I’m home… nearly. This summer will be spent alternating between Boston and Portland. Currently I’m in the latter city, curled up at my desk with a cup of tea and a beautiful view of fog rolling in over the bay. At my feet is Zeke, my family’s fluffy old golden retriever. The summer is already looking quite promising.

After a few weeks of cold weather in Europe, I would have thought that a wet & blustery day would be the last thing I needed upon my return. Today it is welcomed. Jet-lagged and transitioning from vacation to the start of a busy season, my brain feels about a foggy as the landscape outside my window. It feels like the weather is giving me a subtle nod and a wink while allowing me to ease back into my life. I know that this time tomorrow the sky will be bright and temperatures will rise. This is the deep breath before diving in head first. And maybe just one more nap… Zeke seems to have the right idea.

Real updates on what is coming up on the blog: a handful of freaking adorable engagement sessions, a few peeks at my vacation, the return of the 365 project & music mondays, a few musings on Portland life, and much more! Life is full. Life is good. Thank you for sharing in the journey.

Cheers,

Briana

All my bags are packed… I’m ready to go. 2.5 weeks of travel ahead, with stops in Bruges, Brussels, Oslo, Bergen, and Amsterdam. The daily itinerary is light, while the list of food to eat is long. Le voyage parfait!  In addition to a handful of comfy clothing, I’ve gone simple and packed one of each:

-Passport to be stamped

-Adorable husband to hug and meander with

-Book to read lazily in the park

-iPod for the lengthy train rides

-Squeal for the moment I get to see my oldest friend, her awesome husband, and… their new baby!

-35mm camera to keep my overshooting under control

-kiss to place on each cheek of the beautiful people I meet

Enjoy the rest of your Spring! I’ll be back in full force as the summer begins.

Cheers,

Briana

The past 2 weeks were a blur of working, packing, and moving. The next 10 days will be one photo session after another. Vacation can’t come soon enough!

Color is Returning 107-365

Davio’s 108-365

Yelling from the Rooftops 109-365

Delicate 110-365

Bloom 111-365

Photobooth 112-365

Caution: Hot 113-365

Pivot! 114-365

Proof of Spring 115-365

Morning papers 116-365

Bah Ram Ewe 117-365

Bond Girl 118-365

Goodbye, Office 119-365

Final Exit 120-365

Cheers,

Briana

Hold onto your hats, m’dears… partly because you are about to see some serious cuteness, courtesy of my nephew, but also because he probably would snag your hat if you are not careful. Today, I am excited to share a portrait session that is near and dear to my heart… right down to the blood pumping through my veins. When I was in California a few weeks ago, I had the immense pleasure of spending time with my sister (Beth), my brother in-law (Michael), and a face that has been seen before (here, here, and here) my nephew, Gavin. I’m especially excited that I got Beth & Michael in front of the camera this time! Warning, I’m feeling gushy, so skip ahead to the photos if you aren’t feeling it. I’ll only judge you a little.

Watching Gavin grow is something that I cherish, and I wish I could experience this in person more often. I love the glimpses of each of his parents traits that come out more with each visit. His cuddly bear hugs and tenderness remind me of Michael, and how excited I am to have a brother in the family. Gavin’s mischievous grin takes me back to childhood, as I vividly remember that same expression on Beth’s face before she made some questionable but wildly hilarious choice. My funniest stories from those younger day tend to begin with “So this one time, my little sister ____”.  Lord, have mercy on our parents…we knew not what we did.  Currently, I like to call Gavin my hipster nephew. He requests his fedoras, rocks unkempt curls, and likes to spend his time on a single-speed bike. I’m thinking of getting him into a baby band and naming it “Mumford & Grandsons”.

Observing my sister as she learns the ins and outs of motherhood is a joy, and I am so proud of her. Admittedly, it is also completely entertaining. One day, I will learning about this age first hand, and she can be the one to giggle. Oi.   Here’s hoping that “cool aunt Bri” can pop in more frequently in the future. Somedays, it is hard having 3,000 miles between us. Time flies by so quickly… it can’t be much longer that throwing a pillow at Gavin repeatedly constitutes a wild time. Next time: lessons on how to prank your parents. Muwahaha.

I can’t wait to spend a few days with these 3 up in Yosemite this October. Until then, here is a peek at our afternoon playing in Old Town North Fork.

I love you all so much!

Cheers,

Briana

This week was truly horrible. There is no other way to describe it. It began with frustration; returning home ill, flu paired with acid reflux (and a myriad of other health issues), too sick to send an email, too exhausted and in pain to follow through on prior commitments. I could barely think to lift my phone, let alone attempt a decent, thought out image on my camera. Sunday brought a brief ray of sunshine & reprieve, then packing & moving meant another bout of exhaustion. Then Monday came…

The day started with joy.  I was feeling healthy. The marathon was underway. People were cheering their friends in person and online. It was a day of accomplishment. I briefly stepped away from my computer, then returned to a message that bombs had been set off at the finish line. This cherished event, in this strong and beautiful city, had been ruined by evil and insanity. The waves of shock, the worry for both friends and strangers alike, the what-ifs. I should have been in the area, and I rescheduled due to illness and not wanting to maneuver the marathon. Friends were standing near the explosives, and moved thanks to random timing and circumstance. I am thankful for that. But the images… the horror… the questions. Truthfully, I can’t put together my thoughts on this well. In times of difficulty, my natural response has always been to sharpen my focus on what can be done, to problem solve, and to remain calm. My emotions shut down, they are locked away. Explaining ideas is an option, expressing feelings is not. I am great at managing crisis, but lost processing them. Watching the carnage and chaos from my living room, with nothing to do, I shut down.  Tears came 24 hours later, reading about the marathon and what it means to the city…before the bombs. I feel pride and gratefulness when I see the strength of this city. I love this community, and I feel privileged to  have been welcomed into it. I am fiercely loyal, and my heartbreak for this situation will lead to greater support in the coming years. I am rambling, I know. But I don’t know what to say. Perhaps because I have nothing new to offer with my words.  I want to hold and support my friends. I want to DO…. something.

My image for Monday is a photo I took years ago. It is of the tortoise statue in Copley square, representing the marathon. Also, the characteristics of the tortoise is adopted by Boston itself. The people here have consistently  demonstrate perseverance, patience, and determination. They are focused, they are steady, and they are strong. Despite setbacks, this city never has, and never will, give up.

Album Review 100-365

The view from a sickbed 101-365

Blerg 102-365

Packing the library 103-365

Tour photographer dreams 104-365

Marathon Monday 105-365

Hey batter batter 106-365

Briana

Hello from the Golden State! Stepping out into the sunshine last Wednesday morning was just what I needed. Everything was warm, bright, and full of color. Call me Dorothy, and California is my Oz, and  Vitamin D is my pair of Ruby Slippers. I’m so full of joy… and In-N-Out.  Mmmmmmmm.

BOS 085-365

Ewan 086-365

Double Double 087-365

Claire 088-365

Mary & Emma 089-365

Devious 090-365

Bookend Envy 091-365

Cheers,

Briana

Another cold and busy week brought another urge to share black and white. As I type this, I am sitting in California and enjoying a little warmth & sunshine. It’s like stepping out into Oz, and I’m enjoying the color. I’ll share that next week… but I’m selfishly keeping the Vitamin D all to myself.

Abominable Snowgirl 078-365

My Little Friends 079-365

Lunch at The Roost 080-365

Mariachi 081-365

Packing up the Office 082-365

Jenn & Russell 083-365

Pesach 084-365

Cheers,

Briana

I was so confident last week when it came to Spring. I ate my words during yesterdays storm. It was almost as if Mother Nature was knocking me down with every piece of hail that pelted me. We normally get along so well. Sigh. I was in denial. 2 weeks in California can’t come soon enough!

The extended cold brought the desire for a week of black & white processing. I may have spoken too soon, but the colors of spring will be upon us soon. Seems fitting to take advantage of the bleak, the cold, and the shadow while it’s still prevelant.

Focus 071-365

Waiting for Warmth 072-365

Hemlock Gorge revisited 073-365

Double the chocolate, double your fun 074-365

Kenmore 075-365

Mama’s got a brand new mac 076-365

The slush before the storm 077-365

Cheers,

Briana

Spring is here. I’m calling it. The weather currently predicts a few more snow showers, but I say that is rubbish! This week, I sat on my couch flipping through the latest issue of Kinfolk, and I was filled with sheer warmth and joy. Make fun of me all you want, but it felt like my soul matched the sunshine outside of my window. To quote my yoga instructor, I felt very in touch with my inner brightness.  I used to dread “springing forward”, but it’s amazing what that extra hour can add to your life, if you only allow it. Here are a few things I look forward to this season:

1. All Things Food.   First off, closing the door on cold weather means opening the door for eating in season. Both my stomach and my wallet are happier when fresh foods fill the local markets. Additionally, changes to my schedule means I have more time to experiment and branch out in my cooking. Making meals from scratch adjusts my lifestyle in so many ways, each leading to more balanced and healthy choices. The ingredients tend to be better quality. I have greater knowledge of what I put into my meals (and my body). The taste, quite frankly, is almost always better. There is also the mental benefits that come with cooking. The necessity to slow down. The appreciation and satisfaction of creating something, as well as learning new skills. Lastly, I never make a delicious meal for one, so cooking provides extra opportunity to connect with people I love. Naturally, all this food must be paired with:

2. Outdoor Activity. Oh sunshine, how I have missed you so.  As someone who is physically limited in the winter (sigh, RIP downhill skiing former self), the slothful careful winters take their toll. My bike is anxiously waiting to be dusted off and taken for a ride. My hobbit shoes can sense the temperatures are almost ripe for an adventure. The length of New England winters are still a shock to this California native.  I’m a NorCal Mountain girl, I love seasons. The winter simply lasts a little too long here for my taste. My heart yearns for spontaneous wandering and some Vitamin D.

3. Travel. Sweet, sweet travel. In mere weeks, I will be enjoying all that my home state has to offer, as I meander through southern and northern California for both work and pleasure. In May, James and I will disappear to Europe for a few weeks of much deserved and awaited “vacation.” I naturally have a few photographic plans up my sleeve, but that is inevitable. Our journey will take us through Amsterdam, Brussels, Brugge, Oslo, and Bergen. Sigh.

4. In the midst of the above mentioned joys, one can find what I look forward to the most: quality time with those I love. Spring has this in spades. I will hug old friends and photograph their growing families. Greener relationships will have the opportunity to find new levels of depth and authenticity. I will have the chance to both learn from and educate members of family that have not had enough attention previously. James and I will embark on new adventures that mirror the time when we first fell in love. This is what life is about… the people.

Life is full, and chaotic, and ever changing. There have been many years of difficulty, and there are days this year that I have questioned my recent good fortune. Through it all, I’m learning to look at each new season excited for the pleasures that are promised, and staring down the challenges with unmitigated support. Life… what can I say…  It is beautiful, it is baffling, and in reality, more than I could ask for. Here’s to a new season of wonder.

Daydreamer 064-365

Couch Critter 065-365

Shakshuka 066-365

Last Snow 067-365

Queen Bean 068-365

Ice Creams 069-365

Brussel Sprouts are Underrated 070-365

Cheers,

Briana

What a week. Work is already picking up (4 sessions this week), and I have no clue where the time has gone! Wedding season will be in full force before I know it. One more snowstorm and hopefully Spring will decide to make an appearance. If things are going to get busy, it might as well be warm too!

Sugar High 057-365

Matchmaker 058-365

It’s so fluffy! 059-365

Dan & Julie 060-365

Around the Office 061-365

Wade & Micaela 062-365

Heartstrings 063-365

Cheers,

Briana

It’s funny. You wouldn’t know it just by looking at these photos, but this week represents great change in my life. For years to come, this small collection will be one I look at and say “that, right there… that was the moment my future took greater shape”. Exciting things are on the horizon. Many personal, many for work, and most of those will actually blend together. These images also tell a bittersweet story… but I believe that applies to every stage of growth and change. That is what makes life so beautiful, isn’t it? All I know is that I look at these and am firmly reminded how much I love my life. Past, present, future.

I am thankful for every moment of it.

Bookworm 50-365

White 51-365

All Grown Up 52-365

Special Delivery 053-365

Old School 054-365

Bleak Beauty 055-365

Promise of Spring 056-365

Cheers,

Briana

This week quite simply and perfectly fits with my day to day series. Here is my average week, in a nutshell. I like my life.

Namaste 043-365

East or West 044-365

Happy Birthday James 045-365

Fancy a Pint 046-365

Dinner Party 047-365

On a Sunday 048-365

Brews & Breads 049-365

Cheers,

Briana

All environs contain elements that are both intriguing and beautiful. The bustle and architecture of a big city. The warmth and care-free vibe of the coast. The wholesome, hands on culture of the country. I enjoy partaking in what they offer, and am always happy to indulge in the benefits of each. But where does my heart lay? What makes my soul feel truly alive? The answer, my friends, are hidden in the air and the energy of the woods and the mountains.

Upon a brief return to my hometown last year, I took advantage of the opportunity to spend a few hours in Yosemite. It has been far too long, and this visit was much too short. Next Fall, I plan to spend at least a few days exploring the valleys and the peaks of this wonder of nature. Just minutes from my childhood home, I never understood how lucky I was to grow up around such splendor. I have skied, hiked, camped, and swam in these breathtaking surroundings more than I could count. That is the setting in which I learned grace and joy. These are the elements that shaped me.

This is where I feel free.

Cheers,

Briana

Valentines, Schmalentines. Don’t get me wrong, I’m perfectly happy for all of you out there celebrating. I just have bigger things to celebrate today, ie. the birth of my most favorite man in the world. James is truly the best thing in my life, and today he turns 30. Admittedly, he is slightly mopey about getting older. I keep saying that he is sitting Shiva and mourning his 20′s. I’m fairly certain that a delicious dinner and the most awesome of gifts (to be revealed after he has opened it later) will cheer him up.

Life with James is, in a word, fulfilling. He challenges me, makes me laugh, and I couldn’t ask for a better balance in a partner. Here are 30 photos representing that life. Many thanks to Li Ward, Kristin Harvey, and any others who have provided photos over the years. I’m determined to make 2013 the year James willingly lets me take his portrait. I’m predicting this to be a big year for him.

Happy Birthday, Mr Potato!

Cheers,

Briana

Slow down. Be present. Remember your priorities. These words were my mantra over the last week. Between those repeating words and my very vocal desire for snow, it has been said that I’m partially to blame for Winter Storm Nemo (sorry about that). It’s funny how 2+ feet of snow can slow you down.

I’ve been going to bed at a reasonable hour. Closing my computer when I wasn’t actively using it. Exercising. Taking breaks to embroider, to go on walks, to have actual conversations that didn’t involve multi-tasking. I drove the long way home just to enjoy quiet music and empty snowy streets. Lastly, I’ve taken much needed times of introspection. These times have brought great joy, rejuvenation, and appreciation for my life.

In yoga yesterday, my oh so fabulously special instructor, Gwen, spoke about asking questions. I began to think of all the things that have troubled or frustrated me lately, and began to ask questions of my own.  Questions on how I can be fully present in my own life, my marriage, my work, my health. I think there are few things in life more valuable than self-awareness, and the ability to ask & answer questions with clarity and honesty. It’s life-changing.

Our conversation ended with a comment about friendship that launched an entire new set of questions for my life… but it also gave me a feeling of warmth and gratitude that continued through my day, and on through this morning. In short… I have amazing people in my life. But that is for another post…

 036-365 Homework

City Traffic 037-365

My Guys 038-365

Just keep snowing, just keep snowing 039-365

Miriam 040-365

Snow Fall 041-365

Wilson Mountain Reservation 042-365

Cheers,

Briana

Last November, I took a trip home to spend some quality time with friends & family. I even left my laptop behind to keep my focus where it belonged. My camera, on the other hand, was out constantly. There were too many adorable, tiny toed, squishy bellied tots needing to be photographed.

First stop was a reunion with some of my dearest friends from college. A couple of them have made some pretty cute mini-humans. Look at these cheeks!

Heading further north, I was able to enjoy some down time at home. I love being back in the mountains. In addition to the crisp air and slower pace, I get to spend time with my crazy nephew. He is a little spitfire like his mama… but I was happy to see he got Auntie Briana’s wild curls and a penchant for books.

One day, James & I will be ready for some rugrats of our own. For now, we are happy our loved ones keep popping out little goobers for us to play with.

Cheers,

Briana

Last week, I had my first wedding of the 2013 season. Prepping for that, I allowed myself to phone in the rest of the week… literally.   My iPhone got a lot of use. I think this will be a far better excuse during the busy season than the slower winter months, but it’s cold and my camera wants to hybernate. Right?

This makes me laugh and sigh. Mostly sigh. It’s interesting how much more accountability comes with blogging these images vs. simply posting them on Flickr. Honestly, I love taking photos on my iPhone. Some of these were completely planned. But in truth, most or not. I believe that this is ok from time to time, but I want to make sure this does not become a habit.  I promise to put in more thought next week so I can hold my head high.

029-365 Tin Obsession

030-365 At the Bar

031-365 Cake and Poodles

032-365 mariachi

033-365 Anticipation

034-365 Superfluous Plow

035-365 Stowaway

Cheers,

Briana

This week was not so planned out. I did my best to simply document little moments, as they happened. I didn’t feel that any of the photos were something to write home about. They simply work as a visual journal. I’m ok with that.

022-365 A light dusting

023-365 Flu Season

024-365 The end of an evening

025-365 Party Animals

026-365 To Market, to market

027-365 Restoration

028-365 Knyvet Park

Cheers,

Briana

The group had a broad theme this week: Breaking the Mold. One thing that a 365 project can quickly reveal are habits within our photography practice. We took an opportunity to briefly break through those. This could mean any number of things. Settings, environment, subject matter, even just the general vibe. I noticed that many of my recent photos were shot vertical, and often very tight. Last week, I tried to keep my view on the horizon, and take in a bigger picture when possible. I also wanted to take most of my images outside of my home, but a bad case of the flu left me limited in that area! Here are the results:

Batty Holly 015-365

Hemlock Gorge Mill 016-365

The Back Up Shot 017-365

Comfort 018-365

Flu Shot 019-365

Plays with food 020-365

Baller 021-365

Cheers,

Briana

It intrigues me to see the subconscious patterns that pop up in my photos any given week. Last week was a time spent in great reflection. With that, I realized that many of my day to day images were taken peeking through into moments that I was not involved in. I spent much of the time quietly observing the things in my life that I too often take for granted. I’m happy to see that my focus is where it needs to be.

Through the French Doors 008-375

Make your Bed 009-365

Someone’s at the Door 010-365

Falafeliscious 011-365

Bystander 012-365

The Tao of Toad 013-365

nightfall 014-365

Cheers,

Briana

The beauty and the joys sprinkled throughout my day to day life… that is what inspires me.

Just last week, I was coasting down the 95 with the radio blaring. Exhausted by the same 5 pop songs playing on every station, I flipped through the channels until I came across a little Led Zeppelin. I was instantly recharged. As funny as it seems, I was reminded in that moment how important it is for me to seek out what inspires me. It is all around me. I can find inspiration every day. Sometimes, I just have to wade through the fluff to find it.

A few things that refuel my passions most days: catching a glimpse of James through the French doors that separate our offices. A wonderfully twisted or whimsical story. Music with conviction. The way little Allie’s face lights up every time I see her, and how much my heart melts recounting funny memories on the days I don’t. Whatever sky chooses to kiss the mountains any given day. The strength I already feel in my ankle after starting yoga (even if I don’t go quite enough yet). Pure, unadulterated laughter.

I spend so much time documenting the lives of others, I have committed this year to documenting my own much more thoroughly. On January 1, I started my third 365 project. Joined by a few friends and fellow artists, I will be enjoying this challenge in a community of people striving to do the same. You can follow along on my end  with weekly posts here on the blog, or keep an eye on the group through flickr. If you would like to join, just send me an email!

Roomba Rancher 005-365

Cheers,

Briana

This is what 2 days off,  with my sweetie, in a new city/country, looks like.

Cheers,

Briana

I am a woman of many words… sometimes too many, often not very eloquent, but most all are full of passion.  Ironically, my husband the (multi) language scholar, is not one whom elaborates on his thoughts. He is a man of action. In those moments where I am stressed and seeking support, I must remind myself to open my eyes instead of my ears. It is then that I notice the subtle efforts he makes to make me laugh and hold my head high.

Yesterday was hectic for both of us. We awoke knowing that there was not time for the usual breakfast banter or mid-morning office hugs. The apartment would be a little quieter on a week where his comforting voice was needed… but such is life.  Just before leaving home, James passed by me with a glint in his eye. That’s when I noticed it… the R2D2 tie. A Star Wars nerd to the core, I often joke that he is lucky I married someone so indifferent to the franchise. After refusing to wear it for years, this little accessory has slowly made an appearance on days that I could use a boost. Silly as it is, knowing he is wearing that tie reminds me that he is thinking of me while he is away. He wears it to make me smile, and, truthfully, it works every time.

It is just one more way to say I Love You.

Now if I can just get him to wear this to a wedding…

Cheers,

Briana

The weekend before last, I took a much needed weekend off to celebrate my birthday. The highlight of my weekend was definitely apple picking. This was my first orchard experience in New England, and I can sum up the day as simply delightful. The combination of eating freshly picked apples straight off the tree, drinking “grape juice” at the picnic tables, and devouring cider donuts left us all in a bit of a sugar coma… but that’s what birthday naps are for, right?

Here is a little peek into our day at Honey Pot Hill Orchard.  So thankful for good food, great friends, sunny skies, and fluffy creatures:

I look forward to returning on a week day to enjoy the scene without the crowds. I also am debating if I can pig-nap one of these cuties and convince my landlord it’s a hairless cat… hmmmm.

Cheers,

Briana