Fun at JBTV
June 27, 2009
_____________

Yesterday, I went with my friend Chad and his friend Nick to film an interview for JBTV/MTV2. After all was said and done, we headed over to JBTV to hang out with Jerry Bryant for a while. If you are unfamiliar with Jerry and his accomplishments, I urge you to take a look at his website at http://www.jbtvonline.com

He is a music icon, well-known among so many people in Chicago. He is also one of the most down to earth, geniune, kind, and passionate folks you'll ever meet.

Many thanks again for everything, Jerry. See you soon!

~amy

Chad, Me and Nick





Me and Jerry with the Jeff Buckley show archive at the Metro in Chicago





Jerry with THE angry chair (Alice in Chains... Layne Stanley drew all over it)





Jerry showing a partial listing of his archives





What a glorious door....





but I think Jerry does it better!





Coolest guy ever!

A Colorful World Brings Forth an Inspiration
_____________________

I have never done this before on my blog, but I truly believe that this woman deserves a whole heck of a lot of credit (especially because her work has managed to make me smile, despite the crummy rain cloud overhead that has followed me for the past several months).

Her name is Katie Sokoler. She is a true artist, and she hails from New York - one of my absolute FAVORITE cities. What she does is something I honestly have never seen before, yet it's really quite simple (though it seems that my mind doesn't have the capability to even go where hers can!). Her work is colorful, fun, beautiful, and inspiring. I was told by a dear friend of mine that one of her photo series was featured in at least one publication (the thought bubble photo series). VERY clever idea, and VERY fun photographs!

I invite, nay, INSIST that you all explore Katie's world. I promise endless amounts of sunshine from just a glimpse.

Thank you Katie, for being an inspiration!

http://colormekatie.blogspot.com/


http://colormekatie.com/Site/Home.html

An Update On Mr. Miu
My Little Pal
June 26, 2009
_______________

I've neglected to update to most of you the happenings in the little world of Miu, my bengal kitten roommate and pal. The fantastic news is that the breeder I got him from, Henry, managed to "fix" the problem by a change in diet. It seems that Miu, being part wild (Asian Leopard), cannot have domestic animal food. What I have to do from now on is grind up cooked whole chickens, and add dietary supplement to it for him. The process takes me several hours, but it lasts him about a month (and ends up costing less, if you can believe it!).

He is now free of vomiting and breathing issues for the most part; however, a brand new vet confirmed that he does indeed have the condition he was originally diagnosed with (megaesophagus). She believes that there is a chance that he "may" outgrow it. Let's hope he does!

For now, I'm thrilled to have him around. He makes me laugh, smile, and certainly keeps me on my toes when he drags toilet paper from the bathroom rolls all over my apartment (among other things). I cannot believe how much he's grown since this whole ordeal began, and how BEAUTIFUL of a creature he is becoming.

Enjoy the updated photos with my new "toy" camera ;)

xoxo

~amy

The Seasoned Traveler
(aka yours truly)
_______________

So what's a girl to do when she's continuing her climb to the top of the mountain with nobody to share the successes with? SHE SPOILS HERSELF!!! :D

I've already mentioned going to New Zealand this year. Next spring, I'll be going with my amazing friends (including one of my fabulous assistants, Nena) to Punta Cana. I'm also planning on trying to take my grandmother to both Greece and Italy for two weeks. If I can swing it, I'm going to try to head over to some more European countries with my cousin. It all kind of depends on what next year brings, but if it's anything like this year, I'm sure that there's a lot to be excited about!

Some very exciting things are in the works still, so stay tuned - it's going to continue to be a hell of a ride!

xoxo

~amy

Ally
Her Senior Portraits
Chicago, IL
June 23, 2009
_______________

Ally is one of my "distant" cousins that I don't often get to see. It's absolutely amazing to see how she has grown up, and how it's seemingly been all in a blink of an eye. I've been told she's an amazing softball player (a catcher to be exact). From getting to know her even throughout the shoot, I can say that she's just a sweetheart, and lots of fun! :) Did I mention she's beautiful too??

Anyway - thanks so much Ally and Julie (Ally's mom) - I'm so glad that I got to spend time with you both, and hope to get to do so much more often!!! Much love!

~amy

Katy
with cameos by
Lauren (sister) and Mom
Chicago, IL
June 22, 2009
__________________

I cannot believe how quickly time flies, and how fast children grow up! Katy is the daughter of one of my father's best friends. I remember when both she and her sister, Lauren were born. I cannot believe that Katy will be going into college next year already!!

We spent the day downtown yesterday with her sister and mom, roaming the city for interesting photo opportunities. The weather was absolutely dreadful; hot, sticky, hazy, and super sunny. Somehow, though, Katy managed to look absolutely lovely throughout the entire shoot. Poor Lauren was a little trooper, enduring the heat through almost the entire shoot. Towards the end, she opted to play in the fountain at Millenium park with her mom rather than go with me and Katy to finish the shoot.

We managed to capture some really great images of Katy, and even took a few shots of Lauren with a few cameos by Joann (their lovely and sweet mother).

Thanks so much for spending the day with me, ladies! I had so much fun, and hope you did too!!

~amy

Jessica
Chicago Portrait Session
June 21, 2009
_______________

Jessica is just getting started with her new business as an event planner (http://newtraditionevents.com). She contacted me to ask for some portraits for her website and other marketing materials, and I couldn't have been happier. She was a lot of fun to work with, and really had a great character about her, despite the somewhat miserable weather yesterday (VERY sticky and hot).

For all you brides and party planners out there, definitely consider this woman for your planning needs - she's just a joy to work with!

Nick and Jane
Their Wedding Day
June 20, 2009
_______________

Nick and Jane are a rare pair as far as clients go... They've somehow managed to become very special friends before their wedding day even arrived. Nick is talented, kind, thoughtful, caring and encouraging. Jane is incredibly smart, sweet, caring, BEAUTIFUL, supportive, and just overall amazing. I am so very grateful and fortunate to call both of these people friends.

Sharing their big day with them yesterday was that much more special for me because of the friendship I have with them.

Their wedding day was held at the St. Charles Country Club in St. Charles, IL. Despite the somewhat sticky and warm weather, the ceremony was absolutely gorgeous. I'd never seen a groom gently brush his bride's hair from her eyes during a ceremony before, but it was a sweet and delicate moment that I will never forget.

Their entire day was like a magical dance, and speaking of dancing, this fantastic couple did quite a bit of that! They spun around the dance floor in such a graceful way it seemed as though they were dancing on clouds. Their smiles and loving glances at each other throughout the day brought a warmth and hope to my heart.

Thank you both so very much for asking me to capture the moments of your wedding day. An extra special thank you to your families for being so accommodating and kind to me and my assistant, Helen.

I am so excited and happy for you both, and cannot wait to continue a friendship with you both for years to come.

Much love!

~amy