{Eric}

I headed down to Manchester today to meet the super cute Eric (son of April + Elijah) and was greeted right off the bat with a big grin from the little guy. He talked, he laughed (especially when their dog Lucy barked or gave him kisses), and he melted my heart. I loved catching up with April and Elijah (and seeing my favorite Bogle, Lucy!!) and was impressed at how relaxed and natural they were with Eric. Being a first-time parent can be tough but these two made it look as if they'd raised ten kids without batting an eyelash. Towards the end of the session, Eric crashed out letting us get some "sleepy baby pictures," with a few of those donning an adorable monkey hat. I have a lot of favorites from this session already, but narrowed it down for the Sneak Peek. Eric, it was a pleasure to meet you "little monkey!" And April, Elijah, and Lucy, I so enjoyed seeing you guys again!

On to the pics...{click to view full size}

{April 29, 2011}

I had a hard time falling asleep last night and even after I finally dozed off I woke up several times. Then this morning our guineas were being especially loud, our open bedroom window letting their irritating "We're being MURDERED!!" (even though they were completely fine and safe) screeching drift through at an obnoxious level. I gave up trying to catch anymore rest and got out of bed around 9 a.m., which sounds like total luxury to some--I know--but again, I was only going on a few solid hours of rest here. Seeing as how I had a doctor's appointment at 10:30 a.m. I jumped in the shower, grabbed a light snack, called the office to make sure that the address listed on the doctor's website (Hooksett) was indeed correct, was told they were in Hooksett, and drove the 25 minutes south. When I arrived they found me in their system...but wait...the doctor I was scheduled to see didn't work in that office. She was in Concord. Where I'd just driven from. A quick phone call to the Concord office to explain what happened, some hastily explained directions, and I was off again. I should have asked for more clarification as to where exactly I was going, however.

I thought I had the right place, parked, went through the first building...then the second...then on to the hospital...and still was unable to find the office. There was no one at the information desk so I thanked my lucky stars for owning a smartphone that allowed me to look up the number and call the office directly. Better instructions in hand, I walked back through all three buildings, got in my Jeep, drove to the correct parking lot, and was greeted by a lovely woman named Rosie who approached me and said, "Are you Laura?" When I answered in the affirmative, she smiled and said, "We've been expecting you!" Together we went upstairs where I got checked in, waited a bit in the waiting room where equally lovely staff members asked how I was, and then was taken back to see the doctor. The nurse, the doctor, and the rest of the people I came in contact with were all wonderful, warm, and caring. Plus I got the extra bonus of seeing my favorite Phlebotomist when I had my blood drawn. Seriously, the guy cracks me up and you can't hardly feel the needle stick.

When the appointment was done, the clock was approaching 1 p.m. I hadn't eaten anything, save for the light snack at 9:30 a.m., and it was over two hours past the typical time I have coffee, so a headache was starting to set in. I still had to drive home, pick up my daughter, and take her to a friend's house before I could eat or have my daily cappuccino. By the time I got home I was more than exhausted. But here's the thing... The doctor I saw today is an Oncologist/Hematologist. I do not have cancer, just a rare, weird blood disorder that only Hematologists really know about. So even though my day sounds really crappy, it's nothing compared to what the people I saw in both office waiting rooms have to endure every day. At the Oncology/Hematology place in Hooksett there was a woman who was around my age, maybe younger, talking to (presumably) her husband about an upcoming wedding they had to go to. I don't know if she was the patient, or if he was, or if they were waiting for someone, but it came across to me as if she was the patient. And I couldn't help but think that the shoe could have been on the other foot. Rather than me walking out at the end of my appointment knowing that what I have could only kill me in some rare circumstance--and even then it looks like I have a mild variant of it as is, making it even more unlikely to happen--I could be fighting for my life. If that doesn't make you look at your crappy day in a completely different light, I don't know what will. Granted, I have some serious health issues of my own, but those are of the "wait, watch, and monitor" variety. Much different.

Naturally, given my penchant for photographing waiting rooms I had to snap one of the chair next to me. It's a bit closer than I would have liked, yet I didn't want other patients to assume I was taking a photo of them...or that I was crazy...or a combination of both. Still, the fabric is pretty cool and it was in the Concord office where the people had me smiling the entire time, which just goes to show that it takes a special person to work in healthcare.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Earlybird filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 28, 2011}

This bracelet belonged to my mom, who wore it in the 60's and 70's. Although it's not my style per se, I've always thought it was really cool.

Taken with my iPhone using the Lo-Mob app with the Photocard Two filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 27, 2011}

Steelhead salmon with dill and lemon...mmmmm. We were introduced to Steelhead when we lived in Oregon and fell in love with this trout. Ryan went fishing for Steelhead a few times, only to come up empty. They're not the easiest fish to catch. This particular fillet came from Chile. Totally not as good as Pacific Northwest Steelhead, yet tasty nonetheless. I paired it with fresh sweet corn on the cob, and coupled with the warm, humid day, it felt as if summer had arrived.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the 1977 filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 26, 2011}

Coffee day! My shipment from Sweet Maria's arrived and I can't wait to make at least a few new espresso blends from these beans. I believe I've mentioned before that I roast our coffee and espresso at home, then brew them in either our La Spaziale espresso machine, or one of the many coffee brewing devices we have (the latter being Ryan's area of expertise). Over the past couple of years I've gotten better at detecting flavors thus helping me figure out what I like, and don't like, in an espresso blend--which is what I mainly focus on seeing as how I love me a tasty cappuccino. I have high hopes for these beans and will be putting them to the test this week when they hit the roaster after I dole out proportions that will, if done correctly, highlight the best part of each type of bean, as well as complement each other.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 25, 2011}

Moss covers a lot of things out here, especially in the woods. I love the different textures and colors, and although this pic is a bit blurry (I took it at dusk) you can get a sense of what I see on a daily basis.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 24, 2011}

Sheepy pants!! When I saw these at Old Navy I quickly snatched them up. Knowing my family would make fun of them did not deter my desire to own yet another sheep-related item. What can I say? I'm a sucker for sheep! They are a bit too long on me, but they're light and comfortable...and they bring a smile to my face whenever I wear them.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 23, 2011}

My dad recently purchased a new Outback and because he is super awesome, he gave us his Jeep Cherokee so we finally have a vehicle big enough to cart around the kids and the dogs. Given I drive a sedan and Ryan drives a 2WD, 2-door truck it's been damn near impossible to get the four of us, and our two dogs, anywhere together. That will no longer be an issue--yay!! The downside is that owning an SUV means it cost more to fill the thing up. I found out exactly how much today. My dad had warned me that the last time he had filled it up it set him back about $60, so while I wasn't completely shocked, it still hurt. lol For now I'm calling it "The Beast" and may end up driving it a bit less, even though I really enjoy being in a higher-up, bigger vehicle.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Lomo-fi filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{Boudoir Sneak Peek}

Today I had the privilege to photograph this stunning lady--otherwise known as Lynne. She was a blast to work with and was great about coming up with posing ideas, making my job even easier. I loved her eyes and would kill for both her figure and her hair! We played some music, I tried to make her laugh but was completely off my game today, and still she glowed. Plus she could hold an expression like a rock star--something that is VERY hard to do! I shot a ton (when don't I when presented with a gorgeous subject?!) and will be editing fiercely over the coming weeks, but for now here is a Sneak Peek of things to come.

On to the pics...{click to view full size}

{April 21, 2011}

Tomorrow I have a photoshoot (a boudoir session, to be exact--yay!!), which means tonight will be spent charging batteries, packing, and making sure I have everything ready to go. Depending on what type of shoot I have, the amount of gear I bring to said shoot varies. Sometimes I bring backdrops and stands, other times I might bring a studio strobe and a stand for it if there's a chance we won't have enough natural light. Usually I take my fabric, blankets, and wraps unless the client definitely knows they don't want to use them. Typically I take a combo of the aforementioned items. But no matter what type of session I have, this big, super heavy, been with me forever camera bag always comes along. Inside I have two camera bodies (my Mark II 5D and my 20D); a 24-70mm lens, a 50mm lens, an 85mm lens, and a 17-40mm lens; a Metz flash; Metz powerpack; Sekonic light meter; remote trigger; batteries; cards; a sewing kit (came in handy more than once back when I was shooting weddings and had to do minor alterations for the bridal party--I'm not kidding); random items that I've had forever; and the piece de la resistance...deodorant.

Now most of you are probably thinking, "What's so special about deodorant?" and you'd be right--there isn't anything special about it, other than the fact it keeps people from stinking. Yet for some reason whenever people discover I carry deodorant in my bag they either find it incredibly amusing or think it's weird...or both. And by "people" I mean other photographers who are actually friends. But I remind them that whenever one is shooting a wedding (a.k.a. what I was doing when I originally stuck the deodorant in my bag) in the blazing hot sun, it's nice to know you can reapply the anti-stink/anti-sweating deodorant as needed. Some people end up taking my advice and adding a small thing of deodorant to their bag. Others still laugh at me. That's okay...I smell better than they do.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 20, 2011}

After the day I've had, I'm not feeling very creative. This doohicky, which is filled with sticks and scented oil, normally sits in our downstairs bathroom. I took it out today so the plumbers could try and fix our sink that is leaking. Unfortunately they were unable to do so thanks to a faulty faucet. Thus far I'm not happy with the company that created this faucet, but I'm hoping they'll rectify the issue very, very soon.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 19, 2011}

Today, along with my son, I sat on a wooden bench in a set of bleachers that are probably 100 years old, for over three hours, in the cold and rain, to watch my daughter run the 200 yard dash--which took all of about 40 seconds. Totally worth it, yet I have a feeling these will be coming in handy over the next day. I've used them on my aching shoulder blades to help curb, what they think are, occipital nerve headaches. I don't work for Tylenol (obviously) and I'm not making any money off of them, but they do work well.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Brannan filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 18, 2011}

When we bought this house there was a scraggly, ugly, pine tree/bush thingy planted at the corner by our front patio. Last summer I ripped it out and put in a lovely lilac bush (a Syringa James Macfarlane, to be exact) that filled the space well and looked nice to boot. After being covered in over five feet of snow, I was worried that it may not recover come spring. Now that the snow is (mostly) melted and the sun has warmed its branches, tiny buds have reappeared. I can't wait for it to blossom and greet us, and visitors, with its amazing scent.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 17, 2011}

I realize today is not the 17th, but I took this photo last night and meant to post it, but was too exhausted. So you're getting two today as I'll be posting another photo later.

This tiny green circle, no larger than a pencil eraser, screwed up the shawl I was knitting causing me to have to rip the entire thing out to start over. Without getting too technical, there is a part in the pattern that when completed creates what is called a "yarn-over." The yarn would wrap around this circle, called a stitch marker, and if all goes well you get a perfectly straight "spine" in the shawl. At a couple of points in the "spine," the stitch marker shifted causing the "spine" to shift as well. Basically, it became crooked. I ripped back to where the pattern was correct, but unfortunately I'm not good enough to pick up lace stitching, so I'm starting over. I'm annoyed but also relieved that I was only about 5" in to the shawl rather than 5'.

Taken with my iPhone using the Lo-Mob app with the Photocard Two filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 16, 2011}

Finally! We had every intention of watching Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows Part I in the theaters, but never got the chance to do so. At first it was due to being crazy busy, then we went to one of the last theaters showing it, on a Thursday night, only to find it completely sold out...months after the movie premiered. Yesterday Ryan picked up HP7 on Blu-Ray, much to our excitement. I thought they did a terrific job with this movie and could easily watch it over and over. Plus, we got to see the first few minutes of Part II on the Special Features disc. Can.not.wait.for July! Oh, and that's one good thing about not watching it in theaters...instead of having to wait eight months for Part II, we only have to wait three!! Bonus!

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Gotham filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 15, 2011}

I pulled this tick off of my son's back tonight. Judging by the size of it I'm fairly confident it's a Deer Tick. We're pretty sure it's been there for at least 2-3 days given that's when Ian plowed through brush trying to figure out where the guineas are (potentially) laying. There is already redness where the head was, which means I'll be calling the doctor come Monday--sooner if I see a bullseye rash. I had Lyme's Disease when I was pregnant with Ian (ironic, no?) after I was bitten by a Deer Tick without even knowing. What we thought was a rash from a spider bite was luckily diagnosed by a diligent OB. A same-day, "emergency" visit to the dermatologist and blood tests confirmed their suspicions. Two weeks on antibiotics with Ian inside, and another 2 (or 4...can't remember) after he was born for both of us, and they pronounced us "cured." Whether or not that's true remains to be seen, but needless to say I know what to look for and I know not to play around with it.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Toaster filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 14, 2011}

Apparently she missed him a lot. Although truth be told, she does this all the time so maybe she didn't miss him. Ryan just got back from a business trip to Nevada. I kept telling him to go do some gambling, but despite seeing slot machines in the grocery store, and a full on casino in the Vegas airport, he didn't listen. I told him he left our millions back there. I think he felt like he hit the jackpot when he found Deschutes Brewery's Black Butte Porter and took great delight in texting me a picture of it...to taunt me. Naturally he only took a carry-on bag so there was no way for him to bring any back with him. Naturally.

Taken with my iPhone using the Lo-Mob app with the 30's Contact filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 13, 2011}

mmmmm...bagels with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers. It's what's for dinner. Yum!

Taken with my iPhone and edited with the PS app

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 12, 2011}

I did not take this photograph, but given the subject matter it is fitting for today. The man in the picture is my Uncle Rick, the woman is his wife. He is my dad's youngest brother and looks a hell of a lot like my dad. Rick was always the fun uncle, almost always had a smile on his face, and was constantly cracking jokes. He married a sweet woman named, Joy, and together they had a very good life. About six years ago she unfortunately got sick, and passed away. Soon after he met an (from what I'm told as I have not yet had the pleasure to meet her) equally sweet woman named, Amy. They left Indiana and moved to Arizona as my uncle decided he no longer wanted to see snow and ice. Recently my dad went out to visit Rick and Amy and had a great time reconnecting and visiting. I had hopes of one day being able to see my uncle and meet his wife.

Sometime last month, my dad got a call that Rick was in ICU due to a really bad bout of pneumonia. They had to intubate Rick and give him strong antibiotics, which caused his kidneys to fail. Things looked really bad. We all waited, sent up good thoughts, and hoped for the best. Rick turned the corner, improving, and soon was off of the ventilator and out of ICU. His next stop was the rehabilitation hospital so he could get strong again before heading home. While there he developed a gastrointestinal bleed, which led to a stroke. Although they did everything they could for him, his brain did not get enough oxygen resulting in zero activity on his EEG. My dad flew out there to be with Amy, help with the arrangements, and say goodbye to his brother. To say it was a shock to us would be an understatement. We all thought that Rick was in the clear and would soon be back at home with Amy, looking at houses to buy as they had been before all of this happened. I am so very sad that I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to him, yet even more so for Amy, my dad, my Aunt (Rick's sister), and my uncle (Rick's brother).

Despite the tragic loss of a loved one, there is something good to come of it all. My uncle was a frequent blood donor and wanted to be an organ donor. His wife honored his wishes, and now Rick will get to live on, in a way, and help others in the process. There is nothing more selfless than to give the gift of life, or sight, in a time of sorrow. I am so proud of my uncle for wanting this, and even more so of my aunt for following through.

Rick passed away on April 8th. Today is my uncle's viewing. Later tonight he will be cremated.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 11, 2011}

One of the many feathers scattered around our property. Pretty sure this one is from a duck rather than a guinea, or a chicken. While it's not unusual to see feathers here and there, it is rare to find them hanging from a branch.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 10, 2011}

I started my very first shawl using the gorgeous Zauberball yarn I posted about HERE. Thus far I'm in love with both the yarn and the pattern and I'm having a hard time resisting the urge to knit constantly. Hopefully that love continues when I hit over 600 stitches on my needles.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 9, 2011}

First signs of spring...finally. My mother-in-law told me what type of plant this is, but I've already forgotten what they are. I do know that they get pretty tall and flower, if memory serves. I'll have to be sure and take another photo as they grow and (hopefully) blossom.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 8, 2011}

A sweet, uninhabited bird nest perched on the branches of the large (unknown type) bush that sits to the right of our kitchen window.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{Maternity Article}

The 4th installment for ADI-News is up and this one is about one of my favorite types of photography...Maternity! Go check it out and let me know what you think!

Motherhood Photography, Modern Professional Maternity Photography

{April 7, 2011}

Today's photo, while admittedly not a great photo given I took it with my phone and it's of a computer screen, is close to my heart as it's of a website I created for some lovely clients of mine. I featured their portrait sitting, Cody + Family, back in November and was excited to work with them again in a different setting. The logo was created by Jessica and the rest was done by me with tons of input from both Ron and Jessica. They were with me all the way, even when I completely re-did our first agreed upon layout to the current one after a spark of inspiration. Landscape Solutions was started by Ron in 2001 and he has worked hard to build the company, earning the respect and praise of his customers along the way. If you're in the Merrimack Valley or Southern NH, give Landscape Solutions a call and see what Ron and his crew can do for you!

Taken with my iPhone and edited with the Photoshop App

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 6, 2011}

Today was Megan's first track practice, so I embarrassed her by taking a photo for posterity's sake. One of these days she'll look back and appreciate my craziness. At least, that's what I tell myself.

Taken with my iPhone using the TiltShiftGen app, border added with the Photoshop App.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 5, 2011}

I've always loved birch trees. The way the bark peels like paper, the mix of black and white, and how pretty they look against a backdrop of pines. This is one of a few birch trees scattered throughout our property that I could get to easily. In the fall the leaves turn an intense shade of yellow that contrasts nicely with the black and white branches.

Taken with my iPhone then edited using the Photoshop app.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 4, 2011}

Ryan and Ian have a ton of games that have various types of figurines used to play the game...this is one of them. I have no idea what it's supposed to be, or what it does, or if it's powerful, or weak, or anything. I do know it goes with the game Space Hulk and what I thought was a black figurine is actually blue. Also, I know that the game takes up a ton of space, even though the figurines are only about 1-2" high. This is why we rarely eat dinner at the dining room table because the area is usually occupied by at least one game in progress. So instead of having nice family dinners we have this thing to look at.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Walden filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 3, 2011}

New shoes for Miss Megan. On the left we have the super cool (& cute) Converse shoes for skating and everyday wear. On the right we have her comfy and light Asics running shoes for track, which starts tomorrow. We also bought some pants, a zip up hoodie, a shirt that wicks away moisture to wear under her uniform, and a bag to carry it all in. I have always thought it was awesome that she loves to skateboard and now I can't wait to cheer her on from the sidelines as she sprints down the lanes. It's probably a good thing the Converse shoes are a size too small for me, though...I'd steal those puppies in a heartbeat.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

 

{April 2, 2011}

A super sweet, former co-worker of mine made this gorgeous wooden chest for me. I can't remember if it came already stained and sealed, or if I had to do that myself, but either way it's one of the nicest things anyone has ever given me. And lest you think I was "special," he created several wood pieces and gave them to all of the girls at work--strictly as a way to share something he enjoyed doing (woodworking) with people who loved his art. Currently it's used to house most of my yarn stash and is proudly displayed in our living area. I definitely see this as a piece of heirloom furniture that will hopefully be passed down from generation to generation.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}

{April 1, 2011}

Nom, nom, nom...chocolate chip hazelnut cookies. This just about makes up for the snow we received last night through late morning today. They canceled school, which just means the kids' year has been prolonged, and the saddest part was that the roads were completely clear. Go figure. Plus, to top it all off we're all fighting a nasty head cold, each of us with varying degrees of nastiness (Megan bearing the brunt). At least we're capping off this day right with tasty cookies and milk.

Taken with my iPhone using the Instagram app with the Earlybird filter applied.

On to the pic...{click to view full size}