SHOOT WITH MM

April 1st was no joke, I was part of an amazing photo shoot that will keep me smiling for a long time.

My good friend Terri Lodge hooked me up with the opportunity to assist Matthew Mitchell (fashion/celeb photographer) on an 8-10pg editorial shoot for a local LA mag "Thirteen Minutes" (May's issue).

I first met Matthew when he interviewed me at WMTG with owner Keri and Clayton Beck (Matthew's full-time assistant) over saw my photoshop test (his talents range from CS3 guru to model... and a great friend). Terri was an agent and is a makeup artist that Matthew loves to use while he is in town (her work is flawless). My work at the modeling agency was short lived, but the people that I have met will stay with me forever. One other talent that I want to mention is photographer Diana Sell (another wonderful individual that I met through working at the agency), she and I had the pleasure assisting Matthew together.

I cannot say enough good things about everyone I've mentioned, they have all been so nice, welcoming and are truly talented. I am so lucky and happy to have been apart of this Portland project.

Matthew (originally from Portland) wanted to represent everything Portland in this editorial spread, from the models, talent, fashion to the Gordan House (designed by Frank Lloyd Wright).

With Matthew's permission I snagged a couple of shots to document I was there :)

MM setting up the shot on set #3 (can not wait to see his vision in print).

Bryce (set designer) MM and Diana

MM giving the models direction (he is so relaxed and knows the perfect things to say to pull the right expressions from the talent).

Talent on set #3, wardrobe and Shawn (talent from set #2).

One thing that makes for a great photographer (or assistant) is the ability to think fast at solving each problem that arises with creativity and quickness. Story goes... Shawn sat down on set and up goes his pant legs to reveal white sport socks. Where are your dress socks? MIA. Anyone have any that he can use. No extras... wait I wore my boots today and have my black knee high socks on. Off go my shoes and socks. I save Shawn's day... and got to wear his white sport socks. It's the small stuff (details matter).

Matthew humoring me. Thank you!!!

Sweet young talent!!! (Kristi)

Clayton, Matthew, Terri and Me after a ten hour shoot (you all are amazing). The only one missing is Diana (thank you for taking the pic).

Again, THANK YOU to everyone for inviting me to be apart of this FABULOUS project!!!

SPRING BABY!!!

I’ve always enjoyed this time of year, maybe it’s because my day of birth marks the first day of spring. Or maybe it’s because the flowers are blooming and the birds are singing again. Or just maybe it’s the rebirth to life after a long winters nap. Anyhow, my birthday surly sets the mood for the thaw of winter.

3.21 My birthday. I’m just going to get straight to the point; it was one of the best birthdays I've had to date!!! All I wanted was to enjoy my day with Jeb. Whatever was to happen I just wanted to be in his company and we did just that, hung out all day together.

We woke up early… early enough for breakfast at my folks (mom was making my favorite, French toast with fresh strawberries). What a great way to start my day. I do have to say my parents spoiled me rotten; the very last thing I was expecting was the gorgeous Coach Hand Bag they’d gotten me. To be frank I never thought I’d own one. Then to top off the gift… like it wasn’t gift enough, there was a generous size box of Godiva dark chocolates. WOW. I’m still speechless… thank you Mom and Dad SO very much!!!

Then when I thought things couldn't get any better, I realized Jeb and I still had the whole day ahead of us. First on our list were pedicures. Yes I was able to talk Jeb into getting a pedi and we enjoyed it. Until later in the middle of the night... Jeb woke up with a burning sensation on his leg. Come to find out his right shin broke out in a rash (which he still has to date). Needless to say he’ll probably never go back with me for pedicures again.

After our pedicures we went back to the apartment to check the mail. I look forward to Cher’s birthday love every year. It had arrived and more chocolates for me (or my belly, how ever you look at it)!!!

We headed to the mall for a little shopping before seeing Duplicity and then ending the day with dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. We had both (on accident) left our phones at home, so when I finally reconnected with my cell I was able to listen to all my birthday wishes before calling it a night.

The fun didn’t end on Saturday; we got to celebrate all weekend long! Sunday the Brooks, Heupels and Andersons gathered for dinner and company to celebrate both Tj’s and my birthday. I wouldn’t want to share a birthday celebration with anyone else but T (no pressure, but T you really are a thoughtful gift giver)! More, more and more love. I want to also thank my good friends Annette and Robert!!! The Lathrop’s had us over for birthday dinner Monday night and… again a Godiva’s gift card ☺

So I feel kinda silly going on about my birthday, but these kinda birthdays do not happen often and I tell you 27 is starting off great (even if my mental state is all down hill from here… thanks Dad ;). Plus I hope everyone who may have sent me an email, FB comment, phone call and/or card knows how blessed I really felt this year on my anniversary of life!!!

Lesson learned; I have the most amazing family and friends and somehow I’ve made it clear to all of them how much I LOVE GODIVA DARK CHOCOLATE ☺

BATH TIME

ESPN and Houston are the two most difficult dogs to walk. They both become complete goobers the second you put their leads on. Both will pull in polar opposite directions, making it nearly impossible to walk them on your own. ESPN will wrap himself around ten different trees in one walk. Houston will run and pull to bark at any other moving object (including bikers). Since there is no way I will ever let her near another dog, she'll bark from a far and then attack her brother (I still have yet to figure out why). When it rains... this daily event becomes ten times more fun. They always try to find the muddiest of spots to drag us through and do their business. On their behalf up until a year ago they were able to take care of "business" on their own... in their nine years of existences they have adapted to apartment living very well.

Missy can usually do okay with out a bath for awhile and just brushing... but buddy is our pig pen. Two days after baths he'll become a complete grease ball. So tonight after a muddy walk I told Jeb to start the water. Houston might be okay with just being toweled off, but ESPN NEEDED a bath. Houston was along for the ride.

Missy just disgusted with her brother.