When Life Brings You Surprises...

I feel like I've been a pretty absent business owner this past week or two. If that has affected you in any way, I'm sorry! And, while I'm a 'no excuses' kind of girl, the explanation is something you might not want to miss. You see, I spent the last week in the bathroom...

I could make a long back-story, telling you about the sweet pregnant cat (who I have nicknamed "Little Mama") who decided to make our backyard her new home, but I'm going to fast-forward straight to THE KITTENS.

Last week, there were KITTENS born under our deck! Getting them out from under the deck was an interesting adventure. Now, there are KITTENS in our bathroom tub. Just feet away from where I'm typing now. (Yes, yes I have I have considered just moving the computer into the bathroom...or the kittens into my office. Unfortunately, neither seems wise.)

In any case, I have been distracted from all things non-kitten. I apologize. I just can't help it. All sense and reason have left me. And I just want to snuggle the KITTENS.

I've been sharing some photos on my instagram and on my personal facebook page, but I realize that many of you may not follow me on social media, and I didn't want you to miss out on the KITTENS!

Also, I suppose I should note - about half of these photos are phone photos, so please enjoy the content and focus less on the fact that they slightly resemble cartoon characters due to the (lack of) clarity.  :)

DAY 1 -

Special tip for anyone wondering how to convince your loved ones that it's acceptable to make surprise additions of 6 cats at once: sometimes it is better to ask forgiveness than permission. Also, surround yourself with people who love cats. Because (Shhhhhh!) we're totally keeping one of these little fuzzies.

DAY 2 -

DAY 3 -

DAY 4 -

DAY 5 -

kittens - day 5 - movie 1 from Emily Hall Photography on Vimeo.

DAY 6 - day 6 is poorly documented. I'm not sure what happened there. I apologize. It won't happen again.  :)

DAY 7 -

"Auntie Laura" came to visit for her birthday this week! She also loves the KITTENS.  :)

If you're still reading this - Hello fellow cat-lover! I knew I liked you!

Visiting my Grandparents

I recently took a quick trip to Valley Center, CA to visit my grandparents. My Grandpa is 92 and my Grandma is 89. They still live at home (Polito Family Farms) and lead pretty full lives. They've slowed their everyday lives, but they're still pretty dang active. My Grandma just passed her driver's license test and is really enjoying zipping around in her new purple Acura Wagon. NO, she doesn't need you to go with her, she's perfectly happy to enjoy her vehicle and her independence. Alone. But she'll gladly pick anything up from the store for you. :)

My Grandpa is enjoying his switch from his street-legal car to his "Pop Mobile" - he even shares! (I totally tested out the speed capabilities of his golf cart while visiting.)One of the MAJOR changes in my Grandparents in the past several years is that they've added a furry family member to their lives. "Blue," the dog, showed up on their doorstep a few years back. Apparently it was meant to be, because G&G happily welcomed him into the family. He follows Grandpa everywhere.
They even nap together.
I fully meant to try to talk G&G into some proper portraits when I was visiting, but, honestly, they had so much going on that it seemed like the wrong idea. They were kind enough to go about their daily lives while I documented their daily routines.  ...And honestly, I think these photos have more value (for me at least) than if I'd done portraits with them anyway. 
Ever since I can remember, I've woken up to Grandpa reading the paper at the bar in the kitchen.
And my Grandma is an AMAZING cook. She's truly an artist in the kitchen.
However, my Grandpa is the one who makes the salads. They are SOOOO good. I'm always trying to convince him to make a bigger salad and give me the biggest salad bowl. He makes his own salad dressings. Sometimes I have him make me some to take home with me. He also really likes Scotch.
And Grandma's garden is always gorgeous.
Even when naughty doggies nap in it. :)  (below: my mom and her dog)
Although I didn't get to see my cousin Dom or his wife Christine (they were off, celebrating their anniversary), I did get to play in the pool with their 5! kiddos!
My Aunt Helen (their Grandma) has the BEST smile!
Blue was pretty excited about all the kiddos in the pool too.  ...Or he was afraid that we were drowning. :)
Speaking of active Grandparents, G&G made us all a BBQ dinner after our pool day. SO yummy!
And, Grandma loves how much Eli loves chocolate cake, so she made sure there was one for dessert. E licked ALL the bowls clean.  :)
If you're a stranger, Blue will probably try to eat you. But if you're a Polito, he seems to know, and is extra gentle and sweet.
Fig trees! Little and bigger.
Another constant in the G&G routine is couch time before bed.
When I was little, I LOVED going to the chicken coops, collecting eggs, and playing with the chickens. Turns out, not much has changed.
I let Mom use my camera to take photos of me with G&G. ...Pretty sure she wanted to keep it!
I actually lived at Polito Family Farms for awhile when I was in high school. I lived with my Aunt Mary, Uncle Bob, & their three boys (Gus, Sam, & Tom). Below: Me n' Aunt Mary & Sam and his girlfriend Eden.

When I lived at Mary & Bob's, I was bigger than Sam, and could easily pick him up. Some things DO change!
Grandma in her garden is another memory that will probably be etched in my mind, photo or not, but I'm glad I have the photo now. She is a genius in the garden and has taught me many gardening tips over the years.
Although my Grandpa isn't quite up to golfing these days, he maintains some bragging rights. Once, back in high school, I made the mistake of betting $1/point on the putting green with Grandpa. I lost a decent amount of $$ that day. Whoops!

My 2013 Goals

The goals have been written (in pencil) for awhile now. It's time to pen them in and make it official. It's easy to dream, but harder to act. Sharing these goals with YOU and making myself accountable is step One.

My 2013 Goals:

1.  Shoot an elopement ...or several elopements...I LOVE the intimacy & tenderness!
2.  Work more with the Albany Southern Belles & Gent Dance Team, because they are awesome.
3.  Shoot a birth...or two. Capture emotions, focus on telling the story.
4.  Shoot 10 weddings/elopements in 2013; stop devaluing my work based on fear.
5.  Shoot a wedding proposal!
6.  Go backpacking.
7.  Blog at least 1-2 times per week.
8.  Blog all sessions - showcase work that fits what I want to shoot in the future.
9.  Be more business-minded when it comes to To-Do Lists.
10.  Drink more water. (Yes, this actually needs to be a goal for me if it's gonna happen.)
11.  Focus more on Intimate Portraiture/Boudoir.
12.  Whether it be for work or for fun - use my passport at least once.
13.  Spend more time with wild and crazy kiddos.
14.  Photograph ALL albums/canvases that are ordered. It never seems urgent, but I always regret it after they're gone.  :(
15.  Network with awesome local vendors like Downtown Shabby, Emma, Flinn Block Hall, The Vue, Sweet Dreams Cupcakery & more!
16.  Send more notes to friends & clients - write down what I'm thinking - and share it. People like to hear nice things.

Suddenly 2013 is looking pretty awesome.  I can't wait!