~Marianne Williamson
They have traveled the world together. They have shared life love and adventure together. This beautiful wedding day was the celebration of life they have shared and the life they will build. It never ceases to amaze me to watch how two families can surround two individuals with such great joy and celebration... it never ceases to amaze me because the impact and significance of this tradition is truly a divine gift. Jenica and Derek, your day was beautiful and lovely in every way....
I know that today is your first day back at work after getting to spend all our days and nights together. Oh, how I've loved all the memories we already have together, even if I sometimes cry and seem upset about something. You have fed me, rocked me, lulled me to sleep in your arms, and helped me out with my every waking need. I just have to let you know that you have been the most amazing mom I have ever known and I can't believe that in just a few short months I already love you so much and am so proud to be your little boy. I hope you see these pictures and smile because you know I won't stay this small for very long and we both have to cherish all the precious moments as I grow and change. I love you in every way that I know how.
xoxo
Liam
Oh so sweet. So so sweet. I have been thinking about Rachel today. And bravo, Amy, for this timely and beautifully captured post. XOXO
(05.17.10 @ 01:38 PM)How absolutely glorious he is. You are to be congratulated , you are both truly blessed. He is obviously so healthy, bright and handsome. I know your mother, Joanna, must be thrilled. God Bless you all.
(05.17.10 @ 02:49 PM)Amy your kindness is amazing! We'll have the memories of these photos for a lifetime and your note will be with me forever. Thanks friend!
(05.17.10 @ 03:26 PM)
SERIOUSLY. You are amazing, I am so proud of you!!!
(05.13.10 @ 08:59 AM)Amy! These look incredible! Can we talk about you shooting some of my work this summer?
(05.13.10 @ 03:14 PM)Amy-congratulations girl! These photos are fantastic and just inspired! I'm so excited for you :)
(05.18.10 @ 09:49 AM)Oh my goodness! These photos look like they could be in a magazine. Because they ARE! Beautiful work! I miss you too roomie!
(05.20.10 @ 10:48 PM)In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.
After about 3 minutes, a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule. About 4 minutes later: The violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk. At 6 minutes: A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again. At 10 minutes: A 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time.
This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent - without exception - forced their children to move on quickly. At 45 minutes: The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.
After 1 hour: He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. There was no recognition at all.
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.
This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities. This experiment raised several questions:
- In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
- If so, do we stop to appreciate it?
- Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?
One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this: If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made how many other things are we missing as we rush through life?
You can read the whole article here.
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Like I said, I read this last week and have been thinking about it EVERY day since. I have sent it to several friends and one of my dearest friends wrote this back to me....
"I think we should start a pact of occasionally, and randomly, asking each other if we're "listening to the violins". keep each other in check."
I love this. How do you perceive beauty every day? Are you listening to the violins?
i have a chill amy. seriously love this story. makes me think.......... xo
(05.11.10 @ 10:07 AM)this is an incredible story... i love it. thanks for sharing!
(05.11.10 @ 11:21 AM)just beautiful. we rush so much. great story. this photo is breath taking too.
(05.11.10 @ 11:52 AM)Welp, looks like I have a new desktop picture.
(05.11.10 @ 12:55 PM)Gosh, I needed this today. Thanks for sharing it. Most days, I need to stop and listen to the violins!
(05.11.10 @ 04:07 PM)Gosh, I needed this today. Thanks for sharing it. Most days, I need to stop and listen to the violins!
(05.11.10 @ 04:08 PM)I remember hearing this a while back and it rocked me too. How can we be so blind to all this beauty around us. Thank you for the reminder and for your beautifully stunning photo!
(05.11.10 @ 09:16 PM)I LOVE this. I just found your blog today and this is so poignant. I can imagine my children wanting to listen and me rushing them along, thank you, hopefully I'll remember this.
(05.12.10 @ 04:44 PM)loved this. posted this story on my blog. give credit to blog.
(05.21.10 @ 07:59 AM)I read this a few years ago. Ever since I have carried change with me, so that my son and I can always take a moment and thank buskers for the beauty that they share with us. Thank you for posting this!
(05.22.10 @ 11:20 AM)Amy this is such an incredible and awe-inspiring photo. thanks for the story & your amazing talent!
(05.28.10 @ 11:17 PM)I've found the more I photograph, the more I stop and find the beauty in things. Everything is beautiful if you find the right angle, I think. It's just that some people are too busy to actually look for the angle.
That said, I think I do need to slow down. There are somethings more important than work or grocery shopping or schedules or bed time - Joshua Bell playing would be one of them.
(07.11.10 @ 12:01 AM)Well, it's no big surprise that I get emotionally involved in most of the sessions that I shoot. This is something that I don't shy way from because I think that engaging in the lives and relationships of my clients helps me to more accurately portray their genuine personalities and connections. But OH, oh sweet little newborns make me get teary every time and this was certainly no exception.
New mom, friend and fellow photographer Heather welcomed first baby into the world with her husband Jeremy... and this little babe is surrounded by so much love and joy that it's truly tangible. These two proud parents couldn't help but look upon their new son and GLOW, and I think that you will be able to see it too. I was honored that they asked me to be there to document their newly expanded precious family.
Amy! You are awesome! Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures. You made Mason even more perfect!!! Thank you thank you thank you!
(05.10.10 @ 12:21 PM)Amy!!!! I LOVE them!!! I am so thrilled to have our bond and love for Mason captured so beautifully!!I can't believe it!! These will be treasured!!! Thank you SO much friend!!!
(05.10.10 @ 01:07 PM)perfect doesn't even describe this little family! so precious :)
(05.10.10 @ 01:23 PM)Amy...these are so amazing! Heather...your little family is so precious and your love just oozes out of these images into our home. LOVE these. Congrats!
(05.10.10 @ 05:01 PM)Stunning images. What a beautiful baby. I am IN LOVE with the one of the Mom looking at him in black and white and kissing his feet. Just gorgeous. Love, love, love.
(05.10.10 @ 07:44 PM)Wow. Amazing. Perfect. I am so happy to see these turned out SO good.
(05.10.10 @ 09:51 PM)
you captured her beauty & their sweet love... great job ames
(05.21.10 @ 09:05 PM)love them, what a beautiful bride. love the one of the two jumping.
(05.22.10 @ 04:44 PM)