celebrating lovely little ladies

I had the pleasure of photographing a little girl who is about to turn 6 years old. The weather was cool and sunny and just perfect for a morning of shooting pictures. And it was a joy to work with such a sweet little lady. She has her mother's brown eyes and a smile that warms your heart. May her year of being 6 be a very blessed one!

once upon a hydroponic farm

Have you ever had a day that you've discovered little treasures and the whole experience makes you appreciate life just a little bit more? Well I came across one of these mornings and savored it down to the last minute. We started out at a hydroponic farm where things grow up instead of out. Imagine rows of strawberries all poking out from their green leaves shining like rich rubies all warmed by the sunshine. And tomato plants twice as tall as you that you can walk through like a cave. And zinnias for 25 cents a piece, pick your own glorious rainbow of them. Then we stopped at a place with chickens and flower and herb gardens where my little girl fell in love with a cabin just her size and wanted to invite all her friends for tea. Here there are classes to teach children about growing gardens and starting compost piles. Yes, some days truly become little jewels that you can treasure forever.

the color of cheer

You will find it nearly impossible to carry a few full balloons through a parking lot and not have people smile at you. It's as if you have brightened someone's day just at the sight of something so simple, round and colorful. Balloons make people happy. They are a symbol of the celebrations in life and others look at them and know that something special must be happening. So next time you feel like bringing smiles your way, grab a bouqet of balloons and welcome those warm grins that I guarantee you will see on the faces you pass by.

a faithful companion

I had the opportunity to photograph a beautiful relationship between a young lady and her horse. It was a treat to be in this glorious place and view the bond shared by these two. Companionship between man and animal can be one of the strongest. Here's to all the animals out there that are precious to us!

what is home?

My family and I currently find ourselves homeless. We sold our house and are living with my sweet parents until we close on a house next door to theirs. This house will be a heavenly haven and we know we'll find ourselves there for years to come. But what really makes a home?

To me home is....

a Billy Holiday song

smelling my daughter's hair

down pillows

hearing my husband play his guitar

laughter

a perfect photograph

lavendar

pearl earrings

a warm bath

a cool breeze

and a heartfelt embrace

oh, I could go on...

So really at the end of the day we're not homeless at all, nor will we ever be. But I do look forward to experiencing all of these things next door.

advice from a wise lady

I just finished reading a book about Audrey Hepburn that her son wrote after her death. Toward the end he said that his mother read her family the following on Christmas shortly before her death. I find it touching and wise and wanted to share...

Time-Tested Beauty Tips

-By Sam Levenson

(a letter to his granddaughter when she was born)

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

We leave a tradition with a future.

The tender loving care of human beings will never become obsolete.

People even more than things have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed and redeemed, redeemed, and redeemed.

Never throw out anybody.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands: one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

Your "good old days" are still ahead of you, may you have many of them.

lazy or crazy busy?

oh...it's been too long. will add more posts soon.