Janine organized to have her grandchildren photographed, along with her children, herself and her mom. It was an act of love.
So of course I was going to write about the photographs my grandparents organized to have with me, my siblings and cousins, and the poofy (goofy?) dress that made me feel so special. But instead I will leave you with this - which my friend, photo assistant, and photographer in Powell River reminded me of:
"Requesting a photograph, or to be in one, is an act of love."
Jennifer Dodd wrote a beutiful blog post about this, and you can and should read it HERE.
The two cousins, Maci and Jordyn, what great friends they will be.
Maci steals the spotlight and then cuddles in with the four generations - seriously beautiful eye genes - stunning women! I get sentimental when I think about what this photo will mean to Maci when she is older.
So, around here, we are obviously pretty passionate about people having photos of themselves, I am reminded often why they are so very important. Around here, we also super appreciate all of you - we really do, Christine and I talk often about how we could so win the "best clients ever" award, and one more thing, around here, we like to give back to the community and raise awareness of the charities that make a huge difference in our community.
A charity that I am becoming increasingly aware of the importance of is Comox Valley Hospice, it was a really natural fit to pick them as the benefactors.
We are scooping out some fabulous goodness on this one folks. Seriously!! You end up with a high resolution photo of yourself looking fabulous, and on top of it, our party sponsor, BodyNetix is going to rock you out with a free pass to one of their Hot Yoga Classes, of which we are big fans.
Good deal? I would say so. The only glitch is that it will fill up fast.
So if you are interested please email us your name (email, not facebook messages or calls,) and preferred time slot. You can drop in anytime during that slot. We will shoot you an email back within two days, giving you a bit more information - such as clothing studio, and well, in case you haven't been, where the studio is.
info@mckinnonphotography.com
Just interested in the mini session on the 26th. Working nights the day before so prefer latest in the day. Cheers. Kara
(03.15.11 @ 02:08 PM)Hello Kara, thanks for your interest - they filled up crazy fast, so we are full - but I am thinking this just may have to be an annual event
Hello Kara, thanks for your interest - they filled up crazy fast, so we are full - but I am thinking this just may have to be an annual event
This morning I woke with high productivity hopes. I made a smoothie, poured my coffee and headed into the office. There is work to be done and I love my work, so it shouldn't be hard.
Truly though. I have been sitting here, for 30 minutes. Just sitting. Feeling sad, and moved. I have received the most beautiful notes in my in-box this week. The sweetest bits of love.
I feel it, and it is beautiful, and I am thankful. Bless you.
I have a document on my desktop full of photos of a beautiful friend which we lost this week. I hate that, and I hate that it is paralysing me.
But it will pass.
This week I will feel sad. Tired. Confused. Chances are you have figured out that I am not one to shield my emotions, tucking them away doesn't seem to work. Although I am sure it can make me look a bit socially awkward at times (sorry to those of you that were in the Bodynetix class I cried through,) it is one thing about myself I never wish to change.
I know many of you are feeling it as well. I say bring it on, rage, cry, laugh, journal. It's the best way - sometimes it's just what we need.
I have many sessions to blog. For those of you waiting. Please just wait.
xoxoxox - K
Karen, I love your honesty and openness about where you are at, your struggles and your highs. Please remember to take your own advise to rage, cry, love, journal, and know that there are so many people right now who are lifting you up and loving you! Big hugs for you.
(03.09.11 @ 08:05 AM)You're an amazing woman. Keep living in the moment and being real. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Lots of hugs and love to you.
(03.09.11 @ 09:09 AM)You are amazing, and don't change a thing about you! I am thinking about all of you who were close to Jenn and her family! I barely knew Jenn and I am sad and lost with her passing as well! Big hugs to you and take all the time you need
xoxox
love you. xo
(03.09.11 @ 03:38 PM)Last night, the dear to so many, Jenn, passed away. For all of you that sent her love, helped money be raised and hold her and her family in your prayers, know that you made a huge difference. Your love was and is felt.
To Jenn,
Thank you for all that you gave us. We will see you often. Rest well. Love K.
It has been a long time since I had to share challenging news here on this little blog community. It is monday morning, take this news and walk with your eyes open wider this week and your heart a little softer. Smile because her family and this community was given a bright star like Jenn. To be honest, I will waver between sadness, anger and peace, but I will also carry a smile and warmth with me.
xoxoxoxo
Beautiful Karen! Truly a loss for this world. She left such beautiful footprints in all our hearts.
(03.07.11 @ 08:05 AM)Well said Karen.
(03.07.11 @ 08:09 AM)Beautiful words Karen. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jenn, but I will always hold a piece of her in my heart for being such an inspiration to so many of us.
(03.07.11 @ 08:14 AM)Oh, I am so terribly sorry and saddened for her loved ones. I didn't even know her but followed her battle, and really felt like I did know her through her blog. The world sure lost an amazing women. Brave, articulate and lovely in every single way. Prayers to her family and her sweet boy Coady.
She touched the lives of more people then most do in a lifetime.
It amazes me the way you and the rest of the community rallied around Jenn and her family. You all demonstrated such love for them and each other by your actions. That kind of love is something to be admired and I know the family will cherish that forever as they spend each day holding onto the memory of her. I know your heart is hurting and if i were closer, I'd hug you so that you knew that while I can't take away your sadness over losing someone special that I can remind you that you are also loved and cherished.
(03.07.11 @ 09:12 AM)Yesterday afternoon my sister shared Jenn's blog with her teenage daughter. As a young woman my niece was inspired and moved to a happier place because of the words that Jenn has shared in her blogging! Jenn's life has touched so many .... even those who did not get the privilege of meeting her. Holding you and others I know who knew Jenn in my heart and prayers Karen!
(03.07.11 @ 09:34 AM)Thank you Karen. Our lives are all so blessed to have known and loved Jenn.
(03.07.11 @ 11:18 AM)Thank you Karen for your beautiful blog. I followed Jenn's story and am so saddened to hear that she will no longer be in person to raise her little boy or hug her husband. I didn't know Jenn but have felt strengthened and inspired by her spirit throughout her journey. As one person already wrote, she sure left beautiful footprints behind.
(03.07.11 @ 01:32 PM)Karen, I agree that Jenn would be touched by the blog contribution...I think it is like talking her love language. That is a gift. Priceless. Thanks for stepping out of your comfort zone a little. xo
(03.07.11 @ 02:37 PM)I first learned of Jenn's journey through a post by you. I am grateful to you for sharing. I know at times, it can seem like blogging is just writing words to the wind. Know that it isn't. Know that words shared have the power to change the course of lives. Can change, can do good. Can be inspiring. Know that you are inspiring. I've followed Jenn's blog and her last entry will serve to so many people as a constant reminder to be AWESOME. To be, more. That should be shared, and you are a part of that. My heart, truly goes out to all of you grieving. Thank you for your beautiful heart. xoox
(03.07.11 @ 07:32 PM)I am so saddened to read this news, I never had the priviledge of meeting jenn but I did get to read her blog every now and again, which gave me goose bumps every time I read it. Wow, what a women, mother and strong individual, not to mention amazing,talented and the list goes on ;-) Jenn you will always be rememered and I send my thoughts, prayers and love out to all your family and friends. I will miss reading your blogs and seeing what new adventure you are on but I do know you have made such a different to so many lives you touched and those you didnt' even get to meet.
xo
beautiful post Karen xo
xoxoxoxo
(03.09.11 @ 08:32 AM)Coady and I visited your site today as CBC (Charlottetown) was filming us and I was swept away as Coady reiterated the story I told him after he simply pointed out that "mommy is broken". "Yes she is", I said as we both looked over her body. A few days later he asked, "where's mommy?" My heart skipped a beat. The weak part of me hoped I wouldn't have to explain. I barely understood myself. "She's up in the stars," I explained, "but mommy loves you very much." "Can I go to the stars with her?" he asked. "No, Coady. You have to stay here with me, but someday you'll see her." It was the best I could do, and, as he repeated these things to me today, I painfully pleasant tears ran down my face.
Thanks for having these pictures so easily available for us to see together. I'm planning on using many of them for a Love for Jenn Website. Thanks again.
I can't wait to hug you big and have you over for a girl power dinner. Thank you for that super sweet heart touching email.
(03.28.11 @ 01:46 PM)