How the heck is it February already? Seriously? Really? Nooooo…. really? OK fine.
If you are just tuning in, I am very much honored to be participating in a monthly project with incredibly talented photographers. On the 11th of every month, we will post 11 pictures. The doozy being that the 11th picture is a self portrait. It’s our attempt at getting some pictures of ourselves. We all recognize the importance of being in front of the camera, even if we are way more comfortable being behind it.
Let me start with this: an image of my amazing mom and my beautiful daughter. My mom has been fighting brain cancer for three years now. The cancer and the chemo have taken a lot of her strength, and sometimes, I fear it has taken her spirit away too. But when I see a picture like this, where all I see is her strength, and her spirit, and her love shining so powerfully out of those hazel eyes, I take pause, catch my breath, and remind myself to be grateful. I look right back into those eyes and whisper quietly, “I love you mom.”
And here’s a shot of one of our pretty kitties. I loved how the sun was lighting up her whiskers.
My little guy turned seven. That’s a lot of years that I’ve been loving him madly. I’m looking forward to loving him madly for the rest of my days.
This counts as one picture cuz these two kids complete me… you know, in that dramatic Jerry Maquire sort of way. hehe.
I love her joyful face celebrating her little brother’s birthday. I love his puffed up cheeks. Yep. They complete me.
The dude loves orange soda. I’m personally not a fan of giving them soda at all. But as a very special treat, he got some.
He sort of kind of loved it.
This also counts as one picture cuz 14 on 11, um or uh, 17 on 11 doesn’t have the same ring….
I really just wanted a picture of him sitting on his bed. I got these instead. But I love them even more because it’s him. He lies on his back all the time with his feet in the air. He loves Gangnam Style. And he loves not listening to me. LOL.
Come on…. Look at the camera…..
For his birthday, he had his best friend over for a sleepover, and his sister had her best friend over.
I played a little with some long exposure/light painting with the kids. It was kinda fun. Can you see me?
I love swings. I love love love the happy expressions I always get out of this guy when he’s swinging. So carefree.
I much prefer that happy face to the “I’m lost in Nintendo DS world” face.
Oh, who am I kidding. I love all his faces.
Last month, my son tested for his yellow belt. This time, it was my daughter’s turn.
She’s got a mean sidekick. This makes me giggle every time I see it. Kiai!
And I’m just gonna pretend you aren’t counting pics here, cuz I had to share these two of my beauty, just standing in front of the house being her, which is beautiful. Like, crazy so.
OK, seriously. I do know how to count. But, c’mon. How could I NOT share this one?
Getting a self portrait this month almost didn’t happen. I’m bummed I cut off my beautiful Miz Mooz boots, but super happy I have a picture of me with my kids sitting outside our house. They make me all sorts of happy.
I’m doing a horrible job of limiting these pics, but I just can’t stop myself. Look at my sweet little girl. I love her room. The cloud with the rainbow above her bed was made by my mom. The paper cranes that are hanging in the corner? Also made by my mom. And the butterflies? Well, some came from Pottery Barn, and some were made by me. I love her room, decorated by the women who love her best.
You guys are just not gonna believe the talent that this blog circle has! Go check out Columbus Ohio photographer, Alison Janki Photography. I know you’ll love her!
And if you want to see more of my stuff, I am better at posting to my Facebook wall. Come on over and like me. I’m a sucker for new likes.
Alison Janki
February 11, 2013
Oh my word…every last one of them I LOVE!!
You’ve got insane talent my friend!! Unreal. I especially love the images of your son on the bed and your daughter outside… they are just such gorgeous babes.
And, I love seeing your happiness! I <3 the images of you and the kids
Brilliant as always xoxo
sally
February 11, 2013
Well, of COURSE I love these, as always! your transparent love for your kids and your mother come through so vividly in your images. And your angles and perspectives and light are all just perfect. LOVE them all.
Reena
February 11, 2013
I love all of them and glad there are more then 11! You are such an awesome mom…and I love your daughter’s bedroom! gorgeous! I love the one with your mom and daughter…two beauties!
Lisa Holloway
February 11, 2013
You amaze me constantly Miss Laura. Gorgeous family and gorgeous images…there is always so much life and happiness in your pictures. <3 Happy birthday to your boy! <3
Emily Burke
February 11, 2013
Your talent is Cray.
And I want to live in your daughters room.
Amazing work as always Laura! <3
Summer Murdock
February 11, 2013
LAURA…the swing shot and the drinking juice wow! you do it everytime somehow..love these!
Fran Barker
February 11, 2013
LAURA!!!!! I loved every.single.one but those last two gave me that awkward lump in my throat. So special! So, so special! xo.
Anne Kerr
February 11, 2013
Laura…Ahhh!! How do you do this stuff??! The swing one is out.of. this. world. Your color is out of this world. You have enough talent to be flying around the world taking pictures…so yeah, get on that when you get a chance:) Seriously, breathtaking post. ♥♥♥
Marie
February 11, 2013
I swear every time I scroll through one of your posts I’m smiling from start to finish. Your humor and beauty is contagious. I bow to you and your amazing photog skillz.
Leah
February 11, 2013
Laura, that swing shot is AMAZING!! Well, all of them are amazing, but that one is just WOW!! You have crazy talent, so much it hardly seems fair….ahem, anyway. When you get a spare minute, would you mind coming and decorating my daughters room to? Thankssomuch.
ShellyS
February 11, 2013
These made me smile, Laura, and a few made me giggle out loud. I love everything you do!
Taryn Boyd
February 11, 2013
Oh laura, you genius you!!! how do you do it???? I love every SINGLE photo!! Of course the one with your daughter and mama is my fav. Such beauties!!! The swing shot is jaw dropping!!!!!
you are so beautiful inside and out.
Lindsay Faber
February 11, 2013
Laura….I am usually almost speechless after looking at your images. Almost speechless because rendering me completely speechless is nearly impossible. I love how your work seems so effortless and perfect yet achieving such amazing lifestyle shots is so very difficult! Wonderful wonderful job. I am loving these 11 on the 11th posts.
Carrie
February 16, 2013
Looking at your images makes my heart happy x
Jackie
February 18, 2013
These capture beauty, emotion, fun, on top of being vibrant and full of life, you are gifted!