C Jo Shoot

Blossoms... On Feb 1st

2012-02-01T22:32:00.001-06:00

Blossoms... On Feb 1st, originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

Over 15 years ago, before moving to Texas... I felt like the winters were never-ending. It wasn't that the Chicago winters were bone chilling cold (which they were), but rather the winter days were so frequently gray. No sun. When the sun would make an appearance, it seemed it would only last a day. The winters seemed to stretch on... and on.... and on.... and for this girl who loves the sunshine - it made for some pretty long winters!
Fast forward now 15 years. I am now a Texan. The sun shines most of the time... even in winter! Our winters are mild... I can wear shorts at times if I want...
I don't miss the snow OR the cold. And we have flowers in February! ahhhh!

Letting go of the corner

2012-01-27T07:54:00.001-06:00

For 3 years now I have been practicing yoga, I pretty much go to the same spot each time... The far left corner of the room. I'm comfortable there... It's "my" spot. There are days when I want to try something different- but I find myself coming back to the corner. I "needed" to be there.

And then yesterday... Another yogi was in my corner, which meant I had to find a new spot. And it started me thinking. Maybe I don't need the security of the corner anymore. Maybe I can "venture out" into new spaces in the room. Maybe I can embrace the challenge of putting myself out there.... Out of my comfort zone Maybe my practice needs this change.

I decided that I am ready to be the kind of yoga practitioner that can walk into the room... And be okay with any spot.

I think I'm ready to let go of the corner.

Taken by josy.hilton http://www.flickr.com/photos/31412962@N00/6770678759

Sent from my iPhone

January smiles

2012-01-22T20:27:00.001-06:00

I learned how to do this project from a photographer I follow on instagram. I love that app! January can sometimes be a little dreary... But not this year! I learned stuff... Practiced stuff... Cleaned stuff... Sold stuff... And hope to a lot more of the same come February. :-)

2011 Year in Pictures

2012-01-02T14:51:00.001-06:00

Yup!! All new dreads!

2011-12-16T18:00:00.000-06:00

Very fluffy right now!

December 16th

2011-12-16T08:40:00.000-06:00

DREAD DAY!!!

Before....

2011-12-15T17:27:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow I start a new journey... One with dreadlocks! I am so excited!! Stay tuned for after pics!

December 14th

2011-12-15T07:33:00.001-06:00

Sparky missin her momma & Daddy... But being spoiled by us!

December 13th

2011-12-15T07:32:00.001-06:00

Clark Griswold is alive and well and living in San Antonio!

If we have goals.....

2011-12-12T15:25:00.001-06:00

if we have goals..., originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

Thanks to my friend Ari-Asha for posting this! Such a nice thing to remember!

December 11th

2011-12-12T08:27:00.001-06:00

The cowboy from the Ozarks :-)

December 10th

2011-12-11T08:13:00.001-06:00

December 9th

2011-12-09T08:02:00.001-06:00

Ohhhhhh!! The anticipation!! One week from today I'm getting my dreadlocks! I've been waiting and planning since about April for this... I'm SO excited!! Some people wonder "why?"... But it's not their journey... And I've wanted them for as long as I can remember. Dreadlocks arent what they used to be... And for me- it's been a long time coming!! Stay tuned! :-)

December 8th

2011-12-09T07:57:00.003-06:00

December 7th

2011-12-09T07:57:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday, Ani! :-)

December 6th

2011-12-08T06:44:00.001-06:00

Beautiful sunlight on a cold morning

December 6th

2011-12-06T21:13:00.001-06:00

December 5th

2011-12-05T20:08:00.000-06:00

New lights along the Riverwalk

December 4th

2011-12-05T20:07:00.000-06:00

December 3rd

2011-12-05T20:05:00.001-06:00

A little rain...

December 2nd.

2011-12-03T10:31:00.001-06:00

I love my co-workers!

December Photo Project 12/1

2011-12-01T20:45:00.001-06:00

I love that I get to drive by this every day!! The lights just make me smile!!

Hair Jouney

2011-11-24T19:42:00.001-06:00

I've decided to do something with my hair that I've always wanted to do! On December 16th I've got an appointment for dreadlocks. I am so ready for this new adventure... Stay tuned!

Sent from my iPhone

Grateful for this day

2011-11-20T14:13:00.001-06:00

Grateful for this day, originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

California has her beaches.... Texas has my heart. Where he is.... I want to be. I am so grateful for the opportunities to travel.... and so grateful for wonderful friends in awesome places... and having my home to return to at the end of the day.
Happy Thanksgiving week.

What are you grateful for?

Light

2011-11-17T13:05:00.001-06:00

Light, originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

I have heard from other photographers that the light varies from place to place. I started to see it for myself in my travels over the past couple of years. Southern California light is amazing! Maybe because of the lack of humidity... or effects of the ocean.... or reasons that I can't even imagine - but it's truly amazing!

I am so grateful that I'm able to come out here twice a year. I can't believe it's been four years that I've been coming. I feel like it's my second home... and they are family. Jones Family, I love you guys! :)

Have an Epiphanie!

2011-11-12T19:15:00.001-06:00

Love my Ginger bag... and now you can shop for you own!
http://issuu.com/epiphanie/docs/epiphanie_catalog_fall_2011

patience

2011-11-06T12:00:00.001-06:00

patience, originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

I'm working on this... :)

Reducing...

2011-10-23T07:48:00.001-06:00

One of the things that I have learned while doing this 30 in 30 challenge is that I have WAY more clothes than I need! It's a little ridiculous... So yesterday a friend came over and helped me judiciously look at everything and take out what I didn't really love or what didn't fit exactly right! I will probably sell some of the nicer things, and give away others. I am so happy with this step forward!

Now on to my craft room!! :)

Jo Hilton shared an Instagram photo with you

2011-10-20T21:10:00.001-06:00

Hi there,

Jo Hilton just shared an Instagram photo with you:

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"This week's been a blur!!"

Thanks,
The Instagram Team

Amy & Lenny Married October 1st, 2011 ~ Congratulations!

2011-10-17T09:23:00.002-06:00

This wedding was really fun! Probably because so many of my friends were there... but also because the bride & groom's family are just FUN!

October 14

2011-10-14T07:58:00.000-06:00

Boots or red shoes? I went with the red shoes. Thank you, John Fleuvog!!
:)
*and a special mention to my friend Vicki, who introduced me to this wonderful shoemaker!! :)

October 10

2011-10-13T16:24:00.001-06:00

Looks like I've missed a couple of days :(

October 13

2011-10-13T13:11:00.001-06:00

I am HAPPY with this outfit :)

October 9th

2011-10-09T13:23:00.001-06:00

Today is a pajama day! The rain cam down hard... And I baked pumpkin muffins and edited photos. Now am cleaning rooms and organizing craft supplies! Later it's going to be football and chicken wings. I LOVE Sundays!!
Today's outfit is going unmentioned- because I didn't really get dressed... Like I said - pajamas all day!! :)

October 8th

2011-10-08T13:30:00.001-06:00

Gray cardigan becomes a dress. London Black boots, scarf.

October 7th

2011-10-08T11:54:00.001-06:00

Little bit dark... But striped levi's dress, pink tee, scarf and fave heart cowboy boots.

October 6th

2011-10-06T12:18:00.001-06:00

So today's outfit... As I make my way out of the Flu-induced fog is the olive skirt, flowy floral print top, denim jacket and boots. The black belt was added bc the top is so loose-y... Some structure assistance was needed.

I really need to do wash! :)

October 5th

2011-10-05T09:14:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was down for the count. FLU! Ugh... Am better today- but just barely :)
Here's my choice for today :) black denim wide leg pants, black t-shirt, green polka cardigan and black danskos. :)

Oct 2

2011-10-02T09:19:00.000-06:00

Jean capris
Patterned tee
Green cardigan
Danskos

This is fun! :)

October 1st

2011-10-01T13:44:00.001-06:00

And so it begins. Black dress. Off-white cardigan. Black pumps. And it's off to the wedding I go :)

30 in 30 challenge

2011-09-30T17:59:00.000-06:00

So for October, my friend Vicki and I decided to take up the "30 in 30" challenge that (I think) originated with Kendi of "kendi everyday dot com". She's got a great style blog and her challenge is to take 30 items of clothing and only wear those items for 30 days.
30 sounds like a big number. But it's NOT! Especially for a girl who loves her shoes! (and yes- shoes count in the 30). Exempt items are Pajamas, workout clothes, and undergarments :)

I hesitated about sharing the challenge because I realize that A) it can seem rather shallow... And B) there's an AWFUL lot of people who don't even own 30 items... People probably in our own neighborhood.

Which makes me want to be a more responsible shopper... And to clean out my closet so that I can give to those who don't have what I have.

I'm excited about this challenge... And I'm so happy that Vicki will be doing it with me :).

It's a brand new week

2011-09-26T05:44:00.001-06:00

... Go do whatever it is that needs doin'!

Happy 17 years, Scott!

2011-09-17T07:24:00.002-06:00

Lovely couple!!

2011-09-14T19:18:00.001-06:00

Love of my life... 17 years and counting.

2011-09-14T18:44:00.001-06:00

I love my #morningpages spot.

2011-09-13T04:07:00.001-06:00

Curled up...

2011-09-11T15:23:00.001-06:00

Nice way to end this weekend.

2011-09-11T15:19:00.001-06:00

The race begins...

2011-09-10T21:21:00.001-06:00

Runner Girl (at least for the next 9 hrs 11 min)

2011-09-10T18:52:00.003-06:00

Runner Girl (at least for the next 9 hrs 11 min)

2011-09-10T18:52:00.001-06:00

Shes's chillin with me

2011-09-10T08:17:00.001-06:00

Grateful for...

2011-09-09T16:51:00.001-06:00

... The Weekend!
... Date Night!
... Cooler temps
... Awesome colleagues!

Sent from my iPhone

Powerful!

2011-09-08T18:24:00.001-06:00

this is worth watching!

<p>Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.</p>

Temps drop... And it's time for boot shopping! 1st purchase of the season!

2011-09-05T14:04:00.001-06:00

Breathe

2011-08-28T21:06:00.001-06:00

Breathe, originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

Thought for the week....

Happy Friday

2011-08-26T17:01:00.000-06:00

This week is over. Hallelujah. Amen!

Some changes that need to be made

2011-08-14T09:11:00.000-06:00

I went to the doctor last week and my cholesterol is a lite higher than it should be. She suggested oatmeal for breakfast... So am starting that today - and I made a big bunch, so I could have breakfasts at the ready this week. I go back in 3 months to have the numbers checked again. I'm determined to get those numbers down!
Bring on the oatmeal!

Change it!

2011-08-13T12:39:00.001-06:00

Change it!, originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

I love this quote... and sometimes the quickest thing to change.... is my attitude! I have a feeling that my job over the next couple of weeks is about to get challenging! So I want to remember this quote!

New day... New month

2011-08-01T06:37:00.000-06:00

I can't believe it's August already!
I'm going to focus on fun this month... Letting go... And embrace each day for what it holds!
What are you going to focus on this month?
Let's do it!!

When it's HOT

2011-07-13T11:36:00.000-06:00

... And you don't have a pool... You play in the hose. And then swing :)

Scotland 2011

2011-06-24T12:48:00.001-06:00

Scotland from Jo Hilton on Vimeo.

This video was inspired by Mike Matas and his work... be warned - the photos go by very quickly! If you visit my album site (www.cjoshoot.phanfare.com) The Scotland albums will have the separate images.

Thanks for visiting...
:)

What a trip it's been

2011-05-31T03:47:00.000-06:00

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. ~Seneca

Sent from my iPhone

And... We're off

2011-05-19T17:04:00.001-06:00

I love traveling!
I especially love traveling with him!
Thanks, Scott! This birthday rocks!!

-- Post From My iPhone

Birthday surprises

2011-05-14T21:22:00.001-06:00

Birthday surprises, originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

Scott managed to pull off quite the surprise! We came home from our dinner date to find friends in our living room singing Happy Birthday. It was a most magnificent birthday! The last birthday surprise was when I turned 30 - and he scored on that one, too. This husband of mine can sure pull off a surprise when he wants to. It was an incredible day! I love you Scott Peters!

Happy Mothers day

2011-05-08T11:13:00.001-06:00

Happy Mothers day, originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

I have no words... other than... I love you so much!
Enjoy your day!
Hugs,
Jo

Untitled

2011-05-06T21:37:00.001-06:00

Very Special Friends

2011-04-28T15:19:00.000-06:00

When friends become like family... well, that's just a very special thing! We loved our visit to Walla Walla... and meeting the newest member of the Zanes family. You guys are so wonderful... and we love you!

Happy Birthday Diddy!

2011-04-04T16:45:00.001-06:00

A Teacher
A Preacher
A Husband
A Father
A Cousin
A Son

A Fisher man
A Fiddle player
A Reader
A Traveler of the world

A Trumpet Player
A Music lover
A Giver
A Laugher

Adored by many!! but mostly..... us! :)

Check THIS out! (Diddy, click on the link below)
My Dad

Coming up on 10 years

2011-04-01T10:04:00.001-06:00

Coming up on 10 years, originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

May 10 will mark 10 years that we've been in our house. April marks for me when it started looking like we would actually get our house! I like April! :) not to mention that my family has birthdays in April!

April is good!!

Spring in the park

2011-03-31T15:04:00.001-06:00

Spring in the park, originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

I love today!

Signs of Spring

2011-03-23T11:23:00.000-06:00

Even though it's been warm here, we're starting to see signs of life... The light green buds of the pecan trees are a really good sign! :)

Style watch from SXSW

2011-03-21T17:22:00.000-06:00

Yup! Boots and dresses! :) but then again, down here in San Antonio, I've been dressin' that way for a while!

Lookin out...

2011-03-18T09:03:00.000-06:00

As I sit here looking at my backyard, listening and watching the dogs play... I am deeply grateful! My heart is full, our lives are rich, and I am aware of how truly blessed I am!
I would hope that if all of what we had went away, I would still focus on the blessings! My thoughts go out to those in Japan!

My "Darlin"

2011-03-05T09:32:00.000-06:00

He will be missed! and will always be remembered by his "Hello Darlin'" I do so love this man!

A few thoughts on freezing...

2011-03-05T09:12:00.000-06:00

Last year I was reading about different people who were doing these "spending freezes" and thought to myself "huh? Who would do that?"
Well, I decided that this year (beginning on January 1st) I would be one of those people! I put myself on a spending freeze... just to force myself to see what I have before me... and perhaps curtail my impulsive "I see it, I want it, I buy it" tendencies. So far, I've gone 2 mos and 3 days. I'm actually quite proud of myself... for saying 'no' to impulsive shopping of course, but for other reasons as well. I'm finding new ways to put outfits together and make "new" ensembles. I'm going through and donating, selling, or giving away those items that I've kept, but didn't use or wear... which is allowing me more space in my closet to see what I actually DO have. I discovered that one way I would give myself a "reward" was to go shopping... and so I'm having to find other ways to give myself that "reward" feeling. I still love shopping... and don't get me wrong - when this freeze is over... I have got my EYE on some lovelies... but for now - I window (or internet) browse. I love my pinterest.com boards ~ they're where I can put all the pretty things I come across.

It's also a little eye-opener to the fact that I'm CHOOSING to do something that other people MUST do. Discretionary spending is a luxury for very few in our country. I think I've become a little more sensitive to those who would like to buy themselves something, but can't.

So, while I haven't been buying anything for myself... I've grown a little lonely for boxes to come by the good ole postal service with my name on it! I have to admit - that was nice... knowing that something was "on it's way" to my house (depending on how much I spent on shipping). But I've gotten used to the mail just being in the mailbox, and not in brown packages on the door step.

Imagine my surprise when a box DID appear! My friend sent me a Box O' Love. And she didn't KNOW I was on a spending freeze! :) She's just that nice! She sent me some previously loved items that needed a new home.... some new items that she made (she's quite crafty, that one!) I was in heaven... I kept holding the items one by one... showing my colleagues at work... trying on the dresses and purses and hat. It was EXACTLY what I needed! Thank you, Vic! :)

My week...

2011-02-07T17:33:00.001-06:00

...has me spinning. I'm more of a fan of the quiet, the relaxed, the subdued. Not so much a fan of the go-go-go.
This week will pass, I know. And I will once again embrace the slowness. But for now... I'm spinning :)

Life with Taiga

2011-02-06T22:37:00.000-06:00

So Taiga (pronounced 'TAY-ga') has been a part of our family now for 4 weeks. She is part Husky and part "unknown". And while we aren't sure of what her daddy is.... we ARE sure that she is amazing! She has brought new life to our big boys. Atticus is her new best friend... and while Kiowa isnt all that playful with her, he does seem to be more tolerant of her. She is getting bigger every day... and I absolutely LOVE her
!

My Friday evening

2011-01-28T18:15:00.001-06:00

Reflections

2011-01-22T14:38:00.000-06:00

"The world is full of poetry. The air is living with it's spirit; and the waves dance to the music of it's melodies, and sparkle in it's brightness". ~Percival

I saw this today on Just be Splendid's Tumbler site and loved it. I hope I am reminded of my Hopes for 2011 often... And gently :)

I love this life and am enjoying the poetry minute by minute.

Taiga

2011-01-20T10:24:00.000-06:00

My early Sunday morning

2011-01-16T09:43:00.001-06:00

It's quiet now... The dogs have been up, eaten, and are now resting. I should be napping too. Having a puppy involves interrupted sleep... Trips outside... Which stinks when it's raining, but also makes the non-rain nights more okay. And also the not-so-cold nights, too.
I love this little puppy! I've loved all our dogs... Loved them as soon as we brought them home.

I wonder if it's because I don't have my own child that I have such a huge love for these dogs.
I've not written about our choice not to have children very often. It's interesting when I look back on my childhood years and young adult years I'm not sure it was ever a question... I WOULD be a mother someday... I WOULD have my own children. Somewhere, though, something made me stop and think and actually consider a life with children versus a life without. I think I felt comfortable and okay with the "life without" option. Scott and I talked about it... alot. I feel very fortunate that we were on the same page of this question. I believe I'm a better "auntie" than I would have been a mother. I wonder sometimes if women would like to have time to entertain the question of being a mother?

I am simply grateful that I was led to question and received the peace in my heart with our choice.
There are many children in our lives... of all ages. I feel blessed to be in their lives and have a part.

It's also okay that we have 4-legged children.
My heart fills when I look at and play with my 'kids'. We are very blessed.

The newest member of the family

2011-01-09T13:46:00.001-06:00

-- Post From My iPhone

Chubby Mission Beer

2011-01-07T07:40:00.001-06:00

Chubby Mission Beer, originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

The photolab lady at Costco called me to say "Not sure if you knew this, but your film has multiple exposures.... and I can't really tell where one frame begins and another ends". I let her know that, indeed, I did know and that I was fine with however it came out... and there couldn't be a right or wrong - because it just is... so do her best and we'll see how they turn out.
When I stood in Costco, I actually let out a little whoop of joy. I was SO pleased with the result... the messy, the unclear, the ghostly, the shapes, the 'not-quite-an-image-image' of it all... I LOVED it!

I'll DEFINITELY be doing more of this!

Talk about a great way to jump start a creative endeavor! And now I know that January images will look a lot different from May images... that will look different from October images. This will be fun!

January blues

2011-01-05T15:00:00.001-06:00

January blues, originally uploaded by josy.hilton.

I'm thinking it's because I love December SO much... that January just doesn't stand a chance. :-)

Preparing for some changes...

2010-12-30T14:43:00.000-06:00

Lots of changes... Some will be fun, others will be hard... All of which I will share here as the year unfolds... But it will be a GOOD year! :)
Stay tuned....

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T13:14:00.000-06:00

Shoot for the moon!

2010-12-22T10:50:00.000-06:00

I'm trying a new recipe for this Christmas dinner. And no, not duck (as you might think from this photo). I'm also not making turducken (google that one!) ;)

However, I am cooking a turkey a neW way (thanks to Rachel at www.asouthernfairytale.com). And I am really excited about it! :)

Stay tuned for updates... :)

And a very Merry Christmas to all!

New app called "100 cameras in 1" by Trey Ratcliffe of www.stuckincustoms.com

Sent from my iPhone

.... Nestled in... Feeling quite cozy :)

2010-12-19T22:32:00.001-06:00

Sent from my iPhone

Today's thought

2010-12-17T11:08:00.001-06:00

For me, Jo, loving you and your life has never been a function of what you do or don't do, have or don't have, are or are not. That would be rather ridiculous, don't you think? Not to mention superficial, judgmental, and thoroughly dim-witted.

I think you should adopt the same policy.

Tallyho,
The Universe

Sent from my iPhone

Our newest member of the family!!

2010-12-17T10:04:00.001-06:00

Sent from my iPhone

Holiday in the Park

2010-12-12T20:13:00.000-06:00

What a fun time... with some great people! Loved interpreting the Christmas songs I know and love!

Joy= lots o' samples...

2010-12-12T17:34:00.001-06:00

But Getting out of store & forgetting something.... Grrr! :)

Sent from my iPhone

I'm a happy girl :)

2010-12-11T11:10:00.001-06:00

Taken with ShakeItPhoto

We were out enjoying the sights and sounds of our neighborhood shopping center.

Sent from my iPhone

Eve of December 1st

2010-11-30T21:20:00.001-06:00

Sent from my iPhone

Thanksgiving Morning

2010-11-25T07:14:00.001-06:00

...a very grateful heart!!!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Sent from my iPhone

Random posts

2010-11-21T13:58:00.000-06:00

I have let my blog go... And haven't been as attentive to posting as I'd like.
Here are some posts from the last month.

-- Post From My iPhone

Wurstfest!!

2010-11-05T18:06:00.001-06:00

I'm a HAPPY girl!!!

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Sent from my iPhone

1 November 2010

2010-11-02T12:16:00.001-06:00

Sent from my iPhone

A coke and a smile!

2010-10-28T14:44:00.001-06:00

Sent from my iPhone