hold•life•still
Three-month-old Reyka, she has been with us for four weeks. She is growing like crazy, just about 22lbs, compared to 9 a month ago. We are heading into the crazy growing stage now… 13lbs in a month is nothing Josie grew 20lbs in her fourth month.
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Just bark.
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Week 11. Taller and longer. Crazy toddler with shark teeth stage.
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Looking at food.
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Had a moment today before a session to grab a portrait. Not something I enjoy that much, but I was triggered to do so by a memory that popped up this morning in my Facebook feed. Ten years back I got a set of studio lights, it was a big deal at the time. I had no studio so the light was set up in my house. The lights with umbrellas, all corded so wires everywhere. The whole family was victims for practice shots, it seemed fair back then to take one of myself too. Not a bad attempt, we got to practice to get better right? I remember taking far too many to get one that I thought was good. moving the lights around, trying to pose, I have learned a lot in ten years. One light and a reflector will do the trick, remote triggers make a huge difference, and sometimes two clicks will do it. Most of all, goatees are not for me, hair is overrated, and I avoid ties at all costs now – never understood the concept. It will make a nice brand photo for the website. I will even share the old one, updates are good.
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Reyka is ten weeks old and has been with us for just over two. I have no idea how much she weighs – I am asked numerous times a day, it’s 2021, and I think it isn’t polite to ask that now. I know she is full of piss and vinegar. You know what? I might not be allowed to say that anymore either. But it is true, and she is on the verge of telling me herself, she loves to talk, sounds like Gizmo. Look at the smirk. She knows what she is full of. She is sweet, feisty, has no fear, getting tall quickly, Argus has taken to her, and she is in charge. It is all going perfectly, just not sure if it is by our plan or hers.
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This week I have been working with The Little Shop of Olive Oils to assist with building a catalog of photos for their website. Fresh foods, ingredients, all photographed with their new logo and bottles. The studio has smelled of garlic, olives, fruits, herbs, cinnamon, the last few days. One final photo putting all the ingredients together for one cornucopia of sorts. Check out their website, they have stores in Franklin and Mashpee, MA.
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I missed the Easter Bunny. We have worked together for many years, but 2020 had to skip or annual photo day. This year we changed it up and met kids outside at Oakland Park. So many kids! Most smiling! No laps, but tons of waves and “air” high fives. Thank you to Julie from Medway Parks and Rec for helping set up the event and The Medway Lions Club for continuing to sponsor these great community events. If you came by, thank you to you too. Look for your link to all the photos tomorrow (Sunday the 28th).
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I know there has been plenty of dog photos lately but look at them. Today is National Puppy Day. Monday Argus turned three, and Reyka has been here a week tomorrow. They started bonding today, the language of chewing sticks is universal.
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I feel the weight of connections and carry it with me. Family, friends, teachers, acquaintances, strangers, I can gain weight from anyone, and I keep it with me, to access as needed. I turn it into strength, knowledge, happiness, whatever is needed at times. Ten years ago today I lost a friend to cancer. We were not incredibly close, work friends who both longed to be professional photographers. The time we did have still means so much to me. Some of that weight I gained from knowing her has driven me over the years to do many great things related to photography and life in general. I think of her often. How talented she was. How strong she was. How driven she was. How she could call me on shit. How missed she is. I have mentioned her here before, she was instrumental in me getting the camera above. The camera is now retired, replaced but will always be with me, just as she will. I think of her every time I look at it. I miss you Ronny, many of the dreams we talked about have come to be. My studio, my business, my art, your weight is in there, I am happy to carry it. Rest easy my friend.
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Lady Reykjavik arrived home this afternoon. We picked Reyka up this morning from the breeder then she enjoyed a road trip back to Medway. Weighing in at 9.5 lbs, she was dwarfed by Argus by over 100 lbs. Though she took charge instantly, she is obsessed with him, follows him everywhere. The feeling is not equal. The big guy is still a little stand-offish but is quickly coming around. He enjoys being chased just not caught. Tomorrow we have a photoshoot in the studio.
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New barn decor from my talented friend Dawn. Perfect addition to the studio. #holdlifestill
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