Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful today and every day for the unwavering love and support of Steve, my hunky husband of 22 years.

I am thankful for the old friends that have stuck with me through the wild ride that's been the last 30 years: Alica, Lucy, Maia - I am so blessed to be able to name three BFFs!

I am grateful to photography, for giving me a way to express myself and a channel for touching many lives in a positive and meaningful way.

Photography has also brought me talented and generous mentors who I can also count as dear friends:
• EJ Knapp, who wields a pen now with the same artistry he brought to his photography - check out his blog and see for yourself.
• Jay Jones, THE most versatile and creative photographer I have ever met (truly the "McGyver" of Photography!) - I am so proud to be a part of his "family".
• Bob Weaver, for his incredible depth of knowledge of studio lighting that he has so patiently shared with me and the many creative collaborations we enjoy.
• Monte Zucker, who not only taught me how to grow as a portrait artist, but helped me grow as a human being as well.

Which leads me to all the wonderful people I've met at clients over the years and who have become friends - that's the highest compliment I could receive as a photographer!

I am grateful for the new friends I've made here in Hood River:
• Louise McCulloch - World's Best Realtor, with a Green Thumb that she exercises with great enthusiasm!
• Tammy Kravitz - a FABULOUS photographer in Washougal, WA, who I first met in a photography forum online and who has become both friend and working partner.
• Kate Brownback - we met through Soroptimist International of Hood River and NEVER EVER EVER have I met a woman so filled with positive energy and creativity! (I am so glad she uses her super-powers for good!) Plus her two adorable children are my favorites models evah!

And last but not least, I am thankful for Susan and Roy York of Carson, WA, breeders of extraordinary Airedales, for the World's Bestest Puppy, Sofie! I can't remember what my life was like before she came along, but I know it's oh so much better now!

May you spend the holiday surrounded by family, friends, love and laughter!

PUPPY!

Oh my gosh, I am sooooo excited! Last Christmas, my dear husband FINALLY caved in and agreed to my pleas for a puppy - ALOT of research later, we decided upon an Airedale, well-known for their intelligence, sense of humor, courage, faithfulness, and playfulness. Several months ago, after much searching, I located a breeder of Airedales and to my delight she lived close by, in Carson, WA (Susan York of Morning Star Airedales) and better yet, was expecting a litter to be born in late summer. I visited the pups when they were only 2.5 weeks old, just furry little jellybeans and it was love at first sight!

Work has been so busy, I hadn't had a chance to get back out to Carson until yesterday. Susan graciously gave up her afternoon to let me visit and play with the puppies! THIS time I remembered to charge the battery in my little point and shoot camera so I could take a few photos home with me. Pictured here is My Precious (which is what I'm calling her for now since I simply CANNOT decide on a name! Feel free to offer suggestions) and her mom, Holly - aren't they both beautiful?!

I get to take My Precious home at the end of the month and I'm busily prepping my home and studio, making things as "puppy-proof" as I can - I can't wait to introduce her to you when you come by the studio!

(oh, and by the way - Susan has 3 male puppies still looking for loving owners! If you are interested, give me a call at 541-436-2755 and I'll pass on her contact information.)