Together: (adv.) with mutual action; mutually; reciprocally

This weekend has been a great opportunity to get together with old friends, reminisce, and take some photos of a very special family.

My cousin and very dear friend Deanna, who lives 1,000 miles away, emailed me a number of weeks ago and asked if I would be available to do a photo shoot for her girls towards the end of March. I was rather thrilled to realize that meant they would be coming to visit us in CT!

Dee and I have some great memories of drives down to the shore, mall runs, and group trips taken during our high school years. We loved taking long walks and having long (!) talks. Even after Paul and I were married and had children of our own, she always kept in contact, checking in on me. She was good at making sure I'd gotten out of the house for a few minutes when the twins were young and consuming a lot of my time. In short, she kept me sane in a busy season of my life! And, alas, even though Brad "took" her away, I have to admit that I'm privileged to call him my friend now, too.

It's so nice to finally have met their little baby Kenzie, after seeing pictures over email and hearing her 'chatter' over the phone now and then. And Nora was thrilled to have 2 little girls join her in our house full of boys!

Brad and Deanna and I spent some time around town, relaxing with the girls, letting Kayleigh have a tea party and use brand new sidewalk chalk. (What says spring as clearly as pastels on blacktop??) It was a slow-paced, easy-going session that yielded some sweet, springtime memories. And I was the one so fortunate to document it.

I often find myself wishing that Brad and Dee lived closer, that we could run down to the shore on some random day with our kids, or meet at the playground for a quick lunch so the children can all play while we have a little chat. There are times when I think it would be great to just call her without the knowledge in the back of my mind that many miles separate us. I think of her in the spring when we make our first trip of the season down to Captain Scott's Lobster Dock, or decide to 'run to Harkness' some random Sunday after church. I find myself wishing that we could just call each other up on a Friday afternoon and plan a 'date night' with our husbands to head to the Lotus for some dinner. But for now, until I either get used to the distance, or they move back home, I have these memories. And that's what photography is all about --capturing moments that can be relived in retrospect. (But in the meantime, I'm still hoping they'll return someday...)

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together, there is something that you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you."

-The Endearing, Beloved Winnie the Pooh

Growth: (n) the act or process, or a manner of growing; development; gradual increase.

A few times during this shoot, I was taken aback at how much has changed just in the past few years. I remember babysitting Julianne and her brothers every Friday night, for many years. Then not so long ago, she was the mainstay babysitter in our Hany household. The kids always loved having her, and they were so disappointed when she got a 'real' job. :) Just the other day, Joel saw 'Julianne 1:30 Wed.' on the chalkboard. He ran into the kitchen, telling the twins, "Guess what?! Julianne's coming over!!!" Yeah, way to burst his bubble, Mom. Oops.

Now Julianne's ready to graduate high school and go on to college. It's so nice to be able to relate to her as we're both pursuing our degrees as an RN. We never lack for something to talk about; there were plenty of times when she had come over to babysit that we stayed up chatting late into the night before she went home. (I'm sure her Mom remembers too...)

Julianne, it was such a privilege for me to do this with you. I'm so glad to have you in my life, and even more thankful that through the years we've gone from babysitting duties to being friends. You know I love you dearly, and wish you all the best that life can hold out for you!







































"Never shall I forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as I will always be yours."

Ludwig van Beethoven (does he even need an explanation? :)
1712-1773

Senior Photo Sneak Peek - (well, sort of.)

This is supposed to be a sneak peek, but so many of these pictures begged me to put them up right away, I just couldn't resist. I told Julianne's mom that I'd have maybe 2 or 3 done by tonight... something tells me she won't mind that there are more!

I had a wonderful time taking your senior pictures, Julianne! You did a lovely job; all I had to do was document it! The rest will be up soon, but I'm warning you: there are so many of you looking beautiful; I don't know how you're going to choose your favorites! (Because I sure couldn't...)


Rim light makes me happy:




So pretty:




Oh, in case anyone's wondering:

-yes, that is a Jeep coming at us, and

-yes, I was laying in the road-- but doesn't it make for a neat shot? :) Julianne was in the crosswalk; they had to yield to us, right?