Granted, my first impression was tainted. I rushed full boar to get to Ummelina International Day Spa. Hurry up and relax. My life’s motto.
Still, I had been savoring the thought of this day. Knowing I have a message as often as schedule allows, the talented Heather Quintans gave me this incredibly generous gift after photographing her family. (No bonuses please! Just tell your friends.)

Chik and Heather Quintans’ adorable family. Thank you, from every muscle and tendon in my body!

Feeling good to arrive on-time after a hectic day, I was confused upon entering the building. Where do I enter? Then I had to wait 20 minutes to simply access a dressing room.
From then on, Ummm. Soft light, calming music, lightly scented candles dancing from nooks and crannies. The best part was the divine Molly McMartin, Massage Guide extraordinaire. In a co-ed parlor (bring you sweetheart!) she starts with a lightly scented foot soak and hydrating rub. Then off to the private room. Heat pad under torso, heated towl on my back, she begins applying just the right pressure to the carefully chosen spots. She asked good questions and listened intently. After leaving in a state above reality, I was led next door to the private Monsoon Shower, stocked with many of Ummelina’s bath products. Finally, we end the session back in the parlor, heated neck pillow seeping into my much used shoulders. (Think “heavy camera bag”.)

Congratulations to Ummelina’s on their new business location: Yakima WA wine country, nestled inside the same building as the Hilton Garden Inn! This means you can use the pool and exercise equipment too.  Take a dip, sip some wine, message divine! Hope to see you there!

Ellie has asthma: diagnosed by desparate attempts to barely inhale air into lungs. Horrified parents “help” while petrifying a previously trusting girl.

In the ER at Children’s Hospital we initially had no idea what was going on. The nurse gave us the face mask to put over Ellie’s nose and mouth and left us alone in the room. Elle struggled with all her might to free herself, pleading with us to help, yet confused that we were the ones forcefully holding her down pushing a scary mask over her mouth and nose. Sweat dripped off all of us. Especially off Tim who was relegated to straight jacket duty. I was in tears sympathizing with Ellie’s fear, confusion and her use of the signs we had been teaching her: STOP! I imagined we were forcing her to inhale something that was painful, or worse, harmful. Without thinking, I donned the mask for a few minutes to relieve my nervousness, and hopefully calm hers. With so many friends and family in the medical field, I’ve heard more than my fair share of “medical mistake” stories.

A fabulous book exists called It’s My Body. It teaches kids to trust their feelings. If uncomfortable, a child is given several ways to express herself. One of them is to put up her hand and, if using words yet, say firmly “Stop!” Together, all of us had been reading this helpful book for 3 or 4 days previous when this first asthma attack put us in the emergency room. That awful day my girl was not practicing her new skill, she was DEMANDING it in only the way I would hope she would, to no avail. Her face reflected devastation that her parents were the non-complying adults. Anguish ridden and feeling distraught, we vowed never again to let the nurse leave before telling us how to administer treatment, then to cope with this breech of trust. Unfortunately, after too many attacks, we’ve honed our skills. Fortunately, we now know more about preventing the attacks in the first place. I’m inhaling now, with great relief. While she has eczema (often the two go together), we haven’t seen asthma for about a year. Our bodies have relaxed, but thankfully not from sheer exhaustion.

I brought my camera because I imagined the worst. Having already had a sister and mother die prematurely, I didn’t want to be without precious images. Still, I didn’t even think of the camera until after the storm subsided.

Ellie with Martha on our porch. We were dog sitting for our good buds, Margaret & Scott Bright. Ellie loved every minute.

Finally. It opened tonight!!! Like a child I’ve been awaiting the opening of the new Phinney Farmers Market, hosted in the parking lot of the PNA at 66th and Phinney Ave N. We bought a radio flyer red wagon on Craigslist, allegedly for Ellie’s 3rd birthday, but let’s face it. I’ve always wanted one, and so has Tim. Carrying Market goods and a 3 year old– perfect excuse! I changed my babysitting coverage for Friday so Ellie and I could shop and then meet Tim for a tasty dinner.

The produce was largely organic, all local, and freshly picked. The cheese was easily sampled, expensive but worth it. The breads and baked goods were fresh, organic, wholesome AND tasty. The crepes were to die for. (Oh, to have nine lives…) The thin crust pizza’s were cooked in brick ovens and filled the Market with intense aromas.
The best part was the community camaraderie. I saw so many enjoyable people, both known and new to me. Clients, neighbors, former pre-school parents and kids, future pre-school parents, and friendly people I shared a table with over dinner, coming in waves. I felt like I was enjoying a giant neighborhood party. I can say, knowing it will incorrectly sound like an exaggeration, that I was touched to my inner-being. This is exactly the “center” I’ve been craving for. Best of all, I only rarely work on Fridays, so I plan to make this a weekly event.

Betsy and I have been great friends for about 15 years. (She’s the kind of person who can tell you the day we started rowing together. I, however, have to add “give or take 3 years”.)There is nothing better than friendship. Betsy and Kim invited Tim, Ellie and me to their sweet, rustic cabin in Moclips, WA. Married ocean-side, these two could not have purchased a more appropriate cabin setting than this. Being her usual social self, Betsy also invited friends staying at a local Inn to join us for a happy hour. It was a ball meeting Chris Collins and his two kids. Oh my GOD, I haven’t laughed so much in a long time.

Bets and Kim grab a moment.

Ellie dreaming of longer legs.

Rebecka relaxing.

Henry being a good sport for the photographer.

Ahhh, to be seaside.

Ellie eating sealife. Or a stick, rock, pencil.

Chris and Henry having a sweet snuggle. At 9, these are brief!

Tazo and Betsy share the soon to be retired couch. Uh oh. Have YOU ever tried to un-train a couch-dog? The new red couch is sure to actually be black and red.

Ellie and Daddy. A daddy’s girl from her first moment in life. I enjoy the wonderful number two spot though!

Ellie emerges victorious from her struggle with the shark.

We live one minute from the zoo, so it was an easy decision to go have fun with thousands of other bambinos yesterday at the amazing Woodland Park Zoo. Aside from the steroid-induced design and budget for the new parking garage, (had to get that jab in!) the zoo makes for a fabulous neighbor. The call of the tiger heard from our front porch and even the smell of dung during our morning runs causes us to smile. Well, fun was had, but smiles weren’t my objective during the Bunny Bounce. As my long-term clients know, I like moody shots in addition to the classic big smile.

OK, I’ll put one smile in this collection.

Our Ellie-Belly. The only child I know in this post.

Every photographer or hobbiest who buys new camera gear makes a decision. What to do with the old and replaced. I use these retired old Canon bodies and lenses on days like today. Heavy misting rain along with blustering winds makes keeping a camera dry impossible. Putting the camera and lens in a plastic bag with a hole cut out for the lens helps. I don’t want to be afraid to shoot on sandy beaches, on dirty, dusty trails, on canoe trips, or in our ever-present rain. The next time someone asks why some of my gear looks like it gone through the ringer, well…

Expressiveness isn’t limited to smiles.

Ellie Explorer.

Just checking in!

Soaked and smiling! Love that girl!!!

This old Canon 70-200 lens and 20D still capture sharp, vibrant color, even when wet, dropped, and near freezing. Hell, I’m not sure why I bought a new one. OK, the image stabilization and faster aperture had something to do with it. With Seattle’s ever wet days, I’m glad to have a lens I’m willing to risk. But I sure wish Canon would start sponsoring me!

Life sure can throw a powerful curve ball leaving us helpless and woeful. Such were my feeling when loosing my sister and then mother to cancer. But last night, no such gloom was present. A group of photographers met at Souluminations, where good nature, sensitivity, and generosity overflow.

Soulumination celebrates life! Here photographers volunteer to help families when their child is threatened with end of life. While memory may fade, photographs help each child live on. Soulumination charges nothing to the families, but is funded solely by donations. If you know of a grieving family, or one who might like to donate in hopes of comforting someone else, please visit Souluminations.

Big news too! In the past, Soulumination only worked with families loosing a child 18 or under. Now funding is in the works to capture adults in their final stages of life as well.

Ballard hasn’t been sleepy for a long time, and now the excitement never stops. Aside form munching on delicious hand made breads, organic fruits, and taking home organic local beef from the well attended Ballard Sunday Farmers Market, Ellie and I did what we do best. Explored nooks and crannies.

Proof. We’re in Ballard!

Real Brick in Ballard. Not the imitation stuff.

Ellie was hoping to pet that Alley Cat. Elllllliiieee!!!

Taking advantage of Ballard ambiance, the filming of PBS’ Kid Biz$ or Biz Kid$. I couldn’t find a link

This makes the door on my studio look good!

Oh yeah. We did come for the Market.

It may not seem that way on this blog, but I DO NOTICE other kids too. Is she not beautiful?

Granted, I work a lot. Granted I wish I could be with Ellie even more. But fortunate I am. Other than previously booked wedding and portrait sessions, my schedule is my own. Mind you, like many people, I quickly fill free time with social engagements and classes. On this particular day, I canceled those other engagements so Ellie and I could spend the day together. Some days I find grocery shopping mundane, and pizza making tedious. But not when I’m with Ellie.

Ellie learning it is better to give than to receive. Or, uh,…

Shopping at Kens Market on Phinney Ridge

Rolling in the dough. At least one of us is!

We live only blocks from the amazing Woodland Park Zoo. Ideal for a quick walk in the park before dinner.

I can’t rave enough about Ellie’s pre-school. We attend Woodland Park pre-3s (next year we’ll be in 3-5s) with the talented, creative and boundlessly energetic Teacher Tom Hobson. If you enjoy community and sharing in your child’s pre-school experience, the North Seattle Community College pre-school co-ops might be perfect for you too. There are numerous different locations in North Seattle. But Hurry! These all fill up fast, and there’s a lottery system for those not already enrolled. Check out their website for all the pertinent information. It’s worth the effort.

If you’re not in the North Seattle area, you might be interested in one of these other co-ops.

Those with kids can imagine how heart-wrenching it is to hold your flu-ridden, crying and vomiting child. Such was the scene last night. But to my surprise, I found myself tight in the stomach and exceedingly emotional, far beyond the expected. I was sitting with my back against Ellie’s bed board with her sitting upright between my legs. This upright position gave her relief from the vomiting.

Then it hit me. This was the position I held my dying sister in when she was in the death-rattle stage of cancer. Choosing to die at home, Lily’s lungs were filling with fluid that was basically drowning her, so my sis Ce-ce and I kept propping her up further and further. While Cec went to look for one more pillow, my arms could no longer hold Lily up. I slid in behind her propping up her cancer-ridden body. Lil was quivering with her last bit of strength attempting to inhale air. I’d love to say it’s funny how these thought come up when least expected, but it’s not. It’s brutal.

Lily, I miss you. If only you and Mom could have met Ellie…

Thanks to Ray & Jill Farbarik, who invited us to a neighbors Disco Party for a groovin’ good time. Kids Do Love Disco. But not as much as I do!

Yet another reason I am thrilled to live on Phinney Ridge.

Belly Dance, Disco Dance. What’s the difference?

John Travolta, the New Generation

The Groovy Dress Set

Dancing shoes on and ready to PARTY!

Come join the fun while raising money for a wonderful cause. Doublexposure on Friday, March 30, 2007.
Youth in Focus is a Seattle-based nonprofit that, through photography, helps youth experience their world in new ways and make positive changes in their lives.
Over many years, I’ve personally seen youth benefit from this award winning program. One student and I worked together for over nine years! Help make a difference!

Reserve seats and purchase tickets here, or by phone: 206-407-2121. $75 per seat buys you an evening of auction entertainment and sit-down dinner at the lovely venue of Bell Harbor Conference Center. Besides purchasing world class photography, you might also bid on photo sessions, be the photo assist on the Seahawks sideline, or take a trip to London, including a tour of the Hulton Archive.

If unable to attend, but wishing to make a donation, click here.

Photographers with a volunteer spirit, you’re welcome here!

Gettyimages is one of the auction sponsors. Let’s hear it for Getty and their long-standing support of this program!

Additional generous sponsors include: museum quality FRAMING, Group Health Cooperative, Glazers Camera , Wells Fargo and Hemlock Printing.

My sweet Hubby and I are going on a date tonight! Ah, the freedom. Thank you, PEPS. An amazing resource for new parents, PEPS matches families with kids born within months of each other. With similar child development concerns, we’ve learned to rely on each other for support– even now with our kids closing in on 3 years old, and most of us with a second child.
Together, we’ve taken weekend trips to Fort Worden, disco dancing (tomorrow night!), gone bowling, picnicking, snowshoeing and hiking. But mostly I’m grateful for the babysitting support we provide each other.

I don’t know about you, but I like having romance in my life. Thanks PEPS, for my date night tonight.

PEPS has a fun infant/toddler music CD too.

I love being outside. My two year old and I share an interest in nature, and plants especially.

While most of my clients don’t want to go to the arboretum this time of year, this is my favorite time. Not only are the textures layered in a contrast of velvet and gloss, the scents are Divine! If you haven’t smelled the Daphne Odora, Witch Hazel, or Jasmine this time of year, get to the Washington Arboretum‘s Winter Garden. Inhale deeply and forget your worries. Inhaling, I think of my late mother who was always either filling her lungs with garden scents, or sighing in despair that she couldn’t spend all of her time outside. The woes (and thrills) of a garden addict run in our blood!

First Weeks was the best thing I did for myself and my family during those first new-baby months. I know how hard it is for new moms to get out of the house, especially with baby in tow. Still, Ann Keppler is the author of >Pregnancy Childbirth and the Newborn, and an amazing resource for those within driving distance of Seattle. Working from the Community Birth and Family Center, Ann is able to manage a room of new parents with crying infants and encourage insightful sharing between all of us. Supporting our parenting experiences and answering our many questions, Ann is an incredibly gifted speaker and host. If you somehow manage to get to First Weeks, you won’t be sorry. Even if you can’t manage it, drag yourself. Help is on the horizon.

Who thought the first weeks would be so difficult? I had no idea!

Admittedly, I like indulging in pampering as much as the next person, like going to the spa at Alderbrook Resort. But often I want to be outside all day. Then I care less about the accommodations than the surrounding landscape. On vacations like these I don’t need a spa to apply toenail polish when toes are propelling forward my hiking boots. (Not that having pretty feet at the end of the day hurts either!)

Perfect for outdoor-centered vacations, Forest Service Cabins provide cozy shelter, complete with an equipped kitchen. And boy is the price right!

Kerry McKean and Marcela Touskova invited us to join them Thanksgiving weekend at Hamma Hamma Cabin near Hood Canal. I was excited by the possibilities. Bonding between our 3 adventuresome girls, introducing them to new hiking locations, and exploring animal life along the Canal was just the beginning. Little did we know it would snow, making the weekend all the more enchanting. Unprepared without winter attire, I didn’t motivate to shoot, only play in the snow. What is evident in the photos is my appreciation for stopping at Rising Stars to purchase new rubber boots.

The search for child care for Ellie escalated a long cycle of chaos that had engulfed my life since pre-conception. (More later on fertility issues.)

When Ellie was merely 6 weeks old, my do-it-all former Studio Manager, Francie, left JKP and is now traveling the world. I had planned to take maternity leave for one month, and 3 more months with a highly-reduced shooting schedule. Ahh, the best laid plans.

Covering shoots for two people and caring for current and potential clients was only the beginning. I also spent time writing new employee ads, posting them, interviewing, all while pumping breast milk (while talking on the phone to clients! “What’s that sound”). Twice per day Kathy brought Ellie to the studio, or Tim brought Elle to longer shoots for breast feeding.

Meanwhile I was in the midst of going 90% digital, (I can’t give up my Hasselblad!) and being forced to find a new photo lab. I was climbing the steep digital and PhotoShop learning curve and researching new processes, products and labs, when I made the crazy but inevitable decision to buy new gear and computers. I usually find new gear exploration fun and exciting. But this time, sleep deprivation and craving to spend more time with Ellie exacerbated my stressed system resulting in– you guessed it: an abstract painting of utter CHAOS!

Thank goodness for First Weeks. In addition to the soothing environment, I found our babysitter, Kathy, when her sister-in-law brought her to a First Weeks meeting. (More on First Weeks and Ann Keepler to come). I saw Kathy across the room, read her body language and thankfully trusted my first instincts (though I did check references!). Kathy helped me spot the bright light of dawn, and provided a welcomed sense of calm. She’s been with us ever since July of ’04.

You’re the best, Kathy!

My dog and I met on Valentines Day in 1993. Subliminally perhaps I knew it was V- Day when I entered the Seattle Animal Shelter.

It was love at first site. This scruffy 5 month-old puppy peered through the bars, following my every move. Once I looked into those big brown, intelligent, encouraging eyes, my heart thumped, and my head spun. I knew that this was the last of my visits to the shelters. Today I had found my dog, and she me. After the neutering, (hers, not mine!) we went home and spent 13+ years together, cross-country skiing, hiking, traveling, going on photo shoots (she had a pack in which she carried film and a lens or two), and going daily to the studio together.

In August ’06, Tim and I wept together as we put F-stop down. She could barely walk to relieve herself. At this moment, 6 months later, I cry huge tears for the dog who was my perfect canine companion: spunky, clever, loving, strong, calm indoors and playful outdoors.

As we tell our daughter, Ellie, F-stop is in the Earth. We can visit with her anytime, anywhere. How grateful I am that she stepped here, into my heart.