Picture of the Week

OK, I don't really like to post pictures of myself...but I couldn't pass this one up! I had an MRI done this week and, although it looks freaky, it's a huge improvement! The swelling (white area) used to be TWICE the size. For those of you who don't know, I had a brain hemorrhage in Feb. 2006. To make sure it didn't happen again, doctors performed a radiation procedure to the leaky vessel in Aug. 2006. Cliff notes version: radiation beams zapped that vessel shut, so it wouldn't act up again. It's been an interesting recovery, as my body experienced very late side effects. And when I say late, I'm talking about THIS summer! I'm on my way to a full recovery and want to thank my clients for being so understanding with my ups & downs over the last few months. I'm feeling better every single day and couldn't be more thankful for my good health. My next scan is in 6 months. I'll share again, so we can do a "before and after."

First Day of School...and pictures?!?

My hat is off to Aaron. Today was the first day of school & he was up for pictures at dawn! Well, kind of. ;) After a stop for coffee and donuts, we were ready to go. Aaron is 100% Montanan, so he felt right at home when we went to my favorite hay farm. Best of luck in school...and in hunting season!

Last Day of Summer

Caroline kicks off her senior year tomorrow...and she can't wait! She is such a driven person in school & life - something that runs in her family. Thanks Caroline for acting crazy with me. You're such a natural beauty. :) OH - and show me your "grill."

Class of 2008

Talk about being blessed! I have the nicest clients ever! This evening, I had my first senior picture session with the cutest young lady. She's not only drop dead gorgeous...she's a genuine sweetie and was open to all of my ideas. We had so much fun on the hay farm that we ended up staying there the whole time. I know Morgen is going to go far in life. I can't wait to see what this final year of high school has in store for her.

My First Web Slideshow!!!

Thanks Ross Family for letting me share your memories with everyone.
Turn up your speakers & enjoy your pictures!

Jessica's Angel - Louie

Earlier this year, my sister Jessica and her fiance Jason lost their lil' Louie. He was a spunky teacup Yorkie who loved to cuddle and tag along with Jess to work. Wherever she was - he was. Louie died at only 2 years old from a head injury, but he got to see so much. That crazy pup attended a friend's wedding, slept on my pillow the night before I got married, hiked in Montana, drove a Lexus (got a picture to prove it) and lived in 4 different cities. Jessica is bummed I never got to do a "formal" photo shoot with him, but I did capture his cute face the last time I was in San Antonio. These are for you Jess, Jason, Shiner & Coco!

Only 18 more days...

...until Bob & Jadi get married! So, we thought we'd better get their engagement pictures done ASAP. We had a blast checking out some spots I've been eyeing for awhile. Jadi was a sport putting up with a super windy day...and it's so sweet to watch Bob with her. I've known this guy for a long time...and he just adores her! He kept wiping her hair away from her face and making sure she was comfortable. I'm countin' down to the big day!
And finally - an "O" for Jadi's soon-to-be last name.
Congrats you two!!!

Zucchini bigger than your head

I LOVE the Farmer's Market. Fresh fruit, fry bread with honey, handmade jewelry, live music, and people-watching. It's also the only place where you can find zucchini nearly the size of a baseball bat for ONE dollar.

Sister Johnelle & Melissa have the best booth in town! *Lissie's Luv Yums* They're delicious dog treats (that's what Duncan & Boerne tell me). Sometimes, I'm tempted to eat them. They are made out of ground wheatberries, oatmeal, soy beans...and a bunch of other natural stuff. They smell like cookies! The best thing about them is there's a message on every bag.

Melissa's Message: My name is Melissa and I wear one of the many faces of the leading cause of mental retardation in this country. It is called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and it is 100% preventable. Help me spread my message by buying some of Lissie's Luv Yums, my homemade doggie treats made from Montana's golden wheat. My dog Tiger luvs um and I love my dog. From the bottom of our hearts Tiger and I beg you, if you are pregnant, please don't drink.

To buy Lissie's Luv Yums, email luvyums@juno.com or call 406.453.2531

Brian getting his veggies

Local David Letterman lookalike (he's even been on the Late Show!)

A Woman Who Dares

My friend Xuan Nguyen (pronounced Sue-Ahn Win) turned 52 today. But once you hear her life story, it seems as if she's already lived many lives. Xuan is the most courageous and spirited woman I've ever met...and the Library of Congress agrees. She is one of 53 women featured in its calendar book titled, "Women Who Dare."

Every week, there's a photo and biography describing a woman who's impacted the world. There's Lillian Copeland - the first woman to compete in Olympic track and field events. Sally Ride - the first American woman in space. Angelina Grimke - the first woman to address lawmakers about abolitionism.

When you get to September, there's Xuan and here's what it says:

Described as the Vera Wang of the northwestern United States, Xuan Nguyen didn't even learn to sew until she was twenty. She grew up in Vietnam when the country was at war. With one brother fighting and another hiding, Nguyen was forced to support her family, but selling goods in the market wasn't enough. Like other girls in war-torn countries, she turned to prostitution to survive. In 1974 she emigrated to the United States with her second husband, an American soldier, and went to work part-time at a bridal shop. Owner Lucille Payton taught her the skills that she continues to use to fashion bridal gowns for her own thriving business. Nguyen acted as an interpreter in the Oscar-nominated documentary Regret to Inform (1998), in which she spoke openly about her own difficult past. In 2005 she returned to Vietnam to begin the New Day Project to help girls stay off the streets. Nguyen's students learn to sew, use computers, and speak English. Watching these girls laugh as they work, she says it is "through them that I live my childhood - without war."

Amazing, right? She even turned her birthday into a day focusing on the needs of those less fortunate. All she wanted was baby clothes to bring to Vietnam when she returns this fall.

The birthday girl also gave me a gift. My very own copy of "Women Who Dare." Words can't express my gratitude for her friendship and inspiration.

Happy Birthday Xuan!

Love in Canada, eh!

Just got back from Lethbridge, Alberta, where I met up with some of my best friends. Danes & Charbs (their nicknames) started dating 11 years ago in college....and nothing has changed. They're still the funniest & kindest people to be around. They thanked me a million times for taking their pictures during my weekend, but trust me - it was NOT work. Miss you already!

OUTTAKES FROM CANADA

A dino greeted us when we crossed the border
Dana learning where her maiden name originatedThe whole crewMarc let me steal a kiss