I met Ross Pirsig when he was not yet two years old. He was this beautiful blonde haired, blue eyed boy with gorgeous dimples. Ross was always a showman. He mimicked and mocked comedians, musicians and actors. I repeatedly told his mom Shari, that she has GOT to get this on tape! “He is going to be a performer”. “He is hysterical”! I didn’t realize I had the gift of prophecy, but Ross is on his way to college, and he is studying theater. He has been in umpteen million plays, show choir, master of ceremony for Tiger’s Roar, speaker at graduation commencement, the list goes on…. Ross is an exceptional young man who is completely grounded in life and in his faith in Jesus Christ. I couldn’t be more proud of him if he were my own son.

His party was packed! A constant stream of guests wishing him well for his future. We were treated to Brunos, and anyone who is a corn dog connoisseur, knows Brunos is the best! We were also treated to a performance by Ross, Liam, William and Eric. They vocalize so beautifully together. The guests were silent and in awe of these young men’s gift of music and so thankful for them sharing it with us.

I also have to mention a very special person in my life. Starr Holt was Brynn and Isaac’s daycare mom for many years. I have nothing but total respect and admiration for this woman. She has raised so many kids throughout the years. She said she had 7 of her “kids” graduating this year. She has such a gift of loving care for children and such a never ending desire to help those whom she loves. She made the cakes for Ross’ graduation and also his older brother Casey’s. She was one of the many helpers who made sure Ross’ party went smoothly by spending the day replenishing food and cleaning in the kitchen. Starr is a true gem : ) The images of the little girl and boy and their parents are Starr’s son Mark, daughter in law Jenni and her grandchildren Sawyer and Katie. Also pictured are Nate and his girlfriend Sarah, and Shari’s parents Roger and Marlene who have been married 51 years! True devotion and commitment.

Sunday afternoon, Brynn and I went over to Sheri and Randy’s for Luke’s graduation party. Luke graduated from Rochester Community Technical College with a degree in Horticulture. Luke is a super artistic, talented florist who plans to continue his gift after school. I’ve only met Luke once before, and hadn’t really gotten to know him or his friends. I also hadn’t met his twin brother Matt before and to see them together was a hoot! Luke is a sweet guy who gave his Mom a gorgeous necklace and earrings for a belated Mother’s Day gift. It was a pretty laid back fun time with all of them.

Megan is one of those people who you just knew would do something cool in life. I’ve known her since she was a little girl. She stayed with us when her parents went on vacation, watched Brynn and Isaac when they were little and has been a friend I have been proud to watch develop into a beautiful human being.

Megan loves manatees. I just knew she would end up in Florida saving each and every one of them, but she took a different path instead. Megan graduated from Macalaster College on May 17, 2008. I was blessed to meet her housemates, who were also all graduating with her. Friends together though the trials of college life and growing up in general. A neat group of girls, who are all taking “interesting” life paths, to say the least. As I recall, one will be repelling in caves, one will be making maps and Megan… well, I can’t give the exact location, but lets just say she will be doing something that just doesn’t surprise me. A real humanitarian in this world who needs people like her so desperately.

I’ve never been to a college graduation. It was an exhilarating experience! I felt the joy and excitement of being present at such a grand event. A passing of time spent in college and eyes forward to the futures of so many young adults. I felt this twinge of old lang syne myself. An ending and beginning.

The ceremony was impressive. The entrance of flags and bagpipes. The music of my heritage. It was a very special day and I was completely honored to be a part of it.

Last night I shot Century’s Prom Grand March for the first time. It went super well and I was able to do the honors of capturing a great image of every couple that attended. I created a new EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY site where everyone can go and view these orders. You’ll need a password for this one and it is “pantherprom” without the quotations. Enjoy!

I am very blessed to have maintained my contract with Southwest Middle School in Albert Lea. It is one of the most rewarding shoots I get to do. I have such familiarity with the program and the kids. I always know many of them and this age is so fun to photograph. There are always willing helpers to write down names and to assist with lighting. The first image, I turned around to see these guys peeking through the window making faces at the individuals I was shooting. No wonder many of them gave me a great smile! Thanks guys! Image number two, Alix is the official name getter and she was getting help figuring out who we missed… some guys like to sneak out and not have their image taken. The last image is a classic. These kids love to pile on each other after the last shot. Bunch of goofy hams! I should compile a book of all these shots!

Everyone has them. We all get 1 day a year. A day that we can do our birthday happy dance and celebrate our life and the gifts we have in our friendships with others.

When I was younger, I was so excited about my birthday…. truth be told, I still am, though it was different. I anticipated it for weeks, maybe months. It was the greatest day of the year! I looked forward to my party, my friends coming over, cake, ice-cream, balloons and presents! Some of these things still hold true, but more, I elate in the fact that I am here to reach a new number. I am here to continue to celebrate my friends and family. I appreciate all of the well wishes, and just the thought that those who know me care enough to say, hey! Happy Birthday! Instead of the “presents” I look forward to the “presence”.

I spent the day with Brynn and Isaac. Brynn has been sick since Monday and has missed school since Tuesday. Isaac had a doctor’s appointment and I added Brynn to the visit. Isaac is doing great! He has reached 90 pounds, which boggles my mind. I know I weighed that during my senior year in high school. He is thriving and doing really well. Brynn has gotten a good bug which has really knocked her off of her feet. The doc said be looking at about a week for this to pass… it’s going around.

We got back home and I was greeted with beautiful flowers! Yellow ca-lilies and a big balloon. John asked where I wanted to go and eat and all of my favorite places raced through my mind. It was pouring rain and I really didn’t want to go back into Rochester and John suggested the Rainbow Cafe in Pine Island. Funny, that place was in my mind the minute he asked and I said that sounded great!

We have been to the Rainbow Cafe many times. Our friend Jeff Eastman owned it and we got our baby Gromit from Jeff. While we were eating, Jennifer approached our table and asked if we would like to sample their new beers that they were trying out. We had never been offered samples there before and we then learned that Jennifer and her fiance Jeremy, had just purchased the Cafe from Jeff. They were making some neat changes that I look forward to seeing soon. As much as the Rainbow Cafe was a destination for us, I feel the vision of Jennifer and Jeremy will make it an even bigger point of interest to foodies in the area. When it was time for dessert, I was all ready to see the menu, when John said he had been “baking” all day and had something for us at home. Jennifer presented me with a beautiful coconut cupcake to go and we headed home.

John, with the help of Daube’s Bakery, created a beautiful chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. Oh my gosh, I am so taking a 5 mile hike today! It was divine!

My day, despite the torrential rain, was fantabulous! Thank you for all who had a part in making it so special!

I was picking Isaac up yesterday from his dad’s house and saw this cute little guy running around. The last time I saw him, he was only sitting up in the grass. Now he is running! His name is Carter and he is always smiling! He is such a delightful little boy and I thought I’d take a few pics of him to capture his effervescent personality!

The drive through the neighborhood is always eventful. Wildlife is abundant. There are so many deer around, it is unusual not to see one on any given day. I was talking to our neighbor Dawn yesterday afternoon and she expressed that it is like seeing squirrels. They are everywhere! I remember living in town and once or twice a year seeing them out in the fields on a country drive. I remember pulling over to see them and how excited I would get. Now they stand on the side of the road and graze. These images were shot on a drive-by from the road. You can see the side of the gravel road in the image. That is how close we are. They just look up out of curiousity and go back about their business.

Brynn and I were hanging out the other night conversing when I got this bright idea to grab my camera…. always a Brynn pleaser, as she loves to get her picture taken. We had fun just goofing around and I thought I’d share these sweet images.

Bill and Sheri… they are Married!

It was a day to remember. For more than just the love those two radiate, but the location and weather conditions…

I had to wonder if they were worrying themselves crazy yesterday morning… the morning of the day they have anticipated… the day Sheri had waited for all of her life. The date was April 26th. You would think in April, especially the end of April, would be Spring-like. Warmish for Minnesota. Tolerable. The weather was anything but. It started out with snow, high winds, sleet and no sunshine to be found. The temperature was in the 30′s, wind chill much less than that.

The show went on.

Several of the guests met at a church in Rochester to board a coach bus which was to take us to the site of the wedding. A church on Sheri’s family farm. Literally out in the sticks. It was named Eidsvold Norwegian Methodist Church. To the side of the church sits a cemetery that contains many of Sheri’s family members who have passed.

The trip to the church was a fun ride. We knew many of the guests, but there were also some we did not know. We drove down a long narrow gravel road and as we approached, we could see the church from the bus. This church had no electricity. No heat. Bill and Sheri went to open the church as the guests waited on the bus. We were then invited into the church, which was a piece of history. The doorknobs, the textured window glass. Wooden benches were cold, but we all found our seats and witnessed Bill and Sheri pledge themselves to one another. It was a simple and beautiful service.

The greeting line went quickly as the weather was brisk. The sun peaked out and was shining, but the winds were chilling. We managed to shoot a few quick images and boarded the bus headed to Nosh Bill and Sheri had reserved the entire restaurant for the evening. We enjoyed wine, assorted canapes and conversation while those not attending the wedding had a chance to arrive. When we were all seated, we had the most delicious meal selection. Bill and Sheri had spent a lot of time at Nosh, making wine and food decisions and their choices were pleasing to everyone. I had the Vegetable Marinara and of course the chocolate cake for dessert.

When the meal was finished, we boarded the bus and were shuttled back to Rochester to pick up our vehicles. The day was very memorable, not only for the extravagant accommodations and meal, but for the love that Bill and Sheri shared with all of their guests.

Thank you Bill and Sheri, for including John and I in your magical day!