So, what exactly HAS been going on ?

Wow, I feel like I have been neglecting this Blog page lately ~ I really haven't been ignoring it,
 I have just been super busy with Winter life in the North East !  ....and the Joys of Family, Friends and Relatives, New Family Members, Births, Weddings ~ and Day to Day adjustments.
This past Fall 2010 was super busy for me with my THIRD son being a High School Senior  and this having been his last year playing Football ~

I wanted to be as close as possible to him, so I offered to be the "official team photographer" which allowed me right down on the field for every game, not that I understood the rules any better, but I was able to really get great views of all the players.. Such sadness once the season was done. We had been involved in football for 3 boys starting in 3rd grade and a total of 13 years ranging from youth football right up to High School - it still seems odd to me to drive by the ballfield knowing I will never again watch one of my boys play ~ Perhaps someday I'll have a grandson to take their place, and I'll proudly sit on those cold bleachers :)

On to Snow season - it seemed to be a pretty snowy winter up here this past year ~ After more than 25 years, I decided to get back into Ski instructing at one of our local mountains - Bolton Valley Ski resort - if you haven't tried it, or skiid there, I urge you to give it a try next year.. Such an awesome little mountain and so personal - I began teaching the first weekend of December, and took on a bunch of little 4 year olds that hadn't had much experience in past years.. throughout an 11 week program every Saturday morning I got these little kiddos from not being able to scoot on two planks, to up the lifts and skiing all over the mountain.. they were just the cutest little kiddos.. I was amazed at how excited they were, and weather never seemed to bother them.  My own little one was in the program as well, she started in my group, however after the first day, I realized that Mamma can't teach baby..so she was moved to another great instructor - and we had a great end of season ski day with my kids all taking on the entire mountain, including my 4 year old who was loving Dougs woods.. simply amazing.. 

I also tried Snowshoing for the first time this year - what a blast !!!! and great exercise - some friends and I sort of made it a weekend tradition to head out on Saturday nights to one of our local parks that's pretty hilly and not bad size considering. Ethan Allen Park became quite popular for us.. and again, my little 4 year old with her first ever pair of snow shoes just came trucking along like she'd done it forever - up and down the hilss and blazing her own trails.. hey, we are in Vermont, I'm beginning to realize if I'm going to be here for a while, I better start doing "winter things" ~ This Winter has been Cold and Very Snowy..

Well, Ski season is over, and Spring is somewhere upon the Horizon, not quiet sure yet, I think it somehow is lagging while uploading :)  I never did get to go on a Vacation, which was one of my plans for this past year, maybe in the coming year that will change, I do think it's about time to find some surf and sun..

I Really haven't done much for photography in a few months other than random here and there, but Summer and Fall are shaping up quite well. So, the Busy and Fun Winter months have been a joy to spend with family and friends, and loads of things to be involved in... but it looks like some good times are ahead.

I am super excited to have come in contact with many more Vendors this year, and the networking has been pretty incredible. I'm excited to have so many other Photographers in the area that I communicate with and bounce things off eachother, it's just an awesome network - we all love the same thing.. being behind the camera capturing moments that might otherwise go un - noticed and bringing them to life to be enjoyed..



Currently I'm training to run the Entire Burlington Marathon, "Yes that's right 26.2 miles" ,  I've never done it, but I am excited about it.. I've always wanted to, and I figure it's one of those things I can mark off my bucket list of things to do.. lol.. Seriously, one of the reasons I am running this is as a personal token of dedication toward a very special young girl who is struggling daily - and the marathon she is running is far more than I can ever imagine, - please read her story here - 13 year old Mikaela who is currently waiting in Pittsburgh for life saving liver and kidney transplants -- http://www.mojoformikaelas.com/ - needless to say, while training for my " Miles for Mikaela " - I am still taking it fairly easy on any new bookings and trying to keep my schedule somewhat light.  Many community members have worked very hard to help raise funds for Mikaela and her transplant expense.

My Family in NY are having a March of Dimes walk in Honor of my little baby niece who was born prematurily - http://www.marchforbabies.org/s_team_page.asp?seid=1521969  - any help there is more than welcome, either by donations, or joining to walk, forming your own team etc.. The March of Dimes helped my brother and his wife and Baby Mikayla greatly while she was in NICU. 

The Team Teagan 5 K Run is just a few weeks away - http://www.teamteagan.com/
this is an anual event to raise funds and awareness for families who are dealing with Childhood Leukemia which my other baby niece Teagan was diagnosed with at only 18 months of age, we "Thank God" daily that she remains in remission and is a sweet little girl who is full of life.

July 16th brings me to the Fallen Officers walk which I am proudly not only a "Sponsor" of by having personally sponsored one of the fallen officers, but I am also walking . Please consider walking, or helping raise funds and awareness for those who die while protecting us. Just by Sponsoring one officer is helping more than imaginable.   https://sites.google.com/site/fundsforfallenofficers/


Preparing for my 3rd sons High School Graduation in June - ( which I'm really having a hard time wrapping my head around ) - My 2nd Son moving back up North from St. Pete,  Wedding season of Photography, Family portrait sessions, a few Camping trips here and there -  it appears to be quite some busy months coming up, and then my BABY starts Kindergarten..

I often have to laugh and ask myself why I feel so crazy busy at times.. then when I look at my life (and my calendar) I realize it's the joys of having a large loving family, surrounded by loving friends, participation in events and functions close to my heart, and each moment that feels so crazy busy at the time, in reflection are moments that I wouldn't trade for the world and it reminds me that I'm exactly where I am supposed to be, and surrounded by those who are dear to me.

So, the updates, sneak peeks and little blurbs should start back up here..
I hope everyone within my Circle of contacts and those yet to come along have a wonderful year - an Amazing Summer and Making Memories that will last lifetimes..