{e:three}

twins set.

2009-06-27T00:35:00.000-07:00

these images are dedicated to Aubrey and Ellie Crawford, my sweet nieces who will forever be set apart in our memories and hearts. it's been a year since they entered our lives and this coming week will be a year since the Lord took them into His trust. and today we continue to trust. thank you to all of you who supported my family this past year through prayer and love. we are blessed.

two lives, too soon
premature faith in this room
we know that we know
but how does faith grow
when feelings of trust keep letting go

and we just need for Him to be
be our sanctuary
the safest place we know to go
be the Prince of our peace
pieces on the floor
sweep us through the narrow door
hold us as You have before

four hands, four feet
tangible truth of defeat
we know that He knows
it's in faith that we grow
trusting Him to not let go

and we just need for Him to be
be our sanctuary
the safest place we know to go
be the Prince of our peace
pieces on the floor
sweep us through the narrow door
hold us as You have before

3 in One
He's not done
building faith in this room
and He knows that we know
that faith is pretty when it grows
His healing in trust--we'll let it show

you will see that He will be
be your sanctuary
the safest place you have to go
He's the Prince of our peace
when we're on the floor
invites us through His narrow door
He holds them now, and He held before
Faith and trust, the sweetest cure

Aubrey Elizabeth Crawford {June 24th, 2008 - July 7th, 2008}
Ellie Alexandra Crawford {June 24th, 2008 - July 1, 2008}

mug shot.

2009-06-13T00:37:00.000-07:00

I've always loved coffee mugs. I remember being a small child and visiting my grandparents in Oklahoma. Mimi would always let my sister and I pick out our favorite mugs to drink our white grape juice from. We'd wake up early in the morning, race to the cupboard, grab our chosen mug and await the pour. I think we enjoyed the mugs more than the juice.

We've traded the white grape juice in for the coffee, but we still love our coffee mugs. And Kristin....I love you, sister...but I'll race you to the cabinet for this mug any day... :)

to stay.

2009-06-09T21:42:00.000-07:00

Staycation. This is a word I was unfamiliar with just a few weeks ago. I've now heard two different sets of friends mention it and I'm beginning to enjoy the word...but more the idea. Instead of escaping to foreign towns, you become a visitor to your own. Turn off your computers. Turn off your cell phones. Go out and enjoy the places you live, and the people you are with. Stay there for a time and be blessed.

sumballo

2009-05-16T00:33:00.000-07:00

Today is my Mom's birthday. While wanting to dedicate a nice blog of sweet words to her, I always struggle with writing when it comes to these types of things--anything having to do with parents, family, or the Lord. Probably because I know that words alone just can't properly position certain things that rest in your heart.

And then in one of my daily devotions this week Beth Moore referenced Luke 2:1-20. It spoke of Mary, a woman who witnessed the work of God in ways far beyond what is written. Experiences. Experiences that could never be fully expressed in one good Word. Luke 2:19 says, "But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart". Beth went on to say that the word "pondered" is sumballo--which describes taking many things, casting them together and considering them as one. Throughout Mary's life she experienced a number of things. Pain. Joy. Fear. Belief. Each experience making up the whole. What held them together as one? The faithfulness of God--that He was intimately involved in every piece of the puzzle.

I realized this morning that I did not need to ponder any more about what to write to or about my mom on her birthday. She and I have shared so many things in life. Good times. Hard times. Better times. ....Laughter. Crying. Love. ...Faith. A perfect blend of the ugly and the beautiful. And the most beautiful thing of all is that there is faithfulness. An intimate involvement in the pieces of each others' puzzles.

Mom, I treasure every bit of what we have shared, and ponder it in my heart. The experiences we have known make up a whole that I am very thankful and proud to own. Happy Birthday...your presence in my life is beyond words.

I love you.
Emily

ps...while speaking of things shared.....another shares the day. Happy Birthday, Matthew DeLellis! :)

flare (part 2, the unexpected)

2009-05-05T23:48:00.000-07:00

Cinco de Mayo, 2:00 pm :: back porch view

:: as the sounds of sirens and helicopters sing me to sleep tonight, I will be saying some prayers for the ones fighting flames for my sweet city on a hill ::

flare \fler\ -noun, -verb

2009-04-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

the use of flare ushers sweet mystery and delight into my photographic world....

Field Day

2009-04-22T01:05:00.000-07:00

ps....smile as big as her, because there is more to come.

these are a few of my favorite things...

2009-04-09T22:45:00.001-07:00

rainy days.
Amelia.

babysitting Amelia on rainy days.

Taking Notes....

2009-04-07T19:02:00.000-07:00

The first song I ever wrote ends with the lyrics, "So I'll pack my songs and my favorite ring--'cause it's about dreams and the little things". I had no idea (at that point in my life) that I would actually pack up one day and chase after a dream. It's been 2 years since I made the decision to do just that, and what I have found in this little town of Santa Barbara is nothing little at all. It's something that expands way beyond dreams, words, and guitar strings. I have been blessed with grace, opportunity, and friendships that often leave me in a state of wonder.

And just when my cup seems full, it overflows. I've met so many people since moving here who possess such genuine love and concern, friendship is nothing I've lacked. Wonderful friendship. I think what I love most about the people I've met is that they all make such an effort to spend quality time together. We invest in each other. And when we all get together the conversation, the laughs, the fun, the FOOD....it's endless. Fellowship. That is exactly what it is, and I am so thankful for each and every person that has put forth the effort to make these friendships what they are.

Just yesterday I had the most enjoyable day of friendship. A bunch of us gathered at DJ's house for our weekly viewing of Dancing with the Stars, and it quickly turned into a mini birthday celebration for our friend Jasmine. It's been so great getting to know Jasmine and her husband, JD. They possess character and warmth that is difficult to describe. Friendship just comes naturally to them. I've known them for just a short time, but that time has confirmed everything I've learned about them from ones who have known them long and well. It's the kind of friendship you want to take notes on, so that you do your friendships a little better. And last night was the kind of night you want to take notes on, so that you never forget just how blessed you are.

I like notes--both writing them and receiving them. And I figure if I like them so much then surely everyone else does, right?! So a while back I started personalizing stationary for friend's birthdays. I thought it was a neat gift that could ultimately be used to pass a little something sweet along to somebody else. Well yesterday, after catching a quick glimpse at the Jasmine guitar that first helped me write those words about dreams and things, I realized that while that guitar may not always hold the perfect notes for me--it sure held the perfect notes for a new and beautiful friend. :)

take note...

I Pledge....

2009-04-03T21:45:00.001-07:00

....allegiance to this blog. Sorry I've been away! While neglecting the blog, I am happy to report that over the past few weeks I have not neglected my camera, and I'm anxious to update you on the many things that have been consuming my oh so precious time.

Traveling is a great time to forget about healthy eating and exercise. Luckily, in between my many travels, I was reminded about the importance in keeping these two things up. A few weeks ago I was asked to photograph an event called "Kids in the Kitchen", a healthy eating and exercise fair put on by the Junior League of Long Beach. They encouraged children and families to exercise, and also educated them on how to make healthy food decisions. And the children pledged to do so! It was very neat, and I must say that I think it's a wonderful thing to educate children (and adults) on these matters. They had food stations, exercise stations, cereal limbo (how low in sugar can YOU go?), lettuce bowling, and great entertainment! A few hundred kids passed through and had the thyme of their lives. Hhmmgh, sorry...time of their lives. :)

.

Not So Long Ago

2009-03-18T23:29:00.000-07:00

Today would have been my Granddaddy's 85th birthday. He passed away at too early an age, at a mere 65 years. Although young when he died, I have vivid memories of my Granddaddy from as far back as I can remember...and each memory confirms the solid and unique character that I've been told existed in every aspect of his being. I remember his love for golf, his warm smile, and the way he loved. The way he loved--each and every person around him. I never heard him speak an ill word about anyone, and the way people magnetized towards him proved that this love I witnessed was received and reciprocated. Genuine. He was a genuine man, and I'm blessed and proud to call him my Granddaddy.

One of the most precious gifts I've ever received was the gift my Mimi gave my family after my Granddaddy passed away. She wrote a short story highlighting special and defining moments during their almost 40 years spent together. It's in letter form, beginning with "Dear Jim" and reminiscing on the time he returned home from war, her spotting him from the choir loft at church. She was then 18, four years older than the 14 year old girl that watched the handsome James May leave for WWII.

"You were in uniform and my heart skipped a beat when you took a seat near the front, looked at me, and smiled."

Their life together, like any, held highs and lows. Times of rejoicing and times of heartache. The one thing I'm certain of is that no matter what season their life was in, their love for each other never wavered. And I know that simply by the way I saw them look at each other, and by the way my Mimi's eyes look when she speaks of him today. I am thankful for the example they set, and I take pleasure in knowing that love can be just that. A memorable journey together, forever to be cherished.

Every now and then I will take out the story which she entitled "Not So Long Ago" and re-read details from their journey. I can't help but tear up every time I read the last chapter of the book....

"Before I finish this, I need to let you know about some of my favorite things, concerning you, and sometimes both of us, and then I will let you rest in peace, until that wonderful day when I see you again......

I loved the fact that you were my best friend, as well as my husband, that we liked each other, as well as loved each other. I truly believe that ours was a match made in Heaven. I loved the fact that you were kind and gentle, but you were firm when you needed to be. I loved the fact that you always set the right example before me and the children. I loved the fact that you were so dependable, no matter what! Like the Rock of Gibraltar. I loved the fact that you were a family man, and so generous. I loved the fact that you read your Bible every day, regardless of what else might be going on. And the way that you always took it with you on trips. And I loved the way you always dated the passage after you read it. I loved your sense of humor, probably most of all, and between us, there was always laughter in our home. I loved your complete loyalty and devotion to the Vols, and to the Yankees! It was so much fun, watching the games together on TV. You taught me first to love baseball, and later, football. I cherish the times our family would rush home from church to "catch" a game. Even to keeping boxscores, keeping up with batting averages, and homeruns . Everyone said your blood would run orange, if you were cut. I loved your devotion to duty. Whatever you did was done well, and you didn't start anything that you didn't finish. I heard a song today entitled "What Will I Do With Me?" and I related to it, because I am asking myself the same question, now that you're gone. And yesterday, I turned on the car radio, and the first song I heard was "Danny Boy" so I had to change stations. Naturally, I thought of you, and everytime I do, this big, huge lump comes in my throat. But I will think of you each time I hear "Ten Thousand Joys" as well as "Let It Snow." And when I think of you, I'll also be thanking you for all the wonderful memories you have left me. But for now, I will just say "Goodnight, My Love" until we meet again. Love you truly, Dorothy."

Happy Birthday, Granddaddy. And thank YOU for gift that I received through your life, and for the blessing of your example....

This Green Eyed Girl.....

2009-03-17T14:28:00.000-07:00

....is hoping you are wearing your green!!! Happy St. Patrick's Day! I've always loved this day of the year. Maybe because my favorite color is green, maybe because I've had an ongoing love affair with Ireland ever since my visit there, or maybe because this particular day just seems to bring back numerous memories of comfort and awe.

My mom always downplays her creativity, but for as long as I can remember she has ignited my life with creative acts of love--and my first real memory of St.Patrick's Day is a direct result of that. I remember her helping us make homemade t-shirts to wear to school one St.Patty's Day in elementary (probably to help us avoid any unnecessary pinching that might transpire from lack of properly colored attire). Well, right when I finished adding the final touch of puffy paint to my 4-leaf clover, Taffy (my cat) jumped onto the t-shirt and left a paw mark right in the middle of the clover. We tried our best to fix the mess, but ironically enough there was no luck for THAT clover. So I did what any artist would do....wore it proudly and called it abstract art.

Since then I've had only wonderful memories of St. Patrick's Day....town outings in Syracuse, NY with some of my dearest friends....street parades in Dallas filled with friends, laughter, and fine music....annually held office crawfish boils....all of these leaving lasting memories on my heart, which revisit me with every green return.

And then there was Ireland. While my visit did not take place over St.Patrick's Day, the holiday fell shortly after my return. The smells, tastes, and wonders of that country will never leave me. In an effort to share some of that wonder with you, I've dug into my photographic archives and grabbed a few of my favorite images from that trip. Hope they add a bit 'o cheer to your day!! :)

Happy St.Patrick's Day...to my friends here AND across the pond!

March Madness

2009-03-15T15:39:00.000-07:00

One of these days I'm going to slow down, I promise. It does not appear as though this will be the month in which that happens, however. Currently, if you Wikipedia the word "travel" you will find a picture of me. Only for this month, though, so do it while you can!!

Glad for every bit of these adventures I'm on. Straight off a cruise and into the presence of family that I've been missing. I'm hanging out in San Diego right now...Dad, Dana, and the girls all came out to CA and we are staying with Kirk, Rachel, and Dustin. It baffles me how quickly these kids grow up. My baby nephew is now a boy, and my little sisters are even more teenage than they were the last time I saw them. Not sure if that's good or bad. ha ha. We spent the first day together in LA at Disneyland....first time for both Dustin and myself. Luckily, he doesn't have a camera so most of this documentary will be of him... :)

(click on this picture to get personal with those pretty blue eyes) :)

XOXO's from wherever I find myself next.... :)

Yo Amo Cayamo!

2009-03-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

I'm home, safe and sound, and don't even know where to begin. So please be patient, as it will take me multiple entries to even come close to touching on the events of the past week. "YO AMO CAYAMO!" :) We were encouraged to shout this at any time we felt so inclined while on the Cayamo cruise. You can be sure I participated--and you can be sure I'm still walking around saying it.

I have lots to catch up on, so I'm going to keep this one short and sweet. BUT, I just have to say that I spent all of last week absorbing some of the best music I've heard in a while...and meeting some new people that I hope to remain in touch with. A few random and funny encounters? I met a man who used to work for my step-dad in Memphis, and also met the cousin of my old high school basketball coach. ha! You just never know who is beside you.

Cruising along....we began our vacation at the DoubleTree Hotel in Miami, the day before the ship departed. Beautiful weather allowed for us to lay out by the pool before enjoying the poolside kick-off concert. The view from our room wasn't too shabby...

The next morning, we loaded up on a shuttle and headed towards port, where we would happen upon The Norwegian Dawn--our home for the next 7 days. With a departing view of Miami, an over-sized chess game, and an afternoon concert on the deck...I happily called it so. MI CASA CAYAMO! :)

In the Words of Lyle Lovett....

2009-02-27T03:53:00.000-08:00

...."If I had a boat, I'd go out on the ocean"

Ladies and gentleman, we have ourselves a boat. A big one. And tomorrow I'm going out on the ocean...with Lyle himself. :)

Amy and I are setting sail tomorrow from Miami, with Lyle and about 35 other promised musicians (although I have a feeling there will be MUCH more musical talent on that ship). The Cayamo Cruise is basically a floating musical festival...they're calling it "A Journey Through Song". I couldn't be any more excited about the line-up (well, unless Will Hoge was also in floating attendance...ha)--Lyle Lovett, Patty Griffin, Shawn Colvin, Brandi Carlile, Marc Broussard, Shawn Mullins, Kathleen Edwards, Edie Carey, Emerson Hart, The Greencards, Indigo Girls--and this is just the start!! Songwriting has to be one of the things I love most...and these are seriously some of my own personal favorites when it comes to songwriting. So talented. Going out on a 7-day cruise with them...being serenaded in their music day and night....I just can't explain to you how giddy I am right now. :)

Anyway, we just landed in Miami. Great flight and feeling good on little sleep. Grabbed our bags and then the most important thing....coffee. Upon preparing my coffee just the way I like it, I saw this...confirming the start of a wonderful 8 days.... ha ha :)

This girl is happy :)

Hope to have some inspirational pictures of musicians and islands to you soon! Be good til then.

Lovely Accents

2009-02-23T12:02:00.001-08:00

I'm always honored and excited when photographers like Amy Nave ask me to assist. First of all, Amy is fun and always a joy to work with. Secondly, she is talented and I always learn something. Third, she always manages to land the dearest clients. And this particular day proved no exception.

It was a gorgeous morning, the wedding nestled alongside the beaches of Ventura. The flowers accented the cake, the clouds of a fresh rain accented the sky, and the wind accented the bride's veil. But none of this compared to the accent of the groom as he delivered the sweetest vowels to his bride. Bjarne is from Denmark and met the lovely Jamie while on a cruise. They've been anchored in love ever since...

Jamie & Bjarne....best of love to you. May your marriage be as beautiful as the day on which it was created. Cheers! :)

And The Greatest of These is Love....

2009-02-18T23:23:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day has passed--red roses are coming down, green clovers are going up--and this heart remains still. Last week I shared words and images from our weekend at the Dream Center. If you missed it, please take the time to go back and be informed. While there is so much to be shared, and a part of me wants to get a running start with words entailing all details, a part of me is still so silenced by what I witnessed. Concern. Service. Love. And the greatest of these is love. I can't begin to put into words the feeling that came over me when I saw the children from these neighborhoods turning corners and running full force into the arms of the volunteers. It was hard to keep back tears, seeing the relationships that have been formed. And then to realize the invitation by many of them, trusting me to be a part of it. They talked, they played, they laughed...and they loved. These pure and genuine acts of love....may it encourage you to love all the more.

The one thing that stands out the most to me is their ease in loving. The volunteers AND the children. They each loved so easily. I can't help but notice that many of those volunteers are living in God, and teaching these children to do the same.

"And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect." 1 John 4:17

Friday Photo Fun!

2009-02-13T14:26:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking Friday might be a good day to share random and strange photographs that I would, otherwise, probably do nothing with. Fridays are always nice for some distracting fun, right?!

WHALE, here's a good one. This is kind of made me laugh the other day. I was in the midst of preparing another fine, gourmet, home-cooked meal (a.k.a frozen chicken) and suddenly found myself highly amused. Is it just me, or does my piece of chicken look like Shamu?

Acts, and You Will Receive....

2009-02-11T16:46:00.000-08:00

It was an early morning start. We loaded up the car with camera gear and tired eyes and headed towards coffee. Just a few weeks prior my roommate and dear friend, Amy, contacted the Dream Center in L.A. inquiring as to any need they may have for photography. They immediately responded with gratitude and excitement, expressing their desire and need for our service.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with The Dream Center, it is a non-profit outreach program dedicated to helping people within the inner-cities. They provide food, clothing, shelter, life rehabilitation, education and job training, Biblical training and much more through 273 ministries and outreaches. They reach thousands of hurting and needy children, families and adults across all races and cultures each week. Each weekend they host an event called "Adopt A Block". Volunteers load up in buses and travel to different areas in L.A. and spend the day distributing goods, services, and love to the people within these areas. They then invite the youth, ages 12 and up, back to The Dream Center for food, fun, games, and fellowship. It is truly something beautiful to witness, and I am blessed that I was able to. My favorite part is that they do it for the glory of the Lord...and it's all too evident in the lives that have been changed.

Amy, Janey, and I are consumed everyday with thankfulness in being able to do something we love--and we each felt the desire and the opportunity to use our gifts in photography to capture the outreach they have going there. It was with the intent to serve that we first set out on that early morning drive towards the Dream Center. And those others who volunteer weekly at the Dream Center...it's obvious they act with the intent to serve. Somewhere along the way, we all end up realizing that our acts are being openly received and appreciated. And, without intent, we also end up receiving.

Consider this part 1 of 2....this post will focus on the acts of SERVICE that I witnessed during the first part of my visit to the Dream Center. The loading up of trucks, distribution of goods, and just a few of those who received.

Of course this would happen....

2009-02-04T23:39:00.000-08:00

I don't know how it is that my life always seems to produce the most entertaining stories and coincidences, but I think somebody up there must find pure enjoyment in seeing how easily amused I am! ha. Going on that....any of you who know me well can imagine the day I show up to the beautiful Four Seasons resort in Santa Barbara, to assist with photography on my first wedding, and find out that the couple getting married currently reside just streets away from my former home in the Houston Heights! Ha haaa! Wild. Ummm...and did I mention the groom is a fellow former Aggie?! WHOOOP!! ha ha.

I couldn't have asked for a warmer welcome. This couple was stunning...both inside and out. But what more could "y'all" expect from a couple of Texans??! :)

Gratitude

2009-01-30T11:12:00.000-08:00

I've recently had the opportunity to tag along with some extremely talented photographers, ones I would consider to be among the best. I'm constantly amazed at the selfless people in this industry--and their willingness to encourage and support others who are pursuing their dreams in photography. They are inspiring mentors...and even better friends. Do yourself a favor and check out the lovely Amy Nave and Mary Jane when you have some spare time. You will be glad you did. I love you both....know that you will forever have my endless "thank you"s!! (These ladies are top notch...in all kinds of ways)

A few weeks ago Janey (Mary Jane) asked me if I'd be interested in riding down to Ventura with her for a childrens photo shoot. Hhmmm....let me think.....an ocean side drive, Janey's company, photography....this is a tough one....uhhhh....I believe I will. ha ha. As usual, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. Here are a few of the pictures I captured that day. The kids were more than adorable, and you can be sure that I'm officially having niece and nephew withdrawal.

Closets and Camera Bags

2009-01-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do as a child was rummage through our home closets. It managed to entertain me for hours on end. I would sit directly in front of a closet and just empty out it's belongings--admiring each piece on it's way out, and then admiring it once again on it's way back in. It's kind of funny because nothing about the closet ever seemed to change from one visit to the next, yet I continually returned. I think that is partly why I loved it so much--the fact that I could always count on finding the same familiar and comforting things.

In one particular closet was my Dad's camera bag. I loved that camera bag. It was filled with all sorts of things I knew nothing about, but I loved them just the same. I enjoyed holding the camera, messing around with all its movable parts, and putting the camera strap around my neck. I especially loved the camera strap. A funky design of yellow and black--(kind of a wild camera strap for a Baptist preacher, if you ask me!!)

Years later, on a vacation to Yellowstone National Park, my Dad let me wear that camera strap. He taught me how to use all of those movable parts, and I realized an even greater enjoyment in holding that camera. I think that is where my love for photography first began. I will forever thank him for sharing his love of photography with me--and I thank him for continuing to share with me in it today. Just this last year we took a road trip to yet another National Park, enjoying a little photographic journey through Yosemite. Today being his birthday, I thought a few of the pictures from our trip would be a sweet present to share with him and all of you...

Happy Birthday, Dad!! I love you, and appreciate you for so much more than photography...

"The Things We've Handed Down...."

2009-01-19T11:37:00.000-08:00

I'm a lyrics girl...and the words of this particular song, written and gracefully shared by the lovely Marc Cohn, are ones that strike the chords of my heart in all kinds of ways. It's the story of generations, and generations yet to come--touching on the hard and sweet facts of the relationships we form throughout these generations. It is written from the perspective of the elder generation, from the heart of one with a more advanced time at life, and probably with good reason. I'd like to think it's because there is more experience, more wisdom, and a bit more grace to be shared by them as a result of this advanced time. And that is why, as long as I am able, I will never stop probing into the memories of my grandparents. There will always be a young girl inside of me itching to hear stories of when they were small, when my parents were small, when I was small. I will forever cherish the hours spent in their living rooms just listening to them talk, and for a moment drifting back to those places with them.

Some of my favorite words of the song....

And these things that we have given you
They are not so easily found
But you can thank us later
For the things we've handed down

I'm blessed to still have a few grandparents around who continue handing things down. As well as two sets of "acquired" grandparents (thank you, step-parents!) whom I love and respect as much as my own. I don't think I will wait and thank them later....I will thank them today. For their words of advice, for the sharing of their faith, for their encouragement, for the love and the laughter they constantly ignite.

A few of these cherished people recently let me take some snapshots of them! :)

Papa Crawford

Mimi

Pop-Pop Kiss....

(who was having some camera fun of his own!)

Butterflies and Roses

2009-01-13T12:56:00.000-08:00

I'm convinced it was a real life fairytale. And Easton had the cape to prove it. Straight off a fresh Christmas high, he lead us through the woods on the tailwinds of that magic cape. Over and under tree logs, jumping here and there, pausing every once in a while--allowing us assured glimpses of hope in revealing that mighty letter "E" that dressed the back of his cape. If I'm going to be honest, I must tell you that I secretly pictured having my own magic "E" cape. ha. Hey...if the cape fits.... :)

Not too far behind "Super Easton" were his two princess-like older sisters, who are most certainly bound for their own Prince Charming one day with personalities, hearts, and looks like theirs!! However, their dad was not too far behind them that day, and he probably won't be when the boys start coming around, either! :) The light gleamed in the eyes of The Rose Family as we approached the land they had set out for. I had never before seen anything like it. To say there were butterflies is an understatement. This was a land that the butterflies owned (at least for the time being), and their fluttering wings faintly brushed together as if to greet us in the most peaceful and appreciative way. Some of the Monarchs danced around us. Others chose to remain in their formed camouflaged bundles which hung like leaves in the surrounding trees. It was a moment of wonder and peace--and the certainty of majestic design. I found myself, once again, humbled in the midst of it all.

Make-up and Scarves...

2009-01-10T18:25:00.000-08:00

These are things I'm supposed to wear. My little sisters, though?? It's apparent Sarah and Kacie are not so much "little" sisters at all anymore...grown up, they are (although I believe the make-up may have been a sly little addition after we left the supervision of parents...it must have been related to the fact that we were hanging out in Oxford, MS....home of the Ole Miss Rebels...perhaps they felt the need to cling tight to the legacy with some rebellious behavior)! :) Anyway, fun was had on this day. And now, on any other day, you can find me missing these little ladies very much... :)

...dreaming of trips to visit their sister in California :)

Beavers, Goats, and Guard Dogs

2008-12-30T10:52:00.000-08:00

Just another 'ol day in Mississippi!! And this, my friends, is why I love the South!! ha! Where else could you wake up for an early morning drive and find a beaver, billy goats, a pack of wild dogs, and two Baptist churches....all within a vicinity of 2 miles, and over a 30 minute span of time? This was certainly an adventurous morning. A beaver crossing the road?! Perhaps they have a shortage of chickens in Batesville. I don't know. What I do know is that I ordered an immediate U-turn and then jumped out of the car to catch a few shots of my little friend. He was actually very cute. A little further down the road we passed a home that had a few hundred billy goats for pets. However, I'm not sure that the goats provide quite the protection that their neighbor's pets do. By pets, I do mean wild guard dogs who apparently have no tolerance for visitors. I realize that some people have the land to provide a good home to 6+ dogs. What I didn't realize was that these dogs don't like cameras...and if you roll your window down to take a picture of these "pets" they will go straight through your window and for your face. "MY WINDOW'S DOOOOOWWNNN!!!!!!" This is something like what I screamed upon attack. ha ha. It provided a good laugh...but only after we succesfully drove away before anything too serious occured.

2008-12-25T08:28:00.001-08:00

M'em'phis wishes you a very Merry Christmas!! :)

Merry Texas Christmas Y'all!...from California, Florida, and Tennessee...

2008-12-23T08:33:00.000-08:00

Texas, Tennessee, Florida, and most recently California. If there were a color-by-number map of my heart, most certainly some of the largest parts on the map would be in the shapes of these four great states. For me, home is where the family is. And this Christmas, this girl is going home! I'm so happy that I'll be getting to spend at least some time with most of the family this month. I've somehow managed to strategically place myself in each of these four states throughout the one month of December. Flights and drives from California to Florida to Tennessee....and one overnight layover in my hometown of Houston. And most of the trip was booked with airline miles! ha! Looks like dreams are coming true this Christmas....to be fully complete upon eating my first Krystal burger!! Whoo hoo!! Hey now....easy...they're fabulous, and you know it. :)

Speaking of dreams coming true--welcome to the blog of e3 photography! These past few years have been....hmmmm.....indescribable. What I CAN tell you is that I have more things to be thankful for than I ever fathomed possible. Through this blog, I hope to share with you the thing that is coloring yet another piece of my heart...photography. I'll be sharing with you some of the work I have done over the past few years, along with current work as it comes along. I'm excited to share it. So thank you for being a part of the many reasons my heart yields color...Merry Christmas!!

~Emily

ps...there will always be trials woven amongst the blessings...although able to use frequent flyer miles, I still had to pay that $15 luggage fee. :)