My Favorite Redhead

I think everybody should have a favorite redhead.  Mine is Alex, who happens to be my daughter Devin's friend, and whom I borrow from time to time.  I'd adopt her if I could, but her parents might complain.
Alex is the perfect natural redhead, with fab freckles, and a personality that goes with the hair. She's bright and fun and quirky and the best part is...she's always up for a shoot.  So if I don't have any paying customers, and my camera and I want to have some fun, we can rustle up Miss Alex, plop her just about anywhere (OK, she did refuse to climb a tree the other day, but most of the time, she'll do whatever I say!).

I just love this girl--hope you do, too!

The Lovely Miss Jasmine--lap dog extraordinaire!

This afternoon, I got to spend a little time with a couple of beautiful ladies.  The one you see here is Jasmine. 
A few weeks ago, I was driving home from the barn, and saw a skinny red dog, dodging traffic.  This was not the best part of town, really pretty scruffy, and I guess a lot of people would have kept on driving.  But like a lot of other people, I couldn't have let that dog get hit if I could help it.
I pulled over in front of a grimy convenience store, and cut her off in her travels.  She was shy, but friendly.  A collar, but no tags.  Tried to coerce her into my car, but she was scared, she'd probably never had a car ride before.  Some guy came out of the store and helped me load her in my car.
When we got home, she was scared to get out.  When she got out, she didn't want to leave my side, she wanted to Velcro herself right onto me. There was no keeping her at my house--my Matilda does not like other girls, for one thing.  But a post on Facebook led to the other beautiful lady mentioned earlier stepping up to the plate.
Erin has been Jasmine's angel.  She's taken care of her, arranged for health care, including getting her spayed, taken her to obedience classes, nursed her through a scary tick borne illness--she been absolutely amazing for this little pittie girl.
Jasmine has teeth missing, and lots of scars on her face and legs and body. All signs point to her having been used as a bait dog in her former life. She was not treated kindly. But this girl has so much love in her. She's now looking for her forever home. She needs someone who understands the pit breed, and would do best without small dogs (and probably not cats) in the house.  She has done very well with a large male dog, however.  She loves kids, loves women, and even loves most men, although now and then one will make her apprehensive, probably due to whoever mistreated her in the past.
She's doing super well in her obedience classes, has a very calm, sweet demeanor, and just loves hugs and kisses.  She's also the most flexible dog I've ever seen, and gets herself into some crazy poses!

This is pure love in a sweet red package.  I just hope she finds the right home, soon!

Blessing of the Animals

Yesterday evening, the Central Brevard Humane Society held a Blessing of the Animals.  Lots of folks brought out their furry friends for this event, and some of the animals that are up for adoption were also there.  Wow, there is a gorgeous black lab boy who needs a forever home, if anyone is interested, and a super-cute little Min Pin mix...sigh...good thing I don't have room for any extra fur babies!

Cassee

Spent a fun hour the other day working with Cassee.  She owns Simple Hair and Skin salon in Merritt Island, and makes my hair fabulous.  If you aren't local, you can subscribe to her make-up tutorials! Subscribe to Cassee on youtube!

Cammie and Louie

I felt very fortunate that Cammie and Louie chose me to be their wedding photographer.  They are both warm, beautiful, authentic people--and happily, very much in love.
And that kind of made me think I might want to take a moment to preach a little, about love.
As some folks advance through life, they seem to think that love can only happen once, or that it can only happen when you're young, or that it's passed them by, or that it's just too late.
But none of that is true!  Love can happen when and where you least expect it, at any point in your life. It's just as wonderful at 45 or 65 as it is at 15 or 25...it's LOVE, people, it's great, it feels good, and it's better than any drug.  If it's not in your life right now, don't believe that it won't be...stay open, and it'll find you.
And then call me to be your wedding photographer! ;)

the places I've been...

http://www.simplehairandskin.com/

 I usually shoot faces, not places, but my friend Cassee asked me to do some photos for her new salon, Simple Hair and Skin, in Merritt Island, Florida.  And how could I refuse?  I mean, if I want to keep getting my awesome color done...
Simple has a clean, chic look and feel, and you can't tell from the photos, obviously, but it smells SO good in there.  All that, and Cassee and staff will make you look and feel great, too.

Rebecca&Jim

I had the pleasure of working with a charming couple today, Rebecca and Jim.  They are getting married in Dallas in May (too bad I'll miss the wedding!). Nothing like a little love in your life to start the day.

The lovely Miss Holly!

My Cocoa High School senior representative, Holly, was such a pleasure to work with.  Not to mention just naturally gorgeous.

Going to the dogs...again!

I believe that a huge part of what makes life worth living is found in serving others. And some of the "others" that I most enjoy helping out are the animals that are looking for forever homes.
Most of the animals that have shared my life have been from shelters or rescue groups. Someone else decided that they were too much work, or had issues, or just didn't love them. That's not how life should be for a creature that just wants to give you unconditional love, and get some love back. I've had to do a little extra work with a few of them, but it's always been worth it.
So I love having the opportunity to help find others like them their own caring bipeds...
The next event I have coming up is the Central Brevard Humane Society's Bark in the Park, on Friday, August 19. Hope to see all you local folks out there, and bring your dogs! (Cats welcome, too, if they really feel like hanging out with the bark-folk!)
http://www.crittersavers.com/events/special.htm

Morgan's senior moments

I'm thrilled to have Morgan as my senior rep at Edgewood Jr/Sr High! She's as gorgeous in real life as she is in her photos, and tons of fun to work with. I also kinda like her horse, Nuk. What a character...

Sometimes I just feel so lucky...getting to spend time with such fabulous, fun, and beautiful people!

Had a great senior session with Cody. I always enjoy working with seniors--nice to be in the presence of limitless potential!