A Real, Live Guitar Hero

Meet Jesse, master guitarist and skateboarder extraordinaire. He's a guy who is easy going and fun to hang out with. But I bet you can tell that from the pictures!




Jesse's mom has a photograph of his dad as a shirtless young man, playing guitar. So in the spirit of carrying on tradition...



And with his very cool skateboard:

Next session we're going to get some action shots with that skateboard, Jesse!

Another incredible senior!

Have I mentioned that I love photographing seniors? Oh, yes - I think I have! ;-)

Here's another senior I so enjoyed getting to know. Meet Gus - not your average Joe. He's planning on studying forensic chemistry - not for the faint of heart nor the weak of mind. And for his own enjoyment, he does comparative analysis of French medieval literature. This guy is smart! Not boring-smart, but fun-smart. He's got a cool dachshund and a cool car. And though his Scion is one boxy little automobile, I found Gus a guy who refuses to be put into a box. Best wishes to you, Gus, as you pursue the path ahead. Thanks for giving me this honor!

Who, ME?

One cannot say our little dog, Lucy, is mistreated. In fact, she forgets she has four legs and a stubby little tail sometimes. Yes, she thinks she's a person. Yesterday, I walked into my daughter's room to this unimaginable sight. She was comfortably tucked in, contentedly watching the "aquarium" my dd had lovingly places there for her entertainment:


As I disturbed her fish-watching, this is the look I got. I think she's saying, "Spoiled? Who, ME?"

Oh, the things you miss...

...when you have BIG kids! Granted, there are so many wonderful things about having older children, like having real conversations about the deep mysteries of life (e.g, who gets the car? and how can we be in three places at once?) Like watching them discover what they're good at and pursue it. Like observing and guiding as they spread their wings and gain their independence. It's a very rewarding time in life. But sometimes I miss little things about those early, seemingly much simpler, days. Like sticky kisses, high-pitched giggles, finger paints, play-doh, hide-and-seek, and Dr. Seuss. (Shhhhh....don't tell anyone, but I'm going to see that Who movie even if I can't drag my big kids to it!) LOL

I guess that's why I love what I do so much. If a photograph can, in an instant, bring all those memories and good feelings flooding back, if it can artistically capture that expression that so characterizes this moment and this person, (big or small) that you love, then I've done my job.

Because my kids are big, I somehow missed the movie Curious George when it was in the theatres. (Yes, I know this was made in 2006!) On the radio today, I heard Jack Johnson's Upside Down from the movie. It's such a happy, feel-good song, with a tremendously fun video. So I invite you to grab your kids today, to kick up your feet together, watch the video, and celebrate this moment...and all the special moments and memories you treasure. Enjoy!




Jack Johnson - Upside Down lyrics

A beautiful bride...

Two posts from me in one day - I think I'm going for a record here! But you can see why I was motivated to share. Elise, her mom, sister and I spent some lovely time photographing at water's edge. I'm sharing a lot of closeups for you, mom, as I know you may need one of those for the reception. But I just couldn't help but include more!

As a special surprise, I've created a painting from one of the images. I hope you like it - it was a pleasure to paint! And Elise, I wish you all the best in your new married life!

Only in Texas....

...would one wear shorts while building a snowman. Granted, that "one" is a little zany and adventurous, and her pants were already soaked from the heavy, wet snow. The sun had come out and was nicely warming the day. So the obvious solution? Wear shorts, of course! LOL

A few snaps from our fleeting fun:



M and Lucy - her ever-faithful friend:


WHAT would make a dog run like this? A partially-deflated basketball that is her favorite toy! (You should see her carry it in her mouth!)


And a moment's peaceful reflection for me:


It's all about gone now. I'm so glad we were able to enjoy snowfall this year!