Because sometimes I need to remind myself...

I was going through some old blog posts tonight, feeling a little nostalgic, and I came across one that I just know God put before me to make me smile (and maybe make some others out there think just a little?) Its a post from back 2009, just prior to when my husband was preparing to leave for Europe, and I wasn't feeling too happy about it. A dear friend made a statement to me that made me really think. Think about life, and just how blessed I am to have such an amazing one indeed! I felt the need to re-post this because... well, it made me smile. And tonight, with all the drama, and all the crap... I needed to smile. In fact, it made me laugh. Laugh out load at how wonderful I really have it, and how sad it is that others make their life so pathetic and complicated needlessly. Below is the original post, and once again I thank you Rosemary for making me think, and to smile! Damn... its good to be me!

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My life... my fabulous, crazy, impulsive, obsessive, blessed, lovely life.

I was speaking with a friend tonight who said something so profound to me, she said "I read your blog every day and at times I think to myself... I wish I had her life." I found this extremely flattering, since I have always looked at my life as exciting, but nothing that I would go as far as say others wanted to emulate. Ironically this statement comes at a time when I am not feeling particularly special by no means. I have a husband who leaves me until Jan. 2010 in just 72 hours, a business to take care of, two dogs to find good homes for, a house to sell, a car to sell, and a whole lot of issues to handle all one my own.
I guess god knows when we need that little pick me up!

So I went through some old pictures of times in my life. Those wonderful times that I have indeed been so very blessed to have experienced. Such as...

Champion Gymnast who toured with Kurt Thomas (What a great time in my life!)
ESPN Ms. Fitness SW Champion (Ah, to look that fit again!)
Dated country singer Lee Greenwood for 3 years (What the heck is up with that hair???)
Raced Lamborghini's down the coast of So. California with Mario Andretti (That was crazy!)
Was a Las Vegas Showgirl for 2 years (Those headpieces are so heavy!)
Learned to hunt as good as the boys (4 point on the first day of season)
Heli skied in British Columbia (What a rush!)
Performed at Dodger Stadium and was on tv for the first time with Steve Garvey! (Dad was so jealous!)
Became a surgical nurse at 38 and graduated with honors... I like this job much better!
Met the man of my dreams on Match.com and now they use us as a success story! (Featured on CNN and the front page of USA Today as well!)
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(Started my own company and developed the second Internationally)
(Bought myself my DREAM Mercedes since living in Europe)
(Had my dream wedding in the heart of Paris, France!)
(Took a sweet cruise to the Western Mediterranean)

And the story continues.....
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So... there it is. Me, just me. Crazy me. I was a lot of things before I became a photographer... and since then as well. I think all those amazing experiences have given me the chance to develop my style and attitude where my images are concerned. I thank God for all he has given me!

Thank you Rosemary for reminding me just how great I really do have it! I needed a kick in the ass!!! LOL!

In Recognition of your Services~

Being a military wife sure has it challenges, but it has it rewards as well. I have been involved with my husbands unit for about a year now, and within this time I have been asked to serve as our HHD FRG Leader (Family Readiness Group). With this comes more than the responsibility of making sure that information that is carried down the line is given to our families in regards to events, jobs, blood drives, etc...
It also holds the very deep responsibility of being there if one of our soldiers down range should be injured, or killed in the line of duty. It is our responsibility to be there when the families are notified. To be there to comfort, console, and hold their hands while they put their lives back together. It is a position I take very seriously, as it is a very serious position to be in.

The other night, along with numerous other men and women of our unit, I was recognized for my service to our families. I am honored. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else than right here, serving alongside my husband in my own little way.

Thank you Mrs. Katie P., Cpt. Dan D, and Col. Jordan for this award. And, for the awards to our other recipients. We are humbled to be a part of our glorious 212th CSH~

A family... full circle~

How time passes...
Before I even realized it, a year has almost past and I find myself looking towards the final stretch of our time here in Europe. Much has happened since I arrived, the best of which have been the friends I have made along the way and the memories I have helped create.
That has to be the largest thing I miss about my business as a whole, the memories that are made again and again after I first meet a couple. It starts with an engagement shoot, that turns into a wedding celebration, that develops into a maternity portrait, that begins a new life session. Its full circle, and its an amazing thing to be a part of!

When I first arrived in Germany I met a woman who has become a role model to me. She is a friend, a mentor, a mother, a wife. When we met, she was 5 months pregnant with her new son and begging me for maternity portraits. Just hours after the end of this session her water broke, and baby Anton arrived! It was a very exciting day that I still remember so vividly. Weeks later came Antons first photo shoot... and he was a trouper! With his huge, beautiful eyes. Thick head of hair and a fabulous attitude for such a little man.

Just weeks ago Kelly and 'Landos time here in Germany came to an end. And, although they are back in the states, I think about this amazing family everyday~ They touched me, and I will be forever amazed by the story that I tell again and again of how we became friends.

I miss you all so very much. And even though we spoke and saw one another so sporadically, I miss knowing that you were right there if I had a question or concern or just needed a friend.
I cant wait to come back to Texas and Im thrilled to know you are in SA!!! By the time I return I suspect I will be capturing another baby bump? :)

Before they left we all took one last stroll through the park out by the base and captured a few more memories. I cant believe how big little Anton is already. Tell him to slow down just a little, I want more memories to keep~

I miss you dear friends~

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~

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~

After a week of rain, it was sketchy to say the least if my booked shoot was going to happen this afternoon. But just in time, just as God would have it... the skies cleared and the sun popped through the clouds as the Parsons family met me at the Japanese gardens, eager to capture some memories of their little ones.
The first thing that anyone would notice are the eyes of their children... bright steel blue and beautiful!!! Curly hair and ivory skin... a photographers dream. A little fussy and eager to roam, it was good I had my running shoes on today as we all made our way through the gardens.
It feels great to get back to work. After a long, agonizing winter, I feel right at home again. Making new friends and making new memories. I love meeting my new clients, and I love it when they are ready to rock the session!
Thank you Cassie and Joe for a great afternoon. You have a beautiful family!
And Cassie... when you are ready for those boudoir... please let me know~
I can't wait!
Enjoy~