Just painting a dog....

Just wanted to throw a little update on the dog. He's surely coming along but at the same time, well, not nearly as fast as I had hoped... Anywho.... Check out his progress.....

Water and Babies - a two part post

Many of us know about a very bad flood that is going on right now in North Dakota. Growing up in a flood prone area I can understand their pain. Though only to a point because for us, the floods meant 3 feet of water over the roads and that was about it. As pre-teen boys we would play in it and stir up commotion. (until the school bus came through and soaked us all)...

Right now, there is nothing fun about what's going on North Dakota. With a river cresting more than 40 feet above flood stage. The entire city of Fargo is in danger.

But here's the thing, thousands and thousands of people are all working together to build a wall of sand bags 12 miles long!!! Think about that for a second. A 12 mile long wall of sand bags. Now think about the thousands of people, in sub freezing temperatures all working together. No one talking down to others, no one robbing banks, no bullies pushing other souls down. A 12 mile long, sub freezing temperature, sand bag wall with thousands of people all working together for one soul purpose... To save their community..... Now I just have to say that's what community is about. Banding together in a time of need, helping those up when they're down, and not being so self centered that you can't just stop to help a stranger in the time of need...

So here's the thing, we're not there. But there are still two things we can do... We can think about that stranger in a time of need and give them a helping hand... And we can, more importantly, think about all the strangers, all of the energy filled souls working beyond their capacity in North Dakota doing everything they can to just save something that means so much to them. Their homes, their lives and their communities.

Keep them in your thoughts. Not for me, but for them......

Now, for the lighter side of the news.....

Ever wondered what was going through a babies little fresh brain? The stress doesn't exist, fear doesn't exist, hurtful words and thoughts don't exist.... Just a pure mind taking in the colours, the faces, the objects and so much more. And at times, some guy with a weird thing that keeps making a really bright light over there flash... "What is this guy doing...."... I can only imagine, well you all know I was snapping away and capturing some great shots! Honestly, I love so many of them which made the collage below such a hard thing to put together...

And keep in mind that while this universe is causing things like the above flood to happen, it is, at the same time causing things so beautiful and with so much life to happen..... Such as the below....

Shine on!

How do you know?

At what point do you realize that you truly do love what you do in life? I know that as a photographer I truly love what I do. Not to mention being a wedding photographer on top of it all. 

And yesterday March 7th - 2009 was no different. It was, with out a doubt, the nicest day of 2009 thus far. The sun was out, the temperature was up and there was just an energy to the day. Probably much like the honey bees when it's finally warm enough to emerge from the hive and they buzz around free... ???

And this day, there was a different energy in the mix. It was Christine and Jonathans day. And there's a quote that I have enjoyed for so long... "A Misty Morning Does Not Signify A Cloudy Day"... I think there are a few certain individuals that will know why I'm throwing that quote in the mix...

The day really was great. The small church that made it possible for everyones spirits to intermingle and energy to dance around as they said their "i do's"... And learned about what a box of crayons can truly mean when looked at in the proper light. Really like the colours in every part of our lives.

And from the ceremony through the reception, spirits where held high! Smiles were EVERYWHERE! Voices were singing and feet were dancing. I must say, the DJ (HG Entertainment) did a pretty good job at keeping up with the requests and not letting the party go in different directions. Music is such a great thing in our lives! 

Of course there was the venue itself. The Woodwinds. There are certain venues that can be rather pushy, trying to dictate how your day should go. Trying to lead the other vendors through the evening and just about telling them what their job should be, there are venues that will throw you out at the exact hour on the minute and worse. Well, Scott, over at the woodwinds made  sure that none of that was the case. 

Sure, Scott made sure things rolled along, and everyone was kept happy but not once did I notice him being pushy, he kept a light feeling in the room and for that, I commend him....

Other than that, it was a great evening! From some Mallowmars (great little cookies) to some proud parents to a bridesmaid and another guest putting on a production through one song that was just about worth an oscar!

I guess when I ask "at what point do you know that you love what you do" it's because I know that I love what I do. I love capturing those images that will help others look back and bring in some memories... From their wedding day, to their new born, their youth or their furry friends...

I'm not sure I realized at any certain point that I truly love what I do, but I can be sure of one thing, each and every wedding and portrait session I shoot brings back the realization...

That I love what I do....

The Dream Assignment

I won't lie, if I could I would make about 5 different dream assignments happen to benefit my own life experiences as well as the world as a whole. But for right now, right this moment I can't. I have to start with just one. So if you could, please.. (and I normally don't beg) click on the "PIC" button below and then when the new site opens click the "PIC" (vote) button once more to help me get into my great dream assignment.

I would really appreciate it. And please, if you think you have friends that would be willing to help this great power and more, well, of course you can share away. (I know I know, this might sound a bit like begging but hey, what can you do.)