Top 5 things I learned in 2009

What did I learn or re-learn in 2009?

As huge snowflakes are hurtling down just outside my window, I realize
I have many more choices than I usually allow myself to believe. Like most of us, I have self-limiting beliefs that sometimes stop me from going for what I really want. My next list will be of the things (experiences mostly, rather than material things) that I really want. For example, I really want to journal every day, but stop myself because I think, "I don't have time for that today."

I'm reminded that every day, right out in my own backyard, little miracles are happening every moment. Like fireflies glowing under our spreading Norway maple tree every dusk in July, and ferns unfold new fronds in April so fast you can practically hear them.

I love learning. I crave the stimulation - while meeting new people and old friends - and I love exploring things that are new to me.

I'm reminded that making new friends and keeping the old is better than just making new friends.

I'm reminded that every day is a gift, and it's up to me to create joy. I have this quote hanging in my sunny kitchen by Maya Angelou: "I am working toward a time when everything gives me joy." Me too.

Whew - Wedding Albums and Prints are Shipped...Mostly!

Today, I'm breathing a sigh of relief. Thank you for your patience with your albums and print orders. Some of you have received your album(s) and print orders already. For others, your goodies are on the way, in the busy hands and trucks of various delivery services. For others, I'm sorry to say I've had to triage production, and those orders that had a realistic chance of being delivered before Christmas got top priority. The good news is that a new production cycle is beginning, so now is a great time to touch base, give me a nudge, and get your project moving again. Please let me know if you have any questions or what I can do to help.

Cheers!

Pet Cabaret Portraits Now Online

Hey, dog fans, if I photographed you or your doggie at the Pet Cabaret last month, you can now view all of the images, not just the best ones, at Pictage.com They're having a PRINT SALE by the way!

Family Portraits and Milk and Cookies at Roslindale's Colorwheel Collection

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of photographing families' holiday portraits at Roslindale's Colorwheel Collection, a neighborhood shop for newborns and toddlers. All children are welcome in the shop, and if your timing is good, you may find milk and cookies that even grown ups can enjoy.

More Pet Portraits at Roslindale's Pet Cabaret

And now, the pet portraits you've all been waiting from the Pet Cabaret's winter holiday portrait day. Don't worry, I've ordered your holiday cards and prints and enlargements and they're on the way with your CD's. And please give me another couple of days to post all of the unedited images of the day - I'll add a link to this blog post. Happy tail wagging.

And be sure to vote for your favorite portrait in the poll below! The most popular pet portrait will win a mystery prize at the store.










































VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITES!

Come to the Pet Cabaret for your Holiday Portrait

Last Sunday, the Pet Cabaret's do-it-yourself washroom in Roslindale became a hilarious, cutest-ever holiday portrait studio. I was on my hands and knees and belly all day, getting at eye level with the parade of two and four-leggeds who came in for some holiday cheer. All of the dogs and kids and grown ups were my favorite, each in there own unique ways, but here are a couple to tease you just a little. Check in later for more - and vote for your favorite!

Matthews Family Portraits - Happy Anniversary Theresa and George!

What a better occasion for a family portrait than a BIG anniversary? Theresa and George don't at all look like they've been together a quarter century, do they?Check out some of the unretouched session proofs:
View the Matthews slideshow

Free portrait sessions at Colorwheel Collection this Saturday

The Colorwheel Collection, a children's clothing store in Roslindale, and Carol Lundeen Photography have collaborated to offer you a free family holiday portrait. The 30-minute sessions will take place at the store at 4266 Washington Street from 11-2 p.m. During the session you can take advantage of special pricing on holiday cards and prints, as well as store specials. Please call the store at (617) 312-1783 asap to reserve your spot, as spaces are limited.

Jennifer Vallely and Gene Dorr's wedding and reception at the Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Cod

Comfort, joy, and love describe Jennifer Vallely and Gene Dorr's wedding. They had a perfectly foggy Chatham day on Cape Cod for their celebration at the harbor side Chatham Bars Inn. Here are a couple of my favorite photographs, and a link to a slideshow of even more.

VIEW JENNIFER AND GENE'S SLIDESHOW

VIEW JENNIFER AND GENE'S SLIDESHOW

Laura Shannon and Kevin Bardon's wedding engagement session at Duxbury Beach

Imagine a perfect late summer evening at the beach with no bugs, no crowds, and no limit on having fun with the camera. Cutie pies Laura Shannon and Kevin Bardon and I got together at Duxbury Beach for the couple's wedding engagement portrait session. Their wedding will take place next spring at the Lighthouse Inn in Dennis on Cape Cod.

Here are a few of my favorites - but I'm really curious what your favorites are - so let Laura and Kevin know.

And, check out a slideshow of even more great shots:

VIEW LAURA AND KEVIN'S WEDDING ENGAGEMENT PORTRAITS SLIDESHOW

Michelle McInness and Chris Bullock's New Seabury Wedding, Cape Cod

Michelle and Chris seem to feel the comfort of having known each other since they were kids, and while they were apart for years, they never forgot how they made each other feel inside. Chris tracked Michelle down one final time, and they celebrated their wedding yesterday at the Popponesset Inn at New Seabury on Cape Cod. Here's a few of my favorite shots of these cutie pies, as well as a slideshow of more images:

VIEW MICHELLE AND CHRIS' WEDDING SLIDESHOW

VIEW MICHELLE AND CHRIS' WEDDING SLIDESHOW

Hartman Family Portraits - A First Time for Everything

There's a first time for everything. For one-year old Lila, it was her first time standing between her parents, taking their hands, and walking together as a family. Lila's face glowed in delight with every step. If only Lindsay and Jeremy, Lila's mom and dad, could have seen their daughter's face. Now they can, because I was there, too, photographing this moment at their home in Framingham, glowing with my own delight at witnessing such a timeless but once in a lifetime milestone. Have a look:

VIEW A SLIDESHOW OF THE HARTMAN FAMILY PORTRAITS OF 2009

VIEW A SLIDESHOW OF THE HARTMAN FAMILY PORTRAITS OF 2009

Bekah and David's Seaport Hotel Wedding in Boston

Bekah Parker and David Wilansky seem to be a bit camera shy, but get them and their loved ones together to celebrate their wedding and you have a couple who glows all day long, no matter how many cameras are snapping away. The Seaport Hotel in Boston played host to the elegant festivities. Here are some of my favorite images of the day:

VIEW BEKAH AND DAVID'S SLIDESHOW

VIEW BEKAH AND DAVID'S SLIDESHOW