In Good Company

Do you have one of those friends that no matter what is going on, what you need or where they are that they will be there without hesitation...I do!

And his name is Ezra...we met at a wedding (lol, imagine that...a looooong time ago) and were fast friends, then I came to think of him as family- like a brother. He has been there for me as I grew as a photographer, as our families grew and as our businesses grew...all the way constantly encouraging, challenging and pushing me beyond the limits I placed on myself. I never thought it would be so hard to write this blog but as I do I can feel the tears welling up.

This post was intended to be about how extraordinarily proud I am of him. Not only as a photographer but as a friend... and to share with you his work with RAP that is on display all over historic Jacksonville and The Riverside Arts Market.

But it's sooo much more than that. You see, he will be leaving soon- headed out west (to Oregon) and as I am writing these words it is just hitting me how very, very much I will miss him and his family. We've joked about it for years, but the time is finally coming and I know, I KNOW he is off to bigger and better things...so take a good look and remember his name because before you know it you will be flipping through your favorite magazine or walking through your favorite department store and see his work all around. His is phenomenally talented and dedicated to honest, pure lifestyle and photojournalism photography.

So for Ez,
#1 I am extremely proud of you and the beautiful way you documented the city that I love
#2, as if it is not obvious already...I am going to miss you,
and #3 be sure to get a big enough place in Oregon for a family of five to come visit (just sayin' that estimating on five would be enough room for guests...and wow, what do you know we are a family of five!).

For everyone else,
This is just a peek of his feature at the RAM so check it out next time you are there and I hope you have people in your life that you love and appreciate as much as I do Ezra (and so many other friends and family that I am blessed with). Please do me (and them) a favor and tell them how much they mean to you...even if they already know it ;)

Full post on the RAM coming soon- XOXO!

Relaxing on the Ichetucknee River

Today was such a blessing! We woke up before sunrise and headed out to meet Scarlett, Mark and Rachel for a wonderful lazy adventure down the Ichetucknee River. We had been looking forward to it all week and had been watching the weather and praying that the rain would clear by the weekend. It has also been very busy but we were able to move some sessions around to arrange for a free Sunday to relax.
When Scarlett mentioned tubing the Ichetucknee the first thought that entered my mind was- YES! that is so much fun...the next Ohhhh, it is COLD!!!! But my excitement won over and the thoughts of the cold quickly faded (though we did consider renting the boat instead of the tube to stay dry and out of the cold water...but once again the excitement won out).


It was absolutely beautiful and was sooo worth getting up early for. We arrived at the river and pretty much were the only tubers in the parking lot. We essentially had the entire river to ourselves and that made the experience so much better! We saw so much wildlife and could hear the flowing water, singing birds and all the sounds of nature- lovely!)

The flying fish were all around us- one almost even hopped right over us. As a matter of fact when we got down to the dock to get into the river a fish soared right in front of us- jumping several times as if showing off! Within 5 minutes of entering the river, Rachel saw a snake swim right in front of her (lol!- so you can guess what she was on the lookout for the entire remaining hour and a half!) As we drifted we were at the complete mercy of the current and entrenched in the breathtaking canopy of the forest. Along the way we saw several groups of turtles hanging out on the logs, tons of dragon flies, a wild boar (yes, really!!!) and the highlight of the day was definitely the manatee that swam beside us for several minutes- is was absolutely beautiful and soooo big! It actually moved very fast and was so elegant when it swam! Of course we did not have our cameras to capture all of these amazing sights, but I will ALWAYS remember them and the precious time spent with great friends!

PS- more pictures coming soon and next time we will take our cameras along for the ride...if you have not ever been or it has been a while since you have gone- do yourself a favor and go!

Happy Birthday Brock!

"The making of friends, who are real friends, is the best token we have of success in life." - Edward Everett Hale

One of the things we are so thankful for in life (and there are many) is friendship. We have grown up together (some as early as first grade!) and now our kids are growing together and outnumber us. I knew the day would come but did not expect it to come so soon.

Jeremy is one of those friends. We grew up just a few houses down from one another and I was pretty much the only girl in a neighborhood full of boys. Dirt roads, bare feet and lots of bike rides made up most of our childhood playing together and going to each other's birthday parties year after year...now it is our children's turn...

Brock celebrated his second birthday this year and of course The Brown's were there to liven up the party and help him break in all his new toys (and eat cake, ice cream and candy...)

Always the photographer, I brought along my 70-200 to sneak up on the kids without them knowing because that is when they are at their best.

We love you Jeremy, Kerri and Brock thank you for your wonderful friendship!!!