a fate happening

sorry...

2011-06-16T02:00:00.000-07:00

I have been gone for WAY too long. It's sort of like when you stop writing in your journal, then feel guilty and avoid it... It was nice to also have the break of one more thing to do... but I am back baby and working on a brand spanking new blog! Bear with me as I spring clean and get it perfected!

peace.
maria

Three reasons I love Hunter...

2010-11-10T23:05:00.000-08:00

1. He has wise eyes. They smile and worry and look right through you, and I could not get enough of them.
2. He has the coolest parents around and it was once again my honor to get to photograph and know this family.
3. again... will you just look at him? Tutt calls him Teddy Ruxpin, I think it fits.

peace.
maria

ANOTHER first day of Kindergarten....

2010-09-30T19:17:00.000-07:00

it seems like only yesterday, when Tutt and I were sending Kash off to Kindergarten, we were a combination of total excitement and total heartbreak and it wasn't easy to come home with only one kid.
BUT...
then there was this year, sending Kash to first grade and Leah to Kindergarten. It was SOOOOO much harder. Coming home with NO kids, turned this momma into a MESS, a sobbing, blubbering MESS! We sent both our kids off, went and had breakfast together, I continued to cry until we picked Leah up 3 hours later. She came running out of her class singing a song about leaves and singing the praises of her teachers even louder! I still don't know when Tutt and I managed to get "grown up" enough for two kids in school... weird.

here are a few pics from the day! (A month behind, I KNOW!)

peace.
maria

three reasons I love to photograph kids...

2010-08-24T21:43:00.000-07:00

1. the smile with their eyes even when the are crying.
2. I get to watch them grow up, and I am still amazed every time how quickly they all grow up!
3. this little dude is the best, Ryan is curios, busy and those eyes! HOLY MOLY, those eyes!

this is last years session

peace.
maria

p.s. we photographed at the same place as last year so they could add to their already existing wall collection.

hi... been a while right?

2010-08-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

hello,

I know it has been a while since I posted but man, I am so busy, and when choosing between spending the last few moments of the day blogging or snuggling with my family, I tend to choose them. I know, I know it is "bad for business" but what about being bad for me? Is the time spent on Twitter, Facebook and my amazingly awesome blog (if I do say so myself) more important than the time I spent on my family? ... on myself? Sometimes I feel like I fight the urge to be both a great and all powerful business woman and artist or a stay at home mom tending to my garden, turning our house into a home, a pretty home, and playing dress up with my kids.

I have a ton to share, please bear with me as I get through the piles and the giggles and the weeds. I have a tea party to plan.

In the meantime enjoy this amazing little poem and video. Made me cry a little, smile a little and think a lot.

thanks for letting me share.

peace.
maria

just one little sneak peek of our little office assistant...

2010-08-18T23:03:00.000-07:00

So this is Robyn and Shawn's little miss sunshine, they call her Berkeley Lynn and she is perfect! Robyn is a perfectly natural, completely glowing mother and Shawn is the dotting completely smitten daddy I knew he would be.

Miss Berkeley, your parents are the best people I know, and you my little girl deserve the very best.

Uncle Tutt and I will always be here for you.

peace.
maria

three reasons I love the Kesslers...

2010-06-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

This is the hardest post I have ever had to write, Robyn is my friend, sweet soul sister and partner in Verité, we have been through the good, the bad and the ugly together, and I could not be more blessed to have her in my life. This was the shoot I was most nervous to do, the pressure (I put on myself) was insane but I really love this collection. It is to me how I see the Kessler family.

1. Robyn is the most talented photographer I know. She has a sensitivity to the details that make the an image into a piece of art. I am beyond blessed to photograph with her by my side.
2. Shawn LOVES this woman and I do mean, loves adores and completely supports her... It is an awesome sight to behold.
3. They make decisions based on the golden Rule, and it has taught me to do the same. They both have challenged me to do better for the world.

Baby Kessler will be arriving any day now... YAY!

peace.
maria

three reasons I love this little man...

2010-06-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

1. Look at that hair... I mean are you kidding me? He is already dark and handsome!
2. He has a comfortable peace about him, you could feel it even in his momma's belly and it is so clear when you meet him.
3. I ADORE his parents, Mariana started in the studio as an assistant but both she and Shawn have become family, I am so honored to know them, to be there for them and to photograph Mr. Julian.

peace.
maria

three reasons I LOVE miss Sienna...

2010-06-22T12:00:00.000-07:00

1. she made me look good... her momma was calling me the baby whisperer by the end of the session. ( I dig that)
2. Are you kidding me? Look at her, so beautiful, so peaceful, she is perfection!
3. her mom and dad have no idea (and don't tell them) that she has them both wrapped around her finger!

peace.
maria

a sneak peak of Robyn and Shawn... my friends.

2010-06-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

Ok, I am going to have to just show the image for now, because I will be here all day writing. Sunday I spent some time with Robyn and Shawn making pictures of her belly and of them.

this is one that I love...

this is another... but for so many different reasons.

peace.
maria

my newest littlest friend in the world. meet julian

2010-06-10T20:49:00.000-07:00

peace.
maria

just because...

2010-06-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

sneak peak of sienna {newborn photographer}

2010-05-25T17:00:00.000-07:00

three reasons I like xavier and his people... and dog.

2010-05-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

1. he is a fighter. coming into this world was not easy but he and momma fought to
2. the have exquisite taste. the art in his house is AMAZING! to be honest I wanted to take a tour of the entire house and discuss art over tea... shhhhh don't tell mom and dad.
3. they are all so in love with each other, in love with their city, in love with their future, and it's contagious!

I would love make a 30x40 canvas for above their fireplace... don't you think?

peace.
maria

i heart newbies...

2010-05-18T18:43:00.001-07:00

1. they smell so new and warm.
2. the sleep ... through anything. wish I could still do that.
3. they have puppy dreams. little whimpers and lip quivers, as if they are chopping it up with their baby homies.

tomorrow there will be a whole post from my favs from this session... gonna be hard to narrow it down.

peace.
maria

a little sneak peak from Romina and Evan...

2010-05-17T10:30:00.000-07:00

well, she wanted to shoot a boudoir session but then something happened...

more to come on this one!

peace.
maria

a sneak peak of Xavier...

2010-05-11T05:51:00.000-07:00

peace.
maria

three things I love about the O'Callaghans...

2010-05-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

1. deklan, a mighty might. He has a sparkle that is infectious and a fierce determination that I adore.
2. mason, a little man with a clear inner peace and LOVE for his older brother!
3. molly and clay are two parents have blessed this world with two amazing little boys. They welcomed me into the family and took me for a walk through Sausalito.

It was a perfect day.

here are some photographs from that day.

my new favorite image of all time:

peace.
maria

a sneak peak of my buddy...

2010-04-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

I cannot wait to finish this session!

peace.
maria

three things to love about rachael...

2010-04-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

1. she went from a teenager to a mother in 9 months, even if she hadn't planned on it.
2. she is a gifted artist that has been altering and creating since I can remember.
3. she has the most beautiful, talented and wise middle sister in the entire world.

We went for a walk on mom's farm during a break in the rain with no intention of shooting a maternity session, but when the sun came from behind the clouds, it seemed only proper to make some photographs of her belly even if it was for 5 minutes.

I can hardy wait to meet my nephew and see my little sister as a mom.

peace.
maria

three reasons I love oregon...

2010-04-11T05:56:00.000-07:00

1. the green. there is a color green in Oregon that is unlike any other that I have seen. It feels like home to me.
2. the sky. so big, so blue, so fresh.
3. the hills. sometimes covered in snow, always covered in trees.

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as expected in Oregon in the spring it rained and snowed most days but on the very last day the sun was out and the sky's were amazing. We instantly jumped up and went for a walk through the "enchanted forrest" and it was truly enchanted. From the sounds of kash and leah singing as explored, to the wildflowers that seemed to bloom as we walked. It was the perfect way to end another perfect week in Oregon.

Happy trails to you.

peace.
maria

three reasons i love easter...

2010-04-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

1. easter dresses... Leah, chose hers with my mom, notice the patten leather boots... that's my girl!
2. easter egg hunts. we do things a bit differently the easter bunny leaves clues from place to place. little poetic rhymes that leave you guessing, wandering and eventually leads you to some candy, eggs and another clue. It is the BEST!!
3. sugar eggs... this is something we used to do when I was a kid with my grandpa and we did it again this year. It has been a long time but we had a great time remembering how!

three reasons I love boudoir...

2010-04-01T21:49:00.000-07:00

1. i love the idea of surprising your men with a little vavoom!
2. i love incorporating a little something personal, like the kitchen into your session.
3. IT IS SOOOO fun! not scary, not awkward FUN! I get to play fashion photographer and you get to play dress up... or down in this case!

peace.
maria

three things i learned in vegas...

2010-03-16T23:47:00.000-07:00

1. to stay true to my craft.
2. to use the word photograph more often and ditch the terms "shoot" and "capture", those words are so negative and always felt off.
3. to photograph personal projects, to take a photograph every day and open my mind up to see... yep, just see.

i spent some time last week in Vegas at WPPI a gathering of photographers, vendors, dorks, rock stars, wanna bes and artists, this year I was a little of each. This was the first time I have gone for me, I went to get the secrets to a successful business but ended up learning nothing about business and everything about me, my craft and my art.

I spent the time blessed and taught and inspired and heard and invited. I laughed and cried and was moved. I was loud and shy. I was on and off and I was comfortable in my skin.

I was taught by Jesh De Rox to change the world, to give a greater gift to our families and to our future. we are going to start a new movement in photography, a new way of celebrating, saving and experiencing love. It was for me a message I longed for. A thirst I did not even realize I had and yet that thirst was quenched in his words, his photographs and his song. I am forever changed and grateful.

David Williams moved me many years ago and then again last Monday. He inspired me to look beyond photography for inspiration, he shared breathtaking paintings from lifetimes ago with better more enlightened work than most anything I have seen on all of our blogs. He reminded me about the importance, the sanctity of a photograph, perfect or not it is a value that cannot be measured, a value to the family, my clients of the ones they love, the life they lived and the moment they shared. All are fleeting and can move on, it is a gift to create photographs that can hold those moments.

I was then blown away by the works, collection and photographic diary of Jay Maisel. He reminded me to always photograph. Always. Stop and photograph anything that moves you, always practice. Remember the "gesture" in a photograph, because without it a photograph is just a picture. He reminded me to use the word photograph, not image or shoot or capture. I think those words are both belittling and lazy to this craft of photography. My craft. Those are not his words, just a small nugget my brain and heart were able to sift out. He opened my heart, my mind and my eyes to the amazing world of photography and the craft of photographing... if that makes sense.

Next was Elizabeth Messina, she was for me a calm, poignant, lovely woman. Deeply connected to her craft, her heart and her children. I was moved by the collection of photographs she and her son created using a pinstriped suit and images of Obama. I was moved by her love of film and the passion she quickly shared with us. I appreciate her willingness to present genuine, creamy and truly lovely photographs, one after another, each delicate and breathtaking. I appreciate her for also reminding me to practice, to feed and nourish my passion, my voice. To give myself assignments, to do and shoot and have the gumption to take what is in my head and try to make it happen, even if I fail. I tried.

On a wholly different level and vibe but equally as inspiring and educational was Amber Holritz. She broke down her ways with no fear of rejection, her confidence, her ability to connect and her insight was truly invaluable from approach to pricing I was both moved and fired up!

The common thread, the moral of the post if you will, is to photograph. fail. try. re-invent. inspire but photograph create photographs. Never stop whether during a session or walking down the street photograph what I see. I will never stop, never put down my camera. I will let this tool be an extension of me. Not because it is going to make a sale, or because that is what "the people" want. But because it is who I am. I see the world in photographs.

peace.
maria

p.s. i also learned to stop being shy and stop, introduce myself and compliment some one's work, tell them they are doing a good job... sorry Nate and Jaclynthat was lame.

another video worth a look!

2010-03-04T10:04:00.000-08:00

I know this is a "photography" blog but right now is sort of the slow season for us all but I found this thanks to Dooce and I LOVE HER FOR IT!

chiggity check it out....

peace.
maria

just wanted to share this with you...

2010-01-20T12:18:00.000-08:00

peace.
maria

what a dream that was...

2010-01-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

may we all work for and live with peace.
maria

three reasons I love my tutt...

2010-01-17T18:51:00.000-08:00

1. he has an insane amount of optimism and constantly reminds me to believe and trust.
2. he can always make me laugh... even when I don't want to.
3. he has a great ass.... it's true he does.

we spent the 13th day of the year together wandering San Francisco, with no plan. Just enjoying each other. It was perfection.
I had planned on taking picture all day,being super creative and pushing myself, instead I took 4.
I couldn't, I craved his hand in mine.

these are the four I took...

this artist is Ruth Asawa, I LOVE these. they through the coolest shadows on the wall, art pieces in themselves. Took my breath away. Thank you Ruth.

This piece was done by Arthur Frank Mathews, it is called "Song of the Sea (The Three Graces) i love it.

(I know that I did not do those works justice at all, but I wanted to share them with you.)

nine years with my hubby, nine amazing, crazy beautiful years. we have both failed miserably and conquered triumphantly, we have both held it together while ripping it all to shreds. we have created life together, two amazing truly breathtaking lives together. we have loved, cursed, danced, cried, fought, healed, kissed and laughed together. all together. always together.

peace.
maria

three reasons I loved 2009...

2010-01-05T17:01:00.000-08:00

1. I moved to place and home that I love.
2. I feel like this has been the best year of work thus far... which feels pretty rad.
3. I learned a ton, by messing up, succeeding, tripping and climbing. I love to learn even if it is painful sometimes.

I am looking forward to what 2010 has in store for us all. I feel good about this year, I feel hopeful and full of life.

peace.
maria

three reasons I love Travis & Veronica...

2009-12-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

1. Veronica is to me a sister. She has been a little sis for years, she has come and gone in my life over and over again. We have healed each other and been in trouble together and I cannot imagine my life without her.

2. Travis is her knight in shinning armor. He scooped her up, took her hand and walks with her through life.

3. They through a dam good party... which I took very few pictures of because I got to partake in instead of work. ;0)

Veronica and Travis thank you. I love you and look forward to watching you grow together.

peace.
maria

three facts about Alyson & Nick...

2009-12-09T21:58:00.000-08:00

1. they are world travelers. always somewhere and always connected.

2. they met at Kinko's and that is where it all began.

3. she adores this man, it is so wonderful to sit and watch them in conversation.

three of the things I love about this family...

2009-12-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

1. they actually scheduled their session for the day before they moved to washington.. and they were GREAT! I would have been a stressed out mess.

2. they took me to the movie rental coffee house right next to their place.. it was great! wish I could have shot there all day!

3. they are in LOVE with this little man and it shows!

this one is my FAVORITE! hello big beautiful canvas! can you even imagine how happy you would be to see this on your walls every morning?

Ok wait, I love this one too.

peace.
maria

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-02T21:06:00.000-08:00

this was the craziest year EVER!!

We had a great time, although both Tutt and I are TOTALLY exhausted, with Kash in kindergarten it meant all day friday was spent at costume parades and class parties, 50 five year olds running around cracked out on sugar and dressed up like every super hero I had ever heard of... even some that I hadn't.
Kash insisted on Leah joining him in the Parade and party, it was really great to watch them walk hand in hand, Kash proud of his sister and Leah a little shy and overwhelmed by the crowds. They walked as Jedi "Saken fighter"(the name Kash came up with) and "Ewok Leah" ( simple)
The best part was watching Kash and Leah trick or treating while Tutt and I watched from the sidewalk, this year I can safely say was a whole new level in life, one that I am completely proud, shy and overwhelmed by.

peace.
maria

three reasons to love colby...

2009-10-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

1. look at him! Are you kidding me? he looks like a little Kennedy!
1. he is a thinker, I LOVE the thinkers!
2. his last name is Best... really there is no better than the Best!

peace.
maria

a little halloween fun with the family!

2009-10-22T18:37:00.000-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

peace.
maria

three reasons I heart Maria & Bryan...

2009-10-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

1. she has what I like to call Disney eyes. Huge, beautiful, Italian eyes. From the first day I met her I wanted to photograph those eyes!

2. he is a fan of photography. You cannot beat that. He had total trust and excitement when it came time for pictures!

3. they are in love. They have been since they were very young. A true reminder of the crazy journey life takes us on and how if we are meant to be we shall be.

We started off on Thursday with a small session in front of the St. Peter and Paul, her family church.
<

Then it was time for the unbelievable wedding day.
venue: Beaulieu Gardens
catering: Paula LeDuc
dress: Lazaro

peace.
maria

p.s. check out Robyn's post of the same wedding...man she is good!

three reasons to fall in love with Lily & Andrew...

2009-10-08T16:23:00.000-07:00

1. Andrew is dreamy, I mean just look at him! As an added bonus he dislikes golf courses as much as I do, I know that makes me a dork but he had me at hello with that one.

2. Lily is breathtaking... literally. Her idea of a good time is working out for two hours, then doing some yoga while eating a gluten free meal, CRAZY! PLUS she is an AMAZING designer, this wedding was her brain child and it was complete perfection!

3. The two of them together are a true gift. He adores her, she worries about him and all the while making me laugh!

This wedding was one of a kind, I was so elated when the two of them became Husband and Wife.

peace.
maria

three reasons this was the most beautiful party I have ever attended...

2009-09-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

1. location, location, location! The Hotel Healdsburg was AAA- mazing.
(ok I wanted to say "BA-NA-NAS" but I felt a little lame) It was truly a masterpiece.

2. anywhere with Lily and Andrew is a dream come true... let's be honest! remember their engagement session

3. Andrew's Dad tap danced for everyone at dinner. It was amazing to watch him but almost better to see the pure joy in everyone's face!

the wedding is coming soon!

peace.
maria

our yard today...

2009-09-28T18:17:00.000-07:00

you may remember the original post from months ago about our yard project

this morning I needed to take pictures and so I did, of our ENORMOUS Cosmos. They are 5 feet tall, and are all in bloom!
I just wanted to share a few of my favorites with you!

peace.
maria

lindsay & matt and three reasons I can't wait until their wedding day...

2009-09-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

1. I mean hello! They are completely beautiful inside and out!
2. they have loved each other for a long time, Robyn and I cannot wait to be there when they say I do.
3. They tell me her Dad does a dance to "Love Shack" that I am DYING to witness and photograph!

peace.
maria

three amazing things about Sandra and Derek...

2009-09-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

1. she obviously has AAA-mazing taste in shoes!
2. he is the calm in her storm. I love that she is a storm, the nice kids, the warm, perfect sprinkle on the beach sort of storm.
3. she is quite possibly Robyn and my biggest fan! We may be her biggest fans as well!

Thanks guys for the perfect day!

peace.
maria

2009-09-02T17:02:00.000-07:00

i lost a friend today.
he is a good man, that loves his family with every ounce of his being.
he took me in when i needed and he danced my ass off weather i liked it or not.

i always liked it.

thank you pappa d.

peace.
maria

three reasons this wedding is an all time fav...

2009-09-01T09:33:00.000-07:00

1. Jeanne and Ben. They are completely beautiful. They are completely in love and they LOVE to laugh!
2. This was the most emotional and genuine wedding I have ever had the privilege of attending.
3. All time BEST best man speech EVER!

another post for Verité: lily & andrew

2009-08-26T20:24:00.000-07:00

check out our new website: Verité
peace.
maria

four years of loving Leah Bean...

2009-08-26T04:52:00.000-07:00

here are her birthday party pictures. At the last minute Tutt and I thought about making her a puppet theater. Then I thought, well, let's make sock puppets for her at the party!
Also she wanted a unicorn cake with purple hair and a pink sparkle horn (is that what they are called?) so I had to come up with a cake to make her day..and from the squeals and the "it's perfect mommy!" I think I achieved my goal.

It's not perfect but it made her day!

peace.
maria

three facts about my friends Jeanni and Ben...

2009-08-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

1. they are completely gorgeous. Both on the outside but definitely on the inside!
2. Ben is my hero, he summed up my pathetic algebra skills with a diagnosis of Acalculia:in which patients have difficulty performing simple mathematical tasks, such as adding, subtracting, multiplying. I'm not dumb! I have a syndrome, wait is that better?
3. they LOOOOVE each other, they love to laugh and they LOVE their family!!

peace.
maria

a sneak peak of maria and brian....

2009-08-20T18:56:00.000-07:00

peace.
maria

oh yeah...my husband is a rockstar!

2009-08-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

and this is his band! Key2mynd.

a couple of promo pics we did really fast... I dig em.

and now a video

checkout key2mynd
peace.
maria

thank you once again Zach...

2009-08-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

please support this fine gentleman. this teacher.
go here: http://www.zarias.com/?p=440

peace.
maria

three reasons I love this little man...

2009-08-17T15:32:00.000-07:00

1. those eyes... need I say more?
2. he adores books! I mean he loves them!
3. he is a watcher. I have always loved watchers, they study and think almost like you can here the wheels turning.

hmmm... I think I see a canvas series in your future....

peace.
maria

two new members of our family...

2009-08-14T17:55:00.000-07:00

is this not the CUTEST video in the world!

peace.maria

three reasons I heart senior portraits...

2009-08-10T23:13:00.000-07:00

1. SOOO fun! come on people gone are the days of pearls and black dresses bring in the fashion!
2. with girls like Megan can you blame me?
3. this is the best as an artist, take a girl walk the streets of the city and PLAY!!!

peace.
maria

sneak peak #2 while I am away...

2009-08-03T04:55:00.000-07:00

lily and andrew

peace.
maria

sneak peak #1 while I am away...

2009-07-31T05:51:00.000-07:00

jeanni and ben { a day before session }

peace.
maria

gone fishin'

2009-07-29T05:32:00.000-07:00

HALLELUJAH WE ARE OUT OF HERE!
and we really need a little vacation, time to spend disconnected playing on the farm with the kids. We are headed to paradise, well my version anyway. We are driving up to Oregon to spend a week at my mom's place, I call it "Carolina".

Cause "in my my mind I'm goin to Carolinaaaa, can't you feel the sunshine? Can't you just feel the moon shine? and ain't it just like a friend of mine to hit me from behind. yes I'm goooiiin to Carolina in my mind" - james taylor

peace.
maria

three reasons we are keeping her...

2009-07-28T05:20:00.000-07:00

1. this little one year old adopted and took care of TWO litters of kittens that were not hers. She nursed them and cleaned them until their momma was well enough to take over. a momma after my own heart.

2. I knew she would be amazing with the kids, and she is. AMAZING. Kash cannot believe she ALWAYS lands on her feet and has been caught tossing her in the air (4 whole feet) and watching her land, and she STILL comes back for loving. Leah puts her in the baby baskets and carries her blankets. Sundae NEVER scratches or bites! I am in constant awe.

3. she won over my cat disliking husband (even though he has liked every cat I introduce him too) so much so that they sleep together at night.

everyone welcome Sundae to the family...

she is the best birthday present a momma like me could ask for. Thanks Rachael.

peace.
maria

three things i heart about mr. and mrs. parks...

2009-07-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

1. they enjoy life, every waking moment is full of laughter.
2. hello, they names their dog Swoopy Love from Up Above.
3. They asked me NOT to do a "maternity session", no gauze wrapped around her, no hearts on the belly, they wanted a portrait session of the two of them, the dog and the belly.

oh and did I mention the beach cruisers? yeah they have killer bikes...I am sooo jealous!

peace.
maria

three reasons to love this family...

2009-07-24T05:00:00.000-07:00

1. well, just look at them. They are ADORABLE.
2. little Ryan is a serious thinker. He thought long and hard about me before he gave up the smile...I dig that.
3. Emily LOVES her men, they are her heart and the love they have for each other is really something to behold.

This is my FAVORITE shot of the session...

peace.
maria

this is compleltey awesome....

2009-07-23T12:21:00.000-07:00

Ok Ok I know I have shared two videos in a row and no images but I was sent this and now I must share with you! I swear new pics up tomorrow!

until then, ENJOY!

peace.
maria

I LOVE THIS!

2009-07-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

I can only do this because I too was pregnant and from what I hear ...smug.

peace.
maria

holy moly...

2009-07-07T01:48:00.000-07:00

Micheal Jackson died.
in case you had not heard.
and part of me is fine with that.i am happy to have been reminded about how great his music is and I have completley loved living it and celebrate it once again.

i remember Thriller, we had a "behind the scenes" tape that we played over and over again in total awe, every one in our house was in awe.
I loved the poster over my bed, in the yellow vest...dreamy.

I am not sad.
I am thankful.

here are a few videos in honor of the music they made me smile.

this is just to remind me and you.

I still get scared.

peace.
maria

such a quandry...

2009-07-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

I have been hard at work getting these lovely images of maria and brian finished but I want to share them with Robyn's since this is our first session as Verité and we want to show them together but ooooh how I am dying to share!
oh well this will have to do till we figure it out. I gotta tell ya, this whole merging on weddings thing has sooo many more details to think about than we both signed up for! But I promise it is sooo worth it!

have a safe and happy 4th!

peace.
maria

soooooo excited!

2009-06-25T16:53:00.000-07:00

love NAS, love Damien, can hardly wait.

NAS & DAMIAN "JR GONG" MARLEY DISTANT RELATIVES preview from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

three reasons I love my job...

2009-06-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

1. i get to create on a daily basis.
2. my momma skills come in to play. and besides photography I believe those are some of my best skills.
3. i get to meet amazing little people, even if they are teething at the time.

this is Blaine. we met at sprout for a mini session and he stole my heart.

peace.
maria

three reasons god is good...

2009-06-12T15:53:00.000-07:00

1. for the ability to dream.
2. for the strength to build.
3. for the earth to get dirty with.

The last two weeks I have been quite because Tutt and I with the help of the kids, mother-in-law, brother in law and sister have re-done the front yard. It was a project with lofty goals and yet at the same time neither of us even questioned if we could make it happen.
Here are some of the pictures we took along the way...

the best part was working along side Leah and Kash. Kash helped haul rock and dirt, Leah painted and helped plant, they worked as hard as we did, well, sort of. they also figured out that the meandering path I fretted over for days is the perfect "road" for their bikes!

a few more details of the finished product...

now that it is done we are completely in love and satisfied! every night we walk the path discussing how good we are... cause well, that is how we roll!

thanks for hanging in there with me while I was away deep in manual labor heaven!

peace.
maria

three reasons to love, adore and giggle with kate...

2009-05-26T20:13:00.000-07:00

1. she made the most perfect picture of a lollipop for leah while her mom and I got to know one another.

2. she has sweet ninja moves. really!

3. she is completely brilliant, silly, creative and brave. she is an artist.

...and artist ninja. yeah I like that!

peace.
maria

something i would like to share...

2009-05-12T16:55:00.001-07:00

i have been challenged to share my crummy little iPhone pics, I didn't think much of them until I took them out of the little lady (yes she is a lady) and put them together as a "contact sheet". turns out i sort of love them all.
I am thinking of doing a piece in my house with all the phone pics that I love.
a growing piece that grows and is forever changing.

isn't it the tragedy of digital art, that we forget to take our work out of the machine and share it with our friends, family, the world and most importantly ourselves?

peace.
maria

another productive day at Verité...

2009-05-06T05:00:00.000-07:00

So Robyn received a canvas for a client that was printed poorly and the company wanted her to cut out the face and send it back to them.
So what else do you do with a perfectly good canvas that has no face? hmmmmm.......?

you take pictures of course!

peace.
maria

three word to describe sarah maren...

2009-05-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

1. confident.
2. sensitive.
3. gifted.

on Friday Robyn and I had the pleasure of kicking it with photographer extraordinaire miss Sarah Maren and her adorable husband Dustin, we were going to go to lunch and take one quick picture.... 4 hours later we were goofing off and having a much needed play date.

thank you Sarah, Dustin and Robyn, I really needed the day.

peace.
maria

three reasons to love Haute Bride...

2009-04-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

1. sparkles.
2. feathers.
3. haute designs by Lindsie Jones.

Haute Bride is a lovely boutique here on Union Street that showcases Lindsie's one of a kind hand made jewelry. I am in-love with everything in the place!

peace.
maria

three reasons to love holly and daniel...

2009-04-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

1. they have a love for each other that is beyond measure.
2. Holly and Daniel are examples of what living by the light is truly about.
3. these two have a patience and understanding that is BEYOND measure.

peace.
maria

p.s. thank you, both of you so much.

three items of desire...

2009-04-27T10:16:00.000-07:00

1. I have this love for chickens, not the kind that collects ceramic versions or tea pots shaped like chickens but actual bug eating, egg laying, chickens. I love those clucking birds! So to my surprise and thanks to a favorite blog design mom I stumbled upon this little gem. It is a hen house made by a company called Omlet. FABULOUS!

2. we are once again living in a place where we can ride our bikes! YAY!! as an added bonus the kids are almost able to join us although Leah will want to hitch a ride on the back which sounds good to me! I saw this beauty and fell in-love!

3. I have loved this bed for too long now. It is made from reclaimed barn wood which is amazing! and I have always felt that I will be a grown up when I have an actual new exactly what I want head board...for now I will live young!

I know this is a random blog post but I hope you enjoy it!

peace.
maria

three wonderful reasons to be thankful for Easter...

2009-04-22T05:19:00.000-07:00

1. kids and the fascination with the Easter bunny.
2. dying Easter eggs... it still is soooo much fun for me.
3. being a mom. and being reminded what it means to believe in magic.

peace.
maria

p.s. I don't have any images from Easter because I was too busy enjoying each and every moment. but I do have some pics from the annual Easter day festival on Union Street.

Come one come all!

2009-04-21T05:55:00.000-07:00

see you there!

peace.
maria

i cannot stop watching her!

2009-04-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

At first I will be honest, I am so used to Simon Cowell putting up the "strange" looking, untalented (to be kind) and over the top characters for us all to laugh at that I was ready for the worst.just saying that feels gross.

but then when you watch her, the humble and yet confident way she knows that she is about to blow the minds of everybody. Then the amazing voice, with the most amazing song and then the best part... she just blows kisses to everyone and contently walks off the stage. Not expecting to be praised, not expecting to be a star...she did it. She nailed it and that is what she came to do.

I have watched this video 10 times a day, the hairs on my legs are unfortunately long from the goose bumps. I had the pleasure of feeling just one tear drop ever so slowly down my cheek and remembering a song that has moved me to tears so many other times before and sung better than I have ever heard before.

Mostly though for me it is a reminder that being a "rockstar" is not the fruit that talent is supposed to yield. It is a gift that is to be honored through expression alone. Even if you just sing to your cats.

Susan Boyle thank you for the reminder and the re-set of this artist... I am forever grateful and privileged to witness your amazing gift.

three things my leah loves more than anything...

2009-04-17T14:32:00.000-07:00

1. HORSES!!! she is completely connected and in love with all things equine.
2. her big brother's cowboy boots.
3. horses...did I already say that?

i hope this makes your day as much as it does mine!

peace.
maria

2009-04-17T11:17:00.001-07:00

Hi all,
I know I have bee LAZY in regards to blogging and I wish I had a better excuse cause I do have TONS to blog, but I think I sort of got caught up with the other two children in my business, facebook and twitter, and I have been neglecting my favorite child...this blog. I promise to be a better parent, in fact I believe soon this baby is going to grow up a bit with a new look and style!

Tutt and I have been busy redoing the website which is almost done, Robyn and I have been busy putting Verite's website on and then off the to-do lists like champs, and
in the middle our email is down! YUCK!

I can be reached by my personal (which is mostly for spam) mmrasek@gmail.com.

I promise to have lot's of posts and beautiful pics to share with you all very soon!

peace.
maria

i am the best mommy in the whole entire world...and i can prove it.

2009-02-25T04:45:00.000-08:00

peace.
maria

three things i love in my purse...

2009-02-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

1. my pink cavalli knock off glasses.

2. my 11x14 Strathmore sketch pad... it is full of "brilliant" brain storm sessions.

3. bussines card holder with a pic of my kids on it... should I feel guilty that the iphone was close to taking the spot of a pic of my kids? Bad mommy...

3a. iphone...come on!!

wait i love the clutch i found in the strangest place!! oh and the little hat leah looks adorable in! oh man the three things didn't really work out... well those are my TOP three things the rest are the three that I love too..yeah that's it!

peace.
maria

...

2009-02-19T05:09:00.000-08:00

i spent last weekend in my home town of huntington beach, not a place i particularly love, maybe it is the hippy in me or my way too pale skin but it has never felt like home to me. the only place to me that feels like home is the beach, the smell of the air, sand and water, the sounds of waves, kids and birds and the silence it allows for you to marinate in.

this trip for me was not my usual best friend bash more a time to say good bye to someone i have loved and who has loved me with his laughter, safety, warm dinners, great parties and the occasional laundry. i went to say good bye to him and to hold the hand of his daughter, to let her have moments of weakness, tears, laughter and silliness.
my best friend is amazing, she is also breathtaking and wonderful and has the strength of a thousand lions, if i could walk with her hand in hand forever everyday i would.

peace.
maria

three things I am excited about...

2009-02-17T14:56:00.000-08:00

1. we are MOVING!!! to a 1930's fixer but it is our little casa to love on as we see fit!

2. we can walk to EVERYTHING!
hardware store...check
park and library...check
apple store...yikes!

3. i am twenty minutes closer to Verité and a walk away from Bart!

these are the before pics... i promise to post about the outside and along the way...

peace.
maria

three reasons to love the baxter girls...

2009-02-06T05:00:00.000-08:00

1. miss lauren has an amazing vinyl hip hop collection. and has a peaceful soul.
2. ashley has the most amazing alive and breathtaking energy!
3. their secret language and funny voices. These two sisters have a connection that is contagious!

I cannot wait to photograph them again!

peace.
maria

three things I love about boudoir sessions...

2009-02-03T13:41:00.001-08:00

1. the freedom to play dress up and make pretty pictures of pretty ladies!
2. the response from the honies getting the albums!
3. good champagne and good music!

this is the beautiful hope of marmalade boutique right here on Union Street!
peace.
maria

three things about kim and kathy...

2009-01-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

1. they have a true appreciation for all things art.
2. they are wonderful parents.
3. they have been with each other for the last 19 years. NINETEEN YEARS!

thank you ladies, this for me was an honor.

peace.
maria