tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31886302006720399992024-03-04T21:29:53.695-08:00Whimsical Photo DesignSusan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-89399396205478055372009-01-30T10:33:00.000-08:002009-01-30T10:34:20.534-08:00New BlogIf the auto-redirect doesn't automatically take you there... please use the URL below to get to the new blog. <br /><br />Afterwards, please bookmark the new site and come back soon!<br />http://blog.whimsicalphotodesign.com/Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-24574239134865271532008-10-10T21:41:00.001-07:002008-10-10T21:43:30.944-07:00More from New OrleansI'm home now, but still working on the pictures I got while in New Orleans. It was so much fun and I learned a ton! I'm so glad I went and I really cannot wait for next year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/10.9.08/WPD_9290-Edit-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/10.9.08/WPD_9290-Edit-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/10.9.08/WPD_9600-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/10.9.08/WPD_9600-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/10.9.08/WPD_9621-Edit-Edit-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/10.9.08/WPD_9621-Edit-Edit-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-84875159921619595912008-10-07T14:36:00.001-07:002008-10-07T17:51:56.524-07:00Update from New OrleansI've been in New Orleans now for 4 days and having an incredible time. The amount of talent, knowledge and information being passed around this workshop is amazing! Yesterday, I had a workshop with <a href="http://www.altf.com">John Michael Cooper of Alt F, Las Vegas</a>. His workshop focus was looking at the different in the world. And boy did I learn! Here is a just a sample of what I got in 45 minutes yesterday! I'll have more next week as we process more.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_9308-Edit-Edit-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_9308-Edit-Edit-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_9233-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_9233-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_9349-Edit-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_9349-Edit-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_9257-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_9257-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_9352_2-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_9352_2-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-5982262934225587072008-10-02T23:32:00.001-07:002008-10-02T23:41:03.884-07:00Off to New OrleansI am so excited...<br />This Saturday I leave and head to New Orleans for the <a href="http://www.imagexworkshop.com/">Image X 08 workshops</a>. It's a series of 3-day workshops that focus on business, shooting, and photoshop. I'm lucky enough to take classes from the great <a href="http://www.boutwellstudio.com/site/index.php">Chenin Boutwell</a>, the ground-breaking <a href="http://www.altf.com/">John Michael Cooper of Alt F</a>, and then an extra evening workshop with the awesome <a href="http://www.jerryghionisphotography.com/">Jerry Ghionis</a>.<br /><br />Along the way, I'm totally pumped to be meeting some of my favorite New Orleans based photographers and friends, including the amazing husband/wife duo of <a href="http://www.studiotran.com/">Studio Tran</a> - Corine and Beebe... and maybe if I'm lucky I'll meet Ethan too...<br /><br />I totally have an action packed week ahead of me! I hope to be blogging some of the amazing imagery that I get there... so stay tuned over the next week.<br /><br />On the home front... everyone please wish Jason good luck. He is taking over parenting duties for the next 6-days without a safety net. My mom (who is our usual go-to babysitter) is going with me to New Orleans, so Jason and Maggie are being bachelor's for a week. I guess it's a good thing that Jason can cook so well!!Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-61387851484172352062008-09-27T20:56:00.000-07:002008-09-28T23:42:17.142-07:00The Holiday's are Coming!!Yes, holiday season is coming... and so are stacks and stacks of holiday cards. Below are the designs Whimsical Photo Design is featuring for this upcoming holiday season!<br /><br />Cards can be printed on your choice of regular UV coated paper, pearl/iridescent paper, watercolor/art paper, or a linen textured paper (extra charges may apply for some speciality papers and coatings). <br /><br />Packages are sold in 25 card allotments and some color and text variations are available upon request.<br /> 5x7 flat cards - $40.00 (plus tax)<br /> 5x5 folded cars - $45.00 (plus tax)<br /> 5x7 folded cards - $40.00 (plus tax)<br /><br />We will automatically place pictures from your 2008 session on the card, or you can schedule a special Holiday Mini Session. The mini session is $75.00 and includes 3 digital photos and 25 holiday cards. It's a really great deal! Holiday Mini's must take place before November 15th to ensure holiday delivery on cards.<br /><br />Please e-mail me directly (susan at whimsical photo design dot com) for more information!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.27.08/mintswirl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.27.08/mintswirl.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.27.08/vansnow5x5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.27.08/vansnow5x5.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.27.08/xmasvines.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.27.08/xmasvines.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.27.08/vansnow5x7.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.27.08/vansnow5x7.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-21592133881698759312008-09-25T21:35:00.000-07:002008-09-25T21:36:59.892-07:00Portrait Studio DisastersDoes anyone REALLY want to go back to the 'old' days of photography?<br />I know it was cool in 1982...<br /><br />Take a look at <a href="http://listoftheday.blogspot.com/2007/09/great-olan-mills-photos.html">this blog</a> for a good laugh!Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-42005944384624254622008-09-22T23:45:00.001-07:002008-09-22T23:54:40.392-07:00Olympia Senior Pictures - Black Lake High ShoolSo last Friday I went out and met up with PJ to do his senior pictures. PJ is best friends with <a href="http://whimsicalphotodesign.blogspot.com/2008/08/2009-senior-pictures-olympia.html">Ron</a>. Well, they both have a lot of the same interests in dirt bikes and 4x4 trucks, unfortunately PJ's bike was broken, but we had an awesome time shooting around his truck.<br /><br />PJ and Kirsten - Thank you so much for having me come out to do the shoot. I had a blast with you guys!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9058.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9058.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_8997.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_8997.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9011.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9007.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9039.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9039.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9080.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9080.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9125.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.21.08/WPD_9125.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-933279650305102802008-09-20T23:49:00.000-07:002008-09-21T18:31:41.050-07:00My Wonderful Husband!!Sometimes he's just a sweet, sensitive, and caring individual. I shouldn't say sometimes... almost all the time! He came home the other day from work, bringing me 4 fresh red roses. I guess after 5 and a half years of marriage he still loves me. <br /><br />Here is me being sappy... I love him too. He makes my entire world a better place! So cheers to my hubby! He's a good guy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_89692edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_89692edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-86708827113099564352008-09-19T22:58:00.000-07:002008-09-19T23:37:37.435-07:00Olympic Peninsula AdventureLast Saturday Jason, Maggie and I had quite an unplanned adventure. We woke up that morning without a single idea of what to do. We had breakfast and we were sitting in the living room trying to figure out how to spend the day... when at 9:15 am our phone rang and planned out the entire day for us!<br /><br />Every summer, Jason's fire department participates in a firefighter exchange with a firefighter academy (university) in Poland. In fact, last June, Jason went to Poland for 17 days to participate in the exchange there! Over the last 4 years, we personally have played host to exchange student, taking them on some sort of adventure, hiking at Mt. St. Helen's, a Husky football game, etc. Well, when we got the phone call on Saturday, we ended up with 2 Polish exchange students who were desperate to see the Pacific Ocean. We loaded up Curvy (for those of you who don't already know... I name EVERYTHING. The car - Honda CRV - is called Curvy), with a cooler of picnic items and headed off to take the guys, Michael and Maceak (pronounced Ma-jick), to Copalis Beach.<br /><br />The day was glorious... one of those late-summer days that is 85 without a cloud in the sky. That is, until you come within a quarter mile of the Pacific Ocean. Then the temperature drops by 20 degrees and it's socked in by fog. This is what we were looking at as soon as we arrived... <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8867.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8867.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Of course, this didn't stop Mabster from enjoying herself... <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8865edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8865edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8868edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8868edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8877edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8877edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />and our new friends seems to enjoy the beach a bit too! (Oh... and there IS an ocean behind them, but good luck locating it!)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8890edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8890edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Did I mention that we were freezing?!? It was a nice day when we got dressed... but we quickly ate and packed up our picnic to get out of there. We quickly made another decision in our adventure! Since Jason and I have never really made the loop around the Olympic Peninsula, and the guys were up for a scenic drive, we decided to go for it.<br /><br />Our next stop was Lake Quinalt Resort located just south the of the Hoh Rain Forrest. I should mention that this is a true rain forrest and one of the rainest, cloudest places in all of world. They really only get a handful of days that are actually sunny... well, a quarter mile from the beach, and it was again 85 and sunny. This is what we found when we got to the resort!!<br /><br />See... the sun really was shining that day! You can see the moss that just hangs from all the thick trees in this rainy area.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8892.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8892.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The resort is absolutely STUNNING - these are the grounds from the hotel down to the beach...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8900edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8900edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8906edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8906edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Our new Polish friends enjoying the sun, the beauty and the warmth!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8916edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8916edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And I would like to take a moment to comment on my daughter's behavior. She's a curious handful, but a really a sweet natured child. She did throw a pretty good tantrum though when we pulled her away from the beach. So we stopped in at a little quaint mercantile across the street from the resort and she was once again happy when presented with a lollipop.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8921edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8921edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8924edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8924edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />So onward we continued our journey. At this point, we had been in the car for about 4 hours, and there was no turning back. We only could plug along!! But it was my turn to drive, and soon out of Lake Quinalt, I found myself alone with Dave (Dave Matthews kept me company on the CD player!) while I had a sleeping husband and child and two sleeping friends. It was ok, because the drive was stunning. I was so glad I am the only one who enjoyed it!<br /><br />But some of you may remember my silly addiction to the Twilight books I wrote about back in July. Yeah, well, we went to Forks - where the books take place - and i was extremely excited, not to mention extremely embarrassed, to find the car they are using for the movie! Whoo hoo! I know all my Twilight lovin' gals out there will get a kick out of this. But I did see the Thriftway, Olympic Outfitters and the Dew Drop Inn... if you've read the books... you know what I'm talking about. I didn't really have much more of an opportunity to take pictures in Forks, but I have to say... Nice town! I was really impressed! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8928.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8928.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Onward we plowed through Port Angeles and into Port Townsend. Jason and I decided to take the guys to a nice little pub there is town we discovered on our last stop-over in Port Townsend. Well, after spending 8 hours in the car, Maggie had no intention in sitting to eat her dinner. So I took her out to run around on the boardwalk and we were treated to a lovely sunset. Oh... these are straight out of the camera shots with no editing! The moonlight shot was a 3 second exposure!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8937.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8937.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8939.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8939.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />So now it's dark, it's 8 pm and we are quite away from home... So we got in the car, headed to Bainbridge Island and caught the 10:30 pm ferry from Bainbridge to Seattle. Now our Polish friends hadn't yet had the opportunity to see downtown Seattle. They had only been in town for about 5 days of their 4 week journey, and when they flew into Sea-Tac airport, they were shuttled off, not getting a chance to see the town. So the ferry ride, on this oddly windless, warm and balmy evening was the first they saw of the town. This isn't the best picture... but you photographers will appreciate what I did to get it this way! It is shown straight out of the camera, hand-held, on a boat, moving quite quickly! It was shot at ISO 6400, f2.8 with a 1/15 shutter. Not too shabby... a tad noisy... but not too bad!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8945.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8945.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />So that was our adventure! We dropped the guys back at the fire station around 12:30 am, got ourselves home and fell into bed around 1 am just exhausted! It was such a fun drive though... and I cannot wait to go back up and explore a little more in detail.Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-58837508353292825452008-09-12T15:52:00.000-07:002008-09-12T16:00:24.074-07:00The Smith Kids - Family Pictures in Mountlake TerraceLast Saturday I met up with the Smith family! Colby and Mia were about as cute as they come and they both loved the camera. It's fairly unusual in this age group to have two kids who just enjoy having their pictures taken, but they were both were totally into it. In fact, Colby had me cracking up almost the entire time. He is a riot!! I just love 5 year olds and their logic. Karen and Brian were so sweet inviting me into their home to do the entire family and I truly enjoyed spending time with them. One of the biggest perks of my job - meeting totally awesome people. And rolling on the ground playing with kids. How awesome is that?!<br /><br />Karen & Brian - Thank you so much for the opportunity to come do your family photographs. You both are awesome people and awesome parents. Colby and Mia were absolute delights!<br /><br />Here is Colby...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.11.08/WPD_8762.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.11.08/WPD_8762.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And the beautiful Mia...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.11.08/WPD_8581.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.11.08/WPD_8581.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.11.08/WPD_8740.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.11.08/WPD_8740.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.11.08/WPD_8553.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.11.08/WPD_8553.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-36330771845010307922008-09-10T13:30:00.000-07:002008-09-11T21:16:56.550-07:00The Boudoir Session SpecialIt's time ladies to get your girlfriends together, book a Boudoir Session with me, and have a little fun!! Don't be shy... you know you want to!!<br /><br />What is a Boudoir Session?? A Boudoir Session, as scandalous as it might come across, is actually pretty tame, but totally fun. It is a time to get dressed up in cute lingerie, get your hair and make up done, and be a movie star for an afternoon. We share wine, hors d'oerves, music and in between we take some awesome pictures! It doesn't matter your body type or size, this is an empowering time for you to enjoy yourself and do something you may never of thought to do before!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/8.24.08/WPD_8041-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/8.24.08/WPD_8041-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/8.24.08/WPD_7876-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/8.24.08/WPD_7876-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/8.24.08/WPD_8007-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/8.24.08/WPD_8007-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />So what is the special? See below for details. But these little items make an awesome gift for your boyfriend, fiance, or husband... especially around Christmas time. Space for these sessions is limited, so please e-mail me (susan at whimsical photo design dot com) now in order to book your session.<br /><br />Session includes...<br />90-minute Photo Session with 3 lingerie changes at the ultra-hip <a href="http://www.hotelmuranotacoma.com/">Hotel Murano - Tacoma</a><br />20-minutes Professional Make Up<br />Online password protected gallery with 25 proofs<br />20-page 4x6 modern photo album<br /><br />Cost is $300 (plus tax) and limited to the dates listed below.<br /><br />These sessions are sexy, hot and oh, so fun, and the album of magazine style pictures are a great gift for that special person in your life.<br /><br />This special is only good for these two dates in October. Full sessions can be booked year round though!<br />Saturday - October 11<br />Saturday - October 18<br /><br />Time slots will be filled by a first come, first served basis. Grab all your girlfriends and book out my entire day. If needed, I'll add some more dates!Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-16625942915422299922008-09-09T18:13:00.000-07:002008-09-09T18:19:07.257-07:00Baby J - Lacey, WA Newborn SessionLIttle Baby J was 6 weeks old when I photographed him last Friday. Baby J is the newest family addition to two of my favorite clients; <a href="http://whimsicalphotodesign.blogspot.com/2008/06/awesome-shoot-with-rachel-eric.html">Rachel & Eric</a>. As always, they were up for anything, but we chose to stick with some really classic posing and backdrops so the focus would be 100% on the relationship and feeling of this little guy. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.9.08/WPD_8480.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.9.08/WPD_8480.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.9.08/WPD_8430.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.9.08/WPD_8430.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.9.08/WPD_8470.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.9.08/WPD_8470.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And finally... one with Eric's mom...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.9.08/WPD_8531.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/2008/9.9.08/WPD_8531.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-44502457675413447892008-09-07T23:16:00.000-07:002008-09-07T23:44:23.916-07:00The Senior Citizen ProjectAbout six months go I read an article in a photography magazine about a photographer (and I wish I could remember his name/location... I think I'll have to go back to see if I can find the original article) who started shooting senior citizens in their retirement homes as therapy in dealing with his own parent's passing. The article really hit a cord with me and I found the entire project to be both inspiring and a beautiful tribute.<br /><br />Enter my own Gammy. Gammy is my 97-year old paternal grandmother with whom I have shared a very special and close relationship. When reading the article mentioned above, I was inspired to give back and start my own senior citizen project for no other reason than to give back. So my Gammy decided to be my first model... isn't she just beautiful?<br /><br />This one is my absolute favorite:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8353bwedit1-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8353bwedit1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8341copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8341copy.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8375bwedit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8375bwedit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8345edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8345edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />As a side note... The Mabster was running around in the background wrecking havoc around Gammy's apartment while we were doing this shoot. She went into the kitchen (which I shoo-d her out within 2 seconds), but managed to turn on Gammy's oven and setting a minor fire. Luckily, the fire alarm went off (after Maggie and I left) and the problem was quickly extinguished. However, Gammy will be the lucky recipient of a new oven now... <br /><br />My mother finds the entire story somewhat amusing and now calls Maggie - The Little Arsonist. Especially ironic when you consider that Jason is a firefighter...Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-88245291460693246052008-09-02T19:48:00.000-07:002008-09-02T20:39:55.562-07:00Dave Matthews Band at The GorgeThis past weekend it was time for Jason and my annual trip to <a href="http://www.gorgeconcerts.com/">The Gorge Amphitheater</a> in George, WA to see the <a href="http://www.dmband.com">Dave Matthews Band</a>. You don't need to know either one of us very long to know we are huge fans of the band. We've made it a point to travel all over the nation seeing concerts, planned our honeymoon around a performance of Dave Matthews and <a href="http://www.timreynolds.com/homepage/">Tim Reynolds</a> at Radio City Music Hall (New York City) and have spent more money and time seeing this band than just about anything else! I personally have seen over 80 concerts while Jason has seen over 70. Needless to say... we love this band!<br /><br />Our concert-going-days have slowed since the introduction of The Mabster in our lives, so less time/money means less travel/concerts, but when we do get out, we have an incredible time. This year, we were only able to make it to one night of the three night stand, but what a night we had! On Sunday (which for those of you who don't know is ALWAYS the best night at the Gorge), we packed up the car with beer and BBQ supplies and headed out to meet up with two of my best friends from college, Cody and Christy. We all decided to drive over together; I made beef kabobs, homemade salsa and lots of chocolate chip cookies, loaded the cooler with (a lot) of beer, and off we went. Cody packed his tailgate BBQ and we set up for an awesome evening.<br /><br />Before starting out, Jason kept Mabster happy by teaching her a few of his old 'frat-boy' tricks. She thought Daddy was hilarious!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8262edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8262edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8267edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8267edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />After dropping Mabster off with Grandma and Grandpa, we met up with Cody and Christy and drove the 2.5 hours to the Gorge. Once we all arrived at The Gorge, we just sat back, relaxed and had a few drinks.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8285edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8285edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8287edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8287edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8301bwedit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8301bwedit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8311edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8311edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Christy is also really interested in photography, so after a while, we grabbed our cameras and headed out around the parking lot to find all the interesting little things you can only find at a DMB concert. I was facinated by all the painted cars.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8291edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8291edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8295edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8295edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8324edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8324edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I found this sign pretty funny. The Gorge makes a big deal about people not bring outside alcohol into the parking lot or the venue. Of course, 95% of the people ignore this rule, and the best way around it is to pour your favorite beverage into a non-descriptive cup. The beverage enforcers came around to our tailgate, didn't find any bottles, and then left us alone. Not more than 3 minutes later, a couple of people (with this sign) came around to collect and recycle our beer bottles. Pretty funny if you ask me!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8289edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8289edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />It was in the news about 2 weeks ago, but the saxaphone player, LeRoi Moore, died from injuries he sustained in a ATV accident back June. I wasn't really sure about going to a concert after one of my favorite band members died, but a lot of people had some really nice tributes to the man.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8327edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8327edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8329-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8329-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Lastly, just a one more of our friends - they are just the most awesome couple! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8335edit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8335edit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Oh... and I'm of the school of thought that every husband should have a kick-@$$ picture of his wife on his desk/locker/space at work. So I made sure to get one of Christy to send to Cody later!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8286bwedit1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8286bwedit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I'd post some pictures from inside the concert... however, I couldn't take my camera into the venue. So sad... as my 4th row seats really afforded us some great photo opportunities!Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-71953213334178898592008-08-26T15:07:00.000-07:002008-08-26T15:08:43.448-07:00It's Time for Football!If you know me well then you know me to be a HUGE UW Husky Football fan! After graduating from the UW and then working at the athletic department for 4 years after graduation, I have a special fondness for this time of the year. Last week I was up on campus and I was driving into the stadium when I heard my favorite signal of football season... the marching band drummers practicing! Just hearing the cadences playing and echoing throughout the empty stadium gave me goosebumps and reminded me how much I love football, the Huskies, and my school!<br /><br />So... <a href="http://gohuskies.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/wash-m-footbl-sched.html">UW Football</a> opens this Saturday against Oregon (boo Ducks!!!!). I can't wait to start watching it on TV again! Go Dawgs!Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-80662355162848880672008-08-24T21:23:00.000-07:002008-08-24T22:25:58.316-07:00Happy Birthday Maggie!Today we celebrated Maggie's 2nd Birthday! It's hard to believe that she is already 2, time really does move that fast; as any parent will attest. Birthday's of your child take on an entirely different meaning when you sit back and reflect upon all that has changed in your life and how happy you are to make the necessary changes to accomodate such a little life. Jason and I often times find ourselves dancing around the house, or just doing something silly (such as singing the lyrics to <span style="font-style:italic;">Curious George</span>) and realizing that never did we picture those moments 10 years ago!<br /><br />Truly, this little kid is a blessing. Jason and I just love her with all our hearts and souls!<br /><br />We had a small little party for her today. Jason has been gone the last week to a fire in Davenport, WA and was unfortunately unable to be at the party, but that didn't stop the festivities. Grandma, Grandpa, Gammy, Steve, Grandpa Goat, Bill and Amber all joined us for BBQ and then some birthday cake.<br /><br />Here are a few raw snapshots of the festivities!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8070.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8070.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8074.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8074.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8100.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8100.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8083.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8083.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />My mom made a quilt for Maggie right after she was born. This is her 2-year-old quilt and it includes a needlepoint section that has all the pet names we call Maggie. Jason and I call her Mabster and Piggie; My parents call her Cutie, Angel Girl and Little Squirt; My father-in-law calls her Margaret. Isn't my mom just incredibly awesome for memorializing those little things forever?! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8116.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8116.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8121.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8121.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8123.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8123.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And I'm not sure exactly how this happened... but I asked my dad to take a picture of me and Maggie together (since we never seem to get too many) and the time stamp on this was 4:39pm. Which is ironic because she was born at 4:39pm!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8184.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8184.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Last, bit not least, meet Moose! Moose is 10 weeks old chocolate lab who just joined Bill & Amber on Friday. He is about as adorable as they come... I think I'm in love! <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8133.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/WPD_8133.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-29463524828185470232008-08-22T00:01:00.000-07:002008-08-22T00:01:00.224-07:002009 Senior Pictures - OlympiaI had the coolest session on Tuesday out on Harstene Island here in Olympia. I met with Ron who loves his dirt bike and his 4x4 truck; which made for some pretty awesome pictures! Unfortunately (or fortunately... I don't know since these turned out so freaking cool!), it rained the entire evening. I was one wet photographer at the end of the session, but it so didn't matter since I had so much fun.<br /><br />Ron was no exception to the "Do I really have to have Senior Pictures Mom?" rule. For most 18-year old guys, this is the LAST priority on their list! However, he was very sweet and played along. Plus, at the end, I think he didn't mind it so much either!<br /><br />Here area few to share....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7601-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7601-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7643-Edit-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7643-Edit-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7697.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7697.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7683-Edit-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7683-Edit-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7714-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7714-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-47157218999571313252008-08-21T09:24:00.000-07:002008-08-21T09:49:39.661-07:00A Lacey, WA Family Portrait SessionI mentioned about a week ago that my equipment decided to take a swim in Long Lake here in Lacey. Luckily everything turned out just fine and the equipment still works perfectly (thanks to my wonderful husband and his attention to detail in fixing it!!). But what I failed to mention was the wonderful family I got to take pictures of that particular day. The Holbrocks are a beautiful family with the sweetest two little girls and a beautiful mom and dad. Aren't they killer!?<br /><br />They provided me with some wonderful and oh, so sweet, moments to share here on my blog.<br /><br />Thank you Dustin and Georgene for inviting me into your home. It was a lovely day and your pictures just scream with the warmth, depth and beauty of your love for one another and your precious girls!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7396.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7396.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7407.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7407.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7456.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7456.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7429-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7429-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7494.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7494.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7514.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7514.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And last by not least... here is the shot where my light stand went into the water. But for the shot.... I kinda think it was worth it! Look how sweet of a moment this was?!?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7546.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.21.08/WPD_7546.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-77193277042749629032008-08-17T23:36:00.000-07:002008-08-17T23:53:33.080-07:00Rain Drops on RosesLast Friday and Saturday I shot the wedding of Heather and Bill. They got married on the luckiest day of the year, 8.8.08, with a small family ceremony. The following day, they had a large ceremony with all their friends and family followed by a beautiful backyard reception. But Heather and Bill got another dose of good luck on Saturday as right before the ceremony the clouds opened up and it started to pour. We all dashed (and pulled all our photography equipment quickly) out of the rain and under cover just hoping that the rain would be done by the time of the ceremony... and it was! But it left everything with this beautiful coating of rain drops sparkling in the sun. Just magical... just like Heather and Bill!!<br /><br />As the song says... Rain drops on roses... just a few of my favorite things...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6826.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6826.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />We've been hard at work all week on their album... but here are a few of the details of the day (portraits to follow in another post).<br /><br />The stunning and beautiful bride, Heather:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6104-Edit-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6104-Edit-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Getting ready...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6053-Edit-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6053-Edit-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The gorgeous details...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6067.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6067.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6042.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6042.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6034.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6034.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6548.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6548.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6606.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6606.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The Ceremony...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6386-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6386-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6448-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_6448-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />The First Dance...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_7231-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_7231-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_7236-Edit-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/9.17.08/WPD_7236-Edit-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Heather & Bill: Thank you for the time I spent with the two of you and your families! It was such a special time for me! Enjoy your Costa Rican honeymoon!Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-25799567721795531752008-08-14T00:35:00.000-07:002008-08-14T00:40:37.538-07:00Fruit of LaborAs I mentioned a long time ago, we planted our first vegetable this past spring. Jason has never been so happy; putting around the garden and making sure everything is growing properly. And boy is it ever taken off. We are drowning in 15 pound zucchini's, snap peas, lettuce and tomatoes. The upcoming weeks ought to have a bounty of corn, sunflower seeds, pumpkins, bell peppers, potatoes! <br /><br />The other night the light was hitting the sunflowers 'just' right and I had to snap a few shots. These are all straight out of camera with no retouching what so ever!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/DSC_0166-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/DSC_0166-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/DSC_0167.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/DSC_0167.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/DSC_0171.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb39/Chikabowa/DSC_0171.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-25519094676367502052008-08-10T22:58:00.000-07:002008-08-10T23:04:42.659-07:00My flash set up took a swim today!Equipment failure sucks. And it REALL sucks watching your entire lighting set up get caught in a gust of wind and slowly fall into a lake!!<br /><br />But I had the wonderful pleasure of seeing all my money practically drown to the bottom of Long Lake today while out doing a family session. As I was shooting from the dock a gust of wind caught my umbrella and, in slow motion, I watched my light stand take a swim, my flash unit and pocket wizard attached. <br /><br />I was a lucky woman today though... I brought my soaking wet electronics home and Jason went to work. He carefully took everything apart, blew the water out with compressed air, and then allowed everything to dry. About 4 hours later, he decided to see if everything worked, and low and behold, the flash and pocket wizard started flashing! It looks like I (barely) survived this particular equipment mishap. Let's not have it happen again!Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-89026955205294474972008-08-06T09:49:00.001-07:002008-08-06T15:21:48.074-07:00Tina & Brian - Wedding on Cooper PointLast Saturday I had the pleasure of shooting the wedding of Tina and Brian at a private home out on Cooper Point in Olympia. The day was fabulous with beautiful detailing, wonderfully happy families, and a lovely couple! The home and grounds overlooked the beautiful water and we had an amazing sunset to play with that evening. Tina and Brian are just so in love and they had just a wonderful day! Enjoy these little sneak previews!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Details</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_4873-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_4873-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_4902-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_4902-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_4912-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_4912-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_4910.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_4910.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_4920.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_4920.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Ceremony</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_4947.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_4947.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5008.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5014.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5014.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5041.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5041.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5094-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5094-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Bride & Groom</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5108.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5108.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5134.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5134.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5146-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5146-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5138-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5138-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5192-Edit-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5192-Edit-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5205-Edit-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5205-Edit-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">The Reception</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5766-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5766-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5862-Edit-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5862-Edit-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5894-Edit.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px;" src="http://www.whimsicalphotodesign.com/blog/8.6.08/WPD_5894-Edit.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-75354583952379216642008-07-31T23:14:00.000-07:002008-07-31T23:31:57.138-07:00I feel like a 14-year old teenage girl right now!I've been stuck in bed now for pushing 2 weeks now. Most of the time too sick to care about anything else.... except these stupid books! I am officially hooked on the <a href="http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilightseries.html"><span style="font-style:italic;">Twilight Series</span></a> of books. Written specifically for 14-year old teenage girls, it's pretty much the story of love blooming between an ordinary 17-year old girl and the 90-year old vampire she meets in high school. In later books, the story delves deeper into the love triangle she ensnares herself in when a young werewolf catches her eye and she must make a decision between mythical creatures.<br /><br />Do you get the sarcasm I have???<br /><br />I may sound sarcastic... but I started reading <span style="font-style:italic;">Twilight</span>, the first of the series, last Tuesday after a bunch of photographer friends where all talking about it. I saw it on sale at Target and though "What the heck... good light summer reading." <br /><br />Next morning, at 8 am and after staying up until 1:00 am reading, I ran out to Target to get the second book, <span style="font-style:italic;">New Moon</span>.<br /><br />That afternoon, I was at my hair appointment, realized I would finish the second book that night, so I stopped next door at Barnes and Noble so I could pick up book #3, <span style="font-style:italic;">Eclipse</span>, before going home. Oh oh oh... but I had to, you guessed it, pre-order book #4, <span style="font-style:italic;">Breaking Dawn</span> which, lucky for me, comes out at midnight tomorrow!!<br /><br />So three books, three days. Obsessive yes, but not totally unheard of (especially if you know how much I love to read and how quickly I devour books). However, since I had nothing better to do when I got really really sick over the weekend, I started back again with book #1 and just finished reading #3 for the second time. Now I've read the entire series, twice, in one week. <br /><br />It's sick!!<br /><br />But the sickness gets worse (and we're not talking Tonsillitis here anymore)....<br /><a href="http://www.twilightthemovie.com/">The movie</a> comes out in December!!<br />I feel like a 14-year old girl right now, giddy with excitement and butterflies!!Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-32817084310419474482008-07-30T16:58:00.000-07:002008-07-30T21:27:38.138-07:00Still Recovering...The illness got worse.... to say the least!<br />Sunday marked the second ER visit over the weekend when my airway started to close due to the infection I had raging throughout my body. However, a quick thinking doctor injected me with some antibiotics that evening, and finally, my recovery started. <br /><br />Since then, I've seen my regular doctor (again) and a specialist, Ear Nose & Throat doctor, who both informed me that the worst of the illness is over, recovery has begun and I'm not needing surgery! YAY!! However, if I have another flare up, I will most likely have to go in and get my tonsils out. Yuck.... doctor's have told me that while it's not a big surgery for little kids, for adults, it's on the scale of having your appendix out. Neither sound good.... so let's just hope that they stay right where they are currently placed!<br /><br />Thanks to all my family and friends who have sent their warm get well wishes. And a huge thank you to both my mother and my husband, both who have sacrificed so much over the last 12 days to help nurse me back into health! It has made me truly appreciate my usual good health so much more!Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3188630200672039999.post-70516908237391209752008-07-26T19:28:00.000-07:002008-07-26T19:38:59.546-07:00A Trip to the Emergency RoomI mentioned I was sick.... Yeah... I guess I'm REALLY sick!<br />Yesterday, Jason had to work his shift, so my mom, dad and brother came down to take Maggie to the zoo and give me some time to rest. By the evening, when they had returned, I realized I wasn't going to be able to take care of Maggie on my own, so my mom decided to stay the night.<br /><br />At 12:30, while checking on me, her "Mommy Instincts" roared to life and she knew something was really wrong. So she called Jason and work and told him that she was taking me to the emergency room. Luckily, considering it was a Friday night and right after midnight, we happened to be the only patient in the entire ER! They took my temperature and found it to be 104.1, which is right below seizure at 105 degrees. After pumping me full of drugs to make me feel better (well, actually to just feel NO PAIN) and reduce my fever I was sent home with a diagnosis of Tonsillitis. I didn't realize it was such a nasty virus... but it has officially put me on my butt. Other than the time I had my ankle surgery, this is the sickest and most pain I've ever been in!<br /><br />I've slept the majority of the day away today; completely knocked out with all the pain relievers and fever reducers. The ER doctor said I should be up and going again in about 2-3 days. <br /><br />To my family and friends... I will survive! Just please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Maggie is pretty upset about her mommy being sick. I'm too weak to pick her up or hold her much right now, but she is getting a lot of extra lovin' from grandma, both grandpa's, her uncle and her daddy.<br /><br />To my clients.... don't worry, all your orders and and appointments are still good. I have <a href="http://www.stevenellison.com/">Steve </a>working hard on getting all those orders complete and there should be no delays in your orders. And the doctor assured me I will be good to go for Tina & Brian's wedding next Saturday!Susan Bermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14537482775473095378noreply@blogger.com0