It’s something I hear- a lot. Especially when I have my monster 150-600mm sports lens on my camera body so that I can shoot from the back of the room or from across the field. Someone- usually a gentleman- will call out, “That’s a nice camera!” My go-to reply has become, “Thanks! I taught it everything it knows!” I know it’s a snarky reply, but it’s true! I have taught my otherwise inanimate camera how to take photos.

By now I’m sure y’all have noticed that I LOVE to read (current read is ‘Gone with the Wind’ by Margaret Mitchell). I’ve written a few blog posts about the books I’ve read and my favorites. As far back as I can remember, I’ve loved to read. And Belle’s love of reading is one of the main reasons I love this movie so much!

Artists are always asked a few standard questions about their art: ‘What inspires you?’ and ‘Who inspires you?’ Well, I’m still figuring out the complete answers to those questions, but I can tell you that one of the artists I love most is Beatrix Potter.

Good Morning! I figured today would be a great day to give y’all a family update, especially since I haven’t done that in a while.

Every year, on March 1st (or 2nd if the 1st is a Sunday!) the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District comes around and opens all of the flood control gates so that all of the farmers and ranchers up and down the Rio Grande River Valley can begin to irrigate and flood their fields to prepare for the Spring planting season. For all of us, this is a sure sign that Spring is just around the corner- and it’s one of those annual markers I was just writing about over here!

One of the things that I most enjoy doing (beside taking photos and reading) is quilting. I love selecting the colors and patterns, and watching as each block comes together to form a beautiful quilt top that can then be painted with even more shapes and patterns through the quilting process. More so, though, I love the time I get to spend with my mom and the stories that form as we work on our blocks together.

I never knew my dad’s parents- they both passed away before I was born. I only know the stories that my aunts and cousins tell of them. But, I did get to know my mom’s parents incredibly well. Grandma stayed home to take care of my brother and I until we were old enough to stay home alone. She came to every band concert, every football game, and almost every other important event in my life, right up until I graduated high school. She was at my wedding, and she was even there in the delivery room on the night I became a mommy. She’s still here. Teaching us about love, hard work, and having your own inner strength.

In past posts, I’ve shared about how our small town life means that we are connected- and interconnected- with a LOT of people, both friends and family. And, it’s true! And, I really do love this aspect of life in a small town, because there is always someone to visit with, help, or to provide help. But, another thing that I love about living in our small town is that there is a certain rhythm to the days, weeks, months, and years here. I know it sounds crazy, but stay with me here!

In my mind, I’ve begun this post a million times, and in just as many ways, but now that I’m actually writing it, my mind’s gone blank so I’m winging it. 

Justin and I will be celebrating our 9th anniversary this April 24th, and every day I am reminded of a reason I’m grateful to have married my best friend. Our ceremony took place at the UNM Alumni Memorial Chapel, and our reception took place in Ballroom C of the College Union Building. 

This year, in addition to serving as your photographer, I’ve set myself the challenge of reading 36 NEW (well, at least new to me...) books. I have a habit of re-reading books I love multiple times- which is great- but, there are so many new books published every year, and so many on my to-be-read list, that I need to add new books! So, here are the first 6 I’ve finished:

I recently went through the re-branding process, and as part of that process, I had to define my purpose as a photographer. Why did I become a photographer? What did I want my goal with my clients to be? What was most important to me about photography? 

There are some books that simply stick with you, no matter what. “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline is one that will stick with me for quite a while to come.