Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin’s 13 Week Course

               In Self-improvement

                    Devised as a young man, and included in his autobiography

        A Week Devoted to Each of 13 Virtues

Temperance – Don’t drink or eat too much

Silence – Speak only for good purposes

Order – Let all your things have their places.

Resolution – Resolve to perform what you ought

Frugality – Waste nothing

Industry – Always be employed in something useful

Sincerity – Use no hurtful deceit

Justice – Don’t do wrong by anyone

Moderation – Avoid extremes, forebear resenting injuries

Cleanliness – Keep your body, clothes, and home clean

Tranquility – Don’t be disturbed by trifles

Chastity – Take intimacy seriously

Humility – Imitate Jesus and Socrates

Some things to think about in the coming 2011 year. 

 

Bullys For Adoption

They are here! 8 of the greatest little bundles of joy!

Born November 9, 2010 Frank and Chulita had their first litter together.

Chulita, aka Chula, did such a great job through the birth of her puppies. Constantly cleaning them, making sure they all ate and stayed all around healthy. Her and Frank gave us 8 beautifully handsome pitty puppies! 4 male and 4 female. Let me introduce you to them!

This is Freckles, a female. She has quite a bit of energy just like her momma. She is mostly black with a spot of white on her nose, hence the name Freckles. Her ears are perfectly set as they are, or would be beautiful cut to look just like her daddy's ears.

Next we bring you Malvo, male, named after the DC sniper for he is a beast! Huge paws, wide chest and a beautiful gray coat. He has a long white stripe on his nose and a personality to die for. He is very protective of his litter mates and will be that of his new found humans. 

(Top Left) This pup is one we call Fao, male. When born he was the one we thought would be the runt but has proved us wrong! As his name has stuck he is deserving to be called something of the handsome sorts. He is marked like Chula, gray with white around his neck and on his nose. He is the lover of the bunch. Loves to play but is timid at first.
(Bottom Center) Meet Chulo, male. Chulo is the twin of Malvo just not quite as protective. His white line on the nose is a bit smaller than his brother but his other features are almost exact. He has such an adorable personality!

(Pictured at Left) Whoopi, female. Oh how Whoopi has grown! She is all black with symmetrical white on her chest and just a bit of white on 2 of her paws. She is another protective little puppy but loves, loves, loves to play! Just like her momma she loves to chew on her rope toy. She is pretty laid back for the most part until play time come around. She has large paws and will grow to look more like Frank. 

(Pictured Bottom Left) Meet Cheeba, female. She has two front black pinky nails and a diagonal white line covering the rest of her front paws. The rest of her is black with small white marking on her chest. She has a wide chest with large paws. 

(Frank Jr. Pictured Top Right) Description below.

Next I give you Frank Jr., male. The pup with his head deep in the food bowl. His name states it all. He is the largest pup out of the whole litter. At 6 weeks old he looked about 8 weeks and was twice the size of everyone else in weight. He has a large head, huge paws, tall legs and eats, eats, eats. He is a playful little thing and loves his humans just like his daddy.

(Pictured Bottom Left) Last but not least I give you CowDog, female. She looks just like Fao but instead of gray she is black with white markings. She is oh so lovable and already knows to give a heads up when in the house and needing to go potty. She also has some large paws and wide chest but will have a head like Chula's.

• All the puppies have had their first round of shots (12/23/10) as well as nails clipped and wormed. 
• We have been feeding them and the parents Taste of the Wild and they absolutely love it! Their fur is beautiful and shiny and they are full of energy and well mannered.

• These puppies will only go to good homes with folks that know a bit about pit bulls. These dogs are not fighters. So if you are looking for game dogs you have come to the wrong place indeed. 

• If for some reason you purchase one of our pitty pups find that you cannot give the love and care that they deserve please bring  them back! You will not get a refund but this will allow for a chance of placement into a good home. 
• Please contact me if you are interested or have any further questions. 

Rebecca at stimulatephotog@gmail.com

or

Check out my facebook!

Knoblauch Insurance Services

It's official! We have just joined the Facebook Community! It has taken a lot of push these last few years to get Knoblauch Insurance Services online. We can be found www.todayshealthinsurance.com as well as our new Facebook business page.

 

Knoblauch Insurance Services

Promote Your Page Too

Here at Knoblauch Insurance Service we know that no web site can substitute for courteous service from an experienced professional. Our staff is always happy to help with your insurance needs. Feel free to call us any time at (800) 621-6495.

Please feel free to contact us for you free no obligation insurance quote for you Health, Life, Home and Auto needs! We also offer commercial lines for Workmans Comp, General Liability and so much more! 

You can email us as well as call us toll free at (800) 621-6495.

Stimulate Movement

Available now to order! Stimulate Movement the photo book includes photos of bboys, bgirls and dance crews along with a few Sacramento ballet dancers. Photo books make great holiday gifts!





Stimulate Movement is directly inspired by those who dance for the love of dance. Their passion exudes through their facial expression and in the passion with that of their steps.

Please feel free to take a peek at the book and send your comments, questions and criticism in a comment to this post or through contact at www.stimulatephotography.com.

Haley Jane

And the search through many files of photos has yet to come to an end. I have come across a shoot from a couple years ago and have re-edited a few. I now give you Ms Haley Jane!

Please visit her Facebook and take a peek at her art on her website!

Flashes from the Past

I have been doing a lot of digging around in my old photos from the past few years of events, portraits and other photo shoots. This has been an exciting stroll down memory lane. So many shows with so much local talent as well as meeting such rad folk through portrait shoots. I have discovered so many locations through the art of the Stimulate Circle, which I must tell you is awesome if you are in the passenger seat. The business name Stimulate was actually formulated on one of these drives while with my good friend Shane Dizzle aka ForWord. Much love to the homie. Anywho, here are a few of those shots I ran across! Enjoy!

 From the Hookah Mann Shoot

 Cawzlos

 Ezra from Wings of Innocence

 Dubsteppin' Reggae tunes at Capitol Garage

 Ernie Upton aka Fernie Fresh

 The Neighborhood Watch minus a few folks

 Random Abilideze

 Shoot at Silk with Spyn Cycal

 Jae Synths Bday...unedited

 Aaris of UBO at the Midtown Beerfest

 Shooting at UOP for the Talib Kweli

Fourt33n Minutes Left... Skate Shoot

**Please keep in mind that all photos are copyright of Stimulate Photography. If you are a club promoter or wanting to use those photos please contact me here: stimulatephotog@gmail.com

Thank you.

Happy Holidays

I received this in my email today from my grandfather. Please have a read all the way through. It will bring you quite a laugh!

Thanksgiving has come and gone. Black Friday has been survived.

It's now time to go back and review some oldies from Christmas' past.

'Tis the Season.

Greetings

 

DATE:    October 01, 2003

RE:         Christmas Party

       I'm happy to inform you that the company Christmas Party will take
place on December 23, starting at noon in the private function room at
the Grill House. There will be a cash bar and plenty of drinks! We'll
have a small band playing traditional carols...feel free to sing along.
And don't be surprised if our CEO shows up dressed as Santa Claus! A
Christmas tree will be lit at 1:00pm. Exchange of gifts among employees
can be done at that time; however, no gift should be over $10.00 to make
the giving of gifts easy for everyone's pockets. This gathering is only
for employees! Our CEO will make a special announcement at that time!

      Merry Christmas to you and your family.

      Patty
     
===============================================================

      FROM:    Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

      TO:         All Employees

      DATE:    October 02, 2003

      RE:         Holiday Party

       In no way was yesterday's memo intended to exclude our Jewish
employees.  We recognize that Chanukah is an important holiday, which
often coincides with Christmas, though unfortunately not this year.
However, from now on we're calling it our "Holiday Party." The same
policy applies to any other employees who are not Christians or those
still celebrating Reconciliation Day. There will be no Christmas tree
present. No Christmas carols sung. We will have other types of music for
your enjoyment.

      Happy now?

      Happy Holidays to you and your family.

      Patty

       
===============================================================     

      FROM:   Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

      TO:        All Employees

      DATE:   October 03, 2003

      RE:        Holiday Party

       Regarding the note I received from a member of Alcoholics
Anonymous requesting a non-drinking table ... you didn't sign your name.
I'm happy to accommodate this request, but if I put a sign on a table
that reads, "AA Only"; you wouldn't be anonymous anymore. How am I
supposed to handle this?

      Somebody?

      Forget about the gifts exchange, no gifts exchange are allowed
since the union members feel that $10.00 is too much money and executives
believe $10.00 is a little chintzy.

      NO GIFTS EXCHANGE WILL BE ALLOWED.

===============================================================

      FROM:  Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

      To:        All Employees

      DATE:   October 04, 2003

      RE:        Holiday Party
    

      What a diverse group we are! I had no idea that December 20 begins
the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which forbids eating and drinking
during daylight hours. There goes the party! Seriously, we can appreciate
how a luncheon at this time of year does not accommodate our Muslim
employees' beliefs. Perhaps the Grill House can hold off on serving your
meal until the end of the party- or else package everything for you to
take it home in little foil doggy baggy. Will that work? Meanwhile, I've
arranged for members of Weight Watchers to sit farthest from  The dessert
buffet and pregnant women will get the table closest to the restrooms.
Gays are allowed to sit with each other. Lesbians do not have to sit with
Gay men, each will have their own table. Yes, there will be flower
arrangement for the Gay men's table. To the person asking permission to
cross dress, no cross-dressing allowed. We will have booster seats
for short people. Low-fat food will be available for those on a diet. We
cannot control the salt used in the food we suggest for those people with
high blood pressure to taste first. There will be fresh fruits as dessert
for Diabetics, the restaurant cannot supply "No Sugar" desserts. Sorry!

      Did I miss anything?!?!?

      Patty

       
===============================================================     

      FROM:   Patty Lewis, Human Resources Director

      TO:         All Damn Employees

      DATE:    October  05, 2003

      RE:         The Damn Holiday Party

      

      Vegetarian jerks, I've had it with you people!!! We're going to
keep this party at the Grill House whether you like it or not, so you can
sit quietly at the table furthest from the "grill of death," as you so
quaintly put it, and you'll get your damned salad bar, including organic
tomatoes. But you know, tomatoes have feelings, too. They scream when you
slice them. I've heard them scream. I'm hearing them scream right NOW! I
hope you all have a rotten holiday! Drive drunk and die,

      The Bitch from HELL!!!!!!!!

===============================================================

      FROM:  Joan Bishop, Acting Human Resources Director


      DATE:   October  06, 2003

      RE:        Patty Lewis and Holiday Party
      

      I'm sure I speak for all of us in wishing Patty Lewis a speedy
recovery, and I'll continue to forward your cards to her. In the meantime,
management has decided to cancel our Holiday Party and give everyone the
afternoon of the 23rd off with full pay.

      
      Happy Holidays

To Stop Child Abuse

So, this morning after signing into Facebook I began to notice the fun cartoon scenes that people were changing their profile pics to. Interesting. Normally these don't catch my attention, like the infamous 'i like it...' or 'state the color of your bra' but this one is very serious.

The other night on the news they showed the story of the teen that 2 years ago had escaped a life of tragedy in Tracy. He is now living with his aunt and uncle loving life and not taking any small moment for granted. To read more of his amazing yet saddening story please visit Fox40.

Yet another amazing story is the one of the Dangerous Barbies. They are now finding that pedophiles are linking up cameras to these necklace pendants the new barbies are wearing. What?! They are always finding new and more disgusting ways to violate our youth. More on this one also at Fox40 or at The Huffington Post.

Some facts in regards to this subject:

• In 2005, 12.1 of every 1,000 American children, almost 900,000 in all, suffered abuse by adults, with parents of victims accounting for almost 80% of abusers.
• Every day, about four children die in the U.S. because of abuse or neglect, most of them babies or toddlers.  

• A third of all girls and a fifth of boys are sexually abused by an adult during childhood.   DoSomething.org

So please, take a few moments and stand up with the cause!

 

Holiday Fun

Hope that everyone had a great Thanksgiving holiday! I most definitely enjoyed the four day weekend as well as family and full bellies. Although there are no more left overs there are many great memories that will withstand any amount of left over food! 

On another note, Sofia's photo shoot was a blast! She was so great to work with. So much personality! Here are a few of the shots:

So much joy this lil smile bug brought to the shoot. I set up my lights in the comfort of her home which I think brought out the best in her. It is always a toss up with kids. Finding the ways to bring out their smiles is always a fun challenge.

It's That Time of Year

Did You Know?
Facts, Figures & Folklore about the Pilgrims
& America’s Thanksgiving

Did you know that for many Native American people, Thanksgiving is cause for mourning rather than celebration? Although the First Thanksgiving included the Pilgrims’ Native American neighbors, that spirit of cooperation did not last long between the native people and the colonists. The land and lives of the native people were pillaged and destroyed countless times during the early history of the United States of America. Racism and bigotry persist until this day. As a result, Thanksgiving has taken on greater historical significance for many Native Americans, who view that First Thanksgiving as the beginning of centuries of oppression and discrimination.

Time to Give Thanks


Count your blessings instead of your crosses;

Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes;

Count your friends instead of your foes.

Cont your smiles instead of your tears;

Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your full years instead of your lean;

Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.

Count your health instead of your wealth;

Count on God instead of yourself.

Even though I huddle in my bed and put off the physical effort of rising,

Thank you, Lord that I have the strength to raise.

There are many who are bed fast.

Even though the first hour of my day is hectic,

When socks are lost, toast is burned, and tempers are short,

Thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely.

Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in the ladies’ magazines,

And the menu is at times unbalanced,

Thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry.

Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous,

Thank you, Lord, for the opportunity to work.

There are many who have no work.

Even though I groan and bemoan my fate from day to day

And wish my modest circumstances were not so modest,

I thank you, Lord, for the gift of life.

Have a joyous holiday, filled with thanks and giving.

Questions and FAQs

This post is going to mostly put emphasis on wedding photography since there is so much that goes into making your special day the best and most memorable! What are some things as a client that you would look for in a photographer? What are some things that would make you choose one company over another? 

So please take a moment and think about anything you would like to know about Stimulate Photography and ask away! 

Wings of Innocence at the Amador County Fair

Copy write Stimulate Photography

Ups and Downs

Being an artist, or any human for that matter, there will be many ups and downs in life. Last night I received an email from a prospective wedding client saying that another photog was offering a better deal on payment plans. To be honest I was a bit discouraged as I had already come down on my price for her as I felt that with this client I would get more out of the pure love of the art than making serious profits on the job. At any rate, I got over it. Wrote her back and said that I understand that cushion is needed in this recession and bid her farewell and happy journeys. 

An hour later I was in bed watching Karate Kid, the original, which I felt was quite fitting. Daniel San never gave up with the support of his mentor mixed with the pure fight in his soul. This reminded me that when one door closes, do not fret for another shall open. It is up to me to walk through! 

That door opened this morning as I opened my email to find that I had sold a print on Fine Art America. Rock on.

Never give up or feel like one down will hold you. As the saying goes there is always ups and downs, not just ups and not just downs.

A shot from MYND clothing shoot

Lady M. trailer

Recently I had the privilege to work on a film with some very talented folks.

• Desperate Visions
• Jason Rudy, owner Desperate Visions Productions
• Kenyon Page, model/actress
• Steve Boykin, Creative Director Vchi Studios 
• Monik Vega of Mystic Hues
• Megan Trader 

jsynchronicty on youtube

Please check out Desperate Visions and Vchi Studios!

Sacramento State Jazz

I can't describe how awesomely lifted I felt after enjoying this video. Crazy enough I ran across this while using iGoogle's you tube link and scrolling through today's top favorites. Please take a moment and watch. You may see some folks you didn't know were a part of this!





The Sacramento State Jazz Singers perform Ben Folds Selfless, Cold and Composed, (from the Ben Folds Five album (Whatever and Ever Amen) arranged by their director, Kerry Marsh. This features Sac States own Antoinette Butterscotch Clinton from NBCs Americas Got Talent on beatbox/vocal percussion. Video recorded by senior Kate Janzen, soloists (in order): Natalie Geeter, Gaw Vang, Sherrine Mostin, Derrick Koelsch, Melissa Fulkerson, Jessie Clemens, vocal coach: Julia Dollison. Sac State Jazz Online: www.csus.edu/music/jazz

Wedding Photography

Today I ran across a great site titled Wedding Photojournalist Association. I went surfing through articles as well as what they had to offer photographers and found this great article:

TIMELESS, OR SIMPLY ICONIC?

There are certain standard wedding images that have been captured again and again throughout the decades. We all know what they are: the bride and her bridesmaids preparing for the ceremony, the father kissing the bride, the walk down the aisle, the married couple’s first kiss and many others. These images are iconic in that they’re instantly recognizable and steeped in tradition.

But many of these pictures are also cliché. They’ve been done and redone almost to the point of yawning boredom. They have been seen so many times, in one slight variation or another, that they flirt with meaninglessness, having lost so much emotional “oomph” as we’ve all become desensitized to the same imagery over time.
The quality of true timelessness, photographs that look as though they could have been created yesterday or 50 years ago, occupies another level altogether. Such images require anticipation, patience, recognition and photojournalist skill on the part of the wedding photographer.

New York City, NY, USA-based WPJA member Jacek Wiesnowski believes that the difference between “cliché” and “timeless” is wrapped up in how you capture the moment, whether in the action, the expression of the faces or the gestures of the hands.

“In wedding photography, what’s important is not just capturing the iconic image, but how you capture it,” he says. “You need to capture emotion at the same time—not just the scene but also emotion in the face. This is what is going to make the image not only iconic, but also elegant.”

Please read more here: Timeless, or Simply Iconic

This article really caught my eye. Enjoy!

How to Contact Stimulate Photography

There are many ways to see what is going on inside the world of Stimulate Photography, but I have decided it is necessary to streamline my links and bundle the updates and photos into just a few different pages. I have been hearing a lot lately about the importance of online marketing strategies and am putting them to the test!

Here are just a few quotes that have stood out to me in my resent research:

"Businesses are not paid to reform customers. They are paid to satisfy customers"

-Pete Drucker

"No matter how much you spend on it, a web site in invisible until somebody links to it"

-Eric Ward, Link Marketing Consultant

"The bigger story here is that the fabric of the Net has changes; it's a place for people to connect up around shared interests and then collaborate towars some sort of action"

-Steve Rubel, Edelman.com

So without further delay, please check out my links!

• Stimulate Photography Website
• Stimulate Photography Facebook Fan Page
• Fine Art America 
• Model Mayhem, bringing all indutry folks together! 
• Follow me on Twitter!

Santa Cruz Beach Wall

New blog!

With the new so fresh and so clean Facebook profile created and underway, I only thought it fitting to have a fresh, clean and up to date blog! Welcome!

The motivation to have a fresh start has mainly been my first photo series titled Stimulate Awareness. This series of images is dedicated back to our Mother Earth in hopes to raise awareness as to how beautiful and bountiful she really is! You may view the series at www.stimulatephotography.com Please take a moment and check it out!

Winter is quickly approaching! There are many photographic specials running through Stimulate Photography until the end of the year!

• Family Photo Session starts at $50!
• Maternity Photo Sessions starting at $100!
• and so many more!
  

For details or question regarding photographic services or the purchase of prints please contact me through the contact us page at www.stimulatephotography.com



Thank you and welcome to the new blog!