Today would have been my parent's 74th wedding anniversary. I treasure this and other family photos I have collected over time. Years ago my Dad passed boxes of old family photos on to me saying, "No one but you will appreciate these when we are gone." My passion for photography and preserving memories for my clients is influenced by having photos like this one of my family.

In 1950 my Dad was in the Army, just back from Japan and I think stationed at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin when they were married. Those bow ties are something else, that seems a bit wild for my Dad. I love that I have a print of this image which has held up amazingly well. I have several other photos from their wedding day too. I have only worked with a digital camera, so I'm really impressed with the ability of the film Photographer from the Montgomery Studio in Harvard, Illinois.

My Dad passed a couple of months before their 70th anniversary and my Mom passed six months later. After Mom died, my cousin, Andy shared a news clipping from the Beloit Daily News “Especially for Women” section from June 1, 1950. I knew they were married at the Christ Lutheran Church in Sharon, Wisconsin but I was surprised to learn it was a candlelight service on a Tuesday at 3 pm. It was a single-ring service before 100 friends and relatives. Sharon was a small community then with only about 1200 residents. I marvel that 100 people were there at the church on a workday afternoon. I wonder if in the early 1950’s was a mid-week, afternoon candlelight, single ring ceremony with sweet peas bouquets popular?

The newspaper wrote an incredibly detailed description of Mom’s dress. “The bride wore a gown of white marquisette, fashioned with a double ruffle of lace styling the decollete neckline, fitted bodice with tiny buttons up the back and a fully gathered skirt draped aside to reveal row upon row of ruffled lace, and terminating in a swirl of trains. Her fingertip veil of the gossamer white net with an edge of lace was held by a crown of lace and scrolled satin. She carried a bouquet of white roses and pale blue sweet peas, centered by pink roses.” She/he went on to describe the three-tiered cake, the song, I Love You Truly was song by Dorothy Lee, details of the clothes my Grandmother’s wore, even the tan suit with white accessories Mom was to wear on their honeymoon. I can almost picture all of this without a photograph but how precious it is to have one.

It is amazing all the questions you find unanswered after losing your parents. Learning the details of their wedding day is something I wished I had asked about when they were alive. How wonderful they had each other for almost 70 years. They made quite a team. 

Ready to capture some beautiful memories with your family? As your family photographer, I'll help you freeze those precious moments in time. From posed group portraits to individual images, I'll create a collection of photos that you too will treasure for years to come. Let's make memories together! Give me a call today to book your session. (360)385-2662

"I'm still passionately interested in what my fellow humans are up to. For me, a day spent monitoring the passing parade is a day well-spent." Garry Trudeau 

I'm finally wrapping up editing photos from Rhody Week. Port Townsend knows how to throw a festival with a variety of parades! Every year, I look forward to capturing the vibrant spirit of our community during the Grand Parade. 2024's edition had the floats, bands, and smiles zipping by a tad faster, challenging me to click as quickly as my shutter would allow! I dodged candy and bubbles (all in a day's work/volunteering 😄) and caught my breath as Summer Martell soared above us in her stunning biplane. 🛩️ Out of nearly 500 shots, I've created a 5-minute slideshow with some of my favorites.  I hope you enjoy the slideshow, whether you were there on Saturday or part of the parade, or missed seeing the parade. Thank you to all the parade entries and to all the volunteers who made Rhody Week such a success.

Rain rain go away, don't you know it's Rhody Grand Parade day. The rain didn't dampen the parade in 2016 hopefully it won't today either. 

Is there anything cozier than baking with family recipes that have stood the test of time? Just like digging through a box of cherished old photos, uncovering old recipes brings a flood of memories and warmth. Remember the yeast packet craze during COVID? Many of us had big plans, mine was to bake bread. Yet, instead of baking bread, I gravitated towards something familiar and heartwarming like these bran muffins. This recipe, shared by my friend Vicki Jones in the '70s during our Dietetic program at the University of Wisconsin, has been a staple for nearly half a century. With a few personal tweaks like adding sunflower seeds and grated carrot the nostalgia grows, much like the personal stories captured in each family photo.

The beauty of these recipes, from my Grandma's liver and onions, Aunt Jean's famous chip dip, to Great Aunt Emma's dinner rolls, is that they're more than just instructions on a card. They're a legacy, a tapestry of our family's history and love, akin to the sentimentality we feel when flipping through old photo albums. My Mom's favorites were chicken with Bisquick dumplings, the unmistakable classic strawberry Jello with Cool Whip, the unique flavors of her three-bean salad, and if luck permitted, her famous green fried tomatoes. All these paint a picture of my heritage, each dish a snapshot of family gatherings, laughter, and shared stories.

In a world consistently moving forward, these recipes and family photos are our tangible link to the past, to the hands of those who have shaped our lives. They remind us that, in the end, it’s these moments of connection, familiar tastes, and shared stories that truly matter. Do you have a treasured family recipe that brings back memories just as vividly as an old photo? Share your story in the comments; let's celebrate the warmth and love passed down through generations.

Me at three, all dressed up for Easter. 

I have been reflecting all week on the magical reopening of the Port Townsend Farmers Market last Saturday. Established in 1992, my journey with the market came full circle as I've had the honor of being a vendor not once, but twice. From my basket-making business in the mid-90s to selling cards as prints with Deja View Photography, each experience has been woven into the fabric of my connection to this community. I also served on the PTFM boards for several years.

Imagine the transformation of a vacant street at 7:30 AM into a bustling hub of creativity and camaraderie by 9. Tents rise and spaces fill, and the dedication of up to 90 vendors weekly rain or shine, from mid-April to mid-December, is nothing short of inspiring. The process is a labor of love, from the meticulous preparation during the week to the lively interactions with customers each Saturday. The variety of products available from flowers, vegetables, food, artwork, crafts, and music.

To me, the Market is such a big part of the community. From locals to tourists, the buzz of over a thousand visitors brings the streets alive. This past Saturday, I took a moment to simply observe. The sight of new vendors, many with young babies snuggled against their Mom’s chest, to the Mayor embracing that same joy, with his new baby. Laughter echoed as goats led a whimsical parade, complemented by the violin music of Kristin, Otto, and their students.

The aftermath of Covid-19 altered the fabric of our interactions, but last Saturday was a testament to the enduring spirit of Port Townsend. The ease of hugs, handshakes, and clustered conversations marked a cherished return to our communal roots. Observing the diverse beauty across all age groups affirmed my belonging to this community. All our children are beautiful as are the youngest to older members of our community.

This event wouldn't be what it is without the relentless dedication of Amanda, the Market Manager, the volunteers, vendors, musicians, and local businesses that breathe life into the PTFM. Being part of such a heartfelt gathering reminds us all of the joy and unity that thrives within our community. The Port Townsend Farmers Market is a place where every Saturday is a testament to the beauty of our community coming together.

Happy National Doctors' Day! Today, let's shower extra love and appreciation on the heroes in scrubs at Jefferson Healthcare. From the incredible doctors to the dedicated nurses and supportive staff, their unwavering commitment, especially amidst the challenges of COVID-19, deserves our loudest cheers. JHC marked this special day with a heartfelt thank you in The Leader - and what an honor it has been for me, Deja Webster, to capture the essence of nearly all these admirable faces since 2016. Capturing over 80 headshots here, seeing them all together, and celebrating today, fills my heart with joy. Photography is not just my profession; it's my way to highlight the extraordinary in the everyday heroes we have amongst us. To all healthcare providers, we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you. Have you thanked a healthcare hero today? 

Port Townsend Photographer Today I celebrate my dog Max who died on this date back in 2019. Handsome Max lived to be just over 17 when he passed.

I have used this photo of him on my business card for many years. Several years ago I got a call from a woman who said she had picked up cards at the Farmers Market with a dog on it and wondered if she could get more. I remembered her asking for them years before when I was a vendor at the Farmers Market selling cards and prints. I thought it odd at the time but felt it was great she may be sending pet photography business my way.

Years passed, and I was no longer at the market when she called again to ask if she could come by my studio to get some more of those dog cards. I was still, a tad confused when she showed up at my studio and asked for more cards for her Mom. I offered a 5x7 print but she declined. She explained that her Mom was in a nursing home and she had Max's card, my business card, on her bulletin board but the card kept disappearing. When that happened she pulled one from her stash of cards in her nightstand and replaced it. Thus the need for her daughter to come by to get more cards for her Mom and friends at the nursing home. While I once wished Max could visit nursing homes as a therapy dog, it turns out, he did, spreading joy and comfort, one business card at a time.

You know some days you got to search for those things to make you laugh but they are there.

A day without laughter is a day wasted.

Charlie Chaplin

December was a whirlwind as I rushed to deliver final holiday cards to clients and print and deliver photos for those special gifts. It was a bit hectic, to say the least. But as January rolled around, I found myself in a "nesting" mode, ready to tackle my own home projects.

A few years back, I upgraded the upstairs of my home with new luxury vinyl flooring. However, due to the challenges of the pandemic and the difficulty in finding reliable help, my remodel came to a standstill. But last month, I finally found an incredibly talented and dependable painter to bring a fresh coat of paint to my upstairs. Alongside that, my new bathroom vanity was installed, marking the beginning of a much-awaited decorating and organizing spree.

The joy I felt while hanging curtains, arranging pictures on the walls, and organizing my collection of books cannot be put into words. It's the delights of making my upstairs feel like a true sanctuary once again. Every single day, I am reminded of how grateful I am for everything I have — from my beautiful home to dear friends and family and my amazing clients.

Sometimes, taking a break and focusing on revitalizing your surroundings can do wonders for your mindset. Now that my room is clean, refreshed, and in order, I feel reinvigorated and ready to dive back into my photography business. There's a renewed sense of purpose and clarity that comes from creating a harmonious environment.

So, here's to new beginnings, fresh perspectives, and the exciting work that lies ahead. I can't wait to share more of my photography journey with all of you.

Last December I was able to attend a cookie exchange with the Kitchen family. It was a tradition that I cherished for years before the pandemic disrupted our lives. This year, I had the pleasure of attending Jeannie's delightful cookie exchange again, and it brought back a flood of cherished memories. This annual event is one of my favorite holiday traditions, where everyone gathers to exchange cookies and engage in the creative process of frosting and decorating Jeannie's delicious homemade sugar cookies. Being included in this heartfelt family gathering, after photographing this family for various milestones throughout the years, brings me immense joy and a sense of belonging. I have photographed an engagement session then a wedding, birthday parties, maternity sessions, newborns sessions and anniversaries with this family. I feel like their friend and family photographer.

Among the attendees, there was a teenager I hadn't seen in quite some time. This young aspiring photographer, now a high school senior, had developed a keen interest in photography. I had fun talking about photography and viewing some of the hundreds of photos Breena had on her cell phone. We took a break from decorating cookies to walk out to the chicken pen on Jeannie's property. Our shared fascination led us to spend time photographing the intricate and captivating beauty of the hens and roosters that resided there.

Amidst the clucking of the hens and the majestic presence of the roosters, I found myself mesmerized by the intricate patterns and details adorning their feathers. With my Nikon D810 in hand, we took turns capturing the essence of these fascinating beings. In fact, one of these enchanting photos may even be one the talented young photographer Breena took.

Photography has not only allowed me to document precious family moments but also to discover the beauty in the unexpected like the visit to the chicken coop. As I reflect on this delightful experience, I am filled with gratitude for the connection photography provides. From the cherished moments spent with the Kitchen family to the newfound fascination with chickens, I am reminded once again of the incredible journey photography takes me on.

We had several inches of snow recently and I found myself feeling melancholy about seeing the beautiful snow covering the trees and my backyard. Two years ago I captured probably one of my best photos, of my dog Sherman, playing in the snow. He so enjoyed just laying in it, it was hard to get him to come into the house despite the cold. He looks so perfect in this photo. How could I have known that a month later the Vet would find he had a tumor in his tummy and that cancer had moved into his lungs? So in February, we had one more short week together and then I said goodbye to him on the 8th. I have this image blown up as a print on my wall and truly treasure the nearly five years we had together. I was grateful the snow only lasted a couple of days and then the rain moved in and everything melted. Luckily we don't get snow very often here in Port Townsend but it will take me a while before I can view snow again without being sad. 

I love the poems Mary Oliver wrote in her book Dog Songs.

“And it is exceedingly short, his galloping life. Dogs die so soon. I have my stories of that grief, no doubt many of you do also. It is almost a failure of will, a failure of love, to let them grow old—or so it feels. We would do anything to keep them with us, and to keep them young. The one gift we cannot give.”
― Mary Oliver, Dog Songs

Working with Frederickson Electric has spanned over two decades. From first working with Hans’ father Eric, doing wiring updates at my rental to work in my home done by Hans when he became the owner of the family business back in 2012. It has been rewarding to witness the growth and success of this Port Townsend family business.

In 2019, Hans was honored as the 'Business Leader of the Year' by the Jefferson County Chamber. This recognition is a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication to providing top-notch electrical services.

Hans has asked me twice to photograph the entire Frederickson Electric team in a group photo. Standing proudly in front of their business work vans, the photo showcases this diverse and talented group of over 29 employees. Posing large groups can be challenging, but the Frederickson Electric team made it an enjoyable experience. Their patience and collaboration resulted in a fantastic group pose with everyone looking picture-perfect.

In addition to the group photo, I also had the pleasure of taking individual headshots for each employee, right outside their office in Glen Cove. While I usually take business headshots in my Port Townsend studio, the busy schedule of the business prompted an on-location shoot, which turned out to be a great decision.

Last fall Frederickson Electric was recognized as the first-place winner of the "2023 Best of Olympic Peninsula in Jefferson County Electrician" by the readers of the Peninsula Daily News. This well-deserved acknowledgment reflects their commitment to excellence in their field.

I couldn't be more pleased with all the electrical repair work done by this business from replacing a baseboard heater, a bathroom fan, wiring for a new water heater and mini-boiler to adding additional lighting fixtures throughout my home. I also have had the pleasure of photographing the Frederickson family. I have photographed a wedding, a birthday party celebration and several family reunions. It is wonderful to know and photograph this wonderful local family. 

The other day I stumbled upon a fascinating news piece on NBC about the correlation between hearing loss and dementia. Imagine, how something as common as hearing loss could have a profound impact on our overall brain health.

The segment on the Today Show shed light on hearing loss and dementia. It's eye-opening to see the increasing number of people developing early-onset dementia each year. Being aware of the connection between hearing loss and dementia is now more important than ever.

In 2020, after years of struggling with hearing loss, I finally decided to have my hearing tested at Peninsula Hearing in Port Townsend. Little did I know that this decision would make a world of difference. I ended up getting fitted with hearing aids and boy, do I wish I had done it sooner!

If you're curious, I highly recommend watching the Today Show segment, which is only 4 minutes long, on Hearing Loss and Dementia. It's an insightful piece that will truly make you think twice about the importance of taking care of your hearing health.

Feel free to share this Blog post with someone who might benefit from it and let's start a conversation about the importance of hearing care. You can also leave me a comment on what you thought of this fascinating information. 
 

Here is a link to more Alzheimer's Facts 

• By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.

• More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's. 

• 1 in 3 seniors dies with Alzheimer's or another dementia. It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.

• In 2023, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $345 billion. By 2050, these costs could rise to nearly $1 trillion.