Meet Axel....

My friends Jackie & Cheryl are well known for their love of anything with four legs. So it never surprises me to hear that another creature in need of a home has found its way to them. The other day, I went to photograph their latest foster furkid, Axel--a one year old purebred dachshund.



Like most critters, he wasn't too sure about the big black camera being waved in his face. But his temperment is such that he pretty quickly adapted.



He gets along remarkably well with the pack of large dogs & crazy cats he was thrust into, but his favorite place of all is still a lap. He's a real snuggler!



And frankly, he's a really handsome boy!



Like all young dogs, he's happiest with something tasty to chew. Look at him go! And I was very pleased to see that he didn't get overprotective of his bed or his chewie, in spite of me holding the camera right under his nose. He's going to make a great pet!



Axel is being neutered this week & then will be ready for his forever home. If you are interested in adopting this sweetie of a dog, please email me here and I'll make sure your mail is forwarded.

Gretchen -- at 32 weeks

Gretchen & I have worked together for about three years now. We've been through who-knows-how-many-reorgs, my wedding, her solo cross-country drive to pick up her beloved Mini Cooper, and more conversations than either of us could count about...well, about everything! She's been both a friend & mentor to me, and I was simply thrilled for her & her husband David when they announced they were expecting.

And they've been doubly blessed, with twin girls!

Now, I've never been through a friend's pregnancy with multiples. Watching Gretchen's belly swell has been simply amazing. I admit, there are times I've been astonished at how much she changes from week to week! We took this shot at 20 weeks as a progress report....



Back then, her wedding ring was already moved to her pinky finger. Now her rings are strung on her favorite cross.

Last week, we did a full maternity session. She & David clearly have so much fun together. They're so much in love, and so very, very happy about this pregnancy.













Here are a few of my other favorites:







These two are so playful, it was sometimes hard to keep up with them!



But like most new parents, there's a lot of quiet introspection going on as well.





Gretchen & David--you two are the best! Can't wait to meet the girls very soon!

....is it Spring (Training) yet?

Waiting for Spring


Yes, I'm perfectly aware that it's still football season, and that the Seahawks vs. Green Bay should be uppermost in my mind. I'll watch the game, I promise. I'll even wear blue. And I'll knit while it's on...we've only ever lost one playoff game since I took up knitting during the games. I swear, I'll do my part.

But....

We're just 46 days from pitchers & catchers reporting to spring training in Peoria. And I find I can't stop checking all the baseball rumor sites to see what moves the Mariners make before then. I'm literally driving Steve nuts, muttering over my computer as I analyze each projected move & rant about not trading favorite players. It amuses the heck out of him that I can quote stats at him regarding righties vs. lefties at Safeco Field & that I'm following the pitching situation so closely.

Of course, he's the one buying Mariner ornaments for the Christmas tree, and reminding me that Fan Fest is on the 26th & 27th of this month--which day would I prefer to go?

My husband loves me so much, he even bought me Mariners socks this year. (see guys, sometimes socks DO make a good gift!)

So here's to my beloved team....and to the promise of sunny days at the ballpark, hot dogs & garlic fries, and maybe, just maybe, a playoff game or two?

Postscript: Right after I finished this post, the same "beloved" husband came up with an anagram of "Seattle Mariners"--"insert real team"--and promptly announced that no amount of trades would accomplish that. I'm not sure I'm still speaking to him....

Happy New Year!

I hope your holidays were fabulous & you got everything you wished for this season!

It's the time of year where everyone takes a hard look at themselves & how they do things...resolving to do better. By now--the 9th--a lot of resolutions have already gone by the wayside!

In my case, I'm actually about to start on my first resolution with this post, and I'm counting on all of you to help me keep it. I've been told repeatedly over the last month or so by a number of friends, fellow photographers, and clients that they count on this blog to help keep track of what's going on not only in my business, but in my life. Needless to say, the frequency of posting hasn't kept up as of late, and I'm in big trouble because of it.

All I can say is, it's nice to feel loved. :)

The second half of the issue is actually just personal. When you convert from a hobby you love to a practicing profession, you tend to lose sight of why you enjoyed the hobby in the first place. In my case, the cameras really haven't been coming out unless I'm shooting for clients, and I find that I miss just shooting for me.

So here's my resolution--I pledge to post much more frequently than in the past, with a goal of at least twice a week. And to work on the second issue, I'll be posting more photos at random, setting myself photo assignments on occasion, and taking the camera along on some of the weird & wonderful happenings in my life that have nothing at all to do with weddings and portraits.

Love the idea? Hate it? Topics ranging from life, the universe, and everything that you think I should blog about? Drop me a line through comments & let me know!