If you haven’t noticed, I’ve spruced up the design here on my blog and added a few new things here and there. I have added my little logo to the top, which I adore. I have also updated my before and after section with some rad new images and have added my prices to the blog. There are also a few new sample items I have ordered which will be available to those interested in purchasing photos. I’m rather excited about those getting here and photographing them to show you!

I have also had a few shots over the past month that I need to catch up on posting. One of my favorites, and my first ever, was a client shoot with my vet and her kitty cats! I’ll admit, I was a bit anxious going into it, but only because we own 4 cats of our own, so I know they’re not always the most cooperative subjects. I was more than pleased, though, when I showed up and realized they made my job much easier than I had previously expected. One was a bit shy, but I did manage to snap a few shots of him before he scurried off under the bed again.

I also shot an exciting surprise birthday party for a lovely lady who turned 70. Everyone was moved to tears at the party and I was so happy and excited to be there and not only get to photograph the event for her and her family and friends, but to get to meet such an amazing lady that I could learn so much from just by watching her interact with others.

Last but not least, the amazing newborn shoot that I still need to post.  I know, it was promised over a month ago, but things have been busy around here and I wanted to take the time and pick the best photos for the post, since there were so many amazing ones!

Spring is here and new things are happening all around. I am trying new recipes, experimenting photography wise and LOVING the outcome (and you will, too!), gaining new clients, and therefore new friendships and starting a new exercise routine. I feel so motivated and inspired by the warm weather and longer days and cannot wait to see what else will come into bloom for me this year!

Now, because posts are more fun with photos, I leave you this photo of Ruby. The full post with lots more photos will be posted in the next day or two!

Wherever you are, whoever you are, and whoever you’re voting for, please remember to cast your vote on November 4th, if you haven’t already.

Our Country needs all the help it can get and that means every single voice needs to be heard. We have all, or we all know someone who has been affected by recent economic times and it’s only going to get worse if we don’t stand up and do something about it. We have the freedom to have a say, so please take advantage of that and exercise your right to have a say about your government.

About a week ago, there was a contest online that Shreve from The Daily Coyote twittered about.

I moseyed on over to Sunny Rising Leather, where the contest was taking place, to see what it was about and I was quite happy when I saw the site. Not only did I see handmade goods, but I also saw a story of two people in love. I’m a sucker for love stories, as I’m quite the hopeless romantic. I suppose it’s also easy to like love stories when you yourself are in love. I suppose this is why I enjoy photographing engagement sessions and weddings!

The contest was pretty simple. They wanted you to share your best advice about marriage and/or love, rather you’re married or not. Advice you’ve heard, come up with on your own, or what have you. The winner would get a stunningly beautiful handmade necklace. It was made mainly out of leather and painted to look like an ethereal peacock feather. The owner said she felt so much joy while making the piece and wanted to share it, so that was her prize.

My entry was;

“Tell each other from the beginning – “if you ever leave me, I’m going with you”. Then, there’s no reason to ever get to that point.

Also, never go to bed angry.”

Well, I WON!!! Not only did I win a beautiful necklace, but it really did bring a sense of joy to my life. I have never won anything before, and it just seemed like something that needed to happen now. It’s been a rough year, and as soon as I received this necklace yesterday, I lit up and put it on. I didn’t take it off until I went to bed last night, and Andy was kind enough to take a photo of me wearing it and to be in one with me!

Thank you again, “Allisunny”, for this beautiful necklace, and good luck to you and yours and your walk down the path of love!!! Also, thank you, Shreve, for posting about this amazing couple, as I never would have found them without you.

For those interested in more work like this stunning necklace, please remember to buy hand made and visit her leather shop, here and her metal shop.

I am just now getting around to posting about this though it was a few months ago. I was reminded this morning when I opened my fridge and ran to sit down and post about it, as not to put it off any longer.

On June 7th, Andy’s Mother took he and I to a vineyard in Virginia called West Wind Farm, for their 2nd anniversary. As soon as we pulled up, despite the heat, I was in awe of how amazingly quaint and comfortable the whole place felt.

Needless to say, I sampled my share of wines and my favorite of the day left me walking away with a bottle of my own – their very own Galena Creek Peach. It was some of the best wine I had ever tasted and I knew immediately I must have a bottle. I even loved the bottle so much that after I finished it, I kept it around.

The wine wasn’t what was in the fridge this morning that triggered my memory, though. It was the small jar of Raspberry Peach Champagne Jam. The jar is almost empty, as I’ve put it on my toast, english muffins and even used it for the topping of a pudding cake I made.

If anyone is ever in the area, I strongly suggest you visit the vineyard. It is open all week and is really small and comfortable and I cannot wait to go back next year! I think I’m going to bring back a few more jars of jam and maybe even another bottle of wine! For tour hours and to see their event calender, you can check out their website here and psst, pick up another bottle of wine for me while you’re there! Thanks, Sandy, for a great day of wine and friends.