Sugarplum

I remember when I took this photo of her. It was during a family wedding and she had decided to take the umbrella from her drink and put it her hair. She was having so much fun and it was such a joyous occasion. I remember Cousin Peter jokingly exclaiming “Uh oh, Grandmas got an umbrella in her hair we better cut her off!”

She was definitely full of spunk and character. Being an addition to the family I was always eager to spend time with her and listen to her stories, wither it was about her growing up and the life she had lead, or commenting on how long it took to put her makeup on. “I’m still working on putting my face on” she would say while laughing.

When she turned 90 two years ago Aunt Sally threw her a wonderful birthday party and she was even featured in a San Diego news segment. She had lived a long and interesting life. She felt blessed to have been able to live long enough to see her first great grandchildren this past spring and was hoping to make it until the end of this year to see our little one too.

Distance kept us from spending more time with her and although her health had declined she was always in good spirits when we spoke to her.

I’ve often spoken about how my love of photography comes from wanting time to stand still. When I shoot I live in the moment and treasure it but at the same time I find comfort in that I can keep it safely tucked way to look back upon fondly. These feelings couldn’t be truer for me than now.

For the past week it’s been hard for us to believe that she is gone. Although she had some health problems we did not expect for her to be gone from us so soon. Deep in my heart I was hoping she would be okay and that we would see her again for the holidays with our little Mochi in tow but it was selfish of me to think that. We are blessed to have so many of her photos that we've taken to enjoy and lovingly remember as well as the memories she's left for us.

Thank you Grandma Sugarplum for all the love and all the memories. Our hearts are heavy and we will miss you so very much.

With Love,

Meg (and Mitch)

Ruth and Dae

It was an overcast day in Canada on Sunday. It had been warm and humid and the sky had been threatening rain for days. Thankfully it held off for a while and even let some sun peek through for us.

Ruth and Dae had chosen the charming Milner Chapel in Langley B.C. for their wedding this October. Surrounded by daises (Ruth's wedding flowers) and a white picket fence, one can't help but sense the classic feel of it. Sadly because of my schedule I won't be able to shoot their special day but we were able to enjoy the cute little chapel and it's promise of things to come. No doubt it will be a happy and amazing day!

Garylene

I have heard so much about her from my sister Daina on how fabulous Garylene was but I never really knew how fabulous she was until I finally got to meet her. Up until our shoot we were only in contact via email and chat but already her bubbly personality shown through (you can't hide fab behind text and a screen).

I can see why she is my sister's BFF. Her laughter and wonderful personality can't help but make you smile and feel at ease. Gare brought along her friend (who was equally as enjoyable and who made a really good prop hehe). We couldn’t help but laugh and make fun of ourselves the entire time. The wind kept attacking her hair and I kept fussing with my odd clothing ensemble (don’t ask), thank God I don’t have photos of myself.

Afterwards I had invited them along to the Scott Kelby’s World Wide Photo Walk. (If you can find me I’m hiding behind Gare). After walking for a few hours in North Beach we decided to meet up with Daina at my place to rest our puppies and play a serious game of Settlers of Catan!

Like all things that are good they have to come to an end. Sadly Gare is leaving us for law school back east (my sister is already struggling to come to terms with it). She will be terribly missed and I’m seriously jealous of East Coasters now.

I’m so glad though that I got a chance to meet such a wonderful person. I think everyone needs a Garylene in their lives to make it just a bit brighter and full of laughter.