Simple Grace Photography

Good Cheer...

I know this time of year is full of events, both with joy and a tiny bit of hurriedness for most people. I feel it some days, and it seems the fun stuff sometimes gets pushed further down the, "to do list." I try to remind myself that if it doesn't get done, i.e the folded clothes and other things, that it doesn't matter. I made up my mind that I would not worry about it all till after Christmas, and instead of cleaning I am just going to enjoy the moment. That means, making those cookies and that gingerbread house with my daughter instead of perfecting everything around me. 

And last week, I got my very first christmas card of the season, which is so much fun. It was even better since it was from one of my hometown friends, who now lives far away. 
  She does the most amazing and decorative cards, with a super sweet image of her family on it. Getting her card is like opening a nice present in itself. My daughter has come to recognize her over the years for the cards, and calls her, "the pretty paper girl."

Then, I am surrounded by images that I am wrapping up for clients. I am thrilled with each and ever package the UPS guy brings. And it warms my heart to be a part of so many people's important moments.
 

 

Pretty as a Picture

Nothing to say other than, she is gorgeous. A child I could photograph all day!! 
 

The Fun Theory

I love this concept!! I wish more things in life were made "fun". Wonder if someone could convert my stove to make cooking more fun for me!! I believe this is near my dear friend's photography studio in Sweden!

The Bella and Edward Inspired Photo Shoot

I did not think I was going to get "hooked' on this Twilight saga, however its like an epidemic and I have come down with "it".  I am throwing a party at the Old Historic Jail on Saturday, and it should be so much fun!!

This past week, I took a dear friend of mine's daughter and went out to re-created the Bella and Edward vibe. Her sweet little boyfriend was kind of enough to let us borrow his person for the shoot. We wanted to focus on the lost feeling and situation in the New Moon book. I think we accomplished it very well, and it was so much fun!

You can view the rest by going to : www.simplegrace.smugmug.com and looking for the gallery its open

 right now!

The 3/50 project

I came across this project, and wanted to share. You know that old saying, "change starts with yourself", and if we are going to rebound as a country it takes small important steps to do so. The concept is so simple, just shop local, and help the small businesses in your community. 

Here's the flyer and below it I put up a clip from "You've Got Mail". I love this movie, I think I blogged that a few years ago. But the theme and the story is so true, I think about all the little shop owners I love and places I like to visit. How would it be if they just weren't around the corner anymore? I am thankful that I've had such great support from my clients and that they truly love what I do for them. I plan on paying that forward every chance I get, by shopping local for Christmas. 

Roy Rogers...

Well, I have a thing for cowboys. Seriously, in college my roommates and I hauled it to Texas one spring break. Sorry Denise if your parents read this, as I am sure they still don't know we took their car there. I'll spare you the whole story and the crazy details of the trip. But one thing I noticed was how everyone tipped their hats and pulled their trucks to the side if you needed to pass them. I just thought it was the coolest thing, not to mention all the cowboy hats and boots!! Truly, it was so much fun and I still harbor the dream of going to a dude ranch / SPA one day, although my dear friend Sarah in Texas tells me she has yet to see a dude ranch that has a spa. I know there has to be one out there!! And why am I rambling on? Well, there is something so romantic about the idea of cowboys and the Old West. It's a story that draws us to a time in life where people were near to the land and working hard to survive. And when these two little cowboys showed up, I knew I was going to fall head over heels for them. I could not have been more right, as they are completely all about being cowboys. Mom said everything from the boots to their love of Roy Rodgers, makes these two kids true little cowboys. They are into all the old Western type stuff, which is so cute. I so enjoyed photographing them, and it was too much fun when I told them they could rope a tree near by. Oh the excitement at the idea of lassoing that tree, which I might add they did a great job of. I can only imaging mom having had to unrope a brother a time or two! Thanks for a wonderful day boys!

Today they're making pictures that I wouldn't want Trigger to see. 

Roy Rogers 

Every little moment..

Toddlers amaze me, with their sense of wonder. Everything is something to be touched or examined when your a small child. It makes me think about how we could all use a bit more of this kind of magic in our lives. How would it be if we got up every day and decided to really LOOK at our surroundings. Is it possible we would notice more about our loved ones, and think more about things like how the air touches our face. During this session at one point I was changing some settings and I looked up to see him catching the wind. There he was both arms open, and just totally absorbed in the wind, which had picked up and sent a pile of leaves his direction. I almost didn't catch it because I was so touched by it. So I thought I would include it even if it's not technically perfect, the moment still is.

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun
And find your shoulder to light on,
To bring you luck, happiness and riches
Today, tomorrow and beyond.
~Irish Blessing

Family

 

This year has been so busy with family portraits. I think its because people are more focused on the matters of the heart than material things. When we look at our treasures in life, it always comes back to family.

And its amazing how many "new' people that I get to photograph as the years go on. What a huge blessing it is to have family.

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses.  ~Joyce Brothers

The Evolution of Eating a Banana...

One last image before the big night of frolic and folly. Mom and I had a good laugh, when he started eating the banana. I wanted to squeeze him. My daughter was there for this shoot, and I have to say she was great with him. He let her style his hair and feed him raisins. 

SPOOK and SPARKLE!

We are getting ramped up here for a night of trick or treating! This year I decided to make Emma's outfit.I figure looking back she will remember her mom making birthday cakes and costumes. She wanted to be a princess witch. And it didn't take too long, before we devised a costume that was just the right amount of spook and sparkle. That's mainly because everything she wears has to have some kind of sparkle to it. I don't think I will be surprised if she comes out of her room one day, looking like Cher. 

“I will show you a love potion without drug or herb, or any witch's spell; if you wish to be loved, love”