swollen in the woods

August

When the blackberries hang

swollen in the woods, in the brambles

nobody owns, I spend

all day among the high

branches, reaching

my ripped arms, thinking

of nothing, cramming

the black honey of summer

into my mouth; all day my body

accepts what it is. In the dark

creeks that run by there is

this thick paw of my life darting among

the black bells, the leaves; there is

this happy tongue.

-Mary Oliver

These blackberries, sun-warmed, sweet-and-sour on the tongue, grow behind my daughter's school. They grow in a glorious tangle of tomatoes, wildflowers and fruit.



We (my family and I) are surrounded by such an overflow of beauty in our day-to-day life, that more often than I'd like to admit, my eyes begin to glaze over and my gratitude slinks off into hiding.

Lately, I've been trying to freeze-frame these scenes that surround me, refocus my awareness, and tap back into a spirit of perpetual thanksgiving.

No Way, Jose'

Any photographer with children will tell you that it doesn't take long for their kids to grow a bit (ahem) "disillusioned" with the camera being constantly shoved in their face.

Exhibit A:



But for those of us who can't wrangle our little angels into willingly (and happily) posing for us, we can at least parade them around in something like this, right?



Thanks to my longtime friend Teej for tipping me off to the sale, which led me to this great find. And, of course, to J.Crew for offering it at an additional 30% off of the current (low!) sale price, when you use the coupon code EXTRA30 at checkout!

that's my daughter in the water

Because I don't wish for my daughter to end up like the cobbler's shoeless progeny, I'm making a concerted effort to be more intentional about recording our own days through the lens of my camera. I figure if I share them here, there's more than just an incentive to take the pictures, there's accountability as well. So, here you go- the first in a series that I'm calling "Snapshots of a Summer."

And as a little added treat, this is the song from which I plucked the title of this blog post. Enjoy!

Nadia

As you can see, my most recent photographic outing afforded me the pleasure of meeting sweet little Nadia Bea. Her lovely and generous auntie gave her parents the gift of custom newborn photography (shout out to Aunt Missy!), and yesterday it all culminated in this lovely session.

Fate had our backs- providing clear weather and glorious light, after days on end of rain and gloom. And, apparently, I've been awarded the coveted title of "Baby Whisperer" :)

Beautiful baby, beautiful home, beautiful parents...this little one has a lot going for her! Julie & Brendan- a million thanks for your hospitality, your willingness to jump in and get your hands dirty (especially you, Brendan...LOL!), and your trust in me to capture these images of your adorable firstborn!

These are just a few of my favorite shots from the day...your full gallery will be up shortly!

Gentle people with flowers in their hair