sissel byington photography

New Blog

2010-04-10T18:36:00.000-07:00

I have upgraded to a new and improved blog. Click the link here and follow me at the new site! It looks better and is a lot more fun to post to...Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to bookmark the new site!

What a beautiful day for....

2010-03-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

..just about anything you choose to do outside. Jackson (I love this name and it suits him) was out for a little pony riding. (I love ponies too!) He just made my morning. Such a cute little pony rider!

If I can.

2010-03-10T21:17:00.000-08:00

If I can ease some of your pain and suffering for just a while, it also makes me feel better too. I am a nurse.
If I can capture a moment that makes your heart swell each time you see it before you, then my journey has a solid path. I am a photographer.

Meet Bob...

2010-03-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Bob is an amazing guy. I love him. I don't think I have ever seen him not smiling. He really knows how to enjoy life. And he is a guy with a big BIG heart. Recently, Bob decided to show support and raise money for children with cancer by shaving his head. I should have a before picture, but alas (wait-maybe I do)

I found one! But you can't see his thick lustrous hair beneath the hat....oh well, you can imagine.

And this is Bob today....(now a few talking points first) I'm sorry Bob that the lighting isn't just quite what it should be. I am not a 5 minute corporate headshot gal-YET- but I'll get there. Plus, I was going on one hour of sleep. Ugh! This has never really happened to me and I still feel pretty crummy and have a BUNCH of stuff to do today with, you guessed it, NO energy to muster up at all. Those Rock Star drinks really do work. The "Recovery" one is my recent favorite. I apparently "recovered" myself all the way to the next day. (getting a bit off course)
I am also not happy about the wrinkled backdrop/reflector that I thought I could smooth out in post. Can you iron a reflector?
All that aside- you look amazing!! My camera loves you- and I do too!

And you can see here that Bob is now a FORCE to be reckoned with. He has a new persona and he wears it well- it does not wear him. YE-OWWWW!!

Here is Bob's side of it... please check out his link. I have worked with cancer patients for many years, but I know that I don't have the courage to work with kids. I would cry everyday. There is nothing more important than helping children everywhere.

"I was looking in Vegas Weekly to see what concerts were coming to Vegas
during our stay for the homicide conference. I observed an ad for an
event at the Nine Fine Irishman's Pub at New York New York Hotel which
was being put on by www.stbaldricks.org. The event was asking people to
collect donations and have their head shaved for children's cancer
research. The head shave resembles the loss of hair that patients
suffer as a result of treatment. Since I needed a haircut anyway, it
seemed like a good idea. In less than a week, several family members
and friends donated $370.00 towards the cause.

I had never heard of this, but apparently this occurs every year and
Irish Pubs around the country. It was a really nice event with Irish
bands playing right on the strip along with cocktails and beers. I plan
to get several people together for this event next year. I figure if I
can raise $370.00 in a few days with nothing more than an email, than
how much can be raised with more time, a little competition and a
celebration involving liquor at the end.

Additionally, even those that don't want to shave their head can sign up
to be shavers instead and collect the donations that way. I do not have
any greater tie in to children's cancer than anyone else, but it seems
like a very worthy cause that effects us all."

Bob

You can help Bob raise some more for kids by clicking on his link right HERE!
and you can keep your hair....

The EVENT for all my friends at WPPI in VEGAS

Have a fabulous day....

Fifty years...

2010-03-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

Fifty years. Fifty. Think of it. Most of us celebrate this milestone when we cross this number on our birthday. Fifty. Fifty years of love. Fifty years of laughter. Fifty years of holding your hand and feeling soooo much better when we do. After fifty years, I believe that other hand you hold must become an extension of your own. So familiar. So much love. So much life wrapped up in two lives together for fifty years. This is so uncommon in California, the land of no fault divorce and people who just don't have patience or will to stay together, for five years, no less fifty. So when I come across it, I just think, "Wow, well done." It must feel so wonderful to be married for fifty years. Norma and Rex will let you know.

But I'll tell you what. When I have been married fifty years, I am going to wear that accomplishment like a shining tiara on my head. I am going to shout it out to everyone who wants to know, or doesn't want to know. I think it's that good.

We captured some group shots of this party before anyone was able to leave. Such a fun group of people to help them celebrate. Such an awesome night to be a part of.

Thank you for the memories and this goal to strive for. Thank you for showing everybody how true love is done.

Lettuce alone.

2010-03-05T18:48:00.000-08:00

I have been back to the gym. It feels great to be working out more regularly once again. Finally met up with Miss R today and she punished me because I talked her into 30 more minutes of cardio than she was planning. I usually would have been satisfied with my workout at that point but, oh no, we were not done yet. Weights. Weights were waiting; waiting to push little muscle fibers that haven't been pushed in a while. And I'm sure all those little muscle fibers were happy to be doing just what they are supposed to do- tomorrow is another story altogether. We'll just see if they are still singing my praises. Eventually, this will all be good again. Does anyone else ever look around the gym and spy that person with that perfect figure and think, "I am SO going to look like that in a few weeks, months, whatever. I am SO going to look like THAT!" Thank you to all those gals in the gym inspiring me into pain and sweat. I really do thank you.
And I have taken to salads again. I love salad. I hate making them. I love salad bars. But, seriously, you can make a pretty fattening salad at a salad bar. So, I made my own. Don't need the temptation of cornbread, dessert, and all the rest of the non salads at the bar. The funnest thing about making a salad is watching my dumb dog sit under my feet waiting any morsel to fall. You would lose fingers if you tried to get those morsels before he did. He is lightening fast about it.
I have never seen any dog get more excited about a piece of lettuce than my dog. Even I don't want to eat lettuce without any dressing on it. My dog- my dog runs off with an entire piece of romaine lettuce as if you just handed him the juiciest bone in the world. And then eats it as fast as he can, for fear someone may want it back. Trust me Kona, that is all yours now. I need dressing. I just don't like my lettuce alone.

And an even more common view in my house, paper. Paper destroyed. Thoroughly. In seconds. Oh well. I can recycle it.

still thankful...

2010-03-02T05:19:00.000-08:00

So I realized that I haven't been posting my "thankful" thoughts recently. I still do it, still think about at least five things I am thankful for every day, just haven't been putting it up here.
This morning I am thankful I woke up before my alarm. Everyday I wake up to "The Girl from Ipanema". It makes me smile (don't ask me why- I don't know) , but it can really stick with you.
I am thankful to be in workout mode- even though I am typing this while I should be "working out". Hmmmm.
I am thankful that I didn't throw up after a sucked some kind of long legged skinny bug straight down my throat while I was running the other day. It didn't stand a chance. I guess they call it sucking wind for a reason. Although, I was sucking bugs.
I am thankful to have found love- the big "please come home soon-I really am not the same when you aren't here-I miss you deeply- kind of love, TWICE. Same guy, but found it twice.

Ok....so please come home soon- I am not the same when you aren't here.

Happy Tuesday!

(what-no picture-rip off)

Dream BIG!

2010-02-22T16:28:00.000-08:00

This little chica has big dreams of being the next Hannah Montana-but BETTER! Much better. I think she can do it~
She's teaching me to dream BIG!

Mama's boy

2010-02-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

This little guy is the ultimate mama's boy. His whole face lights up when she talks to him.......see for yourself.

True confession #2

2010-02-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

As much as I hate to admit it, there are days where I think, "hooray for stretchy clothes!"

have a great stretchy clothes Monday!!

(and as much as you would like a picture of that-I will refrain)

Rain, rain....

2010-02-06T17:44:00.000-08:00

go ahead and stay for awhile.....

Hope you are able to make the best of it!

Sock monkeys of the world unite!

2010-02-03T22:15:00.000-08:00

I really try not to post images late at night because sometimes I wake up the next day and cringe. (my own worst critic)
But I've this gusto for failure lately- not that I want to fail, but I have heard, read, thought that, if I am not failing, I am not
trying or learning, so I am kind of at peace with it. Kind of. And I am just a complete sucker for all things monkey!

True confession #1

2010-02-02T18:12:00.000-08:00

I like the word hodge~podge. A lot. Saying it makes me smile. And it really isn't easy to use in every day conversation so there is no imminent danger of over use. I once bought a bag of frozen vegetables at Trader Joe's because it was called "Hodgepodge". I walked down the frozen food aisle with a BIG smile on my face.

As promised...

2010-02-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

....and certainly her little brother is no slouch either....wearing just the tiniest of a kool~aid mustache, he is still one of the coolest little kids I know. Actually, he is probably the only one who can pull it off.

Thanks for stopping by.

And today, I am grateful for the person who invented gummy vitamins. It's like candy that is good for you and I never forget to eat them. Starting off the day with candy....now who can beat that?!

practice practice practice

2010-02-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

...is what I was doing the other day. Many thanks Miss A. More of her super fun shoot later today.

Big Happy Birthday to the sweetest gal, Winter today!! Not sure if you'll read this here, but if you do, I love you and you inspire me to always be a better person. Hope you are having a spectacular day! And can't wait to catch up with you when you get back.

xxoo
Sissel

Stop to eat the flowers...

2010-01-29T14:37:00.000-08:00

Kona is helping me get some practice in today...later I may hit the streets and start borrowing kids. He's getting a little bored with all the attention. He does get lots of treats though. Except now, he expects one after each click of the shutter. Repositioning a dog after every shot is tiring, especially when I am on my belly trying to get a low angle. I ran out of treats pretty quickly. But being the vegan he is, he was just as happy eating the flower. Which leads me to a new saying....when life gives you a beautiful gerber daisy, just eat it all up.

Water, water everywhere and I ran out of steam.

2010-01-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

"Here is the test to find out whether or not your mission on earth is finished: If you are alive, it isn't.

~Richard Bach

Forgive me internet, for I have sinned. It has been almost 30 days since my last blog post.

I admit it. December, with all the joy it brings, laid me out flat. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not complaining. It was fun. January has kept me
very busy as well. Lots of stuff to catch up with and my camera has been lonely and neglected. Well, just about everything has been neglected. Thank god for the rain cause the plants outside were beginning to cry for water. Too bad I didn't put the indoor plants outside. There isn't a better reminder than looking across a room at a once beautiful, full green lush plant that is now hanging limply, yellowing, dropping leaves, and near death, to remind you that you have stopped paying attention to life in your own home. Ugh. In the midst of burning the candle at both ends, running to work and running out of state, I ran out of steam. And there are still five days to go....then hopefully, hopefully, I'll have a grip on things. (probably not but I can hope)

Sooooo....2010! Yahooooo! Already off to a great start with the election in Massachusetts. Talk about hope. Now we can hope.

I am not inclined to New Years Resolutions anymore. I have realized that with every New Years Resolution I have made, I have not kept it. I resolve not to resolute. Better, I will just make goals. Seems more practical. One goal for this year is to be worthy. Uh....worthy? Of what?
I would like to be worthy of your time spent here. If it means I made you laugh, cry, grow in some small way, added meaning to your life in some large or small way, brought something to you that you didn't know about, or just made you smirk, burp, and move on...at least you cleared some air, right? My lofty goal for the year.....now don't be leaving me a message saying "you're not worthy"- I am working on it. I know.

With all the sadness the situation in Haiti has brought, it also brings us together to give and help, something Americans do better than any other country in the world, (it's who we are. Be proud) Still, you can't forget about Africa and the need for charity, education, and the basics of life that they so desperately need and don't have. One organization I learned more about over Christmas is Acirfa. They provide bikes and much needed transportation to the people in Africa. They are changing lives one bike at a time and have been doing so for a while now. Just another fine example of how a few people with a big idea are changing the world for better. There are lots of ways to be involved. You can buy a bike or make a simple donation. But I hope you check out their site, and be sure to pass it on. Along with this, come Jingas. Jingas are made by a local artist in Africa and are being sold to raise money for bikes. We received a Jinga for Christmas. He sits proudly displayed in my room, a lovely reminder of the people half a world away.

Today, I am sharing my Jinga with you....aren't you feeling better already? You can pick up your own Jinga right here

Now, I have to go dust and water some plants.

So grateful for you....

2009-12-29T19:01:00.001-08:00

I have been making it a habit to add a focus to the things I am grateful for before closing with each post.This post, I'll start with that. Basically, I am so grateful for those of you who have asked me to document the lives of you and your loved ones. You have blessed me a million times over this year. I have grown and learned much because of you. I have laughed and cried with you. I have smiled over and over at the images of you smiling back at me. That is so good for the soul. So, in two words that don't seem enough at all, thank you. I am really looking forward to 2010 and all the dreams waiting to come true. Thank you for making my dreams come true this year.

Merry Christmas everyone!

2009-12-25T21:35:00.000-08:00

This won't be a long blog post. I really just want to wish everyone out there the merriest holiday season.
I hope you are enjoying time with the ones you love, who ever that may be. We are so lucky to be blessed with the loveliest people in our lives.

It is also such a perfect day to reflect on the things you are grateful for.....

(getting old yet--too bad)

1. the man (the one I married- twice - someday I may elaborate)
2. two of the most beautiful kind daughters any one person could hope for
3. sparkly christmas tree lights...they finally worked.
4. words like joy and hope and merry and seeing them all over the place for a couple of months
5. a day off after Christmas to just chill

Merry Christmas to all!!

xxooo,

Sissel

i've got little elves messing with me.

2009-12-16T12:45:00.000-08:00

Been so busy and getting a little behind, and now catching up. We picked up a Christmas tree last weekend but it has just been sitting there waiting for the party. No lights. No ornaments. Just a big 'ol tree. I started putting lights on it last night. I figured I could save some time and just put them on before I went to bed. It really didn't take too long. That is until I got the last string of lights up and they all shorted out. Ugh! I took off the first strand from the bottom and that seemed to fix it. I put on a string of lights to replace the one I took off, and it happened again. Only this time, it shorted out somewhere in the middle. I took off all the lights. I tested each string while Kona tested my patience by pulling stockings and santa hats out of the box and began chewing them up. This began to not be very much fun. So, I sat down and watched Dexter, the very best show on the tele.

This morning I picked up where I left off and started putting the lights back on the tree. And Kona picked up where he left off and starting chewing up stockings again. Ugh! I got them all up. Yay! I stepped back to admire the tree. Beautiful. I like a lot of lights. I went into the kitchen, poured myself a cup of coffee, turned to see the tree. No lights. S%@t!!! Seriously. I am determined to stay cheerful. (actually I kind of wanted to rip the lights off and throw them away) Do lights go bad? So, my tree is now lit half way. I might just leave it.

I am grateful for

1. All the challenges in my life because I know that they will make me a better person.

2. Chris Orwig. Awesome photographer and person. I learned about him on lynda.com

3. That I am fortunate enough to be in a position to help others.

4. Elves. Although, they are messing with me today.

5. Forgiveness. When practiced, it is a beautiful thing. ( i forgive the bad dog above daily- sometimes
hourly)

Congratulations to Miss Kendyl! You won the I-tunes card. Watch your mail. And keep the comments coming!!

Blocked.

2009-12-08T20:31:00.000-08:00

I have writer's block today. I have written and rewritten the first two sentences now about ten times. Usually about this time, I walk away and don't write anything for a week or so. I will not let frustration get the best of me, but instead, will try not to torture you with a boring post. I really am working hard to kick the creative dust to the air. We'll just have to see.

I will mention the things I am grateful for, sometimes that sparks the fire.

1. Peace officers. (not just police officers, but all "peace" officers)

Today there was a funeral for the four police officers that were shot down in Washington.

My husband and two fellow officers drove from Newport Beach to Washington in one day in

a patrol car from the city to attend and support the families of those killed. He sent me

images which showed "thousands" of police units from all over the nation. I'm grateful the

families have support from the nation at this time. This brutal, senseless killing is just

beyond tragic.

2. Jackets. And socks. It is freaking cold outside. Ok. Ok. I know it's California and I have

been bragging about how perfect the weather is and I'm being a big baby by saying it's cold,

but it is. Very. Cold.

3. That my tires on my car have not gone flat. I have never had a flat tire. Ever. (boy I hope

I didn't just tempt fate with this-uh oh)

4. The people I work with. Because they are fun and just go with it when I ask them to dance

and be videotaped. Got to love it! (there seems to be a story here-maybe later)

5. White House Custom Colour. For doing beautiful prints/cards and getting them out to me

so fast! They rock!

Wish I had more to add for today. How about a nice summery image to warm you up?

Have a great night!

It's game day!

2009-12-06T12:32:00.000-08:00

I look forward to Sunday. Family day. A day to relax. Game day! I love watching football with the man.
I didn't always like football. But the more I learned about the game, the more enjoyable it became. Plus, the man is just crazy about the Steelers, most Steeler fans are, which is actually pretty fun to be a part of.
So, we will be rooting for Ben today. He suffered a concussion two weeks ago. As an emergency nurse, I know that another head injury at this point could be a dangerous risk. I am praying he is kept safe. The offensive line better step up. ( I may be losing the ladies here ) Anyway, hope you enjoy a relaxing Sunday who ever you are rooting for.

And the five things I am grateful for today...

1. Prayers. Answered and unanswered. Do I really need to explain?
2. Remote controls.
3. 24 hour fitness. If there were no remote controls, we all might get a bit more exercise.
4. My Kindle. For my last birthday, the man bought me a Kindle. I wasn't sure about it at first.
   I like books. I like the pages, seeing the type on pages, etc. But since I have been using it,
   I actually love it. I get the Washington Post. I save trees. I can carry all my books with me all the time.
   I can get almost any book in an instant.   (which is a little scary-could get expensive) I LOVE it.
   Thanks baby.
5. Rain. I think it is going to rain today. Expect the "Storm Watch"- duh duh duuuuuh. We need it.
   Plus it gives me an excuse to bundle up and get cozy on the couch while it rains outside and read or
   watch football. Woohoo!

Today.

2009-12-05T12:30:00.000-08:00

You're back. Really? Keeping me on track here right. I know this is eventually going to get harder, but
there really is no shortage of things to be grateful for, and it makes me focus on positive things. So....

1. U-turns. I am grateful for u-turns. I am frequently pointing my car in the wrong direction and it is a bit annoying to have to go blocks out of the way before you can make one. When I finally can make one,
I realize how relieved and "grateful" I am to have come to it.

2. Mexican food. Yummmmmy. It really is just simply a combination of four or five ingredients cooked in different ways. But you got to hand it to them, they nailed it!

3. Potty training. Think about this for a minute; if people had never started potty training. Ever. Wow! What a mess. Especially after mexican food.

4. This cool web address: Alltop! It features all the top sites and stories about EVERYTHING you could want to know and has a space for you to save your own. It is at the top of my browser. I love it!
Give it a try.

5. America. Even with the mess we are in, I think it is still the best country in the world. ( I do have to get out there and visit a few more...I did love Ireland, hmmmm. This might change. )
And Congress needs an overhaul and some fresh new representatives. Come on 2010!!

And an image to go along with all these fabulous gratuitous ideas.......

This image has nothing to do with u-turns, mexican food, or the rest, although it does have an

"Americana-Ralph Laurenish" type vibe so it kinda fits. It does for me anyway. I love this image!

Miss Dani and her father look beautiful, stunning if I might say!

Have a wonderful u-turning weekend!

Continuing the grateful series....

2009-12-04T07:26:00.000-08:00

Today I am grateful, thankful, appreciative, indebted for

1. Having a good job. Everyone should be thankful for this these days. (whew) I guess I have two.
Double thankful.
2. My fish stapler. It's cute and makes me smile each time I look at it. (it's the little things)

3. Coffee or caffeine. Yep, has become a staple in my diet. I like it.
I'm gonna go get some more.
4. My health. mental and physical. Life is hard(er) without good health.
5. This blog and anyone that reads it. (hello-hello- anyone- are you there?)

P.S. Now that I look at that stapler up close-it's kinda weird; looks like a trout in a Nemo suit.
Well, whatever. It still makes me smile. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day.

I claim Thursday as my day...

2009-12-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

Why? Why not? I have been thinking about Thursday. It's just a day that has nothing connected to it.
Monday. We have Monday morning blues, the "start off the week" day is famously Monday. Tuesday.
Ahhhh Tuesday. Everyone loves Tuesday because it's not Monday. It's Tuesday! Yeah!! Then there is good ol' hump day, Wednesday. Always famous for the middle of the week and that much closer to Friday. If you make it to Wednesday, you are half way there. Woohoo! Plus, it's spelled weird. Really- a silent "d". What will they think of next? Then, Thursday comes along. It's not Friday, but you wish it was. Poop-it's just Thursday. On Thursday, everyone is just wishing it was Friday. So much so, that is has nothing really notable about it except the twenty four hour period keeping you from Friday. So- I claim Thursday as my special day.

Y'all can have all those other days, I'll even throw in the weekend. I'm taking Thursday as my own.
Plus it's payday! (woot woot)

With that said, I have been thinking lately about what can get me posting more often, spark creativity,
get connecting with others, etc. etc. ( you thought I was just wasting time not blogging, huh?)
So, I am going to post (as often as I can-should be daily, but let's be realistic here) about five things I am grateful for. This is a grand exercise. Daily practice on the things you are grateful for helps to keep life in
perspective, and helps one honor life in general. I think it should be a daily thing, not only reserved for Thanksgiving or holidays. It should be something you say out loud-you know, to the world, or the internet (same thing). So I'll start today. Five things I am grateful for.....

1. I am grateful that I apparently wasn't having a heart attack when I jogged/ran home from dropping my car off at the shop to be fixed (long story here too) My faithful carpet cleaner guy, Bennie, was due at my house at 9 AM and he is never late. I dropped my car off at 8:15 AM and planned to get my daily exercise in by jogging three miles home. For some reason, I thought I could run 7 minute miles and it would just take me twenty minutes or so to get home. Ahem. Even when I was in great shape, I ran 10 minute miles, so I don't really know why I got this time allotment all wrong. Suddenly, I was not jogging. I was running. And having left sided chest pain. And picturing ambulances hauling me away and Bennie standing on the curb staring at his watch. And listening to the wrong music during all of it as well. If you are going to run, pick something uplifting. I didn't. It didn't help. I made it home, feeling broken and breathing heavily in about 30 minutes. Bennie was late. (I am thankful for that too) And my carpets are clean. And I didn't have a heart attack. I think. I am grateful.

2. I am grateful for my family. Warts and all. (yeah, I know you are reading this- please don't be offended. We all have them. Just sayin )

3. I am grateful that my dog threw up on the carpet this morning BEFORE I had the carpets cleaned.
He is getting sneaky again and ate my migraine medication (because it was in a ziplock bag-and before you call the SPCA on me- it came like that from the pharmacy. I'll yell at them. And he really had to dig around in my overnight bag to get them and it was on the table. (But actually, he just chewed the packages but didn't get all the way through.) However, it seems he smelled the chocolate coins
that were in there from Disneyland. He ate those. And got sick. The foil doesn't agree with him. But he
doesn't have a headache either. I am grateful.

4. I am grateful that my dog is smart enough not to eat the bag of screws he took off the table this morning too. Yep, they were on the table in a ziplock bag. Zip lock bags are used for everything in my house.
Wish my dog could figure this out.

5. I am grateful someone invented the vacuum cleaner. The amount of dog hair removed from my floors is just sick. I don't know how my dog has any hair left on his body.

And because a post is so much better with an image to go along, here is one of my favorites from a recent shoot. Gets me in the mood for the holidays fo' sho'!! I should have added I am grateful for this image. I really love it.

If you have hung in with me this long, congratulations! If you want to join in with my gratitude series and let me know five things you are grateful for in the comments, dive right in. I am going to give one random commenter a new shiny I-tunes card! And then, you'll have one more thing to be thankful for! Happy commenting and don't forget to leave me your email address!

Have a fabulous Thursday!

one more for today.

2009-11-17T17:20:00.000-08:00

I just love a beautiful mother daughter image....just had to post one more.

chilly November nights...

2009-11-17T12:03:00.000-08:00

Right. This is life in southern California. With the exception of high taxes and a bankrupt state, who can complain? I had the double pleasure of meeting up with this family once again. They are truly just the nicest people ever... and adding to the world, a new little one, little Kenny. He is definitely in good hands.

More to come soon....have a beautiful day!

life is....

2009-11-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

Worth living. Hard. Awesome. Fun. Tiring. Painful. Love. A gift. But most of all, life is....

Waiting for trick or treaters....

2009-10-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

My dog loves Halloween. He loves to sneak down stairs in the middle of the night and show off his skills of climbing onto chairs so he can eat half of the left over candy in the bowl. He has a serious sweet tooth.
So, he loves Halloween. He is also quite the greeter. He is always the first to the front door. He has been watching the kids play outside for about an hour....he knows. They are coming. He is probably hoping for a "light" showing this year. More candy for him. We are on to you Kona. We'll put it up far away this year.....

Here he is watching and waiting.....so cute.

true love in thirty days or less...

2009-10-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

As we sat in the quiet restaurant, all you could hear was the sound of Jamie's laughter. She beamed at Donovan as he explained how they had met. She was quick to interrupt his tale to add that he took thirty days to call her after their first date. He smiled at her, knowing he had definitely made the right choice to finally call. (guys have a hard time explaining why they wait so long to call-I'm not sure he ever elaborated on that) It doesn't really matter anymore. It is true love now, and they are engaged to be together for better, worse, sickness, health, and so the story goes. We spent the day walking along the streets of Balboa Island where their memories of how they first fell in love came back to life. They have moved their story to Washington and have an incredible life waiting for them there.
My heart leapt right out of my chest weeks ago when Jamie asked me to be their photographer. I am honored and can't wait to tell their story in April next year. It was so fun spending the day with both of you and an honor to create some new memories for you. I can tell that your love is one that will last a lifetime.

...just a few of my favorites from the day

Thanks for a fabulous day...it was so great catching up.

I am so looking forward to your beautiful wedding...

you both are awesome!

I love....

2009-10-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

rainy days, romantic comedies, and sleeping in....

birthday suits...

2009-10-14T14:35:00.000-07:00

Today is a really special day. Today I am celebrating the day my guy was born. Yep. His birthday.
This day in history is one of the most important days of all to me. Without him, my life would be so
different. I know. I have been there. And it is so much better with him. He is truly my other half.
I look forward to seeing him or hearing his voice every single day. Since the very first day we met years and years ago, I still get excited to see him walk through the door. Honestly, he is my very best friend. I am one of the luckiest ladies alive. Happy Birthday from the bottom of my heart. I truly love you and
this day that you were born....

... and since this is a visual blog (no, I am not putting up a picture of him in his birthday suit) here is a recent picture of my great niece, miss Jossalyn. She has the biggest blue eyes and dark brown hair.
She is just going to be the most stunning little girl, and already melts her parents hearts.

Hope you are having a great day!

Hitting the streets...

2009-10-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

A quick post and I am out the door...

The other day, I had the absolute pleasure of shooting some family portraits for a friend of mine. They have a beautiful home and as it turns out, a pretty nice street. I am sure you will agree they are a very handsome family. Also, I should mention that Kim is pretty darn creative in her own right. She has her own etsy store and you can check out her place right here!

Thanks for a lovely afternoon.

Miss Callie turns one...

2009-09-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

So, this is Miss Callie. She has been featured on this blog several times. She gets cuter every day.

She has just turned one this year and had a little "coming out" party at the park for her session. It

all started off very innocently. We got a lot of images before Mom and Dad let her celebrate and

party like a rock star that she is. She is all dressed up and ready to go....

Hmmm....seems simple enough.

Yep, I think I am going to like being one.

Now it's a party!

Juiced up...

Rolling now for sure.... so many awesome images it was kind of hard to choose.

These show a bit of the "flavor" of the day for sure.

Thanks guys for a really fun afternoon.

You all have such a beautiful spirit about you and it shines right through.

XO, Sissel

On turning one ~OR~ that little cupcake never stood a chance...

2009-09-28T20:11:00.000-07:00

Sitting down to the computer after a really fun afternoon...

This post is truly a sneak preview as I am posting the last image from the day. The aftermath.
One year down and getting cuter with each minute of the day....thank you Miss Callie, you are the "sweetest" little thing. Hope you landed gently from that sugar high.

Which is the best camera?

2009-09-22T10:19:00.000-07:00

Often asked, and the answer....
Nikon.(nope) Canon.(nope) Olympus..... no, no, no. I agree wholeheartedly with Chase on this one.
He states, "The best camera is the one you have with you." And I'll add the worst image is the one that is never taken. Today Chase Jarvis rolled out with a KILLER little iphone app called The Best Camera. Go jump into the Itunes store and get it! (I have it already) You can edit and upload all from one spot. The iphone already takes some pretty amazing images for a cell phone. Now you can make them even better. Let your creativity rock and roll....and have a fantastic day!

Permission slips...

2009-09-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

Be yourself. The world worships the original.

~Jean Cocteau,writer

Like I have mentioned before, I tend to think too much. Way too much. It's not only annoying to me,

I think I drive the man a little crazy sometimes. Introspection-not always a good thing. Of course, any one thing over done after a while is just, well, over done. Photography is a process. Life is a process. You have no idea how much these two things intersect for me. For me it has become a process of just giving myself permission; permission to try, permission to fail, permission to do something that I truly love, permission to just be myself. Hopefully, I am getting better, at photography, and at just being myself. I purposely stopped going to other photographer's blogs because a) I don't have the time, and b) I kept comparing my work. This turned out to be a good idea. It has given me back hours of my days and forces me to find my own style and judge my progress according to my work against my work, not against someone who has been doing this for twenty years. Currently, I'm reading a great book that I recommend for all you creative types out there, "The 12 secrets of highly creative women." It's not expensive and a quick read. And just a quick look at a favorite from yesterday, the beautiful miss Sami. She is a stunning little sweetheart. Looks so beautiful without even trying. More to come....you have my permission to share your true self with the world. It's out there waiting....

PS In case you were wondering, those eyes...didn't touch 'em. They are truly that
blue and that beautiful.

It's beginning to feel a lot like football....

2009-09-04T16:21:00.000-07:00

There is not too much more frustrating than sitting down to post and getting blogger's block.

Great. I've had all kinds of stuff running through my mind all week too. I guess it ran right through my head.

Hmmm, maybe it is because "Muskrat Love" is playing and it has me in a complete funk. "Someone" better have a good explanation why that is in the I-tunes library. It's dragging me way down. (pause to switch to JT for some emergency R & B) Phew....getting better now.

Yep, mood picking up already.

OK, so I have been editing every chance I have had this week. It's feels good to be catching up.

And I have one quick sneak preview from a session yesterday. Sorry about just posting one.
This is one of my favorites. He was making a break for it. He stopped for just a split second before moving forward. I can only imagine what he's thinking here....

Something like, "Oh, you with the camera again, let's just keep this quiet, OK?"

I'm also really looking forward to FOOTBALL SEASON starting!! This picture reminds of
football.....going to the line, staring down the opponent, waiting for the pitch, he just looks fierce. All right, going a bit far, I know, I know, he's just over a year old. It could be destiny.

Happy Labor Day to ya! Have a great weekend!

On giving back...

2009-08-26T08:28:00.000-07:00

I have had so much trouble writing this post. My thoughts and emotions and epiphanic moments have been all over the place this week. I'm not a writer. I wish I were so that I

could explain all that has been happening in my head and my heart clearly in a way that

made sense. Bear with me.

When I began this journey of photography, my purpose was to somehow combine my two roles; nursing and "shooting people", and use it as a way to give back. Each day I go to work,

I am reminded how many blessings in my life that I have. I decided long ago that I would offer free sessions and prints to patients with cancer. I have missed working with cancer patients and felt this would be a great way to give back to people who have taught me so much. I have not been quite sure how to go about offering this, and as of yet, have not come up with a plan.

A few weeks ago, a fellow RN approached me about getting some family portraits done. Sadly,

her father in law is battling cancer and they wanted to update their pictures with him and all the kids. So, the one thing I have been wanting to do for someone just fell right in my lap.

Perfect. I feel so strongly about being able to do this for people. This is just the gift I want to

give.

I can't really explain why I lacked the confidence to offer this to people just yet, but I have.

I'm forcing myself to just get over it, move on, come up with a way to let people know, and just do it.

There are a few reasons for this....now, come the epiphanies. I now know that taking my first workshop with Zack Arias, was so much more of a blessing beyond taking the mystery out

of lighting off camera. I had a thought last week that I hadn't checked his blog site for a while.

He hasn't been posting as often since the birth of his new boy. Understandable. Photography business-workshops-studio-family- blogging should be way down on the "to do" list. I was happily surprised to see a new post there: "How many of you are standing on the dock?"

This post was prompted by a letter from a gent who had reached the frustration point and lacked confidence to follow his dream of photography. This led to the next post, a brilliant

interview with a young man selling soap; "Dope, soap, and hope." It is worth your eight or so minutes to watch. Please click on it if you feel like you would like to be inspired. You'll thank me. So, from there, I bought some virtual soap, was able to meet up with my friend and her family, and will happily provide this service to patients that I am able to help. I will go forward. And now, on December 12, 2009, help-portrait.com is planning a worldwide event to challenge photographers to give back and service those in need. Awesome and I AM IN! I'll be working on this as well. And just to share how important these portrait sessions are and how

excited I am to be offering this to others, below is a small series of just a few of my favorites from the day.

Thanks for reading and I hope you are inspired to help others in some big or small way as well.

Thank you for the opportunity to give back and my best to you guys always!
Enjoy this sunny day!!

Noah....

2009-08-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

I spent a couple of hours with Noah last week wanting to capture all that it is to be one year old. I can tell you he is fast. Very fast. He has some very patient parents too. We tried everything to slow him down just a bit; a cartoon finally worked but that was at the end of the session. (note to self: maybe try that first next time) In any event, a small sample from the day. Thanks M and T. He is a doll!

I love this....it sums up his energy. How can I get this energy level back?

Vintage appeal...

2009-08-13T11:03:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I headed down to Carlsbad to meet up with a beautiful new little family. My friend Joanna and her husband Peter have adopted an adorable boy from Taiwan. James. He is about seventeen months old and is full of joy. What a pleasure! He put up with us for about 2 1/2 hours. Anyway, one quick post and then I will be off for another session. I'm in a bit of a vintage mood this morning. I just love the blend of old and new. This will look great in the Obrien Schridde frames!

A daily dose of dog...

2009-08-11T18:01:00.001-07:00

I am really a pretty simple girl. I require a few things; a kiss goodbye and a cup of coffee in the morning, email, and a daily dose of dog. I'll supply a little daily dose for you in case you are lacking....with love from Kona.

My fridge...

2009-08-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

The face of my fridge is the face of my life. It's full of reminders; "yet to do's" and wallet size photos of babies and family sent to us by loved ones. I vowed to keep it clean and clear of clutter. (just like the rest of my life) I promised myself I would have a blank clean fridge face. I am not sure what happened. I don't have a blank clean fridge face right now. And I kind of like it.
It's full of witty fridge magnets. The best fridge magnets were found in Austin Texas at Monkey See, Monkey Do, my all time favorite store in SoCo Austin, also known as South Congress, or the "southside". We visit there each time we go to add to the collection. Other magnets have lovely sayings and remind me to stay grounded and what is most important in life. I have a broken pacemaker magnet which is superman powerful and could hold a phonebook to the side. All in all, it's cluttered. I found myself staring at it this morning wondering what the heck happened. I took one thing off. (a step) But, after thinking about it, I'm not ashamed at this cluttered face of my fridge. It's a reminder to laugh and keep things in perspective. It's a reminder of great parties and dates to come, and some weddings to remember. (brenda, your "save the date" magnet is still there) There are a few bright shiny beautiful faces of newly born children. How could you take those off? I have colored paper gifts from the short friends on my street. And there is one reminder on my fridge that is the absolute best. I found it in the crack of my door one day when I returned home from work. Apparently, my husband was issued a ticket from two young boys on our block. When he refused to pay the speeding ticket they gave him (he never speeds), they promptly left him another ticket to pay for and stuck it in our door. I saved it. It makes me smile every day. And I pull it off and reissue it when needed.

Have a lovely, lovely day!

PS Please pray for David Wenzel....read his story here

Brandon and Simone

2009-08-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely, my nieces and nephews are all getting married. Brandon and Simone had an absolutely beautiful day. They were married July 24th at the Hyatt in Huntington Beach. I'm certain it was the hottest day of the year so far. The ceremony was short and sweet; any longer and I may have jumped in the reflection pool and cooled off with those spitting fish.

They opted for the sneak peek before the ceremony which gave us a little more time for some portraits of the wedding party and the soon to be newlyweds. They were unsure at first, hearing somewhere that seeing each other before the ceremony could be bad luck. I think they were also worried it would spoil the moment. I think luck will be on their side for a long time to come. And as you will see from their images, the moment was anything but spoiled. I think they have plenty of luck and plenty of love to last them years to come.

Here are a few of my favorites from the day....enjoy!

a great wedding day always starts off with a great pair of shoes...

a few pictures in the room before heading out...

Brandon getting ready....handsome guy!

All of my nephews in one shot....hope this makes my sister's day!

Some brotherly love.

I wish someone would tell these guys to relax and have a good time.

There is a story why all the groomsmen are wearing womens corsages...I think I'll save it for another day. ( I don't take any credit for this)

As you may see from the top of my blog, I am pretty fond of this shot.

They aren't any fun either...

The peek...

One proud Mom. I love this picture.

As I mentioned before, the moment was still preserved. Simone was overcome.

The guy has got it bad....that's the look.

So possibly more to follow in a few days...thanks for looking. If you have a comment or would just like to let me know you stopped by, feel free. I love your comments!

Sneaky...

2009-07-26T21:12:00.000-07:00

This year is flying by and yet, this has been one long week; a new addition to the family, a wedding, a week full of meetings for the other J-O-B because Irvine is getting a new hospital and emergency room, and folks, we are planning to move in. It takes a BIG plan. It's exciting to see how much this hospital has grown. I'm grateful to be part of it. But, I digress.

A quick sneak preview of a quick sneak preview. My nephew, little "BT", got married on Friday to the woman of his dreams.
Seriously, where does the time go? It was a pleasure for me to be able to help capture the day. (and a big shout out to my awesome second shooter, miss Ashley Rose, the best ever)

So, a couple of images to hopefully satisfy the curiosity until tomorrow.

Sweet dreams and happy honeymoon to the newlyweds, Brandon and Simone!

changing things up a bit....

2009-07-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to redirect you before I changed the address to this site. You can still find it if you click on "blog" from my website
(which is still under construction) There is nothing that will make you build faster as moving in before you are ready to live there.
There are "rooms", but not much "furniture" just yet. I'll be working on it nightly.

For now, this address is http://sisselicious.blogspot.com/

Thanks for stopping by. Yeah Monday!!

A weekend of new beginnings...

2009-07-19T18:30:00.000-07:00

Chris and Sarah are new parents.
My sister is a new grandmother. (phew- young for that- and it sounds weird)
Shannon and Bret are newlyweds (and I am a wee bit tired after their very fun wedding)

In any event, meet brand new little Jossalyn. Born July 18th. She is beautiful. Great job guys!!

Oops....

2009-07-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today has just been filled with "oops!" (i really said something else but since sometimes i have kids of reading age checking their shining faces here, we'll just go with oops!)

I have been having conversations of "you are only human" and "come on girl, give yourself a break" all day. I completely spaced out this morning and shut off my alarm... I thought to myself as I shut it off that I had just, for no good reason, robbed myself of precious minutes of rest.
Ugh! However, there was a reason for the alarm that I completely forgot about. I completely forgot a meeting this morning.
Oops!

Then, while I begged forgiveness and felt like a dope, I thought I would just confess the rest of my transgressions and get it all off my chest.
"Hi honey. How is your day? "

"By the way, the other day, I may have got one of those "gotcha on camera" ticket thingys."

"Where? In San Juan Capistrano." (beware-it's a really short yellow light)

"No, I am sure I was already in the middle."

"I know, I hope I was smiling too."

I wouldn't mind a break on this. I absolutely hate traffic school with a passion unmatched by anyone.
I am over torturing myself with guilt and finally just was able to let it go....tomorrow is another day.

I have decided I'm going with the "I'm only human" excuse today.

G' night!!

Cute as a button...

2009-07-09T22:16:00.000-07:00

So, today was without computer. Without lights. Without power. Thank goodness I knew it was coming. I think I should have more days like this. ( I know my husband just choked ) It forced me out of the house and away from the keyboard. Didn't get much accomplished, but sometimes it is good to just have a day to do nothing. When the power finally did come back on, I forced myself to finish watching "The Curious Life of Benjamin Button." I rented it. Once you start it, you have twenty four hours to watch it. I was under the gun. I didn't want to waste the five dollars I spent renting it. I started it before the power went out, so I watched. And it was looooong. Sorry Brad. You looked pretty good even as an old man and it did get easier to watch as you got younger, but I felt every minute. Did anyone else feel this way? The best part for me was towards the end, in a quote....

"It's never too late to be whoever you want to be. There is no time limit. Start when ever you want......"

I like this.

This is Nolan. Cute as a button. I could watch him all day long. Sorry Brad.

PS Happy Birthday Miss V!

Some like it big...

2009-07-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

I know I do. Pictures that is. (get your mind out of the gutter) I like faces. Beautiful faces full of expression, up close and personal. Here is a great one for you. Another of Luke. I wonder what is going on is his little mind....

Until tomorrow....

Courage, faith, and bravery.

2009-07-07T12:00:00.000-07:00

This day, I feel compelled to forward a link to all who read this blog. It is a link to another's blog and his journey with his diagnosis of brain cancer. I will also ask that you join all the others, including myself, who are praying for him. I have never
met him. That doesn't really matter. He has asked for prayer, so I will. His blog is beyond inspiring. Please take the time to read it and give some thought to his post. David is facing his "journey" with courage, faith, and bravery. If I am ever confronted with a similar situation, I pray I would have at least half of the faith he has. Read about David Wenzel.

Also, a quick picture from a recent session. Mr. Happy Baby, Luke. He was absolutely great throughout the entire session.

Thanks for checking in..... now go have a great day.

Celebrating....

2009-07-04T20:42:00.000-07:00

Happy Independence Day!

This little cutie is really getting more beautiful every day. She can melt her Daddy's heart with just a glance. Hope your having a wonderful fourth of July!

For you, Miss Veronica

2009-07-03T14:15:00.000-07:00

I'm not always sure that anyone views my site besides me and a few faithful friends. So, when someone (Miss V) says to me, "Hey, you need to update your blog" I felt myself instantly shrink with embarrassment. I am thinking its time for another blog challenge, just like I did last July. It wasn't easy thinking of stuff to write about everyday, especially after a grueling 15 hour day at work. No one wants to hear about that and after experiencing it, its the last thing I'd want to write about. So, maybe just a picture a day for sure. It just might not always be accompanied by words. But they say one picture is worth a thousand words, so I'll just settle for that. Come on, a thousand words is more than I have ever typed here.

Here is one worth at least one hundred. These neighborhood short people are jumping right into summer and right towards me. They are an awesome group of soccer ball kicking, bike riding, skateboarding, leaping right at ya kids. And here starts the challenge....

Thank you Veronica for kicking my butt and keeping me on track.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T10:02:00.000-07:00

A man never stands as tall as when he kneels to help a child.

~Pythagoras

To the world full of wonderful fathers, my own, and the one I am married to.....have a blessed day!

The fabulous Cliffs of Moher

2009-06-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.
~Rachel Carson

Just a quick view of one of the most famous views of Ireland and surely one not to miss

when you visit.

The Cliffs of Moher. I could stay and gaze at this jaw dropping view all day long.

Hope you have a beautiful day.

Honey, how about a little castle in the woods?

2009-06-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

Kylemore Abbey. A devoted husband, Mitchell Henry, had this humble little abode built as a gift to his wife Margaret and their NINE children. I don't know.
I say she deserved it. She died before he did. Go figure. Nine children before the turn of the century. Phew.
They just don't make castles like this anymore. I skipped ahead a bit in our trip. It's really late and I can't sleep.
So I am heading back to bed and hope to dream of castles now. Maybe I should try counting some sheep....

I don't eat lamb...

2009-06-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

Seriously, after seeing all the animals just gracing around peacefully, I vowed then and there to not eat meat anymore.
I still eat chicken and fish. That's different for me. I know, I know. Seems like a contradiction, but they just aren't the
same. But even before this trip, I did not eat veal or lamb. But now I really won't. I can't. Just look at how adorable they are.
How could you?

PS While driving through Ireland, I had lots of time to think. I silently made the decision that I would also not eat beef
anymore. I don't eat it that often anyway, so it wouldn't be much of a jump. Set. Good. No more beef.

Then my husband ordered sliders at TGIF in the airport to share. They were SO GOOD. Darn it.

More to come....have an excellent lamb free day!

Castles and cows and sheep...oh my!

2009-06-14T21:01:00.000-07:00

"...though the mountains divide, and the oceans are wide, it's a small world after all."
~Richard M. and Robert B Sherman

I've been recently traveling "across the pond" to Ireland, one of the greenest countries I have ever seen. We were fortunate to
have beautiful weather. I'm sure it doesn't help the wool sweater sales there to have temperatures in the high 70's to low 80's, or 27 centigrade as they say there. One of the loveliest things I noticed right off the plane is that people really are all the same. No matter where we are, people are basically going through life in pretty much the same fashion. It was comforting. It felt good to be so far away and yet feel as if I were not a stranger. Of course, Ireland is fairly easy to travel to; same language, etc. The most difficult part was the driving thing (and I didn't drive). If I can give you any advice at all, it would be NOT to take a red eye flight over, land, then hop right into your rental car (with the steering wheel on the left side and driving on the left side of the road) then drive straight into Dublin in the middle of crazy morning traffic with one way streets and traffic circles, while you don't have the exact address of the hotel and end up driving up and down the same street about ten times while your cell phone battery is flashing "less than 20 percent" warnings at you, and the cigarette plug extension you could be using to charge it doesn't work, while your husband is yelling, "WHICH WAY IS THE HOTEL?" and you are waving your arms and screaming, "PEDESTRIANS!!", as he narrowly misses two people who foolishly decide to walk in front of your car. (how is that for a run-on sentence?)

Don't do that.

But, if you do that, walk your tush quickly down the street to Cassidy's Pub and get a big Guiness. You deserve it! That is exactly what we did. It was my very first Guiness. It takes a little getting used to, but by the end of the week, you could say I was use to them. You know the saying, "while in Ireland..."

So stay tuned....this was just the beginning. I'll post a few pics from our adventure up tomorrow.

Some castles, cows, and sheep...betcha can't wait.

P.S. I loved Ireland, but it is always good to come home...

Where do you live?

2009-05-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I don't mean this literally. I'm not taking a poll. I have just been thinking a lot about life lately; where I live, what's on my heart. Lately, it takes more effort not to think about it. I have been thinking about the struggles people face every day, the impossible decisions they are faced with; about the decisions I make every day and what effect they may have on other people. I worry too much. I think way too long and hard about things. I'm pretty sure others would probably never give a second thought to the things I analyze over and over. I sometimes think about where my mind would be if I didn't see people die about three times a week. Lately, I wonder what the toll on my heart has been. This is where I have been "living" these days.

I remember my first clinical day in the hospital as a student nurse. I remember the smell of the patient I was taking care of. I didn't eat lunch that day. It wasn't his fault, and it wasn't a gross smell; it was just really different. My first memories as a registered nurse are of a man I took care of with cancer. He didn't seem sick. He was young, in his mid forties, and we had a great conversation before I left in the morning. I looked forward to taking care of him when I returned that evening. I glanced at the patient board when I got to work the next night. Not there. My fellow nurse told me with a cavalier shrug, "He died." I stared in disbelief. But....he wasn't sick. I spent the rest of the night caring for other people trying to put him out of my mind. He wasn't that sick. When I got in my car to drive home the next morning-it hit me. I cried-no- I wept all the way home, for a really nice man I just met, for his family who clearly must miss him terribly. And from that day forward, a layer of mortar was laid down on my heart. To protect it; to protect it from breaking over and over again. Each time, every death, every heart breaking story, every patient fighting for their life, every family member clutching to every minute and breath they can share with their loved one; another layer fortified protection around my heart. I don't cry on the way home from work anymore. I'm not sure if it ever happened again. That first time was painful. I quickly realized how to protect myself.

Yesterday, I watched a man one year younger than myself die. He was brought into the emergency room by paramedics working furiously to bring him back and then it was our turn to try. We were not successful. I watched his parents hearts break. I felt the mortar. I didn't cry. I stayed on the safe side. I still really care about these people. Sometimes I think if I start to cry, I just might not be able to stop.

So, I am focused on not running away from really painful situations. I might cry a little bit. I hope I don't cry a lot. I don't really think I will. I'm sure it will be good for me. It's a strange thing to write about. It really doesn't have much to do with photography, but in a way, I think it will help what I see.

This is where I am living these days. Challenging myself to tear down some barriers and be a bit more brave. I'll keep you posted on how it goes.

PS A huge heartfelt thank you to all the men and women who protect our country and allow us the freedoms that we have.
Have a wonderful Memorial Day!

Happy Mama's Day

2009-05-10T15:05:00.000-07:00

Taking a quick break to wish all those mom's out there a truly fabulous day. Hope you are getting a little bit spoiled. You surely deserve it.

Kona is waiting on me again to take him for a run....this is "I am losing patience, please please stop taking my picture." He's a giver. Although, I now have to bribe him with a treat if I am using him to test lighting, etc. He runs over and sits right in front of me after every shutter click. We better go work it off.

A few more favorites...

2009-05-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

So, just a few more favorites from the session with Adrienne and Eric. Unfortunately, it's all I've got time for today...

Isn't she just a beautiful Mom...

Thanks for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend!

Adrienne and Eric are....

2009-04-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

two of the coolest expecting parents on the planet. ( and don't think I am exaggerating 'cause I'm not)

I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to meet up with Adrienne and Eric to document this very important moment in their lives together. This job is really a privilege more than anything else. They are just the nicest couple of people ever and I wish them the VERY best. I know they will be the greatest parents as they greet their first newborn.

Here is one of my very favorites from their shoot. More to follow....

Please stop your swine-ing...

2009-04-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

I rarely watched regularly scheduled programs anymore, and I hardly ever watch the news. They only share bad news and the bias of the networks is sometimes enough to make me insane. The DVR is an awesome invention. I can't imagine watching TV without it. It should have it's own pedestal in our home. The man is addicted to Family Guy (ok, I like it too) and lately, I'm plugged into Seinfeld reruns. (when I break free from the computer) It's a phase, I'm sure. I have had a few days away from the
J- O- B and if my husband had not waved the newspaper at me yesterday, I would not have known about this swine flu business until I got back to work. I feel more prepared; prepared to be a little more busy than usual. Pesky swines. And we JUST finished flu season, darn it. So, I felt it necessary to pass on a very useful little tip that I know most people are aware of, but just forget about sometimes. And a message is always stronger with a visual aid attached; my own little commercial to help out anyone checking in. Who knows? I could double this up as a medical reference blog.

It kills 99.99% of all germs. That's crazy! I don't want to run into the .01% that hangs on and can't be killed. Ugh!

Pick this up and keep it with you and wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. Wipe off desktops and phones in your workplace and stay home if you are sick. Unless, you are a nurse. Get to work. We need you.

After my heart...

2009-04-22T22:22:00.000-07:00

Worked the entire day closing up on a project enough to take a look into more recent shoots next to go. My first answer to a model call was from a friend of this young gal's mom. Sofia is just perfect to me. She is full of life, loves dogs, not afraid to
get down in the dust, and she could show that dog who was boss, most of the time. My kind of girl all the way. Doesn't hurt
that she is striking either. Nevertheless, she is one example of why I love shooting "short people". Truthful and honest, they are
who they are. No premise, no faking. I LOVE it! Give me ten million. I'll shoot them all day long.

More soon....happy Thursday!

stray thoughts...

2009-04-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

Whenever we have unseasonably warm (okay-hot!) weather, I always wonder if Al Gore is walking around feeling just a little bit
smug thinking to himself, "I told ya so."

What to expect when you're expecting...

2009-04-10T14:16:00.000-07:00

More joy than you ever thought possible.

A quick preview from an evening with Meghan and Eric. They should be expecting just about any day now. This is one of my very favorites from the shoot. It looks great in the original color and black and white. But, I just really like it this way.

Meghan, I hope everything is going according to plan for you and Eric. This little boy or girl is going to have the most brilliant
blue eyes. I just know it. Blessings to both of you!

As I edit away...

2009-03-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

As I edit away, I have to remind myself to check in here every once in awhile. It may be time for another blog challenge. Wait.
No. Not just yet.

So. Life rolls on. I am fiercely working on editing and such, with a little shooting in between. I have one shoot of a series under my belt and have a couple favorites from that. Here is one I plucked out to share ahead of time, Miss Sofia and her very good buddy Jack. They are the best of friends. It was an honor to spend a little time with both of them.

Happy Monday! Have a great week!

PS Apple, I still love you...today you made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Makes up for all the cursing I've been doing under my breath lately. Thanks for being a really good company. If you are out there and reading this and still using Windows, I just want to know why.

In the blink of an eye...

2009-03-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

It's amazing to me how fast time is going these days...I wish I could have a few more hours in each day. There is so much I try to do in one day that I don't have much time left over for a book I want to read, a movie I am wanting to see. Can someone slow down the sand? Please. I am getting up earlier these days as well. It's helping a little bit but now I just need more coffee.

These are Jax's lashes. As I was working through his edit, I noticed them. This picture reminds me of how much we are loved and how God counts every hair and eyelash on your head, how everything about us, perfect and imperfect, was planned for a reason.
Just my random thoughts for a Monday afternoon.

Have a beautiful day.

Meet Jax...

2009-03-11T22:32:00.000-07:00

This morning I had the utmost pleasure of meeting the soon-to-be big brother, Jax. His mother Melissa and I have been planning, missing, planning, and more missing dates for what feels like weeks now. But I always know that God has his timing
no matter what mine is, and as it turns out, his is ALWAYS perfect. Go figure. Today probably felt like just about any other day to Jax. I'm not sure how often he goes to the beach in the morning but he seemed to take it right in stride. First off, check out everything, find some awesome driftwood and make it a sword, eat some sand, throw some sand, then carry two fists full of sand as if it were treasure. Rinse, repeat as necessary. His mom told me what an easy going little guy he was, and he proved it twice over.
Jax is just all boy. Happy, inquisitive, all american, all boy. And today may be his last day of being the only little guy around the house. Today, all eyes are on Jax. Tomorrow, he shares everything. I hope you had a great day Jax. Tomorrow, you get to meet your new brother Gage, and you get to be the star in one more person's eyes, your little brother.

And finally a face to go along with all these words. ( I've been a bad photo blogger with so many words and no pictures)

I have to sleep right away....

Have a wonderful Thursday and congratulations to Rob and Melissa!!

Model call

2009-03-01T11:47:00.000-08:00

Hello there internet world!

I am sending out a little note to you. I am working on a small personal project and also working to build on my portfolio.
How can you get involved? I was hoping you would ask. I need young kids ages between 2-6 years old who happen to have a four legged friend that they get along with very, very well. I will be doing these sessions for free and will provide two of your favorite images from the session for free as 8 X10 or smaller. I will post the images on a site for you if you would like to share them with your friends and family, or order any extra prints, etc. I will only be able to accept a few sessions. If you are interested or know someone with young two legged and four legged kids, let them know. Send me an email with your information about your little cuties at sisselbyington@mac.com with "Model Call" in the subject line Lets get some great shots together!!

Hope your enjoying this beautiful sunny day!

Breathe again.

2009-02-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

Phew. Back in California, where the air is clean and the oxygen is free. I spent a week in Vegas. Yep. Never say never folks.
I spent a week in Las Vegas. And much to my surprise, it was pretty fun. It was not the blood sucking craziness I have experienced in the past, and happy to report, no migraines. Of course, everything I brought with me has the scent of stale cigarette smoke and I probably should rush to the hospital and get a chest x-ray to make sure I haven't developed lung cancer from inhaling all the second hand smoke. Come to think of it, that is what probably kept me going most of the time; a second hand nicotine high.
With that said, I had a great time this year at WPPI. I took some fabulous classes and was able to study with the famed and talented Bambi Cantrell. I took her master class and was not disappointed.
Made lots of new friends along the way, from Canada to Australia and in between. Also got to watch Joe McNally in action. The guy is brilliant. And funny.

I have only taken one workshop to date outside of WPPI, and I have another one coming up this year. I am very, very picky about the workshops I choose. Most of the time, these workshops are not cheap. It can be a wonderful learning experience, or after speaking to many photographers at WPPI; a sorry waste of money. The trouble is you don't know until the workshop is finished what you will get. My first workshop was with Zack Arias. Worth every cent. Not only was the class technically informative, but hit me on another level as well. Zack is just an all around good guy. He shared his heart and his life experiences, for me it took the class to another level. Another photographer I follow, David Jackson, posted a link to a blog entry from Zack for Scott Kelby's blog. I watched it. I am compelled to link it as well. Check it out.
I can guarantee, just like me, you will not be disappointed. (just click on this link right HERE)

Are you loving all this rain?

2009-02-09T10:39:00.000-08:00

Well, no. However, it does afford me the ability to work on editing inside completely guilt free. Seriously, if you don't have to be out in this mess, why would you want to be? I know we desperately need the rain (I kind of fear for the people living in the fire areas), but enough is enough. Global warming? Pffft. It has been a week or more since my last post. I have been going nonstop, and it has been really fun.

I always like to take a little time off after the holidays and get myself organized and clear my head for the coming year. I'm also attending WPPI 2009 in Vegas and I'm very excited for that. I really don't care for Vegas all that much. I could do without all the noise and smoke. The mass amount of people there kind of sucks the energy right out of me. But, I will forgo all of that to attend this conference. The reverse happens when I am surrounded by photographers. It's really energizing and fun. (if you love photography, I think my husband was a little bored)

I would not be a true Steeler fan if I didn't mention how fabulous that Superbowl was. My husband will be beaming from ear to ear for the rest of the year. He has replayed the game a few times already. Truly, they had a fairy tale ending. Thank God. I can't imagine the misery if they had lost. We watched the game from a small "black and gold" bar in southern San Francisco called Zacks. You can find these little bars all over America. Steeler fans are everywhere.
It's pretty fun to find a place where everyone there loves and cheers for the same team you are. I don't know if these kind of places exist for other teams. I've never asked. I'm not that brave.

Following the game, we spent a few more days in fog city. Since I haven't had much time to go out and shoot for myself, it was a dream to wander around the city with my camera. After a couple of hours, I was really wishing I had brought more comfortable shoes. I knew I had to have a few shots of the Golden Gate Bridge, so I travelled toward the park. As I carefully maneuvered down rocky running trails in newly purchased Joan and David boots, I began to regret every step. Each step forward would be twice as painful coming back, but I pushed awkwardly on. (note: this does nothing for creativity-it really helps to be comfortable and able to get to spaces without worrying about your shoes, not to mention feeling kind of ridiculous and out of place-lesson learned) I explored the Presidio, the national cemetery, drove up to Haight-Ashbury and went down to Fisherman's Wharf. I loved the mix of old and new and spent the day shooting only black and white. I can't wait to go back.

If you need a reason to visit San Francisco right now here it is, Wicked.
It was absolutely more than I expected. Go see it. You will not be disappointed at all. And pick up some sourdough bread.
Yum.

Just a few from the day....

Have a wonderful day...inside.

Lipstick Jungle

2009-02-01T06:33:00.000-08:00

So, you see them all walk in together. They are in there for a really long time. What are they all doing in the bathroom for so long? I'll let you in on a little secret. There is another party inside. It's fun. And only girls are allowed.

Have a really really FABULOUS superbowl sunday!!! {go steelers!!}

A day in the park...

2009-01-22T22:45:00.000-08:00

I met with Nicole, Ryan and Aliyah (I hope I spelled that right) today to update some family pictures. We had the threat of rain on us all day, but as usual positive thinking wins out and the weather man, even though he was wrong, probably still has a job.
It was a beautiful day and I have a new favorite park. I'm just able to post a handful from the day....it is much later than I thought and I have to force myself to sleep.

I think I mentioned that she didn't have to smile if she didn't want to....wow, killer eyes here.

This is one of my favorites of the whole day...everyone just being themselves and the kids being natural and "unscripted"....love it!

If I have not mentioned it before I'll tell you now, I have a "thing" for monkeys, of any kind.

And just a beautiful little family here....

Thanks for a great afternoon and the lead on this beautiful park...

Have a great day!

Go Steelers!!

2009-01-18T13:21:00.000-08:00

I took this series of images last November and for the first time finally used photomerge to create a panoramic. It is only fitting for today....for the city of steel, we are there in spirit, GO STEELERS!!!

Today is a good day to...

2009-01-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

So, in the style of Jasmine*, I just want to say, "Holla!!" I have a day off!

I have a day to spend with my husband, with my dog, to catch up with edits, to run through the park, to watch a little football, and to just be. I am smiling. I hope your smiling. It is a beautiful day. So, share your smile with a stranger, hold someone's hand, give your loved one a big huge kiss, and have a wonderful day. I'm going to.....

Kendall and Brandon

2009-01-09T00:19:00.000-08:00

It's been one week since Kendall and Brandon were married. My schedule has been relentless. Seriously, non-stop. I have one day off today, and I'm off for another shoot. Sorry for making you wait.

This wedding was like no other I have attended before. Intimate and inviting, warm and personal, no details left unchecked, exactly the way they had dreamed of and prayed for. The day unfolded easily with the girls getting ready in the bridal cottage. The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is a beautiful venue for a ceremony, and Kendall and Brandon's day was no exception. Eric was shooting the guys and I concentrated on the gals. Today, I'll just be focusing on the bride and groom and try to give you some highlights of the day.

Kendall's stunning wedding gown. On the back of her gown there are three small details you wouldn't know about. She has a piece of lace from her mother's dress, her mother in law's dress, and her grandmother's dress sewn in. Three strong marriages to blend with hers.....I just loved this idea.

Kendall's super fun Betsey Johnson kicks...

Before the primping begins...

Getting tied in...

Beautiful!

Brandon sent over a gift for Kendall that just about had us all in tears. Over the course of their dating and engagement, he has written her tons of letters. She has saved them all. This day, their first day, he sent one more, in a beautiful lined antique box, so she could start saving them from the first day they were married.

The girls looking beautiful and ready to go...

The bride and her beautiful mom, Danielle.

We had a little bit of an issue getting portraits done. I forgot what "rock stars" the bride and groom become and the paparazzi guests were stalking us down...

We had to move behind the cottage to get out of sight.

Father and daughter....onto a new life.

This is what love looks like from the other side...

Newlyweds!

A simply stunning couple....

And onto a big celebration....

This is really all I have time for today and the next week or so.....

Have a wonderful Sunday...and week.

(go steelers)

The fatal restart

2009-01-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

It happened. Last night around 2:00 AM. I have been expecting it for awhile now...but it finally happened. It is a long story, but I haven't been able to turn off my computer for a month. If I did, it would not restart. And things were getting SLOW. So, I am back up from scratch today and since I was expecting this, I am thoroughly backed up. Just getting all my programs and plug-ins, etc, back up and running will take the best part of the day. Stand by for more of the K and B event.
I am grateful that my computer will be back up to speed in no time. Apple- I love you!

Sneak preview

2009-01-05T07:31:00.000-08:00

After spending a busy productive afternoon cleaning my house, returning equipment, and loading down and backing up, all I have time left for is one quick preview. Plus my computer is starting to give up on me, and I think it is time to take it in. { Ugh! This is a setback I don't need right now. } Anyway, like the lead in to an awesome tale, I like to leave a good hook with my favorite shot from any wedding; the moment he sees her. Kendall and Brandon's life together as husband and wife began on January 3rd. It was an amazing day, well, weekend. Pray for my computer so I can post more tomorrow....

Have a great night.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T09:50:00.000-08:00

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch of their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. "

Luke 2:8-11

Have a blessed Christmas! My love to all!

Edit to add:

It just didn't seem right not to post a picture with this message....so here is a really quick picture of my faithful friend Kona singing Christmas carols the best he knows how. His favorite is the same as mine. But he was not super fond of the antlers
(hence the "quick" part) no matter how many times we told him how adorable he looked. Might as well have been a big pink bunny suit. Oh well.

In Style {baby}

2008-12-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

So, it seems that babies are back in style. Not that they ever really went out, but at one busy emergency room there are about eighteen or so new, or soon to be new, mommies. It is going to be really fun to follow these little ones. Callie is our first debut here. You may remember her parents and her first time here. She is a budding three month old now and getting cuter with each passing day, seriously, off the charts in cuteness. She's got some lucky parents and I am a lucky photographer to "play" with this cutie for an hour or two. Her little grins just light up the room. Santa came a little early for this family. And we couldn't be happier about it. I'll let you judge for yourself.

Merry Christmas! Don't forget the reason for the season.....(baby...gift....you know)

Hello Blog...it's been awhile.

2008-12-16T10:27:00.000-08:00

And exhale.

I just finished up on a project, none of which I can post up for fear that hospital administrators may be after me. (long story that I can never tell, but it did have a happy ending, phew)

Happily, it is back to the business of Christmas and preparing for an upcoming wedding and a couple more shoots in the interim. It's good to be busy. I have been neglecting my husband and my dog, and Kona made me undeniably aware this morning. He can always get my attention by grabbing something he isn't supposed to have and making loud crunching noises with it.

"Uh oh, what do you have?", I say under my breath.

"Nothing." He innocently replies. (okay, I stretched here. Dogs don't really speak. Not mine anyway)

I glanced over the stairwell to find otherwise.

"This....this Santa. I don't know how this got here."

"Really, it's just been laying here the whole time. I thought you wanted me to have it."

"And this little white ball on the top of his hat looks ridiculous. It must come off.

Let me help."

Almost there...

"I prefer Santa with no hat....now lets start working on that hairdo..."

Don't let the Christmas rush get to ya....don't get to the point where you want to gnaw on

Santa's head. But if you do, come on over to my house. Kona got it started for ya.

Don't forget to breathe and sing your favorite Christmas carol at the top of your lungs...

Mine is "Oh Holy Night", so if you are out shopping and you hear somebody singing that

a little off key and really loud, it could be me.

Happy Holidays!! and have a fabulous Tuesday!

It's Christmas in the 'hood

2008-12-02T21:50:00.000-08:00

Not even twenty four hours after Thanksgiving and this block gets geared up for Christmas. It's hard keeping up. The turkey coma has just barely worn off and we are out putting up lights.

Well, not me, I had to work, but the man and the rest of the neighborhood were getting the

party started. Woohoo!! It's so fun to drive home and find Christmas fantasy street. I loved it.

There are a ton of great kids on our street, so it has to be really fun for them too.

So, we can start dreaming about Christmas early...and plan parties, and drink nog cause on this street, Christmas is here.

Yep, we are feeling pretty good on this street...

Happy Wednesday!!

What's black and white and green all over?

2008-12-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

The answer is

One of the most beautiful bridal showers I have ever attended. My niece Kendall is getting married in January and is currently at the height of her "shower season". It began with this

elegant affair a few weeks ago to start off the young couple with just the right "seasoning". The hostess Kim left no detail unchecked. Everything was stunning. I can't wait for this wedding. I'll be shooting the wedding with Eric of LOOK photography.

If it's anything like this shower, the evening will be just grand.

A few shots of the details...

Kim and Danielle (mother of the bride) checking out the details on the tables...

Some of the guests outside...

Dinner is served... the maid of honor, Dani, and fair weather reporter in Idaho for Local News 8...

A personal detail hand made by the hostess, Kim. Seriously special. She made these hangers/ placement tags for each guest. Wow~

A view of the room...

Kendall and the gals on the other side....

A big yummy canvas from me for the new couple taken right after he popped the all time

big question and got a huge "YES"

Time for just one game of "Newlyweds" with Brandon answering questions on DVD...

What is Kendall's favorite store? You could hear a pin drop waiting for Brandon to answer this question....dude, don't get this wrong....

And there was lots of this....

And plenty of this....I think they will be busy playing with all of it.

Check out the details of their upcoming wedding day here

Congratulations Little k!!

I am thankful for....

2008-11-28T13:33:00.000-08:00

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

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T12:11:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-25T21:54:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

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.

2008-11-18T20:41:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-11-06T17:43:00.000-08:00

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.

I bent my fender.....darn it.

2008-10-29T21:15:00.000-07:00

Well, that is not exactly true. I bent two fenders, mine and the one on the car in front of me. Thankfully it was not bad. It's just frustrating going through all the "get your car fixed" muck. I hate it. I have not had an accident for about twenty years. I guess it was my turn. I am really glad it was a somewhat small deal. There. I have told the world. So, moving on. The better part of my day was spent playing with a young fairy princess and her tiny little brother on the beach. Yes, this was definitely the better part of my day. One quick preview and off to bed to mend my ego and be ready for another accident free twenty years.

Drive safe. I'll be out there.

It was my pleasure to finally meet this little family...

2008-10-28T15:52:00.000-07:00

Just about a week ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Ken, Diane and little miss Kenzie. Kenzie was so excited to hit the beach...her first move was to experience that sand lying flat on her belly. I just love the innocence and ability for kids to
live right in the moment. And at that moment, she was going face first. She had two handfuls of sand for the rest of the photo shoot. The rest of the time I think she was wondering who I was and why I had the big lens pointed at her. I had to be fast, because this little cutie is quick! Thanks for finally cashing in on that certificate. You picked a beautiful day! It was really hard to decide what to post for a preview.

Have a wonderful week!!

Sneak preview

2008-10-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

Last Friday was absolutely beautiful down in Laguna Beach. Apparently, we weren't the only ones who thought so because the place was crawling with photographers. Definitely, we were in good company. Since things have settled down a bit after the weekend, I can finally get back to editing and wanted to post a sneak preview of the lovely family I spent some time with....

They finally decided it was time to cash in on their gift certificate and picked a great day.

Thanks Ken, Diane, and the adorable little Kenzie...chasing her around was really fun.

Just add feathers

2008-10-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

So, we had a little soiree this past weekend celebrating the man's big day. Wow! Was it fun! Before I post pictures of just how much fun it was, I want to thank a few people who made all that fun possible...

Eric, of Look Photography ( my cousin in law and supremely generous "go to guy" when I have questions, etc...so lucky to have a wealth of knowledge like Eric, he is a brilliant photographer and set up our "stage")

Dave Fishbein, owner of Apex Audio, for loaning us that awesome speaker slash DJ system (I still can't believe the sheriff dept didn't show up)

Kim Graham, from Island Slush, for the last minute rental of the double margarita machine (woohoo!!)

And, I have to mention that Black Forest Bakery did an absolutely awesome job on the cake and I was able to do it all over the phone and by email which saved a ton of time, and it was just what I envisioned, but better.

I was hoping to rent a photo booth, but they were just a bit expensive for this kind of event. I knew that I could (with help)
pull off the same thing and have fun doing it....so I bought some hats and props and let things roll along. Eric started things off with little Noa. Noa is just a living doll and was having a great time....and everyone else followed suit. And we have been laughing ever since...apparently all you need for a really good time is just to add some hats and feathers.

It's good to be king, queen?, whatever...

We need a name for this new rock band.....any ideas?

Time for a new boa...

Things definitely got a little racier as the night wore on....so we'll leave it right there. Have a good night.
Don't forget your props.

Update

2008-10-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

So, I am editing away on a few shoots. Hopefully, can post some pictures later today or tomorrow. I spent about a week getting ready for a party for the MAN. It was REALLY FUN...thanks to everyone who made it...the MAN had a wonderful birthday bash!!
I had a family shoot on Friday and the Steelers won on Sunday!! Woohoo! Will be posting pictures from all of it very soon.
Until then...

Welcome...

2008-10-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Callie!

I had the pleasure of meeting little Callie yesterday. She is perfect. Alert and bright eyed, everything about her preordained from above, all the way down to her tiny fingerprints and beautiful lashes. She is perfect. But we could expect no less from her fabulous parents, you may remember them from before. Well, here she is in her own debut, weighing in at ten pounds, and moving right along. She is just twenty two days old, and can already melt your heart. What a beauty!!

Getting a kiss from Dad...

Now I know people will say "That's just gas", but I will swear that Callie was probably born smiling.

And just like Daddy's little girl, she just melts in his arms.

Thanks so much guys...it was a privilege documenting Callie's debut to the world!

Another pleasant valley Sunday...

2008-10-05T21:13:00.000-07:00

for everybody but Ben and the little Steeler guy, who now have some healing to do. Just warning "the man", this was not totally my idea. I've learned a couple of new things today; my dog loves football (he becomes very vocal during the game) and the little Steeler gnome is hollow. It's a good thing I just bought that really good glue. Kona didn't like his hat cracking open in his mouth and was quick to spit out those pieces. (and then he said he was REALLY sorry) Anyway, a good Steeler win this week...and as
promised...the gnome guy who is just about to lose the tip of his cap.

Have a great week and stay tuned for a fabulous post tomorrow!

The Hard Way

2008-09-29T21:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have to go about it the hard way.
Thankfully, the Steelers still won. Not an easy win by any means, but a very good game. Phew.
As promised, the little Steeler gnome will be posted in some fashion after every win. This could get tricky.
I hope it does.

Thunder and Lightning

2008-09-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

So...working three days in a row, working three long 12 to 14 hour days in a row, leaves little time for catching the news or anything else. I was saddened to learn Paul Newman passed away, on Sunday. I guess the news came out Friday. I am 48 hours behind. And now I'm sitting in front of my computer, feeling perplexed. It's raining? Really? The forecast is for rain today? Not only that, but thunder and lightning just now. I have to catch up.