Void

Do you ever feel like inspiration comes at the most inopportune times?

I have so many ideas that I would like to implement into my photography and subjects to try them on, but I'm not in a position to do so. I mean, I'm having a baby very very soon!
I have no intention of taking on any new responsibilities, yet I long for the time when I can work behind the camera again.
Yes, I still take pictures. I still capture snippets of life, my life, but it is all short lived- I get uncomfortable, tired, tired, uncomfortable...

Simply put, I really really look forward to working with you people out there soon! :)

The calm...

It's been pretty quiet around here. I'm forcing myself to stay as busy as I can to pass the time and keep my mind on other things.
I will be busy soon enough, busier than I may imagine.
My "clothesline" will be overflowing, my home will be messy, my mind will be scattered, my eyes will be heavy, my priorities will shift, my order of "to dos" will cease to exist...

My heart will be full.

There will be love.
There will be laughter.
There will be wonder and amazement.
There will be happiness.

I'm ready for the *storm*.

On this day

I was curious to know what I took photographs of exactly one year ago today...

I had taken the subway to Central Park very early in the morning to capture some fresh snow that had fallen over night. I didn't get anything spectacular- I don't think there was enough snow- but I got my favorite bridge.



The sad part about this memory is that this time last year there was fresh snow on the ground- not to far from imagining that scene now since that it is still so cold here.

I like to think of a nicer, greener time of this bridge.

I wish I had taken this photo. This is the work of my husband.
I hope to see this version of the bridge soon :)

A Giveaway!!!

I'm not giving anything away but someone else is!

The lovely Kate over at Chronicles of a Country Girl is giving away a print of one of her photographs. She has a refreshing way of capturing the outdoors, something I'm not willing to do right now.
This is the one I like and hope I win:

You can check out her other photographs every day at her photo blog A Picture A Day. I love to see new photographs every day!

Monday morning

It's been nice.
I might not even do laundry today...

Maternity Photographer- Hannah

My daughter took her camera with her when we were out last week in the warmer weather.
She snapped several photos of me, and my belly.
For those of you that are curious, here I am, 8 months pregnant.
It's OK if you think I look quite large. I've finally accepted that. It's just how I get. People have been asking me if I am having twins, and I still have 4 weeks to go.


Hannah took the image but I had to mess with the color. There's a reason we gave her that old point-and-shoot.

The door, revisited

Different time. Different season. Different child.
Same great door.

Still locked.

This is the image from when Hannah was the exact same age.
I think Hannah is going to be much taller than Jane. Look how much higher her head is.


Did you know I love doors?

My birthday girl

Four things I love about you:

1. You give smiles for free
2. You have a huge heart
3. Your spirit shines
4. You have an unadulterated zeal for life

I want to be more like you when I grow up.

My Valentines

Never knew I could love two little girls as I do these two. They share my heart with a third, but he wouldn't put on the glasses.

I need a photographer!

It is the plight of every photographer I know- little or no family pictures of themselves with their family exist.
We have tried to have friends or family take photos of us, and we are grateful. At least we have something to prove we actually spend time together, but I always feel rushed or uneasy, like I am taking up too much of their time or something. I'm sure it's just me...

We have decided that we would like to actually hire a photographer to take family photos of us.
I know- I live in New York City. There are loads of photographers here. It's funny/strange/ironic that I don't know any, but I don't. I'm clearly not networking enough. I've searched online and have found several high-profile photographers or businesses that are rather cheesy and use mostly studios, but we don't really want a model session. I am looking for someone who can capture the essence of our family in a natural family setting.

I would be willing to swap services, but I'm willing to pay. As I tell anyone and everyone, it is always worth the money to get quality photographs you love of the ones you love. That includes yourself.

So I am looking to you! If you know anyone, or are one in the area who would like to photograph us- one that does outstanding work- please let me know. I (we) would even be willing to travel a little.

Thanks! Maybe I'll have a family photo to post sometime this year :)

An outing... finally!

These are for my husband whom I believe had a hard time leaving for work this morning on account of these girls being so irresistible. They tend to do that in the morning.

•••••••

It has been so beautiful today. It's hard to believe it was about 0˚F with the wind chill one week ago. We went out with sweaters. No coats! It's been a long time since I've been able to get some pictures of my girls outside. It felt good, in so many ways.













Hannah didn't really need a scarf. I had just finished it for her before we went out so she had to wear it.
What a glorious day!

Simply lovin'

the simple stuff.

popcorn
puppet shows
late night movies with Dan
reading
girlish laughter
hide-and-seek
a clean house
hot chocolate with marshmallows
flowers from Dan
good cheese
story time
first sight of girls in the morning
smiles, hugs and kisses

Lovin' it.

The cards

I thought I might actually show some of the Valentine's Day cards that were up for this week's contest.
Some of these may or may not be in the winner's box. Don't want to spoil everything.



Until the next contest, my friends!

Lucky you

The winner of 10 assorted Valentine's Day photo cards is




Thanks for playing everyone!
I'll get your cards out to you right away Ami.

All about the love

The only true gift is a portion of yourself.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson



I heart you, I do, so I'm reminding you to enter a comment here by tonight for a chance at a box of 10 assorted Valentine's Day photo cards. It is my chance to share something of myself.

Direction- a little introspection during quiet time

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
~ Dr. Seuss



One of my gifts from high school graduation, as I'm sure it was for many, was "Oh, the Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss. One of the first lines in the book is the quote above.
At the time, I remember thinking, "why am I getting this children's book?", but it makes more sense to me now that I have actually lived life a little. The book has meant different things at different times in my life and has always taught me something.

Today, I was thinking about some of the things I am waiting for to lead me, direct me. One of those things, of course, is a new baby, but sometimes, there are other things that keep me from just doing that which will take me where I want to go as a photographer, a mother, a wife, an individual. I remembered this part of the book:

The Waiting Place...

...for people just waiting.
Waiting for a train to go
or a bus to come, or a plane to go
or the mail to come, or the rain to go
or the phone to ring, or the snow to snow
or waiting around for a Yes or a No
or waiting for their hair to grow.
Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite
or waiting for wind to fly a kite
or waiting around for Friday night
or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake
or a pot to boil, or a Better Break
or a sting of pearls, or a pair of pants
or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.
Everyone is just waiting.

NO!
That's not for you!


No, not me.
So... what am I waiting for?

Giveaway for V-day

I'm so glad it's February. To me, that means my eldest daughter's birthday, one month closer to Spring and Valentine's Day cards!
From now, Sunday, February 1st to Wednesday, February 4th, leave a comment and I will enter your name into a drawing for a free box of 10 assorted Valentine's Day cards.

I love to share my cards! Good luck!