Spring is here!

Spring is here!! But the ironic thing is that I have been sick all week with a bad cold or something. And I made it thru the entire winter with NOTHING, yet here is it April and I have been down for the count -- the week when it's been warmest and sunniest! As such I'm behind on my work so if you're waiting for proofs or products, please be patient, they will be ready asap. Moreover my family and I went boating yesterday -- the marina opened this week and we were ready to go! Despite feeling ill, I couldn't disappoint the troops here and the sunshine was good for me.

We headed out of Woodbridge and headed up north to the Mt. Vernon area on the Potomac. We were just about ready to have our dinner when we noticed being approached by a boat with flashing lights. For the first time, we were 'boarded' by the Coast Guard for a random safety check. It was quite interesting and funny. It's akin to being randomly stopped by the police -- but that never happens. They were with us for a good 30 minutes and just checked life jackets, fire extinguishers, and other stuff I don't even know about but trust Jack does. The guys were actually quite nice and were in town from NJ providing water security around the Stadium during the Pope's Mass earlier in the day.

One of these photos is my favorite -- my youngest, Harry, is a comic. He is a happy kid with a wild imagination and always trying to make us and his friends laugh. When the boat was moving at full throttle, he was pretending to be blown by the wind so all you see are his feet as he's horizontal to the ground holding on to the rail. Jack, Jackson and I were cracking up.

Homemade Music - the "other" art

For those of you who are blog stalkers and don't know me that well, I am married to a serious musician (studied at Berklee School of Music, he works at XM Radio by day running the Performance Studio as well as writing music for film/tv on the side from home). As a result, our wee offspring are showing signs of serious genetic duplication. I keep pushing the camera in hand but I'm losing out to the cooler music genre and specifically ROCK. Tho, as a Foo Fighters- Smashing Pumpkins-Radiohead-Muse-Silversun Pickups fan myself, it's hard for my kids to know anything else!

Jackson, almost 8, is taking piano lessons and LOVES it....he spends just about everyday on the piano writing his own stuff rather than practicing his lessons! This past fall, he entered a composition into the PTA sponsored "Reflections" program open to all students nationwide. The program is aimed to encourage kids of all ages (thru high school) to creatively explore an area of the arts that they enjoy (music, photography, visual arts, film/video, dance and writing). He competed in the K-2 category for Musical Composition and took 'outstanding interpretation' (or 1st) at his school, again at the the cluster level, and ultimately took 2nd for Fairfax County. We are proud. Wednesday evening was a little awards ceremony for those who rec'd top recognition -- attached are those photos.

To augment the "piano-ness" here, I often walk into my house and hear roaring drums and blaring electric guitar from the basement below. I usually come down to find my husband with the boys jamming. It's great fun to see them develop their interest in music. Jack just became the happy new owner of a replica Les Paul 1959 guitar so it's quite often that I hear this now. I have to admit that while I am not well versed in the world of guitars, this one is gorgeous and sounds pretty rockin' and is admired by all guitarists amateur and pro. I had no idea this is the holy grail of guitars. For me, it would be like owning Nikon D3 (only $5000, body only) but better b/c of it's history.

Huge move (update on 4/9: this was an April Fool's joke)

I am writing this note with mixed emotions -- we have huge news -- and no, we are not pregnant, but most everyone knows that Jack works for XM Radio which was just given the 'okay' to merge with Sirius last week. It's been a long time coming and in so doing, a lot of uncertainty loomed for Jack and our family wondering the future of his job there as well as our financial future. While he had a dreamy job there, the merge was just not something we are confident of. Consequently, he has just accepted a position north of San Fran near Sonoma at Skywalker Ranch, which is where Lucas Films is located. He will be the Director of Film Scoring studio at Skywalker Sound. Jack has dreamt of doing this and while I am a bit nervous about moving to the WRONG coast, we couldn't turn this down. My work can be done just about anywhere. We've already sold the house and will most likely rent when we first move out there. My mom has even agreed to come at some point! Jackson and Harry already have their tye-die wardrobe and I have my birkenstock's ready to go!




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APRIL FOOLS! You believed me, didn't you? Just for 2 seconds!!! COME ON, admit it!

Lent

Today is Good Friday. One of the most sacred and sad days in the Church when Christ was crucified. I took my boys into my church for a bit during the 3 hour prayer vigil, which represents the 3 hours He was agonizing on the cross - between 12 and the hour of his death at 3pm. It was beautiful being in the church today -- quite moving in fact. Every 30 minutes one of the priests read the 7 last words of Christ with it ending on "unto your hands I commend my spirit." How powerful those words are. We didn't stay for the entirety but I took the kids for 2 readings -- at 130 and again at 3pm.

But my point here is to mention that Lent is supposed to bring about reflection on many things -- but one specifically is almsgiving -- the giving to the needy. Everyday I am thankful for my health, my kids, my husband, my mom and my family. I have a good life. I have a great balance of everything perfect -- health, spirituality, finances, home, friends, work and love. As I approach 40 in about 6 months I think to myself I have never had it better. What can I do to make it even better that is as fulfilling? Easy -- GIVE. Giving what others don't have is one little way I think helps me feel I am doing my part on this plane of existence to make a difference. Consequently, the LENTEN lesson today for my 7 1/2 year old, who is starting to be old enough to understand all this was to pick a charity for which our family could give a lump sum of $ to give to before Easter when Lent ends. We gave him 4 options -- ones I think of that have personal meaning or are just top-of-mind important:

1.Parkinson's Disease Association (my father passed of this horrible disease in 1997)
2.American Cancer Society (my father in law passed of melanoma 3 years ago)
3.St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (we do give to them at Christmas time)
4. Food for the Poor

Proudly, he was conflicted and wanted to give to 2, then added a 3rd once we explained what each charity strives to do. Ultimately, Food for the Poor will get the donation this year. It's hard to pick and there's a great website that helps you determine what makes the most sense for you to give called Charity Navigator

Also, as a CCD student, all the kids were given a little box to collect loose coins throughout Lent -- much like what we did as youngsters trick-or-treating taking our little UNICEF boxes along. So we did manage to collect around $15 in coins for the past 6 weeks. Not a lot but something -- hard to carry coins in a DEBIT world! So Operation Rice Bowl will also get a little money.

Finally, I did post something about another charity, Plan USA, about a year ago (click here) -- whereby one can contribute monthly to sponsor a child in a developing country who is in desperate need of food, housing, education. We've been doing this for almost 9 years and it's wonderful to get letters periodically updating us on the progress of our sponsor child. It does work.

Anyway, thanks for reading and Happy Easter!

Blue Angels Airshow in Annapolis 2006

This slideshow has been on my website for a couple years but I just wanted to resurrect it in an attempt to post my first slideshow on my blog.

The story behind this is that my now 7 1/2 year old has loved the Blue Angels since he was a tiny soul. I believe his dad and I bought him a Blue Angels die-cast jet when he was around 2 on one of our MANY day trips to Annapolis. The obsession began at that point and since they perform at the Naval Academy's graduation every May, they also do a show for the public the day before. We try to go every year. This particular year we took a boat out and had the most amazing view in the Annapolis Harbour -- along with about 832,432 other boats. Honestly, the skies couldn't have been more beautiful and clear for this type of photography shoot. Naturally, the song is from my own obsession, Foo Fighters (Dave Grohl) singing MY HERO, which works really well, don't you agree? Take a listen and watch! The only drawback is this is so compressed that you cannot fully enjoy the beauty of this precision flying on a tiny screen!

ENJOY!

Rules are made to be broken

Spring is here! For the past couple of days, we have had glorious weather -- upper 50s and 60s. I know it's too early to say spring is here to stay but I'll take it! I am happy to get outside and take photos -- feels great after being inside all winter!

I decided to mess around with a super old 50mm lens I have had for years yesterday. No zoom, just a fixed focal length lens. It's tricky to re-learn after having a zoom to adjust distance. In any event, it's a pretty lens and I decided to shoot INTO the sun to get the fun sparkle and flare. Normally, this isn't what one is supposed to do with shooting but it works for some fun shots. Jackson was hamming it up for me then asked for my camera and shot about 50 photos with this one of his mom and dad being indifferent! I SO DO NOT like having my photo taken!

Be sure to click on this one of jackson to see it LARGER!

My favorite song and film this year

I just had to post this You Tube clip from Jack and my all time favorite movie of the entire year, Once. We saw it last summer and since we are a music family, we were especially moved by this great indie film. They did a performance at XM in the early summer before they were really on anyone's radar. Jack came home that night and talked them up. I listened to their music and was blown away. It was truly refreshing and authentic. Had I known they were this good, I would have gone in to see the show. Hate when that happens!

Anyway, I highly recommend seeing it. These guys won "best song" at the Oscars this year. We couldn't have been happier for this win! I never tire of listening to this song and their others are equalling smashing!

Harry's big #5!

I am amazed to be talking about this already. 5 years. In some ways I think that it's just a couple years ago when I was in the hospital marveling at my new baby boy who I was convinced would be a girl -- named Eva Amalia. But at 9 pounds, 1 oz. he certainly was not. He looked like a fat, old man...stocky and meaty and lots of folds to smooch. Harry is proud to be 5 and as excited as he was, he was surprised and sad that he didn't FEEL any differently. He did try to show me, in a sneaky way, that he was taller. But after a cursory glance downward, I noticed he was on his tippy toes. He was defeated when I just stared at him with a smirk and then he retorted with, "Oh, mom" exasperated.

He was a lucky 5 year old. He tried to tell me he was 6 or 7 b/c we had 3 days of birthdays. Since his REAL birthday was on Thursday, of course we took him out for his chosen dinner of RIBS. Famous Dave's BBQ was his pick. They surprised him with a huge sundae with a massive candle/sparkler on top for dessert too. He was smitten. Ribs and ice cream and Harry is set for life.

On Friday, my mom baked cupcakes (at least that's what she called them but the icing was about 2mm thick and no kid thinks this is a true cupcake!) and his class sang to him. And finally, Saturday was his real party. I had it at his preschool b/c the large room afforded more running space for a winter birthday, and secondly, I had hired a magician to entertain the kids for the hour. With the intent of less work for mom in the planning process. Well, ever hear of Murphy's Law? Indeed this happened. Mr. Magician drove from MD and got a flat tire on the way...and would you believe was an HOUR late. Well, bday parties don't last more than 2 hours so by the time he got there, there was only 30 minutes left. He shortened the show but WOWed the kids nonetheless so I was a bit disappointed we couldn't have the full hour but he did do a great, great job. The company is called Jason Levinson and despite the bad luck, I highly recommend them for parties.

Harry's big birthday present was a new bike. He has been the 'hand me down' kid for 5 years and deserved this bike after riding his brother's old bike which was in bad shape -- dangerously so. Training wheels that never stayed on straight and wheel treads that were worn off b/c of my older son's SLAMMING on the breaks to show off his stops! So he's thrilled to have a cool, red bike!

Just for kicks, I will post a photo of Master Harry at the ripe young age of 5 months as well.

ENJOY!

Real Simple Magazine + Professional Photography

I am happy to share this very WISE article, entitled, "Get Professional Photos of your Children" -- found in Real Simple magazine, or at least on their website. It basically validates hiring a professional photographer to do quality photos of your children -- to not to miss out! I always acknowledge the fact that everyone can take photos in today's age of the digital realm -- making it accessible and easy to print from home, print books from online vendors and the like. But there is a reason we are pro's - many of us have invested many hours in school, conventions, trade magazine, forums, workshops, equipment, and more! So we can do this job for you! Click here to read it.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Today has been a great day. I am still buzzing with excitement from the press the charity I am partnered with received today on The Today Show! It was the first national coverage the foundation has received since it's inception 3 years ago (this month!). There have been a few local stories done on the work we do across the US but nothing of this magnitude and nothing in the DC Metro Area (yet)! I think it was done with great feeling and clearly explaining the purpose of what we do. I know some people have a hard time understanding why people would want photos of their baby who has passed. It's a rare thing to hear that but I have read postings on forums from other photographers who have received scathing letters undermining their work for the charity. It's shocking, but true.

I personally love that I'm able to provide something for these families under their tremendous amount of pain -- to give them something they will forever have, validating the existence of their baby despite the short time they were together. I cry, I mourn, I grieve but I am filled with love for the baby and the family when I am there and truly believe that God has given me a gift to do this and he protects me from feeling too much in that I am able to move forward and not dwell on the reality of the situation. I do this as I want to give thanks to God for my life, my healthy children and my wonderful vocation.

A Proud Mom

On a personal note, today was special. My "big boy" Jackson had his first 'confession' at church (I'm Catholic). His first communion will be in late April -- not to be confused with first confession! Anyway, he has been nervously anticipating this big day for weeks, if not months, now. And naturally, it's a pretty big deal to go in and admit your faults and wrongdoings -- even at 7 years old! He has been well prepared thru CCD and his parents and grandparents encouragement and hopefully wise words. I was quite proud and even shed a tear as I saw him stand in line and then come out with a smile on his face. My mom gave him a beautiful gold crucifix and gold chain she bought in Spain -- had it blessed by our priest this week. Jackson is wearing it and in one photo (my favorite one) he is looking down at it as he reflects before going in for his confession. I was trying to get the photo with the crucifix in the background but it didn't work too well. Also note the tears in my mom's eyes as she celebrates having my big, little kid journey his way to Catholic (and Christian) faith!

Double take!

Last weekend was such a blast for me. I went down to Atlanta to visit some of my best friends from high school -- I went to a boarding school in PA called The Mercersburg Academy and while I get jabbed from friends who think I went to 'reform' school b/c they think I needed it (wink, wink) -- to clarify, it was actually a prep school. So while the academics just about killed me when I was there, I did do exceedingly well in making friends and playing sports! That counts for something, right? My grandfather, was a class of 1915 graduate and my father was 1943. How cool is that? One went to Princeton and the other to Duke. I can't say that I followed in their footsteps when it comes to going to a prestigious college but hey, were they having as much fun running their own business before they turned 40?

Anyway, it was such joy for me. Julie and PJ are adorable -- dated starting in 11th/12th grade(!!!!!), through college, thru med and PT school and now married 10+ years with 4 gorgeous kids later! They live in the most beautiful house in the most beautiful suburb, Marietta. I love it there and am amazed at the reasonable housing prices after DC! Makes me want to move there for just the housing alone. As a bonus, we got to visit with another one of my best friends from Mercersburg -- Matt! I hadn't seen him in nearly 10 years so that was truly a bonus. We sat around and talked, laughed and reminisced about our teenage days for an entire morning and afternoon!

I was also able to visit yet another good friend, Carolyn Black, who just moved to Marietta from Alexandria this past summer. She was my boys preschool teacher and we miss her. I was crushed when she moved b/c she was another loving mama to my boys and also a great buddy to chat about photography. How lucky she moved to Marietta too!

Lastly, I attended a photo seminar as I mentioned in a previous post called "Babies & Bellies". Good stuff -- marketing, posing, lighting and tricks to working with pregnancy subjects and babies. Will try to implement some of her ideas this year!

So take a look at PJ and Julie's kids. I had such a ball photographing them. We have Madelyn who is 7, Charleton who is 4 1/2 and the twins, Kip and Kaden (2) who were obsessed with shooting water from water bottles all weekend -- you may see one in a photo! They are gorgeous children -- smiley and giggly.