I forget how wonderful Chehalis, Washington is…  with it’s bricked facades, memories of affluent times, quaint restaurants and antique shops–a little bit of heaven.  There are some really interesting little nuggets of gold in this town.  Take the cozy Hotel Washington Ballroom, with brick interior and rooftop views, located right in the middle of town.  It was a beautiful, chilled November day–perfect early winter weather.  The sun was out and the sky was so SO blue.  Dusty and Kristina didn’t mind wandering in and out of alleys with me, snuggling up to keep warm.  Kristina chose an intense shade of red to accent her wedding decor–her bridal bouquet of deep red roses, table tops with hurricane vases and holly, and the glowing white lights shimmering throughout the ballroom.  It was such a lovely setting.  The guests were happy and fed, and ready to hit the dance floor!  I only wished the antiques stores were still open late…Oh, well, guess I have a reason to head back to Chehalis soon!

I’ve always preferred a fairly quiet New Year’s Eve. We usually celebrate with a fondue extravaganza (meat, cheese and YES chocolate) and family game night and movies. Some years we make it to Midnight… others, well, you know… But this past year Philip and I celebrated right along with an adorable couple–David and Kiersten–though we were cele-working capturing images all day and well into the night. The night was such fun! Kiersten had a wonderful design vision using Ostrich feathers in both her bridal bouquet and her centerpieces. It looked so whimsical and elegant. They had a wonderful musician Miguel Perez playing Spanish guitar during the ceremony and throughout the cocktail hour and their DJ Sheldon kept people on the dance floor all night. The food was, as usual, incredible–a melange of seafood, wild greens, and prime rib for dinner — and it kept coming all night, ending with cheeses, fruit, desserts and stuffed dates. The resort was illuminated with over 10 miles of white lights, such a glorious view.  They even had a life size gingerbread house in the lobby. I walked around the corner and upon a young girl about 6 years old smelling the gingerbread house and giving it a quick kiss as she left. So cute! It was a long and wonderful day for everyone…all I can say is good thing Alderbrook has such comfortable beds!

I love my morning walks with Ruby. Forget the iPod, I prefer to walk in silence, sorting out my day, processing the frenetic thoughts bouncing around. I try to explore as many different trails as possible throughout the year. I spent a lovely, chilled morning walking along the McLane Forest trail the other day. What a beautiful place. I feel so lucky to have access to such a resource. Take some time and go for a walk… you’ll like it, but then why wouldn’t you?

Thanksgiving Day started off with a light breakfast of buttermilk, pumpkin and pecan waffles, mango/orange juice and REAL maple syrup. Emmett assisted in the preparation of roasted brussel sprouts and candied yams/sweet potatoes. We headed over to Grampa & Nana Kelleys for a lunch at 1:00. We chose to forego dessert since dinner (Thanksgiving Dinner #2) was just a few hours later… Heading back to West Oly, we gathered at Grampa and Gramma Greens for another wonderful meal. Thanks to Megan for the wonderful bacon wrapped dates. Dad made both a turkey and ham… it’s just too difficult to choose, plus he was feeding a small army!  The evening wound down with satiated boys, snuggled on the couch, the blue light of their gameboys illuminating glazed eyes. I love Thanksgiving–the gathering of family and friends without all the over-hyped commercialism of Christmas… Today, I think I will just eat a banana…

A cute little bulldog puppy, that’s what! Meet Sawyer, an 11 week old English Bulldog. Wow, I had forgotten what wild and crazy party guys puppies are! He was an adorable maniac one moment, sacked out the next, up and at ‘em the next! Oh Rose family, you have your hands full with this spirited canine yumness. It’s a good thing puppies are so easy to love… Enjoy a few of the many faces of Sawyer…

What a treat! It was a stormy night, but I didn’t feel a thing…tucked inside the cozy basement with a lovely glass of pinot noir in hand, listening to Jess Walter ( http://www.jesswalter.com/ )read from his HIGH-larious new book, “The Financial Lives of Poets” What an interesting crowd of avid readers. It was just the place I needed to be for a spell… He was introduced by longtime friend, fellow author and Olympia resident Jim Lynch ( http://www.thehighesttide.com/ ). These two guys have a great sense of comedic timing–maybe they should take THAT on the book tour circuit! Looking forward to reading your book Jess and thanks for the fun signing notation–you’re a good sport, 7/11 indeed.

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…

Although I wouldn’t suggest wandering in any alley alone at night… especially in the fall, spider time. Bleh…

It’s amazing to me how many of my high school senior clients haven’t explored Olympia’s alleys.  There are some really great spaces down here.  I hope the City of Olympia is able to utilize them better–as pedestrian walkways, cafes, etc.    In the meantime, I will intrepidly traverse, clients in tow, seeking out the perfect photographic background.  I mean it’s seriously working…

Meet Kenzie! Her family came in for family photos and I just couldn’t resist a few of just her… Dogs are simply the best!

The day continued with more senior sessions.  I adore the kids that come to me–they have a great sense of style (clearly) and totally sassy, fun clothes! Thanks to Britney and Lauren–love the boots girls!!  Now do I really get to have THREE DAYS OFF?  Yes, headed to Bellingham for Em’s soccer tournament–the Pacific Coast Challenge–serious soccer folks!

Today’s senior portrait theme was “Young Women With Exceptionally Lovely Eyes” Clearly–as you can see from the following images. Thanks to Hadley and Jessica! You two are gorgeous!