I love alleys.  There is something a bit clandestine, maybe secretive, and very  private.  The alleys of downtown Olympia have their own personalities–some are urban and edgy, others have an old world feel,  but all of them make for perfect photo scenarios.    Emily and Austin were perfectly happy to wind through the alleys, tucking in and out, and stealing a kiss or two along the way.  Soon, they will be heading to the sunny land of Cali as Austin pursues his dream of flight.  These two smarties–one an engineer the other a psyche major have the world opening up to them.  So sweet to see lovely couples in love forging new lives together.  Good luck you two!

My clients have such great style–who else can pull off Chuck Taylors, rockabilly hair and a suit?  Ale looked like Maria from the Westside story with her adorable summer dress and cardigan.  Blue and Ale came ready for a playful engagement session at the carnivale.  We opted to head there early, before the gates opened to avoid crowds.  What an eerie feeling–the carnivale was totally deserted.  I kept half expecting zombies to emerge from the haunted house…  We then made our way to another deserted locale, a cool old lumberyard and  warehouse.  Great images! Thanks for being adventurous you two!  Congrats and can’t wait for the wedding : )

Yay for a sunny, Fourth of July weekend!! — Especially since Ashlee and Wes ventured all the way down from Bellingham for their engagement session.  I love the low angled summertime sun… I probably should have been carting around my ladder though–I think collectively they were close to 13 feet tall!  We wandered along a deserted field, just as the sun was peeking out.  Now if it will just hold through tomorrow evening and Lana and David’s wedding, we’ll be golden, literally.

Recently, Shannon and Jeff were married in a private ceremony in the lush Hawaiian Islands. A small stateside reception was in order– and some sugar cane sweet photos! It is such a blast being with people who are clearly in love. They could barely stop smiling to smooch! Love these sexy, playful images : ) The hat and boots–such sassy style. Congrats you two!

Guess what teachers do while on spring break? They wander the rainy streets of Olympia, smiling at one another… At least, that’s what Yonkela and Cassandra did for ONE of their days off. I first met Yonk when I was photographing a wedding at Alderbrook Resort last spring. He was a fellow teacher friend of the bride. I soon met his lovely bride-to-be, Cass, not long after as they began planning their own wedding. Cass and Yonk are warm and open, with both their smiles and their spirits. I can only imagine what incredible teachers they must be. And what lucky students are sparked by their love of learning. As we wandered the rainy streets, we talked of places travelled and of future destinations on our lists. Travel has to be one of the most relevant educational experiences, and one of my absolute favorite things. To immerse oneself in a place–the food, the people, the feeling of the place–the overall experience, love, love, LOVE it! I know they’ll enjoy their honeymoon in Mexico. Hmmm, I wonder if they need photo coverage of that…? ha!

While on my walk through the woods this morning, I found myself unexpectedly crying– no weeping, actually. Good thing I didn’t stumble upon anyone else—what a weirdo, walking through the woods, crying. Ruby kept turning around to check on me and I would need to assure her I was alright—how I love my canine companion. She is truly the most intuitive, lovely creature I’ve ever known.

Looking at the fall leaves, the withering plants, the change of season — I was thinking about how time is continually moving forward, uncompromisingly and unapologetically, moving forward. Tomorrow, my son Austin will turn twenty. Twenty. Even as I write this, I find myself emotional again. I remember every single detail about the day he was born. The absolute, transforming exhilaration of holding him in my arms the first time. His ginormous (I know that’s not a real word, but it fits) eyes–brown orbs, quietly, knowingly, gazing up into my face. I loved him instantly and fiercely. There was no measure or limit to what I would (or wouldn’t) do to keep him safe. And now he is twenty, and though I still feel the same way, I’m not sure how to keep him safe. Safe in life, in love, in all things. How do we extend our protective shield over our adult children? He called me a few weeks ago, late one evening, looking for advice. My heart soared and I was absolutely slayed. I’m not sure I can adequately express how much that meant to me. He wanted to talk to me… he valued my opinion and in a lost moment, I was the one he turned to. I was/am so incredibly grateful.

There is still a lingering feeling as though I am losing a tiny bit of SOMEthing with every passing day — that I have one less day… one less day with the people I care about, one less day doing the things I love, just one less day. The reality is we need to be here, really be here. I am reminded just how impossibly important it is to be present. To inhale and feel it all—the joy, the pain, and everything in between. There’s no rewind but maybe there is a “pause” button. Maybe that’s why I take photos—a small moment, captured. I just know that I NEED to take photos.

This fall is literally blazing by—in both color and speed. And so in the midst of this busy season, I recommit myself to being truly present. I promise to treasure the little moments: the first cup of coffee in the morning, the way it feels to kiss Emmett’s cheek when he is still warm from sleep, the way my feet slip into place with Philip’s, the musky, woodsy smell of Ruby’s fur, and the beautiful brown eyes of my patient, knowing son Austin—except instead of gazing up at me, I am the one gazing up at him. The love is still fierce and protective…just in case he needs it even at Twenty…