sneak peek!

My first portrait session! I was so excited for the opportunity to take photos of my cousin's children this past weekend. What better way to spend a beautiful afternoon than trekking through a park taking some photos?! I will admit, I had no plan ... but that may have worked in my favor as I followed them around. Bret is a wonderful and patient older brother to Madi and Kacy, and proved to be a huge help. And Kacy seemed to enjoy being a model for the day, which was fine with me!

Success!! Three smiling faces, eyes open, and looking at the camera! What a beautiful family!

Clearly these girls look up to their big brother ... No bribery was involved in getting this photo of Kacy laying a kiss on Bret's cheek. I think we caught him by surprise, but what an extravagant moment.One of my favorite shots from the day ... Kacy took Madi's hand to wander after the ducks. Another extravagant moment, made that much cuter by the matching dresses.

This was one of those pictures that was actually an accident. I took a couple practice shots off the bridge while brainstorming how to begin, and Kacy wandered into the shot. And I love it...

I mentioned in a previous post that I've always thought children are the purest form of joy, and I think this sweet face is proof...

Aww - thanks guys!
I had a blast and hope you did as well!! | much love, sara

railroads and fire hydrants

The Fox River has taken its share of beatings in the last century. Appleton, a city of paper mills and factories, has spilled its waste into the water for years. But cleanup efforts and riverfront development projects have helped to restore the river as a place of beauty and legitimate attraction. It seems every time I find myself near the river, I become fascinated with a newly discovered treasure. Near Lawrence University in downtown Appleton, this section of railroad fascinated me for days, before I finally decided to walk along the ties with my camera to explore. This section of old railroad is never used. In fact, the ties and tracks no longer exist once you cross the river. All that remains is this short, bridged section ... and for whatever reason captivates me in its simple, historic extravagance.

It also reminds me of Craig's favorite quote, by Robert Frost ...
[...] I took the road less traveled by, and it has made all the difference.
I practically tripped over this fire hydrant. The chipped paint caught my eye, and after getting this nice closeup, and stripping out all of the color except for orange in photoshop, what you have left is this:

puppies and pure love

Our neighbors recently brought home a tiny Chihuahua puppy they named Broc. Because of their schedules, Craig and I happily agreed to let him out at lunch every day during the week in an effort to get him housetrained and to let him run off some steam mid-day. It is the joy I get from my hour with Broc every day that inspired this next post.

I have always believed that dogs - and children - are the purest form of joy and unconditional love. They are not jaded by politics, religion, race or opinion. Their tails and whole bodies wiggle with excitement and fervor upon returning home, regardless of the length time spent away. A day spent away at work, a trip to the grocery store or just a trip to the garage to put something away will all be met by a wiggling body that is glad to see you again.

The simple pleasures make for a good life - the daily walk, a tennis ball or favorite squeaky toy, the occassional treat and a soft bed. But most importantly, simply your presence and the touch of your hand. And in return for these things, you receive a constant and loyal companion. How beautifully extravagant. | much love, sara

Little Broc, on one of our afternoon picnic lunches, entertaining me:

My baby, Titan, who brought me so much joy for many years ...

He took my heart and ran with it, and I hope he's running still, fast and strong, a piece of my heart bound up with his forever...

I watch my dogs. They throw themselves into everything they do; even their sleeping is wholehearted. They aren't waiting for a better tomorrow, or looking back at their glory days. Following their example, I'm trying to stick to the present. ~Abigail Thomas