singing to baby*

baby sick = mommy sings
total distraction from his ickies.

song: Anyone Else but You by the Moldy Peaches
(from Juno soundtrack)

In this video, I was completely goofing around for Cedar but still, the fact that I am posting this is brave and HUGE and let me tell you why.

When I was young, I absolutely loved to sing. My sister Darlene performed often in church and had a stellar voice. She hung around tons of musicians and she was often strumming her guitar. My sister Pamela has a gorgeous voice as well. She would sing melodies with her friends tucked away in her room and when she let loose, she was on fire. I was surrounded by music and singing as a young girl. I loved my voice too. It was soft and breathy and warm.

Then something traumatizing happened. When I was about 7 years old, I was singing with two other young girls that I admired as far as their vocal range and they both stopped mid song and one of them looked at me and told me they thought I was tone deaf. The other one agreed. I felt my throat close up in an instant and my heart broke into a million pieces. Since that moment, my throat tightened every time someone asked me to sing alone. Whether it was on stage or in my home with friends, family or a lover...I just wouldn't let them fully hear me.

I didn't want to give up throughout my youth. I sang in church. I took choir in High School. I got up in front of hundreds and sang with two other classmates for our HS graduation. When I went to Bethany college, I joined a singing troupe. But those choices were safe. I was always with someone else or a large group of people. No one would find out that I was tone deaf, really. Apparently I was good at faking it. The thing is, I still loved to sing, even if I thought I did it out of tone.

Then the director of our singing group at Bethany pulled me aside and asked if I knew how to read music. I said no. He then said, "for someone that doesn't know how to read music, you sure have an ear for it and you have quite a range." I remember laughing and not believing him. His words did not penetrate my insecurity one tiny bit. I still to this day wonder why those two girl's opinions had far more power than the Director of Music at the college I attended.

Every time I am asked to sing when alone, I freeze up. Even with my husband. With my friends. Only a few very trusted people know this about me in my life. Me sharing and writing this down feels very healing for me. In fact, that is what my blog has been for me. One huge vessel of letting it all out and healing healing healing from the process.

This fear of singing alone has all changed for me since having Cedar. I want so badly to be that example to him of how it is to be fearless with what you feel passionate about. I want to sing to my son, so that I can teach him to sing to me with reckless abandon, if that is what he wants to do. He's changed everything.

So, even though, like I said, I wasn't at all being serious this morning while singing to him, it is still HUGE that I am sharing this. It is a step in the direction of being more brave with my voice. Funny how even though I was singing to my son, I felt my throat close, wondering if he too was going to think I was tone deaf. But this time, I still kept singing and having fun with it. One step at a time.

You know...my husband doesn't even know that I sing Opera at home when he is at work. ; )

breathless*


my sis, darlene, canon 50d

dearest dream proclaimers and manifest warriors ~
oh how i am reveling in all of your visions and dreams for yourself (down below). keep them coming. you are giving them attention and that is the first step on the path to your gorgeous journeys.

my wee boho babe has a cold, so my attentions are with him fully...but i just wanted to thank you for sharing your hearts. your ideas leave me breathless.

our home smells like eucalyptus. the oil of the gods for chest colds. mmmm...

attracting yummy things*


me photographing jonatha brooke (photo of me taken by jen gray)

There was something about this post I wrote last week that didn't sit right with me. I needed time to marinate in the whys of it all. What I came up with is that I felt I wasn't being very kind to myself. My thoughts on self promotion and how I lack in those skills didn't lend itself to looking deeper as to why I resist such things. I related it to me being humble or even perhaps shy. I was comparing myself to others and how they went about their business and assuming that is the way I am supposed to go about my business to succeed. So, what about the Denise that believes everyone is unique and that we all have a still, quiet inner voice that is a wonderful guide if we truly listen? Is it really that I am too humble to promote my business? Is it really that I am too shy? Do I really need someone else to take the reigns for me at this point in my life and career? Isn't it okay that I go about my business differently and at my pace, with what has worked so well for me thus far?

All these questions were floating around in my head this past week and I feel as though with a few insightful email exchanges and phone conversations, I have gained some awesome clarity.

In one email exchange, a dear friend said "for me it is more about attraction, than promotion." It was those words that hit me like a lightening bolt. Yes, yes, yes!! That is what I have always been about throughout my life. Attraction. This is how I have always felt comfortable in regards to photo opportunities coming into my path. All the clients I have had thus far, I feel I have attracted and is why I am always so stoked about them. With those clients, I was able to reach this wonderful level of connection and an unfolding of beauty and soul during the sessions because of the bit of history we had leading up to that session. Those sessions were the ones where the *sweet spot* was had and we both walked away feeling empowered and goosebumpy and changed. I want more of that. That is how magic is created.

So, with this realization yet again that I have the power to create the life I want, that I can attract in my life what it is I desire if I truly believe that it will happen, that I allow myself to feel it is happening even when it isn't yet, if I work hard at the steps to get there and not just assume it will come to me by sitting on my ass and wishing...I suddenly felt so empowered. So much more empowered than me saying "I suck at self promotion". That was so belittling to myself. I was making myself small and unable to create something for my life. I was so willing to hand over to someone else what I feel down deep inside I want to have a bigger part in.

When I look back on this past year since I claimed to the myself and the world that I want to photograph artists, I see how many creative souls have come into my life. Whether it was someone who found me through my blog or attending an artist retreat or a friend of a friend, it started happening and I feel so very blessed.

For me, that magic tends to happen when I am so very clear about something. I can actually even relate this to my journey for a baby. It was that clarity that kept me moving, trying, experimenting, searching, believing, never giving up hope. I saw a clear image of myself on the beach with my baby. It never faded. This is what I meant by my last post. It happened for us when we became clear that it was the baby we desired and not so much the route in how he came into our lives. Once I opened up that door for possibility, an adoption consultant befriended me. She led us to our son. I think about this and I feel empowered. I know this way to our baby isn't for everyone but it was for us and once we felt clear on that, he started making his way into our life.

How many times do we limit our possibility out of fear and loathing? How awesome is it when we shift the perception that we can't do something to we can? I didn't like the part of myself that thought she sucked at self promotion...but I love the part of myself that knows I attract yummy things in my life. That shift has altered my whole being this week.

Man, this all might sound so all over the place and I am sure over the next few weeks as I become a bit more grounded in my thoughts and able to express more clearly what it is that is happening to me, it will make more sense to the world. The fabulous thing is though, that it makes sense to me, even if I can't fully express it. Something is stirring, ideas are being created and I feel empowered rather than dis-empowered.

Will you too try along with me, shifting your dis-empowering perceptions of what you can and cannot do in your life? Utilize my comment space as a place to shout your dreams, something you want, something you know down deep inside you have the power to create but are afraid to admit it. Utilize this space to transform "I can't" to "I can". It doesn't have to sound pretty or articulate. It can be messy and not fully worked out in your head. Just give it space, give it attention in your life and if you want, you can start here.

For me, it started during a long drive with a friend on a snowy road in New York. During that drive I shared with her how very much I love my sessions with artists and how those sessions are my best work. Then she turned to me and asked..."why don't you photograph more artists?" Then I came home and wrote a post and claimed "I am now going to photograph artists!" And since then I have. Lots of them; Musicians, authors, photographers, fine artists, illustrators, designers, etc. and I am loving every bitty morsel.

Your turn. What do you want/dream/desire?

weekend photo #2


me & boho baby in his beco yesterday late morning

Today I am feeling inspired by someone who truly knows how to create the life he wants.

I remember years ago I imagined myself walking on this very beach, carrying a wee babe and smiling with the smile I have in this photo. And it happened. Here is proof.

This next week I want to put some of that passion and energy into my business. I meet with my new agent, Angela Harken in a few days and I am bubbling, truly bubbling with desire and inspiration.

Such a big question I am pondering today. What life do I want to create for my family? For my business? I feel empowered by my positive thoughts.

4 months*

{click on video once to view here on my blog}

In two days, Cedar will be 4 months old. Rather than share with you some of the cute things he is doing, I thought I'd just let you see for yourself.

He actually hasn't been feeling well the last few days. A combination of GERD stuff, a nasty sty on his eye and the beginning symptoms of teething. So, when he woke up all smiles this morning, I just had to capture the little dude in action.

Last night Boho Boy and I were snuggling up in our bed right after we put Boho Babe to sleep. While we heard him in his crib breathing deep, I was pouring over this beautiful woman's blog. She had reached out to me as a journey sister of (in)fertility and her words have pierced my heart in such a tender and familiar way. This post of hers practically brought me to my knees and reminded me why it is so important for me to get my story out there. You know, when I write my journey here on this blog, I have no concept of how the path we have walked could touch someone thousands of miles away and help them to feel heard and to not feel alone. Each time I get an email or a comment from another sister that is achingly on her quest to hold the baby meant for them, I weep with them, I feel it all and I am blown away at how connected we can feel having never met in person. Again and again, I am reminded how all of those days, nights, hours, minutes of me touching that deeply painful place within my soul where moans come from...that it was all worth it. Worth it if it touched another persons life. Worth it because without it all, we wouldn't have found Cedar.

So, this morning...I held him longer. I breathed in his soft little neck. I lingered in his eyes while feeding him and didn't look away. I laid with him side by side telling him what an awesome person he is to have come to us in such a miraculous way. I even thanked him for not being tempted to come earlier, knowing that it was probably painful to see his mommy and daddy in tears, longing to be near him...but that he knew there was a perfect time.

The past five years this is always what I held onto. The idea that if my desire to meet my baby is so deep and so wide, that my desire is there for a reason and it will bring us to our baby some day. I always prayed that if it wasn't meant to be, the desire would fade...but it never did. It just got stronger. So, I had faith that this little person must have a special purpose at a specific time in our world and I was willing to wait. It was that reminder that our baby would not only be in this world to create our family, but that he had so many other things that needed to be done and it was our job to give him wings.

Well, here he is...the little dude that is rocking our world and brings us to our knees with joy now, rather than pain.

Happy four months, my love, my teacher, my guide, my son.

darlene*




my sister darlene, canon 50d

I have a very clear memory of my sister when I was around 5 years old and she was 15. I may not have the exact ages right but I know she was a teen and I was a little girl. We are 10 years apart.

My arms and legs were dangling from the posts of our staircase and my bum on one of the top steps. Darlene was down below in our living room, sitting in a circle with some of her friends, both boys and girls. She had long straight hair parted in the middle. Bell bottom jeans with her art sewn on the fabric here and there. A flowy pheasant shirt. Frosted eyelids that accentuated her gorgeous green eyes. She was the more exotic and sensual version of Marcia Brady. There she sat, strumming her guitar, singing with her friends...all of them so totally enamoured with her. And so was I. That memory burned so deep into my soul. I was a young girl inspired. Inspired to live a life of not being afraid to express who I was, knowing it was okay to be unique. A young girl always attracted to the Bohemian lifestyle, the hippies, the granolas, the ones who sat in circles with their friends expressing their passion in some form of art rather than just talking. I am not sure if Darlene knows how strong her influence was on me in that moment.

She has been such a nurturing soul in my life. I have a plethora of memories where she swept me up and protected me with her big sister wings at a time when I needed that security. When my first love and I were parked outside of her house and broke up because he was going away to college, I remember running inside and going to Darlene...in her bedroom and laying on her bed, weeping on her chest. We laid there for hours, talking through all of my emotions. She told her husband to take care of the kids, so she could help me through this. I think she even went outside to comfort my boyfriend, knowing he was still parked in his car, weeping on his dash board. Another memory burned into my soul.

I would spend many weekends at her house during and right after High School. So many nights sitting on her bathroom floor together, playing with her make-up, smelling all her smelly lotions and her daughter Angela brushing my hair. Darlene has always taken such wonderful care of her skin. Even when they hardly had a cent to their name, she always had saved up for that quality product that would sustain her youth. She started this in her teens and look at her now. Her skin is so smooth and youthful...that of a classic beauty.

I don't know how many times I stayed at her house to nurture me back to health after an accident. Accident prone Denise. Running through a sliding glass door and slicing my leg deep, totalling my brand new cabriolet and bruising my body, whacking my head on her son's bed and having a concussion...so many more. She was there despite the fact that in her early twenties she had a baby and a toddler. I was never made to feel like a burden. She wanted me there, she demanded it on those days when my sweet marmie had to work. She cut my hair, she gave me perms, she hemmed my pants, she made me dresses for my mission trips, she was even my youth pastor at one time!

I have so many precious memories of Darlene and the very important role she had in my life at such a crucial time for a young woman. Those memories have solidified an unconditional love that never wavers.

Then in my early twenties, I had to do the baby sister thing and run off to prove myself. To claim my independence. To establish who I was and spread my wings. I moved far away to Texas (where she flew to when I had yet another broken heart, so she painted my apartment), then I moved back to San Francisco, to Berkeley, to Santa Barbara...always away and haven't ever fully returned home. Still flying, still exploring, still searching and claiming. Because of this, at times I felt a bit of a distance in our togetherness. I know to the world that would appear healthy and normal but I think Darlene and I both felt the ache of missing those times when I would show up at her door step with a broken heart and a scraped knee.

Throughout my needing to be independent, she was always supportive, asking billions of questions and learning about what I was into at that time in my life. While her kids were teenagers, I was far from the thought of having children. Although for years we have lived different lives, that kindred spirit between us held our connection, our humor and creative beings took flight together regardless.

The last few years, while going through (in)fertility, I had distanced myself. I didn't realize it at the time but looking back I see it more clearly. I know Darlene knew it all along but she never pushed me. I was the only woman in a huge Portuguese/French family that had experienced this. It was a running joke in my family how fertile everyone was and that not getting pregnant was the goal. I felt alone in these deeply painful emotions. With Darlene specifically, because so many times in my life she truly saw me and nurtured my pain. I was afraid for her to see just how deep my pain truly was. I was afraid that once I let the well open, it would never stop. So, I have been a bit guarded and protective of that space.

I didn't fully realize this until last week when Darlene was here. That space in me that I have held so tight and protected had broken down and released and opened up, allowing her to fully see me again. The beautiful thing was that I realized she was always there, waiting in the wings, waiting for me to be ready and re-open that door. Never pushing but just allowing me to figure it out on my own and open up when it felt safe for me.

The energy between Dar and I felt like those days when we sat on her bathroom floor and smelled all her smelly lotions but this time, it was Cedar we were admiring. ; ) So much more than a smelly lotion (that is for another post).

For so many years going through (in)fertility, it had been so painful to hear about those days when she was pregnant and then raising children but it didn't hurt any longer. I craved her stories. I asked her all about her babies and she asked me all about my work and as the days went on, I realized those walls I put up were no longer there. It was a moment at the coffee shop when she was telling me a story about her marriage in her mid twenties and I realized how soft my chest and belly felt and how wide open I was to what was transpiring between us. It was a familiar feeling that I had missed but didn't realize how much I missed it until that moment. My eyes welled up with tears and she stopped mid sentence and she came over to my chair and got on her knees and rubbed my legs and looked up at me asking me if I was okay. "I have missed this..." I said. "I have missed this."

Okay, I cannot write any more. My tears are filling and blurring my vision. So much more to say but so much of it can remain unspoken because I feel it deeply. She feels it deeply. It is a blessing. I now imagine myself walking down those steps as a little girl and sitting by her in the circle. Side by side, singing, celebrating, reveling. I never did that but wish I had and today I know I would join her.

Thank you Darlene for loving me the way you have, even during that short period in my life when I was afraid to fully receive it. You teach me patience and acceptance and unconditional love.

planet*


my boho boys

Cedar is all about music. He gets a wee bit sad (or mad) if melodies are not surrounding him. We've noticed he mostly digs old songs...anywhere from the 1920's to the 1960's. He also loves New Age Zen Groove. Although, I think when Boho Boy plays the guitar for him, his daddy trumps all else. ; )

Last night, Cedar and I snuggled up and listened to Devi Prayer while zoning out on the iTunes visualizer on my laptop. The one where what looks like planets, stars and streams of light dance to the beat of whatever song is playing against a black background. Since the visualizer reminds me of space, I talked to Cedar about the planets and stars in our solar system and how we are discovering that we are not the only Universe out there. He listened and watched all wide eyed and full of curiosity.

I asked him, "If you could name a planet, what would you name it?" He just smiled at me of course but I know someday he'll decide to whisper it in my ear.

Then I thought it would be a cool question to ask all of you. So...if you could name a planet, what would you name it?

something new and different and daring...


lisa parke, hair colorist, canon 50d

I'm trying something new and different and daring. I am perhaps too humble of a person and that makes me not very fabulous at marketing myself. Recently, there was this serendipitous meeting of minds and souls and it somehow evolved into me working with a beautiful agent (and I mean, she's a beauty inside but damn, she walks in a room and is HOT...lucky me). We are meeting again at a coffee shop next week to discuss the myriad of ways I can share my passion with the world and she has some really fun ideas, connections, artist contacts, etc. People like her are awesome for people like me. ; )

She suggested an online photo contest would be a fun and relaxed way to dip my toes into the waters of self promotion. I would love your support because I feel so nervous about this sort of thing. Out of all of my portraits, my Lovely Agent thought this one of Lisa was unique compared to other entries. Doesn't Lisa look delicious enough to eat? I swear she is this delectable in person. ; )

Vote here...and make my agent happy. My photo will be entered into a few categories and People's Choice is one of them. That is the one you can vote for.

In the meantime, I'll just walk away and blush for a bit.

restoration*


cedar and me today, taken by my sister darlene

I was really excited about these photos that my sister took of me and boho baby today. While I was trying to comfort him at a cafe, she grabbed my camera and captured us in a way him and I had yet to be captured at this age (he's 3.5 months already).

It feels so good to see myself as a mother and to also see that I am still me, if that makes any sense at all.

At the cafe, my sis and I were sitting on cushy chairs across from one another and I said to her while Cedar was on my lap..."I love him so much, Dar..." and tears welled up in my eyes. Tears welled up in hers too and she said..."I know honey, I know...". Darlene and I stared at one another for a bit and stared down at him, wiping our tears. It was such a tender sister moment. An unspoken glimpse of all of the sorrow my family had felt along with us through the years. Then it was followed with this overwhelming knowing that our past heartache was all for a perfect reason. Being with him is other worldly. To anyone who meets him and gazes into his eyes, it is so absolutely apparent that he knew all along the exact moment he would enter into this world, into our hearts. So many times throughout our journey the pure trust that we would some day be with our baby was there and so many times it just wasn't.

To be in Cedar's presence today is a restoration of trust and faith for me.

bits about the boy*


cedar and me, taken by boho boy

I have my sweet sister visiting this week, so am being a bit quiet here in this space while I revel in companionship. In the meantime, wanted to share a few sweet bits about our boy.

He had a Well Baby doc appt. today...his GERD is under control and he is improving by day. The Tucker Sling and Wedge have made a remarkable difference in his recovery. We use it for all feedings and to keep him elevated when he is having an acid reflux attack. We also keep him elevated at an angle in his crib and since we've been doing this, he has slept for 7 hours straight at night!!! Two weeks of night bliss so far. He is also finally napping during the day. For 2.5 months he only took 10 minute naps per day...now they are up to 2 hours. Our wee one is healing and it shows.

Giving him Mylicon and Tummy Soother before feedings makes his belly happy.

He smiles with his entire body. When we talk and sing to him, he looks to the side with his mouth open wide in a smile and he bats his eyes. Then his whole body goes into a joyful dance. This goes on all day and into the night.

When he is tired or needing comfort, he puts his right hand up to the side of his head and tugs on and rubs his ear.

He sleeps with his arm slung over his head.

He loves to fold his hands together and stare at them.

The last few days he's been sucking on the bottom of his palm when he is hungry.

He falls asleep to old music. Today it was Judy Garland, yesterday it was Fred Astaire.

His eyes are the deepest and lightest shades of blue with splashes of green.

His latest words are "Ooooooooh" "Mmmm Gee-Gee" and "Owwww".

The only book I've read to him that made him smile was one about Faeries.

He gasps when wind touches his face.

When he wakes up from sleep...the first thing he does when he sees me is smile big and throw his arms up in the air behind him.

He thinks it is funny when he sees me eat.

He loves gazing in peoples eyes for a long while.

He lets out a big sigh of relief right before he falls asleep on my shoulder.

He has won our hearts...to the max.

More soon.

Loved Baby*


boho bebe, canon 50D

I was taking photos for L'ovedBaby today and Cedar was such a fun model. I have many of him smiling and chewing on his hands but it was this one that spoke to me while processing them tonight.

The intense look in his eyes here in this photograph is so often how he gazes into my eyes when I am talking with him. Such a bright intensity. So awake and aware and mindful. I know it might sound silly for me to say these things about a 3 month old and some may think it is just because I am his mother. But truly...the spirit I feel pouring out of him is that of the spirit I felt around me during our whole journey to conceive. It is the very reason it was so hard to wait. I wanted to be able to reach out and touch and hold and kiss and snuggle this spirit that I felt near me.

When it hits me that he is here...really, really here, tears well up. Often he has tilted his head, wondering what that water is spilling out of mommy's eyes. Today it happened while I was standing and swaying with him to some soft music. It was just him and me and there was a moment when he breathed a deep sigh and placed his cheek against mine. We swayed, cheek to cheek and he snuggled close and I closed my eyes and let the tears flow hot down my face. Releasing all of that heartache and filling that well up one sacred moment at a time.

Why I feel for the Bachelor...

This is all about how quick people judge situations when they truly have no idea what it is like to be in that persons shoes.

Its about following your heart despite the fact that others in your life may not agree with or support the choices you make.

It's also about sharing a story I haven't shared with very many people!

Oh and the fact that I have a guilty pleasure called The Bachelor. ; )

{I want to thank my family for eventually supporting the decision I made once they realized I was truly following my heart. When I talk about those I felt judged by...I am not talking about them.}

Sponsors!


thea coughlin, canon digital rebel xti

A huge reason why I love photographing artists is that it gives me an opportunity to promote them and their art on my website and here on my blog. I've been thinking that another way I could help support artists is by having sponsors on my sidebar each month.

So, if you are interested in being a sponsor, do email me at denise (at) bohophoto (dot) com for more details!

On another note...I have some heavy feelings swishing around in my head and heart that I am hoping to spill here soon. Perhaps during the next late night when the boys are asleep and I can return to this sacred quiet place upstairs in the candlelight. It is where I discover that in the ever present caring of my son, I have not lost the deep thinker/feeler/explorer/spiller/creator within. She will get some time to be heard.

Soon, soon...

three months!




boho baby, taken at three months old on february 22nd, canon 50d
{click photos for larger view}

Dear Cedar ~
A few days ago you turned three months old and as you can see from the photos above, we all celebrated...especially you. So many readers and dear friends told us that there is something magical about three months. I've tried to be gentle about those kind of things. Mainly because I know every baby is so very different and I didn't want to put those expectations onto you.

But you know what? They were right. It almost seemed the very day you turned three months, you couldn't stop smiling. You slept 7 hours that night (yes, we poked and prodded you all night to make sure you were breathing!) and you took a long nap during the day. It was wild, baby!!!

You gaze in our eyes with such a bright intensity, it melts us each time. Your whole body smiles when you feel joy. I heard you giggle for the first time today and it truly rocked my world.

You are my hero for maintaining such patience and joy...even though it has been a rough road to discovering a diagnosis for your digestive issues. Now that you're feeling better with treatment, we can see so much of your personality spilling out of you.

And you know what? Not only are you gentle and sweet and thoughtful but you can be so funny, dude. Oh how I just know you will have your daddy and I laughing for years to come.

So, we have these music channels on our tellie and whenever I put on Big Band songs or Show tunes, your whole face lights up and you get bummed out unless I am up, holding you and dancing along with the music. You could dance for hours. So...your father and I are wondering what this means. ; )

Every time someone holds you, they are amazed at your muscle strength. You've been holding your head up since you were 2 weeks old and now you can stand on your legs for long periods of time without buckling. Even your pediatrician was taken aback when you pushed her off of you with your legs. So, dude...be patient, you have plenty of time for walking!! I can't believe I can hold you on my hip at 3 months. Mommy is going to have to start working out again to keep up with you.

One of my favorite things to do with you is sit you up and talk with you. While I am sharing thoughts and feelings and stories, you listen intently. You respond to each fluctuation with ooh's and ahh's and other sounds. Then you smile and throw your arms and legs out and up and then talk back to me again. We're having a conversation, baby and connecting with you like this has been so nurturing and fulfilling.

I know when we go out that a lot of people approach us and think you're a girl. Just know that it is a compliment honey. It's okay to be a pretty boy. ; )

We're basically puddy in your hands. You are our long awaited dream come true. Today I rocked you in the chair and a tear fell down my cheek as I gazed at your cherub sleepy face. You're so meant for us...in every way.

Happy three months boho babe. I am so enjoying getting to know you better each day and with each new part of you that comes through, I fall deeper and deeper and deeper in love.

Love,
mommy

two treats*


me & lisa, at her station in the salon


me in the salon bathroom, post color!

My mother in law is in town and she graciously offered to watch Cedar so that I could have some much needed girl time. So, my sweet local friend, Lisa treated me to a new hair color today. She is an artist to the core and has the intuitive ability to give me highlights and rich colors that totally suits me where I am at in my life at that moment.

I sit in her chair and she says "what do you want done today my dear?" and I always respond "whatever you feel inspired to do. I trust you." Every time we begin with this conversation and each time I love seeing her eyes light up. As so many of her clients come with a photo or idea of exactly what they want, I come in wanting her to create her own vision.

As an artist, it feels so good to know that your client is so very confident about your work that they trust your intuition, your talent and wherever it will guide you. I love giving this gift of trust to her as she gifts me with her ability to take care of not only my hair but my heart. Such a tender exchange each time.

This time in particular was extra special. I came in as a tired momma that hasn't had time to shower regularly, let alone look pretty. She just got it and lifted all those parts in me that felt neglected and worn. Thank you, Lisa love.

**********************************************************************************

As for another treat (a really juicy one), the winner of the Tree Pixie Hat is...

Katherine, who said:

Precious.

Gotta protect her for all she does for us.

Beautiful, sweet hat. I would love to place it on my babe's little head just as soon as she or he arrives from the arms of a brave woman.

February 24, 2009 8:18 PM

Katherine, please send your mailing address to denise (at) bohophoto (dot) com. Congrats my dear! Vicky and Jimmy chose you...but all three of us resonated and our heart strings were tugged by your story. ; )

Thank you everyone for entering! I loved reading your words and thoughts and I know Vicky wishes she could knit each of you hats fast enough.

Everyday Beautiful ~ GIVEaway!


THE PRIZE: tree pixie hat (newborn to 3 months) from everyday beautiful,
photo by vicky

I am so honored and excited to be able to host a giveaway for one of my favorite artists Vicky, from Everyday Beautiful.

I fell in love with her hats when my dear friend Emily gifted one to Cedar, which he wore in our first family photo session with Tara Whitney. It was so perfect for his little gnome/fairy spirit.


cedar in his hat, photo by tara whitney

Now, we are giving away the same hat, in the color yellow, here on my blog! If you would like to win this beautiful treasure for your own bebe or as a gift for another, you just need to leave one word in the comment section. Leave one word that describes "earth" or what it means to you. I chose earth because Vicky is a lover of nature and weaves earthy vibes into her art. Only one comment per person, please.

In Vicky's own words, here is her description of the Tree Pixie Hat above (Newborn size):

This delightful hat has been carefully hand knit in 100% pure New Zealand wool that is not at all itchy, very important quality in a childs hat! It is a thick, chunky knit that will keep your little persons head nice and cozy. It will fit a child from birth and most likely until they are about 3 months . The tree has been hand cut from cotton and appliqued on.

Vicky and her husband Jimmy (all the way in gorgeous New Zealand) will be choosing the winner. You have until midnight on Thursday, February 26th to enter. I will announce the winner Friday morning.

Until then, my mother in law is coming this week and we will be marinating in her deliciousness. I look forward to her company, her vivacious spirit, her yummy cooking and the look on her face when she sees what a big boy Cedar has become. ; )

I wish you luck and blessings, friends.

{one word comment idea is inspired from kelly rae and her give aways. i always give credit where credit is due!}