Mustard Seed Creations – 2019
pictures
Close Up in Color
Mustard Seed Creations – 2019
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
This past Saturday I had the honor of doing Zach W.’s senior pictures.
I’ve worked with Mr. Z here for the past year in various outreaches through our church and after months of hinting he should let me do his pictures he finally said “Hey, you know what? I need pictures done. Could you?” I’m paraphrasing here- but it went something like that. After rolling my eyes, sighing the largest exasperated sigh, and reminding him that I’ve been trying to get him to do some for MONTHS…I agreed to do it.
What you’ll find below is a few of the pictures from that day along with quotes- many of which are his favorites. In fact, the title of this post is his favorite U2 song. There’ll be another post or two in the next week from our photo session; those will be in color. But you know how I love black and white photography.
And so here’s where my dialogue ends and the session begins.
Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning.– Senator Orrin Hatch
“It is understanding that gives us the ability to have peace. When we understand the other fella’s viewpoint, and he understands ours, then we can sit down and work out our differences.” — Harry S. Truman
“It is not the critic who counts, but the man within the arena.”– Theodore Roosevelt
“When you align yourself with God’s purpose as described in the Scriptures, something special happens in your life.”—- Bono
“It is hard to see how a great man can be an atheist. Without the sustaining influence of faith in a divine power we could have little faith in ourselves. We need to feel that behind us is intelligence and love. Doubters do not achieve; skeptics do not contribute; cynics do not create. Faith is the great motive power, and no man realizes his full possibilities unless he has the deep conviction that life is eternally important, and that his work, well done, is a part of an unending plan.” — Calvin Coolidge
“Complaining about a problem without proposing a solution is called whining.” — Theodore Roosevelt
“Education is not a problem. Education is an opportunity.” — Lyndon B. Johnson
“When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President. I’m beginning to believe it.” — Clarence Darrow
“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.”– B.B. King
“Trouble knocked at the door, but, hearing laughter, hurried away.” — Benjamin Franklin
“You broke the bonds and you loosened chains. Carried the cross of my shame, of my shame. You know I believe it.” — U2, ‘Still haven’t found what I’m looking for’
“At the beginning of all this begetting, something began.” – I honestly don’t know…… (Zach W. when I asked who said this.)
Mustard Seed Creations – 2019
Spring Things
Well we might be late to the party here, but I am happy to report that Northeastern Maine is finally getting with the program and it’s looking as if Spring is officially here. To celebrate we cleaned off the side porch, which also happens to be our front porch for all intents and purposes due to it’s proximity to the driveway.
A certain ten year old in a turban joined me on the porch to just breathe it all in.
Oh, and to steal my phone…..
The sight of a bird perched atop a tree across the street had me reaching for my cellphone to take a photo, but wanting more , I dashed inside and grabbed my camera to get a little closer.
Satisfied I turned back towards home (I may or may not have alarmed my neighbors by traipsing into the street) and I just couldn’t help but grab a few more shots.
And apparently neither could a certain little junior shutterbug.
Speaking of bugs, now that the hummingbird feeder is up and filled, that shouldn’t be too big an issue and you’ll soon see more pictures from our porch. Maybe. We might be too busy snoozing in the pair of rocking chairs…..
Until next time, this is Summer D saying take it easy.
The Stevens Family in Black and White
If you’ve been following along this past week then this adorable family will now be familiar to you. If you’re new (hello!!! Welcome!!!), then this and this are apart of well…this. Go ahead, don’t be shy slide that cursor over there and give it a little click….
Now, scroll down and enjoy the third and final set of photos from our “spring session”.
We had so much fun that it was only inevitable that we’d end up with so many good shots. A majority of them are in color, but I couldn’t help but do a few in black and white, I mean how gorgeous are these two close ups of Mama Stevens?
Some of us enjoyed the session a little more than others….ahem…while a certain Little Stevens wasn’t as impressed with the romance of the moment.
Thank you again for going on this journey with me and sharing in what was a very wonderful day with new friends.
A Day With Friends
New memories are being made here in Houlton, Maine; many of those featuring new friends that God has brought into our lives. And He’s brought some great ones.
Like this rockstar right here.
Meet Jess C. ~ Mama of five, drinker of coffee, and owner of one of the most gorgeous smiles I’ve ever seen.
It was friendship at first sight when she walked into my home for a homeschoolers game day just a little over a month ago.
We bonded over coffee and chaos and it’s been weekly coffee breaks since. It was during one of these mornings of conversation and coffee that we got to talking about family photo sessions. By the time our cups were empty and our energy levels full, we had a date set and we were ready to go.
We met up in the quaint downtown of our very own “Mayberry” and spent two hours making memories. We weren’t sure if the weather was on our side when the day first began, but we pushed through and decided that the slightly overcast day was perfect for our shenanigans.
We started the morning off by walking up to the public library. The weathered gray brick with the green door, not to mention all of the green grass to roll around on, was an ideal place to let the kids run free and get into the spirit of things.
After a brief bout of horseplay, I acted as referee and called a timeout.
Before meeting up with Jess and her crew, I stopped by the store to buy a small pack of bubbles to surprise the kids with.
The smiles made it all worthwhile.
There’s just something so ethereal and whimsical about bubbles floating in the air. 
Once we ran out of bubbles (and steam) we made our way once more down Main Street and headed for Gateway Crossing. Where I had a few more tricks up my sleeve.
My trusty old frame came in handy that day. As well as a piece of wall art I had yet to find a spot for in our new home. 
Of course, we had fun just getting over the bridge.
Just looking at these last ones has me ready to pack up my gear and head back over for a photo session with my own girls, so don’t be surprised to find some posted later one. Until then, here’s a few from the end of our session in a dreamy spot next to the river.
Remember when I said I had more tricks up my sleeve? It was actually two cans of silly string. Can you guess who I gave those to at the end of the session?
The Mustard Seed 