Feeling Inspired By One Of My Best Friends

This is my beautiful friend Gail. I know she's going to probably love/hate/cry, probably hate me more for this because she is the type of person that would never, ever draw attention to herself  or be the center of attention and she probably would never describe herself the way I'm about to. In fact being in front of the camera was very uncomfortable for her at first until I got her to relax a little and then we just had a blast. But I've been wanting to do a blog post about her ever since we did her photo session almost a year ago last winter.

I first met Gail when both our husbands worked together at the same grocery company in Michigan almost 14 years ago. Ever since, even though most of the time miles would separate us, she has become one of my most treasured friends. She is technically old enough to be my mother (not that age has anything to do with this, I often find that I click better with those older in age than I am) but she really is more like a sister and I appreciate her wisdom as I go through the things she already has. We've cried together, laughed even harder, eaten everything in sight, shopped til we couldn't any more, crafted together, exercised together, traveled together and have talked and talked and talked for hours. She always makes time for me and is always willing to help me with anything.

Recently I was lucky enough to have her close again when our husbands crossed paths once more in their careers in Central PA.

I was always knew this about her but was happily reminded again of what an amazing woman she is. She is talented in so many ways! Give this woman a hammer and a nail and she could build you a house! Don't tell this girl from Kansas her place is in the kitchen, although she's amazing there as well. Her craft room is filled with all the things necessary to make you the most beautiful quilt you've ever seen! Need to spruce up an old antique or just some old furniture that needs a little love? This girl can paint for days! She definitely has the patience and  passion to work with her hands. I'm convinced she's capable of building, painting, cooking, creating anything. But what strikes me more about her is her heart. Faithful. Loving. Giving. Kind. Caring. Soft. Open. Willing. Strong. Warm. Passionate. Loyal. The list could go on. I know the most important people on earth are her husband, her son and his family, and all of her extended family and friends. She would do anything for any of them. I'm lucky to have met her and to have her in my life. She is a HUGE inspiration! And the most down to earth person I know. Count your blessings if you ever have the privilege of crossing her path because your life will be richer as a result.

The following images are my favorites from our session together. Be sure to click on the images to see them larger.

 

Fall in Upstate NY

No matter what the weather, I love looking out my windows only to be reminded that I basically live in a park. Friday morning the sun was coming up in between some stormy looking clouds. It was evident that it had rained. The clouds were a darkish blue grey, the ground was wet, and there were rain droplets everywhere. As the sun was filtering through part of the clouds, the light was amazing and illuminating the brilliant colors of the fall leaves on the trees. There's something built into my brain to pay attention to the light and the effects of it. Harsh light, soft light, reflections, shadows. Pretty much 100% of the time I see light in this way, watching how it falls all around me and I'm constantly taking pictures in my mind even when I'm not actually using a camera. Maybe it's the curse of being a photographer? I did however grab my camera and macro lens and rushed out before the sun disappeared.

Be sure to click on the photo to see a larger version. 

I love the moody sky in contrast to the sunlit trees, showing off that golden fall color.

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”-- Ferris Bueller (John Hughes)

 

A Taste of N'awlins-Mardi Gras 2013

Ever since my first visit to New Orleans, I became just a little bit obsessed with the place. To say "I love it there" is an understatement. I somehow have a soul connection to the place that I can't explain. There is so much history, culture, music and color and so many interesting people. I then put it on my bucket list to one year do Mardi Gras. This was the year. For those that have never been, Mardi Gras is NOT what takes place on Bourbon Street, that happens all year long. There is so much more that goes on during Mardi Gras in my favorite city. 

This is some of the never ending eating that took place on this trip.
 I love Creole food! Wait, I just love food!

I have to admit. I had no idea what a King Cake was. It went really well with my
coffee in the mornings. 

One of my favorite scenes in NOLA are the street performers. 

This lovely man was on his way home from work. I commented on his
bike and he let me take if for a ride!

Tons of people on Bourbon St.

The streets were covered in broken beads that people missed 

Ah, I love the little jazz bands parading through the streets

Krewe De Seuss

Ha, this couple is pictured on Wikipedia for Mardi Gras

We started off our Mardi Gras celebrations with the Mardi Gras Indians.
This was a great cultural experience that took place in the oldest black neighborhood
in the U.S. 

The Northside Scull and Bone Gang go around early in the morning waking
people up!

Little and Big Scull Boys

Monica McIntyre

A local guy that lived right in the neighborhood. We hung out on his front step
people watching. 

So many parades. So many throws.

This fine gentleman was sitting on a corner as we walked around one evening.

An attempt to clean up after Mardi Gras.

This art sign was located in the Frenchmen Art Market on Frenchman St. where local arts are sold.

One of the coolest finds right close to where we were staying.
A Banksy of an umbrella girl.

Marie Laveau's resting spot. 

One night we went to hear Charmaine Neville band. We ended up staying for
both sets. 

Smoking Time Jazz Club was introduced to me shortly before my trip to NOLA.
I fell in love with their sound right away and made sure I caught a show while I was
in town. 

 

DeFazio's Catering

Last fall I had the privilege of photographing a gorgeous wedding in Virginia. You can see the details of that wedding here. Amongst all the perfect details of that wedding was the fabulous food made by a catering company DeFazio's out of Richmond, VA. If you are a foodie or just love food, you know how important it is to have tasty, quality food at any event. Be sure to give them a try, they won't disappoint!

Coney Island Polar Plunge 2013

The fun doesn't stop in Times Square for New Years. On New Years Day we headed on over to Coney Island to check out the madness. The Coney Island Polar Bear Club and friends were plunging into the Atlantic!!! They are the oldest polar bear club in the U.S. About 1000 people took part. 

When we first arrived I happened upon these two packages!

Sweet Bot costume.

Notice this mans hat. A replica of the tower behind him.

Popeye!!!

Chan chillin out...pun intended.

I got my free hug!

Here they are lining up.

I'm not sure how I feel about this. I get cold just looking at these pictures.

Brave or Stupid?

I totally dig this outfit.

And they're off.

Captain Duck Face

No costumes needed, just guts. If these old geezers can do it I could totally do it but I'd rather not.

See? He's still alive!

Representing!

OH GRANNY!!!

Nice Tux!

I would love to know this man's story. 

Unfortunately, due to the mobs of overly eager photographers I wasn't able to see peeps jumping in the water.  But I had fun checking everyone out as they came out.

Cheers everyone! Stay warm!