Each and every one of you are amazing, unique individuals that I am thankful for getting to know, no matter how short or long our time together.  I can’t wait to see what impact you make on this world!!  It’s easy to get lost in the shuffle of life so remember to stop every once and awhile to reflect on the past and observe the present. Before you know it, you’ll be in your 30’s, 60’s, 80’s… single, married, with children… wondering where the time went and what the kids these days see in the weird music playing on the radio.  (TRUST ME!)  As you prepare for the next chapter of your life, do me one favor, go to your music source of choice and listen to “Everybody’s Free (to wear sunscreen)”.  Yes, it’s cheeeeeeesssssssy, but it’s message will remind you of the important things in life.  I promise.

Congrats to all of you!!!

Desiderata -  Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Anywho, besides the whole soul reading thing, Patty’s your typical high school senior living in a small town, connected to the outside world through Facebook and ready to explore the world.  She’s planning on going into the medical field after graduation – I couldn’t be more proud of her!  I’m excited to see where life leads my littlest sister-in-law, and I know for certain it’s going to be fantastic.  :)

In other news, I’ll be out of the office for a few weeks in October with very limited access to email.  If you’re interested in booking a fall/holiday session – I’ll be available after October 20th!!!

We did a high school senior shoot a few weeks ago and guess what?!?!  ROBBY BROUGHT HIS DOGS!!!!  I was sooooo excited to capture some photos of dogs other than my own – what a fun challenge!  I have a gagle of photos of my own pets, but it’s always interesting trying to get someone else’s dog to pay attention to my weird ‘pay attention to me’ noises….  I think they sat very pretty for their session, don’t you??  Oh, and Robbie did a fantastic job too – more on that later this week.  :)

I was right – it’s taken me FOREVER to narrow down the photos from Ally’s senior session for this post!  This girl is ridiculously photogenic.  :)  Ally is going to be a high school senior at Perpich Center for Arts Education (The Arts High School) … isn’t that COOL?!?!?  Ally is an amazing singer, so she’ll be studying Music along with general curriculum… I’m seriously sooooo, so jealous.

I met Ally and her parents at her dad’s amazing home in Lake Elmo, which was perfect for the warm light from such a beautiful evening.  We took advantage of their landscaping, patio furniture, lake… and Ally was even nice enough to try out a few not-so-senior-picture-y poses on the street… which, I may add, could be some of my absolute favorites ever. :)

Ryan, his mom, and my super fun other cousin Kayd, met me at Minnehaha Falls Park one evening a few weeks ago so we could tool around the park for some great shot variety and fantastic evening light.  The weather was perfect and Ryan was a good sport, despite all the embarrassing and annoying things us ladies asked him to do.  I think it’s even possible he may have enjoyed himself a little , judging by all the smiles!  Either that, or I’m just really hilarious… I’m hoping for a little of both.  :)

Erinn, have a fantastic senior year; I can’t wait to see what you do in life – you’re destined for greatness!!!

Sam is a senior at Tartan High School, well was a senior until a few weeks ago when he graduated (congrats Sam!)  My good friend Steph and I offered to shoot a last minute session for Sam before he hit the ground running towards his next life adventure.  We met at the Stillwater Boom Site for some great scenery, good laughs, and a little reminiscing about years past and our own senior pics taken at the same location.  :)   Sam was a great sport for letting Steph and I practice shooting in lots of weird locations – I think he may even have had a little bit of fun!  Thanks Sam – good luck next year!

my favorite of the day…!

Jennifer’s mom has worked at Andersen Windows for years – so I thought this mural was perfect!  :)