chasing light.

I am not sure how they do it in Alaska. Going without light for so much of the day, for so much of the year. This winter has gone on forever here, and each day all of us look at the forecast to see if there will be light through the clouds. Most of the Spring has been gray. Undeniably gray.

Light makes the photo. It is what turns the colors on and makes a face glow with radiance. Light reflected just right can eliminate shadows, and brighten the eyes. The best light, as any photographer knows, is the first light in the morning and the last light of the evening. I once read up on tips from a famous photographer, who will only shoot portraits the last half hour before the sun goes down. When I put this advice into practice I see some of the most amazing pictures develop. Darkness chasing light. Those last minutes of light hanging on before the night is filled with stars. Soon the sky is filled with smoky gray, and the light is chased out of the night. However, each morning, light wins again and re-appears along the east chasing darkness out of the early signs of day.

*Thank you to my friend Andrea for allowing me to take these bridals of her.

some would say.

For all my life I have watched my Dad dress in ARMY green, to serve his country, to serve this people of the United States of America. He did so with honor, loyalty, dedication, and love. For 38 years, 6 months and 4 days he served this country in the form of a Chaplain. Someone who has to catch the families of the fallen. A mind that must know the right thing to say when all else seems to not make sense. A heart that must love the broken. The Chaplain is the person that comforts, that gives hope, and guides. He is an American Soldier. Some would say that loyalty to a job is a thing of the past; that dedication to an employer is rare to be found. But I would say, look to the American Soldier. Some would say that true love is hard to find. But I would say, ask the America Soldier how they feel when they see the American Flag flying on home soil. Some would say that fashion makes the man. I would say, watch the American Soldier dressed in uniform, and the man he becomes. To all the men and women serving our nation, and especially to my Father, Chaplain Colonel Lynn Humphreys, I would say...thank you.

a blessing & sisters. in pictures.

time does not wait for happy.

You can't wait for happy to show up. Happy is. You can't steal someone else's happy, or borrow a half a cup of happy to get you by. Happy comes from being. You either are or you aren't. Ask a happy person to pinpoint the best day of their life, and be prepared for a list of days. The reason is simple. They know how to approach a day, and find good things even on the rainiest days. Today, for no reason, I just am happy. In our house, happiness is passing gas if you are the baby. Or getting to hug your crush during a play because the scene calls for it. Happiness is shooting the last basket of your fourth grade year on the court at the elementary...and having it go in. It is taking a spring hike with your friends and getting outdoors. Happiness is taking your fear and jumping. Happiness is fat. It grows if you feed it. It is co-dependent and social. Happiness is quiet and calm, loud and crazy. Happy can be bought in the form of fantastic mascara, or amazing shoes. It can be found on vacations, and morning runs, kitchens, and back porches. It is in the eyes and felt in the toes. Happy is now. :)

last day.

Today was the last day of school for the two older kids. Emma pleaded with me to allow her to wear her scrubby pants (you know, pants with holes in them) to school. I caved. I figured, hey, it is the last day! Today, kids should be able to break a few rules. Wear pants with holes in them. Talk without being called on! Go to the bathroom without a hall pass!!! Go crazy and get a drink without asking!!! Grades are in. School is out. Let summer begin.