DOWNSIDE up?

This past Monday, the day before it snowed all day and night, I had the pleasure of leading two workshops for the Professional Photographers of Cape Cod. In the early afternoon I led a discussion and demonstration on album design, and in the evening an experiential creativity workshop.

One of the activities that generated the most intrigue in the creativity workshop was to view a painting upside down, then draw it right side up with your non-dominant hand. It's such a hoot to see what happens when you ask all the professional artist brains in the room (and your mom and sister, who also participated) to do something that's completely new visually, something that's downside up?... or is it upside down?... or is it left to right?... or right to left?

One of the things we discovered is that all of us, even when we're feeling like a zero on the creativity scale, can, with a little nudge and a little willingness, find that spark again, or at least find laughter in trying. Thanks again to the talented, creative, Sarah Thornington of Studio by the Sea in Hyannis for hosting the workshop, and thanks to everyone who joined the fun!

P.S. Missing from the downside up group shot is Deb Troyanos, President of the Professional Photographers of Cape Cod.

Happy Holidays from Carol Lundeen

I invite you to join me in doing the Snoopy dance of joy as we say goodbye to 2008 and welcome 2009, and I challenge you to spend more time doing the things that mean the most to you. Think about it: what experiences would you most value next year? What will you do to make it happen?

Jen and James' Wedding at the Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston

Jennifer Macauley and James Anderson, lovers of French cafes, bivalves, and each other, married at historic King's Chapel in Boston on December 6th, 2008, followed by their elegant celebration at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel. Jen glowed and flowed all night in her one-of-a-kind Daniel Faucher gown bedecked in Swarovski crystals and James couldn't take his eyes of her. While they're off having a ball on their honeymoon, here are a few of the best images for the rest of us to enjoy:

View Jennifer and James' wedding slideshow

Julie Matta and Scott Murray's Newburyport Wedding

Julie and Scott's wedding day footsteps on the streets of Newburyport added their own stamp to the history of this fabled New England town. The preacher was running late, so Scott's brother stepped in to do the honors...or was it planned that way all along? View some of the day's images:

View Julie and Scott's slideshow

Jocelyn and Jake in a Sword Fight at their Mechanics Hall Wedding

Well, they didn't really have their first fight during the wedding, as far as we know, but Jake did have to fight to the death to get his new wife back, as she was kidnapped during cocktail hour. Jake was near defeat in the brutal fight, on his knees, and without his weapon, when Jocelyn came to the rescue, knocking out the enemy with a surprise blow from behind. The reunited couple then flowed into their first dance, and history was made forever. View some of the best images:

View Jocelyn and Jake's slideshow

Carol and Andy's Wedding at the Chatham Bars Inn, Cape Cod

Carol and Andy have found what they've been looking for -- each other -- and it was worth the wait! The warmth of their connection, and those of their friends and families, kept everyone warm on a cool, damp wedding day at the Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod. See some of their best wedding images:

View Carol and Andy's slideshow

Alicia and Leslie's Wedding at Ballroom Veronique

Gargoyles, ghosts, and guests gathered to celebrate the vows of Alicia and Leslie at the Veronique Ballroom on Halloween night, oh yes, and a human birch tree too. You never knew which characters would cross your path next at this marvelous masquerade ball. Check out some of the images:

View Alicia and Leslie's slideshow

Lauren and Bob's Wedding at the Cohasset Golf Club

Lauren and Bob, you got the perfect, sunny (although windy) October day to celebrate your wedding, congratulations! You look quite delightful and comfortable together, and your family and friends rocked the night away. To view some of the best images of the event, use the link below:

View Lauren and Bob's slideshow

Jane Crudden and Bruce Carson's Cape Cod Wedding

Jane Crudden and Bruce Carson hardly felt a rain drop as they sheltered each other in love on their wedding day on Cape Cod. Their Chatham location resonated with meaning, as it was kind of the cottage that Jane's mother had always dreamed of, and Jane's dad played in the Cape Cod baseball league nearby. Jane and Bruce's parents, though not present physically, were very much part of day and would have been honored, delighted, and so proud of the two of them. I welcome you to have a look at some of the best images of the day:

View Jane and Bruce's slideshow