If you were to ask me if I like fish, I would probably say no.  Sure, I eat salmon.  And I like sushi.  And when I really stop to think about it, I have had some amazing fish at a restaurant before.  I don’t know what it is, maybe the distant memory of having some bad fish a long time ago, or the way fish smells, but when I think of fish I don’t think of liking it.  So when Daniel told me that he wanted to buy some fresh Sea Bass from our favorite sushi fish supplier, I was supportive, but less then enthusiastic.  I mean, I don’t really like fish…..

Then I ate the fresh Sea Bass from Catalina Offshore and now I feel like a new fish-eating, nay, fish-LOVING woman.  This is by far the BEST FISH I have ever eaten.  Fresh, moist, with a buttery flavor and a texture that melts in your mouth.  If you live in San Diego, you need to RUN, not walk, to Catalina Offshore and pick some up next time they have a shipment.

We tried two different recipes with this fish, and both were fantastic.  This one photographed a little better, so it will be today’s feature merely based on it’s good looks.

Today’s Feature: Sea Bass with Coconut Curry Sauce

Four years ago I had no idea what a “Pregnancy Center” was.  Two years ago I walked into one for the first time it was simply because I really wanted to ‘give back’ and volunteer somewhere, and no where else would let me volunteer with a baby in tow.  I had no idea what I was walking into.  Just a few months after I had started volunteering there I realized that this was a blessing to ME; a place where I could go and help someone else file, copy, and organize while I got to reap the benefit of getting out of the house and talking to other amazing women! Now, after two years of making weekly visits,  I realize that not only is it a place where I serve , but even more importantly it has become a place that serves ME and moves my heart every time I go.   It is so much more now then a place where I can go and make copies and talk to other Christian women, it is a place that has showed me what the gift of hope looks like.

On Saturday I photographed the annual fundraiser walk  for the pregnancy center and again, I went to serve and help, but instead received more than I gave.  As I crouched down on the sidewalk to take pictures of the participants, almost everyone who passed by me thanked me for being there.  I have never heard so many “thanks” in a one hour period of time.  Who does that?  Who goes out to a walk, to raise money for a cause, and then thanks the photographer every time they walk past?  Amazing.  Every person there had a joy in their step and on their face that was moving to see.  From the teenager, to the elderly man who walked the  two miles with his walker, people were there because they believe in helping others, they believe in life and in hope.  Here are some of the faces that brought me joy that day:

If you know someone who is in a crisis pregnancy and doesn’t know where to turn or how on earth they are going to raise a child, please just know that there are resources, counseling and help, all at their fingertips and for free. Contact Turning Point Pregnancy Resource Center, or your local pregnancy resource center near you.

I think everyone one of has had a moment that they pretended to be cooler than they actually were.  I know that when I walk into a pretentious restaurant or bar, I immediately sit a little straighter and try to cover my clutch purse purchased from Target while quickly tucking my DSW high heels under the table cloth.  Am I alone?  I don’t think so.  I have seen you too, at the table next to me nervously fidgeting with in the tag on your Old Navy coat.  Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me if mine is with you.

That is this week’s Food Friday.  It is pretending to be a little cooler than it is.  Pretentious title, fancy looking, but super easy to make.  Impress your friends and give it a whirl.

Today’s Feature: Sole Wrapped Asparagus with a Orange Lime Beurre Blanc Sauce

Four words that get my heart racing. They are dangerous words. Words with a lot of power. But I can’t think of four words that I would want to hear more.  Yep.  These are my favorite four.

“We totally trust you!”

I gripped the phone in my hand a little tighter so I wouldn’t drop it.  I was giddy, my heart was racing and my head began to flood with ideas.  Then Kendra mentioned that she loves spring colors.  And Jerry mentioned that they like nature, but are not beach people.  My palms started to sweat.  I stuttered.  I am pretty sure that on the other end of the phone they thought I was completely crazy as my excitement and creativity started to overcome any sense of normalcy and composure.

These four words simply put, are a dream come true for me.  I LOVE photography.  I LOVE capturing what is your family; your joy, your smiles, your interaction, and what you all are about.  I LOVE having permission to have open ended creativity, getting a vision and bringing it to fruition.  When I got off the phone with Kendra and Jerry, I had a vision of  a green field, a tea party, and a family full of smiles.  Now I just had to go out and find the perfect field.

Kendra, Jerry and Karis, thank you!  You not only gave me the pleasure of hearing those words I love, you truly trusted me and were amazing clients!  You hiked through the dew kissed grass and graciously tried to hide your goosebumps, without one complaint of the early morning hour or the lack of sun.  I was almost completely silent the entire photo shoot (and felt awful that I was so quiet!) and you were so great you just went along with the flow. (I get quiet when I am in my creative zone…”focused” I like to call it.  Strange I know.)

I can’t wait to share these with you….and hope you love them!

How cool is this grass and these beautiful trees?  It was the PERFECT little field, and not more than 100 feet away was a parking lot filled to the brim with cars and runners and sports teams.
Karis was a little shy until I asked her to wave.  Then she would LIGHT UP.  It was ADORABLE!

I tell all my clients “come ready to play” and they did!  Without hesitation they jumped in and had a tea party, rolled on the ground, and laughed with such joy that  they could warm the heart of a iron statue.

I love this family! Can’t you just feel their joy?
Kendra = one gorgeous mama.  I think she looks amazing here.


Sitting “like a lady”.  LOVE.

I don’t know why, but kids with lollipops kills me.  When I saw this bright pink one at the store, I had to bring it.

Thank you guys!

I don’t know if this is considered cheating for Food Friday, but I don’t think there have been any formal rules drafted as of yet so hopefully I am in the clear.   We actually made these doughnuts about a month ago in celebration of having some of our friends over.  They were not nearly as good as the Pumpkin Doughnuts, but they were still fried and they were DOUGHNUTS…so needless to say, they were good.  I am going to be cruel and not share the recipe with you though because if you are going to go to all the trouble to make doughnuts,(no, doughnuts are not an easy thing to take on) make the Pumpkin Doughnuts.  Those ones were DELISH.  But of course, in celebration of Food Friday I am here to share pictures with you!

Today’s Feature: Homemade Doughnuts