Deema & Jeff: Wedding

I’ve noticed that when little girls dream, they dream big.  Nothing stands in their way.  They can have it all and the sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning.  They dream of being a princess in one of those big elaborate gowns and living in a castle so tall that it touches the sky. Most importantly (after the dress of course ;) ) their dream always includes the perfect strong and handsome prince.  They dream that he wouldn’t just be strong and handsome, but also kind, tender-hearted and willing to do anything to make her happy.  Little girls dream, and sometimes because of how life is, those dreams can be shattered, but sometimes dreams do come true. 

For Deema, she is one of those little girls that got her dream and so much more. I can’t even begin to describe to you the delight, joy, and absolute sold-out love that Jeff held in his eyes when he saw her for the first time.  From that moment on his eyes held that love and adoration for her throughout the day and into the night.  Dreams do come true, just ask Deema: she got a man who is willing to do anything to make her happy.

Jeff and Deema: WOW! What a completely gorgeous and wonderful day you had!  Thank you so much for letting me be a part of it and sharing in your joy.  It was a pleasure to capture your love… you two made it all too easy for me ;) 

When your daughter looks that GORGEOUS how can you not have this reaction?

The first look ALWAYS brings out the best moments, and of course the best hugs ;)

Jeff you have a great laugh and I'm sure Deema would agree.

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Jazmine & Jessee: Engaged

I believe in a God of second chances.  A God who restores, renews, and makes a way when there is none.  I believe that sometimes things don’t always work out the way you thought they would and, sometimes, they work out even better than you could have ever imagined.  Because that is the kind of God I serve. One that knows exactly what he is doing even when life doesn’t make sense to us.    Who wants you to know what love is and give you someone to show that love to.  This is what he desires and this is what he has given Jazmine and Jessee.  These two have an amazing story and I think the best part of that story is seeing the amazing, overwhelming, love of God working in the midst of it.  Stitching things together so that they could end up in each others’ arms.  Yes, this is the kind of God I serve, the one who writes love stories with a smile on his face.

I am so excited to share with you Jazmine and Jessee’s engagement session.  We had such a great time and I cannot wait for their wedding in July!

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How To Feel MISERABLE As An Artist

1. Constantly compare yourself to other artists.
2. Talk to your family about what you do and expect them to cheer you on.
3. Base your success of your entire career on one project.
4. Stick with what you know.
5. Undervalue your expertise.
6. Let money dictate what you do.
7. Bow to societal pressures.
8. Only do work that your family would love.
9. Do whatever the client/customer/gallery owner/patron/investor asks.
10. Set unachievable overwhelming goals to be accomplished by tomorrow.


Ok, I admit it, I stole this post.  There now it's out.  This is NOT Original. Haha. But I needed to post this because I need the reminder.  So thank you Promise Tangeman for this post.  If you haven't heard of her shame on you and go check out her stuff @ promisetangemanblog.com.

I am all to guilty of DEFINITELY 1, 3, 4, 5, and 10.  Gez I feel like that's a lot?  Please do share yours and don't leave me hangin' :)

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WOW Jo! Where have you been??

You know I would like to know the answer to that too!  It's been a CRAZY couple of months!  As with all posts I think pictures just make it that much better so here are some visual aids to help me share...

Taken with my ipod touch: See that itty bitty bridge in the background??  That's the Golden Gate. Yes, My hubby and I went to San Francisco to visit my brother and sister-in-law. The wind was blowing in the pic so that's why my bangs look all weird.  We ate, we saw Alcatraz, we ate, we went hiking, we ate, did a little shopping, we ate... see a pattern forming here?  Oh and did I mention it was 60 degrees and sunny in mid January?!  It was a good vacation :)

I've been doing some business planning, re-branding myself, and working on my website!! That's my Chai kitty (AKA Chai-ster) and her beloved rope that she carries all around the house.  She's completely obsessed with it  for some reason and thinks it's a MUST HAVE to be included right in the middle of my inspiration board.  {{{SIGH}}} So be sure to check back soon for the official launch of my website 'cause I am REALLY EXCITED about it!! Hopefully it will be soon :)

  

I was sick a couple weekends ago and it was not fun! When I started to feel a little better I met my friend Maggie at Yoga Pearl in downtown Portland (which also has this fabulous cafe with vegan food) NOTE: Im not vegan but I enjoy pretending sometimes ;)  and ordered a wellness toddy (the non-alcohol kind) cause, well, it said wellness and I thought that should help.  Oh man did it help!  I will spare you details, but it irritated whatever icky, slimmy, goey gunk that decided to set up house in my head so much so that it decided it was time to move on out. So while there were some not so great few moments, there was much rejoicing when it was all over with and I could breathe again.  I hate being sick.

I've been enjoying some much needed down time!! I've been catching up on Bones and am really enjoying it.  It helps to have something to watch while I wait for the next episode of Fringe each week.  Isn't Netflix the BEST?!

All that to say: the plan is to  catch up on some blogging, add some fun new topics, and to blog at least once a week. So check back soon, and you guys should help hold me accountable ;) And since I missed all the holidays Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Valentines Day  :)  Be Blessed!

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Brian: Senior 2011

I absolutely loved this senior session!  Brian really wanted some unique photos and I love it when a client is looking for something fresh and unique AND is open to your suggestions!  That pretty much puts me in my happy place.  Brian has plans to go Portland State next year and do their study abroad, which might I add I am just a little bit jealous of…but only a little bit ;)

Brian: Thanks so much for going with the flow and being open to trying out new things!  I know you are going to have the time of your life in college.  Just remember to come back home and visit your mom every once in awhile. J  You are an amazing steadfast young man and I know God is going to use you to do great things, even overseas!

As usual it was hard to pick just few! So here are a little more than a few of my favorites from the session ;)

So with the time change and all we didn't have much light left by the time we got to Washington Park... so I improvised...that's just what professionals do :)  And I have to say these are probably some of my most favorites.

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