Category Archives: joy
mural
I drive by this mural every morning around 7:22a.m. when I take Kari to work. Yah, I know, I’m a good girlfriend. Every single time I drive by this mural which is alongside a wall of a music center in Portland called Music Union - I think to myself, “I must stop for a quick shot of its beauty.” So, it looks like yesterday was the golden day when I did just so.
I always think to myself when I look at this part of the mural, “Sing it, baby!” And, then I hear her say in a sexy, sultry voice, “Baby, you’ve got to do a lot more than shout from your car window like that to get ME to sing…” 
joy.
All I can say about this shot is, “pure joy.” I love to see children experience excitement and joy like this. It brings joy to my heart. And the best part is that she was playing with her momma at this moment. THE best.
perspective.
I had so much fun yesterday at FairyTaleTown with Junet and her daughters Lily and Kaylyn. Maybe it’s because I know those girls, but I definitely am putting my foot in my mouth. I thought that I wouldn’t enjoy clicking children’s photos. I thought I would rather stick with a daily experience, abstract, nature girl kind of style.
After yesterday’s shoot, I definitely know now that I enjoy doing shoots with children. Plus, I get to get my kid fix in at the same time. Life is good.
vintage
I am very pleased to see this photo framed. My mom asked if she could have it to be displayed in her new bar area in the house. It looks fabulous! We also framed another photo that I took when I went blueberry picking on Vashon Island in Seattle.
This is the third house that has now become decorated with my photography. I am humbled. I can’t wait to have my first show in April at the GiGi Bar.
fall colors
On Monday afternoon, I did volunteer work for Step It Up, Inc. I was asked to go to Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt’s (2nd largest law firm in Oregon) employee workplace giving campaign kick off luncheon and present on behalf of Step It Up, Inc. I thought. Easy. Piece of cake. This was my job at the American Cancer Society in Charlotte. I would love to do this volunteer job today!
Little did I realize that Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt’s office is on the 19th floor in downtown Portland across the street from city hall. Way cool! Of course, I was totally distracted by the incredible views all around the building.
pumpkins.
There is nothing like seeing the excitement in a child’s eyes over something as simple as a pumpkin. I got to experience that feeling this weekend after spending the weekend with my sister and her family out at the Oregon coast. On Sunday, we caravanned back to Portland to spend another night together. I had the best time playing with my nephew and experiencing the newness of life and words with him. It made me chuckle each time he’d run over to the pumpkinand worty gourds displayed in my living room and say, “PUMPkinssssssss!” I’d respond to him, “Yes, boo…that’s a pumpkin.” He’d smile big showing me all his new teeth and then run off into the living room to find more new things to play with.
My cup runneth over.
determined.
Sprina amazes me. She never stops. This look I was able to capture is what I think the essence of Sprina. Determination. This year alone, Sprina planned and organized her own wedding, she is currently going through Grad school, she’s working for a local designer in the northwest, she is the current board president of Step It Up, Inc., and she is involved with her family & local community. Every time I talk with her Sprina has a new project up her sleeve. She never stops.
I enjoy witnessing the fire inside of her that drives her to achieve her goals and dreams.
lifestyle.
I can’t get enough of the skyline these days. This storm passing through has been incredible to watch. If you didn’t already know, I have a fascination with the sky; the clouds and the shapes that it creates. I think this bike scene is the epitome of the lifestyle and culture that Portland embraces.
I think I’ve made a real storm chaser of myself.
fiber
The acorn squash that I made last night turned out pretty good. I do have to say that if you’re looking to make a meal that is *packed* with fiber, then I’d highly recommend acorn squash.
transform.
I am thankful for all of this free time that I have right now. I feel like my life has transformed once again; doing yoga, volunteering my skills to a local non profit, click click clicking at everything I see. This time has given me the chance to slow down. I look for and appreciate the beauty in every moment I breathe. Kinda like witnessing the sunrise this morning after dropping Kari off at work.
I am thankful that I have the opportunity to make smart decisions for myself without being so hasty all the time.
obsession.
I have a new found obsession. My obsession is with the views of Mt. Hood. I feel so lucky that almost anywhere I go in Portland it is almost guaranteed that I’ll have a perfect view of Mt. Hood. I can’t seem to get enough of how enormous is it. And, dare I also say peaceful? I’ve noticed that since the season has turned to Fall that there has been recent snowfall over Mt. Hood which inevitably creates a brighter, whiter – more distinct cascade over the eastern side of Portland.
Maybe Mt. Hood is also a new representation of where I consider to be my place of home. It’s quite comforting.
epitome.
I went to the pumpkin patch on Sauvie Island in search of the perfect pumpkin. Okay, maybe two pumpkin patches. One just wasn’t enough. The day turned out to be the most spectacular Northwest Fall afternoon. The sky was perfectly blue. It had Portland-swooshing clouds. And, the color palate of the farms was incredible from juicy orange to foliage green to sunshine yellows. Yum. I had another sensation today of wanting to eat it all up in one captured moment.
When are you going to find your perfect pumpkin?
