What I’ve been doing

Oh my goodness I can’t believe Thanksgiving is 2 weeks from today!!  Tis the season to dig out the holiday decorations. So I spent some time this week decorating the studio. I had a lot of fun creating a cozy, christmasy vibe while Christmas songs played in the background. I will save the Christmas decor at home for after Thanksgiving, but having the studio all decorated is definitely getting me into the holiday spirit!

Making Granola has been on my to-do list for many years. I finally did it! I think it was a good first attempt but I’m looking forward to trying several variations out. It’s weird how every year around this time I suddenly have renewed enthusiasm about cooking. 

Thankfully to go along with cooking, I’ve also begun using my bike trainer for the first time. My foot is still holding me back but I can ride and with the weather changing it makes finding the time and weather for rides more challenging. For our birthdays in September we bought a bike trainer and this week, for the first time, I have been riding it. It’s challenging but I’m so happy to find something I can do regardless of what the weather is doing outside!

Who I’ve been Photographing

Today I am photographing a couple in the studio. They are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and would like to recreate a pose from a photograph they have from 50 years ago.  I love that idea and I’m looking forward to today’s session.

I was thrilled to squeeze in another Senior Session as well. Max was so much fun to photograph! He was relaxed and enjoyed the experience. We had a great time chatting about his Senior year and future plans to attend WSU next year. 

What I’m Reading – Last Train to Istanbul – by Ayse Kulin

This is a novel written about Turkey’s involvement in rescuing Jews from Hitler during WWII.

WWII is such a vast topic. There are endless stories from so many different perspectives (country, soldier, civilian, adult, child, rich, poor, it’s endless). Because of the many perspectives it isn’t difficult to find a story from this time period that opens my eyes and gives me new understanding.  While this book is fiction there are many true stories of Turkish Jews that were rescued from Hitler by Turkish diplomats who were determined to save those lives. Turkey’s policy was that all were citizens. There was no consideration given to religion.

This book follows the lives of two sisters Sabiha and Selva – born into one of the last Ottoman pasas. Selva a Muslim committed the unthinkable in her family and married a Jew. Because of her family’s rejection she and her husband move to France. When Hitler takes control in France early in the war, the life of her husband and friends are in grave danger.  The core of this book are those who have the courage and integrity to do what they know is right and in the face of grave danger. 

The book isn’t finished yet. I am over halfway and there is just talk of the rescue – a train that will have to cross through hostile territory carrying Jews back to Turkey from France. I’m looking forward to finishing the book. 

Holiday Mini Sign Ups – Tis the Season

As the holidays are quickly approaching I’m thinking about my to do list. One of the things I love to do is send out Christmas cards each year. We have family pictures thanks to Joshua and Jocelyn’s wedding this year so that is my plan.  I love sending cards but what is even more fun is receiving them! Getting the mail is always such a disappointment 11 months out of the year but during the holidays it is so much fun to find holiday cards from friends near and far! 

I was THRILLED to receive my first card yesterday! I met up with the McMillian family to deliver some prints from our Fall Family session and here she already had her cards printed!!! Which reminded me I need to add that to my to-do list ASAP!

If your looking for a great option for your family I am offering holiday sessions at SFP.

$175. for 20 min sessions = 5 digital images.  48 hours to delivery

Click this link to see available time slots https://book.usesession.com/s/zdxN-D47f

Thanks for visiting today’s blog. I hope you have a happy day,

Shelly