February was lovely.
Let me paint a picture. 9 inches of heavy, wet snow falls and the city of Portland, Maine issues a parking ban. Those of us who park on the street, must dig out and move our cars to various locations scattered around the city. Most likely, this lot will be at least .5 mile from your home. You will dig out, drive dangerously to location and then walk home up hill in the snow. Remember that old saying, “they” said, “I walk uphill in the snow – both ways!” “They” weren’t kidding.
Now, call me crazy but I feel like if you can survive a winter like this, you’re one tough cookie and you deserve a medal with a hidden ticket that takes you to a warm, sunny place. So congratulations to you, if you haven’t hurt yourself shoveling, fallen on the ice or succumbed to cabin fever.
{iphone picture : park street : my stroll from home to studio}
Sickly, I’ve enjoyed it all. Quite often, I have found myself thinking and feeling that these are some of the best days of my life.
I have also found many new things to love like watching out for the “winter face”. I see this a lot while driving in my warm comfy car, pedestrians with scrunched faces that let you know it’s really painful to walk outside. I know I make this face while walking too and sometimes I laugh out loud at the ridiculousness of it all. I love how arriving from one place to another, that feeling of stepping over the threshold from frigid into the cocoon of warmth of my destination. 2011 winter, I have learned to appreciate everything more deeply.
This winter was also a reminder. I will list my confession at the top of this post rather than like last months which was at the bottom.
My confession: It’s official – one month in winter of 2012, I will be in California. This winter has taught me many lessons and heading to a kinder winter is a very prominent one. Why not have the best of both worlds while I can. I’m considering mid-February – mid-March and spending my time between Santa Barbara and San Diego. I have no idea why I didn’t think to take the trip this year yet it’s been really nice spending quality time here in Maine. February kept me very busy. Take a look at some brave souls who set out in the cold to be photographed.
First up, I had the pleasure of photographing the beautiful Jackie Wiegleb for MMI.
I got together with Caroline and Joe in Chelmsford, Massachusetts for a chilly engagement : love session.
Colleen Griffin took a seat for an evening portrait in the studio.
On the blog : Marie Antoinette up do and Edge all styled by the fabulously talented Colleen Griffin of Aphrodite Salon. Colleen specializes in wedding hair and makeup and has also been nominated for Portland’s best colorist.
On Valentine’s Day, I featured the love story of Ess and Lloyd which turns me into a big pile of mush. Speaking of Valentine’s Day, I had the best cupid day EVER! Celebrated love day at Emilitsa over a 3 course divine dinner of heaven. Compliments to the chef!
I also featured the Pixel Chicks who are the wedding post-production goddesses of Maine.
What I’ve found : The perfect gift! Groomsmen, a loved one, yourself! Wear your world! Chart Metalworks in Portland, Maine specializes in the most unique gifts. I loved this chart story which will give you a great idea of how special these are.
Over on Aisle Candy, Katie shares gorgeous new wedding collections by J.Crew + BHLDN —> {Anthropologie!!}
For the month of February over on Elisa’s blog, Ophelia’s Webb she has a series called Pas de Deux which is a follow-up from last years very successful All You Need series. This series rocked my world all month with stories of love from all walks of life.
Second Nature in Portland is my go to for massage. Jess is AMAZING! She offers an introductory one hour massage for $45. Treat yourself!
A beautiful song I discovered this month is Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes. 2 minutes and 50 seconds in . . . wow.
For the bizarre . . . what happens to owl’s in the winter.
Next month, I will be typing to you from spring!
xoxo . . .
I love your monthly recaps! I’m so glad you’ve had a busy February here in Maine, but I’m excited for your month in CA next year!