Smith College Botanical Gardens:: Northampton, MA

While I was at photography school, one of my instructors always used to tell us about the botanical gardens at Smith College. And each time she told us, it fell on (my) deaf ears. I kept thinking, Eh, I'm not interested.

But as Rikki and I were driving back from visiting our school, we stopped on the way and happened upon the exact gardens we heard so much about. The door was open, and we cautiously stepped inside with our own personal invitation. What we saw stunned us -- how had we not ever gone??

I'll let the pictures tell (some) of the story.

(above) My gorgeous friend Rikki, who is a phenomonal food/still life photographer and a dear friend - went with me on our long-weekend visit to our school. We had a great time seeing each other and while we were in MA, she took pictures of two home interiors. Head here to see one of them. My post/pics to come soon....

Vanderbilt Mansion:: Hyde Park, NY

A few weeks ago, a dear friend and I visited Hallmark - the photography school we attended. I met Rikki at her home near Poughkeepsie, NY, and she mentioned the Vanderbilt Mansion. Before I left town, we headed to the mansion, sometimes known as Hyde Park Mansion. It's near the estate of FDR.

When we pulled in, I immediately thought of how much it reminded me of a new favorite show - Downton Abbey. I was fascinated by the grandeur of the home, and imagined the galas thrown, the fancy cars, the butlers that roamed around the interior, and the conversations that were held within the walls of this beautiful mansion. In 1940, FDR signed legislation to allow the Vanderbilt Mansion to be part of the National Park Service ("Did You Know" fact from the mansion's homepage)

We didn't get to go inside, but the grounds were grand. The back of the house overlooks the Hudson, and to the one side of the house are these fabulous gardens. Wikipedia says this of the gardens:

"Frederick's interest and love of horticulture caused him to develop several large gardens on the Vanderbilt estate. These lavish gardens incorporated the formal “Italian” style. This meant that the beds were arranged in such a way that if you drew a line across the middle, either horizontally or vertically, one side of the line would mirror the other side. These formal gardens also consisted of multiple tiers, which depended on the type of plants. Each level was different. Frederick himself added the rose garden which contained almost 2000 “vintage” rose bushes along with other kinds of roses. The Vanderbilt gardens were grand and exquisite."

I'm so glad we visited this historic estate. There are times when I wonder what it'd be like to live in a place like that.

And while we were there, we went inside the gift shop. It was full of gift books, how-to's and lots of random gifts - from soaps to teacups and collectibles of all kinds. One of the books I picked up was The Art of the Handwritten Note.  I love sending people notes, and it was a must-read. I now have a copy of the book and am so enthralled with reading about the history of writing notes and the etiquette of doing so. It makes me wish I knew how to do calligraphy or that I had a quill pen that I could dip into an inkwell. Maybe one day!

VVC Dedication

For over ten years, Valley View Chapel has talked about adding an addition onto the current church building. After much sacrifice and a lot of prayer, they were able to build a Family Life Center, which would become the "hub" of all its ministries. The main room dually functions as a sanctuary and gym, but there are also new classrooms, a kitchen, a much-improved sound booth, and brand new nursery. In general, the building meets so many needs and is going to be a place that will be used by many in the community.

VVC has been the church I've attended since I was in 7th grade. There are many memories of things that have taken place there. I am excited for the things they are able to do to impact the community and for the space it gives them to have events throughout the year.

Here are some pictures I took during the dedication ceremony back in April....
        (To see more images, click here)

What it looks like from the sound booth above

A gift - a drawing of the way the church looks now - given to the head of the building committee

The 4 pastors VVC has had over the years.

Baby G:: PA Newborn Session

A few weeks ago, I found out friends of mine were adopting a newborn. I can't share too many details of the story, and will refer to the baby as "baby G", but let me tell you, this story is so sweet. My friends already have three kids, but felt burdened to follow through with this adoption. Every step in the process moved swiftly and in just a month, they were able to bring home baby G, weighing just under 5 lbs.

He's been in his 'new' home for less than a week, and just last evening, I went over to take some pics. My friends live along the Delaware River and it became a perfect backdrop for some of the pictures.

His older siblings already have such love for him. They are tender as they hold him, and even the family's dog and pet ducks took part in the session.

World, may I introduce you to baby G....

You've already stolen the hearts of so many...

Walsh family:: Playwicki Farm

Tonight I had a session with the Walsh family. Their "reunion" celebrated many things -- birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. I photographed Caleb a few months ago, and they invited me back to take pictures while family was in town for the weekend.

Amelia's brother is in the Army and just graduated from Basic Training. She wanted some pics of him in his uniform, and bought a onesie for Caleb to wear proudly for his uncle. Her parents and sisters were also in town, too, so they thought it a perfect time for a family session.

We had gorgeous weather - although a bit sticky - and it was wonderful to meet the rest of Amelia's family. Thanks, everyone, for spending a few hours with me. Hope you enjoy the rest of your family time together this weekend.

Here are a few images to hold you over till the rest come...

his shirt says "I crawl the line" :-)

Amelia and Josh

Caleb - he's getting SO big....

Caleb was mesmerized by Phil

Amelia, Josh, Caleb, and Amelia's siblings

Sean: Deacon Ordination

This morning I had the opportunity to photograph Sean's ordination into the deaconry, which took place at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral. There were 4 others who were becoming deacons and one who was becoming a priest.

washing of the feet

The service was very formal and followed a liturgical program. The cathedral's website provides a bit more information on today's event.

Sean has been interning at Church of the Crucifixion in Philadelphia and hopes to continue with ministry.

Congrats, Sean, on this very important day!

Take me out to the ballgame....

If there is one sport my nephew enjoys playing, it's baseball. A few months ago, he wrote a report for school and dressed up like Derek Jeter. He plays on a team, plays for fun when he's not playing on the team, and looks pretty darn cute, er, rugged in his baseball hat. He's for sure all boy -- doesn't mind the mud, loves running around and getting sweaty, and enjoys the days of youth.

I only got to see one of Grant's baseball games before moving back to PA. Just days prior he had gotten a pretty fat lip after taking a baseball to the face. But he mustered up the courage to play the game, and be the best 1st baseman/shortstop/pitcher he could be.

counting the number of outs (can you see the black and blue on his upper lip?)

All was going well, until he got a little protective of first base. The runner came toward him and he didn't realize it probably wasn't a good idea to stand in front of the bag. What happened next took us all a bit by surprise. He and the other little boy collided and Grant took a pretty hard hit to the sand.

But he got up and went about his business, trying to avoid crying and acting like the tough 8 yr. old that he is. But then his coach came over to make sure he was OK, and Grant just kept his eyes looking forward. He couldn't be bothered....

The inning ended, and he got up to bat. He got a pretty good hit that got him to first base.

 Proudly sporting the #2 jersey...

 He hasn't quite realized he shouldn't watch the ball as he runs...but he ended up scoring a run....

And meanwhile, his brothers were half watching, half playing, and I caught this pic of my other nephew Dean.... There is just something so gripping about this image...maybe because he's my oldest nephew... seemingly all grown up... Oh, how I wish I could freeze time and just savor these sweet memories I am able to capture.

I absolutely cherish the time I get with my little men. I still snuggle with them, and scratch their backs. I love trying to distract them from watching tv or playing their video games, just to hear them say "Siiiiissy, stop!" I love when they come running - ready to topple me over - when they've not seen me in awhile. And I love sleepovers... Why do they have to get so big??

Cuteness Overload....

To some, taking pictures of a lot of children can be very overwhelming, but to me, it's pure joy!!
I had the opportunity to get together with a number of my family members to take engagement pics, kids pics, family pics, and lots of little things in between.

A big ol' blog post will be coming soon...for now, this is one of my favs from the day....such sweetness and I just adore that flower.

Showers of Love

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to go to a bridal shower for Brittany. She and her fiance - Bradley (most people call him Meek) - are getting married in July. And while at the shower, I - of course - had to take soooome pictures. Brittany has one of the kindest hearts. I remember first meeting her (she was close with a mutual friend of ours) and wishing I could call her my friend. She is passionate about many things, and really cares deeply for her friends. She also has an incredible fashion sense, and it's often the topic of many jokes (in regards to matching vs. non-matching). And if there's one thing she can't do without, it's tie dye shirts. Not really. She can't stand the fact that all these random (usually unmatched) colors are all splattered on a shirt...and that people actually wear them!

But I am thankful to now be able to call her friend and excited for their wedding in July.

Here are a few pics of the shower...

Aren't these just so beautiful? They tasted AMAZING!!

Britt and some of her coworkers