2.28.2010

smiles and energy

On location shoots mean something different every time. I mean, I guess any shoot is different than any other, but there is something about going into someone else's home, backyard or personal location choice and poking around. It's like being an unusually large sized fly on the wall...'cept more on the floor...and with a camera...and backdrop...and purpose. Oh, yeah...they are aware of my presence.

But you know what I mean.

Tanner and Elia definitely kept me on my toes, whether it was about showing me a new toy, something 'exciting' under the kitchen sink (haha...Becky, that was too funny...) or just being themselves. Love. It. Kids and their abound energy and curiosity and playfulness is what I dig the most-as both a photographer and a person. Seriously...can't wait for the day that stuff can be bottled.


Awwwwww! How cute are they?!
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Elia had just turned one, so what better way to celebrate than her own personal cake (these cakes are ridiculously delicious and brought to you by the Ole Café!)
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Seriously. Heart. It.
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2.26.2010

30 years love

A few weeks ago, I recieved a letter in the mail that wasn't a bill nor was it soliciting insurance or grocery savings--how stoked was I? I lifted the flap and instantly smiled when I read the inside info. My Aunt and Funky Unky (yeah, just go with it) would be celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. My parents, as well as Mr. Nick's parents, also threw down the big 3-0 within the last six months...must have been a busy time in...1980...? What? haha...Anywho, being married on the leap year, there really isn't an exact day to celebrate this year, but that's all semantics anyway. Ever so creative and thoughtfully, my fav cousins Kirimi and Emily (and I can so legally say that as all my cousins are my fav) had organized a sweet little surprise plan. In lieu of a major party (we're spread thoughout the nation. No joke.) they decided to host a memory party. They sent out little 3x5 inch cards for us to write our memories of the happy couple and mail them back to be assembled in a book and presented as one united gift. What a great idea!

Since I'm still getting reorganized in the photo filing, I opted for another approach and clip-arted the heck out of it.

To my dear Aunt and Uncle; I thank you for all the great memories of the past and look forward to those yet to be made. It's always an adventure with you both, thanks for letting me tag along. With much love and gratitude for everything, TD.


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2.23.2010

First birthday: Miss E

If this doesn't make you smile today, you should probably just go back to bed.

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Will have more of this little one and her family in a day or two, but I couldn't resist posting this gem. What a sweetheart!!!

2.17.2010

Ruby Thursday

I'm not sure what it was that drew me to Ruby. Was it her curious, standoffish initial wary attitude toward me? Or perhaps it was the way she couldn't quite keep her concentration on anything for more than a few minutes (which, haha, reminded me of stories I've heard of myself when I was younger). Or the way she would sit, for just a second, deep in thought about the task at hand whether it be examining new nail polish, pointing out and naming her dolls or rediscovering the amazing abilities of Dora and Amelia Bedelia and then, even more suddenly, she'd be off on her next adventure.

Yet another reason to love other people's kids.

As if I really needed another reason.

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2.14.2010

a day for love

I sit today with so many words, thoughts and emotions coursing through my system. It's my favorite kind of day. A delicious-smelling pork concoction slow roasting in the oven, turnovers cooling on the counter top, relatives who were once far away are now home again, safe and sound. With the snow whirling outside, cozy fire lighting the room inside and a relaxing evening with Mr. Nick ahead of me, how could I possibly be anything more than nonsensically content.

But I am.

It was roughly three years ago while I was sitting at my desk in a windowless office, laughing to myself in amusement over the fates of life. Is this what I went to four years of college for? So I could make copies, run errands and do computer work in a job that doesn't even come close to inspiring my creative side or nurture the person whom I eventually want to become? No. I don't think so. Even though I had no idea which course of action I wanted to take, I knew that there had to be something more, something different. Something strenuous and difficult, something that would be ridiculously challenging at times thus being that much more fulfilling and enjoyable when the sun had set and the day was done.

I cannot thank my lucky stars enough. Going back to school and figuring out the career that's really for me, that's really me, is possibly one of the biggest risks and the best random decision that I have ever made.

So here I sit, reflective on life as I know it. The balancing act of the hard times complimented with so many more better days. The risks taken and the rewards gained. I am so thankful for the life, love, family, friendships and all that I value and hold dear. And it is oh, so much the sweetest Valentine's gift I could ever give myself.

Happy Valentine's day.

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2.13.2010

miss isabella

I blog all the time. Unfortunately, it's mostly in my head. I have these great ideas when I drive to work, when I'm making a tuna sandwich or when I'm seconds from slipping into sleep, yet as soon as my fingers graze these twenty-six pewter keys my mind goes blank, finger still.

What gives?

Although today I am at a sincere loss and don't have profound words of wisdom to expel on my audience or hilarious anecdotes, I do have Isabella (ok, I know I rarely have pearls of wisdom and I am even more rarely hilarious, but just flow with it). Not only does she rock my socks off, she doesn't really even need an introduction. Perfection.

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2.12.2010

Getting out there

Just a little note of the day--we're making Cyber headlines! Haha, okay, not really but sort of. My images of Shauna's stellar dessert tables are now featured on Eat Drink Pretty and The Sweetest Occasion!!!!

Happy Friday!!!


Since everything is better with with a photo, here's another little slice of sweetness: Ruby. Will have more on her next week, what a cutie!

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2.11.2010

Kelsie: 3 years

This little one...I tell ya. If she's anything like her mother, look out! Haha, I kid, I kid! Mostly.... ;-)

Rachel and I were friends in high school and when I heard she was pregnant I distinctly remember thinking that she was going to have a seriously adorable blond-haired, blue eyed beauty. Little did I know! I had a great time this summer trying out my first-time photobooth at Rachel and Brian's wedding and knew that photographing little Kelsie would be just as much fun.

Although she was a bit hesitant at first, it took about five minute for her to warm up to me! Showing off her stuffed animals and her 'inside joke' thumbs up, Keslie was just a hoot from start to finish!


Oh, those eyes!!!
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A one-armed snow angle?! Why not?
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2.09.2010

sweet little Casey

It's funny how fast babies grow into real people. I mean, think about it. In a year they develop not only muscles that allow them to be mobile, but also the brain capacity that says, 'hey, I want that toy. I bet if I move my hand like this...yep, that's mine!'. Let alone rolling, crawling, identifying colors and sounds...Not to mention the mad skills it takes to use a bottle. Try it sometime. How do they do it!? Blows my mind!

Casey is no different and she had some funny little noises to go along with her wide range of facial expressions...too bad photos don't capture sound...yet, anyway. :-) Lovely!!!

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One of my most favorites
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...and my other most favorite
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2.05.2010

Feels like January

I'm back!

BOOM, baby!!!!

Yeah, I just quoted the Emperor's New Groove. Don't hate.

I have my computer once again!!! Due to a back ordered part, I was without my little guy for nearly four weeks. Insane. Word of the wise to anyone who values their computer work: back up, back up, back up! I was able to retrieve all my information (I'm 94% certain I only lost by Internet bookmarks), but that's not always the case. I'm so happy I have an external hard drive and bunches and bunches of discs laying around!! Anywho, that's all in the past, no need to dwell...still...heavy sigh of relief...

I've been working like crazy to get caught up--possibly even ahead!--and get back on track. I have so many posts to catch up on and I hope to be posting much more often in the coming days, weeks, months, millennium, what have you. Let's get this ball a-rollin!

I met Shauna about a year and a half ago for a make-shift maternity shoot. Even though we had several mishaps during the shoot (we rented a studio that didn't quite hit the head on the nail when it came to accurate descriptions of the equipment and space...) she was a super rockstar and took everything in a stride. Bringing fun new ideas to the table, we had a great *hot, muggy* day. She has since had her little bouncing bundle--with, possibly, the best hair ever--and started her own business. Check it.

Shauna Younge Dessert Tables is...well...super sweet. On all accounts. Shauna has a great eye for detail, crazy people skills, and some super nummy treats which will surely make her new business a blooming success. This table was designed off this inspiration board (borrowed from Shauna's blog)

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From gathering visual info from all these aspects, she creates a dessert table that not only incorporates the feel of the wedding/event but also the personalities of the people involved. Genius.

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Some of these are hand painted (yes, that's right, hand painted truffles) and custom designed especially for Shauna. She searches high and low to find something unique and fitting for each catered event and she seriously knows her sweets.

Oh, and those purple flower little suckies--located in the stage left--in the square bowl? I had one. And I think it changed my outlook on purple candies forever. Mr. Nick and I both decided that is what the color purple tastes like. Like a rainbow of purple fairies dancing in your mouth. This coming from the girls who dislikes grape Jolly Ranchers, Popsicles, Skittles and all other likenesses. Except juice. I likes the grape juice.
Anywho....continuing on...


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Why, hello macaroon tower. Where have you been all my life?


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Ok, see the little bitty cookies in the front? They are like Cheetos, Bugles, M&Ms and shoes all rolled into a delicious bite-sized little cookie--there is no way you can have just one.


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