Being Grateful...One day at a Time

About three years ago I read the book The Secret and it has changed the way I view my life.  I took many notes on the book, and I watched the film, and I do try and believe in the Law of Attraction.  I do falter...but I do try.  Currently I'm reading The Power, also by the same author, Rhonda Byrne.  I'm not a huge reader...so for me to admit I'm reading something...well let's just say some things take awhile.  OK, so the point of today's blog post is that I'm grateful for many things, and I need to remember to be grateful for my many blessings...because being grateful is a very powerful feeling in the concept of the Law of Attraction...and grateful is a good feeling that I want to attract more of.  So here is my Thanksgiving post, and a few of the reasons I am grateful and thankful for today.

I am grateful for being witness to the birth of ten beautiful puppies on Thanksgiving Eve.

I am grateful to my significant other for choosing me to share his life with.

I am grateful for family.

I am grateful for the persistence of my kids...who beg us to do things we may not be in the mood to do...whatever it may be...I'm grateful.

I'm grateful for my photography career...it brings me endless joy.

The Oliver Family

Here's a quick post of some family photos I took this weekend at Two Lights state park in Cape Elizabeth.  It is Maine...and it is November...it didn't take long for noses to start turning pink...but I didn't expect to see the dogs breath in every picture!  A special thanks to the Oliver family for truly being flexible in scheduling this family photo shoot.

Animal Refuge League Cats

Here are some of the cats currently available for adoption at the Animal Refuge League.  I just took these photos yesterday...so if you fall in love...act quickly!!  (these photos are not even up on the ARL website yet)

Snowy Paws Golden Retrievers

I have never blogged about how our 11 month old Chloe came into our lives...and I plan to do that next month on her first birthday...the one year anniversary of my sister Carmens' death.  Chloe has brought joy to our family in a way that I cannot describe in words...after all, ...I find I speak better with my camera. This blog post is not about Chloe.  I have included a photo of her, after all, she is the definition of beauty and calm.  She is a great great dog!  This blog post is to share some photos of some currently available puppies at Snowy Paws, Chloe's birth place.  If you are ready to grow your family, you may wish to consider Snowy Paws.  You can visit their link for updates on availability.

Becca and Rick Engagement Photos

Here are some photos that I took over Halloween weekend of Becca and Rick and 8 year old spirited Ethan. Rick and I used to work together, before I left the corporate world to play outside. I LOVE LOVE LOVE doing fall photo shoots! I offer a free engagement shoot to all interested potential Wedding customers. I really believe the relationship you have with your photographer is that important, that I offer this "get to know each other" session...no strings attached...BEFORE you hire me or anyone else! You either love the pictures, bonus...you love me too...or we go our separate ways...have a wonderful life!

If you are interested in your FREE...NO STRINGS ATTACHED engagement photo shoot...please contact me today!

Baby Jeff

This past summer I had some fun maternity shoots with a couple of my friends...well...just as I'd hoped...I recently spent some time with these mommies...having a fun baby shoot! Here is baby Jeff, at around three weeks old. What a gorgeous little boy...and so very very well behaved! I've included a quick slide show in the last photo...incase you are in need of a good baby fix!  

Biddeford High School Class of 1980 Reunion

Last weekend I had the pleasure to attend and photograph my class reunion. To date...one of my greatest challenges...yes...trying to capture a moment, to catch everyone at their best, this many people...all at the same second! Most of the credit for this photo goes to my very supportive husband, who not only helped organize the crew, but also put up with the hecklers and captured the final Minor moment himself! Thanks honey...this one I definitely needed and appreciated your help.

Paws in the Park, Animal Refuge League fundraiser, 09/26/10

Many of you know I am the "cat photographer" at the Animal Refuge League.  A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to photograph some of the dogs, and to participate as the unofficial ARL photographer at the Paws in the Park event in Deering Oaks Park.  This event is a major fundraiser for the ARL, and it was well attended!  I came home exhausted...but smiling...

 

Chloe and Durango

This past summer I displayed my photography in "The Art in the Park" Art Show and I raffled off a free pet portrait...here are the winners. We were lucky enough to meet last weekend, enjoy a glorious morning on the beach, and I got to make some new friends!  Pictured below in order are Durango the greyhound, Ginger the beautiful and proud owner, and Chloe, the Finnish Spitz. Enjoy the slideshow.

Jen and Jesse's Wedding

I LOVE LOVE LOVE to blog about weddings!

I met Jen & Jesse about this time last year when a mutual friend recommended Minor Moments to her after learning of her engagement.  Jen contacted me and took me up on my offer to do a free engagement shoot.  We enjoyed a beautiful fall day and gorgeous surroundings in Freeport, in the exact location they were planning their wedding (you can view the engagement photo slideshow in my June blog archives...)  Since the fall I've gotten together with Jen and Jesse a number of times to discuss their wedding.  Jen loves wedding photos that depict emotion, and fun, and she emailed me samples of photos that appealed to her to be absolutely sure we were on the same page.  I am always honored and humbled to capture these wonderful emotions of Brides and families on wedding day, but in this case, Jen and Jesse also became my friends, and I look forward to photographing them again somewhere along the path of wedded bliss!  It is my pleasure to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse and Jennifer Dalton   

Stephanie Westbrook High 2010

I LOVE meeting new High School Seniors for their portraits...it always restores my faith in kids...yes, there are some great kids in our society...and especially this year, with my own son entering High School...its especially rewarding meeting these Seniors...and yes it does somehow ease my anxious mind!

With that said, I would like to introduce Stephanie, who attends Westbrook High.  Although Stephanie has yet to attend her first day of her senior year, she has already visited the three colleges that interest her and she is now determining which one of the three will best fit her needs.  Congratulations Stephanie on your future successes, and may you truly enjoy your last year of High School.

Mr and Mrs Corey and Niki Bourque

YYYYAAAAYYYYYY this day was so much fun! August 14th I displayed my pet photography in the Art in the Park in South Portland. I met so many wonderful people and pet owners and I was pretty sure I couldn't love my job anymore...but I left the art show in the capable hands of my wonderful husband, and I traveled to Saco to photograph Corey and Niki's wedding...and I must admit...I actually did love my job even more! What is not to love about photographing two beautiful people joining together in wedded bliss? ...and Niki and Corey have got to be two of the most likeable, wonderful, and fun people you could ever want to meet. They both made my job...well, a piece of cake! Congratulations Mr and Mrs Bourque, and thank you for making me a part of your beautiful day.

Maria & Jake's Wedding

I'm so happy to share this event with all my family, friends, (and potential future wedding clients)!! My family and friends know that our big event of 2010 was the July 31st wedding of our very own Maria and Jake. The ceremony took place in Brunswick at St John the Baptist church and the reception was graciously hosted by Fred and Jane, parents of the groom, at their beautiful home in Owls Head Maine. I am honored and grateful for the opportunity of photographing their very special day...and without further delay...I am bursting at the seems to share it with all of you. Please take a few minutes to enjoy the slideshow...after all...a picture is worth a thousand words!