Baby Boy Stevens!

For any of you that follow along on social media, you already know, but we are very excited to be welcoming our son this coming November!  The days are going by quickly and we are both becoming increasingly anxious to meet him face to face.  Our days are filled with getting ready, both with adorable baby things as well as readying our hearts to become new parents. We feel extremely humbled and thankful for such a gift. A few weeks ago the lovely and talented Emily of Em the Gem came up to our place and took a few photos to remember this time of waiting together. I will treasure these photos for many years to come. All photos on film. A huge thanks to Melissa Hoffman for hair and makeup and for that perfect shade of red.

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Remembering Mike

I'm sitting here trying to work, but all I can seem to do is remember. I have been reminded of what is most important in the hardest of ways these past two days.  The world lost someone yesterday that walked this world with a spirit of peace. He was such a rare gift.  Although overcome with sadness, it is so easy to celebrate him and the life he led. He walked with music in his ears, peace in his heart and acceptance of all.

He left the world better in his 28 years than many leave in 85.  I can say that with full confidence. He left us so young but left a legacy of kindness and a warmth that will be with his wife and son for the rest of their lives. Both Eric and I remember the way he looked when he vowed to love her until death parted them.  The love they shared was so apparent, so genuine and so easy to see. I remember so vividly how he loved her. I remember him as a Dad. I remember his joy and honesty of figuring this new role out with his love. I remember how his life was centered around her and his baby boy. I remember the way their home was filled with the best beats and light.

I wish you weren't gone so soon but celebrate with hundreds of others for knowing you and being able to be a witness to the life you lived. You are greatly missed.

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Grateful.

Life has a funny way of making the things you love, the things you should be cherishing, cheap, less important and " not quite". Just this morning I've been thinking about how fickle I am, how quickly I want more.  I am so full to the brim with dear friends and the things in life that really matter. I get all tangled in myself and what I think I need.  I have been blessed with people and relationships so rich I don't think I could ever reach the bottom of the barrel. I guess this is a confession of sorts.  And let's be honest, we get fixed on things and cirucmstances and forget that true riches are in relationship. The true blessing of this earth is the truth in those pages, sunlight, the voice on the other end, those roses that no one takes care of, dinner together, people that remember you, and my love who puts his toothbrush next to mine.  The true things of life are surrounding all of us, and are always present despite the pain and struggle of the everyday.  I"ve been missing it, focused on where I'm headed, the "not quite" , the improvements, the uncomfortable and how to find comfort again.

But today.... today I'm grateful.

Fine Art Marin Headlands

Looking back. Moving forward.

In the last few weeks, I can't help my mind from wandering where I was a year ago.  I was packing up our established life and business in Chicago and hitting the road with my love for a new chapter. We were leaving what we knew and loved, hoping we knew what we were doing (knowing we didn't) . We just wanted to try. This year has been full of trying. We have spent the night in vineyards, gone swimming in rivers, sat in the park until sunset, and enjoyed our hilly neighborhood. I've been annoyed, scared, frustrated and missed the quiet of our old bedroom on more than one occasion.  I've longed for the familiar and been thrilled with all the newness.

I'm so happy that I am here.

2012 Moving to California IMG_0103

2012 Moving to California IMG_9982

Lost in the California countryside

Four people that love one great gal and want to celebrate her upcoming year ran away to the California country for a few days... We went hiking in the redwoods, watched the sunrise through fog, collected treasure from the riverbed, drank California wine, drove by the ocean and all stared at the full moon. We saw a fox, watched eagles soar and made dinner together.  It was the best weekend I have had in a very long time. Cheers to Kelly and friendship.

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lifestyle bay area photography

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morning sunrise in russian river

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Armstrong Redwood Forest

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CA countryside

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Lifestyle Photography

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The Unplanned | Half Moon Bay Photography

This day I was supposed to meet a sweet family with two little boys at Half Moon Bay for a family session. As the day progressed, the fog rolled in and rained us out. I was close to Half Moon Bay so decided to stop anyways, just for me.  I stopped for an hour with just me and my camera.  I want to do this more.  It quiets me enough to let the lens speak the things that my heart feels even for things I don't yet have words for. It was dreary, quiet and understated.  I sat on this bench and was just quiet. I didn't contemplate what I needed to do, new business plans, friendships or even love. I just was still.

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Fine Art Nature Photographer SF

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Fine Art Bay Area Photography

Bay Area Fine Art Nature Photographer

Bay Area Fine Art Nature Photographer

SF Fine Art Nature Photographer

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