Grateful, Thankful, Friends

This is just a random post.  The sun is shining – it’s a beautiful day here in southern Manitoba (although it could be a bit warmer).  I’ve actually been spending a few hours thinking.  Yes, truly!  Thinking about a lot of things.  That’s what I do when I have some free time.  And that’s why I feel the need to share with you what I’m thinking.

I am extremely grateful and thankful for great friends.  I have some really great friends I must say.  But there are three that have impacted me the last few weeks.

Most long-weekends of the year you will find me driving for 3 hours to get to Brandon, Manitoba to visit my best friend, Inge and her husband Michael and their two beautiful dogs!  This photograph was taken in March 2009.  On the sofa to the left is Hunter.  Sitting on Inge’s lap is Grissom.  I love this image!

A few weeks ago I drove down again and I had the most amazing time.  We laughed, we relaxed, we ate (Inge’s a fabulous cook), we drank, we spent time outdoors in their beautiful garden, we soaked in the hot tub, we synergized, we talked about photography, we inspired each other.  We did a bit of photography in her studio using her gorgeous “Dream Spinner” background.  She’s a great photographer and does some awesome grad photos, has some unique family portraits, and I can’t forget to mention she’s fabulous at photographing pets – especially dogs  I am so grateful and thankful for these wonderful friends!

Then a week ago, I headed up to Stonewall and spent much of the day with another great friend and fellow photographer, Carmen.

Carmen and I try to get together every few months to catch up and to inspire each other and to help each other out in our businesses.  I believe our styles are quite similar and our clients love and value the same thing – beautiful, timeless, storytelling portraits!  I have known Carmen for years and we’ve gone to numerous conventions together.   What I love most about Carmen is that she lets me talk!   And, I must say that’s one of the things I do best!  ;-}   Spending time with her is always a joy.

Another friend I’m grateful and thankful for is Bruce.

I’ve known Bruce for at least 15 years.  Bruce is another amazing photographer and I enjoy assisting him when he photographs weddings.  Doesn’t happen too often, but at least once a year.  Because I run a full-time studio, most of my time is spent here – but every once in a while I close up and assist him – it’s a great learning experience – and I never stop learning!  Bruce just celebrated a milestone birthday – I won’t mention the number,  and last evening I treated him to dinner at a Sushi Restaurant.  I guess I’m grateful that he doesn’t tell me to shut up – as I recall talking the entire time!  But it was a relaxing evening – all  ’shop’ talk I must say – but then most photographers are passionate about their career and we just feed off each other – again – inspire and help each other.

So now, that I’ve shared that with the world, I feel content.  And ready to go outside and enjoy the beautiful weather!  Hope you all have a great weekend!