Saying Goodbye.

This week, sadly, good friends of ours
are laying their mother's to rest.
I'm not really sure how I feel about funerals.
I was going to write that I "hate" them...
or that I "loathe" them. But I paused a moment
to see if that was, indeed, how I really feel.

Funerals are a time to gather, reflect, share
and console. Trouble here is that I think that
I relive my father's funeral at each funeral
I attend which, in turn, makes them all the more
difficult. But I know that death is apart of life
and I know that altho' we think "Why would God
do this?" that God is there to hold us as we
grieve.

I pray for both families in this sorrow filled
time and pray for strength and healing.

I think that funerals are a time to re-connect
with God, appreciate those around us and think
about how we would like to make changes in our
own lives to affect those around us in a positive
light. In a word...funerals=change.

I think I will embrace these funerals and love
these families and thank God for my faith.

Mr. & Mrs. Murphy.

This past Saturday Sadie & Derek became Mr.
& Mrs. Murphy! Here's some of my faves from
the day. Loved the Cinema Ballroom on St. Clair
in St. Paul for a reception venue!!

Fan Appreciation Day!

Gary, his mom & I are heading to Minneapolis
to attend the last Twins Game of the Season.

Paul Newman dies.

Today I am shooting a wedding in St. Paul.
I'm shooting alone...which, oddly, I enjoy from
time to time. I like to shoot everything sometimes.
I know it's a lot more work and running around
and on occasion means missed shots and opportunities
but I have this thing about control too.
Which, frankly, I should get over. So there, I
said it.

I'll share images from today next week.

Now, I must share with you my experiences from the
passed couple of days (Oh, btw my mom, the editor, has
given me the lecture on when to use the spelling "passed"
vs "past"...once an editor, always an editor!
Thanks mom!)

Moving on... I've been working with MOFAS, as many
of you know and this has been eye opening for me.
Did you know that fetal alcohol babies suffer more
life altering effects than crack or meth babies!?
Me neither. I visited the Hosterman school yesterday
morning and met some very interesting young people.
Thanks to Brad Wing, a teacher at Hosterman for 10 years,
my life may just be forever changed. This is 100%
curable and for these diagnosed few my heart aches
because they did not choose this life their mother did.

( I just got at tweet from WCCO that Paul Newman died!!)

Hosterman-District 287

I'm going to head up to the Plymouth area
for my next shoot for the MOFAS project.
I'm going to get some permission to post
some of the images I've been shooting and
then I'll share with you!

It's FRIDAY!!
I have a Hilton family to photograph later
today...without Pedro!
Becky, you should come along...you haven't
been in on one in awhile!

The Minnesota Twins are in FIRST PLACE!!!

I'm shooting a fabulous wedding in St. Paul
tomorrow....Pedro....ya jealous!!?? :)
What a week it's been already and I still
have 2 days left and Fan Appreciation day
at the Dome on Sunday with Gary and his family.



Kip & Susie, I am deeeeeeply sorrowful for your
loss. I am hear...WE are here if you need even
the smallest thing.
(((((((((((((((the springers)))))))))))))))))))

Emma Krumbee's.

This morning I am going to hop in my car
and head south on 169 to Emma Krumbee's.
It's a well know little stop for apple seekers.
I'm meeting a young mother and her 1 year old
son to photograph them for an upcoming annual
report for MOFAS.

Then, later this afternoon, between storms, I
will head north to Blaine to photograph a family
for the same project.

Tomorrow morning, I'll head back up that way to
photograph a teacher in district 287 @ Hosterman.
(I need to get a new ear piece for my car!)

This is an exciting project and I'm so happy that
Emily found me. After working with Emily at Urban
Ventures on another project, Emily called me up
when she joined forces with the Minnesota Organization
on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and asked for my help.

Thanks Emily!

p.s.I met Tom Petters at the Starkey Gala this
passed summer. Here he is pictured with Steve
Chepokas...Tom is in some deep dooty! Huge FBI raid
yesterday at his Minnetonka based business! yikes!

Facebook vs. Blog

I'm being told that my blogging is suffering
due to Facebook. WOW! People can be so cruel! ;)

Sorry. Just wrapping a ton of things up.
I'll be FREE TO BLOG more very soon.

Did y'all see this???





Thanks Dawn Davis for all your lovely comments!
Nikki, the bride pictured, submitted her wedding for
editorial consideration last spring and told me that
it might make the fall/winter issue...and it did!
Thanks Nikki Butts!! It was the first wedding I ever
shot for Bella Pictures. YAY!

This is Shadow.

While I was over at the Hess Farm on Sunday
photographing Allison for her Sr. portraits
I met Shadow. A barn cat that i wish was my
own..a real cool cat.

I wanted to introduce you to him because, well,
I love cats and this one was pretty neat.
He kept walking up to my lens so I shot these
all by holding my camera down at his level with
an 85 1.8 - shutter speed @ 350, 4.0 @ 1.8 at
an ISO of 100! No flash.

Sorry Allison, I'm easily distracted by cats!

Allison.

Isn't she beautiful?
I'll post a slide show in a day or two...

Mr. & Mrs. Reynolds.

Joni & Eric...Thank you so much!!
What a day! Stellar weather. Gorgeous bride.
Handsome groom. Fabulous venues! All the planets
aligned for me again. Not to mention my 2nd shooter,
Jen Malone...Here's some faves to start with.
Enjoy!

9/19.

I was on call for NILMDTS yesterday.
As soon as I got my sister's foils in her hair
I got a call to go to the U of M Children's.
I was able to finish Anne and wait for the call from
Carin in Famiy Care for a more definitive time frame.
I was also able to arrange for a "shadow" to join me.
A shadow is someone that wants to work with NILMDTS
but perhaps is not certain that this is something that
they can do. This way they can come along, observe and
make the determination before getting on the national
call list as a full fledged affiliate.

This is a very, tough thing, as you can imagine.
This isn't for everyone or every photographer.
NILMDTS, after 3 years, is making their selection
process more defined. They are seeking professionals with
skills that perhaps that most hobbyists don't possess.

I thank each and everyone of you that support me in my
efforts to serve these families. I feel that this has
become my life's most important work. Not to make less of
MOMF because that has become quite it's own little engine
that could in a short time too. They are just so very different.
I wouldn't ever attempt to compare. Both foundations serve
families with devastation. My camera and I can somehow bridge
gaps for these folks and aid in healing. I love that.

Today I will meet with a family at, what has become know as,
"My Hilton". A family with a little girl enduring a struggle
with cancer will check in, with her family for a weekend
of fun, shopping, exploring, swimming, playing.
A respite, a break, a departure from her new "normal".
All compliments of the Airport Hilton and the MOMF!

Later I will meet up with Jenn Malone & Pedro Diaz of Bella
Pictures. Jenn is in town to shoot with me tomorrow and Pedro
is here shooting a wedding in Eden Prairie tomorrow as well.
So the 3 of us are going to meet up at Jenn's hotel and
swap stories and talk shop! Can't wait!

G...did ya get the package???



Boo liked Alison's lap...



...a lot.




Do more than you thought you could do today.

14,000 visits to my blog!

WOW! who knew.
See Gary, people do read my blog!

I apologize for not posting the past couple of days.
Playing "catch up" as you all know, can be a daunting
task. I am feeling liberated today, however, and I
am fired up for the autumnal equinox! WOW...again! I know!

As much as everyone loves summer for it's long, sunlit days
and the smell of fresh cut grass or the freshness of
spring with it's bursting color and budding trees...
I enjoy fall the most. For some, it means winter is near
by. For me? Cool nights, fireside conversation, warm glow
of autumn's changing color and let's not forget....
THE NEW FALL TELEVISION SEASON!! Entourage rules!

Well, I do love Fall and that said here's a sneak peak.



Think I'll plan a day trip soon. Anyone wanna come along?

The Roos family.

After a lot of rescheduling due to summer
and weather, the Roos family and I got together
the other day to update their family portraits.
It nearly rained (aGAIN!) but we managed to
capture some fun regardless! Thanks gang for
allowing me the opportunity!

Thank you Dean & Lois.

Your card arrived today.
Due to the fact that it was square, it
was delayed-postage due. It is just gorgeous!
Thank you for remembering our anniversary!

Nine One Two...

It's now the day after our 10th anniversary and
I have to say that I don't feel that our marriage
is that old. ;)

Seems like yesterday that we stood in our back yard
and exchanged vows, rings and kisses in front of
our families. It was perfect. I should really scan
some of those negatives and post them. Hmmm, where
are they?

I have to say that altho' I got up pretty early for
a dental appointment (Dr. Michael Johnson and his
staff are totally awesome btw!!) Gary had already
whipped out the flowers and cards....he's so amazing.

We opened up the bottle of 2000 Niebaum Coppola Rubicon
that I picked up several years ago when we were out
there with friends for our anniversary ( I've seen
it on wine lists at restaurants for as much as $250 now).
We toasted our 10th and did a little yummy bread
& butter as a prep for dinner.

I surprised Gary with not only a town car to take us
forth and back to Kincaid's but I ordered the most
delicious bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet to have with dinner.
It was amazing and dinner was FABulous!

In years passed, we have traveled for our anniversary
and hit Northern California's wine country many times.
This year we thought we'd just keep it simple (even tho'
is was our 10th) and save ourselves for a
longer stint in Mexico this winter! Good call.
Thank you Gary for 10 terrific years. I love you.
Thanks to everyone who texted, twittered and facebooked
us throughout the day yesterday!

Towncar to Kincaid's!

Nine One One.

"...call my sister, she's not doing anything.
She's normal...."

This was what my brother, Tim, said to Gary
about 12 years ago. And the rest, as they say,
is history. Thanks Tim!

I'll post more later, gotta get to the dentist!

Happy anniversary baby! I love you!

Megan & Hanna.

Megan

Hanna

CRAZY Tuesday!

As many of you know, Boo goes mental every morning.
The instant he's done waking me up and after a
quick cuddle, he BOLTS! He flies off the bed,
onto the floor, down the hallway and into his
own world. We just started saying..."It's crazy
Monday, Tuesday etc...It's fun to wake up laughing
everyday!

I had the honor of spending the day and most of
the evening with Bob & Dawn Davis (la Storia).
They came to Minnesota to lecture on "Master Your
Craft" for my local photographer's group, TCPPA.
I've been following Bob and his work and passions
for a little over 2 years and I'm so wowed by the
both of them. Bob is the ever sharing, ever professional
photographer and Dawn, Bob's wife, is the ever sharing,
ever friendly photo editing wizz. What a fabulous
combo. I know it's not easy to work along side a
spouse so KUDOS to you both for becoming your own
sort of dynamic duo!

Some of us hit Jake's (Eden Prairie) and had a bump
& a bite before they headed off for the night.
Today they will be at GraphiStudios talking some
more but unfortunately my schedule wouldn't allow
for me to attend that so I'll have to hang my
hopes on meeting up with them in Chicago someday
soon...in the meantime, there's always FACEBOOK!
Thank you so much Bob & Dawn for taking the time
out of your CRAZY schedule to come and see us!

Boo!

Bob Davis-Outside Flash for Cash!

I missed a day...and I liked it....

I hope my blogfriends don't mind it....
Sorry, thought I'd open the day with a song!

Hmmm, Sunday...no Vikings game (they play tonight),
I hit the gym (WOW! I know. on a SUNDAY!). Had to.
I hate the pressure that we all put on Mondays so I
figured what the heck. It was rainy, I had cancelled
2 shoots for the day and I needed a pick me up.
Felt great!

It's been 2 years since Bob Davis was here in Minneapolis
to speak for the TCPPA and today he makes a return.
He and his wife, Dawn, are here for a couple of days
to speak and represent GraphiStudios. I'm certain to
get there early. I like the front row.

Today would have been my dad's 75 birthday. WOW!
I miss him everyday. Father of 5, served in the Korean war,
He'd have been a McCain/Palin man for sure...he was
a leg man! ;)

Gary and I will celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary
on Thursday and (yep...nine-eleven)we are planning a
fabulous dinner out!

Jacquie, thanks for the "coffee talk" yesterday.

Steamboat Days in Carver, Minnesota!

Not every year do Gary and I get the opportunity to
attend the infamous "Steamboat Days" in Carver.
With our wedding anniversary around the same weekend
we are usually out of town doing our own celebrating.

This year we decided to stick around and in doing so
this allowed us to hit a few fall festivals in our
humble surrounding communities.

First up, Steamboat Days in Carver.
Well, mostly...it's a drinking event, most festivals
are, right? But this little 2 block, 3 bar town on
the Minnesota river albeit a growing town has some
bragging rights...they have "midget wrestling" and it's
going on later today. Yesterday they had mouse races.
Yes folks, this here's a stop you should add to your
"bucket-list" of towns to visit.
Here's some shots from last night.10D 50mm1.4 no flash.








Next on the list is "The Defeat of Jesse James Days"
in Northfield, MN. This used to be referred to as
"Jesse James Days" until they decided that they shouldn't
glamorize or celebrate him but the defeat! They actually
do a reenactment at 11, 1 & 3 everyday! It boasts the very
first "smoke free" parade in Minnesota (if not the nation)
several yearsback...that's right, no more Marlboro Man here
anymore! This town is nestled right along the Cannon river and
folks, Northfield is the home of "Malt-o-Meal" yep!
(my favorite was always chocolate!) This is a great little
college town as well. St. Olaf is here and and Carlton
Great shopping and some darling little spots to eat too.
Gary's from here and his mom is still living in town.

Sorry, I'm starting to sound like Jason Davis!

3rd on my list is yet another small town on the water
but this one is Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka.
They have "Apple Dayz" every year this same weekend.
My sister and I used to call it "crapple days" cuz
we always go thinking that we are going to find some cute
little thing there and we never do. It's mostly local vendors
lining the main street in Excelsior selling crafty, specialty
stuff. It's still fun to go because that's also where I grew
up and I always run into folks I know.

So there , that's this weekend's activities in a nutshell.

What will you do this weekend? Tell me about your town's
festival in a comment below.

Canon 50mm 1.4

I love this lens. Do you own it yet? No?? You should.
It's small, bright and it packs a punch!
Don't confuse it with a macro lens but if you are looking
for that "razor thin" depth of field, this is your lens.
And for only about 300 bucks too! Head to B&H and
get one! My friend, Tim, out in Portland who is a hobbyist
just informed me that his is on the way!

Gary and I met Tim and his wife Kristi in Playa del Carmen
about 4 years ago. We kept running into one another the
same week at the Mimi del Mar hotel (our not so secret
spot anymore). Tim had a Canon Rebel and was admiring my
10D and my grand assortment of lenses and we began talking
(well and drinking...let's not let a few details get in the
way of a good story, right?)



I think I had Nedi take this one..that's Kristi's brother
behind my right shoulder.

This night, we got into some trouble....



I've since graduated into other lenses, equipment and added
my Mark3 (a year ago) but that darn 10D, you couldn't pay me
to part with it. It's still a FABulous camera and the day it
runs out of frames will be a sad day, let me tell you.

It's become my bring along, vacation, point & shoot SLR camera.
Once I break it down, it fits nicely in a bag. Throw on the
1.4 and it can go from day to night! Wow, sounds like an outfit!
Toss in Brooke Shields..."I won't let anything come between me
and my 10D & 1.4." OHHHhhhhh, I digress. Besides, I think that
photographers are not normal.....who is really..?

I guess what I'm trying to say is if you own a camera, and
I think pretty much that's everyone, right?, um, don't stop
learning. Shoot, shoot, shoot. Save the shots you like,
print the ones you LOVE and dump the rest. Also, very important...
back your stuff up. Get those darn images OFF your camera!!
If you lose your camera, lose a card or, God forbid it gets
stolen you are outta luck. Those images are GONE, PERIOD. FOREVER!
Get yourself a nice 250-500 GB hard drive that's primary purpose
is to store your gems!!!
Oh,....and...DO IT NOW!!!!

Cold night...chilly morning.

By that I mean that I got a late call from the
Charge nurse at Mpls. Children's.
Full term girl born at 3am yesterday failing.
I knew if I sat at the computer and on the phone
trying to line up an affiliate that I would be
quite possibly be delaying the inevitable so I
grabbed my camera and raced downtown.

Family all gathered. Mom & Dad exhausted and holding
their daughter in the NICU. No answers, no indications
of what the trouble might be. So not fair.

I pray that, in God's grace, she made it through the
night and by some miracle she hangs in and shocks
everyone by surviving.



I'm praying for you little miss S.