Pedal Cars

Pedal Car History

When the automobile made its appearance, the pedal car soon followed. Pedal car history goes back to the 1890's when most were modeled from the real cars on the road at the time.  Since their conception, pedal cars were all kids wished for.  But at the turn of the century, their cost meant they were playthings for only wealthy families. With many families reeling from the financial devastation of The Great Depression, pedal cars were often toys for upper class children.  Those not so fortunate played with basic homemade ride-on toys.  In the 1920's and 1930's the wealthy were catered to when it came to buying pedal cars since they were the primary buyers.  No pedal cars were produced in the mid-1940's when all metal production was directed to the World War II effort.

Reaching the peak of popularity in the late 1920's and early 1930's, pedal cars experienced a resurgence in the 1950's to 1960's with chain-driven models.  With postwar prosperity in the 1950's, pedal cars grew more popular and were available in all major stores.  From the early 1920's through the late 1960's, pedal cars, like automobiles, were produced in many different models and colors.  Designed to incorporate the most current trends of the automotive world, pedal cars featured working lights and horns, movable windshields and rag tops, chrome detailing and hood ornaments, and white wall tires and custom paint jobs.

To find out more about pedal cars, visit Pedal Car Planet

Enchanted Fairies February 27 & 28

Enchanted Fairies only happens ONE time a year. February 27 & 28, the studio will be turned into Fairyland for priceless, and fun photo sessions. I provide all the costumes, props, story, and fun for your little girl. Prepaid sessions are $30, portrait packages start at $99. Session times almost always fill up completely, so call today to reserve your session 479-885-3835

Guatemala Part 3

The Bike crews first look at the project.

Sometimes it is hard to describe exactly what we do when we go to Shadow of His Wings in Monjas, Guatemala. It always depends on what talent we have on our team, but more importantly - what NEEDS to be done.
My husband, Mark, loves to spend his days off at the bike shop, or in his man cave barn tinkering with his bicycles - and he is good at it. He is also good at teaching, which worked out great when we assembled a group of us that had NO experience fixing bikes. The orphanage had told us in advance that there were some bikes to be repaired. Other teams had bought the kids bikes years ago, but through wear and tear of kids and weather they no longer worked. The wheels were rusty, brakes were shot, seats were demolished, tires flat, and pedals missing. I think Mark felt a little overwhelmed when he first saw them, but then we got to work. He taught Meredith and Derrick how to fix the tires, put new tubes in, new tires on. Natalia and Terri became the brake crew, testing, repairing and replacing brakes. Jane put seats on. We all took a turn at removing rust and painting wheels and baskets. One by one, each bike started to work.
The last night we presented the bikes to the kids at an ice cream party. They were so excited! They got to ride them around. The best thing - we heard later that one of our sweet girls - Clara, that had never had an opportunity to ride a bike before was learning from the other girls.  One of the many firsts that she and the others that have not been at Shadow very long will have the opportunity to experience.

But our team also had another rare talent that we could put into use - Kassen is a great welder. When we first got to Shadow, we noticed a little girl with an arm in a sling. We found out that she had fallen when the rotted teeter-totter had broken.  The four teeter-totters were dangerous, so we decided to go buy the steel beams to replace them so Kassen's welding skills could make it safer for "our" kids. Scott fashioned new seats from some beautiful local wood, and Alicia and I helped remove the old teeter-totters.
Play is important to ALL kids. For some of "our" kids, Shadow of His Wings is the first safe place they have had to play. Safe to be kids, and not caretakers of their younger siblings. Safe from abusive parents. Safe from predators. Safe from drugs. Safe under the Shadow of HIS Wings.


Kassen & Margarita
 

If you are interested in going on this mission trip, please contact me. There are 3 churches from our area that take teams to Shadow - and all are open to people outside of their own churches. First United Methodist of Russellville usually makes the trip over the New Year's holiday and spends 8 days in Guatemala. Participating in the fundraisers earlier in the year helps to offset the cost per missionary.


Model Call!!! Kids and Dogs

Model call:  July 11 only - Dogs with Kids - a free session and a 5x7 from the session. The kiddos must be over 2 years old, but the dogs can be any size or age.  You must call the studio on July 10 to schedule your free session. 479-885-3835.

Photography is a great job, but sometimes every photographer has to assign herself a photography project just for herself.  It is important to stay creative, to keep the mind thinking, and every once in a while, indulge in something that you really love.  For me, I love photographing dogs and kids!  Before becoming a photographer, I was a dog groomer. I trained my dogs to compete in obedience competitions (I know you wouldn't think that when you meet my dogs now), and I just love dogs...

So I am going to put together a new collection of photos for the website, and possibly for print competition.  Can you help me???

Seniors that grow up

Some of the perks of my job is getting to know my clients and forming a relationship with them.  You would think with the seniors it would be different, but I get so excited when I look at my calendar and see one of my past seniors scheduled to come in for engagement, bridal, or baby photos.
Last week, I got to reunite with Ariel, meet her wonderful new husband Willie, and their precious new baby girl Lily. It was great to see Ariel and Willie so much in love, with each other and with the new little life they have brought into this world.  And now, I will get to see Lily grow up in the next 14 months while I photograph her Baby Steps Program sessions.
- Yeah, one more perk!

Featured Senior - Hannah

Hannah has a twin, but they are very different girls. Both sweet, both beautiful, but each has a different style. Hannah's Ultimate Senior Session at Hardgrave Photography included styles from camo to business dress and all in between.