This is a special one. Quinn's folks Mark and Dawn first came into my life when I photographed their wedding four years ago. Shortly afterwards their first child Reese entered into the world, earlier than planned and with complications that nobody expected, it was a hard time, full of worry and exhaustion.
So when Quinn came into this world, healthy, strong and with much more ease, it was such a gift.
Mark and Dawn, hadn't had that beautiful experience of bringing a newborn home, and easing a new addition into their life, but now they have and they are filled with such gratitude for their two healthy daughters.  The look in Dawn's face as I photographed Quinn and her big sister Reese brought me to tears.

Mark, Dawn, just thinking about you and your girls gives me goosebumps. Thank you for the privilege of letting me create images for you.

With love, Karen

(check out my buddy Reese's sceptical look on the photo on the left, love it!)

A little sun + two birthdays between the three of us +  a funky location + lots of chit-chat (sorry Ian, if Justine and I wore you out with our banter,) + some climbing + precarious placement of equipment + a gorgeous stylish couple who couldn't stop laughing + a duo who click so easily together =





  

Oh, where to start with all the love. The love list is a necessary part of the blog, or else I go all evangelical to people about all the goodness around.


1. Sweet Kari creates Sweet Clips. Kari, whose wedding I photographed, is a creator, a do-er, she pretty much crafted-up a tsunami when it came to her wedding. When they moved to the little town of Sayward and she became a mom, she still needed to create and of course it was something adorable - lovely little hair clips. She loves to bake as well, but of course you can't sell baking in Etsy. Check out her very reasonably priced girls hair clips, they would be a super cute accessory for any photo session.

2. I need to be a woman on the town for the next week, because there is so much going on.
The crew at Vanier is putting on the musical Crazy for You - it  will be top-notch. I have seen many of these teens perform before and they are going to give er'. The crew behind the scenes includes Lindsey Sterk from Panutso Dance, so I know it will be fantastic.  Seriously, if you haven't checked out the local high-school performances you are going to be really impressed.
It is being performed at the Isfeld Theatre April 13 to 17 with 7 p.m. evening shows and a 2 p.m. matinée show on Saturday the 17th. Tickets are available at Vanier, Videos 'n More in Comox, Laughing Oyster Book Shop in Courtenay and Alley Cuts in Cumberland.

3. Sarah, over at Hillbilly Jillies reminded me about Sweet Bites, which I first discovered at the Cumberland Bakery. While the incredible apple fritters screamed my name, and stared me down, I was able to find resistance with a Sweet Bites, according to their web-site Sweet Bites are organic, raw, vegan, wheat free, soy free and free of processed sugar. I am not supposed to have any processed sugar and have a massive sweet tooth,  These aren't quite the same as an Avenue Sticky Date Pudding (arguably one of the best desserts in the Valley,) but they are really good and they don't make me have an allergic reaction, and I can keep one in my purse (take that date pudding!)

Here is a favorite from a little session I shot awhile back, more of it to come on the blog this week.

 
 

I have so much to blog, photos, a love list, news, stories - I haven't even blogged Mexico photos yet - oy vay!

Last week was birthday week and as per my pal and client Monica's request I need to fill you all in on how you can have your own "birthday Week Goodness"

My pal Vanessa and I made the move from birthDAY to birthday WEEK about five years ago. It just seemed practical.

For example, say your hot water tank brakes on your birthday. Well, if you only have birthDAY you are hooped, even if you try to stay positive all day, who really can fake a smile when there is a pile of water in your living room and a $1000 unexpected expense. But if you have birthday week you can roll with it much easier.

How many of us have time to connect with all the people we adore? Well in comes birthday week, where you make an effort to organize breaky out, coffee and martini time with pals you haven't seen in a while.

I make a resolution on my birthday, not on new year's so I definitely need some coveted alone time to formulate it, something birthday week can provide.

A few tips to rockin' your birthday WEEK.
The first move in birthday week is to pick up a book based purely on the cover - no standing among the shelves doing the should I or shouldn't I - no over thinking - just grab that guilty pleasure, then hit the coffee shop and soak up some alone reading time. 
As a mom and the cook in the crew, I try to accommodate all the family's food requests and dislikes - but not during birthday week. I am not mean about it or anything, I just make what I like and point anyone who isn't on-board towards a grilled cheese sandwich.
A big icing on the birthday week celebration is the birthday box. Vanessa, who lives in Whitehorse and I send each other a box with seven gifts, one for each day, we have a price cap, but no other limits, it is a joy.
Now if you are a hubby or boyfriend reading this, don't panic, We don't put the pressure of birthday week on you. It is up to  the birthday girl to make her week marvellous. Although, being the one to make the coffee during this time is a good move, as is extra love and a few random gifts (call John, he can coach you.)

In all seriousness I had a wonderful birthday two weeks, actually. My sister made me a lovely dinner, I squeezed in a trip to Victoria with my sister, bought some much needed clothing, had  dinner with friends and family, and was the recipient of lots of love and  awesome gifts this year - from things I needed to frivolous goodies.

To top it off I had some really phenomenal photo sessions.

Such as this one with Ian and Justine,  whose wedding I have the privilege of photographing this summer.
Here is part one of their sneak peek, such gorgeousness you two!
More of Ian and Justine to come later.

 

UPDATE:
The Celebrate Mothers Day is SOLD OUT - thank you for all your interest!

I don't know how often I hear from Mothers that there are no photos of them! It saddens me actually, because I know how much I appreciate the photos of my mom and my mom and I together and I know how much your children love you!
Moms, you are everything to your children. You deserve, they deserve, to have photos of you. Photos of you that you love, that celebrate you and/or your special bond with your child.

So, introducing, Celebrating Mothers Mini-Sessions.