The blog is a little off kilter these days because... so am I. This year has been trying to say the least. It took me about six months after the election to get my bearings on life, and by then I was so drained and emotionally exhausted that I just needed a break. I'm slowly finding my groove again, and can't think of a better post to share to get back on track than this one.

The Unofficial Handletting Society of Silver Spring is a group that meets the second Tuesday of every month to doodle, handletter, color, and just unwind. I've found the meetings to be incredibly relaxing and therapeutic. I've also learned a lot from this group. Namely, if you come to this club and handletter because you want to find perfection, you're doing it wrong. Handlettering is about finding the joy and beauty in what is not perfect, and accepting that there is perfection in imperfection. ​It's also a great way to meet new people and make new friends :)

I spent time with the Unofficial Handlettering Society of Silver Spring a few months ago to take photos for their upcoming website, and it was blissful. All artistic abilities are welcome, and everyone who meets up is so encouraging and supportive of everyone else. What I loved most was seeing how each person's unique character was represented in the letters they doodled.

Want more? Check out the group's tumblr, follow them on social with the tag #SSLetters, and be sure to join them the second Tuesday of every month at Catylator Maker Space in downtown Silver Spring. The Unofficial Handlettering Society of Silver Spring is free and open to the public.

Special thanks to Amina Ahmed, Christy Batta, and Third Space Wellness for making this shoot possible.

I've got to give a huge shout out and thank you to the talented woman behind the DeHiwi brand, Hiwot Bezibih, for her kindness and incredible patience. Hiwot and I met more than two months ago. Under normal circumstances I would have had these images done weeks ago. But there have been a lot of ups and downs in life lately, so photography work has gotten delayed.

I'm getting back in the groove, though, and I've got Hiwot to thank for that. I'm swooning over these images of her pure root ginger. Spending a few hours this weekend in my creative zone was exactly what I needed, and I can't wait to share more of this gorgeous product! Check back next week for even more photos from this session!

It's insane how FAST this year is going -- and even crazier how fast the summer has flown by. Just yesterday it felt like I was texting my good friend Kathy, praying, hoping, she'd say yes to my idea: a girls' vacation!

August 15 -- just over 10 days from now -- our vacation starts. I'M SO EXCITED!!! For me, this wont be just ANY vacation. I'm actually going to have many first-time experiences... some of which are long overdue. 

Kathy and I agreed to meet in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where we'll go hiking, zip lining, and ride a glass-top train. Not only will this be my FIRST time in Colorado (I know, I know... I lived in Nebraska for 23 years and have never before visited Colorado... the SHAME!). It will also by my FIRST time vacationing with a girlfriend. 

I've mentioned this story before: I grew up in a strict household. Road trips, weekend getaways, and spring breaks without adult supervision were forbidden. By the time I became an adult, I was focused on education and my career (plus I didn't have much money to spare). Now that I've got my feet under me and a little savings, I'm taking advantage of the fun side of adulting. 

The best part? I get to share this experience with a woman I adore! Kathy and I were roomates in college and share a love of all things Nebraska, writing, and food. This is going to be awesome. :D

WHAT:
Portrait workshop with Jonna Huseman and Gerry Suchy

WHEN:
Sunday, September 24
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

WHERE:
8001 Kennett Street (Third Space Wellness) 
Silver Spring, MD

FAQS:
​Space is limited, so don't delay! Click this link to learn more or to sign up!

When I first started photography as a hobby in the early 2000s, I didn't have any help. I learned how to use a camera and edit my photos all on my own--and what a process it was! I wish there had been someone there to help guide me. Now, with the help of my good friend Gerry Suchy, I'm taking what I know and passing it on to others!

I'm thrilled to announce the Portrait Workshop with Jonna Huseman and Gerry Suchy!

This one-day workshop is designed for people who love their families, want beautiful photos of them, but need some additional guidance learning how to navigate their DSLR or mirrorless camera, and everything that's involved with post processing.

During the workshop, we'll teach guests about camera settings for portrait photography, how to work with shadows and light, and what goes into editing photos, from picking out keepers to the ins and outs of professional-grade editing software. The best part? The workshop will be very hands on--guests will have a chance to photograph models in both indoor and outdoor settings (weather permitting).

If you've ever wanted to learn photography from a professional, this is a great opportunity! Space is limited, so we encourage guests to reserve their spot early. Click this link to learn more or to sign up!