.....turning life into art!

Off to Texas......

for a photography workshop with Brad and Laura Veraska.  Brad is the master of studio lighting.  Laura and Brad run a successful 3,000 sq ft studio in Cooper, TX.  I will be returning late Monday. 

Not only do I get to see Brad work, I have the honor to be staying with Teresa Berg, dog photographer extraordinaire!  OMGoodness it is the icing on the cake.  Teresa and I are going to her studio on Friday and photograph dogs together. 

I haven't had a moment to post.  The studio build out is coming along.  My sign was installed today.  AND I am exhausted!  I can't imagine how tired my dear husband John is who has been doing the bulk of the hard labor.  Ellen and Jay a BIG thank you for all of your help too.  I am so blessed!

Build Out Begins!

FINALLY!  The building permit was issued and now we can begin.  Thank you to my dear, dear husband John for doing the build out for me on your weekend.  I am so blessed to have a civil engineer husband who can build about anything and do it very well. John builds the most beautiful furniture.   We just don't let him do any plumbing or work on a car......hehehe.  I'll post images later.......I've got a session soon.

Saying Goodbye.....

Today are the services for a favorite neighbor of ours that passed away over the weekend.  Meta was the sweetest person and friend.  We have known Meta and Verne for almost 31 years.  Reading her obituary in the newspaper today, brought a smile to my face & tears to my eyes when I read "beloved and magnificent wife of Verne".  Meta was!  Rarely do people have the devotion and love that Meta and Verne had for one another.

Light a Candle

Light a candle for those we mourn.

Into a new life they will be born.

Do not look for them at the gravesite.

They are somewhere else radiating their beautiful light.

They have gone to a new world where there is no darkness, no pain.

Their light and essence will always remain.

Light a candle for those who have left this mortal place.

They are free to travel through time and space.

When we think of them, they are near.

When we sit in a beautiful garden. Their voices we hear.

When we listen to a divine symphony,

We close our eyes, their faces we see.

Light a candle for they have not really gone.

With each flickering flame, in your hearts they will always belong.

A.Pell 2005

Also I want to send special hugs to the Elder Family who just lost their dear Lab, Cody.  I photographed Cody in May.

    

 

Cesar Millan Gives 4th of July & Fireworks Advice for Dog Owners

As many of my clients know I am a big fan of Cesar Millan.  He has brought back public awareness that proper dog training and exercise is vital to a dogs & their family's well being. Many who have watched his show see, he spends as much time "training" the owners as the dogs.

Yesterday my dogs, Callaway & Uta for the first time were terrified to go out.  The occasional firework was being let off in the neighborhood.  They both have been so anxious.  It doesn't help that Cal & Uta are both "in season".......with the hormones surging, they always get a little goofy then.

This morning I got this insightful email and link from Cesar Millan about the 4th and dogs.  I had to share it.

Did you know that "more dogs are lost on Independence Day than any other day"????  The loud sounds of the fireworks trigger the nervous system of the dog, making them nervous and afraid.  "Running away from noise is a survival mechanism."

Cesar urges dog owners to:

• Take your dog for a LONG walk BEFORE celebrating.  Make sure you get them exhausted!
• Keep a close eye on your dog during the holiday.
• All dogs should be wearing identification with name, address & phone.
• And of course Cesar's famous words -- "Maintain calm and assertive energy."

For more information from Cesar, go to:  Cesar's tips for the 4th of July

Today I Got the Keys to my New Photography Studio!!!

YES!  You read right.  I am hoping to be opening my doors in the next month.  

My studio will be located at:

646 S. Arthur Ave., Unit C
Arlington Hts, IL
Located in the Sign Central building

The new space is great, a reception/viewing room and a very large camera room with 14' high ceilings. My new space -- BEFORE photos.  Soon we will starting the build out.

It was a heartbreak when the first studio located in DesPlaines didn't pan out.  The City of DesPlaines would not approve a photography studio in that building.  I was really hoping I could go for a Special Use Permit or Text Amendment, however I did not get support from the Community Development Dept or the Zoning board in DesPlaines.  The property was misrepresented to me by the leasing company that the building was zoned for a photography studio when it was NOT.