Sneak peek: Sophie & Manna

I give you two of the greatest dogs on Earth: Sophie and Manna. But, it’s just a sneak peek. We have so many great shots from our session that I just cannot wait to share with everyone. Stay tuned…

Sophie

 

Manna

Rhododendrons

I couldn’t help but give you a little dose of our lovely state flower, the rhododendron, since they seem to be blooming everywhere I turn. I’ve had the idea for a few weeks, but I finally decided it couldn’t wait any longer because some of them are already wilting away! I absolutely love rhododendrons. They arrive in so many vibrant colors each Spring, transforming the Northwest into something magnificent. I can’t help but admire and photograph their delicate, bee-magnet flowers. Get a glimpse while you still can!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bangs and bandanas

I realized today that it’s been a little while since Haunch’s beautiful mug has graced the pages of the Wander & Scrawl blog. My apologies to all of the loyal Haunch fans out there. I will never deprive you like this again, I promise. Here’s a lovely Haunch shot we took a little while back right after a fresh visit to the groomers. Now, before gazing into her sweet eyes, allow me to insert this disclaimer: I do not shave my dog. If I had a nickel for every time someone asked me this question in public, I would be the richest broad in all the land. No, I do not shave my dog. No, I do not have her groomed to achieve her unusual look. No, this is not her “summer cut.” She is naturally hairless, boys and girls! And the hair that you do see on her is natural as well. Every now and then, she goes to the groomers for a nice oatmeal scrub bath, a toenail clipping and an…(ahem) expression. However, during our most recent visit to the groomers, I asked that her visor be trimmed up a bit – purely for functionality. After a certain amount of time, Haunch’s bangs become so lustrous and long, they start curling down over her eyes and into her snout, making both acts of eating and breathing, a messy, cumbersome activity. So, for Haunch’s sake, we trimmed up the visor. Well, I didn’t, this place did. They are great, just like their name suggests, Great Dog Grooming. If you live in the Seattle area, I highly recommend checking them out. Even my veterinarian recommends them, which spoke volumes to me. They’re affordable, friendly and best of all, they treated Haunches like their very own dog, with gentle hands and big smiles. They even sent her off smelling great, feeling good and adorning this cute little bandana. Now her big brown eyes are wide open and available for the world to behold. Plus, Haunch gets to scarf down her fish and sweet potato sans whiskers and bangs for dessert. Everyone wins!

 

Memorial Day

Today is Memorial Day. For a lot of people it means a company paid holiday, a three-day weekend, a camping trip, or simply an extra day to stay in bed with a book. But for many others it carries a much greater weight; A gift of uninterrupted time and space to remember, to cherish and to mourn. We revere those who epitomize bravery and honor. We acknowledge and appreciate our way of life that has resulted from their hard work and deep dedication. And we lament the loss of their presence.

Honor sometimes feels like an endangered sentiment in our society. While we experience so many disappointing events in life, time unforgivingly chugs along, pausing only in hindsight. Previous generations placed a great deal of importance on honor, pride and loyalty. My grandfather was this way. He was an amazing man, full of integrity, warmth and generosity.  His loyalty to family, hard work and the Navy are some of the hundreds of wonderful things we remember about him every day, including Memorial Day.  My grandfather was in the Navy for 20 years, from age 18-38, and he fought in Word War II. Sometimes it’s hard to imagine my gentle, bird-watching, raspberry-growing grandfather in a war. I feel so grateful that he survived the war and was a part of my life, that he was there to experience my childhood with me. Every time I came over for a visit, he had a fresh National Geographic waiting for me. He always had a carpenter’s pencil at his side, that he sharpened himself. He loved birds and green tea and he adored his grandchildren. We share the same middle name and I miss him all the time.

 

Donald Ray Welch

September 29^th, 1922 – October 14^th, 2005  

 

 

Dog park

This weekend we decided to venture out and make use of the wonderful weather by heading to one of the area’s famed dog parks. I’ve always really wanted to be a dog park person, but somehow I never made the leap. This weekend, all of that has changed. I have made a complete transformation. I am now a devout and loyal “dog park person.” Especially at this dog park. This place must be what dogs dream of when they’re sleeping, where their furry dog souls travel to in the afterlife and where innocent hopes and dreams come true every half hour, quite possibly every 10 minutes (at least as much as in Disney World). I could sit here and describe this amazing place to you, but instead I will let these pictures speak on my behalf. That, and I challenge you to just go there yourself and witness it’s glorious splendor first hand. Expect acres of lush grasses, swimming holes, play areas – and most importantly, dogs. Tons and tons and bucket loads of galloping, slobbering, howling, clobbering, panting, beaming, frolicking, barking, smiling dogs. It really is heaven on earth. Or as Seattle Parks and Recreation refers to it, the Marymoor Park Offleash Dog Area. Or as I like to call it, “Heather and Haunches’ Official Dreamy Fantastic Wonderland Dog-Person Oasis.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Close encounters of the hairless kind…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brand new love…

 

 

 

 

Morning dew

Delicate and beautiful

Pregnancy is a delicate, beautiful sight to behold. This particular woman is exceptionally special, not to mention one of the most exquisitely beautiful women I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. She is truly amazing and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to share such an intimate experience with her. Here is one of my favorite images from our session. I can’t wait to meet the new life she is about to give this world.

Sneak Peek

Here’s a sneak peek of a recent engagement session with LaDonna & Dave, a beautiful couple getting married in July!  Stay tuned for more…