Strong, Beautiful & Brave-Surviving Breast Cancer

"Never let a stumble in the road be the end of the journey".

The month of October recognizes breast cancer in a big way. So many of us have loved ones that have been effected by a form of cancer one way or another and we are reminded of it a lot more than once a year. 

Tonia is a friend I've met since living here in the Albany area. I never knew her pre-cancer. She is an amazing, lovely person with such a beautiful, positive spirit and I wanted to capture that image to celebrate her recovery. She was diagnosed just a little over a year ago, 9 days after her 41st birthday. Like most that receive the news, she was devastated but knew she had to remain positive for her daughter. Thankfully they caught it in the early stages and she has been in the clear for almost a year now. Tonia credits her faith for carrying her through the storm and reminds herself to live life to the fullest and not to sweat the small stuff. I think we all should live that way no matter what. Don't you?

Special thanks to the makeup artist, Heather for her awesome skills!

Here are some of my favorite shots!

 

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.

 

Fashiony Shoot at The Abandoned Methodist Church

If you're a photographer in the Chicago area, then you most likely know of this "playground" in Gary, IN. Known as The Abandoned City Methodist Church. These images were taken while I was back visiting (we moved from IL to PA) and hanging out with a couple of my crazy photographer friends Piotr and Jeremy. I really love a fashion forward image and tried to go for that kind of look with what I had to work with. The props....all found at the location. We did not bring any extra props. Just our lovely model Jessica and what she brought for clothes. How cool is that?!!!! Well, I guess someone must have brought them in at some point. Over the years we've seen things come and go as there have been many movies, videos and photo shoots go on at this location. I miss it so much. I miss what a larger city has to provide as far as, well everything. 

I saw this torn up chair off to the side and dragged it over to use. I love it!

So many images are shot with this big window in the background
but to me this view never gets old.

I think this might be one of my favorites!

I thought this was fun for a little more pin-up'y style. 

I totally love the natural light coming in here. 

Um, yeah...I totally had to find a way to use this lamp shade!

I wish I could drag this couch to every shoot I do!

As the boys shot, I couldn't just stand around and watch. I had to make
the most of my visit!

Toward the end of our shoot I saw these doors and had to get
a quick shot. I think it turned out cool!

Just a few of the outtakes with the boys. 

Who know's what was being said here, I'm pretty sure what ever
it was, it was inappropriate. 

Piotr just had to make sure I noticed him while Jeremy takes his turn.

Cute laugh! We're always having a good time together!

Piotr taking his turn.

Again, Piotr trying to steal the show so I just went along with it! ;oP

Grandad's 96th Birthday

I'm a little late in getting this out. Grandad's birthday was May 2nd and 

we got to surprise him with a little get together the following Saturday.

We went to a local favorite place called The Banana Peel to celebrate

this special occasion. 

Here the great Grandboys sit and chat with Grandad. 

Looks like he's giving some great advise.

Grandad's cake was made by a local bakery. I'll have to

find out again the name of it but it was yummy. We all loved

how they decorated the cake keeping in mind that Grandad was a

 farmer of corn and a hunter most of his life. 

All the Johnson men/boys with Grandad. 

Jake and Ryan goof off in the parking lot while we continue to visit.

The guys and the gals with G'dad.

Trent and Renee say their goodbyes as we all have 

a few hours drive to get back home. G'dad is always so 

sweet.

G'dad and the boys with Tip. Tip was G'dad's hunting companion

but now Tip is enjoying retirement with the PA Johnsons.

Pops and G'dad looking and pointing at something but

I have no idea what it was about. Probably reminiscing about something

that used to be "over there". That's just my guess.

I Love this one of the great Grandboys with G'dad. One last hug. 

For this visit.

Christopher {Grad 2012}

For many of us high school brings fond memories. These are some of the best years of our lives even if they are mixed with a few unpleasant highlights. We start off as the newbie freshman, a little apprehensive of what lies ahead but we're comforted by the familiar faces of our middle school buddies, realizing were not COMPLETELY alone. Throughout the years of our up and downs we've made some strong connections with friends and have even favorited a few teachers. Seems like forever before we can escape this "prison" as we sometimes refer to it. But before we know it, it's here. The end of all our childhood schooling K~12. Graduation has finally arrived and we celebrate once again with mixed emotions. Sad to be seperated from our school family and a little nervous and excited for a new chapter. The world is now our playground.

 I like how Dr. Seuss sums it up, "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"

Chris in his own words "Graduation is a bittersweet thing. Although the
best I'd say is the promise of the future. A new horizon that only
I can explore. True independence to find out who I'm supposed to become.
That's truly exciting!" 

"I'm most looking forward to the complete independence

that college offers. This is the true push out of the safety

nest I've been in the past 18 years. I really want to be

on my own so that I can truly be myself and hopefully add to who I am."

"Of course I could speak about the financial aspects and how

I've always been way too spoiled. But above money, my parents 

actually physically have been there for me. Pushing me

when I loathed it the most but needed it or just checking

in on me everyday and everything in between. When I think

ahead to college I realize I won't have that comfort or reassurance

of their presence and care, something I've had daily for the last

18 years of my life. It's love and dedication that goes unsaid, 

but which internally I've cherished. So I guess, just a 

thank you isn't enough, but THANK YOUFOR BEING IN MY LIFE!"