bio picture

Hello and thank you for visiting my blogsite.  I am so happy you're here!

This is where you'll find all the goings on in my life, both professional and personal.  Kind of like a journal where I will post about anything my heart desires.  You'll find some of my recent work (sneak peeks where clients can come for their first glimpse of their session), my thoughts, travels, and, of course, my family.

I am a lifestyle photographer specializing in children, families and high school seniors. I absolutely love taking photos and feel extremely blessed to be able to do this for a living.

I am passionate about making and saving memories.  My photographs are inspried by life: the details, the personality, the emotion of a given moment in time, the inner beauty we all possess.

If I can help you capture the special, beautiful moments in your life, please let me know. 

Thanks for stopping by!

HAPPY MONDAY

“If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies.”  ~ author unknown

 

 

It’s a new week.

Welcome it.

Accept it.

Embrace it.

Make the most of it.

Is there something that needs changing in your life?

Go for it.

There’s no time like the present!

 

xo!

tracey - Oh that BEAUTIFUL picture has me dreaming of Summer! And we're supposed to get all of that snow tonight...at least the storm should be over by the time we go out on Thur :) Can't wait!

Kelly - Thanks. You hit the nail right on the head-- again. Things change, I need to move along too. Sat down this morning, opened the Bible, both pages I opened to were about forgiveness. Your hard boiled egg quote went on the chalkboard last week, and this one will go up next. Love ya, Kelly

Stephanie C - Traci, that is such a perfect shot! I feel like I could walk right into summer! Thanks for making Monday a whole lot prettier.

Jamie - Beautiful! Have a Wonderful Week, xo Jamie

Tara - Amen sister, new week new opportunites! Happy Monday right back at ya!

Karen - Thank you!

FLICKR FRIDAY

Cameras of Yesterday

1. My Brownie, 2. 5.100 // twinkle, twinkle little star, 3. Untitled, 4. “Look and think before opening the shutter. The heart and mind are the true lens of the camera”, 5. ♥Polaroid And A Happy New Year ♥, 6. 6.25 I love old things…, 7. Untitled, 8. Untitled, 9. little reminders

 

I miss taking photos.

Illinois weather puts a damper on outdoor photo sessions.

Aside from the very brave and creative Kasey and her family, things are kind of quiet.

I do have an engagement session next week. 

I am really looking forward to that.

My first one.

Perfect timing to showcase LOVE!

Can’t wait.

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

xo!

 

 

Laura T. - The engagement session sounds like it will be a lot of fun. Can't wait to see those pictures.

Kelly - Hang in there-- you'll soon be so busy you might want winter back;) Ha, ha, ha.

Lesli - I agree it is hard to get photos - but if you can stand the cold you can sure get some amazing winter photos :) Good luck with the engagement shoot!

Jen r sanctuary art - HI Traci! I sent you an e-mail about the get together! These pictures are gorgeous!!!

Nina - me too Traci...I'm so missing taking pictures. I have an engagement session and a very large family shoot....but they are not until April

Deb - Fun pix of the cameras! Carrie inherited about 15 old cameras from her grandfather and I recognize some of them in these pictures. :o) Glad you have a gig coming up!

Tracy - I agree...hard to get out to take pictures here too! The snow has started...up to 15 inches expected this weekend( gosh I hope we don't get that much!).

Jamie - Those are Beautiful Shots, I Love Old Camera's. When I was at the Flea Market this week, there was a seller who had a Beautiful Collection of old Camera's. I didn't dare ask the price of any of them, I didn't want to be tempted. Well, our Weather hasn't been so cooperative either this Winter which makes for tough photography. Have a Great Weekend, xo Jamie

Stephanie C - NY weather isn't so inspirational right now either. I am sure your shoot will be fantastic - they always are! Have a great weekend!

Kim - I miss being outside with my camera too. Heck, I just miss being outside. Started snowing here around 930am. We are on the border between having a moderate amount to a crapload ;) My mominlaw in Northern VA might get as much as 2 feet!!! Work is closed today so I am vedging and cleaning and cooking and sewing. Have a good weekend! Hugs, Kim

TAKE A PEEK

At some of the little treasures in my living room.

I cleaned and rearranged the other day, so I thought I would take some photos and share them with you.

 

Have a great day.

xo!

 

p.s.  – Thanks for all the suggestions for naming the new member of our family.  I have passed them on to Eric.  I’ll let you know when he has settled on her name. 

Kelly - You have such a great eye-- and great taste. Real, earthy, and pretty, just like you! Thanks so much for cleaning and sharing:)

Glenda - Hi Tracy, thank you for stopping by my blog via Bella Della... she is very sweet...Thank you for the compliment on my picture. Blessings, Glenda

Tracy - Love the measuring sticks and the glass jar they are in. Do you know what the jar is called and where did you get it? Great shots thanks for sharing.

Chris R - I wish my house was decorated so cool. Thanks for the tour. My house is more eclectic and bright. Have a wonderful day~~

Tara - Everything looks great, love the suitcases and the rulers, and all the treasrues you have...and this might sound funny, but I love your carpet!! :)

Deb - Oh - what a fun little tour! Love your stuff and your arrangements. And what great light you have in that room!!!

Jamie - I want those Suitcases, I Adore the measuring sticks, I just picked on up at the Flea Market this week. So Pretty!! xo Can't wait to hear what the New Pups Name will be. Jamie

Stephanie C - It's so sunny and inviting! I like that you took things that are personal to you and made it so warm. Looking good!

HE’S IN HEAVEN

He is a farm boy.

Always has been.

Always will be.

Farm boys need 4 wheel drive trucks.

That can drive through any type of terrain when farming or hunting or just messing around.

Not whimpy little 2 wheel drives.

That get stuck while driving down a lane and then have to get pulled out by the other 2 four wheel drive trucks on the farm.

Nothing pisses him off more.

Or makes his dad or sister laugh more.

Can’t ya just picture it?

Not good.

 

Well, that all changed last weekend.

 

His dream came true.

He’s so excited. 

His life is complete.

For the moment.

Look at how happy he is.

My handsome boy!

He got a great deal.  I think the previous owner (who really likes my boy) wanted him to be the next owner.

He liked this truck too.  In fact he has stopped by twice to see if Eric has been taking care of her.

He has!

 

This girl needs a name.

Yes, he is a typical male who names his trucks.

His old one was Big White.

Any ideas?

 

Have a great day!!

xo!

Laura T. - Don't have a name for the truck, but wanted to wish Eric luck with it. It certainly is a beauty.

Melanie - He is so handsome. I am happy for him. My sweet boy will be 16 in May and has no interest in driving yet. That is fine with his mama;)

Chris R - Eric looks so happy and excited. My Mom names her cars... I think a good name would be Indigo Queen or Princess Coneflower.

Tracy - That's so funny...why DO men name their trucks?? My husband's truck is Big Red! So I'm all for Big Blue...lol! OR maybe Midnight...it looks like the color of the night sky. Congrats!!

Karen - love it!! congrats!! i BET he is happy!! ellen likes to name her vehicles too, i'm sure she can come up with one!! HA HA

Kelly - He is such a handsome young man-- anyone else ever think he looks a little like Prince William? ...some girl will someday:) Congrats on the truck!! Doesn't it make you happy when your kids are that happy! I think her new name should be Blue Betty.

Traci - great names everyone. i will tell him your suggestions.

Debbie - What a happy guy!! How about Blue Babe?

Nicole - Oh, I'm jealous! I traded my truck off 1 1/2 years ago for a Trail Blazer. How I miss my truck!!! First thing that came to mind for me for a name....Babe, the blue truck. Or Big Bertha. I hope he lets you have fun with the truck as well!

Stephanie C - Congrats! He DOES look happy - look at that grin!

Aunt Sherry - How about Blue Mama? Does it have to be a female name?

Nina - how exciting.....he could name her Betty Blue

Tara - That is so cool!! she is beautiful, she almost needs a strong name like Stella or something! ha! :)

Deb - I instantly thought "Big Blue" as well. Cool for Eric - I know how much boys like(LOVE) their trucks! There's one that looks very similar to this one parked out in our drive-way as I type. ;o)

SusanC - I like "Big Blue" - not original but I like it!

jane - how about, the blue boss.

HAPPY MONDAY

Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions.  You may have a heart of gold – but so does a hard-boiled egg.  ~author unknown

 

{found here}

 

This quote is getting displayed where I can see it often.

It’s so true.

I have great intentions.

Lots of them.

But do they materialize into great actions?

Sometimes.

Sometimes isn’t good enough.

My focus for this month –

turn my best intentions into actions.

Actions that come from my heart!

 

Happy Monday everyone!

Can you believe it’s February 1st?

Just that much closer to Spring.

xo!

Melanie - I could so use some spring:( Not happy with this dreary weather.

Kelly - Oh you made me laugh out loud! So funny, AND so true! I'm writing that one on my kitchen blackboard today. Thanks. My best intentions don't always happen either.

Danielle L-Y - Since Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today, I really needed the inspiration. Love it and thank you!

Debbie - Great quote - keep us motivated this month.

tracey - I keep forgetting it's Feb 1st today! Just wanted to tell you again what a fabulous job you did on Kasey's pics...they are all just amazing!!! Does 6:30 work for you next Thur? Can't wait!! :) T

Tara - Great quote and so true!! Happy Monday Traci!

Stephanie C - Great post - and a wonderful idea. We could all try a little harder - thanks for the morning inpsiration!

Karen - Do a post like that everyday!! I like waking up to that!! Thank you!!