Some photos from this pristine, white-sanded beach in Mexico, which overlooks the island of Espiritu Santo, (and where Baja Camp is situated.) I plan to get my family there next summer to enjoy that small piece of paradise. Until then, the gorgeous sunset at Playa El Tecolote was enough to fill me up.
They say after a vacation, one often suffers from post-vacation funk. I’m not sure if it’s a funk that has come over me the last couple days, but I don’t feel quite like myself — suppose I have a hint of melancholy. I’ve been furiously processing photos from the wedding I shot in La Paz, Mexico, so I’ve been reliving the trip for the last couple days. We watched this beautiful slice of heaven the night after the wedding with guests who came from all over the world to attend the nuptials of our loved ones.
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I desperately wanted to bring my mother’s remains and spread them on this trip. Her initial request was to be spread in the mountains by her birthplace in Mexico City, but then, a few years ago, she requested the ocean (how she loved being by the sea), and she made it clear she didn’t want the Atlantic, but rather, the Pacific side. So, when I realized I would be traveling to Baja California Sur, I thought this would be the perfect place — the sea is there, and is in her native country of Mexico. It just made sense to me. Unfortunately, circumstances didn’t allow for us to do this on this trip, however, after traveling there, I realized, ...she has already made her way there.
This is the beach of the hotel we stayed at during our visit to La Paz. Water is very clear, we could see all sorts of fishies swimming around our feet.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of photographing this fun, fun, fun family at their beautiful vintage home. Gosh, how I love their home. Even dad was incredible to work with. There were SO many terrific photos, I had a hard time narrowing it down to a few to share here. Oh, and they even have an elevator.
I think this last photo below demonstrates just how incredibly fun this family was to hang out with. I love everything about Julie's expression.
Not really sure if it can be called an official “date” if I drove them to his formal high school band banquet (since neither are driving yet), but I’d say it’s pretty close to being a first date. After a quick introduction of parents, came the inevitable mamarazzi moment of photo-taking by both mothers. Immediately, the two teens stiffen up like soldiers about to go marching, but wearing forced smiles. My guy was exceptionally stiff. He almost looked like he was in pain. I think it may have been a form a torture for them. I’m sorry, but I HAD to help—just a bit. I let them know it was ok to get a little closer, and to relax. (I'm SURE that was NOT easy with their parents looming over them, cameras in hand). Here, Domi is reaching for her arm, and the stiffness went a way for a moment, so I quickly snapped the shutter.
I do have to say, I’m quite taken by Domi’s new friend. She’s charming, extremely well-mannered, and exceptionally bright—she’s a writer, a poet (I think her vocabulary may be larger than mine), and likes to sing. I enjoy listening to their deep conversations in the car whenever I give her a lift home from school. But the most important part--she enjoys being around my son. Even if this simply blossoms into a beautiful friendship, any girl who can see his inner beauty, is a keeper in my book.
Our grandparents had a cabin in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, and our large family would gather there yearly. This place is one of the most treasured of my childhood memories.
Meet the Hutlock family. Any day now, they will welcome a bambina into their family. They're keeping her name top secret though, until she's born. Even Colton here, wouldn't spill the beans.
Andrea, I'm wishing you a smooth and beautiful labor, and am so incredibly happy for you and your family.
One of many reasons why I am proud to be a Reggian-inspired caregiver and educator. Teachers seek to hold before them this powerful image as they support children in exploring and investigating.