Merry Christmas, baby!

What can I say? I love my work! What better way is there to celebrate a baby's very first Christmas than with photos?! I mean, everything else will more than likely get passed on as hand-me-downs, or end up broken, lost, or salvaged at the local Goodwill. But your baby's 1st Christmas photos will be cherished forever. I feel so honored to do this and that you all put so much trust in me ~ it can overwhelm the photographer's spirit sometimes. { For my fellow portrait photogs out there - you know what I mean, don't you?! } This is the best profession!
I photographed this sweet bundle of love's momma's pregnant belly back in November. And just in the nick of time too because this little angel began her entry into the world the very next day after our session! What a joy this newborn session was for me. You'll see what I mean .. take a look :)

Do I hear you saying, "Awwwwww!!!"(well, I am!)

Doesn't get much cuter than this one either ...Ah, sleep, baby, sleep ...

Here she is all dressed up and ready for her 1st Christmas party!

The most precious, treasured gift under the tree ...

Her mommy is so full of pride and love ...

love the bare toes ... awwww!

Thank you again "A" and "C" for this very special time with your most precious gift from God.

I am forever humbled, and grateful to you.

So much love, joy, hope, (and sense of humor too) are wished for you

as you begin your new adventure as parents.

With a heart full of love for you all,

Barb

If you are given an idea, go forth and create!

Birthday celebrations are no small matter in my family. Or shall I say, celebrations of any sort for that matter! We are party people who love to have fun together. And fun is what we had last weekend at my second daughter's 5th birthday party. The party's theme was based on the children's book by Laura Numeroff "If You Give a Moose a Muffin" (and illustrated by Felicia Bond). {www.lauranumeroff.com/books/work_in_progress.htm} This book is a favorite among many of my Alanna's. AHA ~ the perfect party theme! We could utilize our puppet theater, which my dad (structure) and stepmom (curtains) created with love for Alanna's 2nd birthday (are you seeing a running theme here?) and put on a puppet show for everyone too. Who doesn't love to see grown adults being silly with puppets after all?!! :}

I got the idea to make the cake out of cupcakes, a seemingly popular thing to do nowadays, in the spirit of creating the muffin effect derived from the book. It took some steps to create, and I'd like to share some of the images I was able to capture; because, after all, if you give a photographer a camera, she'll want to document the details of her daughter's party! Lucky for me, I had 2 of Alanna's Grandmas helping too. {Big, big THANK YOUS to Granma Deb & Grandma Kay ... xoxo}

Here is Marty the Moose, the star of the puppet show, supervising the production...

the photo below was captured by Kay Culver ~ Thank you kindly, Kay! ~

Here he is all dressed up for the party and ready to be devoured! ;}

This collage was created in the spirit of the birthday girl's love for books ...

She has quite the library, and always growing.

Lucky for her, her mommy loves children's literature!!

(you couldn't tell, could you? ;)

Thanks for viewing!

Cheerio, friends!

Barb

As the Anticipation Builds...

Someone very near and dear to me once said, “Christmas is for lovers and children.” I think what she meant was that these hearts are most eager for the big day to come! Theirs are full of love, light, and anticipation of great joy! Just think back on Christmas’ past, when you were a child and how exciting the events leading up to the momentous occasion felt. Can you remember your first Christmas with your now spouse, life partner, or otherwise long-term relationship? Can you stretch your memory even further, and think back on your heart as a child experiencing Christmas? I sure can remember what it felt like. It was pure joy – plain and simple. My very first Christmas memory was at my grandparent’s home in Paoli, Pennsylvania. I remember my shiny red tricycle sitting in plain sight with a big bow on it when I came down the stairs in my footed pajamas at the age of 3. What a great memory. I hope you have some meaningful, lasting memories that keep your hearts young, light, and full of hope.

In preparation for the nearing holidays, my friends asked me to come to their home to photograph them for their Christmas greeting cards. Sure thing! I was excited that they thought of me, and put so much trust in my chosen art form. Yay for me! We have been friends for many years now. I still recall gathering at their first home that they had just purchased. Young and full of fun – we had some terrific times together! When my husband and I were in their presence, we had a tendency to be “young” and full of fun, too!!! It’s always great to see these friendly faces – now parents of a 2 year old; proud owners of their own growing HVAC business; and soon they will be moving (closer to us :}) into their newly built home on a rather large property in Elverson. We are so excited for them, and look forward to seeing them more often!

This was the shot they chose for their Christmas card...

For all my readers - May I ask? What was your first Christmas memory?

I'd love to hear from you.

As the anticipation builds this holiday season, I wish you a renewed heart

filled with joy, peace and love eagerly awaiting the big day.

Peace to you friends,

With love,

Barb

P.s. A quick update on the tally so far that has accumulated for UNICEF - We have raised a little more than $50 ... so far!!! And counting! Thank you so much!!!

Nighttime at the Pagoda ...

From atop the city of Reading (pronounced as Redding), I positioned my camera, on tripod, to capture some images last night. One of my dearest, and best friends from my teen years accompanied me too. We both shivered in the frigid December air to get some cool night shots of this fixed symbol of peace...

All is calm from this vantage point ...

A few quick facts about the Japanese Pagoda construction:

The square shape symbolizes the earth. The center column is considered the "axle of the world" and the spire on top of the structure represents Buddha as master of the universe. Each level represents one of the five elements: wind, water, earth, fire and sky.

If you ever get the chance to visit Pennsylvania, be sure to make

Reading's Pagoda one of your stops on your journey.

www.pagodaskyline.org/pagoda/

Thanks for a fun evening, Anj! It's always a pleasure to see you.

And thanks for all the great photog tips!!! :)

I appreciate your friendship!

Peace and love,

always,

Barb