Be Mine, Valentine

We had a really nice Valentine's this year. We slept in, had breakfast in bed, and walked through the greens with Bella. In the afternoon we took maternity photos of our friends, Donny and Natasha. They are expecting their first child- a girl!- in about a month! They are such a warm and happy couple, and we really enjoyed spending the afternoon with them. Donny used to have Isaac's position at ASD, and is now teaching middle and high school art. His incredible artwork can be found in and around their beautiful villa, and it was so fun to see it all! Donny's "found art" pieces include several large fish, made from metal scraps, and items he's come across. They are AMAZING!!! I was thrilled when Natasha suggested that Donny make us a fish in exchange for the photos. I am so excited I can barely stand it!!! I've already given a lot of thought to where we will hang our beautiful angel fish... =). After the photo session, we dined al fresco. Donny made his homemade chili (loaded with veggies and super delicious), and prepared a green salad. We brought my twice baked potatoes, and I can say with certainty that we all thoroughly enjoyed our scrumptious feast. It was such a relaxing and fun evening of conversation! A perfect Valentine's day!



To see photos from Donny and Natasha's session, click here to visit Wayfarer Studio!

New Header

I decided to try my hand at designing a little header for the blog. Whatcha think? Nothing too extraordinary this go 'round, but every time I look at this picture I'm reminded of the AMAZING man I'm married to and I turn into a lovey-dovey pile of mush...sigh... =)

And we're back in business!

We found a new 50mm lens today! Woo Hoo! It was beginning to look like a hopeless case (and my stress levels were rising) after contacting multiple camera shops. Finally we discovered a teeny tiny shop in MOE that had one. So, I now have my *new* precious lens, back on my camera, safe and sound! I have also scoured B&H online for a good camera bag, as the ultra cool (not really), but super functional hip bags do not appear to exist in Dubai. I found one with great reviews that carries a large SLR, plus 3 or 4 lenses for a pretty good deal. We'll be placing an order for one or two soon. Hopefully my mom can bring it/them over to us in her suitcase when she visits this spring, pleeease (says Jenni, batting her eyelashes adorably). =)
Of course I HAD to test out my new lens as soon as I got home and the only models I could find were the furballs responsible for the death of my first lens. Even though they are stinkers, they are pretty darn cute!


Goodbye, dear friend...













A precious moment... bath time is pretty much the only instance when these two aren't either scuffling or ignoring one another



Oh, sweet, confused Safa... what goes on in that little pea-brain of yours?

Lesson of the day...

Never, and I mean NEVER leave your precious camera and lovely little brand new 50mm f1.4 portrait lens sitting in the middle of the dining room table! A frisky cat may come along and knock it onto the stone floor. ARGH!!!!!

Oh, my poor lens, I am so sorry you have passed on... I promise I will NEVER EVER EVER be so STUPID as to leave one of your fellow friends out like that AGAIN!

Lesson learned!!!

In more positive news, it's the weekend! Hooray! We slept in until 9:00, which was heavenly. Now, my sweet hubby is whipping us up some scrumptious french toast. YUM! AND, we have been invited to a Chinese New Year party this afternoon. I'm really looking forward to it!
Perhaps after the party we'll swing by Sharaff and see if we can find a new portrait lens, as well as a new UN-DOG-CHEWED camera bag. *Sigh* Another quick lesson... NEVER leave Mentos (those glorious little fresh-makers) in your camera bag. A sneaky little dog may come by and chew a hole through the bag to get them.

Reflecting on this post, I suppose another lesson learned is that your life is much easier if you don't have pets... hmmm...

He's in there!

Yup, that's where Baby Russell is residing for now. We can't wait to meet him in a few short weeks! Click here to see more of Teryl, James, and their cute little baby bump!