I am thankful for....

moments of joy when finding the perfect shell....

Happy Thanksgiving!

After any day spent in an emergency room, it's not hard to realize how much I have to be thankful for.
I wish for all of you a meaningful day however you choose to spend it. I am thankful for the guy I am stuck in traffic with.
He makes everyday just a little bit better. Now go stuff yourself. What are you doing here?

Playing in the rain...

I am not sure how I got so behind. It happens. I am catching up though. I'll be playing catch up for the next couple of weeks. If only they didn't expect me to show up at the hospital. I would be golden. I am posting a few pictures of an edit I just finished today; my good friend and faithful blog reader Miss Kendyl, or Mrs Kendyl, I should say. I have known her since she was a little one, and now she has adorable little ones of her own.
As I am typing this, I am listening to the sound of the rain moving in. Faintly at first, but now its pouring. It's fitting that I am posting these pictures now because it also rained us out on this same morning. In fact, I think it was the last time it rained in southern California when we took these just about a month ago. I really hope we get just a little more rain to atleast keep the brush damp for awhile, but certainly not enough to cause mudslides and havoc for those who just lost their homes and neighborhoods. This rainfall is about a week overdue. I would have loved to have seen it rain ten days ago.

It was really unfortunate that we were rained on...Katelyn and Justin took it in stride. We stayed dry just long enough for a pretty quick shoot. Hopefully, we'll get together again in the near future and shoot in some drier conditions.

















There was a swell moving in this day as well. This picture was taken just before a wave engulfed my camera bag (note to self: put it up on the rocks) and covered my shoes up to my ankles. Unbelieveably, everything inside my backpack was dry. Thank you Canon.





















Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

I love all of it.

Let's face it. Life isn't always one cheery day to the next. And how boring would that be anyway. I like the cheery days, don't get me wrong. But to expect that just isn't, well, real. I am editing this weekend and catching up. I was going through images late last night and this little one just gripped me. I can't even remember what brought on these tears. I'm sure it was nothing, and I know it didn't last long because one minute later her older sister handed her a new shell from the beach, and she grinned from ear to ear and moved on. I love how kids just wear their emotions on their sleeves. I don't insist on the smiling image ( although I'm sure the parents would prefer it) I like it real. So, this might make you sad. It makes my heart kind of break for an instant.
Maybe that is what I love about it. It's real.

This just in.

Me. Just in from Pittsburgh and still trying to adjust to a fifty to sixty degree temperature change. We had a quick and fun weekend to witness an exciting Steelers win. And let me just say that I saw so many Steeler logos EVERYWHERE that I think the logo was burned into my brain. Every time I closed my eyes that emblem floated in the darkness of my mind; a not so subtle form of hypnosis. It was strange. But I love Pittsburgh, the history, the bridges, the people, and they love the Steelers.
So now it is back to work, back to shooting (grin), and back to working off the Primanti Bros cheese fries, a must if you go.
Will post more later. Have a great night.

My new friend Taylor

I have been busy. Really busy. I think it's good. You know what they say about an idle mind. I am behind several posts but will work diligently to catch up here. I met this charming young man about a week ago. He is an aspiring actor and we were updating his head shots. I can sense that his Mom better get used to the 405 freeway. I believe the casting calls are coming.
Taylor knows how to turn on the charm in a moment, as you can see here. He has a serious side too. I was honored when he invited me to stay for awhile and play some Wii. Unfortunately, I didn't have the time that day. Next time pal, you're on!

So, a few shots of my new little friend Taylor. Don't forget me when you're famous!




















Happy (wait, what day is it?) oh yeah, happy Monday!

When justice prevails...

I don't have a photo to add with this post.  I am actually struggling with words.  I am beyond thankful for the verdict reached today against Deleon;  the death penalty.  I am comforted by 

twelve people I have never met.  They have spoken and given him just penalty for one of the most vicious heartless murders committed of Tom and Jackie Hawkes, and John Jarvi.  When justice prevails, we can all sleep a little better.  It will not bring them back.  It is little comfort when compared to the loss of this gentle loving couple, but it is just.  I will always regret never knowing this couple after learning through this trial who they were.  I would have loved to have known them. I am certain my life would have been brighter by spending time with them.   I am thankful that Deleon received justice today.  I am thankful today for our justice system and the people who serve it.  I am praying for the Hawkes and Jarvi families and hope they are able to find some solace knowing justice prevailed.

You can read more about this heart wrenching case by clicking here.