Thursday, December 31, 2009

To the Last Daylight of 2009

last light of December 31, Park City-style

My friend, Susan, introduced us to a new tradition -- toasting the last of the daylight of the year at sunset on New Year's Eve. Someday we will be able to look back on all the challenges of 2009 and see some good from it. For now, let's look forward and do all we can to make 2010 and the unfolding decade a terrific one!

Cheers, Suzu! Love and peace to all!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Mantra for 2010



This new year, it's all about diving in.
Happy, happy, happy New Year to all! Let's hope the start of the new decade brings great things to us all (we deserve them!).

Winter Visitors




I'm fortunate to live next to dedicated open space. We regularly see deer, elk, fox, pheasant, red-tail hawk, winter-white rabbit and moose. On a snowy Sunday recently, a mother and her daughter spent a good part of the day cavorting in our yard. I stood outside just 20 feet away from them and quietly took these images:






Moose are supposedly one of North America's most dangerous animals to humans, even more so than bears or wildcats. Getting between a mother and her calf can be a terrible thing, but on this day, Mom was not the least bit interested in me. Her daughter, however, seemed happy to pose.


Trying to Disappear



When I photograph families, sometimes it takes a little time for everyone to warm up. Not everyone is always comfortable facing a camera. I try to make people forget I'm there, in a way, while at the same time let my families get to know me a little bit. It's important for everyone to be comfortable and loose.



This little girl and her dad were very shy when we first met. I don't like shoving a camera in everyone's faces anyway, so we found a little playground and everyone relaxed.




as if I wasn't even there....

Shhhhhhh.......

Happy New Year to everyone. Have a safe and happy celebration!


Thursday, October 1, 2009

Sweatery Mood


Sweaters are something to think about on October 1. Not to mention, it's 20 degrees outside my house this morning. My sweaters from last winter are looking a little worn. I did a bit of on-line cruising over coffee, and here's what I've found. This season's knits seem to be a bit more streamlined, smooth and simple in construction. Look for a classic design in a beautiful, luxurious yarn.





Coming next: Boots!

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Snow on Bald Mt.-September 30


Park City, Utah, looking south toward Bald Mountain at Deer Valley

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Seasons Change...And So Do I

Although I love the change of seasons, I can't help but mourn the end of summer. Here where I live, as with a lot of the rest of the US, summertime was too short. I'm going to miss it. But, the consolation is that autumn is here, and it's starting to get a bit stormy and cold weather is on its way.
Cascade Falls from AnnWilkinson Photography

An Apple A Day letterpress poster from Vik Design

Here's a reason to eat something healthy every day. Just because you might not be a kid any longer, it's still a lot of fun to put stickers on things. Find a great apple, peel off the sticker, eat the apple and stick that little apple sticker onto this poster. You are not only creating your own art, you are doing something healthy for yourself.



Mornings will still be chilly enough to warrant something to cover your hands. Why not have some freedom to find your keys, change or a tissue for your cold nose?




Sunday, September 27, 2009

Autumn Dreams



I started thinking about what it feels like to break the smooth, glassy surface of a lake with your canoe paddle on a chilly autumn morning while the birds' chirping echoes all around. You sit back and watch the ripples in the water lap away and the water smooths once again. The next thing I knew I found all these canoe dreams on Etsy.com.




Take this beautiful hand-made canoe out on your nearby lake.



This wooden toy boat will also probably do very well in your bathtub.
Is this a dream or what? I love this photograph! It makes me smile.
The ultimate gift for a special little person. Plus, it's versatile -- a cradle, a place to play, a way to see the world. I wonder how well it floats.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Harvest, Hazy Autumn, and Desires

This summer was supposed to be relaxing. It wasn't. Things just kept heating up and life got really busy. I admit, I love being busy and I freak out a little when things slow down. Now, it's fall. The air is hazy and changes throughout the day -- crispy in the morning and gradually heating up to a toasty haze in the late afternoon. The crickets are singing a sustained, one-note song. I'm just relishing the last precious days of full-on color.

I acquired a wonderful client who makes incredibly beautiful and intricate off-loon hand-beaded & chainmaille jewelry. Here are a couple of photos of her work.



I also spent a few wonderful days in California, photographing a lovely wedding and a vineyard's first pick of their cabernet sauvignon grapes.




Finally, here's a necklace I'm really wanting. My friend, Jennifer Taranto of BellaLuceDesigns on Etsy.com, has a talent for finding the most amazing vintage beads, crystals and chain, and what she puts together is absolutely stunning.




As I write this blogpost from outside on my deck, there are five young deer prancing around right below me. I don't dare get up to get a closer look; they'll be spooked for sure. They are so lovely.
Happy Indian Summer!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

A Night Under the Stars


Last night was a magical night. First, I got to help a good friend celebrate her birthday, and secondly, I got to treat my husband to an early birthday gift of his own -- a night hearing one of our favorite singer/songwriters, Jackson Browne. We took blankets, wine, cupcakes, cheeses, olives, bread and sat with about 2,200 others in Park City's Deer Valley Resort Ampitheater. Jackson ambled onstage and said a quiet hello without any fanfare and proceeded to play for the next two and a half hours without a break.

Deer Valley Resort Ampitheater






one of at least 4 guitars Jackson uses on stage






It occurred to me that concerts from my younger days would have been even more fun if we'd had the wherewithal to take a picnic and nice wines instead of warm beers and, well, not much else. Olives? Hardly.


A great night...
I'm still humming For A Dancer today.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Tweak Cooking - Summertime!



Watermelon Lemonade on the deck works for me!



Meyer lemons, juiced and muddled with sugar and fresh mint

Watermelon Lemonade on the Deck!


Just the thing for a hot afternoon -- the right amount of sweetness, a bit of tart, and even the rich anti-oxidants found in watermelon. I found this recipe on Martha Stewart's blog and had to give it a try. Here's the recipe, tweaked a bit to add a bit more nutrition:


1-1/2 mini seedless watermelons
2 Meyer lemons
large handful of fresh mint leaves
1/2 cup packed brown sugar



Watermelon ready to blend 'til smooth


Slice open the watermelon and cut the flesh into chunks. Blend in a high-speed blender (like a Vita-Mix) in batches until it's blended smoothly. Quarter the lemons and squeeze the juice into a large pitcher. Throw the lemon rinds into the pitcher, add the mint leaves and the sugar and muddle them until the sugar dissolves into the lemon juice and the mint leaves are bruised. Stir in the blended watermelon. Serve over crushed ice.


Optional: Add 1.5 ounces of premium vodka to the glass with your crushed ice before pouring in the lemonade. Stir well.



see all my Tweak Cooking posts for more recipes



enjoy!

Monday, July 6, 2009

Favorite Things: Old Wood, Inspired by an Etsy Treasury

I love old wood. I collect old doors because I enjoy the patterns of blistered and cracked paint, the distressed wood and battered doorknobs, even the occasional splinter.



This photograph is being featured in a Treasury collection on Etsy.com. Check it out! The artist, Lisa of PaperBullet, who built this Treasury is extremely talented, and she's found a whole bunch of beautiful and interesting things, some of them old and distressed, to match my passion. Her own work shows a deep talent for using an array of materials with tons of creative imagination.
Here's just one of the items from her shop. I love it because she uses an old wood picture frame to create a beautiful painting.
She inspired me to add this photograph to my shop today. If you purchase it and mention you've seen it in my blog, I'll ship it to you for free.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

A Tribute to MJ

I'm honored to be part of this beautiful Treasury, created by a good Etsy.com friend and fellow photographer, Rochelle of Montage. Please take a look! It will only last for viewing until Monday, June 29. And a special thanks to brandianndesigns, also of Etsy.com, for her technical assistance.

Michael Jackson was a visionary with limitless talent and a huge heart. He so loved the world. Blessings to him and his family. He will live in our hearts forever.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Monday, June 22, 2009

Beautiful Wedding




True love


Joyful smiles

I had the privilege of photographing a beautiful couple as they married at an intimate wedding in Islamorada, Florida. Here are a couple of the photos I took. The ceremony took place on the beach at Pierre's restaurant just before sunset.
Maggie & Craig's wedding was just what they wanted -- their immediate family at one of their favorite places in the world. Simple, fun, and everyone was a part of their celebration. You don't need to spend a fortune on a fairy-tale wedding to have perfection.


The happy couple after the ceremony.

Maggie's flowers are simply perfect. A reflection of her beautiful complexion and her personality.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

This Saturday Morning

Summer in the 'City. I took this photo early this morning from my back deck. Nice way to wake up!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

What I'm Coveting Today

And so back to some shopping. Everyone and their aunt seem to be wearing gladiator sandals this summer, so when I saw these boots in a full page ad in Sunday's New York Times, I might possibly have gasped out loud. How fantastic would these boots look with a ruffly little summer dress and a cardy and a big belt? Summer boots, for sure.



These days, don't you think it's a bit garish to have an "It" bag plastered with a designer name and logo? Better to get a unique handbag or travel bag that's got style and doesn't need a name to carry it off. Check out this amazing extra-large travel bag from Toronto's chacha2 of Etsy.com.



And, while you're being economically-friendly, think about making your own lunch and carrying it in this amazing vintage lunchbox. The understated navy color adds an element of elegance. Go on...show off this baby while you dine in the park! From goodbuyannies of Etsy.com.



In case you haven't noticed, Etsy is one of my favorite places to shop.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009