Keri Jeanne Photography - RSS http://kerijeanneblog.com/ lifestyle photography for infants, families and weddings en Copyright 2013 Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:46:23 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Thoughts on Thursday. | Keri Jeanne Photography
Well, unfortunately I let that slide a bit and then I got completely off track so I have created a new thing that I am going to try to keep up.  Similar to Ten on Tuesday but later in the week - (read: I need more time!)  I think it's something that will work for me and will keep me current since its towards the end of the week I"m not struggling to finish Monday's to do list on Tuesday morning as well as trying to get my blog post up! The thing is, I really love to write -I love to blog and it really makes me sad how far away I have got from it.. So in an effort to remedy that - I have created 'Thoughts on Thursday...'

Seeing as this is the first post for my 'Thoughts on Thursday,'... I will start with something that I came across today that was really thought provoking!

1. Have you seen this?
Prized Possessions - Around the World
It's incredible... "Shot over a period of 18 months, Italian photographer Gabriele Galimberti's project Toy Stories compiles photos of children from around the world with their prized possessions--their toys. Galimberti explores the universality of being a kid amidst the diversity of the countless corners of the world; saying, "at their age, they are pretty all much the same; they just want to play." 

I just couldn't get over this publication. I found it so fascinating to see exactly what kids from all ages and from all over the world covet as their most prized possessions.. If you haven't seen it, have a look - Its beautiful.

2. I am almost ready to release my new blogsite -- It is a labor of love and will be both a combination of my blog and website so there won't be the pressure to get my website updated (seeing as I can't seem to get out of my own way and it has said 'under construction' for months!)  I am really excited to have it become an all inclusive place and I adore the design.. I hope you will too.

3 Did you see the news on the Facbook Business page? Super SUPER exciting news -- Keri Jeanne Photography has been nominated for Best of Boston North Shore Photographer again this year! If you have a moment, and could please vote - it would mean so much to me! To vote just click on the link HERE and enter your information.  You can find Keri Jeanne Photography under the 'LIVE' Category! Thank you!

4. Really pumped that I came across this new product that has made my time management for dinner and meals - super efficient - Have a look -- It's called PLANtoEAT -- You can enter your recipies and it gives you your shopping list - you can share with friends - you can access it on your phone or your tablets! It's brilliant -- Have a look around and if you are interested in signing up you can use me as a referral by clicking on the link here: PLANtoEAT Registration Link  It's an incredible resource that will save you money and time! If you're like me and a have (an additction) to pinterest and you're pinning recipes to keep track of - this is an awesome alternative.

5.  My little man started a 5 weeks program at his school for indoor Floor Hockey last night - I have to admit, I absolutely love watching him grow and learn in this world.   I know I see him everyday and I know it's different when we are home, but there is something so exciting about seeing my kids learn in the world! He was over the moon about it and really loved playing with his classmates!  I'm just ignoring the fact that he is old enough to participate in programs like this!

6. In other business news, I have just started using my new shopping cart! I have searched high and low, for a long time, but I recently came across a shopping cart that I really really think my clients are going to love! It is very user friendly and offers a lot of great features that I really think will be great for placing online orders.

7. I recently went to acupunture for the first time in my life... Have you ever been? I have to admit I was a bit skeptical as I wasn't real sure what to expect annnnnddd I don't like needles.. But after a lot of referrals - I headed off to The Well for Integrative Medicine to see if I could shake things up and get out of this funk - both emotionally and physically.. I was greeted by a familiar face, Bill, who I have know since my high school days with a warm welcome.  I have to admit, I felt like it was a sign I was in the right place.  After discussion a variety of things I left all my concerns at the door an opened myself up to the possibility of better... whatever that looked like.  After an hour of treatment I walked out of the office feeling as if someone handed me an oxygen mask and I was breathing for the first time. Yes, at the risk of sounding dramatic, it shifted a LOT for me. I am so grateful I had this opportunity. Every day since has gotten better and better. If you're in a funk, or have a physical ailment that's causing a disruption in your life - Consider going to The Well. I am willing to bet you will see a change. I have been back once since and I'm already looking forward to the next visit. It's like a breath of seaside air in your soul. It's awesome.

8.  The little ladybug has become quite the chef! She is always asking what ingredients go in what dishes, if she can help make dinner, if she can try new foods. I have been quite happy with her interest! It reminds me so much of me growing up asking my Nonna and my Mom all kinds of cooking questions. As a matter of fact, I still do!


9. Sunday is St. Patrick's Day! Whoo-hoo! Yes, I'm Irish and I love any excuse to get my kids all excited for holidays! I think it's so fun to relive the magic of holidays through their eyes. Especially now that they are getting old enough to really participate!


10. Warmer weather has been such a blessing this week. After crazy snow storms - and a lot of snow week after week - I welcome this sunshine and warmer temperatures with open arms! I absolutely love where we live. We can walk around and enjoy so many coastal communities all within 30 minutes - Not to mention how many great walking trails and nature hikes we can go on too! I'm definitely itching for Spring!  What have you been doing with this beautiful weather?

Well, the first entry for "Thoughts on Thursday" is complete..  Feel free to leave a comment in the section below if you have had any experiences with the things I mentioned above. I love hearing what you think!

Back to the grind of the website design.. And just because posts are way more fun with a picture - heres a shot of Singing Beach in Manchester by-the-Sea, MA from just a few weeks back during one of the random warm days we had!

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Be well, Be kind.

Keri

]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2013/03/thoughts-on-thursday-keri-jeanne-photography.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2013/03/thoughts-on-thursday-keri-jeanne-photography.html thoughts on thursday march 2013 personal thoughts on thursday Thu, 14 Mar 2013 15:46:23 -0500 Breathe it in. |Personal | |keri jeanne photography
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I know, it sounds cliche - but really, looking at this image makes me want to grab their little hands and jump in a time machine and freeze time. Right now. Just the way it is. They are already too old!

There are so many things I want to remember and I'm so afraid I'm going to forget. You know, the things you 'swear'  you'll never forget, but somehow you do.. When every day the same things happen and you can't imagine yourself not being able to remember them, and then you realize looking at pictures from even just a year ago, there is so much we forget. The little things. The things that matter.

When I look at this image, I see so many things that mean the world to me. The way he always protects her. He always stands up for her, comforts her, makes her laugh. The way her hair is crazy every day and she only cares about 'if she has bangs today or not' (yes my love, you have them every day until you are able to grow them out without them driving you crazy!) The way she leans into him, looks up to him (even when she shouldn't!) The way he giggles when he tries to talk, the way they smile from their hearts and I can see it in their eyes. The way they love the ocean and the beach like their Mom. The way they love with all they have and really have happy spirits.

Just wanted to breathe it in. Just wanted to make a note so I remember.

Don't wish the days so fast. We only go around one time..

I love you bigger than the sky, my two little munchkins. You are everything I ever dreamed of.

Mommy loves you.


]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2013/03/breathe-it-in-personal-keri-jeanne-photography.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2013/03/breathe-it-in-personal-keri-jeanne-photography.html lifestyle photographer ma manchester by the sea manchester ma motherhood personal singing beach Fri, 01 Mar 2013 17:44:37 -0500 Fresh. New. Blessing. | Keri Jeanne Photography | Swampscott, MA Newborn Photographer
When Katie brought this little man down, I knew with just one look how blessed he is! He is not only a beautiful baby boy, but is clearly surrounded by endless love from his parents and Harper - the first addition to the family about 2 years ago.. their dog!

Katie and Joel, it was a joy spending the morning with you. Thank you for sharing your sweet little man with me! He is so precious, I hope you enjoy every second of this new life as a family!



We will be in touch soon!

Much love,
Keri
xoox



]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2013/01/fresh-new-blessing-keri-jeanne-photography-swampscott-ma-newborn-photographer.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2013/01/fresh-new-blessing-keri-jeanne-photography-swampscott-ma-newborn-photographer.html swampscott ma lifestyle photographer clients newborn lifestyle session north shore photographer swampscott newborn photographer Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:31:34 -0500 Merry Christmas!
Much Love to you all,

Keri Jeanne..
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]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/merry-christmas.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/merry-christmas.html christmas 2012 Wed, 26 Dec 2012 11:14:34 -0500 Day 6 - 12 days of giving. |A gift for you! | Keri Jeanne Photography
day6_12.jpg ]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/day-6---12-days-of-giving-a-gift-for-you-keri-jeanne-photography.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/day-6---12-days-of-giving-a-gift-for-you-keri-jeanne-photography.html 12 days of christmas 2012 clients Tue, 18 Dec 2012 10:01:59 -0500 "Flossette" tooth fairy visit! |personal
Two sparkly dollars and a note back and he was thrilled! Somehow he looks like he is 10 overnight! Yikes, time is going too fast!

Love you little man - I'm so proud of you!

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]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/flossette-tooth-fairy-visit-personal.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/flossette-tooth-fairy-visit-personal.html 2012 my littles personal Mon, 17 Dec 2012 13:07:44 -0500 Believe in the power of good. | Keri Jeanne | Personal.
It was still early in the investigation Friday afternoon.  I was paralyzed listening to reports on the radio in my car. I felt horrible thinking back to the morning when trying to do errands I was short tempered with my daughter, while these poor children were going through this living nightmare. These parents were losing their children. I was sick over it. I just couldn't shake the feeling. I wanted to pick up my two kids and never let them go. I wanted to say I'm sorry for yelling at them. Or getting frustrated. Or being upset over things that really didn't matter. It was like a slap in the face of what matters.

As I was finishing work and ending the day, I was at the grocery store. It was evident as this was unfolding it was on everyone's mind. An interesting thing happened at that time.  I observed the return of kindness that has felt as if that has got lost in the shuffle in society. I observed patience that seems as if it has been buried under selfishness and instant gratification. I saw humility in people that had somehow gone away.  People were helping each other - making small talk - being gracious. It was amazing to me that in a time of such horror, there was a small glimmer of hope and grace.  Despite more details unfolding with more unthinkable realities - I noticed there is still good out there - perhaps we just need to find it again. 

I have had the news on for 5 minutes, I have read a few articles online, but the truth is, it hurts my heart too much to hear. I can honestly only take it in, a little at a time. Yet, I have a strange need to know more about it. A confusing space to be in.

There hasn't been more than a few hours between shedding tears. I can't stop thinking about those parents. Those siblings. Those teachers. Those staff members. Those children. All of them. Just like everyone else, my stomach is sick with the thought of what this small community must be feeling. I am miles away and it makes me sick.  I just can't get my head around the reality. Perhaps its the feeling that in such a quaint small town, this too could happen here.  Everyone knows everyone, everyone thinks these things happen somewhere else. But this reminder struck my core - we are somewhere else. It could have been our town. Our children.

I didn't intend this post to recap sadness and heartache. I opened this blog post today for me. Selfishly, I needed to write. I needed to clear my head and hope for a little while that this nightmare will remind us of what is most important. Maybe, just maybe, it will give me (and maybe you) some hope.

The hard truth is that 26 people didn't come home last week. 20 of those people so young, they barely knew a fraction of this amazing world. I have heard so much about these lives cut short - but I challenge us to shift our thinking.  Let us celebrate what each of these spirits shared with us, with the world, even if it was far too short. Each one of these children gave their parents and families the gift of joy, memories and love. Each child shared their heart with their friends and loved ones, looking with open eyes and listening ears to learn about this world. I'd like to believe that each one of them have taken on a profound role in our history that will teach strangers about kindness, humility and compassion. Perhaps this terrible event can bring good. Perhaps it can show us there is more good than bad. That we can remember what its like to look out for our neighbors. To watch each others back and stand up for what is good. Perhaps these spirits will give us the strength to shift our society to a positive direction and embrace love, instead of pain and anger. I pray that embrace and lift up those who gave this world a legacy of happiness.

These beautiful smiles and joyful faces can forever be that. It is up to us to celebrate their blessings they have shared with the world.

Whenever we lose someone it is never easy being left without them. I believe we are the ones who suffer with the human part of missing someone, while they are welcomed to a place of peace. A place that we couldn't possibly imagine here or else we'd all want to go! I know for me when I have lost someone incredible important to me I feel like the whole world should stop. Don't people know what happened? Don't people understand the void in this world now? But the reality is, life goes on, and we pick ourselves up and we move one foot in front of the other. They say time heals all wounds and while I don't think we every really heal, time comforts us by lessening the pain. The burn never really goes away, but we adapt to living with it.

I cannot help but become stuck on every image of these 26 people. Every single one of them had a story. A family. A heart. Perhaps its because of my passion for my profession, but I cannot help but feel a huge responsibility for the families I get to work with.  I think about these families that are only left with all the images they have so far in their child's life. That's it. They don't ever get to take anymore. I know as a Mom we always have the camera for our family. I know as a photographer I'm always making sure I have photos of everyone else. But please, let others take photos of you with your children. With your loved ones. With what matters in your life. I think we can all agree we push off photos because we want to do it when we get our hair done, or lose that weight, or fix that acne.  Maybe it isn't a perfect photo. Maybe its out of focus or you're not looking right at the camera. But remember, its real. This is your life. This is what matters. The fact is, we don't get a say when we leave this Earth. We have no idea when we get to travel to our next journey. If we don't stop the excuses, we are leaving nothing behind for those who matter to us. I have made a vow to be in more pictures - even if its just with my phone. I want something physical to hold, to look at, to see with my own eyes so I can remember what really matters in this world.

As I was walking out of a store the other day, I glanced down at the book 'Don't Sweat the Small Stuff.'  It nearly stopped me in my tracks.  That is the truth. Don't sweat the small stuff. Does it matter if the kids have mismatched socks on? Probably not.  Does it matter if the kids colored on the table with washable marker? Not so much. Does it matter that they feel loved? More than anything else. Does it matter that they feel safe? Absolutely.

Let us hold our families (blood or not) a little tighter. Let us tell people who mean a lot to us that they matter. Let us believe in good. Let us have patience and grace. Let us look out for each other rather and step over each other to get ahead. It is up to us to teach our children kindness and compassion. Let's lean in together to unite our families rather than divide us apart.

I came across a note I had written on my phone from almost a year ago.. It struck something so powerful in me. I plan to print this and put it up on the wall in our house.  Maybe you will too...


Be there.
Say yes - as often as possible.
If they are crabby, put them in water.
If they're unloved, love them.
Laugh a lot.
Have family movie nights.
Let them pick out their own clothes.
Stop yelling.
Let them bang on pots and pans.
Play games.
Play dress up.
Read a book out loud with joy.
Bake a cake - and lick the bowl.
Surprise them.
Handle with care.
Be kind.


Hug those little ones extra tight. 

Much Love,
Keri Jeanne.
]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/believe-in-the-power-of-good-keri-jeanne-personal.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/believe-in-the-power-of-good-keri-jeanne-personal.html personal Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:21:52 -0500 Day 5 - 12 days of giving. |A gift for you! | Keri Jeanne Photography
Enter "SENIORS14" in at checkout!


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]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/day-5---12-days-of-giving-a-gift-for-you-keri-jeanne-photography.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/day-5---12-days-of-giving-a-gift-for-you-keri-jeanne-photography.html 12 days of christmas 2012 clients Mon, 17 Dec 2012 10:01:38 -0500 Day 4 - 12 days of giving. |A gift for you! | Keri Jeanne Photography
day4_12.jpg ]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/day-4---12-days-of-giving-a-gift-for-you-keri-jeanne-photography.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/day-4---12-days-of-giving-a-gift-for-you-keri-jeanne-photography.html 12 days of christmas 2012 clients Sun, 16 Dec 2012 08:22:09 -0500 Day 3 - 12 days of giving. |A gift for you! | Keri Jeanne Photography
We all have those people in our lives that no matter how hard we try, we just can't decide what to get for them! There really is no better gift than the gift of memories.. In the wake of something so devastating, it is such a powerful reminder that life is fragile and we have to take time to remember the blessings of each day.. Not a day goes by that I am not aware are the power of my job. For that I am grateful.

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Be kind.

Keri
xoxo
]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/day-3---12-days-of-giving-a-gift-for-you-keri-jeanne-photography.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/day-3---12-days-of-giving-a-gift-for-you-keri-jeanne-photography.html 12 days of christmas 2012 clients Sat, 15 Dec 2012 07:31:51 -0500 Day 2 - 12 days of giving. |A gift for you! | Keri Jeanne Photography
If you are looking to fill in some the gaps with a mini session, this is perfect for you! Can be used for 1 year cake smash, mothers day mini session, fathers day mini session, or even holiday mini session! Crazy to think you could get a deal on our session together for 2013, right now!



To purchase click here:
12 days of Giving - Day 2 Mini Session Booking

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]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/day-2---12-days-of-giving-a-gift-for-you-keri-jeanne-photography.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/day-2---12-days-of-giving-a-gift-for-you-keri-jeanne-photography.html 12 days of christmas 2012 Clients Fri, 14 Dec 2012 05:00:00 -0500 12 days of giving. |A gift for you! | Keri Jeanne Photography
Despite the craziness, I absolutely love this time of year. Between the excitement on the kids face, the holiday music I love on my pandora, as well as the adorable holiday cards I keep receiving, I am definitely getting into the holiday spirit!  In doing so, I am so excited to share with you - it is finally time for the annual 12 days of Christmas - my gifts to you!

I have designed the next 12 days just for you -I am going to share promotions on  products and services as well as highlight other vendors and products I love - Stay tuned, you don't want to miss some of these awesome ideas! I  will have discounts and giveaways so be sure you check back daily as it will be changing - But remember -- the offer is only good through midnight of the day it is posted!

The fine print:
To purchase the offer please email keri@kerijeanne.com unless otherwise stated.
To be entered in the giveaway - please follow directions per post.

Without further ado... Day one..

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]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/12-days-of-giving-a-gift-for-you-keri-jeanne-photography.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/12-days-of-giving-a-gift-for-you-keri-jeanne-photography.html 12 days of christmas 2012 clients Thu, 13 Dec 2012 15:25:57 -0500 Elf on the Shelf Adventures | December 2012 | Mr. Mistletoe

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]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/elf-on-the-shelf-adventures-december-2012-mr-mistletoe.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/12/elf-on-the-shelf-adventures-december-2012-mr-mistletoe.html motherhood Sun, 02 Dec 2012 17:30:40 -0500 Beautiful | Family Session | manchester by the sea, ma | keri jeanne photography


Much Love,
Keri



]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/11/beautiful-family-session-manchester-by-the-sea-ma-keri-jeanne-photography.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/11/beautiful-family-session-manchester-by-the-sea-ma-keri-jeanne-photography.html family lifestyle photographer manchester by the sea photographer Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:48:14 -0500 Keeping up with the boys. |Manchester by-the-Sea, MA family photographer | keri jeanne photography
We braved the cold a bit and had a lot of giggling.. Thanks for making me laugh boys! Ana and Michael, your family is absolutely beautiful.  Thank you for sharing these real moments with me!



Much Love,
Keri

]]> http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/11/keeping-up-with-the-boys-manchester-by-the-sea-ma-family-photographer-keri-jeanne-photography.html http://kerijeanneblog.com/2012/11/keeping-up-with-the-boys-manchester-by-the-sea-ma-family-photographer-keri-jeanne-photography.html lifestyle photographer real moments tucks point manchester ma Thu, 29 Nov 2012 14:32:32 -0500