Do you remember the first time you photographed your baby with a *real* camera? Fumbling with the dials. Trying to meter correctly. Composing the shot. Focusing. Click..click..click. They were cooing. Or laughing. Whatever it was, it was beautiful. You remember now, right? And the moment you saw the image. You know the one. THAT one. The one that made you gasp a bit. A photograph that spoke volumes. Not just about your little one — but about you. It was lovely. It was art. Yes, you could DO this. And you did. All for the love of it. Was it yesterday? Or five years ago?

Whether you’re a professional who has lost sight of the reason you began, or an aspiring photographer wondering just where to start, I can’t recommend For The Love highly enough. It’s where our roots are, after all. This amazing eBook by the renowned Barb Uil of JinkyArt takes you back to the beginning and propels you forward. It’s a breath of fresh air. It will stir your memory. But mostly, it will inspire. Other contributors include the lovely and talented photographers Kristen Cook and Stephanie Piscitelli. And artists Nisa Fiin and Corinne Delis.

Can I tell you how flattered and grateful I was when Barb contacted me and asked if I would contribute? My reply was yes – a resounding yes. My segment highlights a “day in the life” of my family and how I photograph their ordinary moments from both creative and technical perspectives.

Documenting our own lives is important. Creating our family archives is where it begins; and it is one of the most precious gifts our talent enables us to pass to our children. Why do I what I do? Why do you? For the love of it. It is as simple as that.

Join the Facebook group here.

This day is precious to our family. We are together today…and so very grateful.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard, “I just don’t know how you do it. We could never live like that.”

The “could nevers” would certainly surprise themselves. Of course you could–if your spouse felt a calling to serve. And you would, with grace, determination and pride.

It wouldn’t always be easy, but what is? Nothing that is worth anything, as my grandmother would say.

Today we celebrate all veterans, past and present–who have given their time, who have missed birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, and countless holidays. We salute you who have missed the births of your sons and daughters, and the funerals of loved ones. And yet, our hearts are heavy for the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

My father-in-law served an entire career in the military. Nearly 36 years ago, he held my husband for the first time in a hangar bay after returning from a deployment:

And, three and a half decades later (last December), my husband nestled our sweet baby girl for the first time on the flight line.

(Homecoming photos courtesy of the amazing Deb Schwedhelm)

Wishing you a day of rest and comfort with your loved ones today. Happy Veterans Day.

As many of you know, I am a co-editor and writer at The Creative Mama. Today, I share my hopes for my oldest child as he begins Kindergarten. I’m thinking of all of you mamas who let your little ones spread their wings and fly. Read It’s My First Day Too.

xoxoxo

The last month of summer has kept me away from here. In a good way, I suppose. Days have been spent barefoot and poolside and walking (and sweating) and eating watermelon and dripping popsicles and sipping frozen green tea lattes. Still, I feel guilty when I neglect my blog — if only for the fact that it serves as a journal of sorts for me. These precious days are slipping by and I want to document them and savor the last bits of time we have here in Virginia.

In the last month also, you may also have heard of the tragedy that has befallen our community. The Navy SEALS make their home here — and their families are woven into the fabric of my community. Their families are our dear friends, my children’s playmates, our neighbors, my clients. I have photographed many of these families before their deployments, and while none of my immediate friends perished in this terrible accident, none of them were left unaffected. We have been praying for and rallying around these families. It is our greatest fear as military spouses that the loved ones we send off will not return. The Navy SEAL Foundation is a charity that helps the spouses and children left behind. In addition to personal support, my business is contributing to the Foundation through the sale of the “Peace” print in my new Print Shop — all profits from this print will be donated to the Foundation.

Other prints are available too — as the shop has been revamped and relaunched (and featured today on the artisan’s blog Faberuna). Head on over and take a look.

Meanwhile, happy end of summer. I’ll try not to be such a stranger.

less time here.
more time out there.
it’s so much better this way.