Favorite of the month: February

This month's favorite belongs to my jasmine flower.

I love this plant. Mine isn't much to look at, (I hope that will change with some growth) but it's the flowers that draw me to it. In particular, the scent. These little flowers have such a beautiful scent to them. It just makes me smile!

It bloomed for me this month for the first time since I last blogged about this plant (close to a year ago!). I was so excited to see this bloom and to see 4 more buds on the plant. I was rather relieved because I had thought I was killing it - it hasn't looked too good lately. But after this one flower bloomed and dropped, the others withered up and died. I was so disappointed! And then the leaves started drying up and I thought it was all over for my pretty plant.

Now, I will admit that the thought of buying a new plant briefly crossed my mind. But I'm no quitter! So instead I pulled off the dead leaves. I pulled out my ultra high tech gardening tool (a fork) and loosened the soil a little. I talked to it while no one was around: "You can do it. Come on, Jasmine."

Well guess what? My pretty jasmine is growing new leaves! No new flower buds yet, but the leaves are a good sign and I'll take it.

So here's to new growth! To not giving up! To pulling out your fork and loosening the soil!

Matt & Alicia

The Forks were busy the afternoon I met with Matt and Alicia to do their engagement pictures. I saw Matt first. He's pretty tall and so he was easy to spot over the crowd. When the crowd parted, I could see petite Alicia next to him, both coming my way. I gave them a little run down of my plans and when I asked about theirs, Alicia mentioned she had an outfit change. LOVED it! I love it when my couples are that into their pictures! Right then I knew this was gonna be good.

We spent some time inside before braving the cold for a short while. The lighting was lovely and we made the most of it before we went in to warm up with some hot drinks.

Matt and Alicia - thanks. You guys were great! You're so easy going and fun and sweet and good looking(!) - it made for a fun and easy shoot. I had a great afternoon and I wish you both all the best on your wedding day and in the lifetime to follow.

Just Because: Dave and Melissa + kids

Whew! These are l-a-t-e!

I took these pictures back in December when Melissa sent me a message asking about family pictures for their Christmas cards. I said "no problem!" but I was freaking out a little, thinking "Christmas cards? How do I take family pictures for Christmas cards?!"

Weird. I know.

A lot of my clients use their family pictures for Christmas cards and I'm pretty sure that registers in my brain when I'm taking the pictures, but this time around my brain had a meltdown or something and I got all panicky. I tried thinking of some extra cute Christmassy stuff to add in and though those things went well enough, things went better when I switched gears back to "me". Normal me. Where I direct a little and let things happen and catch the fun moments.

Favorite of the month: January

Late. I know:)

This was taken when Jonny and I took the boys skating at St. Vital Park. Or rather, he took two of the boys skating and I took the other one exploring in the snow. I love how he was so proud of himself for getting to the top of this little hill. I love the way the light is here - it's totally perfect for his achieving moment.

And there you have it - January's favorite of the month.