well hey there 2010

I've seen so many articles and editorials out there about how the last decade was really a big waste. Just lots of people dying, multiple wars, and everyone generally losing lots of money. I get that. I really do. But for me it was a time where I met some of my very best friends, spent time doing work I love, and really enjoyed my life. So I hope there is more of that plus some in the next decade. So here's to 2010. Bring it.

blur of joy

Today is the first day I've had more than a little time to myself to do whatever I want. No deadlines. No rushing around. Just some quiet time with fresh, Montana snow falling out my window. After dozens of airports, hours of travel, and just generally working my tail off...this is an uber-treat. I'm planning on taking some time to focus goals for 2010 and organize some myself from this past year. But today, I'm so grateful to just have a little downtime.

This has been a year of tying up loose ends. I made some scary changes that are really paying off. I've started doing more work I actually love and less work I can't stand. I got engaged. My grandmother passed away. Friends/soon to be family welcomed a new baby to the world. I was able to spend lots of time with close friends and family that I often never see. I traveled more than I have since I left Chattanooga (Atlanta, New York, Jekyll Island, Arizona, Salt Lake City, Vancouver, Seattle). I'm even embracing Montana winter. So the following photos are the last breath of wrap up before the new year. 2009 seems like a bit of a blur right now but a warm, happy, laughing blur.









That's a good blur in my opinion. Happy end of 2009 ya'll.

foys to blacktail trails

I have been on the move over the last couple months. And one thing that travel hasn't left much time for is blogging. So for those of you out there that do follow my blog (Hi Mom!) I'm going to be updating more now that I'm back in Montana for a bit.

In October I had the pleasure of creating some new imagery for the folks at Foys to Blacktail Trails in Kalispell. This non-profit is working hard to secure public access to the trails above Herron Park and provide long-term maintenance of the trails. Everyone there was such a pleasure to work with and I am happy to support this organization in their efforts to create more public spaces for people to enjoy Montana.

You can learn more about Foys to Blacktail Trails here. There are numerous way to volunteer, give back, or make a donation on the site so take a minute to check it out.

Jean Barham ::: 1918-2009

The day my Grandmother died there was a magnolia tree out the window of her room. The sun was hitting it just right and there were Camillias in bloom. If she had been concious, she would have pointed out to me how beautiful the blooms were, or how much she loved watching the birds taking baths in the puddles outside. She wasn't concious, and pretty soon - she wasn't with us anymore.

I was the only person in the room when she passed away. I feel very grateful to have shared those last moments with her. She has been an integral part of the last 27 years of my life, and anyone who knows me well can attest to this. I was lucky to have a firey, independent, and sometimes kooky woman like her in my world.

A few days after she died my Dad recycled her classic Chevrolet Caprice. That car has been as much a fixture in our driveway as my Grandmother was in our lives. For the last several years it has been sitting inoperable at my parents home. My Grandmother couldn't drive anymore but she wasn't going to let them take the car away. So it sat in the driveway. Over the years it was the car she carried her crafts in, hit a Fed Ex truck with, carried her to and from the grocery store, and made sure she made it to Thelma's Beauty Parlor for hair appointments.


I really couldn't believe I would come back to my parents home and not see it there.
So before they towed the car out of the driveway I took a couple of photos. This Thanksgiving I will be so thankful for having been able to share so much of my life with a wonderful, frank, stubborn, and sometimes crazy driver like my Grandmother. She will be missed.

tomato fun

montana does october

and i can't complain ....

delicious fruit tart

montana :: old dirt road truck

fall is here :: summer leftovers

This summer went by in typical whirlwind Montana fashion. I'm sad to see it go but so far Fall is shaping up to be busy and full of travel so I can't ask for much more. These are just a couple lost frames to welcome September back.

glacier park :: end of summer

Today Lido and I took a little drive into Glacier Park today for some Labor Day adventure fun. At Logan's Pass it was snowy, windy -- really downright miserable. But we kept on driving into East Glacier and eventually outran the storm that was chasing us. While we didn't hike as much as I would have liked we did get to see some of the park I normally don't make it to. I have a tendency to stick on the western half of the park and I'm glad we hung out on the other side today instead. Logan's Pass will be closing early this year so we took our last opportunity to drive all the way through to the East side and back around home to Whitefish. While the snow at the top of the pass drove home just how over Summer is -- it was still a perfect way to spend the day.

Alpine Theatre Project 2009 Production Shots

I just have to give a quick shout out to the folks at ATP. For the past three summers I have done production shots for them. They are a group of fantastically talented people who will stop at nothing to put on a stunning show. It has been my pleasure to continue capturing these visually engaging works with my camera. If you are in Northwest Montana this weekend don't miss their closing weekend of "World Goes Round" at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. This is a selection of images from our production shoots this summer. Thanks ATP and best of luck with your last two shows!

dreamy montana summer

How can you say no to a yellow field in bloom? I can't. I'm glad Katelynn couldn't either.

vancouver makes me want to sing "oh canada"

I can't stop saying enough good things about Vancouver, BC. It was beautiful with tons to explore. I ate so much delicious food I was ecstatic to be walking everywhere. I only wish I had been able to spend more time there. But what little time we did have was wonderful and I can't wait to start planning my next visit. If it isn't on your list of places to visit -- go find your list and add it immediately.