donner, part IV

thanks mom and dad, for making it happen, year after year.

we love you!

donner, part III

day trip to virginia city, nevada
gayle's mother and stepfather were married about 1951 in st. mary's, "nevada's first catholic church". such a lovely setting. these are for her...

these others are random virginia city images, from downtown saloons to lighting fixtures and ceiling tiles, mining tunnels (a miniscule sample of the 700 miles underneath foot) and hand forged wrought iron cemetery fences.  

donner, 2011 part 2

an evening ride, sunset on the beach

donner, 2011

it never gets old, the jumping from the bridge or the invigoration of swimming in melted snow run off in donner lake. the boys tried their hands (and legs) at paddle boarding and we've all been in flotation devices up and down the creek, along the lake's edge. today: we float down the truckee river.

natural bridges, santa cruz

our natural bridges excursion has turned into a summer annual ritual with the gang, the usual group of young people and moms who have spent year after year together in cooperatives. the kids are nearly all taller than the parents at this point. their antics get a bit more adventurous every year. the sand castles have morphed into more intrepid hikes and rock climbing along the "roman road" and tidal pools. imagine my sheer disappointment when i thought i'd inadvertently deleted the card while processing work related images. how could it be? alas, my worst fears were eleviated when, after being away from the situation for two days, i returned to find the cards, unaltered. such relief. the images speak for themselves. i love these peeps.
straight out of the camera:

(thank you nico for this shot)

57

eric's 57 chevy - rebuilt during his high school years, made me nostalgic over my lost 55 ford. he asked me to photograph it if i had the chance. here's a little fun for you, mickey to share with him. ohhhh the ideas i have for you and the kids and a future shoot. more for you to download at www.zenfolio.com/fuloflyfe (better colors there than blogger provides)

16th birthday surprise

she didn't see it coming. and once she knew something was up, she nearly refused to participate. which is funny, really, the irony. but she doesn't like trickery, or having zero advance notice. she prefers being prepared, and truly dislikes being center of attention. i know, i know.
finally convinced that it would be good, she allowed me and her brother to walk her from the car, eyes closed, to a little gathering of girlfriends where, "surprise!" from behind the menus in the back booths sprung up a 16th birthday celebration.

every one of them a dancer, we have known these girls for years, from homeschooling co-ops to scottish dance and livermore school of dance. a few were missing but they live in santa rosa and pennsylvania, and another had a previous commitment. each and every one is unique, talented, and lovely in her own way. 

happy early birthday sarah. i love you. and i know they do too.