Jessi Hebert's Blog

It's been 1 yr. 3 mo. & 23 days...

2011-08-02T14:49:00.000-07:00

But seriously, who's counting?

Yes, it certainly has been FOREVER since I've posted on this blog.

There'll be no more broken promises of "I'll post again, tomorrow". That I can assure you. Promising that I'll have something interesting to say tomorrow is somewhat ridiculous, don't you think?

Last night I was watching a documentary on Andy Goldsworthy, "Rivers and Tides", and I was quite impressed not only with the skill and creativity involved in his work, but primarily with his tenacity.

I'd like to have his level of patience.

I also really liked hearing his take on the importance of photography when it comes to demonstrating his artistic techniques and how photography speaks about his work in ways he is incapable of doing.

Now I understand why Jodi was inspired last summer on the beach at Toledo Bend. :)

In addition to Rivers and Tides here are some other movies I've enjoyed lately:

Shrink Visual Acoustics Pirate Radio

Until next time, thanks for viewing!!

Jessi Hebert

Working my tail off.

2010-04-10T20:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Saturday!
Be it that I work all day Mon. - Fri. (including retouching at night). I have to make sure and take full advantage of my weekends. Laundry, cleaning, bank runs (not the illegal kind), and of course spending time with people I miss during the week.

This job through Image One Studios is forcing me to be a little more responsible and organized.
I suppose I had to grow up one day. Lol

(working in the heights this past week)

Has anyone tried the SPRINT 4G little wi-fi thing???

If so, how is it? I'm looking to get one for work and for traveling.
I REALLY don't want an IPHONE just yet. I would be addicted to it just like everyone else, I'm sure of it.

Well, I don't have a whole lot to say this week, but my goal is to keep writing blogs...no matter how insignificant they may be. lol

Currently Reading & almost done with:Me Talk Pretty One Day, by the hilarious David Sedaris

Currently watching: Saturday Night Live....i love tina fey!
Currently listening to: He Came to Meet Me, by Hem
Currently drinking: coffee...even though it's 10 at night.
Currently working on: retouching portraits from this past week

Thanks for reading, see you again soon!!!
-Jessi

Just Needed Something to Write About

2010-04-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it's obvious to everyone involved that I've not written a new post in AGES!

Since my last post my to-do list has gotten out of control, I was working at Pappasito's just about every day and I just completely ignored the fact that I even owned a blog.

"Nobody reads it anyway," I'd say.

But some people actually do read it. I know Chrystal and Jodi do. I know my friend and fellow blogger Jennifer Williams does.

So, for you three... and anyone else who cares to read along, here we go on what I hope becomes a better attempt at keeping up with technology and with friends and family.

Let me start by discussing my NEW JOB! :)

As of this past Monday, I officially started working as a photographer for a portable, nation-wide studio called Image One Studios. We specialize in on-location executive portraits and from what I can tell, I'm going to be very happy with this job.

The only downsides are:

1) I have to wake up early

2) I have to wake up REAAAAALLY early....

3) I have to drive in rush hour traffic.

4) I need an accountant (which I probably could use anyway)

5) I sometimes don't have time for lunch. lol

But all those things aside, I'm working for a stable company that finds the work for me AND I'm finally doing photography full-time! Yay!

What else, what else? My family is doing well!

(family portrait on Christmas Day)

Aythen, my nephew, will be a year old in less than a month!

(Aythen & I during the Stride for Stroke 5k Walk/Run)

Chrystal, my older sister, is...well, her birthday was Monday...(not sure she'd be happy with me telling you how OLD she is). Oh, and I'm not sure if I've told you, but she's also PREGNANT for the 2nd time!! With yet another BOY!

P.S. if one more person tells her how stupid the name Vaughn is, she'll cut a bitch. lol.

Jodi is working at Goodfella's in Beaumont and finally loving her job, as well. :)

(Jodi & I at the IMAX theatre to see Alice in Wonderland)

I'm still living in Sugar Land with Maggie & Coco.

And still dating Will Ebarb. :)

Things are pretty damn good. And I hope it stays that way for a little while...

Thanks for reading and have fun this weekend!

Miss you and you and you,

Jessi

Which season is it? Flu or Fall??

2009-10-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sick. It's not the flu (I hope) but it's exhausting none-the-less.

I figured since I'm not working today, I can catch up on my blog.

I've put quite a few new songs on my playlist, which I know some of you will be pleased with. I use my blog as a radio and blast it while I'm getting ready in the morning or taking a shower. I'm a fan of a huge array of music. I don't really have a FAVORITE genre or artist... I have many. And since my boyfriend, Will, set my radio in my car on a classical station, I've not changed it once. It's interesting how music has the power to change my mood. I've not exactly been a ray of sunshine lately. I feel as if I've been in a slump lately. But despite all of that, this summer was incredible and I feel obliged to fill you in now.

In August:

I attended Ryan Terry & Bethany Haugan's Wedding in Minnesota. I met Ryan & Bethany at the Hallmark Institute of Photography. Bethany was actually one of my 7 roommates and one of the greatest people I met at school. I didn't take pictures at the wedding, but one of our fellow classmates, Mary Frances Chrisman was the hired photographer and she did a GORGEOUS job!

Photo by Mary Frances Chrisman

It was the closest form of a class reunion that I've had since we graduated in June of 2008 because I also had the pleasure of staying with my dearest friend, Emily!

Another roommate of mine from Hallmark, Katelynne, stayed with Emily as well.

Emily took us to the Minnesota Mall of America and while there we went to the Aquarium that Em works at.

Katelynne looking at the sea horses.

Emily

The largest shark they have, it's name is Jesse...lol!

Also in August, one of mine and Jodi's best friends, Kara and Kara's boyfriend, Brandon, came to visit.

Kara and Brandon

Jodi

Okay...so, that's about it when it comes to August.

Moving on to September.

My sister and and brother in law just purchased a house in Bridge City that, at it's current state, is sort of an empty shell. The previous owners moved out after it had received quite a bit of damage from Hurricane Ike. They hope to be done with the renovations in December! :)

Also in September, I attended Kaycee & Jonathan's Wedding! Making that my 8th Wedding since May!

On September 27th, I attended my first professional football game...The Texans vs. The Jaguars!

Me and Will!

I would like to share with you, now, new pics of my nephew, Aythen!!! :)

Aythen & his Nana (my mom)

Just the cuuuuuuuutest!!! :)

Aythen and his auntie gee...(me)

Aythen & Miranda

Aythen & his auntie Jo-Jo.

Ok. well that's enough for now!! I'll try and post again within the next month!!

I'll TRRRRRY!

Currently listening to: Can't take my eyes off of you, by Lauryn Hill (on my playlist!)

Currently watching: Role Models

Last movie I saw was: All About Steve (starring Sandra Bullock...it was cute)

Currently reading: Uncontrollable Beauty

Thank you for caring!

xoxo,

Jessi

There's No Where To Go But Up

2009-07-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Ok, so instead of apologizing for neglecting this blog I'm going to make excuses. :)

So far, I have attended 4 weddings this year and will be attending another 2 before the summer lets up. This must be the summer of love, because I've NEVER in my life been to 6 weddings in 1 year!

Congrats again to Jenny and Ray, David and Aleece, Sally and Kent, and Ryan and Sandra!

Here are few pictures from Ryan and Sandra's wedding this last weekend in S.E. Texas:

Me and my Dad! :)

Me and my cousin, the groom, Ryan!

Sandra shoved a good amount of cake in Ryan's nose...

Beautiful Cake!

Momma with Aythen at the Wedding!

Sandra & Ryan dancing

The Newlyweds

My Family! :)

So, another eventful day worth blogging about is the Fourth of July!

My boyfriend, Will, and I drove up to stay at my parents lake house at Toledo Bend.

Me & Will in the back of dad's truck.

We drove the boat out into the cove and watch fireworks in all directions... :)

I was on a boat, so obviously it wasn't completely still.

But I like the effect it gave, just the same.

Mom & Maggie

Aythen with his Aunt Gee (me). :)

Dad and Mom enjoying the fireworks

Aythen sleeping through the fireworks...lol

My favorite firework picture

So far, I've had a pretty exciting summer. I wanted to wish a

Happy Birthday (possibly belated) to:

Cydnie Marie, Gracie, Will, Jodi, Kara, Julien, and Momma.

Happy Anniversary to:

Chopey and Aaron

I'm Currently

Reading: My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult

Watching: Dexter, Weeds, Religulous

Listening: my blog's playlist....it always makes me happy.

Have a happy and safe remaining summer!! :)

Thank you.

XOXO,

Jessi

Oh, P.S. a new friend will be arriving any day now:

Please Don't Rain On My Parade

2009-05-17T21:27:00.000-07:00

Hey All!

Since my last post, there has been a plethora of things to write about. The problem is very rarely having something to say, but instead, finding time to write about these things.

Number one on my list of new news is the arrival of my baby nephew, Aythen.

(Aythen's family soo excited to see him!!)

(Chrystal and Aythen's first kiss...so sweet)

(BIG BEAUTIFUL BABY BOY)

(Jodi and I giving Chrys kisses before her C-Section)

Aythen was born on April 21, 2009 and weighed 9lbs and 3 oz. :)

Due to baby Ay's (that's his nickname..lol) heavy breathing, I didn't get to hold him the day he was born. It wasn't until the following weekend that I got to hold him and kiss him and sing to him. I love him so much already and am ABSOLUTELY THRILLED to be his Aunt.

While I was in town to see Aythen; Jodi, Chelsy, and I decided then would be the perfect time to take a picture for the flyers for our Art Show.

On JUNE 6, 2009 (please mark this in your Calendars!!) Jodi, Chelsy, and I are having an art show at The Barking Dog in Beaumont, Tx.

The Barking Dog is this cute little coffee shop located on Pearl St. right by Crockett Street in Beaumont. Having been present for many of their show openings and concerts, I'm very excited for OUR show. Jodi will submit ceramic pieces, I will submit photography, and Chelsy will submit ceramics, photography, and possibly some jewelry pieces she's been creating lately.

Please, please, please come to our show!!!!!!!

There will be cheese, wine, and music performed by some of our talented friends: Ashlynn Ivy and The Amorist!

In April, I took Sophie's Graduation Portraits down at Discovery Green in Houston, here are some of my favorites from the session...

Other than all that, this last month I've worked a few times with photographer, Ken Childress.

Ken shares a studio with Terry Halsey. Both are very talented photographers and I definitely look forward to working with them and learning more from them in the near future!

And lastly, Jodi and I spent this past weekend in Dallas to attend our best friend, Kara's, college graduation from The University of Texas in Dallas with a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Pathology. We were so glad we could be there to celebrate with her and couldn't be more proud of her!!

Congratulations Kara!!! :)

Thank you all for reading!! Have a safe and wonderful week!

With LOVE AND PEACE!!!!

Jessi Hebert

www.JessiHebert.com

www.JessiHebert.blogspot.com

Jessi[at]JessiHebert.com

All Around Me, I See Green

2009-04-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

Hi EVERYONE!

Hope you're having a lovely spring. I sure am...well, if I remember to pop a few Zyrtec, that is. I'm glad I posted a blog in March when I did, because since then I've been way too busy to do very much of anything non-work related. As I mentioned in the previous post, I started working at Pappasito's Mexican Cantina in Sugar Land, Tx. It's not a bad little job to have. It's just a little harder than I thought it would be. Sometimes dealing with rude people can just have ways of destroying your self-esteem. Not to mention, getting things mixed up and entering orders into the system wrong really makes me feel like a dumbass. But I've begun to make a valid effort in letting things roll off my shoulders and letting assholes be assholes.

There are studies that suggest having a positive outlook on your life can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Regardless of how true that is, stress can weaken your immune system and make your body all achey. That I'm positive is the honest truth. On top of working at the restaurant 4 days a week (sometimes more if I'm not doing anything), I'm assisting photographers in the Houston area. I've assisted Terry Halsey twice within the last couple of weeks and am expected to later this week, as well. And toward the end of this last month, I assisted William & Patricia Long as they photographed Jenny & Ray Baugh's Wedding. Jenny was my boss at the Motherhood Center and now a dear friend of mine. My job was to take pictures of the guests in whatever way they felt most comfortable...and those pictures were then put to a slideshow and music for the couple to watch on Will & Patricia's website's blog.

Congrats again, Ray & Jenny, I'm happy for you guys!

Alright, moving on, my older sister, Chrystal, is having her baby boy this month! I'm officially going to be Aunt Jessi, or Jess, or Gee (as Emma calls me...lol), or whatever he mumbles is fine with me. He'll be here on the 18th and we have a pool running on his arrival. Two pools actually, one on his arrival date and one on how much he weighs. My prediction is that he will be born the day before and will weigh 8lbs & 4oz. One thing is for sure, he's arriving just in time for the beginning of BASEBALL SEASON! (Opening day for the Houston Astros is tomorrow...btw.)

I LOVE going to Astros games! I don't even care if I'm in the nose-bleed section, I still always seem to enjoy myself. Even if they're losing horribly (which is the case quite often...lol). I get all into it, screaming and rooting (I love that word) for my favorite players (I'm still super sad about Biggio retiring)...Plus, now that I live in Houston, maybe I'll be able to catch more games than in the past seasons!

Ooh, did I mention that Pappasito's has a slow-pitch softball team?? Lol..well, I am playing for them. And the odd part is that we're actually pretty freakin' good! I've played for a few slowpitch teams before and we would hands down kick those other teams' asses! Whatever, whatever, it's a lot of fun!

So when I assisted Ray & Jenny Baugh's Wedding in Seguin, Tx I crashed with my cousin Lindsey & her daughter, Emma! I also got to hang out with another cousin of mine, Amber! It's been ages since I have had a chance to hang out with Amber and well, it's always a pleasure to see Lindsey & Emma.

(Lindsey & Emma walking to the car)

(On our way to eat at Amber's restaurant: Trudy's in Austin,Tx)

(There, Emma proved that even the pickiest of eaters LOVE Bacon!)

(Earlier that morning we played around with PhotoBooth)

(So caught up in the OMG moment!!)

(We went to the Livestock Show & Rodeo/Carnival and they had a petting zoo...which I boycotted, by the way)

(Emma & I on the Ferris Wheel...my mouth is weird, I know..haha.)

(Lindsey, Amber (Aunt Am), & Emma)

I'm vowing to take another trip to see them this summer! Love you guys!

I'm in the process of editing two shoots I had recently and will post another blog later this month, I promise!

Currently...

Watching: Weeds, Season 3, Disc 2! It's HILARIOUS!

Listening to: Jumpin' Jumpin' by Destiny's Child...it's a new addition to my blog songs...lol.

Chewing: Orbit CitrusMint

Thinking: how great it would be to crawl into bed right now

Shout-Outs!!!

Happy Belated Birthday: Chrystal, Miranda, Emily, Fallon, Ashley, Tiffany, Malissa, V!

Congratulations on your recent engagment Jason & Miranda!!!

Thank you for reading, and until next time, have a good night & a great week ahead!

Peace and Love,

Jessi Hebert

www.JessiHebert.com

www.JessiHebert.blogspot.com

Oh, & P.S. my sister and her husband are selling their travel trailer!! Are you interested?

Call to speak with Aaron @ (409) 201 - 5573. Tell him you saw an ad on Jessi Hebert's blog!

AND, do you like PACMAN? I just added to the side of my blog! You're welcome! :)

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

2009-03-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

A lot has changed since my last post, I'll try and not leave anything out.

A couple of weeks ago I quit my job at the Motherhood Center. I really enjoyed working with the people there and wish them luck in the future!

Shortly after that, I applied and was hired on as a waitress at Pappasito's Mexican Restaurant in Sugar Land, Tx. I start training this Saturday and should complete my training by next Friday. I spent an hour at Wal-Mart yesterday buying some orthopedic shoes and some Dickie's. Oh, and hand sanitizer. I know it shouldn't have taken an hour, but I enjoy walking up and down each isle and watching the crazies...it's like a carnival. A carnival of crazies..hehe.

I went home this past weekend to attend my sister, Chrystal's, baby shower. She is just the CUTEST preggo I've ever seen. The shower went really well and she spent an entire hour (minus the pee intermission) to open the seemingly never ending pile of presents!

(Chrystal standing by a wreath that Kaycee made for the hospital door and then Aythen's room)

(Chrystal holding up the Peace blanket that I bought for her)

(A diaper pail that belonged to my Maw Maw Duplantis)

(Jodi, Gracie, Rheanna, & Leah at the shower)

(Easton, Rheanna's son, playing with the water toys)

(All of Brandy & Aunt Lynda's presents on a clothes line)

After the baby shower we had a fish/oyster fry and all seemed to be RIGHT with the world. :)

(Paw Paw & Maggie dancing)

(Emma giving her momma, Lindsey, kisses)

(Rhe's son, Easton, & Lindsey's daughter, Emma)

Sunday, I took Chrystal's maternity pictures and I'm pretty pleased with the outcome.

Here's a little teaser photo, I'll post more once I'm done editing:

We also, took a group photo which I'll have to photoshop Jodi into some other time because she was running with our friend Jamie.

(All of us trying to make Emma happy...haha)

(Lindsey, Emma, Gracie, Maggie, Leah, Chrystal, & Me)

While I had the lights (which I rented from Light Tec in Houston), I decided to take some pictures of my LONG HAIR, before I chopped it off to donate it to Pantene Pro-V's Beautiful Lengths Program.

(I'll miss my hippie hair...)

(About 27 inches long)

Yesterday before I left town to come back to Houston, my cousin, Lindsey, cut my hair! :)

(The braids that I'm going to donate today are about 14 inches long)

(I know it's a drastic change, but it'll grow back...I promise.)

(What do you think?)

Shout-outs:

Happy Birthday Lindsey, James Paul, Leah, Jamie, & Kristin!

Rheanna! You're having a girl!?! Congratulations!

Currently:

Listening to: the clicks and clacks of my external hard drive.

Reading: Reefer Madness (a book about sex, drugs, and cheap labor in the American Black Market), by Eric Schlosser

Watching: Just Married

Drinking: coffee

ONE MORE THING, I'm currently putting a mailing list together if you would like to be added to it, please email me at Jessi@JessiHebert.com with the title of the email as "Add Me" and in the body of the message please put your name, email address, and if you WANT TO your street address, as well for any mailers I send out.

Thank you for your love and support!

Feel free to leave a comment!!!

-Jessi

Jessi@JessiHebert.com

www.JessiHebert.com

Please come back to the quiet generation, we don't have any representation...

2009-02-03T12:00:00.000-08:00

To end the fantastic month of January, this last weekend, Jodi and I went to San Marcos to stay with our friends Lanea & Valerie.

We made the trip in honor of Lanea's 22nd Birthday.

Lanea & Val are two friends that we made in Ranger our freshman year of college.

Some other Ranger friends of ours showed up, as well...Lisa, Amber, DeAnna, & Stephanie.

It was incredible and it's just a shame we can't see each other more often.

Here are some pictures...

(Stephanie)

(Me & Lisa laughin' at Jodi)

(Lanea's friends)

(Me, Amber, & Lisa)

(Amber & Lisa)
(Lanea & Jodi)

(Sara, Mark, & Lisa)

(Val, Me, & Amber)

You may think it's slightly unprofessional for me to put personal pictures like this on my blog, but the sole purpose of this blog is to express myself and document the good things going on in my life.

So, moving on, today is February the 3rd and I felt I've got a long list of things to do:

wash my car (because of all the bird crap in San Marcos), go apply for my passport (so that I'll be a more appealing photographer's assistant), buy my studio lights (so I can photograph Chrystal's maternity portraits, and other things), etc.

Tomorrow I have to wake up bright and early for the afore mentioned Bootcamp I'm apart of.

(I'm the one doing the push - up in the bottom left corner of the picture...haha)

I've already begun to see some good results of this boot camp, so if anyone is living in Houston and interested in enrolling leave a comment and I'll give you the information.

So, an update on my pregnant sister. She's doing great, and along with the maternity portraits I'm going to do for her this month, I also designed her Baby Shower Invitation.

I'll probably design a birth announcement after Aythen is born, as well. Something I've gotten fairly used to doing at the Motherhood Center.

On a side note, I love going to the movies. In January, I saw two movies.

The first one, was for my younger cousin, Cydnie. We went and saw Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler and it was AWFUL. Look, I understand that the movie was made for children under the age of 12 so there couldn't be any bad language or anything like that, but even the plot sucked.

The second movie I saw was with my aunt Maggie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

I loved it. The videography was especially nice.

I am currently:

Listening to: Louis Louis by Teitur

Watching: a previously recorded episode of Ellen

Drinking: a glorious cup of coffee

Eating: about to eat some Nachos

Wearing: Jodi's "Hahvad" shirt...and some yoga pants

Thinking about: you.

Movie I want to see: MILK

If anyone is interested in buying my Mamiya AFDII Camera (medium format), please contact me immediately. I'm selling it for $800 cash only. I bought it for $3500, bargain, right?

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have.

And as always, your comments are greatly appreciated!

Thank you for your love and support,

Jessi

www.JessiHebert.com

Jessi[at]JessiHebert.com

Looky, Looky, 2 blogs in 1 month!!

2009-01-16T21:16:00.001-08:00

So, I know that I neglect this blog at times but I can be quite busy!

This last weekend I assisted photographers, William & Patricia Long, with a very beautiful and elegant wedding, I'm currently taking Engagement, Graduation, and various portrait assignments for my own business, AND I've continued to work for Jennifer Williams at the Motherhood Center as her assistant. The more I get to know Jenny, the happier I am that I chose to work with her. We talk about everything from how crazy our families can be to the incredible soreness felt after our boot camp work out!

Did I mention that to you?

No? Well, I have recently enrolled in our center's Fitness Boot Camp instructed by Brandie!

Jenny & I tested out the trial run this last Wednesday and let me tell you, if I keep that work-out routine up for 3 times a week I will be looking MIIIIIIIGHTY FIIIIIIIINE by SUMMMMMER TIIIIME!! That rhymes. :)

Okay, it's time I tell you about my fabulous friend, Vanessa. (a.k.a. V)

Vanessa and her friend, Stephanie, have partnered up to create a fabulously FRESH looking specialty shop called Lola's Fresh Produce.
Currently operating out at Larry's Trade Days in Winnie, Tx (seen in picture above) every first weekend of each month!

For those of you who don't know, Larry's Trade Days is a flea market where people come from all over the state of Texas, let alone country to buy and sell antiques, food, goodies of ALL sorts.

Lola's Fresh Produce provides everything from cute clutches, wallets, unique looking necklaces and earrings, to one of a kind hats, belts & t-shirts and much much more!

As a devoted customer, I request that you PLEASE check them out at their Myspace Page and feel free to email them with any purchases or requests you have for them at Lolasfreshproduce@hotmail.com. Tell them Jessi sent you! (said in one of those game show voices..)

What am I:

Watching? George Carlin videos on YouTube (Don't watch if you don't care for cussing.)

Reading? Confessions of a Pagan Nun by Kate Horsley

Listening to? Otis Redding (baby-making music, for sure)

Hoping for? Ellen DeGeneres to send me a TIVO (I emailed her asking for one to be able to record and watch her show. lol)

January Birthday SHOUT-OUTS:

Holly Fimple, Danyel Licatino, Andrea Dematte, Ashley Overstreet, Brian Hebert, Stephanie Beard, L.T., Benish, Ashley Greer, Amanda Gauthier, Pinkee Patel, Yajaira Garcia, & Lanea Meyer!

And here's another picture from Janette & Brennan's Engagement shoot that I took over the holidays:

Your comments are always welcome, here!

With love,

Jessi Lee Heeeeeebs

Oh, 2009, don't fail me!!

2009-01-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon All,

I have been meaning to post a new blog for weeks now.

And I honestly have no excuse other than the fact that I didn't want to.

My holiday has consisted of visiting people, eating, knitting, drinking, editing pictures and catching up on sleep that I've missed the last couple of months.

Let me fill you in on my exciting December:

On December 11th we, the shocked residents of South East Texas, received SNOW!

In the past, when there was speculation of snow, it was never anything worth waking up for. It would only really just be rain with a little bit of ice that would melt as soon as it made land fall.

But not this year!

I was sitting in the room upstairs late at night, editing pictures, and watching crappy television when I slightly heard something taping at my window.

Sure enough at close glance I saw snow!

(Bear didn't know what was going on!!)

Our house the following morning.

Our backyard the next morning.

I LOVED it.

I found myself acting the same exact way as I did last year, when I was in Massachusetts. Snow lifted me up and made me a better person, as sad as that sounds.

(This was me last year during the first snow! I'm crazy, but happy...)

Other than our glorious snow day, Chrystal's pregnant belly is getting bigger and bigger and within the next couple of months we're going to take maternity pictures.

(Stay tuned for that).

Even though I haven't been working these last couple of weeks at The Motherhood Center, due to the center being closed for the holidays, I have been staying busy with photography.

This last week, I had the pleasure of taking Janette & Brennan's Engagement Pictures.

Even though we had to fight the drizzly weather, we had some fun conversations and I'm happy with the results!

Here's one of my favorites of them.

Also, as I had mentioned in a previous blog, Jodi and her ceramics class at Lamar had a show in Silsbee and it went really well!

(Katy Dubbison)

(Byron O'Quinn)

(Jodi Hebert)

(More of Jodi's work)

(Class Picture)

(Joyce Phyilen)

(Jodi's work titled "An Allegory of My Sister Amongst Hurricane Season")

(Chelsy Broussard)

(Katy Dubisson)

(Amanda Talcott)

There were a lot of really great pieces of work, but I can't put them all!!

Shout-Outs:

Congratulations to Courtney, Kaycee, Lindsay, Jacee, Ryan on graduating from College!!

Happy Belated Birthday Lindsay Lowell!

Happy Belated Birthday Lucy Bibel!

Congratulations on your new pregnancy, Rheanna!

Happy 2009 Everyone!

Peace, Love, and all that greatness,

Jessi Hebert

www.JessiHebert.com

Jessi@JessiHebert.com

NO Post NOvember...

2008-12-01T15:56:00.000-08:00

So, today is December 1st and it has come to my attention that I completely neglected this blog during the month of November.
That would give you the impression that November was un-note worthy, but that is the complete opposite of the truth. I was so busy, in fact, that I had very little free time to post a fabulous blog for all of you loyal readers.

Well, let's get down to business, shall weeee?
My dad turned 50 in October and we threw him a party. It was SUPPOSED to be a surprise, but he wouldn't quit bugging everyone and I'm pretty sure he was aware of what we had up our sleeves. (No thanks to the fact that my mom can't keep a secret to save her life...)

My mom giving my dad a birthday kiss...

Becky's hilarious!

Dad & Jo

Kaycee's present for dad!

Mitch as the grim reaper!

Speaking of secrets, my Grandfather wanted the sex of my sister's baby to be a surprise to him, but since he now knows, I can feel free to tell you that my older sister and her husband are going to have a baby BOY!! They are pretty convinced that they will name him Aythen. We don't really have many boys in our family, so this is EXTRA exciting! (If you can remember, in a previous post my uncle called it by using some trick he learned with a pencil, needle, and a string...go back to the "You Might Be a Big Fish in a Little Pond..." post to understand what I'm talking about).

Aythen's penis! :) haha

His Leg

Aythen's head and heart!

On Friday, Nov. 14th of this year my twin sister, Jodi, had abdominal surgery to remove a relatively LARGE tumor that we now know was borderline malignant and even though we were all terrified for her, her recovery went really well and we all believe she'll be back to her original state of health sometime within the near future. She's so strong and resilient and I'm relieved that she's alright, now.
:) ---Love you, Jodi!

Me and Dad chillin' in the waiting room.

I have a picture of Jodi, too, but she refuses to let me put it on here....lol.

My cousin, Lindsey, came in for Jo's surgery and this is her baby girl, Emma.

It was Jodi's original idea for us (me, Gracie, Leah, and herself) to go to the Coldplay Concert at the Toyota Center, but unfortunately, due to her surgery being a mere 4 days before the concert she was unable to make it. And even though there was a hesitation about whether we should go without her, she insisted that we did and Chrystal joined us with Jodi's ticket.
It was an incredible concert!

I loved every minute of it and even though they weren't the chatty "this song was written about a girl who broke my heart" type of band, they played just about every song I was dying to here and I can tell you with a straight face that I left that place wanting to make out with ANYONE! :)
hahaha

And of course, at the ass end of November, was Thanksgiving. I know that most people can't stand the holidays because it's just way too many family members in one room and therefore way more drama than anyone is really willing to torture themselves with. Luckily, my Thanksgiving went lovely and I ate a lot and got to see some friends that are usually out of town.
:)

Emma & her aunt Gracie! :)

Gap toothed and curly haired...I swear, she's so friggin' cute!!!

Leah

Deserts galore!!!

Jodi

Preggo (Chrystal)

Momma

Cydnie & Jo

I know the holidays are right around the corner, if any of you plan on coming to my neck of the woods anytime through out the holiday season, let me know and we can get together.

I wanted to let you know that I love you and I appreciate your dedication to my blog.

If you have a blog, let me know and I would love to give it a look-see.

Please feel free to drop me a line at Jessi@JessiHebert.com.

Peace and Love,

Jessi Hebert

www.JessiHebert.com

P.S. since I know you are going to get your starbucks coffee this month, at least buy the flavors that will benefit someone else, too.

Smell the pine trees, OH, won't you just feel the cool breeze!

2008-10-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

Usually I have plenty to say and it's accompanied by very few images, but it seems today, I have very little to say and shall I say it, too many images.

In the beginning of the summer I wasn't worried one bit about finding work. As time went on, I became a little un-easy, and then I found myself in an overall panic. A tearful, blubbering, panic.

I was emailing people like a mad woman in search of some assistant work. Then there were the 3 dreaded hurricanes that threatened the gulf and I felt like I was being a bother to people who may have been going through quite a bit already.

Well, recently work has been good. I've (as noted in the previous post) been working three days a week at the Motherhood Center in Houston, I've been working as a substitute teacher at the local high school, and this previous Monday I had the pleasure of working with William Long, photographer for William + Patricia Photography, located in Kingwood, Tx.

William and his wife, Patricia, both graduated from the Hallmark Institute of Photography a year before I did (they actually met at Hallmark!). They specialize in wedding and portraiture, and are also branching out to find commercial work.

The job that I assisted with was for All Starr Carpet and Floor Repair:

We were in a predominately Asian part of town and William's client pointed us in the direction of some fabulous Vietnamese cuisine! Be it that the area is only 20 minutes from my aunt's house (with whom I'm staying), I'll definitely be heading in that direction if ever a Vietnamese egg roll craving comes a long.

Earlier this month, (as also noted in the previous post) I enjoyed the Renaissance Festival in Plantersville, Tx. We camped out with Jodi's friend, Byron, and his "band of (un-related) brothers".

There were people dressed up, people spinning fire, drums being played all through out the night, and as far as I'm concerned, some relatively decent pictures being taken. :)

(Isn't my twin sister, beautiful??)

Thank you for reading and viewing my blog!

Since this is primarily a photography blog, I would love to have comments to read that could help me better myself as a photographer, and also grow as an artist.

Please have a safe and fabulous Halloween Weekend! (As mom always said, check your candy before consuming all of it!)

And don't forget to Vote (early voting is still going on through 31 different states)!

AND if the weather is as lovely where you are, as it is here, enjoy as much of it as you can.

With love, hope, and peace,

Jessi Hebert

www.JessiHebert.com

You might be a big fish in a little pond, doesn't mean you've won...

2008-10-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up, emailed my new boss (I'll elaborate on that here in a minute), drank two cups of coffee, ate some breakfast biscuits, watched Ellen and the View and now I'm writing a blog and afterwards I'm going to mow the grass. I've been extremely thrilled with my life lately.

A few weeks ago, my uncle Brad threw a Crab-Boil:

Late in the evening my grandfather and his friends stayed up talking about all kinds of things from their medications to their views on the war (which being former Marines you can imagine how they feel about the war) their views on politics and the upcoming presidential election.

They're all very opinionated and as you can tell by their body-language, very hard of hearing. lol

Aaron, my brother-in-law, sitting in a broken chair enjoying his spicy crabs...
As you can see it was a family event: Leah, Gracie, Jodi, and Dad enjoying their crabs....

Brad's not very shy on the seasoning...it's been known to sting every cut on your hand and burn any eye it comes in contact with.

A couple of weekends ago (you can tell I've been needing to post a new blog for a while now) my sister, Chrystal, and her husband, Aaron, needed help cleaning out all of the things that were salvageable in their home in Bridge City, so my mom, dad, sister-Jodi, cousin-Gracie, Uncle Glenn, Aunt Cyndi, cousin-Holly all pitched in and here are some shots from that day.

My Uncle Glenn was using a technique to see what the sex of Chrystal's baby is going to be. He's been right 48 out of 49 times, so if his calculations are correct, she will be having a boy.

It was nice after cleaning all day to relax and be treated to some crawfish etoufee by dad.

New News:

I have recently found a job working at The Motherhood Center in Houston, near the Galleria.

The Motherhood Center is a spa-type of atmosphere for expecting mothers. They have massages, yoga, classes to learn about what to expect and how to prepare for the new baby, organic clothing, bedding, etc. for your new baby, and as you may suspect - photography.

My job is to assist the photographer in the center, Jenny Williams. I'll be editing pictures, helping with photo-shoots, getting coffee, cleaning, helping with the front desk and eventually taking on some photo-assignments myself.

So far, so good, everyone in the center is really professional and really nice. Especially the owner, Gabby and her husband Gary.

My regular schedule there will be Thursday-Saturdays.

And since I've been working so close to the Galleria, I've been able to hop on over to my friend, Kylee's apartment to spend some time with her...which is always nice. :)

There is so much more to talk about, but then how could I keep you coming back for more if I gave it ALL away??

Next post teaser:

I will be posting pictures and stories from the Renaissance Festival, I will add more songs to my playlist, I will talk about good movies, food, and tv shows that I'm in love with.

I will change you.

I leave you to your thoughts...

I love you and that's the damn truth.

-Jessi Hebert

www.jessihebert.com

"Cold, cold water bring me round
Now my feet won't touch the ground
Cold, cold water what ya say?
When it's such…
It's such a perfect day"

Visual and Auditory Literacy

2008-10-01T21:12:00.001-07:00

Topic #1 : John Nordell, a current instructor at the Hallmark Institute of Photography and a previous instructor of mine, brought to my attention the importance of really listening and looking at movies, television, books, art, and music. Really paying attention to these things and deciding what it is that you particularly enjoy about them, which in turn, helps you to develop a style about yourself...a persona.

As you can probably imagine, what we see and what we hear affect us subconsciously.

Recently, as followers of this blog are aware, I've been OBSESSED with Netflix. I'm a renting machine...watching and returning as quickly as possible, updating my queue with every good review I read, anticipating the arrival of my new dvds in the mail.

Two movies in particular that have had a good impact on me recently were:

1) Amelie, a french film that really captivates the idiosyncrasies of humans...Oh, the bizarre brilliance!

2) The Pianist - a movie based on a Polish & Jewish pianist (duh) whom, thanks to his gift of playing the piano with such beauty and intricacy, survived the Holocaust.

You may be wondering, what does any of this have to do with your photography?
Everything. It has everything to do with how I perceive things.

Why I am the way I am is because of what I've learned, experienced and decided to be true.

And well, what I do is very much the same as who I am.

Topic # 2: The Common Ground Lecture that was held this past Tuesday evening at Lamar State College - Port Arthur. It was a debate between two political analysts, Bob Beckel (democrat) and Cal Thomas (republican), coming together and realizing that what's more important than arguing and trying to change someone's mind, is listening, finding common ground with one another and therefore coming to actual solutions with our country's problems.

My goodness, this is longer than it was expected to be

Shout-outs/yellers:

-Is anyone who's reading this planning to attend the WPPI convention in Vegas in Feb.?

-Happy Birthday Kylee!

-Happy October everyone!!!

-Make sure and Register to vote before this coming MONDAY!!

-If anyone watches Samantha, Who? it's premiering Monday Oct. 13th!

-If you want to begin a Netflix membership and would like the FIRST MONTH FREE, go to

www.netflix.com/tellafriend and enter one of these codes before OCT. 31st:

M172468494255

M102408494285

M142498494635

M19246849605

(I have 4 cards to give to friends/family as a gift and the promo code only works once...you see?)

-If you know of any professional photographer who is in need of a talented, hygienic, friendly, dedicated, love-able freelance assistant, please let me know.

-If you are in downtown Beaumont and "jonesin" for a good cup o' joe, The Barking Dog at 493 Pearl St. (by Crocket St.) is the place for you. Trust.

-Everyone effected negatively due to the recent hurricane(s), I'm terribly sorry and I mean that with everything in me.

I love you.

Have a better October than you did September.

Do what you want to do and be whom you want to be.

Forever yours,

Jessi Hebert

www.jessihebert.com

P.S. Stop rushing. Take time to realize the good in life instead of obsessing with the bad. Enjoy the cool weather that fall has to offer and the warm sunshine while it still lasts.

It'll lift you up and make you all tingly inside. Just ask Zeus, here. :)

Aftermaths of Ike (in my area)

2008-09-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

So, as many of you know, we (my family and I) rode out Hurricane Ike as it made it's way through the gulf of mexico and up the gulf coast. It was loud and disruptive, to say the least. I really wasn't expecting it to be as bad as it was. Never again will I stay when there's a mandatory evacuation in my area. During the storm, I felt the way I feel when I'm on a roller coaster at it's peak...wishing I could turn back and never get on the damn thing to begin with.

We, the people in Jefferson & Orange County, Texas, were on a bad end of the storm, the east end. Many tornados branched off of the hurricane and did most of the damage in our area, but when it came to Bridge City and Orange, most of the damage was due to the storm surge (water rising from the river up into peoples yards and homes).

My house is fine, a few missing shingles, some siding fell off of our little building in our back yard, but we were extremely fortunate. Around my house there are houses with trees on top of them, big huge pieces of siding and roof missing, fallen fences, fallen chimneys and water damage.

My sisters' house, which is located in Bridge City got at least a foot of water in it (and it's on peers). The water surrounding Bridge City rose at least 10 feet. The road ways were blocked to my sisters' house so we took a boat up to her neighborhood.

So far, there have not been very many deaths reported, but we'll have to wait to see if the numbers rise once they can get into peoples' houses.

(Local convenient store's air conditioner dangling from the roof)

(Bridge City boat house under water)

(A house in Bridge City)

(Another house in Bridge City...you can see on the ply wood where the water had been)

(My sister, Chrystal, and her husband, Aaron, in their kitchen)

(A bird that got caught in a fence during the storm.)

(The polluted water after the storm)

(My sisters' backyard after the water receded)

(My sister on the phone with her neighbor...whose house is in the background)

(Our foot prints in my sisters' muddy hallway)

(Another house in Bridge City. You can see on the brick where the water had risen)

(Power lines that had fallen on Ave. H in Nederland)

(A broken boat house)

(A dead bird in my neighborhood)

(A chimney that had fallen off one of our neighbors' houses)

(Even though my cousins' apartment was alright, this is an end of their complex)

(It's important that I also that I thank my cousin, Gracie, and my sister, Jodi, for documenting the aftermath with me...a couple of which are in this post.)

I'll continue to update you with what I know, but that's it for now.
Thank you for your concern for the well-being of people affected by Hurricane Ike.
If you're interested, this is a link to our local news.

I'm sorry for all those who have lost their homes and have been displaced due to the hurricane or tornados, I'm sorry and I hope that you will find peace and hope within yourselves in the near future.

Peace, Love, & Hope

Jessi Hebert

www.jessihebert.com

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." Gandhi

"Take a hike, Ike!"

2008-09-11T15:25:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure nothing good comes from hurricanes, other than an appreciation of your life and the material objects you posses. And, of course, a clear realization that Global Warming exists and is reeking havoc all over the place.

The cities along the Gulf of Mexico are, for the 3rd time this season, being threatened by a hurricane. First Edouard (on my birthday), then Gustav (on Labor Day weekend), now Ike.

Many people in my area have decided to stay this time around. Maybe it's because Edouard and Gustav were supposed to be bad and hardly touched us, or because it's supposed to hit Galveston, and we'll just get the fall off, but one thing is certain: I'm tired.

I'm tired of rushing to the gas pump and the grocery store and fighting the long lines and crowds, I'm tired of being forced to watch the weather all day and night, I'm tired of my jobs being post-poned or canceled due to the weather, and ABOVE ALL ELSE, I'm tired of being scared.

Enough about that shit, how about some GOOD NEWS?

I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!!!!!!!

My older sister, Chrystal, is pregnant!

I've been knowing for about a month but have had to keep it secret because Chrystal, and her husband, Aaron, wanted to be able to tell Aaron's parents before I told the whole world!

It's been difficult, but I'm a great secret keeper.

As you can see, Jodi's happy to be an aunt, too!

Chrystal and Aaron's way of telling us was through my mom's birthday present. :)

Very cute!

Everyone's especially happy because this is the first grand-baby and nephew/niece in our family! I'll definitely be updating everyone on the progress of Chrystal's soon-to-be big belly.

Other than all of that, I've been having a good time at my parents lake house and I have pictures to show it:

(me hydro-sliding...well, trying to get up on the hydro-slide)

(My dad really loves the lake!)

(My mom bailing out before a big wake..)

(Aaron and his brother, Chris, skiing!)

(Aaron going under Chris' ski rope)

Well, I was going to add MORE pictures, but blogger's being an ass-face.

Shout-outs:

I miss all my old roommates and some additional friends from Massachusetts!

I miss Kara and Val and Lanea and Christi and Jen from Ranger!

Happy Birthday Paw-Paw!!

Congratulations Chrystal and Aaron on your pregnancy!!!

Okay, so I'll let you know how Hurricane Ike goes later on!

Miss you!

Love you!

And if you're riding the storm out like my family, I wish you the best of luck and I hope nothing bad happens to you, your family, or your house.

Peace, Love, and Hope!

Jessi Hebert

www.jessihebert.com

"In the unlikely story that is America, there has never been anything FALSE about HOPE."

-Barack Obama

Wrapping up the end of my summer fun....

2008-08-13T00:54:00.001-07:00

I've really enjoyed this summer.

I've had time to visit some people (locally of course), catch a movie here and there, go to a really great concert, spend some time at the lake (which I'm doing again this weekend) and visit the Holocaust museum.

In two weeks, most of my friends and family will be heading back to school and even though they'll still have an occasional evening to "shoot the shit" with me, for the most part I will be alone.

(It's a crazy feeling knowing that I'm done with school. The last time I wasn't going "back to school" I was 5. And those days the economy seemed better suited for the independent artist. Or well, what do I know, I was 5, but still! I'm scared. Scared of not having insurance, scared of paying off my $35,000 loan, scared of facing reality and pulling up my big britches and being independent. I know, I know, I'll get over it. I don't need any uplifting speeches from anyone. I'm just being real and letting you know what's on my mind.)

So, with this alone time I plan to work my little ass off as often and for as much money as possible, put most of that money away for a rainy day but spend some of it on trips to visit my friends in New York, California, and the more affordable Austin, Dallas, & San Antonio.

Random side note: Badminton looks really freaking hard! (you know the game that looks like tennis but you hit a little birdie instead??) Their arms are all twisted and what not.

I love when the Olympics is on tv. Bye bye reality bull-shit, hello good ole' fashion exercise and talent. (Stopping myself from really going off on reality television...fight that urge, Jess..FIGHT IT!)

Good news, I've got a list of movies I've enjoyed lately, so if you're interested in giving them a shot here they are:

Sicko - by Michael Moore

Amelie - french film

The Dark Knight - starring Heath Ledger, Maggie Gylenhal

Penelope - starring Christina Ricci

Here are some pictures and after I go to the lake I'll have more.

John Mayer Concert

John Mayer Concert in the Woodlands

Chelsy and her friend Katy @ the concert.

Jodi, Me, & Chelsy at the John Mayer Concert.

All of us @ the Concert...it was freaking fabulous!
The Wall of painted Tears at the Holocaust Museum
A typical train car used to transport Jewish people to Aushwitz.

They would force 200 people in a car that would hardly hold 80 comfortably for days and days on end with no water or food or any place to sit down.
A Swedish fisherman's boat used to transport Jews from Germany to Sweden, which was neutral at the time of the war.
A quote from Elie Wiesel and more.

Leah & Gracie @ Japaneiros in Houston.
Maggie & Jodi @ Japaneiros in Houston.
Me & Jodi @ Japaneiros

(that damn on camera flash gives me red eye!! lol)
We tricked Leah into eating a dog biscuit...lol
Maggie & Coco looking crazy.

baby Sam & Gracie
Leah
Sugar getting her ball out of the hot tub.
Texas summers are really hot! lol
Me, Leah, Gracie, Chrystal, & Jo @ Pappadeaux's for Jodi's & My 21st Birthday.

We're such an attractive family.
My parents at Pappadeaux's
Chrystal, Paw Paw, & Leah @ Pappadeaux's
Me & Jodi at Pappadeaux's we're officially 21! :)

Aaron & Chrystal @ Pappadeaux's

Alright, so that's all I have for now.

I have many more things to talk about, most of which are controversial, so I'll spare you for now. Plus it's 12:40 at night and my dog is making my bed look really comfortable.

He loves his sleep.

Thanks for reading, my loyal friends and family! If you're a newbie to my blog, feel free to stick around a little while, things are going to get really interesting! (Subscribe to my blog!!!)

Yours,

Jessi Hebert

oh, p.s. that storm that was supposed to disrupt my birthday turned out to be the weakest pansy storm of all time. I slept right on through it! :)

It's MY BIRTHDAY and it can storm if it wants to...APPARENTLY

2008-08-01T19:04:00.001-07:00

I know, lately, if you've checked back here you've been let down.

"No new blog!?" you've exclaimed.

Well, I just try not to post a blog unless I have some pictures, because, well I AM a photographer and this IS linked to my photography website.

But you'll have to excuse me because I still don't have a camera.

My sister, Chrystal, took my other sister, Jodi's, camera to Puerto Vallarta on her 2nd wedding anniversary with Aaron.

Meanwhile, Jodi and I were left with Chrystal's point-and-shoot digital camera and the damn thing turns images pink occasionally, so I've been camera-less up until this week.

Jodi and I took our sister and brother-in-law's Sunday tickets to the Astros game and even though they lost (miserably I might ad) it was fun to be there, just the same.

On a side note, I've been watching a lot of Netflix lately and boy what a great investment that has been! I've been able to watch oldies that are virtually impossible to find on dvd these days, tv-show boxed sets that I've missed because of school or the fact that we still DON'T HAVE TIVO, or documentaries and foreign films.

(Netflix, where's my money for endorsing your product?? I could sure as hell use it, right about now.)

What have I already watched??

The U.S. vs. John Lennon - (loved it)

I'm Not There - (portraying the different characteristics/personas of Bob Dylan)

The Other Boleyn Girl - (starring Natalie Portman & Scarlett Johannsen) (loved it)

Roman Holiday - (starring Audrey Hepburn) (didn't enjoy it all that much)

What's next on my list?

An Affair to Remember (oldie)

North Country (starring Charlize Theron)

Gandhi

Amelie (a french foreign film)

etc...

Last Saturday Jodi, Chelsy, Katie (Chelsy's friend), and I went to the John Mayer concert in the Woodlands. It was absolutely perfection. He performed without his shirt and when he turned around you could see the top of his ass crack. :)

I personally could have done WITHOUT Colbie Caillat opening for him, but it was a great concert none the less. It was one of those concerts where afterwards your knees hurt from standing at an incline the whole night and your voice is raspy from screaming at the sexiness up on stage.

You may be saying to yourself "John Mayer is a douche"....well, I don't care if you don't enjoy his sexy soulful voice, but you can't deny his talent in playing the guitar. YOU play the guitar better than him and I'll be calling you sexy.

(P.S. guitar hero DOESN'T COUNT).

TODAY is my 21st BIRTHDAY! It's of course, JODI's 21st BIRTHDAY, also!

Luckily for me (sarcasm all the way) we have a tropical storm on it's way.

Tropical Storm Edouard! Not Edward, not Eduardo, Edouard...what a dumb ass name.

Can you tell I'm spiteful? Yesterday I had to wake up at the crack of dawn to help prepare for this thing. It's supposed to hit Galveston at 1 p.m. and we'll get the fall-off which usually includes strong rain, wind, and tornados.

Meanwhile, we've got enough gas to run our generator for a year, enough Ramen and tuna to feed all the people in Ethiopia, and enough dvds to keep us busy for a year. So, I think we're good.

Shout-outs:

Thanks to everyone who has wished me a happy birthday!

Happy Birthday, Jodi Gabrielle!!!

Happy Belated Birthday to Christine and Lisa!

Happy Birthday in advance to KARA, MOM, Cody, Julien, Jesse, Teague, and Christi.

There are no pictures in this post, I know, BUT the next post will include an ass-load of them.

I'm going to Houston with Jo, Gracie, and Leah this weekend and we plan on seeing:

Some museums, the zoo, and the Pineapple Express movie(trailer below).

Thanks for reading or at least scamming through it fairly slowly!

Love you, good luck riding out the storm if you are doing so!

Jessi

www.jessihebert.com

Happy Fourth!

2008-07-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I’m home and things are relatively normal. This past weekend, as you know, was the Fourth of July and we spent it at my parents’ new lake house in Toledo Bend. They’re extremely ecstatic about the house, as they should be, and we all spent the weekend relaxing, tubing, water-skiing, hydro-sliding, playing with Athena (my sisters’ dog), eating, eating, and oh-yeah did I mention eating?! I’ve probably gained 10 lbs.

Which brings me to another subject: I haven’t worked out in a little under a year (the 10 months I spent in Massachusetts) and I’m extremely out of shape! I haven’t actually gained any weight, but my lack of exercise has caused my fat to re-distribute to my boobs and ass. Not like you need to know, but anyway..

(I understand that I’m typing a lot more, but I feel like my personality hasn’t really shown through in previous posts and my main goal is to rectify that in posts to come.)

On another note, I have been receiving checks in the mail from relatives and family friends for my graduation from the Hallmark Institute of Photography, which is perfect since I don’t have a job just yet. Keep em’ comin! Haha!

My goals this summer are as follows: to finish un-packing (there are still about 7 bags in my hallway that are waiting to be ransacked through), glue my ceramic Buddha’s arm back on, glue my Amish figurine (previously owned by my roommate) leg back on (since both got broke on the trip home…friggin Airport people throwing my shit), look for work as a freelance assistant in Houston, post more blogs, go to the lake more and take more aesthetically pleasing pictures, clean and detail my car, and figure out a way to visit my friend who’s recently found herself heart-broken from her fiancé cheating on her. ☹

Here are some pictures from this Fourth of July Weekend!

(Chrystal)

(My dad)

(I love fire pits!)

(Aaron driving the boat)

(Jodi and her cute owl bandana)

(Kaycee refuses to get into the water...)

(Kaycee and I on the boat)

(Gracie on the boat)

(Dad and Aaron and their catfish)

(Gray)

(Chrystal's wipe-out! haha!!)

(Me hydro-sliding)

(Aaron, my brother-in law, skiing)

(Aaron's wipe-out)

(Chrystal before her failed attempts at hydro-sliding)

(Chrystal before she lost her hat..)

(Holly tubing)

(Chrystal and Athena)

(Chrystal and her dog Athena)

(A view of Toledo Bend)

(Aaron & Athena)

(Watching fireworks from the boat...great fun)

Here are some videos from this weekend:

(sorry if they're a little shaky...I was on a boat, after-all)

Please be patient with me and blogging, I have quite a bit on my plate right now, but check back regularly and I'll try my best not to disappoint you.

If you have a blog that you don't mind me reading, let me know...I love reading them.

If you're interested, my sister just posted a pretty lengthy, yet real brilliant blog on her xanga.

And until next time,

Thank you for your loving me and believing in me,

Jessi

I have a feeling I'll be blogging more often, now that school's over...Stay Tuned

2008-06-23T07:06:00.000-07:00

So, I'm officially by myself upstairs. Andrea left this morning to move into her new apartment in Brooklyn, New York. It's supposed to be raining in New York this afternoon, so hopefully they can escape a shower or two.

It's really hard saying bye to Andrea. She's been there for me the whole year when I needed someone to vent to or cry to.

My family was supposed to fly out of Hartford yesterday afternoon, but because of the thunderstorms we've been having their flights were canceled until this morning.

Here are some pictures from when we went to Boston on Saturday:

(young street performer in Quincey Market)

(Holly & Jodi in Quincey Market)

(Maggie, Chrystal, and Mom trying to figure out how to get to the U.S.S. Constitution)

(Holly, Me, & Jodi in Quincey Market)

(A performer balancing a stroller on his face...to me it almost looks like he's getting hit in the face by a flying stroller...lol)

(Same performer juggling)

(Chrystal, Jodi, and I in Quincey Market)

(Dad and Mom)

(helicopters)

(Mom & Jo on the way to the USS Constitution)

(Holly & Dad)

(Holly, Dad, & Chrystal)

(More helicopters...or maybe the same ones??)

(Holly's new yacht)

(An old dry-dock for building ships)

(Jodi at Cheers)

(Me wishing I was old enough to enjoy a beer at Cheers. 43 days til my 21st birthday!)

(Dad, Mom, Chrystal, & Holly at Cheers)

(Me, Maggie, & Jodi @ Cheers)

What am I watching: Vh1's "I love the new millenium"

What movie am I looking forward to watching?

What song/music video am I loving?

Thanks for visiting!

Comment!

Check back often!!

Love,

Jessi Hebert

www.jessihebert.com

www.jessihebert.blogspot.com

My Graduation from the Hallmark Institute of Photography!

2008-06-22T07:59:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, June 20th, I graduated from the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turners Falls, Massachusetts! I have learned a tremendous amount from Hallmark and I don't regret anything about it.

I can't believe it's over though. There were plenty of times when I was home sick and crawled into the fetal position on my bed, wanting to go home. And there were times when I've wanted to kill everyone in my house (7 other GIRLS). But, I've learned so much about who I truly am and what I'm capable of.

Here are a few pictures from my graduation:

(I'm in the yellow dress)

(Receiving my certificate...I'm up on the plasma screen, too.)

(My family that flew up to see me...Maggie, Holly, my mom, Chrystal, me, Jodi, my dad)

(Me and a couple of my roommates...Malissa & Andrea)

(Me in front of the Educational Building on the wall it says

"This is Our House"

Class of 2008)

(Melted Ice sculpture "h 2008")

(Me & Kimberly a.k.a. Kim-bo)

Me and my beautiful sisters:

(Chrystal on the left & Jodi on the right)

Well, there are more pictures taken and I'll post them once I get my hands on them.

My plans for after graduation consist of going to Mary Frances' wedding this weekend in Maine, going back home to Nederland, Texas, finding work and traveling.

Let me know if you or someone you know is interested in hiring a freelance assistant in Texas.

I'm your girl! :)

Have a great week everyone!

Thanks for your love and support,

Jessi Hebert

www.jessihebert.com

click Older posts to read some of my previous blogs.

Maybe the sun will shine today and the clouds will blow away...

2008-06-05T15:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so first let me start with some unfortunate news: Our web design instructor, Paul Bissex, was in a car accident yesterday morning. He was in a really bad condition yesterday and is getting better. He can open his eyes, move his arms, communicate with nodding and moving his hands, recognize his family and friends, and is aware of where he is, just not exactly what happened before the accident. Paul is one of our favorite instructors at Hallmark and we miss him dearly and wish him the best of luck with his recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts.

Now for some GOOD news: this past Tuesday my portfolio was reviewed and passed by the three judges (David Turner, Barbara Bordnick, and Beth Reynolds). I was the last person in my group to go and was stressing out all day monday and tuesday.

My portfolio will ALWAYS be a work in progress, but I'm glad that they enjoyed it and didn't find all that much to criticize. Beth liked an image so much she's willing to buy it from me (the main picture on my website home page).

I unfortunately don't have much to show, since I haven't really taken any pictures in the last couple of days, so I figured I would leave you with a fabulous singer covering one of Rhianna's songs. Her name is Kina Grannis and her voice is so melodic and beautiful!

Thanks for visiting! Next post will include pictures, I promise!

Love,

Jessi

"Dun Dun Duuuuuun!!!!"

2008-05-23T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

So, I'm officially done with my portfolio and have submitted it and I have to patiently await my portfolio review process on June 2nd or 3rd. (hence my title)

I haven't been showing you all that I have been up to because of time restrictions and things of that nature, so here they are...my commercial work and a couple of portraits you've yet to see.

(food still-life)

(glassware - chelsy helped me style this while she was visiting me..great work, chels!)

(Advertisement in the studio)

(reflective metal - flask from Urban Outfitters)

(selective focus)

(Interior of Poetry Ridge Bed & Breakfast in Greenfield, MA)

(Digital Alteration of Faith Dugan)

(Alternative image of Leland)

(Lily)

(Gracie)

In other news:

1) I'm going to soon update my website @ www.jessihebert.com. (I'll let you know when it's newness is ready for your viewing).

2) Graduation is June 20th if you're in the area!

3) If you know of anyone in the Houston/Austin area looking for a dedicated assistant, let me know.

Thanks for your visit to my blog!

Subscribe to this RSS feed to your Yahoo or AOL feeders (if you would like to know how to do this, email me personally and I'll help you through it: jessi@jessihebert.com)!!

If you're a fellow Hallmark graduate or student and you have a blog, let me know.

Oh, and Happy Friday Everyone! Have a GREAT MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!!

-Jessi Hebert

www.jessihebert.com

Chelsy's Visit

2008-05-12T14:33:00.001-07:00

Chelsy's trip to Massachusetts was a success!

She arrived last Wednesday afternoon.

Luckily enough, Chelsy (one of my best friends from Texas), is going to school to be a photographer also, so she was joyfully entertained while I had to go to school on Thursday and Friday.

So, on Saturday we:

Went to the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory!

One of them invaded Emily's face-space...she wasn't pleased.

Chelsy LOVES butterflies!!!

Chelsy & Emily

A lot of the butterflies were gracious enough to pose for a picture.

A hitchhiker on Chelsy's shoulder...

The butterflies were attacking Emily..

But you're not supposed to touch the butterflies..

The beautiful blue one refused to ever land long enough for a picture..

Except for this one time when it landed on Chelsy's shoe, but only showed it's wings for fractions at a time.

This is pebbles...a lizard of some sort.

I love this one, very beautiful!

Before heading to Boston, we decided to take some photo-ops near these beautiful train cars in a field of wildflowers. lol...how cliche does that sound??

When we got off the subway there were some people gathering to protest the war.

Chelsy grabbed a flyer and bought some peace earrings and a necklace to add to her huge ever-growing collection.

This homeless man and his pet squirrel!

Some street performers, Black Guys Dancin' & An Asian (that's what they called themselves), were getting ready to perform.

They were pretty cool..

This guy was hilarious and had great facial expressions!

This guy walked through his group-members on his arms...

And this guy was going backwards through them...

There was a really cool brick archway that I decided to take advantage of.

Chelsy & I

A one man band! :) Pretty good, too!!

Spectators of all ages..

We stuck around here so long that we missed out on the MFA in Boston. Why they close @ 4:45 on a Saturday afternoon is beyond me!

So, we left around 7:30 and hit up an Applebee's and called it a day.

But before she had to leave on Sunday, we stopped by Shelburne Falls, so she could see the Glacial Pot Holes and visit the Candle Shop right next to it.

I was really glad she came to stay for few days!!!

See you in June, Chels!

To everyone else:

Have a great week!!

Bookmark my blog!!

And if you know how, Add my RSS feed to your yahoo or aol RSS readers/home pages.

Thanks for visiting my blog, keep checking in!

Jessi

(feel free to leave a comment, you don't have to be a blogger member in order to do so)

Insert witty title here:

2008-05-05T08:39:00.001-07:00

Good news: one of my best friends, Chelsy, is coming to visit this week.

She'll be flying into Hartford, CT @ 3:30 on Wednesday and I'm sooooo incredibly excited!

When I moved up here I had quite a few people who promised to come visit me.

I didn't believe a single one of them.

Everyone overestimates the time they have, or money for that matter and to make a long story short, no one (with the exception of my sisters and my brother-in-law) have visited me this year.

I loved it when my sisters and brother in-law came! We went to Salem, Boston, Plymouth, Cape Cod, etc...

Anyways, I'm happy that at least one of my friends has followed up on their word.

I'm not sure what we're going to do, except I know that I will be singing on Thursday night for Karaoke at Hallmark.

We're raising money for the Breast Cancer Foundation, so if you're in or around the area of Turners Falls, MA, come on down!!! (said in a very Bob Barker type of way...the Price is Right is nothing without him btw).

Well, I don't have any portfolio shots prepared to show, but I will show pictures of when my sisters came to visit me back in October.

Me and my older sister, Chrystal (it was much colder in October..lol)

Me and my twin sister, Jodi, at my house...

Me & Chelsy, my friend that'll be here on Wednesday!!

Thanks for reading, and I promise once my commercial shots are edited they'll be up for your viewing pleasure!! :)

Have a great week everyone!

-Jessi Hebert

www.jessihebert.com

“There is only you and your camera. The limitations in your photography are in yourself, for what we see is what we are.” - Ernst Haas

I hope that's not completely true, because a lot of what I see is complete crap. :/

Busy Busy Busy

2008-04-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

So, as you know, we are in the final phase (phase 4) of our prestigious program here at the Hallmark Institute of Photography. At the end of this phase we will submit our portfolios and brace ourselves for our portfolio review.

We have a pristine group of panelists this year, David Turner (photographer for Hearst Magazine house), Barbara Bordnick, and Beth Reynolds (photojournalist).

With a month left, I'm almost done with my mandatory portrait assignments and am starting my commercial assignments tonight.

Here are some portraits of Jared.

Thursday evening...April 17

2008-04-17T14:35:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon!

So, I know I've been bragging about Massachusetts weather so much lately, more so than I would if I was in Texas and I finally understand the reason.

Be it that this year was the first year I had ever lived in snow, much less seen it, it was a bit unbearable at times.

The fact that you can ride in a car with the windows down and not freeze your ass off is fantastic!

I've even contemplated buying a new swim suit, but when trying them on, quickly change my mind (yikes)...

I have finished editing the pictures that I took of a young woman who goes to Smith College here in Massachusetts.

She was a great sport and was extremely easy to photograph.

With out further ado, here are the pictures:

Thank you for reading! If you would like to catch up on previous posts you've missed click on the titles of the posts in the right toolbar that's labeled "POSTS".

Feel free to comment here or send me an email at jessi@jessihebert.com.

-Jessi

My weekend:

2008-04-13T20:27:00.001-07:00

At the beginning of the weekend the forecast said it was 100% rain and even though it DID rain, it was hit and miss and when it wasn't raining it was absolutely gorgeous!

Friday night I went and ate at a restaurant called Wagon Wheel with a couple of my roommates and some other friends of ours. After which, we went and bowled @ King Ranch Entertainment.

We bowled for 2 hours and I won every game (although I think I was the only one who was keeping count..haha).

Saturday I woke up printed directions and headed towards Boston with Christina (a roommate of mine) and June. We arrived in South Boston and photographed an empty loft for Warren Real Estate. Why photograph an empty loft, you ask?

Well, even though it wasn't furnished, we photographed it so that they'll keep us in mind if they need any thing else photographed that is furnished.

Then we proceeded to head towards North Boston and the streets were incredibly full. The only logical explanation is that people are already in town for the Boston Marathon next weekend.

Anyway, we photographed a condo for Regina Capozzi and took a head shot for Regina and then headed on out. (Just in time, too, because the bottom fell out of the sky just as we were leaving Boston.)

I spent today cleaning and running errands and just found out that one of my best friends, Chelsy, is coming to visit me in early May!

I'm extremely excited! I miss her mucho!

Well, best wishes this week!

-Jessi

Pictures that were taken during our bowling day: (not taken by me, but great none-the-less)

Ashley

Me playing pool

The pool playing - continues..

Me telling Chrystal (my sister) how stupid I think Kenny Chesney's song "Shiftwork" is...

All of us stop for a group pic. :)

Numero Uno

2008-04-11T10:48:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday, April 11th.

The very first day of my blog!

Everyone is leaving me today. If you don't know, I attend the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turners Falls, MA. And today most of my friends are going home to get some R&R or photograph some things or just escape for a little while and spend some time with their families.

When I moved up to Turners (short for Turners Falls, of course) I left many things behind, one of which was my car, Rosie. She's a cute little Honda Civic that happens to be red, where her name originates. I can't stand not having access to a car. The fact that I have to depend on other people to take me to the grocery store, post office, and school drives me crazy. I can't venture off by myself and take pictures, I can't go buy props for my photo shoots, I can't go photograph people in environments other than the studio, I basically can't go anywhere without asking my roommates to take me or if I can borrow their cars.

THAT BEING SAID, this weekend Emily (a friend of mine here at Hallmark) has gone home to Minnesota and left her car for me to drive around! Yeah! (pronounced more like Yayeea..lol).

Hopefully I'll get some things accomplished this weekend, even though the weather is going to be regretfully somber. But hey, we were greeted almost every morning this week with the most beautiful skies, so who can complain?

Here are some pictures I took when I went home for spring break.

Executive photograph: Holly @ Gulf Credit Union

Occupational Portrait: Steve Hebert - Automation Electrical Designer

Portrait of Maggie & Coco

Occupational Portrait: Lori Lofton - art teacher @ PN-G High School

Put this into your bookmarks and check back frequently, I promise not to disappoint you.

-Jessi Hebert