Monday Morning

I tried not to work yesterday. Somehow I still was up until after 1am printing, cutting, addressing etc. the remaining prints from Mistletoe Magic. In spite of bringing what I was sure was 'Tooooo Much' ink, we ran out of black. Nothing prints without black.

So, I got more ink and finished up yesterday. Everything will go out today.

This is my husband & two girls looking smashing! My hairdresser Anne, at Tangles, did an amazing job on their hair. She's awesome, and the girls really enjoyed the salon experience. Who wouldn't with all the hot chocolate & Timbits???

Many Dad's expressed an interest in purchasing additional prints. **ordering is now offline** Thanks to all who did order additional prints!

Long Days

They say the days are getting shorter, and in terms of light, I'm sure that's true. My days have been long. 16 hours on average, and non-stop. I've submitted oodles of albums for families, ladies, maternity, and engagement. All the orders that need to be here by the holidays have been ordered. All the sessions I've have these last couple of weeks have been women having gifts done for their fellas, so no pics just yet. Some of those outfits are pretty distinctive. The SHOES are to die for. I've seen some hot shoes this week.
I've been able to use the new projector and it's great! Seeing your images in the size you want to order in is hugely helpful.
I'm thinking I'd love a break in December.
Wednesday was our PPOC Alberta (a bunch of photographers) dinner meeting in Edmonton. Always a good time.
Our 8 year old sang at the Festival of Trees yesterday with her school choir. They all look so tiny and cute up there.
Tonight is Mistletoe Magic at the Festival of Trees, and my daughters are going with my husband. Usually this means 'date night' for me and my son, but I'm the photographer tonight, so we had our date last night. It was nice. We went to Hot Pot Studio (hi Janet!) and painted, then headed to Starbucks for refreshments, and got books at Chapters. We love looking at books. I have a stack of 5 unread books I'm trying to make my way through, but work gets first priority right now.
Tuesday the 28th is Business After Hours at Parkland Nurseries. That's going to be beautiful!
I got the most wonderful surprise last week - a call from Michelle, my very first bride from my very first wedding! I get to do couples portraits for her and Patrick (aka First Groom) in early December.
Gift Certificates are available now! Those of you who get the newsletter know that I will personally deliver them to you or your recipient dressed as an Elf - but only in December, and only in Red Deer.

Myrtle's Beautiful Family

Panther River Adventures

I don't generally post up commercial work, but this just screams for an exception. Sunday (Nov. 5th) was an amazing, fun day at the front of a covered wagon. I can't actually believe how lucky I am to get to do work like this. We visited one of the backcountry camps owned & operated by Laureen and Terry Safron. The tents are huge, have FLOORS, and woodburning stoves!
They are weather proof. There is a shower tent with hot water! The amount of work that has gone into making the camp a comfortable, clean place is unreal. The scenery all the way is like a moving postcard. They are open year round, and likely take bookings for anytime of year. The main lodge and cabins are accessible by road. There was a couple sitting by the fire on Saturday night who had come from Cochrane to enjoy the weekend in peaceful, beautiful surroundings. It really is a place to get away. It's certainly a far cry from high heeled tourists staggering up to Lake Agnes.
Click the title to visit the Panther River Adventures website. Then, book a trip out there.

Today's Favourite

Part two!

Anya & Holt

Part one of a two part session.
What amazing kids.

Beautiful, snowy weekend

We were out at Nordegg and Abraham Lake over the weekend for the Central Alberta Mountain Club Turkey Trek, and saw the wildest wind EVER.
It picked up spray from the lake and it's many white caps and threw it up to the road.
I had difficulty opening my van door at times.
I took advantage of the time out there to shoot Abraham and the surrounding scenery for an assignment I have.
Dinner was awesome, and I didn't have to clean up. That's the good part about staying back to cook. Shunda Creek Hostel has a chair outside made entirely of old skis.
Saturday night was gorgeous. There were so many things going on that might be merely nice by themselves that were absolutely magical together. One family at the hostel went outside for a fire in the pit. My two daughters went out in pajamas, touques, & coats; the snow was falling. Jim Taylor (from Rolyat Corp.) was out there with his son (a very tall geology student) and was playing the guitar out on the deck. All the little kids were dancing and running around throwing snowballs. The dancing, singing, snowballs and snow falling all around the fire made for a completely beautiful scene. Sometimes I wish I could hold and keep something like that. The memory will be one of my favourites.
It was such a coincidence that Jim was out there. He put on an Appreciative Inquiry workshop this morning that I was not sure I could make, but happily I did. What a great way of conducting life and business. Some of the concepts are familiar to me, and some are a new way of understanding and learning. For the most part the workshop concentrated on past experiences - the positive ones, and focusing on the positive aspects of dealing with other people and our businesses. From there we talked about our 'dream' situation, our goals. I enjoyed my 'interview partner' immensely. It was Harland from Telebyte, Small Business of the Year. Neat! I just photographed them near two weeks ago (See Wednesday's Red Deer Express for a look at the winner's photos), and I get to learn all about the beginnings of Telebyte, the excitement of getting the company going, and some of the things they do there.
This has been a great week.
Tuesday I dropped off the photos for the Business of the Year winners, and the next day got a phonecall from Don Sutherland, of Studon Electric and Control, just to thank me. What a class act. I remember Don quite well because when I went to shake his hand and congratulate him after he accepted his award, he said he needed a hug. He was just thrilled and happy. I have the best job on earth to be able to meet and work with people who each have so much goodness and joy in them.
Tomorrow is more creative, enjoyable fun. A mom & her two tiny, exceptionally cute, kids are coming for a session. A 10 month old girl, and a two year old boy with the most delicious eye lashes.