Afternoon Tea Party~

As the sun sets on another beautiful day here in Germany... four children gather in the wheat fields nearby to celebrate. They celebrate nothing imparticular, they just celebrate life... and the joys of being a child~

I watch them all with great wonderment. I wonder if they even realize how blessed they are? To be sitting in the heart of a wheat field in Germany, surrounded by the love and watchful eye of their parents. To be soaking in the warm rays of the sun, while sitting in pretty dresses, having a simple tea party with their favorite dolls. And it was wonderful!!!

Thank you Wiehi family for blessing me this afternoon with your warmth. For giving me the chance to share in such a moment and experience such joy. I really needed it more than you will ever know. Sometimes, you see, being an adult can make you forget. Forget just how beautiful it can be to sit in a pretty dress, in the middle of a field, in Europe, just having a simple cup of tea.

Enjoy~

A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world~

A single leaf blows off the branch of a nearby tree as the skies made it known that the rain which has plagued us over the last few days is not yet over. A gentle breeze comes from around the corner as a childs laughter is carried with it, and then another. Soon, a parents gentle touch is felt by one as she helps dress her daughters in rubber rain boots and matching umbrellas. The skies are holding off for now, as if to allow us a moment of togetherness... this family of God awaits the click of my camera shutter and I am again so honored to name these people friends.
She was the first woman to meet and greet me when I first arrived here to Germany. A plate full of chocolates and a warm hug, followed by evenings of great wine and homemade meals. This family I love so very much... we have already made so many wonderful memories together. And today, another opportunity to gather and capture family portraits that are long over due.
Thank you again for these moments in time. Thank you again for allowing me the honor. And thank you most of all for being that friend who has become my world.
I love you all so very much...
Enjoy~

And life moves on....

Military life, filled with PCS, Deployments, TDY's. But it is also filled with friendships that are quick to develop and not quick to dissolve. Your life in this life can be such a whirlwind of excitement, filled with a little anxiety, and degrees of separation. Right now in my personal life, I am thinking of a friend of mine back in Texas... who is only hours away from seeing her husband for the first time in 21 months. Safe travels Anthony, and a glorious reunion to Shelia and family! Yet here in Germany, I am saying goodbye to two families I have come to know and care for in just the short 7 months I have been here.
A few days ago I photographed family portraits for a woman who trusted me with her maternity and newborn pictures just a few short months ago. Now, this afternoon, under beautiful blue skies, I captured images of another family bound for the States in just a few short weeks. I have photographed her son after his graduation, and now the reunion of her and her husband. Celebrating his recent return safe from down range. Welcome Back Sir!
So, as I say goodbye, I thank you for bringing me into your lives... if only for this short time. And I hope that the images that I captured for you will aid in fond memories of your time here in Germany. You will be missed...
Its been a pleasure~

Simply Love~

Simply love... that's just how I describe what I feel when I capture a moment between two people. Whether it's the glance, the kiss, the placing of the hands one in another, that emotion that is captured when the heart is pure and no one is looking.
Couples that I photograph have all had this emotion, this fiery, consuming emotion that is not measured simply by a word, but by an action.
I am blessed in so many ways...
Capturing this feeling for the world to see is just one of them.
Here's to love~