HapPy bIRthdAy, ChaRliE!!

Awww...I love kids' birthday parties: bright colors, loads of sugar, and big smiles everywhere!

Y'all remember Little Miss Simone?

What can you possibly say after a face like that?! At nearly one year, Simone absolutely delights everyone she meets. Clearly I was charmed...

AnimalKind

AnimalKind (see link at right) is a local not-for profit organization whose mission is, "to end the unnecessary euthanasia of cats and dogs in Triangle-area shelters, by subsidizing pet spay/neuter for the lowest-income families." I wanted to contribute to their cause, so on Saturday, February 21, I photographed their free rabies vaccination clinic. I got to spend the whole day hanging out with pet people and lovin' on puppies and kitties. BiG ThaNkS to AnimalKind, Animal Protection Society of Durham, SNAP-NC, Coalition to Un-Chain Dogs, and Durham County Animal Control for all you do on behalf of the animals!

Local Talent

In the mood for some live jazz or folk standards? Tina and Josh, this lovely UNC duo, have got you covered. They're preparing to make a big mark on the music world, so look for them at local venues this spring.

Happy Valentine's Day, Mom!

While these crafty girls made Valentine's Day cards for their mom, I got to capture the action. Now Mom will get hand-made cards, and portraits that document the fun. My pictures are all about keeping it real. In years to come, I want this family to laugh and tell stories when they look at their pictures.

Happy 2009!! (A Serendipitious Story)

In February of 2008, my darlin' hubby Jeremy was working in New Mexico when he received word that he was second runner-up in nationwide writing contest. The Dell Award of Asimov's Science Fiction magazine, was to be awarded just a few days later at a conference in Florida. Try as he might, Jeremy couldn't get there in time. His biggest disappointment was not being able to meet the esteemed author Joe Haldeman.

Flash forward to June of 2008, when Jer and I were catching up with dear cousins, Stephanie and Eric, at a family reunion. We told them the story of the award and the missed opportunity. Turned out they attend Joe's New Year's party every year! Next thing we knew, we were planning a trip to Florida!

Joe and his wife Gay were gracious hosts to a houseful of eclectic guests. Some played guitar or piano or sang. Others sat in circles knitting socks and wrist warmers. The kitchen and dining room were standing-room-only (and well worth it, for the food and drinks!). The biggest surprise of the evening came when one of the guests, who refers to himself as "Juggle Geek", invited us outside to watch him juggle fire!

The whole event was a blast, and I have to believe it bodes well for 2009...

Gene & Lulu

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm a sucker for kitties. Puppies, too. Hamsters, African Gray Parrots, hedgehogs, even snakes. You name it, if it's a critter, I probably love it. Today I got to meet two especially darling critters, Gene and Lulu. I fell for them immediately... I didn't stand a chance...