All in the Merry Month of May

May is coming to a close and my, oh my, what a FULL month it has been!  I know I'm not alone when I say next to December, May is the 2nd busiest month of the year.  May holds the most birthdays all year; Mother's Day; spring cleaning; gardening, planting time; end-of-the-school-year events, graduations, etc. etc...  I decided to highlight some of the many good things that happened this month with small vignettes for this blog post.  I miss hanging out here and have so much I want to say, but finding time to say it all is the challenge.   So now, I'm making time to show off some of the people I've had the privilege of photographing over the past month, with more of their unique stories to come in later posts.   Plus, some personal goodies, too.  Grab your coffee or tea, settle in and take a look-see.  

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I had an Inspiration Through Art session with this adorable family.  Their 10 month-old baby boy, "C" has had many health challenges since birth.  He'll need open heart surgery eventually.   Here he is with his daddy and (step)mommy and future baby sister to come!!  He was such a sweetheart throughout our session together; not crying once, and keeping a keen eye on all that was happening around him.  Such a beautiful boy and family.  "C" is another of my littlest heroes to admire!  Thank you for that honor. 

After my Inspiration session, I was off to a first birthday party!   I spent a fun-filled, celebratory afternoon with this dear family of friends whom I have photographed multiple times (lucky me - that's right!).  The party was great and little miss "L" was the star of the day!!  She was so cute in the grass.  She did not like the sensation of it, but she managed.  I just love first birthday parties and "L's" was spectacular!  And another outstanding cake was created by Kathleen's Konfections.  If you haven't tasted her delicious baked confections yet, you haven't fully lived.  Thanks again, my friends for a fabulous afternoon!  You spoil me!  :-)  Just look at this beauty!!!  Makes my heart melt. 

I photographed a wedding in New Cumberland, PA - near Harrisburg - Memorial Day weekend.  What a day it was!  I am still reveling in all the wonderful moments that took place on Stephie & Jimmy's big day with many firsts for me to experience.  The first time I witnessed the bride sing a love song to her groom; first time I witnessed the shoe game (fabulous, by the way! must check it out!); first time photographing a wedding while my oldest daughter, Chelsea worked as the couple's videographer!  Wow!  That's my girl!  She's off to Nashville, TN for the summer to work an internship, so it was great to spend time with her at Stephie & Jimmy's wedding!  We even managed to dance a couple of songs together!  Thanks for inspiring me, Chels!!  Fun times!!  And Congratulations to the happy couple!  You were super to work with - Thanks for everything, my new friends!!  

And speaking of firsts, I photographed this loving family consisting of two daddies and two beautiful daughters.  Confession time.  I have never had the privilege of knowing (let alone photographing) a same-sex, married couple with children.  I know.  I know.  Well, I do happen to live in rural Pennsylvania and, as far as population dynamics go, this isn't a common occurrence in our area - at least to my knowledge.  This family set the bar high.  They are my precedent for non-traditional marriage, and I can honestly say I am in awe of them and their life.  Their girls adore their dads.  What an amazing family!!  Thank you, my new friends for your generosity and for granting me the honor of being your photographer.  Your girls are radiant, healthy beauties so full of life and love.      

On the home front, I've been rearranging.  Plus, painting and preparing to move my office.  Alanna is ready to have her pink bedroom back.  She's tired of sharing a room with her little sister.  So, it's time for momma to move back to my old office - a bit smaller (okay, a lot smaller), but it sure is bright and pretty!  

We have been cleaning out, purging unused items.  We managed to have a very successful yard sale this month, hosted by my parents (thanks, Mom & Dad!).  We also donated to a worthy, charitable cause:  The Rudden Family Foundation, Inc. who serve the homeless or at risk of becoming homeless with donated household furnishings.  It felt great to unload and clean out.  Like a weight lifted from our shoulders.  Ahh!  So good.  So thankful.   

The garden is planted and doing great.  The lilacs were especially fragrant this year!  And they bloomed just in time for Mother's Day!  Just gorgeous!   I have more flower shots to offer on my Flickr photo stream.  Stop by and say "hi!" when you can.  I always appreciate hearing from my family and friends.  Click here to visit me > My 3 Girls Photography on Flickr <

Our baby isn't such a baby anymore.  Emilia graduated from preschool and will attend kindergarten in the fall.  Isn't she a beauty?  All of her teachers remarked at her dancing abilities and free spirit.  She won the classroom "Best Girl Artist" award.  I know she has so much ability and is uber talented.  I'm a proud mommy.   

I wrapped up my first school year as a preschool, pre-K building substitute teacher.  It was a joy!  I loved getting to know all of the children at Robeson Lutheran Preschool.  I look forward to helping out again in the future.   

June promises to slow down a bit - just a bit, though.  These May days were absolutely filled with much goodness - so many moments to treasure forever.  Thank you, my friends, for stopping by.  Here's to finding time to highlight all the gratitude and good in our lives.  My windows are rolled down!!     

Onward! 

Easter Greetings

Sending wishes of great joy, eternal hope and everlasting love for the arrival of Easter and life anew!  As I celebrate this day with my beloved family, I keep the sacred promise of new beginnings, the spirit of rebirth close to my heart.  May it hold true in your own.  

Super Baby Celebrates Two | Inspiration Through Art

The last time I had the privilege of photographing this precious baby girl and her family, she was just 8 months young.  She sat up fairly well on her own, still developing those baby muscles of hers.   She has had multiple health issues as she began her life, and if you haven't previously read about her from our first Inspiration Through Art session together, you may want to visit that post by clicking >here<.   Baby "M" has not had the easiest start in life.  She was born missing a chromosome, diagnosed with DiGeorge Syndrome; on feeding tubes and eventually, she triumphed open heart surgery at the tender age of 13 months.  This super girl just celebrated her 2nd birthday and I am happy to report that she is thriving, growing by leaps and bounds!!  She's a miracle baby, if ever there was one!  I was astounded once again to be in her presence, to experience her joy, her gorgeous eyes, terrific smile and by how closely bonded this family is to one another!  They all shine brightly!!  "M" cannot help but thrive so beautifully since she is loved so well by her family. 

"M" isn't speaking yet, but is steadily learning sign language, which she taught to me also.  She not only can sit up very well by herself now, but she can run circles around me!!  She's a girl on the GO!  Nothing can stop this Super Toddler!  ;-)  

Here she is at our first session together… 

And, here she is at 2 years with her siblings: 

We celebrated her recent birthday with balloons and bubbles at Reading's own Goggle Works.  My many thanks and heartfelt gratitude go out to this wonderful, creatively rejuvenating location for allowing us the privilege.  What a lovely time we had!  Such fun!  

What a complete joy it was to spend time with this amazing family again.  "M" is quick on her feet, just as most 2 year-young toddlers are!   Thank you all again and again for honoring me with your trust, smiles and love.  I wish you much good health, prosperity, happiness and continued strengthened family love.  You should know that you enrich me and my life by sharing your gifts of the spirit, your story, and especially, your smiles with me.  I am humbled and grateful to you.  I hope to continue documenting your family's progress in future years… 

God's blessings and terrific love always be yours, my friends!!!

For families interested in learning more about Inspiration Through Art, a non-profit organization connecting professional photographers with families with a child(ren) suffering from a serious illness, or serious life altering disability, please contact www.inspirationthroughart.org to apply.  Be sure to request your preferred photographer to document and tell your story.  I would be honored to be your family's chosen professional.  Thank you kindly.  

Cute Little Lemon Face

Someone from one of the photography groups (I can't for the life of me remember which one, or who it was!) that I belong to on Facebook posted a link of photos of babies and toddlers taking their first taste of a lemon.  I had a big smile on my face as I viewed those photos - thank you to the person that shared them and to the photographers that created them.  You may view the photos by clicking >here<.  I knew I wanted to try this also.  So, when my friends and I got together for their beautiful baby girl's 6 month photos I just had to ask them if it would be okay to try this idea!  They said "Sure!"  Yay!!  I had so much fun with their darling baby girl and her adventurous spirit this morning.  

Thank you my friends so much for sharing your precious baby with me and my lens.  She's a doll and you are doing such a great job with her.  I wish you all the best - always.  And know that I love you.

Take a look at these and just try NOT to smile while doing so!!  Double dare you!!  ;)-  

a quick note:  in image #6 - her Daddy was holding the lemon up in front of her - as you'll notice she didn't shrug it off… ;) 

  

Thank you again!  I hope you enjoyed and lost on my dare!!  ;) 

images are copyrighted by law;  images may not be duplicated without consent, and are the property of Barbara Liszcz of © My 3 Girls Photography.  thank you.

sneak peek: Family at Poole Forge

Family.  This one little word conveys such emotional power.  It's a bond of strength and blood, inheritance and traits, sisterhood and brotherhood, mothering, fathering, tears shed, laughter and overwhelming joy, and ties us to one another like nothing else.  Family.  We witness for one another life in progress and in process.  Yes, we are dynamic, fluid, growing, changing, stumbling, and constantly overcoming, learning.  Family can mean different things to different people.  But for this family, I'd say it means a wealth of memories and love, a closeness outwardly shown, yet even greater felt below the skin, running in their veins.  I felt so privileged to meet them and chat a bit about the upcoming changes soon to come.  Big adjustments and very exciting new adventures for these girls.  I wish you all the best in your travels and schooling.  Soak up every experience, have fun and work hard.  It will definitely pay off - it already has!  Thank you, "D" family, for your absolutely beautiful smiles!  I had a wonderful time getting to know you and for the opportunity to bask in your family's sunshine - it is infectious!  :)  

Many blessings, my new friends!!  Please enjoy your sneak peek.  

images are copyrighted by law;  images may not be duplicated without consent, and are the property of Barbara Liszcz of © My 3 Girls Photography.  thank you.

sneak peek | High School Senior

I could not wait to share these with you.  I had such a nice evening with you all.  Thank you for obliging my bad jokes and silly sense of humor "R"!  You have so much potential about you - I hope you know that.  I am very happy for you and for the wonderful opportunities at your feet.  Take my advice - take 'em and run!!  Just do it, my friend.  Go for the gusto!  And the same goes for your lovely girlfriend!  Thanks, as well, to "C" for coming along and for your smile!!  Such a very exciting time in your lives.  I will be cheering you on.  Focus on your dreams, work really hard, and enjoy this next phase in your lives.  Yes, you will hit bumps and detours on your journey, but you will get through - and always for the better.  Trust the path.. (and work really hard) ;) 

Best wishes to you all.  I am very honored to have met your acquaintance.  You all enrich me - I hope you know that.  :)  Smile, my friends!!  And please enjoy a little preview of what's to come … yay!! 

I must send a big shout out of appreciation to my friend, Marc for loaning me his way cool Rokinon 8mm fisheye lens ( see image #5 )!  We had fun playing with it. Thank you! :)

Thank you again, friends for your wonderful smiles and warm friendship. :)

images are copyrighted by law;  images may not be duplicated without consent, and are the property of Barbara Liszcz of © My 3 Girls Photography.  thank you.

September is FAMILY Photography Month at My 3 Girls Photography | Special Limited Offer

Calling all families interested in having your very own personal portrait session with me this September!  This offer has been created just for YOU!!  Think about updating your family's photo wall with beautiful, natural light portraits;  creating timeless memories;  having fun together;  utilizing your high-res images for Birthday or Holiday cards;  creating calendar gifts or scrapbooking your portraits;  photo books and albums;  sharing your family's achievements and growth;  AND help a local charitable establishment - the Greater Berks Food Bank - at the same time.  10% of all photography profits generated by My 3 Girls Photography this fall will be donated to the Greater Berks Food Bank, a growing community cornerstone to aid and assist our local friends in need of proper nutrition.  Charitable causes are one of my principle foundations in business.  Philanthropic endeavors suit me well and just like great big bear hugs from my girls, these things fill me up with happiness and good old fashioned purpose.  I am a strong believer in community and in the idea that we make a difference by working together for the greater good.  I hope you would agree, and then contact me to schedule your family's session!  Please do not delay as these sessions do tend to fill up quickly.  Thank you!! 

I look forward to your smiles and our time together, my friends!!  Cheers!! 

At Home with My 3 Girls

I had a very special treat this morning.  I had the great honor of photographing all 3 of my girls at home.  We don't get to spend very much time with my first born daughter these days, as she is working full time in Corning, NY this summer and preparing for a new semester this fall at Mansfield University of Pennsylvania.  When my young girls awoke this morning to find their big sister home there were shrieks of joy!!  I took full advantage of this opportunity, the beautiful weather, the blooming flowers and asked them, "how about we take some pictures?!" 

My mind also wanders to the fact that we have an anniversary at our home.  The date forever etched in my memory with great pride, enthusiasm, and nostalgia.  It was Friday, July 30, 1999 when my husband and I became homeowners for the first time!  I look back over these past 14 years with complete amazement at the amount of blood, sweat and tears we have invested in our home, in our family and in establishing roots for ourselves.  What better way to celebrate our home and our girls than by having a little personal photographing time with my beauties?!  I'm a proud momma.  Yes, indeed.  And I love our home that we have made.   

Here's wishing you a day of wonderful reflection, as well.  Thank you for stopping by and viewing my beauties.  

P.s.  All shots were created with a 30mm macro f/2.8 lens, Sony a99 dSLR, and natural sunlight in and around our yard (with very little post processing). 

P.s.s. Please be sure to subscribe via email to receive all of my published blog postings.  I  do appreciate staying in touch with you!! Thank you. :)