Round Round, Get Around!

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In the past month or so, I've earned some serious wings. I flew to Miami to shoot Jeannette and her boys. The following week was Vegas, after which we drove to San Diego and all the way up the coast along the PCH to San Francisco.... shooting along the way. Then, almost immediately upon returning, I hopped a flight to Philadelphia. When I got home, I did a senior shoot, a presentation, shot a wedding, then boarded yet another flight... this time, to Portland, Oregon to meet up with the Photogirls. Phew!   :)  When I get back, I'll be at home for at least a couple months... until we head off to the West Indies for Annette and Brandon's wedding. Yay! (Have I mentioned that I LOVE my job? :) travel

Roar!

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One word: Fantabulous! I was floored to see so many family, friends, past students and clients this morning at BryanLGH's Women's Day event. Thanks SO much for coming out! Special thanks to Mary and Jami for organizing such a great event. I am so honored to have been part of it!

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I presented on "10 Tips for Taking Better Photos." Here, I'm explaining how to avoid the perils of cropping by filling the frame, getting closer and shooting it the way you want it.... in the camera. :)

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After brunch, the ladies were treated to the entertaining genius of Jeanne Baer.

0032Ladies, thanks again for giving me the opportunity to be part of this event.  I'm flattered beyond belief! :)

Bringin' Home a Baby Lion Cub...

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Well... kind of. When Emir and I got back from our trip, Merki was covered in knots. I mean covered.  What the heck were the girls doing while we were gone? The house was covered in furballs too.... they must've been livin' it up big time! I don't normally take the cat to the hairdresser.... but these knots were so bad, it seemed downright painful. So, I caved in and called a groomer. She got a buzz cut and a chance to start over! :)

Here, she tries to relax and forget about her stressful day at the kitty cat spa. Emka doesn't approve one single bit! She hasn't stopped hissing at her since. :(

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WPPI Aftermath

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What a fantastic trip! We got home late last night and spent most of the day today decompressing (literally and figuratively). Lots of brain food, for sure! :) 41

The babies were happy to have us back. We were gone for 2 weeks... that's a long time to miss our girls! Here's Emka snuggling with Emir on the sofa in the loft...31211Special thanks to everyone we had the pleasure of meeting on our trip. We already can't wait for next year!

Nifty Napa

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Our visit to Napa started at the visitors center. If you've never been before, it is HIGHLY recommended. Those people really know their stuff. While exploring, we stumbled upon this darling deli/shop/espresso bar where we loaded up on baguettes, salami, cheese and wine which made for the perfect afternoon picnic!25811976 The town of Calistoga was high on my list of cuteness. Loaded with art galleries, boutiques and coffee shops, Emir and I were both in heaven!

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So Cal = So Fun!

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After nearly a week in Vegas, the ocean (and ocean air!) was a welcomed treat! We woke up early on Friday morning to wander around San Diego before heading to Oceanside for a shoot with Nate (more on that as soon as we see the proofs!). Here are some sights from southern Cali. 16

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What trip to southern California would be complete without a visit to Disneyland? One of my favorite things we did there was to visit a 'museum' they had set up celebrating the first 50 years of Disneyland. To think that the whole thing was built on what was once considered an undesirable chunk of orange grove farm land in the middle of nowhere, is amazing. Walt was a true visionary. I like to think we can all learn something from him in that way. :)

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We are THRILLED beyond belief to have had the opportunity to work with the famed Bui Brothers on an exciting KaBloom project. An extra special bonus? Kjerstin and Joel live somewhat nearby and were able and willing to join us on Sunday. Thank you all SO MUCH!

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More WPPI Fun

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Our last night in Vegas was filled with treats! This beautiful serving of eye candy is none other than the famed collection of hand-blown glass flowers by Dale Chihuly that greet you in the lobby of the Bellagio. 93

The Botantical Garden...

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We caught up with my friend Charles (currently a musician in the Blue Man Group band at the Venetian) after an incredible dinner with photog friends including Cathy & David, Hanssie and more!

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Two lovely ladies asuka book who actually remembered my Alphabet Book! Great to meet them in person after all this time!

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Charmed Life

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I'll admit it. I've never been much of a sucker for traditional Valentine's Day gifts. It's not that I have anything against teddy bears, diamond earrings, or oodles of long stemmed roses..... it's just that.... it's not my thing. Thus, I was surprised when I recently found myself wanting a necklace. Not an expensive diamond crusted 'collection' piece that seems to flood TV ads in early February, but just a simple charm. Something that I can wear all the time that means something special.

But... of course, I'm picky. And impatient. So, a week or so ago, I ran into something I liked, and bought myself my own v-day present. (ha!) BUT.... last night after Emir's and I enjoyed some fine mexican cuisine, I was surprised to find this gorgeous necklace waiting for me back in our room! What's even cooler is, he picked it out all on his own from a local fair-trade artisan store (Ten Thousand Villages). It was hand crafted by an artisan in Indonesia.

Now that's cool. Zales.... eat your heart out!  :)

(a few quick pics we just snapped at the MGM Grand awaiting the annual Canon sponsored 'wedding dinner.' I'm starving!)

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