*{Dear Lord}*

Oh God, as I bring my subject into focus and prepare to make each portrait, never let me forget that I'm creating treasures for some family, a keepsake for loved ones. Make me sensitive to the qualities and virtues of others, that I may draw out into the light the beautiful radiant belongings of their hearts.

Help me to be an artist, collecting the beauty of every soul, the glow of youth, the gentleness, the laughter or tears of each life that is precious in Thy sight. Deeper than a means of livelihood, give me the perspective to see my photographer's art as a service to others, making life richer and more memorable.

And, dear Lord, between the lights and shadows, the ups and downs and the rolling years, keep me from getting out of focus or off center, so that my life and work may be framed with dignity and colored with contentment ...

AMEN
Author Unknown
This prayer is just so true...
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*{Pumpkins}*

Yesterday we all had a blast out at Tate Farms. It was honestly the best farm I've ever been to for "pumpkin patch" purposes! The girls had a blast jumping in the hay jump, the cotton jump and swinging on tires hanging from cranes. I wish I could show pics, but I didn't haul my big camera around with me yesterday! But I took these pics when we got home and were carving pumpkins. So here are some pics of my little pumpkins.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday...and GO CHARGERS!!!

*{iMix}*

Here are some old ones (with the exception of a new take on an old song) for you...some fun rock songs from my iPod...even a couple classic Power Ballads!

Enjoy the mix and most importantly...enjoy your weekend! Off to the pumpkin patch...

(Sidenote: #4...makes me want to get up and dance around...and #6, probably my favorite Power Ballad ever!!! Sometimes it makes me wish my name was Amanda...JUST KIDDING MOM!!)

And coming up this week...I am *so* going to the New Kids on the Block concert in Atlanta! Yes, I am driving like 4 hours to see the group that defined my childhood. You know you were all Blockheads too!! I can't wait!!! :)

Okay, now I am really out of here...have a great weekend!

*{W Magazine}*

A must see...I have been *waiting* for this issue to come out with the photos Brad Pitt took of Angelina. And all I have to say is they are *GORGEOUS*. Of course she is a beauty, but Brad Pitt took some *great* shots. He shot it all with old film that is hard to locate now-a-days. Absolutely amazing images...I'm sort of hoping Brad will offer a workshop! Anyone want to go with?! :) Wouldn't that be a sell-out...

And I loved the layout of it...lots of blank white space around the images...very museum-esqe! Anywho...loved it and if you have a chance to peek, check it out! On newstands now!

*{Published}*

I was like a kid in the candy store when this recently showed up in my mailbox! Awhile back I did a fabulous "author photo" shoot in Tacoma for the amazing Michelle Cuthrell, author and person extraordinaire! She wrote a memoir about her experience as a young mom-to-be enduring the heartache of a spouse being deployed to Iraq and then his extension overseas. It was a great read and had me laughing out loud in many parts...and it hit home for me so much having endured the same thing.

So I was so excited to see the book (Behind the Blue-Star Banner) in print with the photo that *I*...little old me...took on the back cover for her "About the Author" info! Is it wrong that I don't want to take this out of the packaging?!

So here are a couple of pics of my fun exciting news!

The book...



My image...

*{FOUR}*

Just a cute email I received from a friend...and thought you may enjoy...

4 places that I go over and over:
*the grocery store
*Target
*Barnes and Noble
*gymnastics class for the kiddos

4 people that email me regularly:
*mama
*Cousin Lisa
*clients
*Erin L

4 of my favorite places to eat:
*Spaghetti Factory
*PF Changs
*Dukes in Waikiki
*The Melting Pot (if you have never gone...GO)

4 places I'd rather be right now:
*Hawaii
*Venice
*Starbucks
*Disneyland

4 people I think will reply:
*yea, I'm not even going there!

4 shows I watch:
*Greys Anatomy
*The Unit
*Fox News
*Lipstick Jungle

Have a fantastic Monday...more fun news tomorrow!
m

*{Matilda Jane Clothing}*

This weekend I had a little bit of fun! I ran over to the amazing studio of Heather Bookout and experienced my first Matilda Jane Clothing trunk show! Okay...now I've had the link on my blog for awhile of what cool clothing it is. However, when you see the clothing in person, it is even 10 TIMES BETTER! *Oh my*...their clothing is amazing. I wanted to buy it all up! But I resisted and limited myself to one outfit per kiddo.

However, I am dying to host a trunk show of my own! Maybe in Cali?? I'm telling you...even if you just get one outfit for your kiddo for school pictures or family pictures, you won't be disappointed. Now I am just waiting for my order to arrive! I will definitely have to share some pics of my munchkins rockin' their Matilda Jane when it arrives!

Anyways, go check out the goods on the Matilda Jane site. You are sure to love them!
m