McClard Portrait

I met Mrs. McClard by luck of the draw.  So many recommendations took me to her pediatric practice when I needed a checkup and updated shots for Penn and was ready to switch from our quack general practitioner. By "so many" I mean everyone.  No joke.  The lady on the phone said, "Can I book you with Dr. McClard? She's brand new, but she's really nice."  Who knew how awesomely great a doctor and friend and comfort she would turn out to be a year later.  I honestly can't say that without tearing up a little. She's inspiring.

It was a true honor to shoot the whole adorable family.

Memorial Record

On Tuesday, August 17th many dear friends of ours gathered to remember our perfect, precious Margot Rose Miller. There to perform in her honor were Chris Holt, Salim Nourallah, Doug Burr and The Beaten Sea. This record is a collection of the songs they played for her, in the acoustic style in which they were played that night. My hope for this collection is for it to be an artifact of that night; the best notes we could find to sing in our attempts to continue with life without her. 

-- Daniel Miller  

Thank you to everyone who came to Margot's Memorial at the Kessler Theater. A very special thank you to Chris Holt, Salim Nourallah, Doug Burr and the Beaten Sea who played for her and for us. Your gift will be forever honored and respected. Thank you to sweet Daniel, who has strength and love that I don't to put this together. Thank you to the Vladimir for such a stunning piece of cover art and depicting her pink puppy so well. Proceeds go directly to the artists.

If you're just now learning about our recent tragedy, you can watch this video I made to celebrate her first birthday to see what a beautiful child she was.  Or search "Margot" on this blog (or use the search in the sidebar) to learn more.

It's not you, it's my phone. (Ranting, etc.)

I have Google Voice now.  It's pretty much the best thing ever.

I can't explain the feeling I get when I have to talk on the phone, but anxiety is involved.  I hate it.  I hate talking on the phone.  Like anything, once I get started, it's not really so bad.  But the starting part. The dialing and ringing and waiting and "What? What? What? Can you repeat that?"  Because my tiny little voice does not translate well over the phone AND I CAN'T HELP IT.  I can't speak any more clearly or loudly without sounding and feeling like a complete idiot.  I hate it.  Even if I know you really really well.  Even if you're my husband, I hate talking on the phone.

Leaving my phone at home when I go out isn't a big deal because 1: Remember how we used to totally survive without stupid phones strapped to our heads?  2:  I hate talking on the phone anyway.

I hate to even see people talking on the phone in public.  Every time I go into a public restroom there is a woman talking on the phone.  95% of those phone talkers are actually using the bathroom while they talk.  50% of those are actually pooping.  Maybe they're just more talented than me.  I am not capable of pooping in a public restroom and telling you what you should wear to the party at the same time.

There are people talking on the phone in waiting rooms or in line.  WTF?  And why is it always the LOUDEST PEOPLE that want to talk on their phones in public spaces where nobody can escape their their big mouths?

AND TEXTS!  Just because you texted me does not mean I have to text you back immediately.  I don't.  I honestly don't.  It's not rude.  And for the love of god, don't call me and then email me to see if I saw you called, then text me to see if I got your voicemail.   Also, I don't have to answer just because you called.  I don't. It's not rude.  I'm probably talking to someone else.......in person.  Or driving.  If it's not a good time to talk, I don't answer.

Back to voicemail.  Voicemail for me is just a really long list of phone conversations that get garbled or cut off or accidentally erased.  Also, they don't feel immediate to me like a good starred email does.  Google Voice turns my voicemails into something so easy to manage.  And I can star them!  And I can return the call much more quickly because I don't have to interact with my stupid phone to do it.

The transcribing has been pretty accurate so far.  But it's very funny when it's not. For example, regarding Penn's cupcake delivery today (I edited out her name):

Hi. This is buyers this is Mxxx. Cxxx and student teacher from liquid on the treat. I was just letting you know that I Specialist fully about bringing in the tree purpose birthday, it's afternoon, but she's at 2:30 would be great. So, but us know if you have any questions on questions otherwise with you 230. Thanks so much bye.

But of course I can just hit play right beneath this message to sort it out.

Recap:

1. I hate talking on the phone.
2. I hate hearing you talk on the phone.
3. I will return your correspondence as quickly as possible which will never be quick enough.
4. I hate voicemail.
5. I love Google Voice. 

Thiebaud Portrait

The Thiebaud's are back!  And so much taller! They are all so sweet and attentive and loving.  This family is just the best.  And on portrait day it was  Kristen and Clifton's 18TH ANNIVERSARY!  I mean, did they get married when they were 10 or what?

18 years of love and work and dedication and two beautiful daughters is definitely a cause for celebration. I'm glad I got to be part of the big day. Cheers to you and thanks for coming over!

Garza Portrait

It's the Garza's!  This family is full of things to love.  Ruby and Desi are a perfect little pair and so much fun to photograph!  They're all gentle and laid back and smart.  Joel is so laid back he came in his slippers!  Accidentally, of course, but I thought it was endearing.  Also, I find myself in public accidentally in my slippers more often than I would like to admit.

I'm also pretty sure I once nursed a star crush on Joel's brother, singer David Garza.  Sadly I missed his recent show at at the Kessler.  But I checked up and it looks like he sang one of my favorites!

Sorry to have missed you guys at the show, but thanks for stopping in to see me!

Beard Portrait

The Beards are my favorite family!  I know you're going to start questioning my genuineness when I say that every time I post a family photo.  It's akin to having many children.  You love them all equally, right?  Right?  So I love the Beards.  They are all ridiculously beautiful.  They have long flowing Disney hair and princess smiles and most importantly a super sweet nature.  When Angela was pregnant with number three I secretly hoped I would get to see a boy version of these beauties.  But then came sweet baby girl Charlie!  The girls are also experienced models, if you're looking for new talent.

If I could handpick all my neighbors the Beards would be on the very first page of that list. At the end of our portrait session I got hugs from the girls who said they wished they could take me to lunch.  But it's too hard to eat when you've just melted from all that cuteness.