.

Rocky Point Creamery Opens! Point of Rocks Photogapher

Above: My sons and my husband enjoying their first taste of the ice cream.  Below: Scooping

Ice Cream and toppings

Rocky Point is open everyday except Monday.

If you live near Point of Rocks, Maryland be sure to check out Rocky Point Creamery on the outskirts of town on Rte. 28.  Today was the opening day.  I tried the banana ice cream which was delicious and my sons loved the chocolate.  They also plan to begin hosting birthday parties soon.  Support your local business! 
There hours are:  
Tues &Wed 11-8
Thurs, Fri & Sat 11-9
Sunday 12-8

The David Mayfield Parade dances into Jammin' Java, Frederick MD Photographer

Images from the David Mayfield Parade on Tuesday, November 8th 2011 at Jammin' Java in Vienna, Virginia.  What a talented and fun group of musicians.  They were not only a tight band but also know how to play to the audience.

I like the juxtaposition of these two images.

Occupy DC, Frederick Maryland Photographer

I'm not trying to get political, but here are just a couple glimpses of Freedom Plaza on October 17, 2011 in Washington, DC.  Just my little slice of the tent life for Occupy DC on Pennsylvania Avenue.

New Neighbor in Town, Point of Rocks Photographer

We have a new neighbor in town.  I saw him once in the morning, on November 2, 2011 taking a stroll down my street, then we spotted him in the yard of a neighbor directly across the street from the Point of Rocks Train Station.  The evening sighting involved lots of stares from both parties, and some leaping and jumps as he caught his dinner, consisting of moles who were popping out of the ground. Looks like we need to get the neighborhood welcoming committee to greet him for a formal Welcome to Point of Rocks.

Baby Photo Session by Frederick Maryland Photographer

Here is a sneak peek of a photo session with a little man yesterday, October 31, 2011.  Snow was still on the ground from our surprise weekend weather event.  And yes, I do like to use real props.  That is Romeo my darling pumpkin cat.

Boo To You! Halloween 2011 by Frederick Maryland Photographer

A sampling of our Halloween...I am certain we have a comic lurking in our family.

They had fun letting us put their costumes together.  All homemade!

Skeletons!

Trick or Treat!

Sweet Pea Thilo (Liam wore this on his 1st Halloween as well)

Scary!

Aftermath

Vineyard Photo Session, Frederick Maryland Photographer

This is one of those families that looks like rock stars, fun, hip and dressed in black!

Part 3: The Little Red Caboose in Natural Bridge, Virginia.

Pretty in Pink, Frederick Maryland Photographer

I love her twinkling blue eyes.

And her giggles....

Fall Photo Session in Leesburg, Virginia, Frederick Maryland Photographer

Another cute family. 

Pretty in Pink!  the session took place at Ida Lee's Demo Gardens in Leesburg, Virginia on October 23, 2011.

Pumpkin Patch Photo Session at Big Cork Vineyards, Frederick Maryland Photographer

Sneak Peek of this mornings photo session at Big Cork's pumpkin patch. More pictures to come.....Oct 22, 2011 photos by Andrea Bagdy Williams

Waterford Fair, Frederick, Maryland Photographer

This year I participated in Waterford Fair's Annual Juried Photography Exhibit.  I won two ribbons, one in the portraiture category, and one for an abstract.  It is a great venue to show recent work, sell items (I sold a lot of notecards this year) and meet other photographers, especially if you volunteer to work during the fair days.

Here is my interpretation of the Waterford Fair.  If you have never been, please check out my photos.

Musical instruction

The band

Left: Blacksmith  Right: Wreath

Liam and Luke learned how to make a spark with wood from this woodworker who hails from West Virginia.

Left: Liam got it going.  Right: Luke

Luke's turn.  "Push it!"  We ended buying several items from the woodworker so his tactic to engage the kids first worked.  Allegheny Treenware make beautiful utensils and we got ourselves a unique cutting board.

The boys with their Grandad.

Pumpkin Views at Big Cork Vineyards, Frederick Maryland Photographer

My Wizard of Oz interpretation at Big Cork Vineyards, which is hosting, "Pick Your Own Pumpkins" each weekend in October, 2011

David Collins adjusting the scarecrow

Come drink some cider one weekend in October.  The wagon should be full of pumpkins and squash.  I will be photographing children and families on Saturday, October 22nd.  Contact me: AndreaBagdyWilliams@gmail.com

Views of the vineyards and pumpkin field.

Pumpkin Patch 30 minutes Photo Sessions will be held at Big Cork Vineyards in Washington County (outside of Boonesboro) on Saturday October 22 weather permitting.  Contact Andrea to schedule an appointment.  Make sure your children are dressed for fun after the photo shoot (or bring a change of clothes if they are dressed up for the photos) as there is a hay fort and pumpkins to pick!  For more information on investment and price of prints please visit:  http://www.andreaspoint.com/investment

Contact: AndreaBagdyWilliams@gmail.com, 301-874-2776

2nd Annual Art at the Point, Point of Rocks Photographer

Views from my art tent at Art at the Point, September 24, 2011.  

Point of Rocks, Maryland

Rebecca hoopin' it up!

Main Line Gravy Soppers

Virginia and her visiting Katydid

Gravy Soppers joined by Ernie Bradley

Views of Paul Rhymer and Carolyn Thome work

Kids and Music