K-Fam Kountry

I think by now- most of you know that I hale from central Idaho- and you that you can take the girl out of the country but not the country out of the girl, right? It was sooooooo good to be home last week- I think I've spent too many years trying to get away to the big city- only to crave being back home in the country.... age/maturity have a funny way of helping to see things more clearly, huh?

Can I just say how much fun I had re-connecting with Kristi & Donnie and their gorgeous kids???? I've known Kristi (and her twin Misti) since we were 5 and we went to school with Donnie (who was a couple of years ahead of us) and all of his brothers & sisters all the way through GHS.

Kristi knew I'd be coming home for our 20 year class reunion (I know- 20 years... gasp, cough, wheeze...... ) over the 4th and asked if I'd shoot Branden's senior portraits while there. What a treat it was to meet their kids who are all grown up and GORGEOUS I might add. But I especially love that they wanted pix right there at home- where they live and work.... and we giggled as we slogged through the stock yard to the hay shed and around to the stalls... but it was worth it- I loved the lighting and texture we got there! So we snuck in a few family shots because, hey- I was there!

Branden is the epitome of sweet, handsome country boy- (I wanted to just put him in my pocket and take him with me to meet my niece- or save him for 10 years for my oldest- but I guess arranged marriages are out these days????) Just kidding- ok- not really.... maybe......He's handsome as can be, good athlete, smart, polite- has a job working for a neighboring rancher... really- for a 17 year old- he's got it together. Mom & dad have done a great job raising him right! (and coming from Idaho County folks- I'd expect nothing less!) K-fam- you rock and you hold the corner on beautiful- love ya! xoxo D

*and baby sis B- even makes a cow stall look amazing- THAT is a skill!!!*

*ladies.... don't drool too hard here.....*

Looking for the brighter side....

As I was driving across Eastern Washington and headed through the Palouse Friday, I was struck by what an absolutely stunning cloud day it was- and of course - now we know why..... Papa was smiling down on a gorgeous spring day- perfect blue sky, sunshine and big puffy clouds sat atop a freshly plowed field.... that is a country boy's perfect day right there!

After we reached Lewiston, my girls left chalk messages all over the patio and sidewalk- a child's way of saying good-bye - so sweet and pure- and I loved it.

Once we were back up on the prairie- I had to soak up the sunshine and go for a walk- have some alone time- of course on the farm- there's never alone time.... one or all of the critters wants to tag along.... so I had the company of 3 of my favorite four legged friends. And they were good for my soul- all of them loving on me. (muddy paws and muzzles and all)

It's no mystery why my family still resides here- life is so much more colorful- simple and beautiful and content to just be.... the recipe for life that I sometimes neglect to employ in my own everyday...... and that even the rain is a joyous treat!

We need that rain for the obvious- but the metaphor was summed up in this shot I think.... the storms roll in and out of lives for a reason- it nourishes us, makes us cling tight to each other when the thunder and lighting roll and we're afraid, and it makes us smile to see the rainbow and blue skies once the storm has moved on through. Without those big storm clouds- our sunsets would be a whole lot less colorful.

And at the end of the day- we can look back and say- bye-bye rain and hello Sunshine!

Find some sunshine today- even if it's behind a cloud! xoxo D

One more round

One more round of guys and guitars....... I am playing catch up and thought I'd share a few more of Marcos.... because there have been requests for "that hot cowboy"..... so here he is...

I know many of you who read my blog are anxiously awaiting the release of a CD- and so am I!!!!
I'll keep you all posted as soon as I know more! xoxo Didi

You can always go home.....

It's so comforting to know- that even though I've been gone for coming up on 20 years (gasp in horror- I couldn't possibly be that old.....LOL) that some things just never change back home- and it's a good thing..... that standing up next the barn looking down the canyon- that the sky and the clouds are just as pretty and blue as they ever were....

That harvest time- (where I spent all four of my summers roasting in a grain truck) marks the winding down of the growing season, and tells us that as wonderful as summer has been- that it's time to start preparing for fall, and school.

That there is a perfection in a single stock of grain...

That the humming birds still flock to my parent's front porch, overlooking the canyon- because those feeders are always full- filled with loving care because my folks enjoy them so much.

That color and fun and whimsy are everywhere at my parent's home.

That history- whether it's our own family history or local history, is still alive and well- and cherished here at Rawhide Flats.

That sometimes... bailing wire really is still your friend....

And even a little weed like dog fennel is still your friend....

There is beauty in the everyday....

And the over-glamorized version.. a sign that my kids have been to Grammy's house. :)

Smile today- and find the beauty in your every-day! xoxo D

Marcos

I had the opportunity to meet up with Marcos in the 111 degree heat on Saturday evening... He's a local musician in the Valley who's looking to take his career to the next level- and needed some photos to match his music.....

Marcos is married to Denise- who I've known since I was probably 6????? A long time for sure... (shhhhhhh don't tell anyone how old we are tho- ok!!!!) So I was thrilled to see her again and meet her sweet man.

I kept joking that between him and the heat- we were all going to burst into flames!!! He's a handsome drink of water, huh? (and she is still SO super cute- but this session was all about him this time around- next time we get his better half in the pix!) :)

So folks... if you listen to country at all- keep your eyes and ears peeled for this guy.... hopefully coming to a radio station near you soon! Take a listen.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfUEggasXwI

or

http://www.myspace.com/marcosjdominguez

Thanks so much for choosing me guys- I wish you much luck in this next step!!!! xoxo Didi

Riding off into the Sunset...

So- did ya'll wonder if I'd fallen off the blog-o-sphere? :)

I took a working trip back home to central Idaho over the weekend. Big Daddy & I headed to my folks' place (kids were already there with g'ma) on Thursday night and it was crazy busy the whole time!

I'm working backwards here- as the "W" fam was my last shoot on Sunday- what fun to re-connect with Jacquie and meet her handsome boys!!! We've known each other since we were itty-bitty kids and as we graduated from high school and moved on... well.... life happens- and you lose track of folks. Thanks to a certain networking website- I've been able to connect with so many folks from back home and I've loved hearing from everyone! When I had posted I'd be home to shoot a wedding that weekend and would be booking a couple of portrait sessions, Jackie was the first to respond with a 'yes please'. :)

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Don't they look like they should model for Wrangler Western Wear??????

And on my list of favorite things... sunset on the Camas Prairie- during harvest time- there's nothing prettier- and the smell- oh- the smell of the fresh cut wheat and hay......mmmmmm.

(love this shot in sepia just as much as I do in color....)

This shot was originally planned to be on their horses- but it was over 100 everyday I was there- and it was just too hot to trailer them up to see me as well..... so we improvised. They are one good looking lot of cowboys (and cowgirl who still actively rodeos)!!!!

Need I say more about these boys and their eyes?????? wow!

Guys- I'm soooo glad I got to hang out with you Sunday- it was great to see you all. Thanks so much for choosing me! xoxo Didi