Run for Mercy: Maidu Park, Roseville, Ca

She stood there in front of me, pouring her heart out, telling a room full of strangers about the darkest time in her life.  And she wasn't alone; we were in a house with 37 other young women who were in this fragile state not too long ago.  And some of them told us their stories too.  Stories of facing life-controlling issues, such as eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addictions, depression and unplanned pregnancy, phsyical abuse, and even sex trafficking.  And my heart was breaking for them.  As tears rolled down my cheeks, all I could think was, "How could this happen to them?"  But as they continued to talk about their struggles and how they were finally ready to take back control of their lives, a light began to shine in their tunnels of darkness.   

The Mercy Ministries’ program has helped thousands of young women, ages 13-28 to be restored to wholeness. They provide a home to these girls, counseling, clothing, education, food, exercise, and so much more to help provide them with the opportunity for growth and recovery.  Their goal is to help these young women find freedom from their issues and empower them to serve in their communities as productive citizens.  This program has incredibly transformed their lives.

After being invited to the Mercy house in Lincoln and listening to the girls' stories, I was so moved that I felt compelled to help somehow.  One way they help raise money for the program is by holding the Run for Mercy event.    So donating my time and photographs for the event seemed to be the perfect way I could help the cause.  Not that I didn't want to run or anything :)  But I figured my talents would be better used by photographing the event, which I did, and I felt so honored to be a part of this fundraiser event for these girls.   

So many people volunteered their time to help make this event successful!  And a success it was!  To read a brief article from the Roseville Tribune for more details (and to again see one of the images posted below) click here.

Jessica of Mojo Bootcamp leads the participants to the starting line.

 While announcing the start of the race, Joe Wenson of Gold's Gym in Lincoln, CA leads everyone in a quick warm-up.

 And the race is on...!

So glad to be there to help support the Mercy girls and volunteer my time and photographs to such a life changing and empowering program!!!

Now that's a good chef right there...

Do you ever wonder what life would be like if you could have your very own personal chef at home?  Seriously.  It can be a lot of prep and work to cook fresh, delicious meals everyday.  You could be out shopping or coming home from the gym and call up your chef at home and say, "Chef!  Today...I would like a chicken breast sandwich...with some of that pesto sauce...and some fresh tomatoes from the garden.  OH, and use that bread with the walnuts in it.  Yah...oh and some cheese too--pepperjack. "  And chef says, "Would you like some lettuce on that as well?"  "Yeah, lettuce, too.  Thanks."  Click-you hang up.  All content with yourself because you thought of one killer sandwich to have your chef whip up while you are driving home, probably listening to Danzig.  You get home and enter the kitchen just as the top slice of walnut bread is flipping over to cap-off the towering stack of mouth-watering, yummy goodness.  Mmmmmm.....smells so good.  So you find a cozy spot on the couch (because it's right in front of the T.V. and you have a show recorded on the DVR, and now is obviously the perfect time to catch up).  You man-handle this monster sandwich to make sure nothing falls out, and chomp!  Mmmm....Now that's a good chef right there.  You notice the extra mile was taken here: tomato, red onion, fresh basil, salt & pepper all up in there-WHAT?!  Now that's an  aawesome chef right there!  Totally devoted to finding happiness :)

And I am totally devoted to finding happiness.
My husband said he would pay for this in a restaurant...and man, is he lucky I like to cook!

Arthur, the Great!

I don't typically shoot animals...wait that sounds kinda ... hopefully by know you know I mean "shoot" as in: WITH MY CAMERA.  But once in a great while, I have the urge to shoot an animal.  :)  The last time I did portraits of a pet was of my brother's dog, Roam, which you can see by clicking HERE.  (And that is one beautiful dog!)  Anyway, I recently decided to photograph my friend's new kitty cat as a little treat!  She got him from SPCA and invited me and my girls over so he could get used to little kids.  (Beacuse someday in the near future, she WILL have kids and this cat better be on good behavior!)  Well, he is just the sweetest little thing!  My girls were in LOVE with him!  They chased him, carried him, crawled after him on their hands and knees, played hide-and-seek with him, played with his toys, and laughed--a lot--at his silly attempts to be the-fastest-cat in Roseville.  They did this for 2 hours!   And you can bet this little guy was plum-tuckered OUT after that.  And that, ladies and gentlemen, was when I took out my camera. 

Now, may I introduce to you...Arthur!

Models: Old Sugar Mill Winery, Clarksburg

What a fabulous day of models and monkey's!  As a member of a photography group called "Click Monkey's" I had the luxury of photographing gorgeous models at an amazing location, the Old Sugar Mill Winery.  We were able to have access to the old buildings on the property and capture some truly fantastic images!  I am so grateful for such a refreshing day!  Enjoy the eye candy!

Children's Portraits: The Walnut Farm (Part 3), Lincoln, CA

Yep, there are more!  Miss Alannah has been patiently waiting to see these photos.  These are for you Alannah!

Children's Portraits: The Walnut Farm (Part 2), Lincoln, CA

Kelly's little ones were aaaaabsolutely aaaaaaadorable!!!!  It was so nice to meet you Kelly!

Children's Portraits: The Walnut Farm (Part 1), Lincoln, CA

My gal-friend Alex invited me and a few other friends to the Walnut Farm here in Lincoln to have some fun with our kids.  We ate watermelon and pizza, and laughed and photographed.  This place is such a great location to shoot and I look forward to using the space again as a place to create family portraits and children't portraits!  Thanks for introducing me to this place Alex!

Avila, the entertainer....

And other shots of Avila from the day...