Quirks are what makes us who we are …

I have a strange quirk. My friend would call it a syndrome. I’m not quite sure why but whenever I diet, I bake. When I am not dieting, I will bake on occasion but it is not quite as often.

Let me back up …

My husband is a body builder. Have I ever mentioned that before? For as long as I have known him, he has been a gym rat who eats ridiculously healthy. He does cycle in and out of his health nut routine. This is good because if he didn’t … I’m pretty sure my diet would have prevented him from marrying me. With each of my pregnancies my body decided to revolt and said I could know longer eat like I did when I was a teenager. I chose to ignore it. I didn’t exercise either. I actually hate exercising. Hate with a red hot passion. Well, I bet you can guess what happened. It wasn’t pretty and choose not to dwell on it. I finally begged the spouse to help me and I swear it was like he had just been waiting to hear me utter those words.

The dieting began and I began to pummel myself with endless exercise. I lost 60lbs. I was extremely excited about the direction I was going. I actually loved my diet. I still hated exercise but it was a tool I could no longer deny I needed. Except, something else happened. I began to bake. Every single day. Every day for months, there were endless baked goods in my house. All organic, in many cases even vegan baked goods. Breads, cookies, cakes, muffins, tarts and even pies somehow made their way out of various cookbooks and into my house. I NEVER ate any of it. I would package them off and send them to friends. Stocking the lunches I made for the boys with PB&J sandwiches made on homemade honey whole wheat bread and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies became the norm.

Then something happened and I stopped dieting. Then I stopped exercising. Immediately … I stopped baking. Every one was disappointed. I’ve been on a slippery slope ever since and things were heading back down that seriously ugly path. You know, the one we’re not dwelling on? Yeah, that one. Anyway, I would randomly start and stop dieting over the last few years and each and every time the baking would begin. I never eat the baked goods. Even when I fall off the wagon … it’s usually for something like Thai food or French Fries. Don’t ask why. I actually love baked goods but if I’m not dieting … I’m not usually baking them. I’m buying them at bakeries.

I’ve been dieting again for almost three weeks now. It’s been brought to my attention that I have been baking again. My kids are thrilled. My husband feels as though I am trying to sabotage him. My friends know I’m trying to sabotage them (they’re all so fit and tiny) and my pantry is always over flowing with treats. The neighborhood kids have been offering to help around the house for treats. Oh, all the little things that make us who we are!

Latest baked treats … Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

iPhonography

Are you an iPhonographer? I am not. I have tried to take a compelling photograph with my iphone. Perhaps I’m trying too hard. Mostly, I get frustrated at the lack of control I have to manipulate the situation. My images are ALWAYS grainy and have a soft focus.

I am constantly asking people who love to take images with their iphones if they’re good … because I want them to show me how. Are there classes for this sort of thing? My son (yes, my son) told me that maybe I should stop trying to control it and just trying to use it how it is. “Like you KNOW you need more light Mom”. I really hate it when a twelve year old knows better. He’s probably right. It has limitations and I just need to work within the parameters of it. It is because I HATE failing at anything that I can’t let it go and just not be an iPhonographer.

So here is the terrible photo for the day … of me. Hopefully as I learn to work within the limitations of my iphone, things will improve. They have to … right?

Has it really been that long

You know, since my last post? I guess my life got full and busy and once again my blog got lost in the ether.

So what’s been happening? Well, I have kids. Yes, I know … you knew that. They tend to be the center of my universe. They both have gotten awards for being awesome and I am full of proud Mama happiness right now. I try really hard not to brag too much about my boys because I know I am biased and it can be a little annoying. When I can announce that they’re getting straight A’s or getting awards for being just an all around good kid (which they did ) … I throw it out there. It’s validation for what I always feel about them. They’re really good, kind, smart kids. I am so lucky to be their Mom.

I am currently going through a new branding transition! I am so excited about my designer MJ Phelps of Emjay Studios. She is brilliant and got me immediately! I adore her and am so excited to be moving forward on more things with her!

I had the pleasure of photographing this beautiful woman and her daughter recently.

I love showcasing the bonds between Mother’s and their children. As I’ve said before, the bond with my Mother and I is something very special and important to me. Mother’s Day is on the way and I encourage Mom’s to come in and have a Mommy & Me Session. Open to all ages. I know it’s a rarity to have photos of you and your kids alone or even you and your Mom. Give yourself or your loved ones that gift. I am going to get some done myself very soon. It’s been too long since I had photos of just the boys and I but more, there are not many photos of my Mother and I.

 

Celebrate Mom

Some days it is harder than others to be a MOM. Let me rephrase that … sometimes it FEELS much harder than others to be a MOM. I have spent the last week wishing desperately that my own mother would come fly across the country and whisk me off my feet so I could rest while I am sick, instead of caring for my children who brought this dreadful plague upon me! Oh, did that sound like blame?

Sorry boys.

Wishing desperately for my mother left me thinking of how much I value the mothers in my life. My own mother is the best friend I’ve ever had in my life. She’s my teacher, my safe place, my truth, my touchstone …  My mother in law is my friend, my shopping buddy, the one I can always count on, my extended family who somehow accepted me in a way, I never expected to. My best friend (non-family member) is the mother who is a warrior, she’s always good for laughter, tears and much much more.

Mothers are everywhere and they’re important to me and I’m sure to you too.

I want to celebrate Mothers by doing a fabulous giveaway for 3 awesome Mothers to represent the Mothers in my life that I value most.

Three Fabulous Mothers will get the gift of a 3 hour Couture Portrait Session. 

This Couture Portrait Session includes:

1-2 Hours of Portrait Photography

Hair & Make-up Makeover

One 8×12 Fine Art Print of their choice

Wine & Dessert

So how does someone win this giveaway? Simple. Head over to Wirth Images on Facebook and simply like the page and add a photo of someone you think deserves to win this gift with a brief message about why you believe they deserve it. June 1st 2012, my 3 Mothers will choose the winners just in time for Mother’s Day. There will also be surprises for the person who nominates! Just saying! I love surprises!!!!

Winners must have their portraits taken in Western Washington. 

Just Because

I love his face.

Top Ten Reasons Why I Have Chosen NOT To Become Famous

 

1. Privacy.  While I have no issue flaunting some of the random inner workings of my life (and my family) … I can do it on my own terms.  I value that ability far too much.
2. Clothing. I am eclectic in my apparel choices. Some days I am alternative. Some days I am a GAP commercial. Some days I am channeling Audrey Hepburn. Every now and then I even pretend I am sporty spice. However most days, I sport the mommy look … whatever is clean and comfy. This almost always ends up being some paint splattered sweats. You never see celebrities in that type of attire. I am kind of sad for them on this note. I love my horrible clothes.
3. Products. The endless access to products. I know this seems crazy but really think about it. When countless free things are being thrown in your face, it has got to be hard to be thoughtful about what it is you use and where it comes from. It’s hard for me now and I pay full price.
4. History. OMG – I’ve done plenty of things I am sure I’d never like to ever see come to light again. Let the past be the past.
5. Social Aspects. While I try to play nice with others, sometimes that’s not always possible. I’d be the one celebrity always being written up for having said something that wasn’t quite right. The tendency to put my foot in my mouth also is a factor here. It wouldn’t be pretty.
6. Servants. Yes, I said servants. I am so uncomfortable with the idea of maids, drivers, nannies and the like. No, I don’t ever want one. I prefer to scrub my own toilet and raise my own children.
7. Children. My children are awesome. While most people who meet them often agree, I’d hate to have to subject them to the constant public opinion of others. Isn’t it bad enough that they have to deal with their peers?
8. Sleep. It just seems like those people never sleep. They all looks so freaking tired. I need my sleep. Could be because I am old though.
9. Age. I love that I am becoming a grown up. White hairs are beginning to crop up and people almost start to take me seriously. Most famous people seem to perpetually be twenty-one. Whether by medical miracles or behavior, these people never seem to grow up.
10. Exercising. I hate it. In real life, the only one who cares about that is my super healthy body builder husband. If I were famous, I would have to exercise. This way, I can exercise sporadically and eat all the peanut butter cookies my heart desires.

As you can see, I’ve quite obviously made a choice to fly under the radar. I enjoy my life and all the things in it far to much to be famous. I could be convinced to re-think all these things for the shoes though. There are some Christian Louboutins I have been lusting after for forever and really … it might be worth it.

 

Photo by the fabulous Carolyn Ryan of Carolyn Ann Ryan Photography

 

John Green Comes To Seattle & Adam Meets His Heroes

I discovered my love for reading when I was ten years old. I read a book called “The Endless Steppe” by Ester Rudomin Hautzig and I stayed up until four in the morning reading it. I couldn’t put it down. My affinity for reading is definitely bolstered by genetics. In all my life, I don’t think I’ve ever seen my mother without a book in hand. While my ever growing library may seem small to some (yes Twist, I mean you) my husband often complains about having to look for us among the stacks. Books are neatly piled everywhere.

When Adam (my oldest) was learning to read, it was like pulling teeth. There were many tears of frustration (mostly mine) and countless hours of practicing. I was sure by some twist of fate, genetics had failed me. One day it all just clicked for him. I remember he sweet little six year old face looking up at me and saying: “It’s like the world just grew and it can go on and on forever!” Can you hear my internal sigh? I knew he was just like me. Over the years I have introduced him to many books and have had the immense pleasure of having book chats with my son.

I first discovered John Green a while after becoming a part of an on-line community of fans who love Harry Potter. I begun to watch his youtube videos. It was a compilation of video messages sent back and forth between him and his brother, Hank Green. They were hilarious and on many occasions colossally thought-provoking. What struck me more than anything was that they made it cool to be intelligent. They didn’t make any apologies for being considered a nerd but instead embraced it. They created an entire community of people (Nerdfighters) who had come together embracing the same ideology and celebrated it. I began to let both my boys watch these videos (after I pre-screened them of course) because I thought that these are people to look up to. As a mother who sees the kids who worship Justin Bieber or Heaven forbid cast members of The Jersey Shore, I was more than thrilled to find two someones who were celebrated for their intellect and kind hearts.

This is when I started reading John Green’s books. Fan seems like such a simple term for my feelings toward this perfect stranger. If there was a hierarchy of fan-hood, whatever that top tier would be & whatever it may be called, that is most certainly what I would be. Well, minus the stalker implications of course. I had found yet another reason for my boys to like this guy. Adam has read “Paper Towns” and I loved talking it over with him. He’s now almost finished with “The Fault In Our Stars”. As a Christmas present, I bought Adam & myself tickets to the Seattle book signing that took place just last night.

At 12 & 31 years of age we definitely did not meet the criteria for the median age at last night’s event. Most people assumed I was just shepherding my son. The first time in my life, I ever felt sort of ancient. Other people assumed my newly turned twelve year old was just a small teenager. I had to laugh at Adam’s response to a seventeen year old girl when she remarked on his age. She was shocked he’d read any of the books. “This is a BOOK SIGNING, isn’t it?”  He was vibrating with excitement. He had a huge smile on his face from the time we got in line outside the book store until we left hours (and hours) later that night. When we finally got a seat in the book store, he just couldn’t be still. It was something you might expect from a kid going to his first concert.

Ok bad example but his mother is a photographer so he obviously hates getting his picture taken … especially when he can’t focus .

When John Green took the stage, Adam was in awe.

I wish I had taken a photo of Adam’s face because it was just that beautiful. While, it was in part a gift to myself to be there, I had not expected the gift of my son’s joy to eclipse everything else. When Hank Green took the stage, I thought for sure Adam was going to pass out. “Breathe kiddo.” He just looked over at me and laughed. The entire show (for a show is indeed what it was) was made of awesome. By the time it was over and time for signing, our faces hurt from smiling. We waited patiently for section J to be called. Adam fell asleep. He was laying across my lap and I couldn’t help but think about when he was born and how far we’ve both come. I had to wake him to get in line for signing and I could see his nerves. He was going to get to talk to both John & Hank! I was nervous for him. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to say much myself. Really, what do you say?

He walked right up to the table and breathlessly told John Green how he watched the videos. He completely forgot to mention the books. He took pictures with his Nintendo 3DS (which Hank Green reminded him to use in 3D mode) and then just about floated away when his turn was over.

When all was said and done, my son walked out with tears in his eyes and gave me a huge hug. He thanked me for the “best night ever”! We put our new tour CD by Hank Green on in the car and before we even made it out of the parking lot, Adam was asleep. I was so happy to share that experience with him. I will certainly never forget it. Thank you to both John & Hank.

 

A side note from Adam in case John or Hank ever read this …

“Thank you so much! You were both very nice people in person.” – Adam Wirth

With Endings Come New Beginnings

Tags

happy new year

When the year began, I was perfectly sure what direction I was heading in. It seems that no matter what path I have ever put my foot on, I somehow end up heading in a direction I never imagined. An eight year old me once intended to be a neurosurgeon. A fifteen year old me vowed to never get married or have children. Can you see a pattern? I’ve been married for over ten years, have two children, am now just as close to being neurosurgeon as I was at the tender age of eight and despite being terrified of dogs own one that looks like a small bear.

It would make sense then that when 2011 began and I had decided to head down a path focusing on children’s portraiture, that something would send me down many winding roads. I’ve since discovered a talent for making women feel beautiful and found that I can push the limits of creativity within myself to places, I wasn’t sure I was capable.

I’ve grown as a person and a photographer this last year and while 2011 was not always good to me, I am sad to see it come to a close. One this first day in 2012 I fid myself looking at the year ahead and wondering how I will grow and change in the coming year. I am so grateful to all the people that have helped to shape 2011! I look forward to seeing you all this year! I just hope my contribution to your lives will be as good & helpful to you, as yours has been to mine.

Happy New Year!

Just Make A Decision

Have you ever heard of analysis paralysis? I am a consistent sufferer of it. It’s so funny because I can stand outside of a situation and feel like I know exactly what should be done. This is of course when it’s not a matter personal to me. When it comes to me it’s a decision that seems to take forever. To top it off I almost always still have “buyer’s remorse” because I can’t stop thinking of all the dozens of other options I could have taken.

I have been trying to decide on a pair of shoes for months. Seriously. I’ve needed a pair of everyday shoes since May. Tennis shoes? Ballet Flats? TOMS?  I have absolutely no idea what I want. When I think I’m finally about to decide, a new option rolls into play. I have a pair of gray suede boots that I love. They’re beat up and look like they have been through A LOT (and they have) but I adore them. The soles of both of them have cracks in them. Now I need a new pair of flat boots. This can go on forever. While I’d love to buy every pair of shoes I see, I’ve been put on shoe probation. No, I don’t want to talk about it. Sooooooo … I have to make a decision. UGH.

This happened with the Christmas Card this year. I took way too many photos of my the boys. We had special shoots for it, random shots of oh you look so cute and special family trip shots. I couldn’t decide. Should the card be funny? We are after all a humorous family right? What do I want to go for? Traditional? Unique? Who’s going to be in it? If it’s just the boys will it be a shot of both of them or individuals. It was a mess. Finally we just picked something and said this is it! Does it really require THAT much thought? It’s only the card that will go out to everyone I ever met in my life and some that I haven’t (the hubby’s family) …

I’m going to start planning for next year … RIGHT NOW. Maybe by then I’ll know exactly what I want. Or maybe I’ll just do mini accordion albums for everyone.

Dance Away The World’s Troubles

I have been very lucky in my life. I have crossed paths with lots of amazing people. Maybe they’ll never be famous but their contribution to the world is one that holds a value greater than most. I met Shannon Brennan because our sons were on the same soccer team. It’s one of those situations where you make “friends” based on your circumstances and maybe next year the only time you’ll see them in passing at Target. I liked Shannon immediately. She seemed comfortable in her own skin and very approachable. We did become friends. Even though over nearly three years have passed since we met and our sons are no longer on the same team, I still call her my friend. Shannon is a very special person.

Aside from the great act of just being my friend Shannon is a great many other things:

~a wife to a husband who is in the Navy.

~ a mom to two boys (I KNOW what that’s like so GINORMOUS Kudos to her)

~ a cake decorator

~ a Zumba instructor

~ and is always there any time someone needs a helping hand.

When Shannon came to me and asked if I’d be interested in photographing a Zumba event for her, I said absolutely. I didn’t even know what it really was. That’s how awesome she is. I just said an emphatic YES!

 

Shannon had gotten together with her pals and I was about to be introduced to them. The Zlicious Mamaz. This is a group of Zumba instructors in the Marysville area. It’s like I discovered this little secret community that I never could ave imagined existed. These women each on their own are pretty awesome. Each one of them brings something to the table that is special and as I get to know them better, I feel even more honored to be associated with them. They operate like a little family supporting each other at every turn in their work and everyday lives. What they do, when they come together is pretty special.

The first event they put together was a fundraiser for Breast Cancer and I would be volunteering a photo booth at this event. I know very few people who have not been touched in some way by breast cancer … it is a very raw and current concern for me. My very good friend’s mother is suffering from it and has only a short time left on this Earth. I feel helpless. While this was something I’d have been happy to do for Shannon, it was also some tiny little thing that I could do for my friend and her mother. The event was such a great success. They invited friends, Zumba classes and more to come & work it out on the dance floor while raising money for a good cause. They came, they danced and they raised a lot of money! It was wonderful. I can’t tell you how surprised I was at not only the turn out but just how every single person in the room gave it their all. I was inspired by the heart of everyone there. Of course … I couldn’t help but dance around when no one was looking.

After pulling off such a flawless event, they decided to do another fundraiser. This time they supported a new cause. The danced again, sweating to some pretty awesome music, sparkling and jingling away to raise funds for the Domestic Violence Center. This time I got to hang out all night with a super fit body building Santa.

They worked so hard to bring it all together for a good cause. You can’t imagine just how much goes into pulling something like this off!

Once again, it exceeded my expectations and it inspired me to think of more ways I can give and do what I love. They get t have fun with their friends, get healthy and raise money for amazing causes! I don’t know what they’re going to do next but keep an eye out because I hope to see you there. They’re changing the world by dancing away one event at a time.