baby jacob | teaser

A brand new ball of fuzz.

Stay tuned for more.

all sentient beings rejoice

The overall mood of the Thomas home here in Abbeville, USA has been quite merry these last few weeks.

Brian has learned (from his reliable source of choice) that - in this next, third, installment of the Transformers film franchise - Optimus Prime will have a trailer. He is complete. As is only just. Only right. Only true.

Brian, of course, is on cloud nine because of this information. This discovery that has truly made his life complete. On behalf of the man that has idolized this particular trailer since toddlerhood - we have all finally been given the approval to get excited about the upcoming film.

We're happy people. Sentient beings rejoice.

G1 and current Optimus photos courtesy of Transformer World 2005

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it
is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”

[ William Arthur Ward ]

Today, I feel very – very – blessed.

I have always felt very fortunate – blessed in ways I do not deserve – to have the friends that I have. The best people. Some, I hold a stronger connection to than others – though that surely doesn’t mean that I don’t cherish those others just as much, for other reasons.

There are some who have always been there – even when they don’t have to be. There are those that I would walk a million miles for. And have. It’s nice to know that there are some, who would do the same for me. And have.

You know who you are – even if you’re not reading. And – for reasons you already know – thank you.

"As far as I'm concerned,

taking photographs is a means of understanding

which cannot be separated from other means

of visual expression.

It is a way of shouting,

of freeing oneself,

not of proving or asserting one's own originality.

It is a way of life."

[ Henri Cartier-Bresson ]

"I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates
wearing beautifully, tailored clothes,
my hair expertly coiffed,
and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails.
I want to drive up in a station wagon
that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp.
I want to be there
with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt
from making sandwiches for a sick neighbors children.
I want to be there
with a little dirt under my fingernails
from helping to weed someone's garden.
I want to be there
with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks
and the tears of a friend on my shoulder.
I want the Lord to know
I was really here
and that I really lived."

[ Marjorie Pay Hinckley ]

mr. and mrs. parris | teaser

Enjoy.

mr. and mrs. salmon | sneak peek

Do you remember these two?

Well ... guess what happened a few weeks ago? The big day.

I had the chance to do Russell and Amber's reception photographs. While I wasn't the official photographer at the Temple, we did take the opportunity to have some fun after she was done. Look at these two. My goodness. Russell was looking quite debonair - while Amber was, without a doubt, the most g.o.r.g.e.o.u.s bride I've ever seen. Thank you, Russell and Amber for sharing your special day with me. I'm overjoyed for you. Really.

I've chosen a selection of favorites from the day. Enjoy.

Amber asked if we could recreate some favorites shots from their engagement shoot. Ones like this one:

And, of course, our homage to American Gothic:

The obligatory 'fish face' ... you know, as in Salmon:

And this one so reminds me of the 'Something Good' moment between Maria and Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music. A film both Amber and I love. How fitting ... :

And - of course - we can't forget the farewell. The camera doesn't lie. Here they are - off in the distance - preparing to leave by boat. The reception was at a lake house - "... they'll leave by boat ..." - cute, right? We thought so. Until it happened. Like I said ... here they are, just coming into veiw ...

... and then WHAM! What a way to go. A perfect ending to an incredibly hot day (hotter than even the seasoned Southerner could imagine). A day they - or anyone else - won't be forgetting any time soon. Look at those smiles. Priceless. [... and yes, that is my mother, dripping wet ...]

A favorite thought of Amber's is, "Come what may, and love it." They sure did it that day. And I'm sure they'll keep doing it forever.

"You cannot be saved

by valor and devotion of your ancestors.

To each generation comes its patriotic duty,

and upon willingness to sacrifice and endure,

as those before you have sacrificed and endured,

rests the national hope."

[ Thomas Paine ]

Pause the tunes and

enjoy a happy 4th.

more than skin-deep smiles

Here comes the sun,
here comes the sun,
and I say
it's all right.

Little darling,
it's been a long, cold, lonely winter.
Little darling,
it feels like years since it's been here.
Here comes the sun,
here comes the sun,
and I say
it's all right.

Little darling,
the smiles returning to the faces.
Little darling,
it seems like years since it's been here.
Here comes the sun,
here comes the sun
and I say
it's all right.

Little darling,
I feel that ice is slowly melting.
Little darling,
it seems like years since it's been clear.
Here comes the sun,
here comes the sun,
and I say
it's all right.

It's all right.

Lyrics: Here Comes The Sun; George Harrison