Little Boy Jack

Patricia had an idea...she needed a portrait of her loving hubby to hang in their office next to the portrait of her as a young girl. 

So she came to me with the only portrait she had of him about the same age as her portrait. But, alas, it was a family portrait. She wanted Jack singled out of the portrait and brought into an 11x14 to compliment the one of her. 

Don't they make a lovely couple? Over and over again, as I worked on his portrait, I was struck by the fact that their son, Sean, looks just like his dad! And of course, their daughter Aimee really has his eyes!

Thanks for the privilege of allowing me to remake these portraits for you!

Here are the "before" shots with which we were dealing. Patricia's portrait had been badly damaged in need of repair; I repaired it last year:

 

MADISON

Five months old and nothing but smiles...with the occasional tongue! Happy, happy baby. I am always grateful for the opportunity to photograph these precious little bundles. I cannot help but fall in love all over again...the innocence, the fat rolls, the cooing and other little baby noises! All too precious, and all too fleeting. They grow up before you know it!

Couldn't resist sharing...

When Grandpa & Grandma sat down, Maddy was totally captivated with her Grandpa, couldn't take her eyes off him...just melts your heart!

I am most appreciative of the opportunity to share in this joy for just a brief moment in time and capture a frame to preserve the time, the benchmark of growth during the first year of life!

JUNIOR PROM

Junior year is nearly over...the prom is such a significant part of high school years. Tyler and Jessica looked fabulous together. Friends since grammar school, now all grown up, such a very sweet couple. 

I've known Tyler for awhile, watching him grow into a handsome young man. But I just met Jessica the night of the prom. Sweet, gentle, quiet...she was the picture of grace in her lovely red gown.

The rain began...again...just before the evening set in. But that didn't dampen the spirits any. Such a memorable evening...memories for a lifetime. Thank you for allowing me to share just a bit of it!

 

NEYLAN

What a cutie!! My time with Neylan was fun-packed and very enjoyable, probably the most fun I've had in awhile. He was absolutely adorable. And that was a total surprise...he was very shy at first, just stared at me with the biggest dark brown eyes; he had no idea why this face behind the camera had come into his little life. 

But he warmed up to me with a little effort and from that point on it was all smiles. He was bundles of fun...not quite walking yet, but standing strong when he had something to steady himself, hold onto. It was one of those rare days of spring-like weather that we had here in March. Warm enough to kick off the shoes and get some barefoot pictures. 

We wore him out; his mother said he fell asleep on his way home. Just looking at his pictures now makes me smile.

Neylan, you can come back anytime!

OH! TO BE CONTENT

The calendar tells me it is now spring...but the weather outside my window surely makes me believe that our winter is not yet past.

It would seem at times that our circumstances fit the same pattern. We can see, right around the corner, that things are looking up. But hold on, there is still a little of the "winter" now and then. Peace of mind only comes with contentment...now, at this very moment, no matter the situation.

Impatience is but a form of discontent. I am reminded of The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck, the title taken from Shakespeare's Richard III. Both of these works show the downward slide that began with discontent. Dissatisfaction leads to desperate attempts to change, leading to ambition which can become obsession. We can lose sight what we already have and think the "grass is greener"...

I saw a beautiful illustration of that yesterday morning. The always welcome California poppy; against a gray sky, a very cool breeze, this beautiful and fragile little flower refuses to hide. It knows it is supposed to bloom at this time, and bloom it does. What a cheerful sight along the roadside. Funny how you spot them in unlikely places. And they "bloom where they are planted". Contented.

Yes, contentment is a way of life, a peaceful way of life. Weather the storms of life and relish the good times. It is all good, nothing is without purpose.

Change of Seasons

Change is inevitable...in life just as in the seasons of the year. As I watch my surroundings, the trees and flowers, the fields, rushing to burst forth with new life, new growth after the barren winter months, I am reminded that every day is new. The winter is a necessary component of life. All the old must die away to make room for the new. The beautiful blossoms on the dogwoods and plum trees around me would hardly be impressive if last year's leaves were still in foliage. 


How fitting then, that the dark "winters" of life are also a necessity. The difficulties and dark times in our lives produce untold strength and good in us. Firstly, it serves to build character and strength, humility and sensitivity to the hurts and needs of others. Secondly, we gain a new appreciation for the times when things are "easy", more pleasant. 


Life is a blessing not to be taken for granted. I am learning to appreciate, indeed even welcome, the winter. I see so much productivity in difficulty that I cannot do less than be filled with gratitude for the strength that it produces. Fortitude and perseverance...by-products of the "winter" of life. Springtime is a mixed bag...a little tease now and then of warm and beautiful weather. Then the wind and a little rain, a little cold, come along and remind us that winter has not yet fully passed. So in life we enjoy the good times and work through the tough times...not just merely survive them, but thrive.

DAFFODIL HILL

It's that time of year again. If you live in the Sacramento area and are looking for a picturesque day, something to bring a little springtime to your world on the heals of the winter months, take a little day trip to Daffodil Hill in the historic town of Volcano just outside of Sutter Creek. They have tentatively set this year's opening date as March 16. Check their website before making definite plans, though, as weather is always a factor as well as maximum blooming of the daffodils http://www.daffodilfestivals.com/insidetemp.php?festid=1359 Take a lunch and just enjoy the beauty. It's a great outing for the young ones who love to explore. There are more reasons to visit than just the flowers....Enjoy!