Three Ladies I Love Dearly...

Thankful...

For so much...for so many people...for so many memories...

Thank you...

It's Been A While...

Slowly but surely, I'll be back.  I've gotten a lot done these past couple weeks, and while there's still stuff to do, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel getting bigger and brighter.  I'll try not to let that get derailed by the holidays.

Shutter Sisters Cross Post: Thank You Note

Coming out of hiding to let you all know I have a post up on Shutter Sisters today.  And since it has to do with gratitude, and since I'm thankful for anyone who would peruse my blog, this one's for you too.

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As I ponder on Gratitude, our One Word for November, I can't help but think about all the wonderful photographers I'm surrounded by here in the Shutter Sisters community.  When I became a contributor almost two years ago, I didn't realize how much I would grow as a person and as a photographer as a result.  Every time I look through our collective body of work, I'm amazed and humbled.

What a gift it is to be party of a community that supports and encouragees you, challenges you to grow, shares in your joys and sorrows. 

So today, I want to thank all of you, my fellow photographers and photography lovers who have taught me so much about not just how to take a good picture but also about friendship and generosity and sisterhood.

*****

P.S. If you leave a comment on my post on Shutter Sisters, you will be entered into a random drawing to win one of 5 free Memolio albums being given away today.

Matt In The Woods

Doesn't Matt look tiny in this photo?  Especially since he's actually really really tall in real life?  This one's from his wedding rehearsal a few weeks ago.  Yes, I'm still going through those photos!

I am taking a bit of a hiatus here because I have a couple big projects going on simultaneously PLUS Cadence is having major dental work tomorrow that requires us to go to Children's Memorial so she can go under general anesthesia PLUS a bunch of other stuff.  I'm not on the computer at home much these days, and quite honestly, I'm not shooting photos very much either.  Sometimes you need to take a breath and catch up before you take another step, and that's what I'm trying to do.

xoxo

Naps Are Good

I wish we lived in a culture that encouraged all its inhabitants, big AND small, to nap every day.  I think we'd be much happier as a society.

I Could Really Use a Pair Of These

Matt and Heidi have the right idea here.  It's been a wet fall, and I really need a pair of wellies to get me to and from the train station without the hem of my pants getting sopping wet.  And I must say, they go nicely with dressy clothes.

Howdy, Jack!

This photo cracks me up.  Disclaimer: Jack's dad commissioned me to take this photo, but I was only too happy to oblige.  He really liked peeking through that mail slot.  What kid his size wouldn't? 

Katie the Artist

This is Katie Schofield, the artist-in-residence at Wormfarm and our friend whom we visited this past weekend.  She is probably one of my 3 favorite subjects to photograph over the age of 5.

She possesses a strength and serenity about her that are eminently photogenic, if that makes any sense.  At any rate, I'm glad I had the chance see her and her artwork this past weekend.

Back to Urban Reality

(Rudden, holding an egg fresh out of the hen house)

Well, after an idyllic weekend up at Wormfarm, it's back to life in the big city.  It was good to slow down for a couple days, though.  I love spending time with people who feed my spirit and nurture my soul. 

Shutter Sisters Cross Post: When Life Gives You Raindrops, Make Bokeh

I have a post up on Shutter Sisters today.  You can go read it here.  Been having a ball in Reedsburg with friends.  Wish we could stay forever, as Rudden would say...

Our Partners in Country Excursions

We leave this afternoon for Wormfarm Institute for our friend Katie's art exhibit opening @ the Woolen Mill Gallery in Reedsburg, WI.  We will be joining our friends Amy & Brendan and Rudden & Jack as well as our good friend Hilary who will have the very important job of keeping Cadence company in the back seat all the way to Reedsburg.

It will be chilly up north, but I'm looking forward to getting out of the city yet again with our friends.

Sister Of the Bride

This photo is one of my favorites from Bridget and Raul's wedding in early September.  There are so many ways I could have processed this photo of Katie, Bridget's sister.

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I have been crazy busy for about 3 months straight, and I'm not sure how long I can sustain this level of no-free-time.  Luckily, I am headed to Worm Farm for the weekend for our friend Katie's fall exhibit.  We'll be staying in the local Super8, which may not seem that impressive, but all it takes is a motel room and Cadence and I are happy as clams.  Although I will still be busy post-processing in my free time, it'll be good to get some good clean fresh Wisconsin air with a few of my favorite people in the whole wide world.

Something Old...

This was Matt's baby bonnet which his mom Kris gave to Heidi to carry in her clutch on her wedding day as part of a tradition.  I thought that was soooo sweet.  And what a beautiful baby bonnet!  I can't quite imagine Matt in it, though.

The Photographer

This is Nicky Lockman of Nemus Photography, another friend of Matt & Heidi's who photographed the wedding with me last last weekend.  Despite sickness and rain, she was a trooper and got some really great images. 

It's always a comforting thought knowing that someone else is shooting an event with you.  Thanks, Nicky!

How Do You Like Them Apples?

Honestly?  I like them very much, thank you.  These were the wedding favors at my friends Matt and Heidi's wedding.  We actually stopped at that same orchard on the way home from Central Michigan, and those were some yummy apples.  We got a big bagful.  They were beautiful in the little baskets sitting on the tables.  What a great idea for an October wedding, especially in Michigan!