{i.am.a.rock…i.am.an.island}

i have sat down to write this post several nights. writers block usually comes from not having anything to say….this time it is because i just have way too much. this summer, at a time when i needed it most, i went back home to photograph this beautiful family on Greens Island just off mid-coast Maine.

and while it looks as if this is where the story begins, it isn’t.

it actually began 16 years ago when i laced up my cleats and stepped into the wet, dew permeated grass of a field hockey field for a 6am tryout and practice. in the far corner of the field these two women stood in their shorts, a bit (okay a lot) intimidating with whistles around their necks, and motioned with an assertive, circular  wave for us to start the first of many (many, many) early morning runs. at that moment, sweating profusely and honestly, in all of my teenage rebellion, regretting getting out of bed for this type of torture, i had no idea how these two people…these two incredible sisters…would empower me not only as an athlete but as a person, and as a woman. and that first step on the field wasn’t just a girl going  to play a sport, it turned into something so much more for me that only revealed itself several years (a decade) later. Hilary and Christine moved on from coaching 6am (oh and 4pm…these ladies did not fool around) practices, to being wives and mothers, and doing the general lifetime long growing up we all do. when Hilary contacted me to do their family session on the Island this past winter, i glowed and dreamed until July finally came.

some of you hear island, and think Hawaii with a few resorts and a sushi bar a walk away. island life in Maine is different… for the most part there is no electricity, running water, no television or internet, intermittent cell service…for me, it was a heaven all its own. it reminded me just how refreshing and renewing simplicity truly is…just the people you love, for the entire summer, with no technological interruptions or overbearing housework demands.

i am going to share a few photos here on the blog, but invite you all to CLICK ON THIS LINK for the slideshow for a more story telling view….

love always, mandy