Still smile every time I see this shot from an engagement session I did in Medford, Oregon a few years back. Makes me SO HAPPY! 
Southern Oregon Engagement Photographer: Reminiscing…
…this is EXACTLY why I’m behind on blogging (& other aspects of life)
Saw this roaming around the other day and had to share. I hope it will shed some light on why blogging takes a back seat these days!
But look at that face! Isn’t she well worth it? I, obviously, think so… xo
January 17, 2012 - 1:15 pm - Oh so poignant. =)
Coronado Family Photography: Adamson Family
One of my sweet family full of friends from back home in Oregon…LOVE THIS FAMILY! xo
The Mia & Clyde Show
Welcome to our morning routine… Hope you’re having a WONDERFUL Christmas season! xo
UPDATE: The Niño Challenge
I just wanted to give a HUGE shout out and thank you to the amazing people, who helped raise a total of $171 towards our goal of $500 in our Nino Challenge. I can’t thank those of you who gave, enough for your generosity and support for Amanda & Giezi’s mission. You are awesome!
I have to admit, I’m a bit saddened that we weren’t able to reach our goal of $500 but I am humbly grateful for the funds we were able to raise. With Mark & I’s matched contribution, I know we have all helped out the Nino’s considerably in their mission to lift up and support the lost children of Mexico.
(and I’m secretly happy our Christmas present money didn’t go to the mall this year!)
Giving: The Niño Challenge
For those of you who’ve known me for a while, or who follow me regularly, you may remember my sweet friend Amanda and her new dashing hubby, Giezi. If you missed their recent engagement shoot with me, check it out here. They are ADORABLE!
Amanda has been one of my very dearest friends ever since I moved to San Diego. She is an honest woman of faith who has devoted her life to serving those in need…and in doing that, she also met the man of her dreams…Giezi, who happens to be on the exact same path in life! I {TRIPLE heart} them! They continuously encourage me to follow what I know is right in my heart…and together they are an amazing example of truly finding out what your gifts are and putting them to use.
So in honor of The Niño’s and all they stand for this holiday season, Mark & I have decided to offer up a challenge:
Rather than give your money to the mall this month, would you please consider helping us in putting it to better use…Help us support The Niño’s in their daily service to those in need! For every dollar you donate to Amanda & Giezi’s efforts, Mark and I will match it…up to $500! And if you feel like donating a million, trillion dollars…? Well, we’ll be stopping by your MANSION in heaven for dinner then.
Here is a quick video that I asked Amanda & Giezi to do in order for you to be able to get to know them and their mission a bit better. If 1/3 of my Facebook friends would agree to donate even just $1, Amanda’s healthcare insurance could be covered for all of 2012…which would make me EXTREMELY happy knowing we’re helping to keep her healthy and moving forward in her & Giezi’s mission to help the youth of Tijuana.
Please understand that The Niño’s are dear personal friends of Mark & I’s. Your money is completely guaranteed to be put to good use helping give the lost children of Mexico a chance to understand, learn and grow in the knowledge that what they see in front of them, isn’t all this world is about. There is more to their life than sex trafficking, abuse, prostitution, drugs and loss. If you’d like to take a moment to learn more about what Amanda & Giezi’s hearts are all about, please check our their sweet blog.
To be a part of our donation challenge, all you have to do is click on this link to donate. When you’re completing the form, please make mention in the “Notes” field that your money is part of the “Niño Challenge”…or something to that regard, so we know to match your gift. Here’s a screen shot of the donation page to give you an idea. SUPER SIMPLE! Your donation is 100% tax deductible and DEEPLY appreciated! We’ll run the challenge for just ONE WEEK…from today until Fri, Dec 16th! Let’s see how much of an impact we can have together!
Ready? Set? GO!!
December 9, 2011 - 11:09 am - Thank you Torie for kicking this off with a great first donation! xo
December 9, 2011 - 11:33 am - You're freakin' amazing. :)
December 9, 2011 - 11:55 am - Thank you, thank you, thank you! Thank you Betsy and Mark, and thank you to all of you who are going to jump in on the challenge. How did we score with such an incredible gift? Oh yeah... God. He is so faithful to work through all of you.
December 9, 2011 - 2:18 pm - Courtney...I love you woman, and YOU also inspire me to do more things like this (hello charity:water?)! Love your heart and your support!
December 9, 2011 - 2:19 pm - Amanda...You, Giezi and your mission is SO incredible and I can't wait to see it grow through this! xo
December 9, 2011 - 6:38 pm - Courtney...THANK YOU for supporting so generously! :)
December 14, 2011 - 2:11 pm - Rebecca...YOU ARE AMAZING!! Thank you for your support & generousity!
December 14, 2011 - 2:12 pm - Morgan, Lena & Mary...Thank you so much! xoxo
December 16, 2011 - 11:06 am [...] thank you to the amazing people, who helped raise a total of $171 towards our goal of $500 in our Nino Challenge. I can’t thank those of you who gave, enough for your generosity and support for Amanda & [...]
San Diego Boudoir Photography: Custom Organic Calendar Project
If you missed Sweet Natalie’s appearance on the blog, months back, you might want to check it out here before you continue… She is simply GORGEOUS! And lucky for me, not only did I get the opportunity to shoot with her, but she also gave me full creative freedom on a custom calendar made JUST FOR HER (actually…just for her MAN to be exact! Lucky him!)!
Once I felt I had a good feel for who Natalie really is and what her heart imagined for her man’s special treat, I teamed up with my talented friend Lori over at Paper & Thread Studio. Lori is always AMAZING at using her creative butterfly net to sculpt whatever hair-brained ideas I have into something perfect. Not only does she have incredible creative talents, but she’s the sweetest person in the world to work with. And for THIS project…all that added up to one beautifully fun time together! I’m so excited to show you what we designed & built…check it out!
December’s image is one of my all-time most favorite boudoir shots…I love how vivacious & beautiful, natural beauty really is!
January’s images were STITCHED together…my new favorite thing! I’ve since experimented at home (under Lori’s tutelage of course!) & made some amazing goodies myself…such fun!
I love the burlap-y fabric on April…it reminds me SO much of that sandy beach! So textural.
These hand-laid bits of lace were a perfect fit for July’s gorgeous lacy bikinis Natalie had on!
Natalie…once again, I’m overwhelmed by how your beauty just glows in camera and in life. THANK YOU for allowing me to capture this season for you and THANK YOU for allowing me to share it so others can experience it as well. You are one in a million, my dear!
Lori…you are an ANGEL to work with! I can’t imagine humbly pouring out my crazy ideas to anyone else and having them “get it” like you seem to do so easily. You are such a special friend and I’m ever grateful for your magic on this project. Thank you!! xo
December 8, 2011 - 4:55 pm - OMG. So beautiful!!! Well done friend.
December 15, 2011 - 1:10 pm - wow! This is the most beautiful calendar I have ever seen! Such stunning photography and gorgeous craftsmanship! :)
December 15, 2011 - 1:36 pm - Thank you THANK YOU LADIES! Such a fun project. :-)
San Diego Wedding Photographer – Sneak Peek: Thiroux Wedding
Love this shot of Friday’s bride and her father… Reminds me of my own very special walk with my doting dad. More to come!
December 2, 2011 - 6:33 am - Those are the perfect moments that make all the memories come back!!!
December 5, 2011 - 1:27 am - Awe, Betsy...I LOVE IT!!
Clyde.
Puppy No. 1 of 2…please meet our Clyde. Standby for mayhem!
December 20, 2011 - 12:28 am - IN LOVE with him! what a cutie!!
All our journeys combined…
Following yesterday’s post I had to share this, which was written by one of my very dear friends who is going through their own bumpy journey in life right now and is a constant source of inspiration to me. Not only are they taking the challenge they are facing in life with grace but they pull together the most beautiful words like this…
I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying. You found it hard to sleep.
I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
“It’s me, I haven’t left you, I’m well, I’m fine, I’m here.”
I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour your tea,
You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.
I was with you at the shops today. Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.
I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to re-assure you, that I’m not lying there.
I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.
I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said “It’s me.”
You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.
It’s possible for me to be so near you each day.
To say to you with certainty, “I never went away.”
You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew…
in the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.
The day is over… I smile and watch you yawning
and say “Good-night, God bless, I’ll see you in the morning.”
And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I’ll rush across to greet you and we’ll stand, side by side.
I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out… then come home to be with me.
To my amazing friend: You continue to bless me time and time again with your friendship, and unending love & support. You are fierce and strong, inspiring and honest, and such a blessing. THANK YOU for your example of how to push through in the most graceful of ways…
by Betsy
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