I just realized it's November 3rd and I'm already 3 days behind on my photos. Yikes! Catching up quickly.

Right now, I'm on a 10 week sabbatical from work - earned after 10 years of service at my company. Having this time off allows me to do things I don't normally get to do like go to the Arboretum in the middle of day and take photos in beautiful spots. I love this spot. I happened upon it last year at this time and could hardly wait to go back.

I'm thankful for this gift of time I have right now.

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Peyton is obsessed with all things Pirate and Maggie's world revolves around Minnie Mouse. Hence, their corresponding Halloween costumes. (Maggie is Minnie Mouse ballerina.)
I'm grateful to have 2 such sweet kids that really are the best of friends.

Tags:   Halloween Minnie Pirates trick or treating costumes gratitude

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I'm grateful for my amazing and supportive friends who continue to encourage me in this endeavor called photography. This shot is for a friend who asked me to photograph their family dog as she is getting up there in years and they want to make sure to capture an image while she's still active and healthy.
I'm also thankful for new opportunties. Having a "dog photo shoot" is a new one for me and was certainly a challenge. Challenges are good.

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Yesterday I had lunch with a girlfriend I haven't seen in months. She, like me, is another twin mom. As our kids have gotten older, we haven't gotten to spend much time together. We went to a very yummy restaurant where we felt like we were perhaps down in Florida or maybe in the Carribbean. I'm thankful for the time I get to spend with friends not often seen, yummy lunches and the ability of my surroundings to temporarily transport me to another place, if only in my mind.

Tags:   gratitude lunch 30 days

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Today I did my first newborn photo shoot. I had all kinds of images in my head that I wanted to capture. I did a lot of reading of discussion threads on newborn flickr groups. Last night, I did a set up run through. All set.
I'm going to say this is probably the best photo of the bunch. And, I absolutely must say this is WAY harder than it looks.
The mom, my friend, was fantastic and willing to try whatever I wanted to do. The little guy pictured here was so sweet and cooperative. I do believe I got a handful of good shots, but not as many as I was hoping for.
Today, I'm thankful, first and foremost, for my friend's willingness to be my guinea pig. Well, for her little guy to be the guinea pig.
And, I'm thankful for the ability to remember that I am still in the learning process and don't have to get everything perfect right from the get go. It's easy to forget that part.
And, I'm thankful for the other photographers on flickr for sharing their ideas, experience and guidance which becomes a part of my inspiration.

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