WELCOME

Hello friends! Please, come in take a seat. Let me get you a warm beverage and we'll talk. Green chair studio is my heart and passion. Photographing your personal bit of heaven --- your wedding.. your child or your pet --- is a gift to me daily. Would you like to meet in person for lattes to discuss your session needs/wants/desires? Pop on over to the website give me a shout and we'll calendar merge. By the way, I love hearing from you, so whether you are just stopping by, or are a loyal reader...leave a little comment. Hearing from you makes my day crispy and fresh!

Friday, January 9, 2009

Mugs


So it's been said that time heals all wounds. That may be true, but friends and the love they give....conversations they share....and the laughter they bring. They may be the true healers after all.

Many of you know that these past two years have been a very long striving to health for me. My gratitude is boundless for those friends and family who have seen me through.

I have realized through this, that healing doesn't come in a lightening bolt moment. {although I REALLY wished it would have some days} It is a series of small moments. Moments that otherwise might go unnoticed, but because you have the perspective of where you have come from, they are triumphs.

Last night for me was one of those moments. I threw my first party in almost 4 years! Not a huge affair with ties and ball gowns, but a small gathering of my nearest and dearest.

We came together to wish each other a Happy New Year and to give Annie a surprise b-day party. The theme of the night..."Mugs". I instructed everyone to bring their favorite mug and I would fill it with delicious cocoa.

On hand for our lactose intolerant friends {including me..sigh} almond milk, dark chocolate cocoa and homemade {trader joes} marshmallows. For the rest, milky rich cocoa with a dash of cinnamon and vanilla, topped with frothy whipped cream and gently sprinkled with cinnamon sugar.

In keeping with the mug theme of the night, all the treats for munching were also served in my most favorite ones. You might think it very silly, but I love mugs. To me they are the epitome of comfort and relief. During my darkest times the sweet taste of coffee or tea out of a mug would bring me peace. Still today if I am feeling low, a brand new mug will lift me up.

Last Summer I bought a mug that reminded me with it's small sketched moped and funky blue writing, that, "My journey begins today."

So pour yourself a cup of goodness, wrap your hands around your favorite mug...breathe deeply the aroma...enjoy the moment... your first sip & your journey.

Peace.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Just Shoot ME! {rules & regs}

Yes, It's here! "Just Shoot Me!" In case you aren't in the know, I will be posting at least one question per week here for you to ponder and then answer as fast as you can. Let your fingers fly like the wind as you type me the answer and send to: greenchairstudio@gmail.com.

If you are the first to answer correctly you receive a FREE portrait shoot! Let me hear it...whoooop!

Question: If you were Kip and Henry's 'sisters' you would be named?
{hint: Hysterical 80's sitcom staring a very young Tom Hanks}

aaaand GO! I'm waiting... dooobee doobee... la la laaaaah! Tap.. tap.. tap...


Coming to a theater near you




Hello to all of my L.A. friends!

I will be in the Los Angeles and Orange County area January 13th - 19th. I love Portland, but I haven't seen that great glowing orb in a while. So if you all could make sure that the sun shines that week? Awesome, thanks!

This trip has me very excited to meet a few families that I have never photographed, and to re-connect with some that I have been photographing for years. The Sessions booked pretty quickly, but there are still 2 openings left if you would like to get in.

Start the New Year with a fresh New Look, celebrate the beauty of your family or create a one of a kind Valentine's day gift.

*{If you miss this trip, I am currently accepting pre-bookings for June}

Bright and Shinning NeW YeaR to you!!!

Peace & Laughter

gretchen heaven mcarthur
http://greenchairstudio.com
http://greenchairstudio.blogspot.com
1.888.284.7004

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Dear Santa...



















nw 23rd

My facebook status a few days ago, "dear santa, I've been mostly good this year.. please bring me a big ball of snow to play with, thank you!" Well.. I got it! Whooot twooot... oh yeah. snow day deluxe has descended upon the dear city of Portland.

I knew Santa was the man.. but dude.. a whole weeks worth of snow? He is awesome!!

My take on the day; coffee.. munchies.. snow tromping.. sledding... a ride around town on the street car named 'South Waterfront'...a pocket stuffed full of mini candy canes {to be eaten cane end first of course!} ... and a picture perfect city covered in sugar. Everyone I met had a smile on their face. Whole families out with the dogs.. kids and just enjoying the splendor of it all.

ahhh..

Thank you Santa!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Shopping in Sellwood






no pictures of me.. thank you!




Karen, owner of Lucy Palmer









A few days back..I got a phone call from a dear friend. "Help! I need to shop.." Not one to let a friend in need down. I gathered my courage, donned my best shopping shoes and hit it!

We started with a mega mug of hot cocoa from Two Tarts Bakery on NW 23rd. Took a slow and scenic drive over to Sellwood, and then started shoppin'!

I think I tried on every hat in the store aptly named, Why Not? Fell in love with a couple, but managed to leave without purchasing... today was not my day to buy, it was Paula's.

The shops and the shop keepers in downtown Sellwood have got to be some of the nicest people on the planet. Everywhere we went we got warm smiles, cookies, treats, warm things to drink and charming conversation. Almost a tad frightening.

Our final and most desired destination was, Lucy Palmer, {www.lucypalmer.com } A girly girl store with delicious jewlery, clothing, dishes...home wares...and SO much more. Karen Ellingson, the store's owner, has an eye for the gorgeous. She even offers an after store hours private shopping service for small groups, to really get your shop on. This is by appointment only. She is the 'shopping guru', I bow to her.

We did a swoop and sweep of the store and came out with arms loaded, and shopping complete!

Back to 23rd to meet Paula's hubby for some sushi at Yuki and a perfect shopping day came to an end. My end was a nap with my furr boys. Purrrfection {don't hate.. I had to!}