It's the Little Things...

It's the little things. A smile, a laugh, the smell of freshly ground coffee, a warm fireplace on a cold day, crunchy snow under your feet, a nap in the middle of the day. It's feeling your muscles burning and lungs expanding and cold air on your cheeks. It's watching the mountains turn orange in the waning sunlight. It's reminiscing with old friends, laughing at yourself, seeing who we are through someone else's eyes. It's compassion and caring, it's seeing the innocence in a child's eyes. It's gratitude and acceptance. It's letting go and choosing joy. It's the smell of an orange as you peel it, and how a baby holds your finger. It's forgiveness, it's your favorite hoodie. It's losing yourself in the moment and loving the laugh lines around your eyes. It's tanned toes in the sand, a warm wind on your face. It's opening your eyes and your heart. It's the softness of a flower petal between your fingers, it's the ocean kissing the shore. It's being honest with yourself, and all of those around you. It's taking a chance, it's believing in ourselves and each other. It's full moons and dewy grass, it's chewy cookies and crunchy apples. It's the friends that are your family, and the family that are your friends. It's wanting to be a better person, it's inspiring those around you. It's color and passion and life and culture... it's that which makes us different... and exactly the same. It's the little things in your day... it's the little things that should be regarded as the big things, the important things... in your life. 

It's watching a bird in a fountain in Tuscany... xoxo.

 

Bon Voyage 2009 | Some of my Favorites Part 1

Instead of writing about my year, the ups and downs and what I've learned, how I've grown... where I've been and where I want to go, I decided to post some of my favorite photos. This group of images is more nature and travel oriented and changes greatly every time I review the thousands of images taken over the course of the year. But for now, I choose these... mostly based on how I was feeling at the time, or how they make me feel when I look at them now. Enjoy!

...xoxo

One Big Happy

We have many traditions over the Christmas holidays. Most are quite cheesy, like waiting for everyone to come home before we decorate the tree with home-made ornaments spanning over 30 years, and listening to Willie Nelson's Pretty Paper when we open presents. We find steep backroads that aren't yet sanded and race our wooden sleds we brought back from Germany, and when the river is frozen, we meet a group of friends for daily hockey games. But one of our favorites is to put on the cross-country skis and go to the local mountain where we ski up to the dacha, a small hut built by some of the locals. For me, the best part about this is that I get to spend the day with my whole family. This wouldn't be such a big deal if my parents weren't divorced. For those that know my family, they are used to this dynamic, a comfortable dynamic where my parents house sit and dog sit for one another... where my mom and step-mom hug when they see each other, where laughter and stories flow easily... where they choose to be friends. I know that this is not normal. In fact, this is exceptional... and this day of skiing and laughter and cheering each other on as we ski through the snow laden trails is the best Christmas present I could ever ask for. I have four amazing parents that have worked hard and sacrificed over the years to give me the best life they possibly could. They supported me, they supported each other, and they created a space for my brothers and myself that was filled with love and respect. Through their commitment and selflessness, they created a strong, beautiful family.

I cannot begin to thank my family for the part they have played in shaping all that I am. They are my center. And from that, I draw the strength, courage, and love to be the best person I can be and live the life I dream. I love you... xoxo.

Shaun & Kim | Mayan Riviera Wedding

It's hard to believe that less than a week ago, we were desperately seeking shade to escape the searing sun. The men handled it in stride with their Cohibas and cervezas... the women more radiant than ever as they helped the bride on this special day. Barcelo Palace is an incredible resort with endless possibilities for fantastic photos. The ceremony took place amongst the palms on a white sand beach overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. It was simple and spectacular and so very romantic. The day was perfect in every possible way. Shaun and Kim, it was an honor to be there with you... may your love flow just as freely and sweetly as the tropical ocean breeze on your wedding day... xoxo

How stunning are these bridesmaid's???

The look of love... wow

One of my fav's on the right...

Kim, you are the essence of grace... truly stunning

And they danced the night away...

 

 

Shaun & Kim | Playa Del Carmen

The day before the wedding, I met up with Shaun and Kim to have a short session. It's important to feel comfortable in front of the camera and in return, for me to get a sense of their boundaries. There were so many great places to shoot around Playa Del Carmen, but with the heat, we decided to keep it short. They are such a beautiful couple with a love that shines through in each look, in every touch,... yup, tomorrow's wedding is going to be a cinch! Can't wait... xoxo

LOVE the casual way she sits on his knee, the sandy feet...

Another favorite... sometimes it's all in the body language

Love the lines in this series...

Kim, you are stunning!