Summer Lynn Photography {the blog}

Mommy I Love You, Daddy I Love You {Newborn Austin}

2011-10-19T09:38:00.003-04:00

What an honor it is when you meet someone for the first time at their newborn's photo shoot! I knew as soon as Nicole answered the door and welcomed me to their home in her sweet South Carolina accent that we would all hit it off :D And as you can see from these captured moments, they let their love for baby Austin shine through. I always feel so lucky when I get to photograph mamas and daddys cuddling their newest addition. And big sister Kate got into the cuddle action as well (especially with the promise of princess cookies!) Zach and Nicole are raising such a beautiful family . . . Can't you just feel the love swirling around?

This song dedication comes from somewhere special, too. "Kimmy Schwimmy" and her family are treasured old friends, and her awesome children's music tops the charts here at our house! Take a listen with your kiddos and you will find yourself transported to your fun, family "happy place" in no time :D

"When you lift me up,
I'm flying so high
Up where the stars are shining bright
I can't help but thinkin' how I love you so
Everything is better when you hold me close . . ."

-Kimmy Schwimmy

Holiday Mini Sessions with Atlanta Family Photographer Summer Lynn

2011-10-17T10:28:00.000-04:00

Contact me today to secure your time slot! Just click on "contact me" or here ---> Summer

~Those wanting a full session (approximately 1 1/2 hours) at a location of your choosing should contact me to book a full session. ~

Holiday Mini Sessions are up to 30 minute sessions that are designed specifically to help you get that "perfect shot" to send out to your friends and family over the holidays.

These "mini's" only happen once a year, and contain exclusive pricing AND digital files.

Sunday, November 6th 3pm-6pm (Rain date: Sunday, Nov. 13th)

Price: $295 (due at the time of booking)

- Up to 30 minute mini session here in Atlanta at a beautiful outdoor scenic spot (location details will be given to those who sign up)

- 8-10 images, perfectly edited, on an online gallery

- ALL high-res images on a dvd for printing/sharing (this is a very special offer! Usually, printing rights/ownership of images are sold separately at $75 per digital file) This allows you to have full printing rights to your images and use them for holiday cards and prints.

- +20% discount an any additional prints!

Sigh No More |Ashley's Senior Session|

2011-10-06T17:54:00.002-04:00

"Serve God, love me and mend
This is not the end
Lived unbruised, we are friends . . .

Love it will not betray you
Dismay or enslave you, it will set you free
Be more like the man you were made to be
There is a design, an alignment, a cry
Of my heart to see,
The beauty of love as it was made to be "

- Mumford & Sons

Ashley is one very special girl. Not only has she become my children's favorite babysitter over the last four years since we moved to Atlanta; I feel lucky to call her my friend also. And so it was an honor to do her senior portraits. We had so much fun taking these photos - even on the rainy day that it was! What a memory! Ashley is one of those girls that has been blessed with wisdom and maturity beyond her years, a sense of purpose, and a strong character. She is an idealist, a thinker, a musician, a reader (The Bible and Walden by Henry David Thoreau are her favorite books) and really, an inspiration to me.

Ashley, I am so proud of you. Thank you for being the wonderful "you" that you are. Don't ever give up on your dreams. And as you get ready for a very exciting college adventure, always remember that everyone here at home loves you!

xo Summer

I Love You, a Bushel and a Peck!

2011-09-20T12:09:00.001-04:00

"I love you, a bushel and a peck!
A bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck!
A hug around the neck, and a barrel and a heap
A barrel and a heap, and I'm talkin' in my sleep.
About you.
About you!
About you!
My heart is leapin'!
I'm having trouble sleepin'!
'Cause I love you, a bushel and a peck
You bet your pretty neck I do!
Doodle, oodle, oodle.
Doodle, oodle, oodle.
Doodle oodle oodle oo . . ."

- Guys and Dolls (The Musical)

Last Saturday was Apple Picking Day! The family headed up to Ellijay, Georgia; passing barns and orchards, cows and horses, goats and chickens along the way, and imitating every sound that each animal makes (of course!).

The kids LOVED picking the apples right off the trees. There is nothing in the world like seeing your kids' eyes light up, is there? I am addicted to that light . . . :)

“Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t that where the fruit is?” -Frank Scully

Monarchy of Roses

2011-09-12T18:39:00.002-04:00

mmmK.
So here's the thing: Summer ♥'s Red Hot Chili Peppers.
And is super stoked that they are, like, back.

So (duh!) I had to choose one of their new songs as the dedication for this fabulous blog post.
Not to mention we were sooo loving all things floral during this shoot!
And the song does have the word "Roses" in it. Plus, don't you love that they spell "colors" like "colours"? So much better, right? Say it with me: Colouuuurs. :)

Yeah, you know you just said it.

"Several of my best friends wear, the colours of the crown . . .

The saviour of your light
The monarchy of roses
The monarchy of roses tonight . . .

We all want the rose you know
I said
Hey yeah
Show us love before you go . . . "

All this to say that even though this song might just be about some dude who can't make up his mind about the two chicks in his life, (or religion?? in general?) it still has an awesome catchy vibe that I couldn't pass up on.

So there ya go. That's my disclaimer. :)

And - hello??!! You know I had so much fun at this shoot. Just look at these girls! I could have literally posted a hundred gorgeous pics, because these Class of 2012 girls: Katie, Jen, Anna and Maria were like camera candy!

(I highly recommend the "group thing" if you are a senior this year. Its fun to take pics with your friends, and it brings out the natural YOU. Contact me for details on group rate specials!! Ok, I'm done with the shameless plug.)

On to the good stuff . . .

To Katie, Jen, Anna and Maria: Congrats! And ENJOY your senior year. You girls have so much light in your eyes and in your hearts - I wish you ALL the best!
love,
Summer

Dream a Little Dream of Me

2011-08-07T23:14:00.004-04:00

"Stars shining bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper I love you
Birds singing in the sycamore tree
Dream a little dream of me

Say nighty night and kiss me
Just hold me tight and tell me you miss me
While I'm alone and blue as can be
Dream a little dream of me

Dreams till sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you
But in your dreams whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me . . ."
-Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong

John and Britney are getting married!! There is something so sweet and old-fashioned (in a good way!) about their cute interactions, and so I thought an all-time "oldies" classic love song was in order for the dedication ;). . . John and Britney clearly love eachother, take care of eachother, are so considerate of one another - what a great way to start a marriage. John is the perfect gentleman - opening doors for everyone, even offering to carry my heavy camera gear at times! (Don't worry - I remained professional and wouldn't let him do it! I've got my own photog-muscles, ya'll! ;) ) And Britney is one of those girls you just want to be friends with the minute you meet her - relaxed, down-to-earth, honest - and hilarious!! Love these two! And I can't wait to be there for their big day in December!

Learning to Fly

2011-07-18T17:13:00.004-04:00

"Well, I started out down a dirty road
Started out all alone
And the sun went down as I crossed the hill
And the town lit up, the world got still
I'm learning to fly but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing
Well, the good ol' days may not return
And the rocks might melt and the sea may burn
I'm learning to fly but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing
Well, some say life will beat you down
Break your heart, steal your crown
So I've started out for God knows where
I guess I'll know when I get there
I'm learning to fly around the clouds
But what goes up must come down
I'm learning to fly but I ain't got wings
Coming down is the hardest thing
I'm learning to fly around the clouds
But what goes up must come down
I'm learning to fly
I'm learning to fly"

-Tom Petty

Just the Way You Are | John + Britney {Sneak Peek!}

2011-07-06T19:09:00.001-04:00

One of my fave shots (more to come!) of the newly engaged couple, John and Britney! I am looking forward to shooting their wedding come December . . . I've heard some of the Bride's ideas, and it is going to be FABULOUS to say the very least! :D xoxo Summer

"Oh her eyes, her eyes
Make the stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair
Falls perfectly without her trying

She's so beautiful
And I tell her every day
Yeah I know, I know
When I compliment her
She wont believe me
And its so, its so
Sad to think she don't see what I see

But every time she asks me do I look okay
I say
When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are. . ."

-Bruno Mars

Clair de Lune (an early morning lullaby)

2011-06-23T12:08:00.003-04:00

I think I heard this song playing in my heart early this morning when my kids came in for some snuggle time.

Just had to share a little continuation of my previous summertime vacation post A Good Day.

Good Morning to you. . .

As far as you went from the door, which was not far;
But you had awakened under the morning star
The first song-bird that awakened all the rest. . .

You had begun it, and if there needed proof--
I was asleep still under the dripping roof,
My window curtain hung over the sill to wet;
But I should awake to confirm your story yet;
I should be willing to say and help you say
That once you had opened the valley's singing day. . ."

-Robert Frost

A Good Day (Morning Song)

2011-06-20T19:27:00.001-04:00

morning
sunrise
open my eyes

and i can tell it's gonna be a good day
i can tell it's gonna be a good day

did you sleep well?
did you dream at all?
can you tell me the time?
on the alarm clock

i can tell it's gonna be a good day
i can tell it's gonna be a good day

but you can sleep in
you just keep dreamin
for us

i can tell it's gonna be a good day
i can tell it's gonna be a good day

-Priscilla Ahn

Sometimes, the lyrics speak for themselves; in the simplest and most true way. When I get so lucky as to get away from 'it all' with my little family, this song is pretty much how I feel. Smiles come easy. Laughs come easy. I'm walkin' on sunshine even if its storming outside - you know what I mean? Now don't get me wrong; all is not calm serenity and bliss when you have two little ones who need your help with everything all the time ;D We've got some crazy in us too! But, you know, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Here are just a few pics from some of our summertime adventures (thus far) with our family and some of our best friends as well. I have to say, as a little aside, that one is truly blessed when one of your girlfriend besties is married to one of your husband's guy besties (do guys say that? that would be a "no".) and they have kids and their kids are also some of your kiddos' besties. Ok, enough with the word 'bestie'. You get the idea. Much to be grateful for! Treasure your true friends. The ones who stick with you through 'it all'. And make you laugh till your sides hurt :D When you're with the ones you love, "its gonna be a good day".

Three Little Birds

2011-06-16T17:42:00.003-04:00

"Rise up this mornin',
Smiled with the risin' sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin', ('This is my message to you-ou-ou:')

Singin': 'Don't worry 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right.'
Singin': 'Don't worry (don't worry) 'bout a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be all right!' "

-Bob Marley

I ~~rocked out to~~ sang this in the car with my kiddos today ;) One of the best songs ever, right? I think it really does lower your blood pressure and calm your nerves at the first sound of those. . .what are they called. . . steel drums! Cue sunshine, the sweet smell of a salty beach breeze, warm sand on my toes, and a pina colada in hand and I'm SO THERE!

Ok, so you can pretend with me . . . ;D

But while you're at it, check out these Three Little Birds and their fun parents! The Whiten clan kept me on my toes and kept me laughing, too. I love the spontaneity and wild abandon that kids have in front of the camera. They give their whole little heart to whomever they are engaging with, and the love is evident. (And the silliness is too! ;D )

bye bye munchkin. . . .

God Only Knows

2011-05-02T15:58:00.001-04:00

". . . But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I'll make you so sure about it
God only knows what I'd be without you . . ."
-Beach Boys

I keep thinking of the opening and closing scenes in Love Actually (one of my all time fave flicks). You know, the hugging families and loved ones "montage" with this song playing in the background that makes you want to sigh, cry, ~~jump out of your seat and dance in the middle of the theatre~~ and smile all at the same time?! Yeah, you know what I'm talking about ;)

"General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaking suspicion... love actually is all around."

Camisha and Matt have such a lovely family, and Savannah, their 2 year old princess, also happens to be my new best friend ;) She and I bonded. So much so that she was crying when the photo shoot was over and we had to say goodbye! Total heart-string-puller, that one is! ;) And she is such a sweet and gentle big sister to her new baby bro. I loved watching her interact with him.

In these photos, you can see and really feel the special memories being created, and the love (actually) . . . such a special thing.

xoxo
Summer


God Only Knows . . .

The Odd Life of Timothy Green (thats a movie title, folks)

2011-04-27T10:46:00.002-04:00

So I know that I always do a song dedication for my clients, but this one's a little different ;)

This cute guy, Patrick Brouder, is starring in the upcoming Walt Disney feature film The Odd Life of Timothy Green with Jennifer Garner and Ron Livingston.

The film is an enchanting fantasy tale about a childless couple who bury a box in their backyard, containing all of their wishes for an infant. Soon, a child is born, though Timothy Green is not all that he appears . . .

Patrick plays the role of Dash Best, a musically -gifted wiz kid. Truth be told however, Patrick is himself a musically-gifted kid! He plays the cello and guitar, and loves anything having to do with music. It was so cool to hear this soon-to-be tween heartthrob (!) talk about his role in the film, what it was like to be on set, as well as what kind of music he is into playing. He even played me a Beatles song on his guitar, and instantly became my 7 year old son's newest hero ;)

So since his upcoming film is all about the magic and mystery that grows out of the Green's backyard, it made sense to do his photo shoot "in the green" as well. ( a.k.a. We played outside!!)

Congrats on your success, Patrick! I'm sure there is so much good in store for you. I had so much fun hanging out with you - You are definitely one cool kid. ;-)

-Summer

Tupelo Honey

2011-04-18T22:58:00.002-04:00

"You can take all the tea in china
Put it in a big brown bag for me
Sail right around the seven oceans
Drop it straight into the deep blue sea
She's as sweet as tupelo honey
She's an angel of the first degree
She's as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like honey from the bee

You can't stop us on the road to freedom
You can't keep us 'cause our eyes can see
Men with insight, men in granite
Knights in armor bent on chivalry
She's as sweet as tupelo honey
She's an angel of the first degree
She's as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like honey from the bee

You can't stop us on the road to freedom
You can't stop us 'cause our eyes can see
Men with insight, men in granite
Knights in armor intent on chivalry
She's as sweet as tupelo honey
She's an angel of the first degree
She's as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like honey from the bee

You know she's alright
You know she's alright with me
She's alright, she's alright (she's an angel)

You can take all the tea in china
Put it in a big brown bag for me
Sail it right around the seven oceans

Drop it smack dab in the middle of the deep blue sea
Because she's as sweet as tupelo honey
She's an angel of the first degree
She's as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like honey from the bee

She's as sweet as tupelo honey
She's an angel of the first degree
She's as sweet as tupelo honey
Just like the honey, baby, from the bee
She's my baby, you know she's alright.....

There's a rose pressed inside a bible
That she reads on the balcony
She's sweet in slumber and I've got her number
For the beginning of the century.

I heard a tale of old manhattan
I've never been there but I want to go
Standing waiting on my number
And my number's gonna show. . ."

- Van Morrison

I have such a special place in my heart for this family . . .

Neal - a.k.a "Tripp", (but I still call him Neal ;) and I have been buddies since we were just kids. We were bonded for life after he let me stand on top of his shoulders (probably to try and impress a certain boy) at the park with a bunch of our friends ;)

Bre and I became fast friends when we both lived in Manhattan - she, the talented aspiring actress; me, the college student trying to carve out a life in the Big City. One day, Bre was over at my apartment hanging out - helping me fold my laundry actually - (what a loyal friend!), when Neal arrived from Georgia for a visit to see all his NYC buddies. We ran into him on the street on the way home from picking up another load at the laundromat. It was a quick hello, nothing remarkable. But it was fate ;) After arranging plans for that evening and saying good bye to Neal, Bre and I began the 4 story climb back up to my apartment when she casually mentioned that she wouldn't mind getting to know Neal a little better ;)

Well, needless to say, Neal made a few more trips to come visit his NYC buddies after he heard about Bre's casual comment. And the rest is history . . .

Now Bre and Neal are expecting their second - another girl! - and I am more than thrilled for all of them.

This song dedication is for Neal, who "suffered" through an entire photo shoot, just because he loves his sweet girls so much :) And also because of his own "old Manhattan tale" . . . "Standing waiting on my number, and my number's gonna show . . . " And I'm glad it did. ;)

Bre and Neal: I'm honored to be just a little part of your Story! Your family is beautiful!

love,
Summer

The Wood Song

2011-03-26T19:44:00.004-04:00

"the thin horizon of a plan is almost clear
my friends and i have had a tough time
bruising our brains hard up against change
all the old dogs and the magician
now i see we're in the boat in two by twos
only the heart that we have for a tool we could use
and the very close quarters are hard to get used to
love weighs the hull down with its weight
but the wood is tired and the wood is old
and we'll make it fine if the weather holds
but if the weather holds we'll have missed the point
that's where i need to go

no way construction of this tricky plan
was built by other than a greater hand
with a love that passes all OUR understanding
watching closely over the journey
yeah but what it takes to cross the great divide
seems more than all the courage i can muster up inside
although we get to have some answers when we reach the other side
the prize is always worth the rocky ride
but the wood is tired and the wood is old
and we'll make it fine if the weather holds
but if the weather holds we'll have missed the point
that's where i need to go . . . "

One of my favorite songs of all time for sure. And when you really listen to it, an entire spectrum of emotions are bound to be felt. Every time I hear it, it makes me think of dear old friends. Auld Lang Syne. Friends who know you, "get" you, grew Up with you; friends who have been through some of life's best times and hardest times with you, held your hand, made you laugh till you cried, cried with you till you could laugh again, stayed up all the wee hours of the night (who knows what time it was) living life in NYC with you. . . and yet still love you. And this is true of my friend Christiana (pictured above with her sweet baby Carmen).

Despite my crazy antics (and let me just say there are many "antics") as a former college roommate, she likes me! ;D I can still hear the laughter coming from our little shoebox apartment in the East Village, just off St. Marks Place - surrounded by tattoo artist shops, vintage record stores, street musicians, punk rockers, and pierogies, we proudly called ourselves the "Fab Five" - Alyssa (Lys), Christiana (Kikiana), Sonia (So), Rebekah (Beka-Bird), and myself (Sums). We were young! We were dreamers! We were gorgeous! We ~~were~~ are awesome!

Lys and I were getting ready to graduate from NYU, and Beka-Bird, and the Twinsies (oh did I mention So and Kikiana are identical twins?) were working as professional ballerinas with different dance companies in New York. (I still pretend that I know how to dance just from my time spent living with them. They might tell you otherwise ;) )

Memories - we have so many of them. Good ones - like our girls nights out on the town, getting all dolled up to go salsa dancing, or to try some new restaurant. Or just spending time chillin' on the couch at the end of our long days - catching up as Beka Bird flew through the front door, spilling into the apartment Kramer-style (btw, that's a Seinfeld reference for any of you young folks who don't get the joke). She would then proceed to whip up something amazing and exotic to eat, as the Twinsies unwrapped their aching taped toes from dancing on pointe all day long, and as Lys flossed her teeth (this was an hour-long nightly ritual), and I tried to decompress from attempting to save the world that day (my internship job - I'll just leave it at that. ha! ;D)

Hilarious memories - like all of us trying to ~~kill~~ ~~squash~~ ~~terminate~~ evict the mice who had taken up residence in our (already very tiny) apartment at 2 am. Or chatting about boys and dating dilemmas and drama (ok, that was definitely mostly me with the drama . . . and the dilemmas . . . ), cracking up together watching SNL, (back when the cast was A-mazing), and doing silly imitations of each other that to this day can make me start giggling out of nowhere. . .

And sad memories too. Waking up to sirens and screams on September 11th. Helplessly looking on together, grasping for each others' hands as we watched Lower Manhattan collapse and seemingly vanish into smoke from our rooftop. Helping our shell-shocked, ash and debris-covered friends who walked up to our place from downtown. Being so afraid of what might happen next.

And of course, there were more personal hardships, for all of us, as well - heartbreaks and losses, life altering circumstances that you can never see coming - along the way.

All these happy/sad/funny/wonderful memories bring me to the reason for this song dedication for my dear friend "Kikiana", who came into town this last week from Cali on a business trip with her sweet hubby Kyle, and adorable baby Carmen. We got to spend a whole day playing outside with our daughters (so surreal that we both have our own!), and catching up on lost time. I love that we still talk exactly the same way we always have, and that we can pick back up right where we left off - regardless of how long its been.

And so - to the Fab Five: No matter how ~~old we get~~ many years go by, or how many miles lay between us; as we truly grow up, start families, pursue careers, and live and learn, I want you to know that I love "just holding on for the ride" with you lovely gals by my side in life - always.

. . . sometimes i ask to sneak a closer look
skip to the final chapter of the book
and then maybe steer us clear from some of the pain it took
to get us where we are this far yeah
but the question drowns in its futility
and even i have got to laugh at me
no one gets to miss the storm of what will be
just holding on for the ride
the wood is tired and the wood is old
we'll make it fine if the weather holds
but if the weather holds we'll have missed the point
that's where i need to go"

- Indigo Girls

xoxo,
Sums

Suddenly I See {Portraits for a Purpose}

2011-03-21T00:49:00.002-04:00

"Her face is a map of the world
Is a map of the world
You can see she's a beautiful girl
She's a beautiful girl
And everything around her is a silver pool of light
The people who surround her feel the benefit of it
It makes you calm
She holds you captivated in her palm

Suddenly I see (Suddenly I see)
This is what I wanna be . . ."

- KT Tunstall

I had so much fun hanging out with Naima and her mom Nicole! I love meeting fellow New Yorkers at heart; we always seem to "get" each other. And we are just that much cooler than everyone else, so . . . (I'm kidding . . . sort of :D) I got the privilege of photographing this pretty girl a few weeks ago, and it was such a treat for all of us as we strolled through Piedmont park and enjoyed some early spring sunshine - gosh, I just wanted to soak all of it up (and I did actually . . . I came back to the same spots later that same afternoon with the hubby and kiddos just to take advantage of the gorgeous day!)

So Naima (don't you just love her awesome name? and it has a great meaning as well) is a girl who is goin' places. She's got big plans and dreams, one of which is modeling. And um, yeah, I think you'll agree that she has got what it takes! More than anything, Naima, you take after your mom in that you are such a beautiful person on the inside, and I loved getting to chat with you and know you better. Nicole purchased this session at her law firm's charity auction benefiting the United Way , to support education and health, and to combat homelessness here in metro Atlanta. Thank you Nicole and Naima for your part in helping such a great cause!

Naima - you go girl. Chase those dreams - you've got what it takes! xo, Summer

The Rain Song {Brittany + Jon}

2011-02-24T23:46:00.001-05:00

"It is the springtime of my loving - the second season I am to know
You are the sunlight in my growing - so little warmth I've felt before.
It isn't hard to feel me glowing - I watched the fire that grew so low.

It is the summer of my smiles - flee from me Keepers of the Gloom.
Speak to me only with your eyes. It is to you I give this tune.
Ain't so hard to recognize - These things are clear to all from
time to time.

Talk Talk - I've felt the coldness of my winter
I never thought it would ever go. I cursed the gloom that set upon us...
But I know that I love you so

These are the seasons of emotion and like the winds they rise and fall
This is the wonder of devotion - I seek the torch we all must hold.
This is the mystery of the quotient - Upon us all a little rain must fall...It's just a little rain..."

- LED ZEPPELIN

The day had finally arrived! And with it, The Rain. ;)

And so, after much soul-searching on the part of the bride who had her heart set on a beautiful outdoor wedding under the shade of a majestic oak tree, a new indoor venue was quickly arranged. And yet, I couldn't help but agree with Brittany's father (who also happened to be the minister officiating the ceremony!) when he so eloquently pointed out that perhaps it was a good thing that Jon and Britt wouldn't say "I do" under the big oak tree; that in fact, it might have been a distraction from the "oak" that stood before us that day . . . . Just before the pronouncement of Husband and Wife, he quoted a scripture from the Bible that reads: "They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor." (Isaiah 61:4)

I mean, its something pretty special when your very own dad compares you and your future husband to a majestic tree full of potential and splendor, purposefully planted by The Big Guy Himself. It was so sweet, and there were no dry eyes in the room after that one!

Let me just say that Jon and Britt spent the day "displaying splendor" and displaying their true love for eachother and all of their family and friends. It was pure bliss getting to photograph this wedding. Thank you Jon and Britt for choosing me to follow you around on your most special of days! It was an honor.

Despite the wet weather, we found some beautiful covered areas for some lover-ly shots of Jon and Britt. I think you will agree!

*A very special thanks and shout out to my amazing photog assistants for the day, Bre Sessions and Sara Engel. Sara so wonderfully captured the shot of "the First Kiss" during the wedding ceremony!

Hello Lover. oh, these shoes, these shoes . . .

(Britt's "something blue" was a gift from her big brother ;)

a love letter from Jon, sent to the Bride in her dressing room ♥

Beauty

The getaway car . . .

Congratulations Jon and Brittany!!

. . . and one more for good luck . . . I couldn't resist this one . . . :)

Thanks to the big umbrella that saved the day! (and the football team that always saves the day) "Its just a little rain . . ."

Today {Reality Post}

2011-01-30T18:53:00.002-05:00

"Today is my moment, now is my story
I'll laugh and I'll cry and I'll sing . . . "
-John Denver

Sometimes its the 'little' things that make me the most inexplicably euphoric, nostalgic or emotional . . . or that careen my mind back in time and get me remembering.

Today my oldest lost his second front tooth, and is now officially missing his two front teeth! How did losing one little bitty tooth make him look less like my baby boy, and more like an independent, charming, sensitive, witty, energetic, thoughtful little man? How did we get here? Didn't he just get his two front teeth? Wasn't it just last week that I was up all night with a tired, teething baby, chewing on his fingers, toys, shirts, my shoulder . . .ANYTHING to help him cut those teeth through? Didn't he just start to crawl? to walk? to talk?

Well, now I love to hear him talk. I love hearing him talk about his friends at school, about how cool "demento" tag is ;) , and about what kind of inventor he wants to be when he grows up. I love hearing him say "I love you infinity, Mama!" I love hearing him introduce himself to kids he doesn't know on the playground. I love hearing him practice his spelling words of the week. I love hearing him tell his baby sister night night. I love hearing his specific little prayers at bedtime. I love hearing him laugh with his daddy. And yes, I even love hearing his occasional moody complaints about why he can't stay up all night playing Wii with daddy, or why his little sister is so prone to messing up his Lego creations, or his annoyance at why marshmallows can't be his main source of sustenance.

Growing up so fast . . . I have to treasure up everything I love hearing one day at a time.

And today, for this day, I am especially loving hearing him tooth-lessly say: "She sells seashells by the seashore."

:-)

Godspeed (Sweet Dreams)

2011-01-20T14:26:00.002-05:00

So I used to sing this song to my baby boy every night . . . love it. Makes me cry every time I hear it . . . there is just something so special about a mama and her baby boy.

My favorite line is "God hears Amen . . . wherever we are." I like that 'wherever we are' could be an actual place on the map; but even more so, perhaps, a place of emotion, a state of being, or measurement of faith. For me, as a mama, the most comforting thing (besides actually getting a few consecutive hours of sleep!) is knowing someone up there cares about this new bundle of perfection as much I do, or even more. Just a thought for the day, ya'll ;)

Amanda (the beautiful mama pictured here) is a close friend of mine, and baby Jacob has already grown leaps and bounds from a month or so ago when I took these photos . . . they really do grow up fast!

Dragon tales and the "water is wide"
Pirate's sail and lost boys fly
Fish bite moonbeams every night
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

The rocket racer's all tuckered out
Superman's in pajamas on the couch
Goodnight moon, will find the mouse
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

God bless mommy and match box cars
God bless dad and thanks for the stars
God hears "Amen," wherever we are
And I love you

Godspeed, little man
Sweet dreams, little man
Oh my love will fly to you each night on angels wings
Godspeed
Godspeed
Godspeed
Sweet dreams

-Dixie Chicks

Smiling!

I loved how big sister Sarah sneaked into the room, admiring and imitating baby Jacob's little fingers here . . . just had to grab a shot of it ;)

Winter Winds {Reality Post}

2011-01-14T22:32:00.001-05:00

Farewell SNOW!! You brought me one of the most beautiful and cozy weeks of my life - being snowed into my home for the last week . . . no complaints from me! I have loved the extra time with my family, and I will always remember this late little Christmas gift from Mother Nature! p.s. Clearly, I have a "thing" for the little yellow boots that my son wore when he was a toddler, and that my now two year old daughter wore in the snow this week ;)

"As the winter winds litter London with lonely hearts
Oh the warmth in your eyes swept me into your arms
Was it love or fear of the cold that led us through the night?
For every kiss your beauty trumped my doubt

. . . Remember spring swaps snow for leaves
You'll be happy and wholesome again
When the city clears and sun ascends

And my head told my heart
'Let love grow' . . . "

-Mumford & Sons

Lean On Me

2011-01-14T18:34:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone!

I have so enjoyed this last month of "rest" . . .well, ok, we all know that traveling during the holidays with kids does not exactly count as restful. . . BUT it was so much fun nonetheless!

Here is a session that I did right before Christmas vacation - the Matthews family was a bundle of energy and spontaneity! Trey and Walter are brothers that know how to play hard, and also know how to show some sweet affection, too. What a lucky, pretty mama they have as well . . . ;)

"So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Lean on me..."

Christmas All Over Again

2010-12-02T14:48:00.000-05:00

Yup. It certainly is that time of the year! This is another one of my holiday mini sessions . . . but wow we got a LOT a great shots out of so short a time! Maybe I'll have the same luck with getting my Christmas shopping done . . .

"And all over town little kids gonna get down
And Christmas is a rockin' time, put your body next to mine
Underneath the mistletoe we go, we go

Everybodys singin', all the bells are ringin' out
It's Christmas all over again, yeah again

And right down our block little kids start to rock
And Christmas is a rockin' time, put your body next to mine
Underneath the mistletoe we go, we go

Merry Christmas time come and find you happy and there by your fire
I hope you have a good one, I hope momma gets her shoppin' done
And it's a Christmas all over again
Baby it's Christmas all over again
And it's Christmas all over again

Now let's see...I want a new Rickenbacker guitar . . ."

-Tom Petty

The Arnold family is so fun-loving and down to earth, and their kids really enjoyed hamming it up in front of the camera! (Especially you, Carson . . .little boy model in the making!) And sweet Aubrianne just recently turned two, so her mama was excited to get some "Me at Two Years Old" shots as well. Happy Birthday Aubri! Don't let Santa forget that you deserve birthday gifts AND Christmas gifts ;) Oh, the joys of having a close-to-christmas birthday . . . Don't worry Aubri, I can relate!

Merry Christmas Arnold Family!!

Better Together

2010-11-30T00:42:00.000-05:00

This photo shoot with Jack and Dana felt so whimsical, light and fun. Jack has to be one of the funnest (is that a word?) little guys I have ever photographed, because anything and everything he did was just so darn cute. Jack is full of energy, ideas and curiosity . . . so I couldn't help but think of a Jack Johnson tune from the Curious George soundtrack for their song dedication ;)

"There is no combination of words I could put on the postcard
And no song that I could sing, but I can try because this is your heart and this is
Our dreams and they are made out of real things
Like a shoebox of photographs with sepia-toned loving
Love is the answer at least for most of the questions in my heart . .

I'll tell you one thing, it's so much better when we're together
Mmm, so much better when we're together
Yeh, we'll look at the stars when we're together
Well it's so much better when we're together
Yeh, it's so much better when we're together . . . "

-Jack Johnson

And one more thing - I wish I had a camera in the back of my head as well so that you could see the adorable way Jack and Dana interacted with each other during the shoot. She had him giggling and laughing . . . I love moms like that! The kind that love to be silly-goofy with their kiddos! (Maybe because I am the same way with mine!) Dana is one of the great moms out there, and she looks like some perfect combination of Rachel McAdams and Elizabeth Banks - don't you think?!

So thanks Jack and Dana! I loved getting to know you two better, together ;)

I'll Be Seeing You

2010-11-13T22:43:00.000-05:00

"I'll be seeing you
In all the old familiar places
That this heart of mine embraces
All day through. . . .

I'll find you
In the morning sun
And when the night is new.
I'll be looking at the moon,
But I'll be seeing you. . . "

- Billie Holiday

Little Roman kept reminding me of a cute little boy from the 40's as he walked around this farm in his hat and little suspenders :-) And the first words I heard him say as we were all saying hello was: "Moon!!!" He was so excited to see the moon up in the early twilight sky. So, I thought this song dedication would be appropriate.

Here are just a few of my favorite moments from the Pincus family's Holiday Mini Session . . . such a great family! Thank you Jon, Leah and Roman for being so much fun to photograph!

I'll be Seeing You Roman! :-)

Happy Holidays,

Summer

Free Fallin'

2010-11-10T22:48:00.000-05:00

I heart heart heart the Fall!!! I have several more "Fall-ish" posts from sessions to come, but couldn't resist sharing a few from a "mini" session today. . .ok VERY mini. Like 5 minutes mini ;-) I didn't want to interrupt all the fun play time going on in my backyard, but just had to snap a few shots of a best friend's kids! Jake and Katie are so sweet and are really like family to me . . . you can't "fake" moments like the ones captured here, you just have to be ready for them! ;-)

You've Got A Friend In Me

2010-10-20T22:47:00.001-04:00

Cue adorableness.
Cue the song you hear at the beginning of Disney's Toy Story about best buds.
Cue best-friend-brother-and-sister-duo, Spence and Ellie.

" . . . We stick together and we see it through
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me

Some other folks might be
A little bit smarter than I am
Bigger and stronger too
Maybe
But none of them will ever love you the way I do
It's me and you
And as the years go by
Boy, our friendship will never die
You're gonna see
It's our destiny
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me
You've got a friend in me."

I always ask parents of the children I am photographing what it is they most want to remember and hold dear about this time in their child's life. Because a true portrait is more than just a snapshot. A portrait should capture the essence of who you really are. Sure, there's the "science" of photography: lighting, composition, background, location, aperture, shutter speed. . . all of those details are important. . . but those details are not why I love photography. I love photography because I love to see people. Really try to see who they are on the inside and try to bring it all to life - that nano-second of history that tells a story forever. So for this shoot with Spence and Ellie, I was inspired by what their mom said about their wonderful, playful, funny, silly, sweet-with-a-cherry-on-top friendship. It's pretty special. I mean, they even have a secret handshake, as you will see ;)

we "raised some eyebrows" ;)

the secret handshake! love it! ;)

And mom and dad sneaked into a few pics as well . . . .

Bff's ;)

I had so much fun with you two, Spence and Ellie!!

Thunder Road

2010-10-09T19:53:00.000-04:00

". . . And let the wind blow
Back your hair
Well the nights busting open
These two lanes will take us anywhere
We got one last chance to make it real
To trade in these wings on some wheels
Climb in back
Heavens waiting on down the tracks
Oh-oh come take my hand
Riding out tonight to case the promised land
Oh-oh thunder road, oh thunder road oh thunder road
Lying out there like a killer in the sun
Hey I know it's late we can make it if we run
Oh thunder road, sit tight take hold
Thunder road . . . "

-Bruce Springsteen

Need I say more? No explanation needed for The Boss, right?

Well, maybe a little explanation. You see, this little dude in utero is going to be named Jacob Thunder - and so he is just destined to be cool.

This mommy-of-two-to-be is one of those tall slender gorgeous pregnant women, who, if you saw her from the back, you would not even guess she was 8 months pregnant!

The light was so perfect for this shoot, and sweet big sister Sarah was the best flower girl ever (who says you need to be in a wedding to be a flower girl?!)

I'm so happy for the adorable Collins family, and can't wait to meet baby Jacob!

Rhapsody in Blue

2010-10-05T10:18:00.007-04:00

This baby boy deserves his own little symphony . . . .

What a sweetheart. What is amazing is how much he (at only four weeks old) seems to tell his mama just how much he adores her - the way he just stares and stares at her and wants only to be in her arms. Baby Jackson has some signature old soul looks, which harmonize beautifully in the photographs with his hip, fresh-faced, wowza -gorgeous mommy Brittany.

And he IS adored! His grandma was also at the shoot, and is just so proud of every little feature. . .

. . . his dark curls, his "muscle-man" arms, his cute feet and toes . . . fingers and nose . . . big yawns, happy face, mad face, fussy face, shocked face, sleepy face . . .when else in life are all our unique characteristics so appreciated and marveled over?!

Congratulations Brittany! Your baby boy is perfect!

Portraits for a Purpose

2010-09-14T14:21:00.002-04:00

From now on, I will be holding special Portraits for a Purpose mini session events throughout the year, and all proceeds from the event will go to a specified relief effort. I am hoping to involve families and individuals who really want to make a difference, and will enjoy having portraits to treasure for years to come, commemorating their contributions to a great cause. My hope is that as these pictures hang on your walls or sit in a frame on your desk, that you will be able to look back at a special time in your life, as well inspire you to remember those you have helped, and can continue to help.

This year's first "Portraits for a Purpose" Event will be benefiting families that have been affected by the massive flooding in Pakistan., through the efforts of HOPE worldwide in Pakistan.

"The United Nations has rated the floods in Pakistan as the greatest humanitarian crisis in recent history with more people affected than the South-East Asian tsunami and the recent earthquakes in Kashmir and Haiti combined." http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/pakistan/7935485/Pakistan-floods-disaster-is-the-worst-in-the-UNs-history.html

"HOPE worldwide is an international charity that changes lives by harnessing the compassion and commitment of dedicated staff and volunteers to deliver sustainable, high-impact, community-based services to the poor and needy. Today HOPE worldwide operates on every inhabited continent, serving more than one million people annually." http://www.hopeww.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=197

I have been personally involved in volunteering with HOPE worldwide since I was a little girl, due to my parents' great spirit of volunteerism and commitment to remembering the poor. I am so thankful for the opportunities I had to serve, and desire to instill that same global awareness to my own children. I am excited to be able to contribute to their efforts in this way.

Right now, HOPE worldwide is providing monthly food packets to 400 families in the most severely impacted area in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Each monthly packet will contain food items that are sufficient to feed a family of seven for one month.

"These items are purchased locally [in Pakistan], taken to the flooded area and distributed by HOPE worldwide. We are asking friends and supporters of the poor to adopt one family for one month for a donation of $125. Our goal is to supply food for 400 families for five months in our first phase . . ." http://www.hopeww.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=1692

My goal is for us to be able to "adopt" as many families as we can using all the funds raised during this event.

Your mini session fee of $125 will go directly to feeding an entire family for a month and hopefully helping them get back on their feet after this terrible tragedy.

To donate:
Visit the www.hopeww.org
Click on “DONATE NOW” for online
donations. Please specify PAKISTAN
FLOODS in the comments line.

Or send your checks made out to
HOPE worldwide to:
353 W. Lancaster Ave, Suite 200
Wayne, PA 19087
(put “PAKISTAN FLOODS” in the memo line)

Please bring a copy of your check or online donation receipt to your Portraits for a Purpose mini session and receive:

- a 30 minute mini-photo session (families, kids, babies, newborns, high school seniors, couples - you name it, I'll make it happen!)

- a password-protected online gallery to view your best images and share with family and friends!

- a CD containing your best shots from the session, perfectly edited digital files of your choice for you to keep.

I look forward to hearing from you! I have mini-session time slots available on the following dates:

Saturday September 25th 5pm-7 pm

Saturday October 2nd 9am-11am

Saturday October 9th 5pm-7pm

Please contact me via my website www.summerlynnphotography.com to schedule your Portraits for a Purpose mini session today, and we really can make a difference together.

Best,
Summer

My Wish

2010-09-03T12:45:00.000-04:00

"But more than anything, more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish."

- Rascal Flatts

There is something so dreamy about little Wil. Its like he just knows that he is truly his Mama's wish come true . . .

He turned six months old the week we did his photo shoot, and his Mama still marvels at every little thing about him - just the way it is supposed to be. So precious is life! (at every stage!)

And I was like Baby, Baby, Baby ohhh

2010-08-30T11:38:00.000-04:00

I realize that I frequently name my blog titles after pop songs. . . but this time its not just to be cute ;) No - actually - this time its because I really sang Justin Bieber's song about 25 times for sweet One Year Old Caroline. You see, Caroline may only be One, but she has Bieber Fever. She is a bonified Bieberette. A Belieber. And, as you will see in many of her adorable poses, this baby girl knows how to rock out to the sound of the beloved hair-swished teen heartthrob's songs. And so. . . I was happy to oblige. Just part of the service, ya'll. ;)

Happy First Birthday, Sweet Caroline!

Twinkle Twinkle

2010-08-17T21:49:00.000-04:00

There was quite a bit of twinklin' and twanklin' with some star babies and mamas goin on in my world today! I got to photograph this gorgeous mommy-to-be. . . .and gorgeous she is! She is due any day now. . .and hoping for sooner rather than later! I'm sorry, but I just did NOT look this good a few days before the birth of my children haha. . .
Brittney is happy and glowing, and I can't wait to meet baby Jackson when he arrives! Sending happy "pushing" thoughts your way, Brittney - you will do great!

On another note. . .for any mamas out there - be sure to check out my special portrait package :
"Super Star Mama and Baby" in the investment section on my website. . . it includes 3 photo sessions - Maternity, Newborn, and Baby at One Year. It also includes $50 in prints credit.
Just a little shameless plug ;)

Our Kind of Love . . . ♥

2010-08-08T22:01:00.000-04:00

"You wear your smile like a summer sky
Just shining down on me and you
I swear your heart is a free bird . . .
Just like drivin' on an open highway
never knowin' what we're gonna find
Just like two kids baby always tryin' to live it up . . .
oh that's our kind of love . . ."
- Lady Antebellum

I kept thinking of this sweet song as I got to photograph the Lawrence family last Saturday. John and Mickie both work for a transportation company, and so John is "drivin' on an open highway" much of the time, and yet both Mickie and John have such a an obvious special connection to each other and to their adorable kids. It was so easy to capture real, tender moments in their photographs as they all played together in the park, because, well, that's their kind of love. ;)

What Little Boys Are Made Of . . . (Reality Post)

2010-07-26T17:11:00.002-04:00

I'm going to start calling my "personal" posts my Reality Posts. Hopefully none of them will ever be entitled "Reality Bites", cause that would be a bit depressing . . . but I digress. . .

On to what this reality post is about: Snakes and Snails and Puppy dog tails! Talk about capturing some of the reality of my life in a photograph! A wonderful, vibrant, curious, ENERGETIC, often mischievous (but very endearing), tireless, bright-eyed little boy that makes my days (my nights, my middle-of-the-nights-I-need-to-go-potty/I-had-a-scary-dream, my every waking hour) that much more exciting ;) I love my Ethan boy. And I love his wild-at-heart nature. His best friends, Ky and Cam, who also happen to be brothers, came over to play today. And play hard they did! I think we'll all sleep well tonight. Well. . .maybe ;)

I took all these pics in the span of about 3 or 4 minutes - no joke!! Hey - you gotta take what you can get at this age! I think we captured some of that glorious energy - it kind of jumps out the photos in their smiles and grabs your heart!

Eat Me

2010-07-11T19:27:00.000-04:00

YUM. SWEETNESS. HEAVEN. Sugar high, anyone?

This post is in honor of my good friends Sarah and Katie of the new Sarah Kate's Bakery! http://www.sarahkatesbakery.com/

"At Sarah Kate's, we believe food should be made with real ingredients. Our delicious cakes, cupcakes, cookies and other treats contain NO artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, NO corn syrup and NO trans fats. They are simply delish and simply wholesome. Visit the website to place an order for your next event!"

And on a personal note, hellooooooo their treats taste so freakin' amazing! And they are pretty, too.

A few pics (of course) that I took today (prior to devouring a cupcake, mind you. MAJOR props for my self-control, ya'll) to show you what I mean . . .

Walk Like an Egyptian

2010-06-17T16:17:00.033-04:00

Oh how I wish I could make my blog site play that song for you! Its good to be cheesy sometimes, you know? ;)

This week I have been volunteering at my church's Vacation Bible School as the photog - each child gets to take home pics of themselves being all "Egyptian" at the end of the week. (The theme of the week was "Egypt: Joseph's Journey from Prison to Palace" you know, Joseph. . . that guy with the amazing technicolor dreamcoat . . .) Its been a week of face paint and costumes and games and learning . . . so fun to see the kids (and grown-ups!) really come out of their shells and have a great time. I too, was dressed up like an ancient Egyptian (and I have the amazingly resilient smeared black eye makeup around my eyes to prove it). . .I got a few pointers from my authentic Egyptian hubby on what to wear and how "Say Cheese!!" in Arabic.

One of the coolest activities that the kids got to be involved with was in the "Sandal Shop". Each child got to decorate a pair of flip-flops that will be sent to an orphanage in Ethiopia later this month. Its really touching to see the kind of effort that kids put into something when they know it is going to a good cause and will help someone else. My son was so excited to decorate his sandals for "a little boy with no shoes to play in on the playground" in Ethiopia.

The directors and all the many volunteers deserve some major props. It was a bustling, crazy, hilarious, heart-warming and memorable week . . . I love my life.

"Walk like an Egyptian . . ."

Supernanny

2010-06-06T17:32:00.002-04:00

Actually, Super Au Pair ;) Saskia is a lovely young German who has been loving life in the U.S. and working as the Caesar family's brilliant au pair.

[Definition: au pair Pronunciation: \ˈō-ˈper\ Function: noun Inflected Form(s): plural au pairs\-ˈperz\ : a usually young foreign person who cares for children and does domestic work for a family in return for room and board and the opportunity to learn the family's language Etymology: French, literally means "on even terms"]

Okey Dokey. Now that we've gotten the whole 'definition' thing out of the way. . .

Saskia has such a wonderful zest for life, and I have loved getting to know her! She and her host family wanted a special session so that they will always have wonderful mementos of her time here with their family. And hello?! What a GORGEOUS family they are . . .

Best of luck to you, Saskia! I know you have many adventures in store. . .

Go Chasin' Waterfalls

2010-05-31T22:38:00.000-04:00

I know I've got you humming that tune now. . . "Don't go chasin' waterfalls, please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to. . ." sorry 'bout that. It may be stuck there in your mind all day. Its just one of those songs. ;)

Well, this Memorial Day Weekend, I didn't exactly follow TLC's advice. Ok, ok, I "get" that the song is metaphorical, ya'll. But I did chase some waterfalls. Real ones.

The hubby and I packed up the fam and headed to the Carolinas (my birthplace. . . I am indeed a true southern girl). We did encounter lots of rain. Boo. But we found the sunshine too. And the sun was shining for us the most on our trip to the falls. Nature is amazing, isn't it? No matter where you chase its' wonders, there is always more to behold.

And I just want to say Thank You, too, on this Memorial Day. Thank you to all the veterans and those who still serve to keep our country free. Thank You, Grandpa - our heroic Admiral McKean of the U.S. Navy. We love you!

Summer

Glitter in the Air

2010-05-20T19:34:00.001-04:00

When I was a freshman in college, one of my best friends coined the nickname "Glitter" for me. . . for both "good" and "bad" reasons. :)

"Good" because I was perpetually looking on the bright side of things, full of faith and ideals, bubbly personality, could win the heart of almost anyone I wanted, always ready for a laugh, inherently trusting of others, spontaneously ready to party at a moment's notice, smiling all the time (ok, so its kind of hard to hide my big teeth anyway . . . haha). Passionate. Inspired. Charismatic. Treated like a princess everywhere I went.

"Bad" because I was at times fickle - in love one day, breaking up the next. Ambitiously running so fast in one direction without thinking enough about where I actually wanted my destination to be, or who I might hurt along the way. Arrogant. I made foolish decisions (i.e. dying my entire head of hair fuchsia on a whim one night, after a break-up, of course). Stubborn. Trusting. But just a little too trusting. Maybe gullible is a better word. Maybe even naive. Well, ok, definitely naive.

You get the idea. Glitter.

Living in and experiencing life in NYC for almost eight years definitely wore off the naivety. I am anything but gullible now. And trusting? Trusting is something I have to force myself to do nowadays - I question everything: from people's motives, to the way the media reports the news, to the ingredients listed on the back of my kids' Kraft Mac 'n Cheese box . . and all things in between. :) And some of that is good, I think.

But I question whether I want the "good" side of the Glitter phenomenon to get worn off by maturity and experience. I'm pretty sure that Someone Important said that Love always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres . . .

Loving and Hoping. Not as easy as my younger Glitter self would have assumed. But also, in my experience, letting go and loving extravagantly has also been the most rewarding. There is nothing in the whole wide world like knowing that someone loves you completely. Really sees you. Loves you with all your flaws hanging out all over the place first thing in the morning. And still wants to be with you.

I was driving through crazy traffic in midtown today. The radio was on, blaring out a slew of over-played pop song selections that just added to the background noise of a busy day. And then. You know how some songs just really touch you, and everything else seems to fade away? This was one of those songs, for me, anyway.

Don't get me wrong - I like some of Pink's music, but I'm not, like, a Pink fan. ;)

But this song was different, and I love the soulfulness in her voice.

Enjoy the song, its beautiful.

And don't be afraid to get yourself some Glitter in your life. ;)

~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

http://www.metrolyrics.com/glitter-in-the-air-lyrics-pink.html (click on Listen Now)

"Have you ever fed a lover with just your hands?
Close your eyes and trust it, just trust it
Have you ever thrown a fist full of glitter in the air?
Have you ever looked fear in the face
And said I just don't care?

It's only half past the point of no return
The tip of the iceberg, the sun before the burn
The thunder before lightning, the breath before the phrase
Have you ever felt this way?

Have you ever hated yourself for staring at the phone?
Your whole life waiting on the ring to prove you're not alone
Have you ever been touched so gently you had to cry?
Have you ever invited a stranger to come inside?

It's only half past the point of oblivion
The hourglass on the table, the walk before the run
The breath before the kiss and the fear before the flames
Have you ever felt this way?

La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la

There you are, sitting in the garden
Clutching my coffee, calling me sugar
You called me sugar

Have you ever wished for an endless night?
Lassoed the moon and the stars and pulled that rope tight
Have you ever held your breath and asked yourself
Will it ever get better than tonight? Tonight"

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.

2010-05-13T21:51:00.005-04:00

It finally dawned on me today what kind of a week I am having. It has been hard to define, but somewhere between the ecstasy of Mother's Day and the doom of the pediatrician's waiting room from (well, you know, that place that gets really really hot and rhymes with "bell") it hit me; I am having a Dr. Seuss week.

And its not just because my house is five different colors right now.
Although it is.
And I'm pretty sure now that renovation projects are not for the faint of heart! (don't worry, it'll turn out beautifully. . .when its all done. . .I hope. . .)

And its not just because I was the surprise reader at my son's kindergarten class this week, and got to read "Horton Hears a Who" - funny accents and all. ;)

And its not just because I was in that doctor's waiting room from "bell" for an hour with a screaming baby and a 6 year old who was literally starting to dismantle the furniture . . . although that is when Dr. Seuss' "The Waiting Place" came to mind.

I think its because, well, I gotta admit - its the little things that inspire me. The "small things", if you will . . .

"And that Yopp . . .

That one small, extra Yopp put it over!

Finally, at last! From that speck on that clover

Their voices were heard! They rang out clear and clean.

And the elephant smiled. 'Do you see what I mean? . . .

They've proved they ARE persons, no matter how small.

And their whole world was saved by the Smallest of All!' "

-Horton Hears a Who

And don't hate. I know I'm a small-ish person myself. This is not a "praise be to the smallish people of the world" post. But . . . it . . kind of is ;)

Reading Dr. Seuss books with my kids is not only fun and silly and memorable and tongue-twistingly delightful. Dr. Seuss reminds me to enjoy the everyday wonders. His books remind me not to live in a Waiting Place, but to relish the moments. Not waiting for the "next" thing - the next day, the next purchase, the next. . . house? ;)

"You can get so confused

that you'll start in to race

down long wiggled roads at a break-necking pace

and grind on for miles across weirdish wild space,

headed, I fear, toward a most useless place.

The Waiting Place . . .

for people just waiting.

Waiting for a train to go

or a bus to come, or a plan to go

or the mail to come, or the rain to go

or a phone to ring, or the snow to snow

or waiting around for a Yes or a No

or waiting for their hair to grow.

Everyone is just waiting.

Waiting for the fish to bite

or waiting for wind to fly a kite

or waiting around for Friday night

or waiting, perhaps, for their Uncle Jake

or a pot to boil, or a Better Break

or a string of pearls, or a pair of pants

or a wig with curls, or Another Chance.

Everyone is just waiting."

- Oh the Places You'll Go

I want to live in the moment, and enjoy the chaos of life. Motherhood can teach you that. ;) I feel like my kids get bigger every time I blink. Eden is speaking now, and Ethan is reading now! Its amazing, and I don't want to miss a thing.

"Step with great care and great tact

And remember that Life's

a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.

And never mix up your right foot with your left."

-Oh the Places You'll Go

I want to make time to stop and smell the roses, or even . . . a very small clover.

You never know what wonders you might find. ;)

"So gently, and using the greatest of care,

The elephant stretched his great trunk through the air,

And he lifted the dust speck and carried it over

And placed it down, safe, on a very soft clover."

-Horton Hears a Who