Day 14 Gratitude Project - Friends

I am ever thankful for my friends with such beautiful souls, for the delicious healing chicken soup that one of my friends brought & for the roof over my head (and the fact that it is nestled in gorgeous green space).

Day 10 Gratitude Project {Columbus Ohio Photographer}

I feel blessed to have friends check on me when I'm under the weather & to take me out for a big healing bowl of Pho Ga at the North Market.... for my Maggie May to keep me company .. for my fuzzy microfiber comforter.... & for my remote!

Day Three Gratitude Project - Good Friends {Columbus Ohio Photographer}

In life, I have found that if you have a friend for each part of your life that is important to you, then you are so very blessed. I do feel so blessed to have amazing friends - both online and in my personal life. Friends add depth and breadth to life and living. My friends are there for laughs, support, adventures, thrift store foraging and hugs when needed. On this day, I visited Amish country in Ohio with a friend & her foster child. I feel like I am Auntie Joy to him & that is a blessing, too! it is so great to see things through a child's eye & on their level - literally!

I find that part of what I enjoy about this gratitude project, is taking the time - really taking the time - to sit and write about what I'm thankful for on a given day. The writing, & then sharing just really let it all sink in and absorb into my soul!

Alissa & Nathalie ~ Strangers 19 & 20 { 31 Strangers Project } Central Ohio Environmental Portrait Photographer

I'm very behind on my strangers posts and trying to catch up! It's been quite a summer!

One evening I was at the park of Roses in Whetstone Park to do a 1 year old's birthday session. I always get to my location early to check out lighting and settings. This evening I spotted Alissa & Nathalie strolling through the gardens. They had such a happy carefree mood about them that was hard to miss!  I started a conversation with them and learned they were on their way to Taco Bell to grab a quick bite and then were heading to the Robert Plant show in Columbus, Ohio. Nice! No wonder they were in a fabulous mood!  I loved their jackets (very cool) & they asked if I could take some shots to show them off - no problem! I hope you had a great night at the concert Alissa & Nathalie!

Peace out.

Strangers 13 & 14 ~ Columbus Ohio Photographer

I have been a bit remiss about my blog posts - blame the lazy hot days of summer. I just can't seem to focus - I'm so easily distracted lately. But... I am going to make it a pint to get back to the blog!

The North Market in Columbus, Ohio has always been one of my favorite haunts - & also a fave of so many others! I stopped by one day for Jeni's Splendid ice cream. I spied Stephanie & Joni eating ice cream at a table outside & knew they had the craving, too! They are friends & coworkers, & were taking a break from their jobs at the downtown Hilton. Stephanie was in heaven over Jeni's Lemon, while Joni was enjoying Turtle. Once I got inside I had to get my new fave.... Brambleberry Crumb.... mmmmmm!

30 Days of Gratitude 2010/ Good Friends

I count my friends as the most wonderful of blessings. My friends are the family I got to choose.

Life is better when shared! Yesterday was the most wonderful day... It started with having Vietnamese soup with a friend (it has become "our thing") and then we went to rent a truck so I could FINALLY get a sofa! I haven't had a sofa in 10 years - just the love seat from my defunct marriage that I sold 2 months ago. My friend went with me & it is always a fun adventure with him! At the store (World Market) I realized I had left a coupon in my car. A woman behind us heard us talking & had a coupon - 25% off - sweet! We got the sofa to my place & then a very kind gas company man saw us & helped us get the box into my condo! My annulment went through this year & it means soooo much to now have my own little sofa that is just mine (& ready for someone new to sit on with me!). The day was so much more perfect because my friend shared it with me!!

Strangers #5 - #12 {31 Strangers in 31 Days Project}

After I met Ric (Stranger #4) at the Lotus Pond in Goodale Park, I wandered further into the park where I saw a group of people with their dogs. Goodale Park is a bit of an informal dog park, where owners congregate & chat while the dogs romp! I had the good fortune to meet Strangers #5-12, who all happily agreed to be part of my 31 Strangers in 31 Days Project!

Strangers #5 & 6
Jack & Jason were there with their pup Kiki, who I believe was 10 months old. They agreed right away to participate!!





Strangers #7 & 8
Also in the group were Andi & Blair with their dog Atticus. Andy & Blair said people often mix them up because of their names, but Blair has the ball cap on! They have a wedding coming up!

Stranger #9

Rajesh initially was hesitant to participate in the project, but just look at that smile! He quickly agreed and began striking poses! Handsome guy!

Strangers #10 & 11

Kenny and Allen were a bit quieter - I caught them unawares! They were watching all the activity going on around them!

And lastly Stranger #12
Layla came to the park with her grandmother and was completely amazed with all the dogs! She was especially fond of Kiki, but made the rounds to all the dogs!


So, it was a very good day for the 31 Strangers Project!

Kaitlyn's Preview / Frankfort Michigan Senior Photographer / Benzie County Senior Photographer

It was a little iffy, but the weather held for senior portrait day! We had a couple beautiful settings - Crystal Gardens for a natural feel, and the old Smokestack building for a bit of a neglected, industrial mood! It was a fun day with great backdrops, and even a friend for a little moral support!

Wishing you a Warm & Merry Christmas!!

This year has flown by so very quickly. And Christmas is upon us once again. Thank you for your support, your business, your friendship and your comments!! I so appreciate it!!

I'm hoping this Christmas finds you counting your many blessings, feeling the love of family and friends, and remembering that Holy Night so many years ago. Merry Christmas, warm wishes and love to you!! I'll be gone several days, and will see you after Christmas!
Merry Merry Christmas from Joy & Maggie May the Holiday Dog!