I will admit, I have been hiding. This summer had it's crappy moments and moving through it was an obstacle. I've sat up many a night wondering what I wanted to write and how I might write it. I've even started a couple of times, only to delete what I came up with.

The world lost two wonderful women over the summer. The first was my Grandma, Oleva. She was 73 years young and had a fire for life I have seen in few people. She was a spitfire who loved cars, god and her family. I was fortunate enough to get to keep her with me and my family for a week this spring. We spent the week shopping, eating out, and entertaining/spoiling my children. She kept me company while my B was out of town. A week later she was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.. 5 weeks later she passed. My heart still hurts.




The second person was a beautiful, young lady I had gotten to know over the last year. During a single session, I am blessed to get to know the people I photograph. I catch a glimpse of who they are through my lens; from what makes them laugh to how much they care about the people they are with. I had the privilege of capturing Misty in her engagement, wedding, and then newborn photos. She was a kind, vibrant woman who obviously loved her family. She was so proud of her new baby and would sit quietly and just gaze at her while I worked.

A couple of weeks after our last session, she was taken in a senseless act of violence. I still can not wrap my head around it.





It was only after today that I felt the push to move forward, the inspiration to write what I felt. I returned to take the baby girl's 3 month pictures. She is a precious, darling little girl, who looks a lot like her mother. You look in her eyes and she captures your heart.. but give her a moment and she will flash her beautiful smile and take your breath too. She is so sweet and happy and surrounded by a family who so obviously loves her. She was passed from one aunt to another and tossed into the air by her daddy. She giggled and cooed, and constantly flashed her dimples. I am so proud of this family, of this daddy.. who has faced the unthinkable and trudged through it. He has this perfect little bundle to cling to and lift up, and he is doing a fantastic job.



I pray for justice for this family, and a peace that comes with that smile.

Until next time...