post by leslie

Today was long.I started by shooting a super fun digital marketing event at the Walker (the breakfast had the view above -- which, by the way, includes a piece of Shuttersmack HQ in it!), but it did have me up at 5:45 am. The rest of the day was filled with meetings and photo processing, piano lessons, swim lessons and picking up dinner all while managing a 3 year old's endless emotions.And while I raced around town from piano lessons to preschool pickup and managed to arrive at swim lessons on time... I realized as I pulled into the parking lot that I had forgotten both the swim trunks and the towel. Some days are just like that, I suppose.Anyway, here's to realizing that we are all far from perfect and all we can do is work a little harder to get things right. And put our feet up at the end of the day and watch a little trash TV. At least, that's my plan.One internet share that struck a chord today was this. Enjoy!

post by leslie

Today I had a shoot at a salon for some beauty images, and you guys, IT WAS SO FUN! This time of year is filled with so many business portraits -- and I do enjoy those to a degree. But to step away and focus on different lighting techniques and color and creativity was a breath of fresh air! I wish I could show you this woman in color -- her hair was AMAZING. But the images will be used in color competitions, so you'll have to wait a bit. I don't want to steal anyone's thunder. I promise to show them off later though -- it will be delightful.For your internet shares of the day:+ Now I want to visit Mexico.+ A whole slew of beauty tips!+ This is so ridiculous. And while we all know how much I adore Trader Joe's, they are totally guilty. STOP IT.   

post by leslie

Well, we had a blizzard this weekend. In mid-April.It started snowing Friday afternoon and... well... as I write this on Sunday night at 10 pm, it's still snowing. It's supposed to stop in the next 3 hours, but they've already cancelled school for Monday, so today will feel much like the others. Except that hopefully the roads will be good enough for us to leave the house? One can hope.Below are some photos from the weekend -- around the house and the neighborhood. I won't lie, it was beautiful out there. I'm just ready for a little warmth and patio time, that's all.

post by leslie

Lucy and I were working with Creative Memories all day today, and holy cow did we get a lot done! We had four completely different sets to create and style (in other words, Lucy worked her butt off) and loads of changes within those sets for varied shots.Lucky for Ezra, one of the sets included planets and dinosaurs, and I was able to bring him home a box of these feisty creatures. They have already entertained him for almost an hour tonight while I cooked dinner, and there is talk of taking them into the bath later, so in my mind they are worth their weight in gold.Because I was working all day, there was little internet perusal, but this article resonated with me deeply, and I hope you enjoy it as well. If you live in Minnesota, let's all try to get out of work early today and get provisions before Saturday's blizzard eh? And if you don't... just be thankful. This month, anyway.

posted by leslie

Despite my best efforts, I'm in a funk today. I suspect it's because I haven't been sleeping well and I am coming down with some sort of cold (sore throat and exhaustion being my tipoffs). I'm trying to be productive at my desk today, but odds are I'm about to give in and go lay down for 30 minutes on the couch. I'm not sure if that's a plus or a minus of working from home, but frankly I'm too tired to contemplate it further.The photo above is the view out the window from my corporate shoot yesterday. It fully represents how I'm feeling about life right now -- the word being monotonous. I am tired of the weather and inside shoots. I am craving sunset shoots with happy families more than you can imagine right now, and if you are one of the amazing people that I have on my calendar for May, you just wait. The enthusiasm that I greet you with if we ever get 60 degrees and sunshine again might just knock you off your feet!But how about some internet shares today, eh?+ This video is not very subtle and I love it and her and I cannot wait for the album. It is by far the happiest part of my day.+ I've been pondering my Every Damn Day list. I'm thinking piano practice, 3 glasses of water and puppy snuggles are a must. Yours?+ There are so many fascinating stories out there.

Post by leslie

Oh this boy is so dang adorable and sweet. He was a rescue.This is your friendly reminder that you can, in fact, rescue purebred dogs (not that they are by any means better than mixed breeds). Just like Merlin, he's a beauty, and I love taking his photo. That fluff! It cannot be beat.I shot him wearing more of the fabulous Lucy & Co bandanas (more on that later! promise!), as I gear up for some big shoots at the end of the  month. No internet shares today -- I'm a bit swamped prepping for the gigs this week.Here's hoping the weather forecast is correct and the weather gets up to the 50s soon!

post by leslie

We took Ezra to the Science Museum for the first time this weekend. I've been loads of times for shoots or weddings or fun, but it was delightful to watch him explore it all for the first time. He was at first enthralled by the giant T-Rex skeleton when we entered, and he loved touching the teeth and seeing how large they were, but that seemed to quench his thirst for dinosaurs as he had no more interest in that part of the museum for the rest of our visit.Instead, he was fascinated by light, lasers, wind and movement. And legos. Did I mention the legos?They have a wonderful exhibit there now on the architecture of skyscrapers where all of the world's tallest buildings are built with legos, and then there are tubs and tubs and tubs of legos for kids to try to build their own. What a fun morning we had!

(My child did not build that Chrysler Building -- it was part of the exhibit.)And now for your internet shares of the day:+ Something new to listen to! This artist was in town last week (I didn't make it to the show) and I kept meaning to give the music a listen. So here I am a week late!+ What happens when parents put the kids in charge -- a delightful read.+ Finally, a trailer that makes the new Star Wars movie look interesting.

post by leslieLast night, my amazing friend Jaime (and her cohorts) threw a big party for All Are Welcome Here at a local brewery and called it All Are Welcome Beer. Like last year, it was a big success and so fun to see all of her hard work paying off in such a big way!The photo above is of Minneapolis Mayor, Jacob Frey, working behind the bar to serve the masses. They had a variety of local celebrities pouring brews, including my faves Jeremy Messersmith and Andrea Swensson.You can see them and many others in the photos below. It was such a fun and wonderful evening!