You think you know ... but you have No idea

When i was young(er) I used to love MTV.  Now, not so much.  Bah-humbug!  Too much reality and not enough tv.   Music?  Fuhgeddaboudit.  Videos?  Puh-leeease.  Besides, who has the time...?  Anyway, my point.  And yes, i do have one.  The older i become the more i love a good cliche.  Why?  Because sometimes cliches are true and the really good ones.  Well, the really good ones are witty, honest and steadfastly, true.  In this case, this cliche is definitely true.  You see, back-in-the-day, there was a popular show on MTV called, Diary.  The tag was, "You think you know but you have NO idea".  That's how i would describe the events of this photo shoot - the day was full of unimaginable mayhem,  uncontrollable belly-aching laughter and an undeniable love that was unwaveringly present no matter what...

Here's the photo diary of 4 Neill boys and a Lady...

I remember when his I consisted of only him 

and then he met her

(what a trooper,  you would never know this shot was taken between quick nose swipes and three kids climbing on her back)

and his i became a we

together they had

 

IP

  HP

and little P

introducing 
4 Neill boys and a Lady

Until next time....b.

Rooting DC: 2010 Everyone needs a ...

2010 marks year 3 for Rooting DC http://fieldtoforknetwork.org/rootingdc/, an annual day long forum for urban gardeners,

people give up their Saturday's, arrive early and eager...

ready to talk, listen and share...

attend lectures, lunch and join community list serves

trade information, ideas and inspire...

these 3 amazing ladies specifically (and countless others)  work creatively and tirelessly to create, organize and produce a much needed resource: a dedicated opportunity for urban gardeners to connect, communicate and create. (I love a good alliteration - heheheh)   Genius and Bravo!

Okay. So, now that you know what I'm shooting.  Let me tell you why...

Katie.  The one in the middle...everyone needs a Katie in their life.  Dependable.  Funny.  Salt-of-the-earth type person with a great laugh...even better wit... 

"We don't have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in the process of change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world." — Howard Zinn

To say gardening is her passion is like saying taking pictures is mine. I heart Katie.  And you would too if you ever had the chance to meet her.  Hope to see you at the event on Saturday.  Until next time...

Life is good...

I've always been a lover of words - when used cleverly they can make you catch your breath, remind you of what you've forgotten (to breathe) and transport you from one moment (if your lucky) into a gentler, peacefuller more meaningful next one...

Do more than exist, live.
Do more than touch, feel.
Do more than look, observe.
Do more than read, absorb.

Do more than hear, listen.
Do more than think, ponder.
Do more than talk, say something.
-John H. Rhoades

Until next time...keep the sun in your eyes;)

Hands and hugs

There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home. A friend of mine told me to click my heels together 3 times and repeat these words - i was so exasperated and desperate to get home; i did it. Blink. I'm home. It took 16 hours to get here but, I'm home.

Why was i gone?

Six years ago today, February 9th, my mother passed away. Every year since, all the sisters (i have two) and my cousin ( i have 1 first), we get together to celebrate and reflect on the crazy spectacular lives lived by our mothers (who passed on waaaaay too early, both at the ripe young age of 53).

I remember exactly where i was, what i was doing and who i was with when i received the phone call. And while that in itself *is* extraordinary. If you really know me, what's *really* extraordinary about the recount of that story are the following three things: 1. I had my cell phone. 2. It was charged. 3. I answered it.

When i reflect on what i miss most about my mother, i miss:

her hands

and her hugs.

until next time...

I know...

I've always been super reflective. I talk with my hands...rarely finish my sentences...squint my eyes when i am thinking...avoid talking on the phone...am rarely seen without my sunshades... listen to my music too loud and recently when a good friend asked me to describe myself with one word (sniff, as if): i choose intolerant.

The alchemy of life has taken the creative medium of photography combined all of my natural quirks and awkwardness and transformed me, to take a page from one of my favorite children's books, Frederick by Leo Lionni, "...they all applauded. "But Fredrick, they said, "you are a artist!" He blushed, took a bow, and said shyly,

" I know it..." until next time.

Love and light

I thought i was going to have to cancel the shoot. The weather called for a blizzard like storm. I think the word massive might have been used. I decided to wait it out and see - I really dislike rescheduling shoots, if i don't have too. After all, there was a chance that the city might in fact clear and salt the roads thereby making it possible to drive. A long shot but possible. Right?! Hallelujah! and Eureka! Roads were more than passable - they were safe and snow free. I heart DC forever;) Here are a few images from our shoot:

Capturing one's natural essence while celebrating life's events

...their love was palpable. Her light blinding. Pregnant ladies rock and men who love them rock even more.

Until next time...