Phillip :: Central Oregon Seniors

September 6, 2010 Michelle Cross

It's been a busy week and in my book busy (usually) is a good thing. For this reason - among others things like living in a place without humidity - it's been a good week. With five senior sessions and a wedding under my belt I'm taking advantage of today's holiday by doing no labor at all. You know, in honor of Labor Day. I will, however, leave you with the images from Phillip's shoot last week. If I were being honest, I'd tell you that senior boy sessions make me nervous, way nervous. I can't help but think it's the lingering effect of the fact that when I was in high school boys were a foreign species that I didn't understand (or have the nerve to talk to). This was especially the case with the cool boys - boys who were totally handsome and wildly good at sports. It's ironic, then, that all the senior boys I'm shooting this week are totally handsome and talented. Maybe God is giving me a second chance at talking...to the cool boys.

On that note, here is Phillip. And you guessed it, he's totally cool!

Happy Labor Day,

Michelle

New Seasons + School Supplies :: Life

September 1, 2010 Michelle Cross

I'm not sure how I feel about it being September. On one hand I'm bummed that I can no longer get away with hour long pool breaks in the middle of the workday. But on the other hand I'm excited about blankets and sweaters and fires in the fireplace. While the summer months always seem to be a season of relaxation and reprieve, Fall marks the reinstallation of routine with school days and athletic teams starting up again. This part of the season change excites me. I thrive in spontaneity yet I long for routine as something I can depend on from one day to the next. This month I look forward to buying school supplies and color coding my already alphabatized files. Annoying, I know, but dependable and there when I need them. Like when Colton can't remember where he put our passports, I'll know they're in the red Important Documents file, fit snug between House Info. and Insurance. And here's a teaser of what I'm working on for tomorrow.

Have a great day,

Michelle

On Your Birthday :: Personal

August 31, 2010 Michelle Cross

Dear Momma, I'm sitting at the kitchen island half hidden behind your laptop. You think I'm setting up Skype on your computer so that no matter where life's adventures may take Colton and me, I'll never be farther than a video chat away. But what I'm actually doing is sitting here watching you work, amazed by your strength and beauty. This morning when we walked through your garden I was admittedly miffed that you didn't pass down the genetic code for keeping things, specifically plants, alive. You were so excited to show me your aisles of basil, rows of dill, and sprawling lawns of zucchini and cucumber, yet all I could think was how beautiful you are when you smile. I know it sounds silly, but your ability to grow an out of this world garden and then cook an equally as extraordinary dinner with the fruits of your labor only solidfies my belief that you are superwoman.

Right now you're baking - another genetic trait you failed to pass down. The kitchen is filled with the buttery aromas of golden rolls and fresh dill and when you see me eyeing your masterpieces you threaten to cut my forfinger off. I know, Mom, I only get to eat the ugly ones! I also know that when you're finished you will leave two rolls at the end counter - one for me and one for dad.

I like being here, in your kitchen, and laughing to myself as you speak to your creation like it's the third person in the room. "Why are you asking for so much flour today? You sure have a mind of your own, don't you?" or "You didn't didn't take this long to raise yesterday, what makes you think I don't have places to be today? Hmmm?". But then you should be the one laughing, really, because everything you touch tastes like heaven.

So today, on your birthday, I want you to know I think you're incredible. Without fail you brighten my day with your flawless smile and your overwhelmingly warm embrace. I hope to be half the woman you are and even half as beautiful as you are. I also hope to grow just a quarter of the garden you grow (because really, I shouldn't get greedy). Thank you for being everything you are and most of all thank you for being my mom.