friendship

A tour of the fire station and a ride in the fire engine was just as cool as I remember it being years ago on a school field trip.  Although the location was a hit, this family was the highlight of this photo shoot.  I’ve been lucky enough to have known Stefany since kindergarten at McKinley Elementary School.  We became best friends and were inseparable most of our school years.  Stefany has been there for almost every major life event in addition to all the small things in between.  Our friendship is too special to take for granted.  In fact, I can’t imagine my life without her.  Some people say that friendship shouldn’t be measured by the number of years you’ve been friends but there sure is something to say about friends that have come into your life and never left your side.

After 37 years of friendship, it sure is a joy to see Stefany with her family.  I know how much she has always dreamed of starting her own family.  I can still remember running home afterschool to watch Police and Duran Duran music videos with Martha Quinn on MTV.  Will never forget reading a note on Hello Kitty stationary from Stefany telling me that she would marry Andy Summers from the Police one day….ha HA HA!   So many dreams, so many memories---treasured.  Stef---here’s to you for giving me the best gift anyone can ask for! 

The Role of a Lifetime

“Beautiful inside and out”, may be cliché’ but not so much when it comes to this family.  They are truly beautiful people that I have enjoyed getting to know this past year.  Always a pleasure to be around their warm and kind spirit.

Learning about their past life in Taiwan was fascinating.  The successes and titles this couple share – just to name a few ….musician, airline attendant, artist, architect and business entrepreneur – bringing Sharper Image and Coffee Bean to China—wow!  Although when speaking with them, their role as parents is the one that brings a twinkle to their eye.  Together as family, they work hard and play hard.  It’s obvious that nothing compares to the role they play as parents. 

Being a parent is by far the most rewarding role I have ever taken.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to be a parent and thank God and every lucky star in the universe for my kids.  Focused on all that we want for them, we often become preoccupied by ….are they studying enough, eating enough, sleeping enough, being respectful enough, appreciative enough, practicing sports enough or happy enough?  Plain and simple, this Thanksgiving, I am going to be GRATEFUL for their BEING.   This Thanksgiving, I will tell them that they are wonderful just the way they are.  They are loved right now in this moment and forever.   

Friends, remember to count your blessings.  Imagine that this day is the first and last of your life.  Treasure it and all around you. 

One Special Teacher

It’s pretty cool to think how influential two of the individuals in these photos have been in helping me to raise my children.  Before Cole entered kindergarten, I excitedly signed up for a class offered by the Arcadia Unified School District.  “7 Strategies for Developing Capable Students” was the name of the class based from the book written by H. Stephen Glenn, Ph.D., and Michael L. B rock, M.A.  Sandy McGrath taught the class, which focused on the importance of providing a nurturing environment that is essential for children’s success and happiness in school, as well as in all phases of life.  Helping children feel capable of doing things for themselves, thereby empowering them to handle school responsibilities with confidence.  Helping children feel unconditionally loved and as a result feeling the sense of belonging and significance, thereby allowing them to start school each morning know that who they are is not determined by their level of achievement.  These examples are just a few of the things this class and book teaches.  So glad I pulled this book off the book shelf for reference as I think its time to read it again—as I probably will again in another couple of years.  One of my favorite tips from the book is this…..

“Teach children that mistakes are essential to learning.  Don’t ask, “Why did you make that mistake?”  Ask instead “What did you learn from that mistake?”

Ms. McGrath, a.k.a. “Melinda McGrath” is the other influential piece---, big piece!  Last year, Cole was very fortunate to have her for 5^th grade.  Ms. McGrath is one of those teachers that you don’t forget.  Not only does she teach the standards but she is one of those teachers that care about the whole child.  Each time I bump into this quote, I think of her…..

An understanding heart is everything in a teacher,

And cannot be esteemed highly enough.  One looks

back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but

with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling.

The curriculum is so much necessary raw material,

But warmth is the vital element for the growing plant

And for the soul of the child. – Carl Jung

I enjoyed photographing this special family.  I love that they were able to convince Grandma Mary to come out for the shoot.  I love this picture of her.  And all the rain we were supposed to get....worried  for nothing! 

Grazioso!

The word “gracious” comes to mind when I think of my friend Barbara.  Gracious (adjective) characterized by kindness, warm courtesy and generosity of spirit; “gracious even to unexpected visitors”; of a merciful or compassionate nature; he bears insult with gracious good humor. Barbara came to America in the 90’s to go to college.  While she was here, she met her husband—and ended up becoming an Italian American.

I can still remember Barbara walking into Outdoor Services in 1998.  In her Italian-Scottish accent, she introduced herself.  Once you hear Barbara speak, you can’t help but fall for her warm Italian spirit.  Many of her co-workers would walk into her office in the late afternoon, just so we could hear her offer us a “coooookie”.  What a treat it was to hear her say that word and of course the Italian biscotti was the icing on top.

Barbara and I were assigned to work on the Universal McCann business.  Side by side we shared deadlines, long meetings, parties, travel, presentations and a friendship.  Over a 10-year period, we survived the dot com craze, the new millennium, 9/11, pregnancy and sleepless nights.  As our families grew, we both had to leave our exciting life in the outdoor media world.  Luckily, our friendship continues to graciously grow.  I am so glad that Barbara decided to come to America.  I adore my gracious Italian friend and her family.   

BIRTHDAY GIFT

Photos are one of the most personal items you can give to someone to mark a special occasion.  I am  thankful for the opportunity to help Linda with a surprise birthday gift for her husband.  Very thankful also for the chance to see Linda again since our days at SGHS.

   

Linda selected the Huntington Library for our photo shoot location.  We laughed at the thought that we must have driven by this library a million times in high school, on our way to Pasadena or for a joy ride through Frankenstein lane. Trees and shrubs with colorful foliage, fall blooming flowers, along with the sound of giggling little boys chasing squirrels through the gardens made this photo shoot such a fun and enjoyable outing.

Looking straight out of a children’s holiday catalog,  Linda's little cuties were a pleasure to work with.  Watching her hold them in her arms and laughing as they rolled around in the grass, made me realize how quickly time flies.  I hope these photos will help them remember and treasure these special times.