Flowers

I love flowers. My only problem is, I don't pay attention to what is blooming and when and then I miss out. However, when I am out and about and see a few, I'll get what I can. A little tweak here and there just to make them 'pop' a little.

Memorial Day is a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving the United States Armed Forces.

For the past 7 years, it has become a family tradition for my family to attend Rolling Thunder in Washington, DC to remember our veterans. Here”s a little history about Rolling Thunder:

Rolling Thunder began in 1987 as a demonstration to bring awareness to the plight of prisoners of war (POW) and to those missing in action (MIA). Rolling Thunder originated when four Vietnam Veterans, exercising the First Amendment

"Right to Petition and Assemble", organized the first group of 2500 motorcycles to ride through the streets of Washington, DC. This first Rolling Thunder run was made in an attempt to petition the government to take responsibility for the soldiers that were abandoned after the Vietnam War ended.

Today over 250, 000 motorcycles ride during the Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend observance, held each year in our nation’s capital. Rolling Thunder has evolved to be not only a demonstration for the POW/MIA issue but also a demonstration of patriotism and respect for soldiers and veterans from all wars.

Each year I would photograph the bikes as they rode in, saluting the lone marine as they passed. This year I decide to walk amongst the crowd and focus on the people. Also, the lone marine who stands saluting until the last bike rolls through. This year, I heard that the marine was suffering from a broken wrist and refused to have it set because he would not been able to put his uniform on to salute our veterans. If you would like to learn more about this loan marine, you can just google his name: Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers.

Enjoy the 2011 Rolling Thunder pictures.

It's hard to believe that we welcomed Jason into this world only 4 months ago. Just to think that he is my baby's baby. It is fun to watch him change, seeing not only his father in him, but his mother (my baby), especially when he smiles. Every time that toothless grin and sparkling eyes are flashed my way, memories flood back to a time when I was a young mother. Watching my baby with her baby is such a wonderful feeling knowing the experiences she will have as a mother too.

Jason Mateo

The more I photograph newborns the more I learn. It takes a lot of patience (which I have), and a lot of time. Also, the photographer needs to dress light and comfortable. When you warm a room for a newborn, whether they are clothed or nude, for the photographer it gets hot.

So, light clothing and a rubber band for the hair then by the time you've finished photographing, the baby still looks better than you. But that is OK. Whatever it takes to get such precious pictures is worth it.

Especially with this little guy which everyone will see more of. Let me introduce my first grandchild, Jason Mateo.

Aimee and Israel

Well, as promised here are some more portraits of Aimee and Israel.