Swamped.

It seems that I just can't catch my breath this summer. After my jury duty, I spent several days feeling very under the weather. I was exhausted and my stomach was in knots. I took naps, I laid in bed, I did everything I could to take it easy. On Wednesday I started to feel better and got back to editing recent sessions. I feel terrible that I'm so behind, but I think that if I keep pushing myself I'm going to wind up exhausted again.

I was able to get through a session yesterday, and I'm posting an image from it above. Those are four cousins and that photo just says "happy" to me. In fact, I even added it to my website opening page. More images coming soon.

Most recent rollercoaster.

Wondering where I've been? Here and there. Up and down. Back and forth. You know that scene in "Parenthood" where Mary Steenburgen talks about life as a rollercoaster? You've just got to let go and enjoy the ride.

Last week was happy/stressful, waiting for the arrival of my beautiful new niece. My family is 1000 miles away, but I was just as nervous/excited as if I were there. Thankfully everything turned out well. Also last week, the girls went to a day camp every day to learn about different historical girls in America. They really learned a lot and loved it, and I was able to focus on work. That was good.

I also spent a lot of time getting ready for school. We've been through all the girls' clothes, including school clothes and I have a list of exactly what they need. I scooped up some polo shirts on sale online, and I also ordered backpacks and lunchboxes from Lands' End and LL Bean. And I've been shopping Walgreen's to get great deals on school supplies. Nearly done with that list. I also ordered a new leotard for Margret. Both girls are going back to ballet this fall. Still need ballet shoes for M and athletic shoes for A.

John and I primed and painted our entryway and hallway last week. Brown and khaki have been replaced with ivory. The trim still needs attention, but we're going to paint some other rooms first. As soon as I can figure out a good time.

Monday was the beginning of a weirdly stressful time. I was called for county jury duty and needed to report downtown by 8:30. I had arranged for the girls to go to different friends' houses each day, with John dropping them off. And I packed a briefcase with things to read and work on.

On the first day, I got called in a group that was being seated for a grand jury. That's a once-a-week commitment for nine weeks. Gah! I never made it up to the jury box, though. I also got called for a sequestered first degree murder trial. Again, I never made it to the box. Later I learned that that group, who went home that evening to pack, came in the next day to learn that the defendant pleaded to a lesser charge. They were dismissed!

Tuesday morning was quiet. I was able to work on some marketing ideas and copy, and I walked to the post office during the lunch hour. That afternoon, I was in group that walked over to the courthouse in a torrential downpour. In just a few minutes we were soaked. The jury selection dragged on for three hours, and we all remained wet and angry. Finally the jury was picked (not me) and we were released. The good news is that us leftovers were dismissed for the week, much to our great relief. No more jury duty for at least ten years.

John picked up the girls and met me at home, where we all needed to change wet clothes before heading over to a friend's for dinner. It was a great, happy evening, until Audrey's major meltdown upon leaving. So stressful.

I was happy to lounge about Wednesday morning, instead of rushing downtown. But something about the days before had taken their toll. It took all morning to take a shower and get the girls bathed. And I tried to focus on getting some work done, but I noticed my girls were quite demanding of my time. Perhaps the effect of me being gone for two long days?

Anyhoo. Another friend asked for the girls to come over in the afternoon and stay for dinner. I agreed. John and I went out to dinner and talked to each other with no interruptions. Very restorative.

This morning I feel rested and ready to get back on track. I feel like a wimp for saying this, but I do think my court experiences, as peripheral as they were, had an effect on me. Listening to details about two very serious crimes, with the accused sitting mere feet away from me was unsettling. When we had dinner at our friends' on Tuesday, Audrey jumped up and accidentally cracked her head against my chin. It hurt a lot, and it was nearly impossible not to cry about it. But I realized that if I started crying, I wouldn't have been able to stop! I truly think the tears would have been a release; it just wasn't the right time.

So back to today. I think I'm over it all and ready to start the climb up again. This rollercoaster I'm on doesn't seem to stop for much. Let's see what today brings.

Welcome to the world, sweet Morgan.

Far away from here, baby Morgan was born to my brother and sister-in-law on Thursday. Thank goodness my other brother sent a phone photo. It'll have to do for now. In the meantime, we send all our love to her and her wonderful parents and brother.

Back to school savings.

Last year I found an awesome link for shopping for school supplies. It lists all types of supplies and where you can get them for the lowest price. I decided to skip the pre-packs at school and try to buy everything on my own. And basically, I spent less than the cost of two pre-packs but I bought four grades worth of supplies (two years of stuff for both girls).

So I already have a bunch of stuff for 1st and 3rd grades, and I'm planning on buying ahead for 2nd and 4th as well. I'm always pressed for time these days, but I still like to save money where I can. This year's link is here, and you may need to register (free) for the forum to see it.

By the way, if you like to put school supplies, like crayons and pencils, into birthday goodie bags, this is the time to stock up.

Delivery day.

It is blissfully quiet here today. Why? Because I was brilliant enough to sign the girls up for a day camp this week. Each day they learn about a different historical girl and then they get to swim. It sounds awesome and I get to get back to work.

I just finished editing a session and I'm lining up some prints and disks for delivery once I pick up the girls. I love deliveries. Moms are always so happy to get their stuff. I'm happy to deliver it. It's all good.

Next up is working on some new albums. They are going to be gorgeous and I'm eager to have my samples to show you. I've also added "paint studio" to my list. After I complete "paint entryway", "paint hallway" and "paint dining room". Because I always have more than what is reasonable on my lists.

I'll be hanging a grouping of frames that I've ordered in the dining room. I'm very excited about the changes I'm making in my business; there's so much more that I can offer now. And yes, you can contact me now about fall sessions. They get booked up quickly and I'm only scheduling on Saturdays now. Email me or call. Hurry.

ETA: I meant I'm only doing Saturday weekends. I'm still booking during the week; just reserving Sundays for reschedules and family time.

Mama-to-be | Memphis maternity photographer

I love the way people find their way to me. This lovely mama-to-be attended an anniversary dinner that I was asked to photograph by the mom of one of Margret's former classmates. She loved the anniversary photos and called me for a maternity session.

This couple is totally adorable. They trusted me completely as I moved them around to different areas I had set up in my house. I had wanted to do some outdoor photos, but the humidity was brutal. So we made it happen inside.

Here's my favorite. Perfect light coming in from a glass door. Perfect pose from mama. Perfect pink dress to celebrate the arrival of a baby girl.

Sister & Brother | Memphis family photographer

I met these scrumptious kids at their preschool, where I took their photos last fall.

I'm not sure I can explain exactly how cute they are.

Close in age, they are close friends, too.

She wanted a portrait with her bunny. I complied. Then I got one without the bunny for Mom. I aim to please.

One of my favs. She's just so cute. And was so happy to show me her room.

Another fav. This boy loves his basketball. I wasn't going to miss a chance to show that.

Yes. And no.

Yes, I have changed my masthead and the template of this blog. I've also added more opening images to my photography website.

And no, the girls didn't finish their drawings yesterday. I hope to post them later, though. We're off to a photo shoot this morning. Hoping for a quiet, cool afternoon.

It's back on at HouseSmart.

Remember my blog about home improvement? I've posted a few things. And plan to post a few more. Check it.

Best sleeper ever | Memphis family photographer

Baby W was awesome. When I arrived he was awake and we got some great shots.

He was super-sweet and attentive.

And was happy to see that Mom and Dad were still there.

After awhile, though, he sacked out. I love it when babies go to sleep because you can pose them and they are relaxed and don't mind all the futzing around with their parts. His parents assured me that once this kid was out, he was out. And they were right. We flipped him all around and he was like a rock. He woke up briefly before I left and I was able to give him a squeeze goodbye. And then I'm sure he fell back asleep. Lucky kid.

Summer drawing.

Sometimes, during these lonnnggg summer afternoons, I need to come up with creative ideas for the girls. A few weeks ago I came up with drawing the bare outline of a scene and adding thought bubbles. The first one was just a person with a bubble. The second one was two butterflies, with bubbles. Today, I went all out and did a beach scene with four people. I copy them onto cardstock and hand them over. Later this afternoon I'll post the final creations. And feel free to print this one out.

Happy family | Memphis family photographer

I recently met this family and was so happy when they asked for a portrait session.

Clearly they are a happy family. All in love with each other.

While little L got used to the idea of some stranger pointing a big, black camera at her, I took Dad outside. I tell parents all the time that I'm going to do some photos of them whether they like it or not. Because even though they don't think they need an updated portrait, once they have it, they will find ways to use it.

I can't tell you how many of my photos become Facebook profile pics.

Luckily, my new little buddy warmed up to me. Especially when I asked to see her room.

According to Mom, this photo is exactly what they look like as a family. She loves it.

And have you ever see a cuter kid? Seriously delicious.

And oh-so-beautiful.

I think this one is my favorite. I'm picturing a giant canvas, right over this little bench in their living room. Heck. I might have to get my own canvas of this one.

Beautiful Them | Memphis boudoir photographer

I shot two boudoir sessions last month (I call them "Beautiful You" sessions) and I have to say that they were So. Much. Fun. I had subjects who wanted their photos taken, did not try to run away from me and didn't need Cheerios as incentives to sit still. I love photographing kids, but sometimes it's good to have a change of pace.

These sessions are all about feeling good about yourself. I photographed both women at their homes and spent about 90 minutes with each. Shortly they will both get a 6x6-inch flush mount album as part of their session. They can also order prints and other products from their galleries.

I was very excited to present their galleries to them and they were both very happy with the results. This session is great for someone who wants a gift album to give to someone special (think his birthday, your anniversary, an engagement present), but it's also great to give yourself. How often in your life do you put yourself center stage and make it all about you? Probably not as much as you need to.

Operation: Birthday Present | Memphis family photographer

She was a mom on a mission. Her husband's birthday was coming up and she didn't want to buy another polo shirt. She wanted something wonderful. My phone number fell into her hands and we hatched a plan. We would meet at my house one day after school, do some quick portraits and I would get her gallery up super quick.

Within a day she got these (and some others) and was able to make her choices for ordering. And did I mention she was thrilled?

I was too. I'm always happy to add some more cute kids to my portfolio. Mission accomplished.

I { heart } J | Memphis family photographer

This is my second time with J, who just turned one. I immediately went to my favorite location at his house, this east-facing door. The light there is beautiful.

He looks rather solemn above, but he was in a wonderful mood and otherwise smiley. I just happen to like solemn sometimes.

Again, I love to involve parents in their children's photos. Years from now she'll remember just how it felt to hold him, and he will see just how much she loves him.

And they'll all get to laugh about this.

Winners | Memphis family photographer

This spring I donated a session to an Opera Memphis fundraiser and this family had the winning bid.

And they were wonderful. This sweet girl was not all that into the picture-taking thing, until I brought out my cool little chair. Then she was all about posing.

We met one weekday morning and had Dad join us for the beginning, before he had to head off to work.

Mom really wanted a family photo, and this one was my favorite. I have a feeling that baby is only going to get cuter.

A new addition | Memphis family photographer

My first contact with this family was when I did a preschool portrait of their daughter a few years ago. Then they called for a family session. I ran into them at the Children's Museum and T told me she was expecting and wanted to call me after the baby was born.

And she did.

I dearly love photographing babies, but I always make sure to spend time with big sisters who are adjusting to changes in their households. T told me later that she was just so happy with the way I captured her daughter's expressions.

Now, about that baby. The foot shot is essential. Don't you want to eat those toes? Or is that just me?

And I love getting an image of babies in their rooms. He'll be out of that crib before you know it. Just like his big sister.

Third time for a charmer | Memphis family photographer

I remember the first time I met A. I think he was less than two weeks old, and despite sleep deprivation, his parents were glowing with love for him. He stayed awake for his newborn session and didn't cry. In fact, I think he smiled. I also photographed him when he turned one.

Now this big boy is two. And gorgeous. Look at that hair. I took one photo of the back of his head just so his mom could always remember those gorgeous curls.

I loved his outfit. Those blues and greens go so well with an outdoor location. Plus they just suited his personality.

I had to be quick with this one. He didn't stay still for long. I think I captured him anyway.

Baby session | Memphis family photographer

I recently ran into this mom at an event for a mutual friend. It was great to see her and the baby, but what I really loved was how much she raved about our baby session, which took place two months ago.

Most parents are content to let their babies take the spotlight, but I always manage to convince them to into an image or two. So what if you haven't done your hair and makeup? I promise that one day you will be so happy to have a photo of you and your child.

Dads are especially notorious for having something else to do when the camera comes out. And yet ... how sweet will this be at this little boy's wedding rehearsal dinner video?

Mommy card session | Memphis family photographer

I was delighted to schedule a Mommy Card mini-session for D and her cute kids. She wanted to get some shots for her husband so she swore the children to secrecy.

We met one morning, and despite some persistent mosquitoes (are there any other kind?) we managed to get a lot of gorgeous images.

Most little boys are not that interested in posing. But H was all about it and I did everything I asked. Love him.

And just look at Mom. Yes, she's as nice as she is beautiful. I truly enjoyed the time I spent with all of them.

Family of nearly four | Memphis family photographer

Prepare yourselves. I have a few months' worth of sessions that I haven't blogged yet. And when I decide to take on the massive task of organizing blog photos despite whatever household chores need doing, of course I choose the photos.

This sweet family contacted me about doing a family session before their second child arrived.

It was fun to incorporate some maternity-type photos into this session.

And the little boy was so full of energy. Once he was able to explore a bit, he was great about letting me take his picture.

Mom was able to keep up with her little bunny. Hope she's ready to do that with two!