I was honored to help with a fundraiser for the Pacific Crest Academy last month. A lovely lady, by the name of Angela, put the whole thing together and hosted it in her home. Everything was so gorgeous from the décor, to the drinks and food, to all the women who attended. A new friend of mine, Renee, is a local cosmetologist and the entertainment for the night. She taught us how to create trendy makeup and hairstyles on ourselves. She demonstrated, on a few different women, the difference a good eyebrow waxing can make. (I've done my own for so long out of fear of getting them messed up again, and put my trust in Renee. I have to say they've never looked better!) She mainly shared some tricks of the trade, things I have put to use everyday since that night. Every now and then she would recommend a product, and Angela would magically appear with one for everyone. I was invited to capture some shots of the women enjoying their night. It was the easiest job ever. I got to eat delicious food, drink a martini invented by Angela herself, and learn all kinds of tricks to make myself look the best I can! I left with a great appreciation for women like Renee and Angela, who see beauty in all women. Renee has such a gift of bringing out your best assets. She sees the potential you never thought possible. If you're looking for a great hairstylist, eyebrow artist, etc. call her up at Essentials Salon (2707 NE 114th Ave Vancouver, WA 98684 (360) 256-8772‎).

Deaven and I went to the Aveda Institute in Portland, OR (http://www.avedapdx.com/) this past weekend to be hair models for their class. This is a great way to get your hair done when cash flow is low, to help a student get their degree, or just for the heck of it! First off, the salon smells AMAZING. If you've ever smelled the Aveda line of products you'll know what I'm talking about. Before getting your hair done they massage you with this wonderful oil on your hands, arms, and scalp. Then wash your hair with equally great shampoo/conditior. They finish your cut with a style using more of their fantastic products. I literally didn't want to wash my hair for three days because it still smelt so good. The one thing to be prepared for, if you go as a hair model, the cut is free, but you will need patience. An insructor is checking each step of the hair cut and is responsible for the entire class, so you may be there a much longer time than a normal haircut. I'd say ballpark, three hours for the whole process. They offer a wide range of services at a low cost, so if you are in need of a cut, color, or wax, and willing to take the risk of a student practicing on you, it is really worth it. Deaven was a little trooper and came out with a great hair cut. The sweetest thing is that she wants to keep her hair long to look like me. I'm not sure how long this phase of being like mommy will last, but it's pretty endearing for now. Here's a few shots of her hamming it up...

Day 1

I have put it off long enough. I am part of the blogger generation, and I must conform!

No honestly, I think blogs are great. I'm a photographer by trade, a writer at heart. Both are skills cultivated by practice, so it's only rational to do it this way. I am not, nor ever have been a creature of habit. I have no morning routines. I may brush my teeth before coffee one morning, after coffee the next, both before and after the following day, and skip coffee altogether after that. I have never been able to stick to a diet, work-out routine, or daily devotional. My organization lasts about a week. My poor husband can never find anything, because I put it where it feels right in the moment. (I apologize, but keep at it because having no habits is my only habit.) I change my hair color, style, and cut constantly. I have never watched an entire season of any tv series. I say habitual living is boring, but in truth, I'm just not disciplined.


So my goal is a weekly photo and writing post. I find this totally doable in theory, but reality brings unexpected events. As I am sitting here writing this my cell rings and it's my littlest brother, who enlisted in the marine corp a year ago. I haven't talked to him in weeks, maybe months, and I keep staring at this post.

The conversation lasted over half an hour, and to give him my full attention, I closed my laptop. Now it's after ten and I am ready to be done. I'm not finished with my first post and I am considering putting it off until tomorrow! I'm such a procrastinator. What is wrong with me? I need motivation. I need to know that this is effecting someone, that someone actuallyis interested in my photos or finds commonality, encouragement, or humor in my words. So in the future, don't be afraid to lend me some feedback and comments. It will be the little voice cheering me on in my attempt to keep going. Blogging is an effective business tool I must take advantage of, as well as a great way to reach out to my friends and clients on a continual basis.

I'd like to introduce you to my family. I'm sure you will see their faces often on this blog. My husband, Derek, is the complete opposite of me- my perfect companion. My seven year old daughter, Deaven Rylee, is the beautiful blonde bombshell in the photo. She gives me great advice from time to time and I will be sure to pass it on to you. The little heartbreaker with the yoda ears is my 2 year old son, Ethan. He's learning something new constantly, and I love being a part of his discoveries each day. You'll see what I'm talking about in the future...

Thank you for reading,

Danielle Turley
http://www.amotherseye.com/