I have so much to be thankful for

I have so much to be thankful for each day. It’s important for me to remember that, because as we all know we are facing things daily that we are not thankful for! I could have focused on those who couldn’t join us this year because of the pandemic. But I’m choosing to put my focus on the positives and there are plenty. We are doing the best we can and that’s all we can do. Our Thanksgiving looked different this year and that’s ok. We still had a warm home, plenty (too much) food and lots of love. We ate, watched movies, played games and ventured out to the snow. It was such a lovely weekend we almost forgot all about the pandemic. 

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend. Whatever it looked like this year we have the hope that next year will be different (better!). 

Holiday Mini Sessions – Take 2

This Sunday December 6th there will be outdoor mini sessions! 

The forecast for Sunday is sunny and a high of 52. Perfect for some fun family photos! It’s up to you how Christmasy you want these images to look. I will have some holiday props to use (Christmas wreath, holiday signs and garlands) but if you prefer we can leave the props out and just focus on your family. The property has some deep green trees, white fencing and pond to be used in the background. These are 20 min sessions and you will receive 5 digital images with your session fee. Also, I will have them delivered to your inbox by Tuesday.

So if your looking for some family photos for yourself or to share over the holidays this is the perfect opportunity for you! Here’s the link https://book.usesession.com/s/D8Qk-aJRy by clicking the link you simply see the remaining time slots available and all the details. If you choose to book you can do that through the link as well. As of now there are 6 spots available all in the afternoon.

What I’m Reading

The Last Letter from Your Lover by Jojo Moyes

This is the third book I’ve read by this author. Previously I read The Girl You Left Behind and The Giver of Stars – both I really enjoyed. She has written several books and I’m not sure how I ended up choosing this one. I generally avoid books that have to do with affairs. In my opinion affairs are mean and heartbreaking and I just don’t want to read about them. However, I had the book I enjoy the author so I plunged in. Moyes always does a great job of intertwining characters from different times as she crafts two seemingly separate storylines into one. I am always impressed when authors are able to do that and she does it well. The story is interesting and there are a few surprises along the way. It definitely keeps you curious.

The two main characters are Jennifer and Ellie who both have very different life lessons the common denominator being love. Being loved, finding love and valuing true love. Both are struggling to find the person who will fill the void in their lives. One has been in a traumatic car accident and has amnesia and senses she isn’t being told everything about her life and the other (40 years later) is frankly young and dumb but she does mature a bit as the story unfolds. As their stories draw closer together near the end of the book, its fun to see Ellie learn from Jennifer’s previous mistakes. Thankfully the questions that kept me curious during the story were all answered. I won’t tell you if its a happily ever after or not. I don’t want to ruin it for you if you decide to read it.

4 stars

The Girl With The Louding Voice by Abi Dare
This book is the November book club choice. We meet tonight via Zoom and I’m very excited to discuss it. 
It is a powerful book that will remind you that you have nothing to complain about EVER.

I was warned it might be challenging to read because of the language style used. It is written as a poor, uneducated young girl would speak English in Nigeria. Honestly, for me it doesn’t slow me down at all and it adds to the authenticity of the novel.

This is Adunni’s story. A girl born into a poor Nigerian village she is sold as a wife at the age of 14. Ending the precious little education and freedom she had received up to that point.
Adunni’s story is a story of someone who comes from nothing and yet understands that in spite of being told repeatedly she is nothing she struggles for more and knows the key is education.
Her determination to rise above the pit she has been thrown into is very inspiring.

I come from a world were there is a lot of complaining about school because it comes so easily to us (well maybe that is a lesson 2020 has helped with, as things are not as easy as they once were).
Honestly this book is a huge reminder that we have so much to be thankful for! While it is a novel it is also based on what truly happens in that culture. Adunni’s story is truly inspiring. Read it!
5 stars

I’m thankful for the Latest Photo Session – The Strauss Family

Each year I am booked by a family that has gathered together for the holidays and choose to take advantage of that with a photo shoot. These are truly some of my favorite sessions. This year, more than ever, we realize how precious it is to be able to spend time with those we love. While it was socked in with fog at my house as I drove up towards the hills of Yacolt the sun broke through and we had gorgeous light for this chilly family session.  I will be delivering this family’s gallery very soon!

I’m looking forward to a studio session Sunday morning and outdoor minis Sunday afternoon and then head shots back at the studio on Monday. 

November’s Photo Recap

The month began with crisp Fall colors and Rebecca’s first communion dress. Ralph and Bonnie asked to recreate their first photo shoot to help celebrate their 50 year anniversary. Max showed his relaxed side and future business man during his Senior session and the Strauss family gathered the day after Thanksgiving to have their family’s portraits done. While things always slow down at SFP during the Winter months I am always so thankful for every session that comes my way. I love the opportunity to help celebrate and commemorate life’s moments with you.

Then and Now

The photo on the left is of my niece, Hope when she came out to Georgia to visit us back in 1992. I had my first red Jeep and we had fun in it together. The photo on the right is of my Niece’s daughter Nora this past weekend. I wish I would have thought to get in the picture with her but I really don’t want to see the age progression so clearly! 🙂  I think Nora looks so much like her momma and I am so thankful I get to be part of both of their lives!

Thankful for you

I’m thankful for each of you who support my business. Whether it’s by reading my blog, signing up for the monthly newsletters, booking me for your photography needs, sharing my posts and/or sending referrals my way I could not do it without your support! Thank you so very much!

Shelly