This past year was my busiest yet in photography. For the most part, I loved it. But, there were parts I did not love.  I didn’t love missing out on my family’s lives. I didn’t love hearing, ” Mom (or Honey?) are you still on the computer?” I needed to make some big changes.

I have been doing a lot of reading and studying on how to stay sane and keep your family together while running a business. One of my favorite photographers is Davina Fear.  She is an excellent photographer who models well balancing life and family with photography. One of my favorite things she does is taking time to photograph her own family. Thus, the inspiration for this blog. I intend to do more of this in 2009.

This is my Annie. She is my middle child. While some middle children may tell tales of not knowing their place in the family and feeling overshadowed by the others, this is not Annie’s story. She shines like a star. 

Annie was named after my grandmother on my dad’s side. This is her name. It is not a nickname. Her first name means grace. Her middle name, Marie, unfortunately means bitter. Bitter grace.  Mine has the same meaning. Her name is basically my name turned around. She, however has grace first, and I hope the bitter parts of her life will stand in the shadow of grace. 

Annie is beautiful, inside and out. She cares deeply for people and carries them in her heart.  She laughs and cries with the same intensity. She lives life profoundly. She is also a gifted writer. You may read her words here:  http://anniemorning.wordpress.com/

She is amazing. Here are some of the beautiful faces of my Annie.