Day ThreeHundred-SixtyFive

Wow.  I made it.  A year.  I really can't believe it...that I kept up and that it's been a YEAR!  I spent some time tonight filing through some of the archives and it is such a journey, it really is.  From the streets of Jakarta, to the crisp air of New Zealand to the great state of Texas - and everything in between - it really was just that, a chronicle of my journey.  I'm not sure where I'll go from here, and I've been asked by many as to "Are you really going to stop?".  And the answer is yes.  MoeCakes is taking off and there is so much I can't wait to do professionally.  But will I be able to stay away?  The answer is no.  I enjoy it far too much.  I enjoy talking to no one in particular, but at the same time talking to everyone that wants to listen and look.  And bottom line, I live behind a lens and I love it.  So, maybe Daily will turn into Weekly, but I will be back, I promise.

Wow.  You made it.  A year.  Whether you have been with me since DayOne or joined in along the way or even just took a look for the first time last week.... I thank you.  Something that began really as a "I wonder if I could actually do this" became much more.  I so enjoyed hearing the "I check it every day!"  to "It's in my Favorites Bookmark" to "Maybe one day I'll make your 365!"  All of your dedication and support has meant the world and kept TheArtofDailyLife going.  So now it's your turn.  Grab that camera, iPhone, pencil and paper....whatever it is for you....and capture the art in your life.  It's beautiful.

Day ThreeHundred-FortyNine

Not sure if any of my followers, regulars or drop-ins even noticed, but Day 349 was actually skipped last week when I was updating my 365.  It wasn't due to not having a shot that day or a slight overlook.  It was actually done on purpose!  I did take many pictures that evening but hadn't yet gotten to the post edit side of things.  (Today I did.)  The woman on the right is a dear college friend of mine that contacted me many weeks ago asking if I would be willing to volunteer my time to photograph a special event that she is involved in and whenever I am offered the chance to give back, it isn't even a question.  This group is known as Friends of St. Jude and is a group of young professionals work and raise money for the St. Jude cause and help fight against childhood cancer.  On this evening they were having a special benefit along with Texas Young Professionals called the Hope Benefit.  It was a night of networking, socializing, silent auction, drink, food and dancing - all for one reason - to raise money for a great cause.  I was honored to be asked to capture the evening but as I get before any shoot, big or small, a tad nervous (okay, this one, more than a tad).  I'm not necessarily used to having the task of walking up to strangers and asking if I can take their picture!  Furthermore, I knew lighting would be something to address, but overall -- I just didn't want to mess up!  (Was I really qualified for this sort of thing?  Are they sure they wanted MoeCakes?  Dear lord, don't let me accidentally erase the pics!!)  But as I recently heard an inspiring photographer, Kelle Hampton, recently say during the iheartfaces Photo Conference, when in doubt or uncomfortable, the best place to be is where you (as a photographer) are most comfortable, and that's "hiding" behind the camera.  So I did just that!  All in all, it was a great evening out, a great way to catch up with an old friend, and in more ways than one, a really great learning experience.  I really do feel blessed to have been part of the night and part of the ever-growing fight against childhood cancer.

And for more from my evening at the Hope Benefit...click here.

Day ThreeHundred-ThirtyTwo

Moe's costume arrived today -- that's both girls ready for Halloween over a month early.  Talk about being on the ball!!  Impressed?  I know I am, it very rarely seems to happen these days.  And in a house full of puke and the such here recently, I thought this picture was such a pretty contrast.

Day ThreeHundred-Eleven

Today I spent the day getting things back in order after the long weekend...that means my house, my website, and my latest shoot.  While finishing up my retouching and edit work on Friday's shoot, this thought came to mind - what stops people from actually BOOKING a session?  Everyone says "I really want to/need to" but getting them to pull the trigger is 100% of the battle.  I think so many times people worry about if their child will cooperate, or if they will look their best, or if things will turn out....and because of this they tend to put professional pictures on the back burner.  So I put this combo together.  Take a closer look to the picture on the left -- That's not an scream of excitement and laughter, it's a scream of "I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS!!!"  (Actually, I kinda like it!  Makes me smile and is very real life!!)  Now look at the photo on the right -- This was only a few minutes later when we refocused our attention off of little E.  Dad had him giggling and playing, while we still managed to get the purpose (the belly) and the entire family in the shot.  And it has become on of my favorites of the morning.  So basically--  Will a shoot run perfectly with no hiccups?  Most likely not (especially with little ones!) and that's ok!  Will you LOVE every picture taken?  Most likely not (and you won't ever see most of those!) and that's ok!  But will you be 100% satisfied and happy you FINALLY got those photos taken?  YES.  So what's stopping you??

Day ThreeHundred-Seven

The miracle of life is just that.  Simply a miracle.

Day ThreeHundred-Six

It may not look like much of a photo to you, but when you are prepping for a maternity shoot and testing out location and lighting and find a treasure like this... well, it gets you kinda giddy.  And what makes it better is that it was my last purchase before leaving Jakarta, my teak and leather chair... something I had been eyeing and saving for almost 2 years to buy.  Can't wait to see what it looks like with a beautiful momma and her belly posing for a shot!  

Day ThreeHundred-Two

School starts tomorrow, which means today was spent prepping.  Who needs free haircuts from JCP when you have a mom that likes to channel her inner beautician??!!

Day ThreeHundred-One

Now here is a crew.  Not often that all nine cousins get to hang out, but with Aunt Mary and Uncle Hans in town it was the perfect excuse for some fun in the sun.

Day ThreeHundred

How did you spend your last weekday of summer?  Moe spent much of it dancing, twirling, and adding to her "Ally's Dance Camp" repertoire. 

Day TwoHundred-NinetyNine

I'm not a huge fan of little noses in gaming systems of any sort, DS, iPad, iPhone, Wii...whatever it may be...but we just found the charger for the girls' DS' and it's really been entertaining them for the last couple days.  And it's bought Mom a little bit of down time to get my office in a bit of working order...the last room to be touched in the house since we moved in!

Day TwoHundred-NinetySeven

OMG.  2025??  That's just nuts, but dear lord she's just too cute.  Not that I'm biased or anything :-) ....

Day TwoHundred-NinetySix

After a discussion this past weekend with their Dad about where cotton comes from, what it looks like, how clothes are made, etc. he came home from work with a "bouquet" for each of them.  (Honestly, I don't know if I've ever seen fresh cotton this up close and personal before!)  At first I thought "Awww, he brought me flowers!".... only to soon realize what it actually was.  Don't tell Dad, but in the end, I think this really is just as sweet and thoughtful as flowers for Mom.

Day TwoHundred-EightyEight

I met the gal in red my first day of high-school in Homeroom class.  We would remain in that class for the next 4 years and would remain friends for the rest of our lives.  I was excited enough to be shooting this crew, but when the man in white got down on one knee 30 minutes into the shoot, a nearly fell over.  I was shaking and it had nothing to do with me!  And once she said yes, I knew what I needed to get on our way to the next setting....CHALK.  So blessed to be part of this family's life and be there to capture such an intimate moment.

And yes, Bran - you easily made the cut for today's 365.

Day TwoHundred-EightySeven

Obviously not taken by me, but it was the only picture taken yesterday and I don't get shots of myself very often.  It was a surprise early birthday gift to Moe from her Grandma and Papa, and I was lucky enough to be part of it.  Her first broadway musical, The Lion King, was absolutely FANTASTIC.  A couple hours following she asked me if we could do it again....soon.  Guessing she like it. 

Day TwoHundred-EightySix

When it comes to imaginative play, Beanie Babies are at the top of the list.  Hours and hours of entertainment.

Day TwoHundred-EightyFive

From my impromptu photo-session with an absolutely ADORABLE thumb-sucking 2 year old.  I could stare at this picture all day.  I'm thinking it needs to be large on canvas in his parent's house!!!  I'll be printing it simply for my office b/c it has become one of my all time faves.  For more pictures from this precious toddler....head over to Sessions&Such!

Day TwoHundred-EightyOne

And this is the reason I haven't had time or energy for much else.  Just a few weeks ago, there wasn't a single plant surrounding the pool.  A job handed over to my dad, as he has an eye for landscape design and knowledge of plants, it has been his to create.  From the arbor, to the path, to the palms, to the plants... it was all his idea.  And let me tell you, in Texas summer heat, it is NOT an easy job.  With only a few more plants and a stone path to make it complete, I must say, he has done one hell of a job.  Thanks Dad.

Day TwoHundred-SeventyEight

This are how each summer morning begins.  Two-little girls and one big Ridgeback in bed with Mom.  Spoiled much?

Day TwoHundred-SeventyFive

Is it just me, or do others find these little ZuZu Pets just a bit creepy?  Walking into a living room with 10 or so "crawling" across the floor, well it's just weird!!

Day TwoHundred-SeventyFour

I just love the "human-ness" that dogs paws can have at times.