green chair studio

meeting mrs french | a 1yr birthday girl party + picnic

2012-01-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

the image above was selected to be printed as their large print (20x30)... since it's one of most fav images ever, i totally approved. (plus i have swwwooony love for large prints)

waiting sooo patiently for a bite while sissy has the first nibbles of her cupcake

as he was allowed the one bite *munch* he took the biggest one he could.. :)

jammies + story time

happy first birthday little lu!

we met online.. it was a back and forth thing.. little email here.. little love note there. 'i LOVE your blog!'... 'ooo.. i LOVE your work'

but an actual face to face meeting for tea & chats proved elusive with our crazy schedules. until i got the call..

'ack! lui is turning 1 yr old, we are moving to bend the day after her birthday and i would adore for you to photograph her before we leave and oh yes, we leave in 4 days.'

ok.. no panic.. we can do this. i brewed up some ideas tossed them at the lovely mrs french she tossed some back and a sweet 1 yr old birthday shoot was hatched.

with sunlight tickling thru the branches and a smiling young boy running at me, we finally met. and it was all true. the whole french family was just as sweet and charming as i imagined.

if you haven't yet had the pleasure of longing stares at mrs french's blissfulbblog you are cordially invited... she has a collection of delightful meals, goodies for you, places to yearn for, and much more.. set timer.. you might get a bit lost in all the loveliness. :)

and if you would care to hear her side of the story, mrs french wrote a much too kind blog post .. MUCH more timely than i :) enjoy!

sheila + jason | portland wedding photography

2012-01-22T16:12:00.001-08:00

a long time ago in a town far far away two charming and fabulously silly people met, fell in luv and got married. ok, so it wasn't that far away, but..

i was there... and this is what i saw.

jason doin his best jc penny pose.. i think he nailed it.

never serious for too long.. :)

joan + hakan | and so it begins

2012-01-22T14:51:00.000-08:00

mmm.. i'm not going to say how long it's taken me to blog this wedding (a freakin long time!) but.... this very-much-in-love couple just welcomed their baby girl into their hearts and lives this week. i feel SO ridiculously lucky that i get to know families and watch them grow.

baby Alia... when you want to know where it all started.. it started with 'i do'

amy + bob | portland wedding photography

2012-01-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

i adore this couple.. this day and their love.

their wedding day was intimate.. just family and their best friends. the cute wee oaks pioneer church, with it's rich hard woods and cozy setting was the perfect venue for their ceremony.

after the words were spoken, the hugs were given and all the proper forms filled out... this very merry band of folk headed to simpatica, where it was all about conversation... beverages and the food!

there is an engagement session yet to be blogged, but maybe this is like getting dessert first? :)

amy and bob you are dear and sweet and i was deeply honored to be a part of your day.

blessings and joy i wish you.

three for love | portland pet photography

2012-01-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

i love the bubbles kuri is brewing up here in anticipation of a treat + the scene going on in the background... big dog straddle/tangle .. :)

'really? a toy? what do you propose i do with that?'

'pllththtllthththh'

when i book a session i send out a 'tell me about your pup' questionnaire ... what i got back on this crew had me smiling huge.

yes, the facts and tidbits about each dog were adorable and perfect.. but what kept me grinning was the obvious joy and love that their papa held for each of them. i was sooper excited for our shoot.

allow me to introduce kuri, bono and hamlet. three nuggets of love i think you'll adore.

kuri: the first 'baby'. nicknames.... kuchifrito, kooskoos, koo-pon, Beef.. (ha!) she is sweet, puppy-like, loves toys and will spoon you or pretend like she is going to rip you to shreds. she's a multifaceted girl.

bono: nicknames... bobo, bo-chyan, bobolito, cuddle monster... he loves humans, human contact and using his paw as a grappling hook to pull you close. not a fan of toys.

hamlet: hammy, prince, butthead ... HA! he's a young dane that was rescued after being abandoned.. when he arrived he needed mega groceries and mega love and mega schooling... he's coming around nicely on all fronts.

oh the joy and crazzzee of a three dog house. i LOVE it!! thanks crew! you rule. :)

gunner | portland pet photography

2012-01-11T22:38:00.000-08:00

'hmmm.. i don't know about you... gimme what's in your pocket and we'll talk?'

'are you ok? there's a big black thing attached to your face.. want me to get it for you??'

'alright then.. have it your way.. wake me when you're ready to play'

light on words and light on images.. but in keeping with my goal of 'a post a day' i would like to introduce you to gunner.. cutie pie extraordinaire..with the sweetest little old man face.

when i'm with you... i'm home | carmel valley pet photography

2012-01-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

i'm terrible and keeping good things(gifts) a secret.. i want to give them immediately! so while helping clients to create surprise gifts for loved ones makes me all twitterpated... the suspense of waiting to hear how they liked it gives me fits.

this past summer while i was working at an adoption event in carmel valley, we 'snuck' in this quickie photoshoot for a client while the hubs was just a few feet away minding the store. mmwwwwaahhhaaa haaaa.. ;) sooo stealth we are.

i didn't know it at the time, but this book was going to be something extra special.. for my client's sweet husband had been having some very scary and painful health issues... and it had been the little furrs at his feet that had brought him joy and were his constant companions.

after the book was created and mailed off... i received this email: (if you follow me on fb you already saw this. apologies for the double up)
----------------
Heaven,

I just opened the box, and I was so touched I cried. You did such an inspirational job that I am speechless except to say my deepest and sincerest thanks. I know this book will be one of the best Christmas gifts that my husband has ever received. I wish you were here so I could hug you, that is after I stop crying.

So much love and appreciation,

L
-----------------

this email may have just made my year... to share the power of photography. to uplift, inspire and bring joy. to bring a smile. this is why i do what i do. sharing happiness is happiness doubled.

this is the little book we created.

dancing cheek to cheek | portland chinese gardens wedding

2012-01-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

'how do i love thee.. let me count the ways.. '

there are actually way too many things that i absolutely loved about this wedding... but the number one love? the fact that after 8 years of being together.. they are still giddy... in love. yup, i love the love.

now sit back and let me tell you a little story, it starts with sunshine ...ends with a full moon dance party and in the middle? well.. you'll just have to take a peek.

(megan and siobhan thank you. your wedding day was magic... as i knew it would be.)

austen | portland pet photography

2012-01-08T15:41:00.000-08:00

i fall in love every time, but this senior girl is really very special... just look into those sweet eyes..

cool boy + cool car | senior photography portland or

2012-01-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

yeyYEYyey!! ... that's what i thought when i saw the car, the boy AND the gorgeous sunny fall day that portland had brewed up for us. :)

come on .. take a drive with us. :) we'll go back in time.. *diidly dooo... diddly dooo... diddddly dooo*

and while i LOVE all the images.. this last one holds a special place.. it was taken as we were driving back to meet the parental units.. the sun was bursting in and out of the windows... and this shadow was probably only alive for a second or two.. but can you see it? oh LOVE!

sun + smiles | santa monica family photography

2011-12-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

i love this family...

{more soon..}

moondance | wedding under the stars

2011-11-16T18:19:00.000-08:00

not sure why.. but oh how i love 'blurry brides'

i had the honor of being a part of the most magical wedding last month. from the minute i walked in the door and felt the energy, i had goosebumps. i have a full set of joy to share with you, but for now.. just a teeny smackerel to tide you over.

your wish is my command | miracle on 21st st

2011-10-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

so it's dark out.. i mean like end of day sun is setting we should be eating dinner dark. thing is, it's only 10am. this is true fall/winter in portland and it will be this way now for many months.

i don't hate the grey... (ok, maybe i do just a little tiny bit) but what i struggle with is that i find it HIGHLY unmotivating to do.. well.. anything! however, with a stack of to-dos on my desk about 5 million and six deep, i MUST do.

so with caffeine installed, i begin my work day with emails. as i begin scrolling down, taking care of this and that i see that one of my Daily Sniffers has sent me a few updated photos of his furr kiddos. yey! in the email he mentions that the first photo was kinda pinky due to the fact that the sunrise that morning was AMAZING.

i replied.. thanked him for the dose of morning cute and sighed heavily as i told him there was a sunrise here this morning, only i couldn't see it... and that oh how i wished i could see it.

email reply sent i'm back focused on taming my in-bin.. when i see another email come in with the subject line, 'your wish is my command' really? oh goodie!

i open it up and there was this.

i smiled the biggest goofy grin and giggled a lot. yes, sunrises and other wishes may not always show up like you expect them to... but if you insist on living in portland this may be the best the universe can do on the fly. and for my money, today right this moment.. this way was infinitely better.

thank you for making my day Mr R.

gunner | portland pet photography

2011-10-20T19:36:00.000-07:00

coming soon to a blog near you ....

the three amigos + one | portland pet photography

2011-10-19T23:27:00.000-07:00

oh for the love of mugs... just a wee teaser.. more of these furrs soon.

deacon | portland child photography

2011-09-19T13:29:00.000-07:00

daddy races motorcycles...gotta protect those fresh new eardrums. :)

sisters giggling and telling stories... my sides hurt.

mmmmunnnch.

deacon and his sweet auntie

and one can not forget the most special... miss daaaaaaaabi. :) loves you dab!

oh so about two years ago i met this wacky adorable funny and awesome family. it maybe took me a wee little while to post.

this session was a giftie for stephanie and her sister's mum and pa. so it was just us girls + deacon. and well... stephanie and her sister laugh a lot! so we totally bonded. :)

you maybe saw this little nugget take his first steps? if not you can peeky over yonder.. can you believe how much he's grown? yeeps.

and since i seem to be surrounded by the most talented amazing people, you simply must adore stephanie and her work. i command thee. she is the owner and styling + flower goddess of petalos floral design.

the gilberts | portland family photography

2011-09-18T22:24:00.000-07:00

it started with an invitation from daddy

and then... some jumping

a bear hug

some squeals

a longing stare at the pastry case

a cool refreshing beverage

a few cheerios

attitude + admiration

a little love

just cuz headshots

family giggles

some sustenance

some peeky boo

some shoulder rides

and some silly

catch up on blogging ... catch up on blogging.. catch up on blogging..

it's always on my todo list.. but rarely checked off. however, i read something yesterday that inspired me. it was a post from danielle laporte on non-time-management. i loved it! since i pretty much suck at it anyway, i was WAY ready to hear how i could not not do it better.

i wrote down the main points pinned them to my inspiration board and went to bed.

this morning as i plopped into my office chair and set about to work on 'stuff' i read tip #3

... 'Ask yourself every morning what you really feel like doing' wow.. that's a revelation...huh, ok.

so i asked. but what i heard myself saying was a bit surprising, 'i REEEALY want to blog!!' really? 'YES REAALY!'

ok then. i blog.

---

this shoot took place on a cool march day in 2010. with the gilberts moving to tennessee the next day, we had just a few hours to capture them as a family enjoying a last romp around the town.

it's really a shame they aren't any fun ;P

portland isn't the same with out you all.. we miss you!

(p.s. stephen is a brilliant human + photographer..to see more of his work click here or check out ye ol' blog post here.)

burgher | aka boogie

2011-08-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

oh burgher.. your mama + papa love you mightily.

this shoot was a birthday present turned christmas gift for the papa. we had intended for birthday but mama, a woman after my own heart, decided to wait the additional time needed to get the album she truly wanted. i was reminded that we are creating keepsakes, forever-sakes.. and settling just should not be an option.

and with such a gorgeous boy to show off, only the best will do. :)

oxo burgher... i love you too.

* want to see the final book? click below : ) *

lulu | tiny love portland pet photoraphy

2011-07-27T14:58:00.001-07:00

i've been smitten with miss lulu for quite sometime now.

just look at that face?! cute over-load...

during our shoot when i would get low or lay on the ground, lulu would think, 'oh i know this one! she wants me to snuggle!' and crawl into my lap. really? now i'm supposed to tell her no? i think i might be smote square on the head for that.

she truly is one of the sweetest little nuggets of love. but how could she not be .. her mum, tiffany, is pure delightful-ness.

tiffany is a brilliant, funny, talented and everything else wonderful you can think of to say.. human + yoga instructor.

you can check out some of her writing here..... and/or if you live in portland and want to have a mind blowing yoga class... go here.

thanks you two.. i adore you both!

(this is lulu's book.. take a peek if you like) :)

taz + nixie + peaches | happy furr family

2011-07-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

taz: ruler of the castle

nixie: puddle of love (expert snuggler)

'why yes i do have blue sparkly toes...thanks for noticing!'

'ummm yeah.. tell me again why we are sitting out here?'

peaches: rockstar showgirl

let me just say it.. people who LOVE their pets rule.

they are the kind of people who's hearts run a little too big, compassion a little too deep and commitment to caring a little too extreme. but that's why i love them..and why photographing their furr babies is the best part of my day.

not only do i get to romp and giggle with cuteness..i get to give pet parents images that will keep their furry loves close to their hearts and minds for all time.

this little crew came from a variety of backgrounds but all have found a home and unending love with their humans.

taz, nixie and peaches..thank you for playing. : )

butter + honey | simple pleasures

2011-06-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

one of my greatest treats is a heap of butter on an english muffin. my love of butter is border line obsessive. but i am particular. my latest love has been kerrygold imported irish butter - unsalted. the texture is out of this world.. it's sweet and i can add just as much salt to it as i like.

my salt? oh yes.. that's special too. murray river australian pink flake salt. The flavor is mild + it's flaked so it melts and covers each morsel of food with salty magnificence.

honey.. it's not an eveyday.. but when i do indulge it's been trader joe's organic raw honey.

this with a cup of tea? bliss.

i believe we must 'put on' the things that bring us pleasure. we must wear them, eat them, listen to them...daily. they give us a chance to breathe.. bring a pause to our day...and shift us to the present moment.

when i bite into that savory butter + honey drenched english muffin i can be no other place. worrying about the future? taxes? laundry? edits? nope. impossible.

i take my simple pleasure and i enjoy every sensation. i allow it to bring me to now and even if it's just a moment i can rest in that.

life + healing | alma desnuda

2011-05-28T22:56:00.000-07:00

operation 'rest + recover' i called it. a trip i took last year.

i had been very sick and the process of recovery was slow. it was hard for friends and family to understand. or maybe it was just hard for me to tell them yet again i couldn't go out.

i was exhausted most of the time. i never knew how much energy i would have on a given day. even simple conversations were unthinkably too taxing. my diet was extremely limited. and i had a schedule of supplements to take that made being away from the house difficult.

all this made life in the 'real' world a bit tricky. i was tired of fighting, i wanted time to just be...to allow my body and mind to rest. to not have to explain to anyone why i needed to go sleep for 3-4hrs in the middle of the day, or why i couldn't eat.

and so i retreated. nine days in carmel valley.

during my time there i slept a lot. listened to deepak chopra recordings on healing + meditation. lay in the sun for 2hrs a day. cut off my internet and cell phone communication. and spoke as little as possible.

even with all that, i was feeling worse each day until 'hell day' in which i wished for death. thankfully it didn't come, and praise choirs of angels...i began to feel better.

next morning i slept in till 10, sunned and ate, took my meds, showered and headed into town.

as i drove thru the streets, windows down, enjoying the salty air, i was surprised to hear a cluster of sweet sounds coming from the library. i parked immediately and tromped over to investigate. when i got there i was greeted by this amazing joy-filled troupe of musicians {alma desnuda}. their music was jazzy, smile inducing, and delicious. in fact, it seemed to be infecting all who stopped to listen with waves of happiness.

when the song was over, i introduced myself and asked if i could post a few photos on my blog. best intentions aside, a year later i am finally posting.

if you haven't heard their music, please give a listen. it is sweet. www.almadmusic.com {latest happenings here -- almadesnudalive.tumblr.com}

because they have said it best, this is from their website:

'Four talented and tightly-bonded musicians strive to connect with their listeners to expand the reaches of their own songwriting while inspiring everyone they encounter to radiate positive energy. Their individual and combined works in spiritual exploration, natural healing, world travel, and volunteerism contribute to a sound that extends well beyond the music itself. And their showmanship leaves no crowd untouched.'

and i heartily agree.

everyone who passed that day was touched and uplifted by the music they shared. shopkeepers came out to listen, children tapped their tiny feet and life was a little bit better than it had been before.

thank you chris, tony, joe and paul for sharing your gifts.

peace and radiant blessings to you.

----

and then .. i went to the beach :)

family | cathedral park

2011-05-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

i'm playing catch up this week...

this is a shoot that we did back in oh...i'm gonna say oct? :)

as you can see we had sun, warm weather and a rolicking good time. i LOVE a family that plays together and brings on the silly.

nate was a charmer and totally FULL of amazing kid energy. he pretty much ran non stop the entire shoot.

i think i collapsed in a heap when i got back to the car.

Happy days to all!!

heidi ho organics | vegan cheeze deliciousness

2011-05-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

Smoked Gouda

Chipotle Cheddar

Monterey Jack

Feta

I met the founders of Heidi Ho Organics right as they were about to dive head first into vegan cheeze glory.

To say that their product has launched is an understatement....it has rocketed!

The cheezes are local/sustainable/plant based and DEEElish. If you are Vegan, they fill a void that other vegan cheezes have not quite filled. If you love the planet, awesome flavor and good healthy food, they will fill your tummy.

Require more knowledge about the cheezes?? Click on over to Heidi Ho Orgnaics and get fully learned.

Need to taste? Come to the PSU Farmers Market on Saturday or...

They are currently available at the following locations:
with many more on the way!

* Whole Foods Portland, OR (SOON!!)
* Food Fight
* Peoples Coop
* PSU Saturday Farmers Market
* Pioneer Square Farmers Market MONDAY
* Montavilla Farmers Market (Soon!!)
* Jazzkats Coffee

tweed ride 2011 | portland

2011-04-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

.tweed.

fun to say. fun to wear. fun to bike in? i had no idea this was a thing, to bike in tweed...but apparently it is. there are tweed ride events that take place annually not only here in portland but all over the U.S. and abroad.

details for this years global schedule can be found on the 'tweed report'

the portland tweed ride met up at nw 18th and front streets. it was kind of thrilling to see them all pedaling in....tweeded up peeps with pipes, hats, gloves, dapper duds of all variety.

there were two portland tweed rides this year, and while the ride last month had been virtuous. the ride today was all about vice. flasks, fishnets, pipes and garters were abundant...and appreciated.

while i attended tonight's tweed ride sans bike, i was inspired. next year i'm going to rock it out in my tweedy best...i can't wait!

p.s. if you participated in this tremendous event...leave a comment and let us know how the ride was from your perspective and where you all ended up!

oh yes..her bag is made of ... well.. remember this was all about 'vice' :)

then a band of rebel skate boarders arrived .... fabulous!

the pipes..although they maybe a vice...smelled delicious! almost like a toasty warm pastry.

oh yeah.. and me. thanks 'p' for taking a photo. i definitely need to step it up a notch if i want to do this next year. i'm kinda mock tweedy.

there were a group of tweeds collected the up side of front street and another by the water. they converged to one large group via this lovely trail.

'raaawwwr.. celebrate the tweed!'

and of course there were bubbles.. why wouldn't there be?!

gentleman taking a photo..

ok, two gentlepeople taking photos.. what am i missing here...

oh i see!

poor dear ... just a little late...everyone had already been mingling for an hour.. but he made it JUST in time!

and here they come! yey!!

because i don't have the heart to not post everyone's image.. or at least as many as i can...the rest of these are mostly for the tweeders. but please..if you want to peek and get inspired for next year.. view on young chaps and chappettes.. view on.

'toodle pip...have a truly scrump·tious ride!'

zori + trace | forever brothers

2011-03-31T19:20:00.001-07:00

a little book of love

it was sudden, zori the sweet prince's passing. they are not with us long enough no matter how long they stay, our furry loves.

enough time has gone by now that we can look at these images with joy.

this book is a birthday gift for my father, these are his boys.

max | senior portrait

2011-02-26T09:47:00.000-08:00

twas the coldest day of the year.. i think it may have been minus 2. but max, undaunted shrugged off his coat and did every crazy thing i asked of him.

however, about 5 min was about all we could stand before we would have to run back to the car for a warm up.

max you look amazingly un-cold....and you rocked the shoot.

Thanks for being awesome!

standing up

2011-02-23T19:45:00.001-08:00

let's face it, we can be ridiculously hard on ourselves. we hold ourselves to standards to which we would never in a million years expect anyone else to live up to. I for one am exceedingly good at this.. top o'the class. And winter {in portland} does NOT help. trapped alone with my own musings and mutterings i can convince myself that not only should i never leave the house again, but that EVERYthing i am doing is wrong. it's quite a delight.

to add to this, i don't always recognize 'attila the judgemental' creeping in until she is standing 20 ft tall and carrying a very big stick, very spiky stick.

she has grown out of control, but *gulp* i needed to have a word with her.. you know.. in private.

my heart beats a zillion beats per min...breathe.. you can do this. i stand to her left and say, 'so yeah, about all this *sh*t you've been saying about me? i wanted to tell you, you are wrong. you have no idea how awesome i am. i am doing exactly what I need to be doing and in the perfect time for me. so back off chick!'

.... *blink* blink, i wait for it. for the club to fall. but she makes no move. where is my beratement, the onslaught of shoulds? Come on now, i'm ready for it, do your worst.

but she remains silent, looking befuddled and meek. Was that it? Really? All I needed to do was say, 'STOP that!'

I'm in shock as the tiny spark of lightness + joy expands...

How often do we jump to our own aid... how often do we stand on our side and stick by ourselves in our defense no matter what? I would hazard a guess and say not often enough. Not nearly often enough.

So i cheer for you....as I cheer for me. You can do it! You are brilliant. In whatever you are doing you are right and good because it is right and perfect for YOU.

It is not always easy. but it is ALL WAYS worth it.

much love. light. joy. I wish for you.

adoption options | portland pet adoption

2011-01-25T19:11:00.001-08:00

peep

'hello!'

ok, please someone come get this girly. I am seriously head over heels for her. stop me before I adopt again.... Synnie would eat her.

I shall name her queenie. as she is the queen of everything. especially snuggling.

he is a special boy...he may look tough.. but he's a mush. Kinda like my synnie..the facial expression is no indication of what he's feeling.

'what's down there?!'

'what's up there?!'

'must.get.toy....nnnnngggg.'

and you? i name you jezabelle.

'I'm just sweet. that's my story.. sticking to it'

this little boy was neglected at his last home. Needs mega love.

It is a very good thing I don't have a bigger house. The kitties available for adoption right now at Dogstar are tugging at my heart strings. I'm just inches from becoming the crazy cat lady.

If any of these perfect faces call to you....

Please call Dogstar at 503.227.0181 to arrange some snuggle time and make your family complete.

happy furr family day!

:)

portland walk

2011-01-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

sweet december day...

powells
sips
laughter
books
jaunty turns
giggles
dodging cold

thank you Andrea for being a brave southern california girl and making the 30 degree day seem toasty.

galen | portland headshot photography

2011-01-07T20:11:00.000-08:00

I was struck the other day with just how important a good headshot is. I was scanning a website for a practitioner when I suddenly realized that I really was just looking at image first, then content. Just like in life it is that first impression..... the one that makes you say, yes I want to work with you, or yeah, no thanks. But have a good day.

The gentleman above is Galen, a thoroughly good human and someone I am honored to know. We are currently working on creating some images for a rockin' new website. Details and full reveal soon.

the unmade bed

2011-01-03T15:34:00.001-08:00

Normally I’m a compulsive bed maker.. can’t really start my day till the sheets are pulled back crisp and tight and all 5 pillows are thoroughly fluffed. But today I slept in.... WAY in. In fact I didn’t tumble out of bed until 10:30.

Oh yeah... so how’s that new years plan go again? Up every day at 7am? pffft...

So at 10:30 I heaved my body out of it’s fluffy chamber and plopped into my office chair. Oh sweet bliss of working from home.. how I love thee. Emails checked and brain fog lifting, I got up to make the bed and stopped in my tracks...

Gorgeous amounts of January sunlight were streaming in thru my windows...and the bed in all its unmade glory had never looked so perfect. It was like a poem.. an ode to down time, to time spent dreaming, to that sweet spot we go to when the day’s chores are done. I left it unmade and went back to work.

As the day moved along and more ‘resolutions’ fell by the way side, “20 min walk every morning, 20 min meditation, 20 min reading, shoulder exercises...” I would occasionally look at my bed and smile

Attempting to re-jumpstart my day at 1pm, I cleaned the kitchen of last nights dinner extravaganza and then headed to make the bed. But what I found was that my love of rumpled sheets and nests of blankets was shared by two wayward furr boys. I didn’t have the heart. I knew they had found what I had been seeing all day and who was I break the spell.

This blog post too is not on the ‘schedule’ for the day.... but you know what? PTHththtth... to schedules and resolutions... they are just a suggestion. Life is random and the movement of it dictated by what is in front of us in the moment. If I had stuck to the schedule or moved as I thought I was supposed to, I would have missed it. missed the poem. missed how good it feels to be sipping tea and writing this right now. missed the joy of happy kitties snuggled up tight.

Now I’m not saying that tomorrow I won’t be back to working my 2011 ‘program’, it was put in place for a reason. But I will not feel guilt if I fall off and I will not be held prisoner to it. When sunlight and unmade beds call, I will listen and allow the sweet inspiration of a sun filled room and rumpled sheets to bring bliss.

2011 I love you.

brick by brick

2010-12-12T22:36:00.000-08:00

The bricks of self loathing and defeat come in many forms.. I don’t have the time.. I’m too busy.. I can’t do that.. not enough of this thing or that stuff...I’m tired.. I hurt... brick by brick we wall ourselves off to our potential...wall ourselves off to what this life really is about.

Today I challenge you. I challenge myself...to look at those bricks with fresh eyes. To truly see what they are made of. To see them for what they really are.. imagination gone wild.. You envisioned them into being and you an un-envision them. Look at them Rightly and you will see how hollow they really are. You’ll laugh at how stuck you felt and how easily they crumble when you see through them to Reality.

I stood up today and maybe I didn’t see them all .. but I saw one for what it was. And now through my wall a bit of daylight shines... a chink in my fortress was made in which one day, I might topple the whole prison.

.the gift. | portland boudoir photography

2010-12-09T11:57:00.000-08:00

.to yourself.

.to the one you love.

kathryn + jeffrey .... like notebooks, portland and tea

2010-12-05T11:32:00.000-08:00

This wedding touched my heart, my toes, my inner hidden crafty and my taste buds. On a VERY rainy portland day Kathryn + Jeffrey pushed the 'go' button on months of work....and said 'i do' to a life of love + friendship as husband and wife.

Let it be said here and now.. kathryn is a a tornado of creativity and both she, jeffrey and the whole family do everything scarily well. Hello giant wood heart atop a 50 foot tree with fabulous streamers. oof.. really?

There is just way to much to adore about this day, And even thou it was POURING rain during their portraits and the location set up, when the ceremony started, it was as if all of nature was conspiring on their behalf and the rain cleared.

So here goes my feeble attempt to be brief and succinct.

The wedding took place at the home of the bride's parents. Her mother transformed what is normally a fabulous back yard into a woodsie wonderland of delight.

With Bridal party girls all in grey and the rain saying, 'ha!' Kathryn, who had thought of EVERYTHING, told them to take off those fab red pumps and unveiled the best bridal party giftie...matching grey hunter boots! Not to be outdone, the men got fabulous funked out western belt buckles.

The flowers were a double take of yumm. Succulents + yellows and soft greens provided for by ink & peat and the sweet table scenes of glass, old cigar boxes and woodland creatures, were provided by The one and only, Kathryn's mum! :)

If you happen to know kathryn, you know that the dress she selected from The English Department was not only stunning, but as close to perfect for her as possible. Check out the sweet bloggy post that Elizabeth of The English Department did at www.elizabethdye.blogspot.com

The ceremony, complete with furr children walking down the aisle decked in succulent covered collars, was exactly like k + j....touching, full of sweet love, spirit, beauty and so cute! Yeah, kathryn played banjo and they sang to each other...and there was a reading from a dino kids book. All my pieces parts were completely satisfied.

Oh god.. then the food and freakin amazing desserts!! be still tastebuds..be still. So many desserts in fact that their creation got their own blog post over at www.sprinklefingers.com + an update of the day from the perspective of the baker, miss jami curl of Saint Cupcake fame.

And THEN...then the party!!! dj grey matter you rock my world! AND then out rolled the fire pits and a FULL smore's bar. *feeling faint* More could be said..MUCH more.. but I will stop now and let the million and six pictures speak for themselves.

{need more? you sure?? ok, head over to the full slideshow here or come on over to the heaven side of life and check it out on face book}

Psst... stay tuned to this channel for links to images from an inside the home photo studio and the amazing Stephen Gilbert

*complete recipe:

Wedding location: the home of Dan and Marilyn Durkin
Desserts and Favors: Jami Curl of Saint Cupcake
Bridal cake decoration: Marilyn Durkin, mother of the bride
Cake Toppers: Star House
Bridal Party Floral: Pam of Ink & Peat
Table top design/Floral: Bride and her Mother
Dress: Elizabeth Dye at The English Dept
Food + rentals: Claey's Catering
DJ: DJ Gray Matter
Ceremony Music: M. Henry Curl and Michael Saint Jones, guest Drew Durkin
Typewriter + Toasting Flutes: Noun
Tree Topper: Groom
Flower Girl headbands, wands and Bridesmaid head pieces: Designed/made by the Bride
Tag line for blog post: "surprisingly so" by the utterly delightful; amy seeley

leg warmers and other stuff

2010-11-18T17:00:00.000-08:00

If you follow my ramblings on here, you will know that I did my own boudoir shoot a few years back and you will also know how I feel about them and their power to give a woman a sense of herself her beauty and her strength. {to read about it *click here* oh and no that is not me in the photo}

When I met miss Vee she had enough energy to light a small city. A boudoir shoot was on her bucket list and yeee haw...we were gonna get that taken care of! I've never been on someone's bucket list before..kinda sorta cool. : )

I truly adore this woman. She not only brought an ipad full of tunes + photo inspiration, she brought leg warmers and fun stripy socks! What makes that so special to me is that she didn't just bring what she thought she was 'supposed' to bring...she brought what defines her, what she loves and what makes her spirit happy.

Vee, you made my day sweet and filled it with laughter... It was an honor to be a part of your journey.

{makeup is by Fez Vartan...fabulous talent/huge heart/wonderful man, highly recomended!}

major first steps

2010-11-17T00:20:00.000-08:00

i'm always amazed when i can be there for the 'firsts' in my clients lives. it happens more often that not. The first time the baby can sit up on their own, the first clap, the first step.

i hope these first steps make you smile.

and i hope you celebrate every first in your own lives.

perfect wedding guide show | heathman hotel

2010-11-15T15:44:00.000-08:00

This is the culmination of all that work. my first *green chair table* so SO happy with how it turned out. Complete with green fuzzy balls! --- thank you stephanie!

This table is a perfect pairing of ideas/design from stephanie + zoe + myself..gooo team! Collaboration is the best.

petalos table + floral design ... mmm mmm good.

event table by Gather + florals by Petalos

The last three weeks are a complete blurr of album design/marketing/table scape design/and very little sleep. I would like to say that I was on top of things, but I must enjoy the excitement of waiting till the last moment, cuz that's what I seemed to have done on at least a few details.

But it all came together on November 13th at the Heathman Hotel, downtown Portland on a very foggy rainy Saturday. And now .... I breathe.

A ginormous thank you to Stephanie Major of Petalos Floral design + Zoe Phillips of Lettuce who surpassed my expectations on every level.

a cast of characters:

events by gather - event coordinator
petalos floral design - bridal bouquet and table design
heathman hotel - fabulous event location
perfect wedding guide - judy mcmanus

[+ about 100 other amazing vendors and providers...]

OH...and did I mention, my skills of manifestation are improving daily? oh yes.. I had the table next to the bacon wrapped dates prepared by Papa Haydn. Matt + papa haydn it's true love, I know it! Or would that just be bacon lust? Anyhow...now back to my life as I knew it.

peace.laughter.bacon.

.me.

mikey + gina | light and love

2010-11-12T23:17:00.000-08:00

It recently came to my attention (like 30 seconds ago) that I never shared this good looking couple with you all. You may remember them from their freakishly adorable engagement session (if not give it a go over yonder ho...*click*). They are sweet/in love most extraordinarily/and I adore them. Enjoy the love I was privileged to witness.

love | portland pet adoption

2010-11-07T12:04:00.001-08:00

I know they look a lot alike.. but this budder.. is not the same as the one below.

this black lab mix is monkey...he has a giant smile, loves to play and would love even more to meet you. : )

Dogstar is bursting at the seams with kittens and pups. Theresa just can't say no when it means a furr might loose their life, and I love her for that.

That also means it's time for this weeks dose of cute.

I am very happy to announce that aside from 'Monkey' all the babes that were up for adoption in my last post have found their homes. sigh.. happy warm fuzzies. : )

If you think any of these hearts wrapped in furr should be yours forever...truck on down to Dogstar and give them a cuddle.

Dogstar is located at 1313 nw kearney, portland or.

what i see

2010-11-05T15:11:00.000-07:00

me. age 5. reminder. seriousness is overrated

The Last Flower by James Thurber, one of my first treasured thrift store finds at aprox age 6.

kitty!

g'pa: his youth and childhood watch over me while I work

some have asked...and yes..this is my b + n kitchen/reading nook

the two orange kitties that inspired the, 'orange kitten lounge' bobo my first boy...23 years since he past, still miss him + the orange kitten magnet I found while shopping in Manzanita. oh... And my books...most have been with me from age 6 or 7...but I still love children's books and am always on the lookout for new ones.

.breakfast.

thank you p + b

my furr boys - 14yrs old now. brothers from the same litter. been with me from 6wks old. I can't imagine life without them.

I was asked the other day, 'tell me, what do you see?' Now, I spend everyday 'seeing', it's what I do. But I wondered....have I been seeing for me or for someone else? The line on that gets blurry. The question moved me.

So today when the sunlight pushed past the dirty window panes into my apartment, resting sweetly by me as I ate breakfast...

I explored.

These things surround my days. These things bring a smile to my heart...

I share them with you.

tipton | portland pet photography

2010-11-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

Let it be said...Tipton is pure fabulousness. Oh how i love a tiny pup. They make me giddy, silly and truly happy. All through my shoot with sir Tipton, I would spontaneously burst into fits of giggles. The unbearable lightness of cuteness is just too much.

Tipton is sweetly shy. loves his mama and papa. enjoys his playmate Skittles. lives for naps and treats. and is totally sweet. We traveled to the 'park', the pearl and his home to capture what it is to be Tipton.

As we relaxed and played at home, I met his bff Skittles. A beautiful calico girl that I found out was adopted via pet finder because of the photo I had taken of her. Oh my heart is full!

I hope you remember that love is only an adoption away and that when you open your home and heart...your life will expand in ways you could never have guessed.

xx's to you tipton + skittles.

petalos | portland floral design

2010-10-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

If you have met Stephanie you know that her smile will light up a room, that her talent is brilliant and that she is doing exactly what feeds her, fuels her and lights her up! Thank goodness, because what she does is glorious!

Last weekend, dancing between some very chubby rain drops, she had her studio grand opening. WHOOO... yey..congratulations Petalos and Stephanie!! The night had all the makings of greatness, wine, flowers, friends and cookies.

So proud of everything you have accomplished Stephanie, cheers to you and years of success and happiness!!! : )

doggies day out | portland pet photography

2010-10-21T13:04:00.000-07:00

oh this job of mine...I kind of love it. Imagine getting to spend several hours with these cuddle bums. Pure deliciousness.

Thank you miss beth for sharing your boys with me. They make me giddy.