Each time I run into someone they say, wow, "you sure are having a busy summer" - well yes we are, work has been busy, but this is the best summer I have ever had as far as life/work balance.

Work:

This summer has brought some amazing connections, I have been photographing the kindest, funnest, most amazing people. I have had two new assistants join our crew, and they have blown me away with their dedication and commitment to my clients and their own photography growth.

More so then ever things are running smooth as butter in the office. Part of that has to do with experience, but a huge part of it I owe to Christine. She keeps things on track so that when I pop in for my office hours I can get right to it. Working hand-in-hand with Christine to keep things ticking, is my I-Phone. I debated it for months, do I want to be always plugged in? I talked it over with the family, and we realized if it would give me freedom it was a go. Not to sound like a commercial, but the I-Phone, and a re-jig of our calendar system (thanks to Matt at Covaltek Computers) has changed my life.  

disclaimer to Christine : You are so much more important than my i-phone, but please don't ever make me choose

What is really keeping us hopping here in the office is the jigsaw puzzle known as the fall calendar. We work very hard to accommodate our clients availability and balance it with my important role as "mom". We are currently booking well into fall for weekends. If you are available weekdays we may be able to accommodate you earlier and we always leave room for maternity sessions and newborns.

The other part of my life:

This summer has brought so much down time with the kids, that I am mourning the onset of school. Although I pictured a summer filled with days at the lake, what we found that our family needed most was home time - waking up late, going with the flow, and staying as unscheduled as possible.  I fought it at first, because I wanted to be supermom, but I gave in to the title of chilled out mom and it has been beyond sweet.

We have also had wonderful visitors - my sister, cousins, the in-laws and our friends Jen and Kevin.  Really and honestly, my in-laws are wonderful
 
Last month my partner John finished school (yay John) and is now working away. He is here for five days, gone for seven. As far as I was concerned, he couldn't leave quick enough (John please read on.. I really do love you.) Although we miss him, this works very well for our family, as having him 150% available to us for five days is a total treat. I also am a loner. No really ... I am. I need my time alone, or else I turn really nasty ... suddenly. So, now when the kids are in bed, I have nights where I don't have to talk to anyone. It's like a mini-spa retreat - complete with True Blood episodes and complete control over any music choices.
After seven day, I am jumping up and down to see John.


As for blog posts, there are many to come in the next few days - and I know there are some very anxious clients, stay tuned 
 

I have a group of pals, that I value SO strongly, they are the book club gals, every woman should have a book club crew - I guarantee they will quickly start holding a place of deep honor in your life.

We just welcomed a new one into the book club family, little Myla. I have photographed her brother before and he is full of personality and an absolute stunner, and when I look at Myla I see a mini version of her big brother. She is beyond adorable!

Bevin, Reza, you make beautiful babies and I am so glad I am the lucky one who gets to photograph them. I am looking forward to seeing the personality this beauty brings into your wonderful family.

Let me start by telling you that I am a city girl, I even had serious plans to move to New York after college.

Now, let me tell you about my day.

Last night, for the first time in my career I injured myself, to the point where I wasn't sure how it would impact my work. I gave myself a third degree ankle sprain and a fracture. Late in the evening I took myself to the hospital.

My experience was a positive one, and it had me thinking about how community can cushion the blow.

I walked into the hospital and saw familiar faces. I was a bit of a wreck, exhausted, stressed and in pain. I was amazed at the care and attention that was given and left feeling re-assured and  better (if they ever offer you the pain killer shot say yes.) They totally understood, not to belittle anybody else's life, that my life is totally not-conducive to injuries that have you sitting on the couch.

This morning, rather than buy the $200 air cast I facebooked a call out for a loaner or a used one. Within the hour, the lovely Janine, who I have only met a few times, popped up offering hers. It was missing a tool needed to set it up, so after picking it up, I zipped back to emergency and they happily loaned me one.

I can't help but think that in the city, I would be driving an hour to borrow one, have to park far away at emergency and work hard to get them to loan me a little tool.  And what would have been the chance that someone I have met only a few times would go out of their way to loan me something?

So, this small town girl is very, very happy now. It's all good and I am even going to be able to make it to my 6 p.m. shoot.

And because posts are better with pictures, here is one of Utah looking rather strange, that's what happens when she tries to be fierce.


 

Selah, who has taken a huge interest in my work, noticed how busy we have been in the office  and overheard us talking about how at this time of year we have both 2010 and 2011 on the brain so she took the initiative to help us out.  So just in case the clipboards, two dedicated computer programs and binder's aren't enough, we now have a custom made booklet.



 

I have been avoiding this post, even though I knew it was coming. Am I really going to blog about makeup?
A post about makeup from the gal that is lucky if she has her lipstick on straight and puts on her makeup while, brushing her teeth, talking to the kids and drinking coffee?

You betcha. This is a post about makeup and I am writing it loud and proud.

I know more about hair and makeup and styling then I ever thought I would. It comes with the job. Yet, I clearly hadn't used my knowledge for my own good. A look at my pitiful makeup container would give me away. My mascara is so old it probably isn't even healthy to use. And as for that eyeshadow I have that is sparkly and ends up on all parts of my faces it shouldn't - what was I thinking?

So, Christine and I made an appointment with Crystal at Roots and told her to set us up. Crystal has been working with us doing make-up for all the Bella Sessions you have seen on the blog. She also does the makeup for many of the brides we photograph. We are always blown away by her work and professionalism.

She went through some make-up steps with us, yes, make-up lessons, and sent us packing with a bag of Jane Iredale Mineral makeup.

It was such a nice thing to do for ourselves, I can't recommend it highly enough. Crystal will put you right at ease and leave you feeling like a million bucks. I wish I had done it a long time ago.

The best part of this new makeup is how good it feels on your skin, and that it seems to stay in place for longer than four hours.

Now, when I run into you please be kind. Don't scrutinize my appearance expecting my face to be a canvas of  makeup artistry . However, chances are I won't have mascara running under my eyes by mid-day and sparkles where they shouldn't be.

You can contact Crystal at Roots, let her know we sent you, for a complimentary consultation.