When the Oregon Humane Society asked if I’d like to photograph their annual Doggie Dash, I didn’t hesitate for a second.  Yes, I photograph people.  And in my humble, non-scientific opinion, dogs don’t fall far from that tree.

With 4,000 “dashers”, they raised over $273,000.  That’s enough money “to vaccinate all 10,000 pets OHS adopted last year, to feed every animal in the shelter for a year, to buy medical supplies for 1,250 spay/neuter surgeries, AND to keep two OHS animal cruelty investigators in the field for a full year!”

And to celebrate their success, I cracked a few ribs that evening during a soccer game in a most fantastic run-in with my own goalie.  A fine day indeed.

Saw some nice light the other night coming and going from dinner.

One of those things in life that make everything right in my world.

$19,000 raised.  In 5 minutes.  By 190 generous souls.  Enough to feed 100 young girls for 500 days at Children’s Heaven, an organization located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, that supports girls who have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS.

And by the end of the night, Ethiopian Orphan Relief, an non-profit founded by adoptive parents who wanted to give back to the orphanages and country their children came from, had raised almost $67,000 thanks to an incredible bounty of family, friends and strangers.

I am so fortunate to be forever connected with the people of Ethiopia as well as this inspiring community of adoptive families.

And so fortunate to document such selfless giving.

Nothing says Spring in Portland like a Cinco de Mayo inspired birthday party, face painting, a much used swingset, and a closing bonfire under starry skies.

Happy Birthday Ellie!!  Thank you so much for letting me be a part of the celebration.

Ever try to put a kid to bed when the sun is still up?  In this part of the world, 8 p.m. might as well be 3 in the afternoon as far as my 6-year old son is concerned.  Nevermind his attitude and body language have been crying out for the last two hours “Will somebody please put me out of my misery and send me to bed already?!”  So as I sent my guy stomping + pouting off to bed tonight, loudly lamenting my existence in his life, I was reminded of all those nights as a kid I found myself in bed while the sun was still up, wondering why the cruel world had delivered me into the hands of such a “mean mom”.   The world and life have since set me straight, and I could not be more grateful for the woman I am so fortunate to call my mom, and thank my lucky stars every day for her existence in my life.

My son is not there yet.  Someday.  Maybe?  In the meantime, there is his papa.  And if he could, he would attach himself to this man with blue tape.