Summer will soon be here and it will be welcomed with open arms. Warm days, cools nights, beach filled weekends and just a general easiness.
landscape or portrait?
“a good photograph is knowing where to stand” ~ Ansel Adams
I was asked for photographs for a large collage frame my daughter was hanging over her couch in their living room. The frame called for portrait format photographs. As we looked through the many photos I’ve taken, I realized that I very seldom take photographs in a portrait format. I am prone to taking photographs in a landscape format, I guess because it just looks more natural to my eye. Continue reading “landscape or portrait?”
Just Breathe . . .
“Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” ~ Wayne W. Dyer
Breathing comes natural to all of us, however slowing down to actually breathe is completely different than breathing to take in oxygen.
In today’s world life is busier than ever. We are bombarded with various types of social media, cell phones, text messages, our jobs and possibly parenting. I thought when my daughter was grown and I wasn’t taking her to and from places anymore, life would slow down. Not the case at all! Continue reading “Just Breathe . . .”
Know Light . . . Know Photography
“Light makes photography. Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.” ~ George Eastman
This past week or so, the light on the east coast, particularly NJ, has been quite awful. There has been so much cloud cover, rain and a Nor’easter this past Friday. We are expecting to be hit with yet another Nor’easter this Wednesday. March has come in like a LION! Continue reading “Know Light . . . Know Photography”
A Letter to Me . . .
“God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” – Voltaire
While listening to the radio the other day a song by Brad Paisley began to play. The song is called “Letter to Me” it talks about writing a letter to your seventeen year old self. It made me think about what I would write if I wrote that letter to my seventeen year old self. Many thoughts started running through my mind. Once I arrived at work I tucked the thoughts away for later in the day when I could really think about what I would write. Continue reading “A Letter to Me . . .”
Creating Yourself, Your Brand
“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” ~ George Bernard Shaw
The journey to creating oneself is not an easy road. As children I think we mostly try to fit in with others, I think this is true for most children. We all just want to be liked and accepted.
As teenagers, we become a bit rebellious, trying with all of our energy to stand out, something that brings independence. In my experience, most teenagers, try this rebellion with their parents. If you rebel against the people who love you most, you are not in jeopardy of losing anything. They will still be there to love you, maybe a bit tired, but still there. Continue reading “Creating Yourself, Your Brand”
Cupcakes & Macarons
I crave a life filled with magic in the smallest of things.
Life is short, so why not eat dessert first? I am taking a food photography workshop through 2 Lil Owls owned and run by Denise Love. I’ve followed her for some time on Instagram and when she advertised that a food workshop would be offered in January I was eager to sign up.
It’s been quite interesting to see how she makes such beautiful images in such a small space. The magic of her images is created in a small area in her dining room by a large patio door/window. What I am truly loving about the workshop is her practicality about how she purchases her props and also about how she thinks about the arrangement of her designs. Her method of teaching is easy to follow and very informative. She explains where she purchases certain props and why she has chosen them.
Food evokes many emotions, it is often a first date for a new couple, it is something we crave after a night out dancing, it is what a first birthday cake smash is the center of, and let’s not forget, it’s what all married couples feed each other at their wedding. Food is more than just nourishment, it is a feeling, an emotion, and what better way to express your feelings than with cupcakes and macarons? Both are comforting and simply fun to eat!
I love flowers and when I came across these peonies, I knew they would be beautiful with the cupcake. They fit perfectly next to this simple yet elegant cupcake, don’t they? Two very romantic items, paired together for the perfect LOVE.
As always, it was so nice catching up with all of you. Have a fabulous week ahead. Until next time . . .
A Snow Day
“A snow day literally and figuratively falls from the sky, unbidden, and seems like a thing of wonder.” ~ Susan Orlean
This past Thursday the East Coast in the USA was blanketed by a blizzard. While snow may look romantic and magical in photographs, it’s a completely different story when those beautiful white flakes turn into a blizzard. If you are not familiar or have never been in an area that has harsh winters, snow can often times not be fun and it’s for absolute certain a blizzard is not fun. For those who have never experienced a harsh winter let alone a blizzard, here is the definition of a blizzard. Continue reading “A Snow Day”
What Is Life?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11
The New Year tends to bring a renewed hope for so many, a new beginning. Out with the old and in with the new. So many of us will make New Year’s resolutions, such as – I’ll exercise more, I’ll lose weight, I’ll be more positive and the list goes on. I too, have made the usual, I’ll lose 10 pounds this year, I’ll exercise and look more fit in the upcoming year. Continue reading “What Is Life?”
Christmas time is here . . .
May you have the gift of Faith, the blessing of Hope and the peace of His Love at Christmas and always.
With Christmas one week away, I was inspired to photograph some Christmas still life scenes on Sunday. Time goes by so quickly and it seems to pass exceptionally fast when there is a holiday soon approaching. As we all busy ourselves with shopping, baking, trimming the tree and well, just getting ready for the big day, those days leading up to Christmas go by extra quick!
I came across a book I read to my daughter every Christmas Eve, just reading the inscription I wrote to her so many years ago, brought back such loving and good memories, it’s difficult to believe she is all grown and married herself.
Memories are what holidays and special occasions are all about. The actual day goes by fast, years later, we are left with fond memories of the people we shared the day with, and the laughter we all shared together.
As you prepare for your family gatherings, enjoy the festivities, food and good times shared with your loved ones. From my family to yours, I wish you the Merriest Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
I will be taking a short break for the holiday but will be back in the new year with more stories and photographs. In the meantime, please continue to follow me on Instagram.
Thank you for continued support I truly appreciate it, until we meet again . . .
Deck The Halls . . .
Peace. Love. Joy.
You can feel the excitement in the air, at least I seem to feel it this year. I haven’t been much in the Christmas spirit in recent years, I’m not really sure why. For whatever reason, I actually feel like Christmas is a happy event this year.
With this new found excitement, decorating the house this past weekend wasn’t as stressful as it has been in years past. Brian and I have been putting up less decorations then we have previously, but it still feels festive and like Christmas in our home.
The decorating must begin with the Christmas tree . . .
and McKenzie is never far from the action . . .
After our daughter moved out we were left with very few ornaments. I’ve been trying to buy a few each year. She commented on how few ornaments we have on our tree, then gave a chuckle, knowing all of the ornaments were hers, and went with her when she moved out.
Collecting ornaments for her was one of my favorite traditions. Each year from the time she was born I would purchase an ornament for her. I began with a collection of Lenox ornaments, my favorite collection is the Night Before Christmas series. Each ornament, depicts one section from the book. Sometimes she comments on an ornament and asks if I remember why she chose that particular ornament, the stories associated with each ornament brings back good memories. A tradition I know she will continue with her baby.
After an entire day of unpacking boxes, fixing our home to feel the love and peace of Christmas, the finale of course is the lit Christmas tree.
May you and your family find the Peace, Joy and Love that Christmas brings. Please keep in mind Christmas is so much more than buying presents. Of course it’s fun to give and to get, but it’s the memories of Christmas that will last a lifetime, just like the ornaments, each Christmas has it’s own special meaning.
And to all a good night . . .
Until we meet again, thank you for stopping in and catching up with me . . .
