Splashs of Color

I was recently talking on the phone to one of my friends and we began reminiscing about our childhood and how we collected anything we accumulated more than four of.  I collected pencils, erasers, stickers, pins, key chains, beanie babies, trolls, pogs, oh and my bandaid collection new and used. I would stick the used bandaid on my book case.  I began to accumulate many colorful used bandaids the more I played with the neighbor kids.  I began going on more risky adventures with the idea if I got hurt I would get to add to the collection.  I also collected candy wrappers which was short lived yeah...ummm (maggots like candy wrappers as well).   As I look back at my wild neon outfits and spash painted shirts, and colorful cordoroy pants I was really drawn to color at an early age.  I would look forward to art class everyday, I would use some of every color even black because I didn't want to leave any color out (they would feel bad).  Needless to say my painting rarely turned out in fact they looked like a puddle of tan mudd.  So today, as I am side tracked from work my love for color still is there, but this time I will try editing instead.  

Derek and Molly

This weekend I had the enjoyment of second shooting with a super talented photographer Jennifer. You should check her photography at http://www.jenniferaphoto.com It was a hot day, but we had a blast!

Bekah and Josh Night Engagement Session

I was glad I got to photograph Bekah and Josh in downtown. We had such a blast we did not want to stop.

  

Minneapolis, Home of the "Pro Bikers"

It was a beautifully scorching 99 degree Sunday and I decided to go for a nice long bike ride. Since moving to the cities I have come accustomed to how serious the bikers, rollerbladers and runners are.  Hand signals are a must, as well as warning "passing on your left".  I have seen traffic jams of bikers for the first time in my life.  So I get out my Nike's, my rock star sunglasses and hop on my bike.  As I am cruising around on the trail enjoying the beautiful scenery bikers start whizzing by me in these flashy spandex uniforms.  "Must be a racing team or something" I think to myself.  As I continue on the path I realize I am one of the only ones without one of these sweet uniforms.  Oh my gosh! am I in the middle of a race or something?  I certainly must be, I mean everyone all ages, shapes and sizes are decked out head to toe in Lance Armstrong looking getup.  Okay if I really am in this race I start imaging what color I want my flashy spandex shirt. Pink...umm no for sure neon yellow (since it will accentuate my tan more) and orange writing that reads my sponsor Cheetos, with a picture of Chestah the Cheetah on the back of my shirt, just so everyone knows how fast I can ride ;) (but usually choose not to).

I recently read a book called the Art of Racing in the Rain.  One of the main characters gives the advice never LET anyone pass you, MAKE them pass you.  I wonder if there is an exception when riding on a bike path in MN alongside a bunch of "pro bikers"?  I decide to make the "pro bikers" pass me although it is not too difficult especially when I need a water break.  I have not mastered the riding with no hands and I don't have one of the cool backpack things filled with water or protein drinks. So usually I am just fumbling for my water still trying to maintain my speed (or lack of speed) while attempting to hydrate myself.  There is no stopping in this race.

Seven miles pass and I get bored of pedaling, I forget that every mile I ride I also have to ride back.  I decide to break the rules and turn around with no hand signal.  I already broke more than one rule in this race, no helmet and wearing old stained, green lawn mowing shoes with no spandex sponsored tshirt is a huge no no.   I continue to ride and admire the beautiful day and how the sun rays feel as they hit  my skin as I go in and out of the shadows, how little pellets of sweat feel on the side of my face, as it runs down it tickles.  I notice how my metal handle bars reflect light like those crystals one hangs in the windows and from cars mirrors. 

14 miles later I approach my apartment, I made it, I think to myself how I will never be a "pro biker", I am totally fine with that but I sure did do want one of those flashy super sweet spandex sponsored flashy shirts, maybe that will make me a little more closer to seeming like a "pro biker ";)

... oh and I have not ruled out rollerblading, they get to wear the same type of gear and there seems to be a lot of "pro bladers" in the cities as well.

It really must work!

These two lovely ladies are sister and my roommates for the summer!  I went out with them to take some headshots for their new venture.  They are selling some nutrition and health products called It Works.  They offer herbal wraps, vitamins, and detox cleanses and much more.  Once their site is up I will post a link if you would like to check it out.  By the looks of these gorgeous girls I would say it really does work! I know for myself I am excited to try some of the products they offer.