Back online with pictures from B's birthday

Well, as you can see, I'm back online again. The power outage wasn't so bad. It was actually kind of nice (and quiet) around here. I even took advantage of the "no lights" thing by having a nice, long, candle-lit soak in the tub. My hubby calls my baths "stewing" because they're so hot but I can't live without them! Obviously there was little I could get done because of the outage but it was nice to have an excuse for some down time.
Right before the power blew I was editing some images from B's 7th birthday. Man, it's hard to believe he's that old already. It seems like just yesterday I was looking at pictures of him all papoosed in his baby blanket. Time sure does fly when you're having fun.
He decided he wanted a Harry Potter party so we got all the necessary accessories including Hedwig the owl stuffed animals that give a snowy owl hoot when you squeeze their tummy. (These were a big hit.) There were seven kids at the party and only one boy...B. Yes, he invited all girls to his party. Not a single boy was on the list. I think I should be worried. lol! B made sure that his best girl sat right next to him. She is quite the tomboy and they are always collecting bugs and digging in the dirt together. Anyway, here's a few of my favs from the day:




The table.

G with her Hedwig.

J enjoying her pizza. This image makes me laugh!

B's best girl.

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you." BTW...if you look closely, the flames are colored.

One more.

Barbara trying on the Oz glasses.

My I-always-have-a-messy-mouth-because-I-love-to-eat girl. Notice she's got a bit of icing in her hair too. Cracks me up!

Power outage!

Please note that the studios of Jaci Clark Photography are currently not being served by Ohio Edison with electricity. Yes, we're still paying our bills, but Mother Nature has decided to play dirty tricks on us, and some rather large trees took out power lines on a nearby street. Meanwhile, across the street, our neighbors' lights are on. My mother-in-law even walked across the street late last night with her laptop to see if anyone had an open WiFi network she could latch onto! Ah, the things we do for our technology fix in this modern era.

Well, we'll be back online soon. In the meanwhile, this message is being posted from a nearby Panera Bakery. If you have tried to contact me via e-mail, please be patient and rest assured that I'll reply as soon as I can.

Where were you?

Seven years ago today started out like any other day. My son was just a tiny thing and getting ready for his morning feeding and my husband was leaving for work. A few minutes after he'd gone I decided to turn on the TV. I was shocked at what I was watching and stayed glued to the TV for the next few minutes so I could try and figure out what had happened. I watched the second plane hit the towers totally unaware I was watching live TV. I thought I was watching a replay.

I called T knowing he was probably listening to a CD rather than the radio and told him to turn on NPR. I couldn't even begin to describe what was happening. I think I simply said, "Turn on NPR. A plane just crashed into the World Trade Towers."

There aren't a whole lot of moments that you can point at and say they instantly changed the course of history but this was definitely one of them. This was our generation's killing of Kennedy. For years when I was young I'd hear the adults talking about that day. Remembering where they were, remembering the horror of it. I never really "got it". I never understood the impact that had on our country or on humanity until 9/11. Now, it's something we have in common.

Today I remember. I remember where I was on that dreadful day. I remember the people who died and their families who had to go on without them. I remember the brave men and women who gave their lives trying to help. I remember the people on the third plane who chose to give their lives rather than let this happen again. I carry those memories with me always.

We are forever connect because of that day and my thoughts are with everyone who was touched by that event. May our children never have this in common with us.

What's your story? Where were you seven years ago today?

Wedding: Dook and Justin

I was lucky enough to spend another wedding second shooting with the fabulous, Kim Reed. Dook and Justin had an outdoor ceremony at the Mayernik Center and couldn't have picked a nicer day. The weather was gorgeous and was the perfect compliment to the beautiful bride. Jameel joined us all the way from New Jersey. It was great fun meeting him and working with a fellow Pictager.

Congrats and best wishes to Dook and Justin! Here's some of my favorites:


Justin getting ready.

It takes a village.

Dook with her Dad.



These two had a hot, first kiss. Can't you tell?

There were so many bubbles that my camera kept focusing on them instead of the couple. I really like this one!

Sneaking a kiss.

The sun light was beautiful.

They had a very spirited first dance that ended like this.

The bouquet toss.