Benny's okay!

My sweet, old dog healed up on his own (with the help of Michigan Veterinary Specialists and meds given 15x a day)!

Unfortunately, we're having some technical difficulties with our online proofing system, so some wedding galleries may not be available for the next 24 hours. Please don't be alarmed, we'll be back tomorrow by midnight.

Benny's still okay

Benny (my dog) has been to the specialist several times now, but he appears to be healing pretty well on his own. We're not out of the woods yet, so please keep the thoughts and prayers coming. And thank you all very much for thinking of my fella.

Joe took us down the street for a few portraits the other day, I thought I'd share them with you. Didn't he do just a lovely job?

Benny, my BFF

I've been a terrible blogger lately, I promise I'll get back on track soon... we've been busy with my best friend, Benny, a 15-year old mutt that I adopted forever ago. He's very spunky and youthful, but he's only got one eye and it was injured last week.

We've been to see a canine ophthalmologist (who knew they even had those?) and we've got a plan that involves surgery early next week. We should be able to save his sight, but there will be a lot of work and worry for us.

If you're the praying type, please put in a good word for Benny. He's the coolest dog in the world. I'll be sure to keep you updated.

My newest acquisition

I'm still making dog and cat collars in all my free time, and I've sold enough to buy myself some fancy new Gingher thread-snipping scissors. There's a lot of detail work that goes into making tiny collars, so a good pair of scissors is important.

These are beautiful and precise. They're made in the US by a 50+ year old company. My mother has their fabric shears and has enjoyed them for years.

If you love good tools, check Gingher out.

Who has an eternity band?

I love the look of these and want something small and simple that I don't have to baby. I'd love to hear about yours, whether you like it or not!

(Joe, remember, our anniversary is next month. And I like white gold.)

I couldn't resist

Keep calm and carry on

I must have this print I found in the etsy shop blulima. It's an important sentiment in these trying times, no?

I'm still selling my own handmade dog and cat collars on etsy, and adding 25 more this week. Tiny collars, small collars, and new big dog collars, just in time for Christmas. A percentage of proceeds from the big collars will go to a shelter, so it's a two-fer!

If you haven't seen this

...you really should. No matter which side you're on, be sure to register to vote, and then go do it! I'm proud to say I've voted in every presidential election since I turned 18 - which if you listen to me is only a couple because I don't always tell the truth about my age. ;)

Anyway, I really enjoyed this star-studded video, it's very well-made.

Sonic boom

Oh yes, Toledo has a Sonic. A big thank you to my friend Michelle, without whom I would get no local news.

We had to try it, and it was fun, but I don't think I'll be back. I'd rather not eat in my car and though the food was good, it's not something I need more of in my diet. The Cherry Limeade was fantastic. Maybe we'll go back for beverages...

I have a new hobby

I am sorry I've been such a bad blogger, I fell in love with a new hobby and it's been taking up all my time off (all 2 hours of it per day!).

I'm making dog and cat collars! It's really fun and relaxing, and my collars are much prettier and more durable than what I can find in stores.

Check them out here!

Chihuahuas are dangerous!

My chihuahuas are always cold. And they have a penchant for burrowing under covers, pillows, or piles of clothing. I darn near killed one of mine, flopping on the bed this morning.

I've been busy with a new project, I'll have photos for you later this week.

Bunnies! (and a couple guinea pigs)

Joe and I got a chance last night to go meet a whole bunch of rescue bunnies, so we brought a camera.

Can you believe these guys are currently "between homes"? They're gorgeous, well-mannered, and really funny. Most bunnies are easily litter-trained, they're quiet, easy to take care of, and snuggly little pets. If you're looking to adopt, let us know and we can put you in touch with the rescue group in charge of these muffins. Or just check Petfinder, and search for rabbits in your area!

Here's an FAQ on rabbits as pets.

Pet Portrait Tour 2008 is underway!

We have our first tour dates:

Birmingham, AL on October 18 and 19
Dallas, TX on November 15
Houston, TX on November 16

I will be offering a few private sessions on-location (at your home or the dog park) in Birmingham, Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston. Give us a call if you're interested!

Click on image (below) to enlarge

40 mpg

I have always been a fan of small dogs and small cars. Everyone scoffed at my cute little Geo Metro in college, but I didn't care, because I got more than 50 mpg. Back then, gas was as low as a dollar a gallon (yes, kids, it's true!) so I could get to Detroit and back for a couple of bucks.

Now, I drive the smallest car I could find, the Toyota Echo, and it gets about 40 mpg, which is better than many hybrids! I love being able to maneuver into the smallest parking space and do a u-turn in two lanes.

The only time my car presents a problem is when a bride and groom get accidentally left somewhere with no ride. But more than once, my clients have squeezed into the trusty Echo. Here is a photo of poor Melisa and Derek, who didn't have a lot of extra room. But they look happy, right?

We love to travel

We love our usual NW Ohio and SE Michigan wedding venues, but we really love to travel for weddings.

Here's Micah and Tim at Put-In-Bay Island. Just an hour away, but still a destination wedding! You have to click on these to enlarge, especially the one in the middle.

Carly and Rob @ School

We so enjoy helping our clients get creative with their posed portraits. I thought this was a wonderful collaboration between Carly (the bride), Rob (the groom), and Joseph (the photographer). Oh, and a $10 DMP gift card for the first commenter who correctly guesses Carly's occupation.


This one is my fave:






Click on any photo to enlarge!

Is this not

Is this not the cutest thing you've seen all day? Finn, the German shepherd pup, is up for adoption, along with his three darling sisters. They were saved at the very last minute (literally) from being put to sleep in a shelter.

I just want to smooch that funny face!

Photo by my friend and Finn's foster mom, Michelle

September!

I have been waiting for fall since... well, winter! I am crazy-excited about the light, the leaves, and the smells that come with the season.

For you today, a special treat. One of my favorite songs, just as fresh today as it was in 1978, and my best fall recipe. You cannot have a bad day if you have some pumpkin butter on a toasted english muffin (also great in yogurt, or atop ice cream). It will also make your house smell amazing, and your spouse very impressed.

Pumpkin Butter

One 29-ounce can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
1+1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup mild honey
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
3/4 teaspoon apple pie spice

Dump all the ingredients into a slow cooker and stir until well mixed. Don't worry about lumps of sugar, they'll melt into the butter during cooking. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the pot. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

Remove the lid and let cook on HIGH for an additional 30-60 minutes to reach the desired thickness.

Turn off the cooker and let the pumpkin butter cool to room temperature in the pot. Scrape with your spatula into jars or other air-tight containers. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks, or freeze (in plastic containers) for up to 3 months.

I often make a double batch in my big slow cooker, saving half for myself and giving the rest as gifts.

Also, click here for a music video that will crack you the heck up.