Monday, February 18, 2013
If you're new here, welcome! Be sure to sign up for my newsletter over there on the right to stay connected! No spam. Only the good stuff. I promise! You can also subscribe to weekday posts by email! I'll bring the coffee! Thanks for stopping by! Oh Monday. Oh dear. More coffee please.
I have some thoughts this morning I thought I would share. Thoughts I am still pondering and and tumbling over in my head.
Last week I started reading Captivating by Staci Eldredge. Apparently it’s a pretty popular book that has also been out quite a while, because my friends were shocked I had never read it. I’m picky about books. Even more, I’m picky about Christian Women books. That section of the bookstore tends to be like…K-love radio. Beth Moore…Chris Tomlin…same thing. I just can’t.
However, this book has caught my attention upon the first couple chapters alone. She begins by talking about the creation of the world and how God did something so magnificent in that He created man in His own image.
“It is nearing the end of the sixth day, the end of the Creator’s great labor, as Adam steps forth, the image of God, the triumph of His work…He is magnificent. Truly, the masterpiece seems complete. And yet the Master says that something is not good, not right. Something is missing…and that something is Eve.
’And the Lord God cast a deep slumber on the human, and he slept, and He took one of his ribs and closed over the flesh where it had been, and the Lord God built the rib He had taken from the human into a woman and He brought her to the human.” ( Gen. 2:21-23 )
She is the crescendo, the final, astonishing work of God. Woman…She is the Master’s finishing touch…Given the way creation unfolds, how it builds to ever higher and higher works of art, can there be any doubt that Eve is the crown of creation? Not an afterthought…She is God’s final touch…She fills a place in the world nothing and no one else can fill…And she, too, bears the image of God, but in a way that only the feminine can speak. What can we learn from her? God wanted to reveal something about himself, so He gave us Eve. When you are with a woman, ask yourself, what is she telling me about God?”
We are all created in the very image and likeness of God. We reveal His character and His heart. But I never thought about this in a way like this that described woman as the crescendo of creation…that it takes man and woman both to truly reflect the image of God. That there is something unique about women that reflects who God is. Something about her heart, something about her need for romance, and her longing to unveil beauty that reflects the very Creator Himself.
I’m still thinking about it.
I spent the weekend with some of my favorite girlfriends. One thing I DO know, is that they show me more of God’s heart every time I am with them.
Alright, it’s Monday, get busy! I need more coffee.
Friday, February 15, 2013
It’s Friday! Here’s a recap of what’s been happening in everyday life around here this week.
1. The blizzard. The ridiculous blizzard. I grew up in Maine so I’m completely used to snow, however for the record, the state of Connecticut is not. A frustrating mess is quite the understatement. However, it provided me with some extra time in the house to get some projects done, and catch up some things that I normally don’t. Is it summer yet? Oh flip flops how I miss you.
2. Project while stuck inside number one, healthy no bake cocoa treats. You can find them on my recipe board on Pinterest.
3. Florence and the Machine became the Pandora station of choice this past week. I needed some extra motivation. Her beat delivered. Sometimes, simply listening to something fresh and new can do wonders for your state of mind. Especially when you are snowed in!
4. V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N. Soon. I will be flying to Oregon to visit Karen and Isaac Stott and I could NOT be more excited. I am going to be doing Connection Portraits with their family and I am practically squealing with delight. Ok I am actually squealing with delight. Outside of a weekend in LA I have never been to the West Coast, and I am so looking forward to visiting some place new!
5. Yet another snowed in project. Old fashioned Turkey Meatball Soup. SO perfect for a warm meal on a cold day. You can also find that on my recipe Pinterest board.
6. When I noticed that I was drinking my Green Smoothie while cooking bacon at the same time, I couldn’t help but laugh. It’s all about balance right? I make my green smoothies with Kale, Kiwi, and frozen fruit like mango, strawberries, and banana. I sometimes throw a little flaxseed or chia seeds in as well. Super yum. And I refuse to live without bacon. Actually just typing this makes me want some!
7. My Mom is the best. No really. The best.
8. My first post snowed in meal. Sushi with Hannah Brencher. We took advantage of the “all you can eat” part. Sushi is a favorite of mine. Sushi while getting to bounce ideas off Hannah? Nothing better in the world.
9. I also got some reading done this week. I started The E-Myth by Michael Gerber. It’s a great book about why some small businesses work and some don’t. It’s a goal of mine to really commit to reading more business related books each month.
Congratulations to Erica Camacho for being our randomly picked winner for the $25 Starbucks Gift Card on yesterday’s Facebook giveaway. Want to be in that next time. Be sure to like my FACEBOOK page.
That’s all for this week friends!
Have a fabulous weekend!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Oh February 14th. A day of love, roses, and my personal favorite….chocolate truffles.
For those reading who are still waiting for your Valentine, a letter for you.
Perfect Love | Author Unknown
“Everyone longs to give themselves completely to someone, to have a deep soul relationship with another, to be loved thoroughly and exclusively. But God, to a Christian says “No, not until you are satisfied and fulfilled and content with living loved by me alone. I love you my child, and until you discover that only in mine is your satisfaction to be found, you will not be capable of the perfect human relationship that I have planned for you. You will never be united with another until you are united with me — exclusive of anyone or anything else, exclusive of any other desires and longings. I want you to stop planning, stop wishing, and allow me to give you the most thrilling plan existing — one that you can’t imagine. I want you to have the best. Please allow me to bring it to you — just keep watching me, expecting the greatest thing — keep experiencing that satisfaction knowing that I am. Keep learning and listening to the things I tell you…. you must wait. Don’t be anxious. Don’t worry. Don’t look around at the things others have gotten or that I have given them. Don’t look at the things you think you want. You just keep looking off and away up to me, or you’ll miss what I want to show you.
And then when you’re ready, I’ll surprise you with a love far more wonderful than any would ever dream. You see, until you are ready and until the one I have for you is ready, I am working even this very minute to have both of you ready at the same time. Until you are both satisfied, exclusively with me and the life I have prepared for you, you won’t be able to experience the love that exemplifies your relationship with me… and this perfect love.
And dear one, I want you to have this most wonderful love. I want you to see in the flesh a picture of your relationship with me, and to enjoy mentally and concretely the everlasting union of beauty and perfection and love that I offer you with myself. Know I love you utterly. I am God Almighty, believe and be satisfied…”
Beautiful truth, right?
I have had the most wonderful honor of working with so many wonderful couples this past year.
Here are some of my favorite couple’s Connection Portraits.
Happy Valentine’s Day sweet friends. xoxo
Posted in: Connection Portraits,Over CoffeeTags: anniversary photographer,beach engagement pictures,beloved photographer,beloved sessions,black and white engagement photographer in connecticut,black and white engagement portrait,connecticut engagement photographer,Connection Portraits,engagement portraits,Fairfield County engagement sessions,milford engagement photographer,New Haven engagement photographer,New Haven engagement pictures,rock the dress photographer,Tiffany Farley photographer
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
So I was playing around Pinterest……
Ah, don’t such wonderful ideas follow that one statement?
One of my mother’s favorite things to do is cook. I didn’t take much of an interest in it until the past couple years. Mostly because I was never good at it. (That one year that my Pop Tart caught fire….) I personally prefer to bake deserts and such, but one of my goals this year is to really start learning more on the regular cooking side. I’ve been thinking lately how wonderful it would be to start organizing my recipes, so I am not re-searching on google every time I want to make something. I also want this recipe collection to include my Mom’s staple recipes. The stuff I grew up on that I ask for every time I head home for a visit. Her bakes Mac n’ Cheese. Her cinnamon rolls. Her lasagna. The recipes I want to make for my own family someday.
Then I came across a wonderful blog called Memories on Clover Lane. She shared how she also wanted to create a family recipe cookbook that was much more organized and appealing then her overflowing binder. (At least hers STARTED in a binder)
This is what she created through a book making website called Blurb.
Image Copyright of www.memoriesoncloverlane.com
Immediately my head went spinning with ideas! What a fabulous idea! An actual book of family recipes! This could be such an incredible family project. You could have one made for your teen who is leaving for college and about to live on their own for the first time. You could have multiple copies made for Christmas this year filled with nana’s favorites. You can take pictures of the meals you add to the book, or like you see above you could fill it with favorite family pictures! You can use the nice family camera, or even use your instagram albums for a fun look! If your munchkins like to help you in the kitchen then this could be a really fun way for them to look up recipes with their picture in it!
I think it’s such a great project idea and I am so thankful to have come across this post that explains step by step how she did it. You can check out her specific post HERE.
I am so excited to start planning mine!
Happy Wednesday!!
Posted in: Over Coffee,What MattersTags: best ways to organize family recipes,blurb,connecticut photographer for family pictures,create your own cookbook,Fairfield county family photographer,family activities,family photographer in New Haven,family recipe ideas,family recipe organization,how to get kids interested in cooking,make your own cookbook
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
As a small business owner, a frequent question I am asked is if I plan to run any specials or discounts.
I believe my work has value.
I believe my ART has value.
“An artist is not paid for his labor, but for his vision” James Whistler
I believe that I am slowly becoming the artist that I was created to be, and building a life for my future family.
I take what I do seriously.
I have invested. So that as your photographer I can invest into YOU.
So it’s not often that you will see “slashed prices” or “99% off” on here.
Because I have invested and created an experience that is valuable.
But every now and then…
I want to offer a gift.
Straight from my heart. An opportunity that may be exactly what your family needs. What that relationship needs.
What she really wants.
All Connection Portrait Sessions booked before February 14th, 2013 will receive $150 Art Credit towards their final order. You may apply that $150 credit towards a Fine Art Portrait set, my Signature Portrait Collective, Wall Portraits framed for your home, or a digital file collection.
This offer is good for all Connection Portrait Sessions- whether it’s engagement, anniversary, mother daughter, sisters, maternity, or mommy and newborn.
My approach to portraiture captures the intimate and irreplaceable connection between just two.
Sessions must be booked before February 14th (that’s this Thursday!!!) with a paid session retainer to qualify for the promotion. However keep in mind the session may take place anytime this year.
Can you see her face when you surprise her?
Tomorrow is last day to get in on this special.
Be sure to contact me for details.
Happy Tuesday!!
Posted in: Connection PortraitsTags: connecticut engagement photographer,connecticut engagement sessions,connection,connection photography,Connection Portraits,fairfield county engagement phtoographer,Fairfield County engagement sessions,fairfield county maternity,maternity photographer,mother daughter photographer,New Haven engagement photographer,new haven maternity photographer
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I love you more.
I love this and I love you…because you truly show me more of God, always.
That is all.
Thank you so much Alison! I enjoy yours as well! I’m looking forward to the rest of the book.
And the conference cannot come soon enough!!!! 
I haven’t read this book in so long, may have to revisit! Thanks for the thoughtful post!
I loved that book! I read it several years ago but am thinking it’s be a good idea to read it again one of these days! Love your posts
Can’t wait to meet you in the fall!
Thank you so much!!
Love your blogs………love your work!
UM YOU ARE
You are such a beautiful person, inside and out.