My daughter | Kirkland, WA Photographer

My daughter is growing up so fast.  I miss those chubby cheeks that wow’d the doctors upon her arrival, I miss those tiny little chubby feet that never fit in any shoes, I miss that crazy mullet hair that only grew in the back but was nearly absent in the front, I miss those tiny little 6 month clothes that I could pick out without any consideration as to how she would feel, I miss folding those clothes, I miss wrapping her in a fluffy terry cloth towel after a bath, I miss seeing her stand up in crib when it was morning, I miss her first words that only I could understand and interpret, I miss watching daily as she grew and changed and learned…  the list goes on. 

Now, I get to enjoy the conversations about friends and school, the mommy/daughter dates that seem to be ever important, the nightly reading about Junie B. Jones and her shenanigans in school, shopping and appreciating her opinion, waiting in anticipation to see what kind of an outfit she put together for the day (she’s getting pretty darn good), playing games that bring on her giggles, utilizing her help to clean and cook whenever possible, watching the light bulb go on when she learns something new or completes something with pride, teaching her and learning from her (mostly learning), watching her swim and swim and swim and loving her swimming lessons… the list goes on. 

There is a guarantee-time doesn’t stop.  No matter the situation, time goes on.  Isn’t that strange? Not really, but sort of?  : )  Some days I want to freeze in time and those are the days that seem to go by the fastest and other days can’t seem to be over quick enough.  I can’t stop her from growing up-even to enjoy a perfect day for another hour.  She will continue to grow and learn and someday think that I’m not awesome (WHAT?) and then hopefully come back around to thinking I am awesome.  : ) 

80’s Rockstar Dog | Kirkland, WA Photographer

Not many dogs can claim to have such cool hair!

The archives | Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

I love going back, reviewing the past.  I often find pictures that didn’t stick with me the first time I viewed them.  As I change, I find myself liking images that may not have impacted me on round one.  So, you can understand why round two (maybe three and four) is needed.  ; )  So, I remember being in this family’s backyard and while some of the members were putting on shoes or finalizing their last minute preparations for pictures, I took a stroll with the ones that were ready.   We were getting a grasp on lighting.  They were so accommodating and cooperative.  Maybe there was no pressure, they were simply allowing me to “get ready” for pictures.  Typically the bottom of shoes isn’t a pleasant view and maybe frowned upon (and possibly offensive in some cultures??) but aren’t rules made to be broken? : ) 

The Space Needle | Kirkland, WA Photographer

One of my goals here in Seattle is to get a photograph of this thing…  I don’t want to be rushed, I don’t want to be driving by (like I was with this one) and I don’t want to be in the rain.  Let’s see… put all those wants and wishes together and I’m not sure if it will ever happen.  This will NOT be the only picture I have of this.  I am determined…

Holiday mini sessions | Queen Creek, AZ photographer

As I was preparing this little nugget, I had to stop and wow at the fact that it is already time to start thinking about the holidays.  Well, I suppose it’s only time if you don’t want to fall behind.  : )  The end of the year can get so full, so busy and so complicated.  I’m excited to be in the Queen Creek area for some mini sessions on November 11, 12, 13.  The mini session will include a digital image since many like to design their own holiday greetings.  If you prefer to NOT do your own, you can substitute the digital image for other products including customized cards.  I have a limited number of appointments remaining so if you are interested, call or email me! 

More Beauty | Kirkland, WA Photographer

In an effort to take a better look at my surroundings, I took my camera with the 50mm 1.4 attached and wandered.  I saw many things that made me wish I had a macro but I also saw many things that made me happy regardless of what lens I had.  I noticed color and detail, textures and lighting.  I felt so free (and like some landscape photographer) as I just had the intent of finding-just finding what was around me.  Sometimes, this is the best way to make friends with your camera or to love photography (or love it all over again).  There is beauty all around (not just when there’s love at home like the primary song sings) if we just look for it.  And, we never have to look far.  (notice my play with the watermark-or don’t.  I haven’t settled of course.  I am non-committal and fine with that for now.)

A little Seattle | Kirkland, WA Photographer

You never know what you are going to get around here.  The day started out raining in the morning and the sun peeked out in the day.  There are sections of the sky that look blue and bright but turn around and see gloom and gray.  Either way, the clouds tell stories and I am always anxious to watch and see what happens!  I took these pictures while being a tourist and enjoying Ride the Ducks.   The “be a tourist” list is long but we started there. 

Watermarking

I have been in the watermark dilemma position before and funny thing, I am here again.  Maybe it is just something fun for me to play with and work on?  Anyhow, you can see what I have been up to…

I wonder what I will settle on?

The Amazing Gager! |Queen Creek, AZ Photographer

This cute little boy (my nephew) is quite the entertainer.  He loves Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and doesn’t go anywhere without his weapon.  He often refers to himself as Donatello (or one of the other TMNT).  As you can see, he tucks the weapon in his pants when not in use.  He sleeps this way, eats this way, and even tries to go to the bathroom this way.  ; )  This is exactly who he is at age 4! 

Fail Forward

One of my favorite terms, Fail Forward, didn’t come from this book, but I sure was happy to see this!  I didn’t know about the book until my mom brought a stack of inspiring books for me to read.  I was so excited about its title that I chose this one first.  I love this term because it means taking your mistakes and using them as lessons to move forward.  It can apply to business and personal lives.  I learned of this concept many years ago when I worked for Wells Fargo Bank and went through training as a mortgage loan consultant.  Portions of the classes were videos recorded specifically for Wells Fargo by  Todd Duncan.  His passion and drive is incredible and his organization is awesome.  So, I heard him use the phrase Fail Forward and loved it.  Since then, I continue to use this phrase as a regular part of business and life.  The book, Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes Into Stepping Stones for Success, is powerful and inspiring and the author is John C. Maxwell.  I haven’t read any of his other books but don’t worry, it is in the stack.  His insights are worth pondering and implementing!  Another book worth reading!