A few weeks ago I sat in my office, watching snow fall from my office window.  Those big, perfect fluffy snow flakes that even for those that hate winter, have to take notice and smile. It was one of those days I was inspired by the snow. The perfect white that covered all the dark and dreariness outside.  And it’s also just about the time of year that I haven’t shot any weddings in a few months and dearly miss photographing lovely people in love!

So a fun shoot was definitely in order and I knew that I couldn’t do it without collaborating with sweetie-pie Daisy of Pixel&Hank (remember some of our other fun shoots?).  And my dear friend Jamie and I have been talking for way too long about collaborating on something lovely together.  Jamie is the owner and talented videographer of Shutter Speed Productions and I just love her to pieces.  A few months back, the sweet couple featured here contacted me about the possibility of doing a ‘trash the dress’ session and I knew they would be perfect for this! I have known Jen since she was just a youngin’ and it still blows my mind she’s a married adult now.  She and Matt have big hearts and Matt loves this girl a lot.  For him to shiver through the session, rocking out a polka-dot bowtie in the middle of the woods…well, he didn’t do it for any other reason than for her alone ;).

A huge big thank you to the talented Stacy Jensen who came out to do hair and makeup (she rocks and it’s just not a collaboration without her) and to September’s Bride for the tux Matt wore.  And of course my parents who let a troop of girls take over their house and property.  Look for a little cameo from my little pup Tanner J. and my sweet little goats!   And make sure to click on the video link at the end of the blog post to see Jamie’s video of our shoot!

LOVE from Shutter Speed Productions on Vimeo.

As I sit here with my family, belly full, watching a Charlie Brown thanksgiving special, I am reflective of all I am truly thankful for. I am thankful I am a child of God. That He has blessed me so much. I am thankful for a loving family. For friends that lift my spirits.  That I have more blessings that I can count and are often times unaware of.

My mom and I recently went for a walk on their property, enjoying some late fall sunshine.  The sun was about to set, setting a golden glow over everything. I love these walks, these times spent together.

What are you thankful for?

Flowers are wonderful subjects.  They don’t cry, move or run from you. They don’t squint or complain.  There is no timeline or hurry. Unless you have other’s who are waiting on you to finish photographing that same flower, already.

This past week my dear friend Michele and I wandered over to Holland to take in a bit of our Dutch heritage.  We were greeted with of the best tulip time’s in recent years.  Happy bright tulips in every color of the rainbow.  A windmill and Dutch costumes. It brought me back to my childhood when my grandparents took us.  My grandfather loved flowers…all of them..and eagerly told us about all the many varieties.  I paid no attention and wondered instead when I’d get an elephant ear.  I wish I had paid better attention and I wish they were still here.  I thought about them alot as we wandered the fields and little recreated Dutch buildings.

Enjoy the many colors and pretty spring flowers I was feeling nostalgic walking past last week.  Spring is truly magical isn’t it?

My favorite part of any vacation is photographing people, animals, and capturing the heritage of a new place. Discovering new things and capturing them with my camera.  It’s the best souvineer I can bring home and costs me no money. Or pesos.

Our time on the island of Cozumel was relaxing and warm and with limited internet access…a true retreat for a few days.  Enjoy some of the pretty sights I was able to capture during my time away!

Total bonus…it was Carnival in the streets of downtown Cozumel!

Well despite my good intentions and a few weeks of doing regular updates of my personal musings…winter, cabin fever and a conscious effort to step away from my computer more have contributed to no new posts on my neglected blog. But yesterday, a little bit of my soul was revived after the discovery and my first monthly pick-up of my favorite farmer’s market goodies thanks to the efforts of the West Michigan Co-op and their volunteers.  A few months ago a friend let me in on this year-round market and earlier this month, I couldn’t wait to make my selections and dream of farm fresh eggs, freshly baked bread and my favorite jams and homemade soaps.  If you, too, are missing your local seasonal markets and want to help our many local farmers, I highly suggest signing up for a membership and joining me there for the pick up next month!

The lovely eggs in the picture above are heirloom eggs courtesy of one of my favorite local farms, Crane Dance Farms.