A little RoJo

My solo week.

2012-02-27T15:02:00.000-08:00

Last week Rowan was away working. It was the longest time we have spent apart. 7 nights. We both knew going into this marriage that there would be nights apart. Many of them. In fact I expected it to be sooner then now.

It went pretty well. I booked a full week of friends and family and work. I woke up early so I could fall asleep quickly. Still, time went slow. I missed him a lot.

However, it was good for me to be alone again. It remained me what my hope is in, my Heavenly Father. It is a fight to keep my identity Christ and not Rowan, or Gillson, or IPS or Portland or traveling or friends or tea or photos or so many other things that are "me". My hope, my reason, my vision and my life is Christ Jesus Risen.

Being apart for a week also made me so very thankful for everything that Rowan does. Like fill the car with gas, help me carry heavy things up the stairs, hug me, encourage me, laugh with me//at me, take care of the bills, take the trash out, hold my hand, make me tea, tell me stories, read to me, and so many other things. I feel the love of God though my husband. He is perfect for me. I am very thankful.

It was also fun to have some "free time" here are some peaks of my solo week.

Shopping clearance, winter stuff is on sale now! Getting ready for the New Zealand Trip in Nov

The results!

My pretty sister in window light with my valentines flowers.

Meeting my little friend and flower girl in our wedding at Omsi...doing a "science experiment"...in really good looking eye gear!

Home made face mask...honey, banana, nutmeg, oats and other good stuff! It's fun, you should try it!

my baby brother and his new teeth...how perfect is he?

Making pizza with my little sister

Rowan arrived home last night. We are taking the day to visit as many coffee shops as we can!

much love always,
jocelyn

PS Thanks for the concern about my health, I am feeling a bit better, but not all the way. I am going into the Doc this week to vamp up the supplements...

Thankful for what has been done already

2012-02-17T16:17:00.000-08:00

I have not been feeling very well the last few days. Tired, headaches trouble with my tummy. It has kept me laying pretty low. It's a battle when I have many days like this in a row. My Self esteem plummets when I can hardly keep the house clean, answer emails and cook dinner.{It's car accident related, not baby related for the record}

I am thankful for this time because it reminds me of the love that is given freely. By my Heavenly Father and by my gracious husband. I am taken care of. I am loved.

It's not about what I can do, did do or could do. It's actually about what has been done for me. I can run a 10 mile race or sleep in and be loved the same. I can have a spotless home and dinner on the table at 6 sharp or my husband can help me cook it and we eat between 5.45 and 8. Loved the same. Accepted the same. Jesus is understanding.

I ponder that hope today. I rest in that truth today.

Rowan my love, taking me out for coffee and a chat...

We are still house hunting. It's still fun! We have not really found anything else we like...but it changes every day so you don't really know what will happen tomorrow! {Maybe that is why I like it so much!}

May you rest in what has been down for you and not what you are able to do.

-jocelyn

have a happy day

2012-02-14T10:42:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentines day.

you are loved.

Saying I love you back

2012-02-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

It was 4 in the morning. We stood outside the airport. It was the 3rd time I had seen him. We had been dating, long distance for 3 weeks. As we stood there he looked at me and said

"I love you Jocelyn". 

Shocked, I looked at him.  Was that allowed? Shouldn't he wait until he was going to ask me to marry him? We had never talked about this! What's the plan here? What do I say? AH! 'BE HONEST' come to mind, so I was. I looked back said,

"I think I am starting to love you too." 

He gave me a little smile and said 

"That is all I can hope for" 

Gave me a hug and walked into the airport. I stood on the curb looking at the door he walked though. Was that the moment? What if I didn't marry him? Was I guarding my heart? What does that even mean? Who says to their boyfriend "I THINK I AM STARTING TO LOVE YOU TOO?" Geez Jocelyn, you are bad at this. 

Good relationships always take work. They require investment. Last week I was convicted that I had believed a lie--that I did not need to do any pursuing in my marriage. It's HIS job to pusue ME!He asks the questions, he plans the dates, he figures me out. How rude! How selfish. How lame! How unlike ANY other relationship I have. I don't treat my girl friends that way! Why would I treat my husband worse then I treat them?

So I took my husband out on a date. I planned the whole thing. I made the plans, I bought the burgers. The look in his eye and the kiss I got at the end of the night ensured that I will be planning a date night again. He loved it!

 I want to be a wife that invests back. I want to be a friend that knows what my best friends enjoys to do. I want my husband to get goose bumps when he hears I have a date planed. I want to purse my husaband so know knows beyond a doubt that I am completely and uteerlty in love with who he is! I want to speak love into the love of my life. 

May you love well,

jocelyn 

Friends of the heart

2012-02-07T12:53:00.000-08:00

We had a long weekend with our dear friends from CA. It is so wonderful to have close friends! They are a gift and such a blessing. 

Rowan and Jeff were roomies back in the day and have some great stories. Gab and I hit it off when Rowan and I were dating. We have been couple friends from that point on.

Breakfast in Portland.....

We took them to the coast for a few nights.

The boys catching up on things.... 

Girl talk on the beach! 

Good, old friends.

The ocean put us in the right perspective, small and dependent on the Heavenly Father. 

Back in Portland we hit the food carts. Hawaiian was one of the choices {Please notice the penny in his loafer. I love it. I am going to do that}

Of course loading up on the best coffee...

Happy coffee girl with scary eyes....that happiness should last a while...the scary eyes left after I turned off that stupid camera flash.  

It's always a little sad to adjust to back to "real life". We are going to look at a few houses today so that will be fun. Rowan is working happily at his desk. I have some cleaning to need to do but it I think I will bake some cookies instead while listening to some happy tunes.

I'm so glad I live with my best friend ever...

Much love always,

jocelyn 

It was not our home.

2012-02-01T12:34:00.000-08:00

We just head that they went with another offer on the house we wanted.

It's sad. It's hard to believe that there is something better out there. But, I know there is. At least something better for our family. God knows us. He knows our hearts and future. I completely trust Him. I love trusting Him.

We are going on a date tonight. It's good thing we are friends, being sad with friends is much better then being sad alone.

Thank you Heavenly Father for taking care of us. We trust you completely.

Jocelyn

Still no word...

2012-01-30T16:16:00.000-08:00

Still no word on the house. I don't know if it's our home or someone else's. I am needing to submit my desire for this house to God about every 3 minutes. Have you ever noticed how INSANE your mind can be when transitions are involved? My gosh, I have to refrain from going on Craig's List and picking out furniture. I have to put away my computer so I don't look at the pictures I have seen a thousand times. I fight to NOT plan where I would put things and how it would be if we "got it". I am a serious advocate of not letting your mind drift into places that are not reality. It's not my house yet. I don't have permission to decorate it.

All of this has been making me think about home. What defines "home" for me? I want home to be Rowan, I want it to feel like home when we are together and friends in love. I think I would always like my home to be warm and I am a little addicted to my own pillow. I like beds too, but I don't know if that would be a defining factor. Those things don't need to be in a house. It can be a little apartment, a room even.

So quickly I become discontent. Suddenly those 3 flights of stairs we have to climb everyday are annoying, not a free work out. Suddenly our dear apartment is way to small. All of this is a lie. Our apartment is perfect for us right now. I don't deserve this house, why am I suddenly acting like I do? I refuse to live that way. Every breath is an undeserved gift, I will will that in my soul. I am content and thankful to live anyplace with Rowan. I refuse to let my desires for this house make me unhappy with what I have right now.

I jump every time one of our phones rings. And I am still very much enjoying this game, it's getting intense. Rowan and I feel good about our offer, and the timing of it all. We have done everything we can do. Now we get to enjoy God's work. It's nice to know we have done all possible on our end.

May you live well!

love,
jocelyn

Friday, perhaps a down in history day?

2012-01-27T12:46:00.000-08:00

This week. A good one, a perhaps life changing one.

We are house hunting. I LOVE it. Going and looking at differnt homes and letting yourself dream about living there. It's been a blast. It has not been stressful or crazy or hard like some people told me it would be.

The other day I woke up and really felt the need to check the new listings so I did. I found this house and I LOVED it from the moment I saw it. Called our Realtor and we saw it 20 min later. As I walked though it I knew it was my dream house. The one I have been waiting for! I want to live there more then any other home we have looked at. I love evertyhing about it. It's old and cool and big enough to host lots of parties. It's perfect for lots and lots of babies one day!

We put in an offer by noon that same day. But of course there are other offers in too, it's the best house ever. Everyone wants it. I don't think our offer will be the highest or the best--it was just first. We did everying we could to get the house. Now we wait to hear...I guess this could be the hard or bad part. But it's not. I am excited for the phone to ring, I am excited to see what God does. Yes or no the answer is of Him. So for now I am trying not to dream too much about living there. I am NOT shopping for drapes and NOT shopping for a new kitchen table. I am resting in God and his detailed care for me and Rowan. If we don't get this house I am going to cry a bit and will my heart back to trusting my Father who cares for me so well.

Putting in our offer...SO FUN!

More of our week included...

Sitting in our favorite coffee shop! LIFE DAY needed some good coffee shops!

Making Rowans favorite dinner--wild rice soup.

Pilates {still so strange to me that I don't wear shoes} Class is going well and making me stronger. I am totally still the worst one there {and the only one who busts out laughing}, but I really like it anyway.

Walking home from the store I found this rose peaking out. It made me smile and I praised God for it.

Yeah for weekends! I hope I get to go drape shopping! I hope I look back on this Friday as I day we got our first ever home!

love,
jocelyn

LIFE DAY!

2012-01-26T08:51:00.000-08:00

Today is Life Day. It's a holiday I made up this year actually. But the story starts 6 years ago.

Normal day at school, just started a new term, booked to take 25 credits. Just finished my second volleyball season on scholarship. I was in {almost} full time ministry with a few different organizations. Life was excellent. I was changing the world. I had a car, cell phone, tons of friends, I was in love with my church family, and felt my life was being put to good use. I was succeeding in athletics and academics. The ministries I was investing in were thriving. But on this day 6 years ago my life changed forever.

A self portrait from a while ago...

On the way to lunch on a break from school, I was in a serious car accident. T boned on my side at 35 mph. The car I was in was basically stopped. Rushed to the ER I was there for 6 hours and for that time they did not know if I would make it. But I DID! I was in ICU for a few days and trauma recovery for a few more. I was deeply supported by friends and family at that time, {and I continue to be} but my life changed on that day. I was seriously hurt. Spinal injurious, internal bleeding, a serious head wound etc. In my soul I was ready to die, right with the Heavenly Father and confident of my Faith in Christ Jesus. However, I don't think I was ready to live with so many changes. I was not ready for so much to be "taken away".

I fought to "get better" and "push though" as my athletic background had thought me, but day after day, year after year the progress was slow... or stagnant, and frustrating. I had to drop out of school, and could never play volleyball again. I was so dizzy everyday and suffered intense back and neck pain, casing me to throw up unexpectedly, along with many other annoying "holding me back" elements. Most days getting out of bed was my goal. This went on for years. I presented that I was fine in public, but in private I was so sick and frustrated and "why did God do this to me?" haunted my soul.

I still have bad days. The progress of healing is really slow and some days I want to give up. Some days when my body keeps me from doing "good things" I still have to beat down the "why did God DO THIS?" Or "Just think who I would be if I could be HEALED!"

A younger family...

Friends and a hipster, athletic side...

I sought to work though this question, to conquer bitterness and to not be mad at God for "Doing this to me." Recently my perspective has changed. I realized {and I feel so dumb for it taking 6 years to figure out} I should be dead. I should be in the ground right now. My parents should be crying today because they miss me. But I am ALIVE!

GOD SAVED ME.

6 years ago today God saved my life, God plucked me out, he protected me from death or a life far more injured then I am living now. He SAVED me.

Today I remember that my life could have been "cut short" at 20. I am living a dream not a tragedy.

So, happy Life Day friends, may you love being alive today! And thank you Heavenly Father for protecting my head in the car accident, thank you for the ability to talk, to see, to remember, to smell, to love, to laugh. I LOVE being ALIVE!

-jocelyn

"The worst thing EVER"

2012-01-23T12:43:00.000-08:00

You know on the movies when 2 girls show up to a party wearing the same thing and it's "THE WORST THING EVER?" I had never really experienced anything like that...until Sunday.

On Sunday I went to church. My baby sister was visiting for the first time. I was excited that she was coming. I walked in and found her in the lobby...only to discover we had on the EXACT SAME OUTFIT. Down to the shoes and the way our hair was done.

It was not the worst thing ever but it was creepy. And yes, people noticed. And yes, they asked if it was on purpose. And the answer to all those questions is no.

I love you sis, you have GREAT style!

{In cause you can't tell I am the one on the left}

Thanks mom for have "twins" 8 years apart.

Love,
jocelyn

Snow, Mopeds and Diapers...it was a weird week.

2012-01-20T06:00:00.000-08:00

It was a good week. Kind of weird.

My favorite neighborhood moped...

A pretty bottle to put my toner in. I put my beauty supplies in pretty bottles. I can leave them out and they still look good. They put me in a good mood in the morning too.

Snow dates! Snow makes my husband romantic so we we took a walk to Thai food {My vice and guilty pleasure} It was such a fun date!

Friends being dorky.

Our church launched! It was a great day! We are so excited about what God is doing in Portland.

Strange: I walked up to our car and there was a pack of diapers on the roof. 27 of them. Size 5. That is for a 30 lb baby. I totally cracked up, I have no idea if it was a prank or if it just happened....either way I thought it quite funny.

May you be happy,

jocelyn

Saying thank you

2012-01-16T09:36:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about marriage. This has to do with a few things. 1. We just started a marriage series at church {It's wonderful} 2. I have received a few emails on the topic. I really am more in love with Rowan then when we dated. We don't fight. There is never yelling or speak unkindly in our home. This is a choice but also more natural then I thought it would be. 

Saying thank you is something that I always want to do. I make sure that I don't "expect" Rowan to take out the trash or clean up the kitchen after I make dinner. I always tell him "thank you". I want him to feel valued. He IS valued! I say "thank you" to a stranger at the store, why would I not say it to those I love most? I want to treat Rowan better then I treat any other person. It bothers me greatly when I see ladies treating their husbands/ boyfriends worse then they treat their girlfriends. I just don't get it.

Even as I type this Rowan says "Thanks for making breakfast, love" from his computer.  This of course makes me want to make his breakfast every day {no, I don't normally make breakfast...like never} but those little words make me want to! The power of thankfulness is awesome. 

I am so very thankful for him.

I never want Rowan to doubt my thankfulness to him!

Happy Monday!  

-jocelyn

Some happy from this week.

2012-01-13T13:43:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went to the beach las minuet. I LOVE whims. Planning to be spontaneous is one of my favorite things! It ended up being a beautiful weekend. It was great to reconnect without lap tops, internet connections and turn our phones off {well mine died but it had the same effect}

Barefoot in Jan!

It was a great trip! This week we have been working a lot. It's been good. Making forward progress. I have done 2 classes of Pilates this week and it is going well. I have never done anything like this before. I am in a class with mainly grandmothers {hence the "rehab" part}. I like grandmothers--and they seem to like me. They "work out" at the pace I should, so we are friends. I am going to do 10 weeks of the class and then see what I want to do from there. One week down, 9 to go.

It's my goal this weekend to laugh out loud often. I need to laugh more.

Have a good weekend!
jocelyn

Mr&Mrs Karram [Bocca Ratone FL]

2012-01-09T10:01:00.000-08:00

They met in lab. Both working to become doctors. She loved his charm, quick wit. He loved her soft spirit, how hard she worked, not to mention her incredible good looks.

It was a long distance relationship from the start. Peppered with mid terms and finals. Med school is not conducive to relationships. But they made it work.

He surprised her with a proposal before her birthday and she has been planning this perfect wedding for 2 years. Every detail had her finger prints on it.

As a couple they are charming. Balancing each other well. Obviously in love and comfortable in each others arms. Photographing them was incredible. They ooozzzed personality and are enchanted with each other.

Their wedding was a family event, and tons of fun!

Wit and charm indeed....

But serious when he needs to be.

This is one of my favorite shots of the day!

But then I saw this one...and I can't decide.

Love is photogenic.

He loves her. You can tell he thinks she is the prettiest girl in the world. He could not take his eyes off of her.

Mrs. Karram you are perfectly beautiful...

He gave her his grandmother's ring...

Congratulations you two wonderful people! It was perfect, just like you guys!

-jocelyn

STORY:
It started to rain after the wedding and durning our romantic couple shoot. She was not worried about her dress, however her white shoes could not take the grass and rain. So the poor dear stomped around in my shoes, 2 sized too big for her. She was a great sport, laughing all the way. Her new husband must have thought it cute, he could not keep his lips off her.

And yes, I have my jeans under my cocktail dress. And of course I shoot weddings in such dresses!

Little fingers and music

2012-01-06T03:00:00.000-08:00

My dear friend is a violin teacher. This may not seem too strange but....she teachers 3 year olds.

I was able to photograph her Christmas recital and nearly died at the cuteness of her students. Here, let me share it with you.

It was one of the best things I photographed all year. Made me want a 3 year old. My future children are so doing something like this.

Are they not the cutest things ever?

jocelyn

Hopes

2012-01-03T13:28:00.000-08:00

I don't really set goals on the new year. I am starting to realize I am a bit OCD. If a goal is set, making that goal happen becomes my utmost and highest. So I set "hopes" for the year.

I have a few hopes. Nothing earth shattering. Sharing them here is good. It's like being held accountable--in a rather scary way.

Hopes:

-To love without expecting anything in return.

-To grow in my friendship with Rowan. I love being with him. I enjoy his company. This year I hope to know him more, see his soul clearer, understand his needs better, relax in his love and protection. I can honestly say that marriage has gotten better as times passes. I can't image my life without him. We are perfect for each other.

-Because of on going heath uses from a car accident I hope to strengthen my body. I am excited to start a rehab work out class a few blocks from my house. I am nervous though. I have never admitted I needed "rehab". But I do. I am getting weary of always having a headache and other nasties. How lame is it for pride to get in the way? I am not strong, why should I pretend that I am?

-Speak words of hope.

-Sing more often.

-Understand the heart of God in a new way.

-Invest our savings.

-Stop being scared of what people think about me. It's a trap that has gotten oddly worse over time.

-Smile more. Smiles are powerful, people are drawn to them.

***

Looking over the last year has been fun. I love remembering...

We moved to a cute little apartment. We have been so happy here and love city life...

We spent a lot of time teaching all over the place. We love teaching photography, we meet the coolest people ever! This is out little GA class.

We spent our one year anniversary in Rome {I know, who does stuff like that?} I understand that this traveling can't last forever so I am soaking it up. I am spooled rotten and I know it!

Holiday

2011-12-29T13:30:00.000-08:00

We had and are having a great holiday! Our time with the Gillsons was wonderful as always.

One of my favorite parts was going "Up to the farm" to see Rowan's grandparents. They are some of the dearest people I have come to know. They have been married for 67 years. As you can tell from this photo they are still in love. Spending time with them, listing to their stories and their whit is a joy. My husband comes from good stalk! :)

We flew to portland the night of the 22nd. I was nervous about getting stuck in the airports but everything was great. All the travelers seemed to have made it home and the weather was nothing to worry about this year.

I love this always...

On Christmas eve Rowan and I spent the morning on our own. We exchanged gifts and went to breakfast at our favorite little bakery.

It was crazy with Christmas shoppers picking up their orders

It was Christmas, we went all out!

We spent the night at my parents house and the next day cooked up a storm, ate like little piggies, caught up with family, exchanged gifts and marveled that God came as a little person to save the world.

My sis and Rowan cooking up a storm..

We are Enjoying slow days at home. Lots os planning and dreaming about 2012. Monday reality starts again....

Merry Christmas!
jocelyn

Sunshine in FL, relaxing before a wedding

2011-12-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

We had a quick 3 days in Boca Raton, FL for a wedding. It was great to see some 75 degree weather and sunshine. We even hit the beach for a few hours after scouting locations!

All I have been posting is snaps, but currently that is life. We are in the process of planning and booking next year. I am just glad to be able to sit on the beach and ponder such things!

Trying to be hot...but looking kind of dorky...

Enter and be filled with joy!

yummy light

We flew out yesterday to MN. That was a rather change! Went from the land of warm beaches to frozen lakes. Packing was a joy...here is a airplane window shot of New York city!

We are chilling at the Gillsons today, it is fun to be back so soon! We are here 4 days then back home for Christmas!

Wedding photos coming soon! It was lovely and the couple was hotness embodied and excited to try out some new posing ideas I had! I can't wait to show them off!

I am thankful for the beach. It makes me feel small.

Happy day!
jocelyn

Another Airport...

2011-12-15T11:46:00.000-08:00

We are headed to FL to photographic a wedding then taking a stop in MN to see the Gillsons!

It is crazy in the airports right now! I have never seen lines so long! If you are flying this holiday I would say you need 2 hours before your flight.

Rowan working in the United Club.

Our flying date...I love flying with Rowan, phones turned off, no internet, just talking and stories.

I made gold status last trip...it means I get a cool card, get to cut in line and lots more upgrades.

See you on the sunny side of FL!

jocelyn

Shopping: trees and last moment gifts.

2011-12-12T03:00:00.000-08:00

We had a great weekend. Went out to my parents house to help get their Christmas tree! Because we are on the road in December it is not worth getting a real tree. So we have an itty bitty fake one. We tag along with my little sibs for the tree adventure.

Finding the perfect one...

My pretty sisters in pretty light:

This one is perfect!

I have also been doing some last minute shopping. I wanted to recommend a few things I have been into lately...and are great gifts if you are needing something for your girlies.

Tarte lip color
I got this for my birthday and I love it. The color lasts, it does not dry your lips out and the texture is awesome.

Everyone should have Moleskin
at the start of a new year. Rowan just ordered ours and this is the one I chose.

MAC eyeliner
is a great. I am never without it.

Essie Nail Polishfun colors that lasts.

This is our little tree, isn't he cute and little?

We are going to FL at the end of the week, spending 3 days there shooting a wedding then going to MN to see Rowan's family. It's currently 79 in Florida and 19 in Minnesota. At least I will see snow for Christmas! Rowan and I will be coming home to Portland right before Christmas, it will be his first holiday with my family. I am try excited to share our traditions with him!

Merry Christmas!
jocelyn

A bit of PULSE

2011-12-09T03:30:00.000-08:00

Here is a little shot I took at the PULSE event in MN featuring owl city. Nick Hall, founder of PULSE is a pretty incredible guy. at 19 he felt the voice of God telling him to preach the gospel to his generation. By all means he is. This owl city event was the largest college gathering in the states this year and it was an all out gospel message. Nick is all about what Jesus has done and eager to tell students the great news! I was excited to take some "cool photos for promo of Nick".

Nick Hall, founder of PLUSE and truly awesome man of God.

We are gearing up to go again. We leave for FL on Thursday we are photographing a wedding. I am excited to see some warm again! But I am enjoying a few more days of not having suitcases laying all over our living room.

Thankful for Portland friends and sushi dates with them!

jocelyn

Home life continues...

2011-12-07T03:00:00.000-08:00

This week we had a few church events and of course Rowan was asked to do photos. And he of course rocked it. Sometimes he is so good at things it's frustrating...and I am so proud of him!

Here are a few of my favs...

In other news, we are looking for a house! We have been stalking the internet and gaining more and more of an idea of what we want. And if you are wondering how we are planning to bye a home while not in state for longer then 30 days. Well. I have no idea. We are new at this game, we are also to young and stupid to know what we can and can't do. So we just try everything! So far it's working pretty well!

It's been quite fun dreaming up things I would like in our first home...like hardwoods and 2 bathrooms! So fun. These are good times and I treasure them.

I am so thankful for by husband today. He is faithful. He pursues me even when I am grumpy and emo and not pretty. He cares for my heart in such a tender way.

I am also thankful for...

-a week of sunshine!

-chai tea, the natural stuff is best

-grocery shopping, it means I am home

-Christmas time, it's cozy
-A good book, Rowan is enjoying one now
-A call from a friend, I have some of the best friends
-A heart to heart chat.

Happy day!

jocelyn

Cookies and Christmas!

2011-12-05T03:00:00.000-08:00

mmmmhummm went to mom and dads to make Christmas cookies over the weekend with grandma and grandpa! I am no good at baking but I feel better when there is a 5 year old is trying also.

The adventure starts with grandpa in the kitchen...

The littlest waking up from his nap...

Note the apron {it was mine when I was little and now my little brother LOVES it} I try and tell him it's bad luck...

She was a little confused at molding the dough and not eating it. So she ate it. A LOT of it.

Green lips fingers and cookies dough...

"Look at all these pretty sparkles sissy!" I think she used up 3 things of sprinkles...

Baby gets his snack...

This was my victory! They turned out on the FIRST try! AND it was my mother in laws recipe! Booya! Not burned, not crooked, not weird looking and they taste good! They look like and ARE christmas cookies! {did I mention they are Rowans favorite kind of cookies?} Hence the victory picture!

It's my goal to get the Christmas shopping done by Wed. It's my goal to have everything shipped and gone in a week. Shopping for gifts stress me out! I hate trying to fine the "right" thing. I am more of a card person myself. My best friend thrives on gift giving and shopping. She always invites me to go shopping on Christmas eve when she does all of hers! I would have a nervous breakdown. So I have been watching the online sales and Amazon like crazy! We will see how it fairs..

Happy Monday and happy shopping {I know I am not the only one fighting this battle!}

-j

Back home weirdness.

2011-12-02T04:00:00.000-08:00

There is something strange about coming home. I feel like I am getting good at the traveling wife thing. The home wife however I am a bit more insecure in. There is always a strage "what is real" feeling after being on the road. Rowan and I spent a grand total of 6 nights in out home in Nov and less then 10 in Oct. It has been a long 8 weeks. We ran 5 photography classes all over the states.

I am exhausted. But I so want to be a good wife. In my head I have always thought of a good wife as a good house keeper and cook. I will admit failure on both those fronts. However I know that the heart of being a good wife is engaging with my husbands soul. It is seeking him out. Loving him. Oddly enough the challenge the last few days has been taking care of myself so I can function. Making time to sleep and eat well and catch up on the input of my soul. I refuse to be a martyr, but recognize my own needs and see to them. That is being a good wife this week.

So we have spent the last few days loving each other. We have taken naps and tried to motivate ourselves todo anything work related. I would have taken more photos but I have been sleeping.

Today after not being able to focus we took a little stroll to one of the best coffee stands in P-town...

Cool Portland barista composing the perfect cup of coffee.

This weekend we are going over to my family's house for christmas cookie day. This is very exciting. I mean how adventurous is it to bake with 6 kids under 10?

Have a good weekend!

-jocelyn

Skin skin skin...

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hi friend,

I have struggled to find a good facial lotion for years. Recently I walked into a little European spa to get a facial. A French women pushed me into a seat and took a microscope to my skin causing me to sweat a little with her disapproving frown that was too close for comfort.

I have never felt good about my skin. I have tried a thousand different options and nothing seems to make a difference. After I discovered that I have very sensitive skin and will react to the littlest changes, I have been able to baby it a little more and that has helped but not all the way. I have even noticed that different water can make my skin dryer and inflamed. I have a problem with my skin being too dry, then it freaks out and makes more oil, then evil breakouts.

As the French women inspected my skin with her critical eye she did my facial then threw this product at my face telling me in her thick accent "this will make your skin more supple and more beautiful, you need to bye!" Of course it was expensive but she did seem to know what she was doing and I am a sucker for anything Euro. So I bought it. I am shocked at how well my skin has done. I have seen a huge difference. More then any other product I have ever purchased. I found it on Amazon for a better price, it's is still spendy but hey, you wear your face everyday so I think it's a worthy investment.

And in cause you wanted more details...my new French fried recommended washing my face with a milk base cleanser then use a non alcoholic toner then the Pevonia then sleep. In the morning I just tone and apply the lotion. Water and soap twice a day cause dryness in my case.

Pevonia Botanica

Stay beautiful

-j

Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T12:22:00.000-08:00

We had a great trip to the in-laws. Truly they have accepted me and loved me. Though I come from a different family and upbringing {just living in the Northwest VS the Midwest is a big culture difference} But still they accept my skinny jeans, tea drinking, green, ways. I in turn love their "it's not that cold" attitude, their farms, their pickles, their corn fields, their frozen lakes.

One of the best parts of the visits is my Momma-in-law always takes me to coffee. I always ask her how she thinks my husband is doing. I want to be a good wife and she knows that boy pretty well. I love getting her thought on him and anything else we care to chat about.

The holiday weekend was relaxing and everything an American Thanksgiving is made to be. Incredible food and company and movies and snakes and getting ready for Christmas!

Here is Rowan helping to hanging the Christmas lights. There was a little snow at first but it melted.

Sisters and cousins watching the dog show after the Macey's parade...I had never seen a dog show! Quite hilarious.

Turkey is ready!

Gram...

He can carve a Turkey! Who knew? Note the apron, how can he look so good in an apron? heeeee heeee! :)

A little middle school to take this picture but sometimes I like to be in middle school.

Most of the gillson girls shopping midnight on Black friday. We got a coffee grinder. So worth it.

We are headed back home for a few weeks. I am looking forward to being back into my little house on our little street. I am looking forward to sleeping in my own bed. I am looking forward to sitting in the little bakery down a block and seeing those faces I have come to recognize and smelling that coffee that only Portland can brew. I am very much looking forward to seeing my little brothers and sisters and seeing my parents. I can't wait to see my friends in person and catch up with them a little.

After our thanksgiving meal we sat around for a bit talking about what we are thankful for. Grandpa said something that I have been pondering for the last few weeks. "I want to be thankful for the blessings and gifts of God but I want to be even more thankful for God Himself." This challenges me in a few ways. God himself needs to stand alone in my soul. I don't want to love him because he gives me stuff but because of who he is.

I am going to stop numbering my thankful list. I don't want it to be about numbers.

I am thankful for..

-God Himself

-Cranberry sauce, it's sooo good!

-Tradition

-Hymns, Singing them with grandparents is better then ever

-A certain sisters candy making near the holidays, so good!

-Pony tails, they are sporty and flirty

-Clan tap water, Thanks America

-Eletric blankets, I discovered those with the help of my momma in-law, they keep you warm ALL NIGHT! If you have cold sleeping nights I recommend them!

-Lip Stick, I have been into wearing it again these days

Peace!

-jocelyn

Brown eyes in Italy

2011-11-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

While in Italy last year for an IPS PhotoEX trip I could not help but take some picture of faces. The light in Italy is always good for some reason. The food is always good too.

This is a friend I met there. She is passionate. She is beautiful. She is strong. I learned about her life as we wandered though the Roman Forum. I hope to make many more friends in this way.

She looks so good in short hair and I love the texture of these photos..

Peace,
j

Sisters and movies.

2011-11-23T05:00:00.000-08:00

I have 5 sister in-laws. It is SOOOOO fun to have girl time. Girl movies are much better when you all say "ahhhhh!" at that same time, you know?

Here is a pic of the whole Gillson Family...It's a little embarrassing because they KNOW who left so much dark hair in the bathroom.

Me and 2 of the girls watching a movie in the late afternoon, a true sign of being on holiday...

Today I am thankful for...
54. Sleeping in, waking up to NOT an alarm is wonderful.
55. Heavy blankets to snuggle under
56. Chick flicks with cool chicks.
57. The smell of fresh coffee. It feels like home
58. Shopping near Christmas time. Such fun!
59. Holiday Starbucks cups, more fun!
60. Skype, it's too cool for school!
61. Christmas music, I started listening about 3 weeks ago but did not want to admit it.
62. Showers, not everyone can shower everyday in warm water.
63. Email, it's sometimes better then the phone
64. People who can draw, I can't but it's so cool when someone can!
65. Mom dinners, moms are the best cooks.

And for those who have asked, I am not planning to get to 1,000 things I am thankful for then stop. I am just transferring some personal life to this blog life. I will keep it up until I get annoyed of it. If it's not a joy then it's fake. I hate fake things and I don't want to be fake here.

Happy Thanksgiving, may you be warm and filled!

-jocelyn

Friends and cold

2011-11-21T04:00:00.000-08:00

When packing for MN I always tell myself "Jocelyn, it is very cold there, bring EVERYTHING you have that is warm. Then I arrive at the airport with my very large suitcase. I look outside and think, "that really does not look so very bad. This visit I will be like a local! My father in law will be proud!"

Then I walk outside. I can't help but yelp because it feels like the air bit my face! And I am like "OUCH! DANG IT MN! You Kick my butt every YEAR!" Then, I make a new goal: don't screen when you walk outside, even though it hurts. We have been here 3 days and so far I am losing.

Even inside I keep my hat and gloves on...so not local. Yes, they mock me. They all mock me. I don't understand how they are in SHORTS at 20 degrees!

THE AMERICAN GIRL STORE! Every little girls dream. Best part is the doll hair salon. No kidding. This is me and Bethany, {an ips intern (and friend) for the owl city event}VERY excited to see the store for the first time!

A new saying that I love!

My friend Laura. She took me out to tea and watched the first bit of MN Snow fall to the ground. It was a very good moment.And check that sweet light...

Owl City concert pics coming soon. It was really fun. We are exhausted from the weekend. Interns fly out today, Rowan and I have a few lunch meetings with cool peeps then out to his family's home for holiday goodness!

But Thankfulness helps with tiredness and cold toes so here is my list. And thanks for all the sweet emails and comments, your encouragement is a blessing to me. Really.

Thanks for...
39. Men with good sweaters, it makes them huggable.

40. Mascara, can you imagine life without bit of beautiful?

41. Good pens, they help inspire me to write, I need to write more.
42. My SLR camera, I really love taking pictures.
43. Pants that are too long. Not that they can ever be too long!
44. Leather, I love all things leather.
45. Lakes, I enjoy sitting by them with friends.
46. Scarves, They keep you warmer then you think!
47. Doing dishes, it's the normal things of life that I relish theses days.
48. Vintage shops, it's not my style but I love it and wish I could pull it off more often.
49. Ministries that don't micro manage, hard to find these days.
50. Heated seats in cars, it helps you warm up much faster!
51. Muffins, muffins are so joyful.
52. Thai food. Thai food is my comfort food.
53. True friends who know your soul, you need only a few but they are of such importance.

peace,
jocelyn

Cara

2011-11-18T11:00:00.000-08:00

When in San Antonio I met up with this lovely lady for a photo shoot example for our IPS class.

It was fun and she is pretty as you can see...

Cara came with us to Italy. We had a blast hanging out at all of the leather markets and purchasing too many things "at a spacial price" as all the locals tried to sell us their goods.

After our photo time we grabbed coffee and tea and caught up on life and love and all that good stuff. She is cool and I am very glad to know her.

Thanks for being such a lovely model Cara and a fun person to be with!

She is a bookie...

We both have a weakness for J.Crew And she rocks it well...

Hello bright eyes...goodness.

I love this one...the boat made my day as it puttered by.

We are in the Twin Cities. Gearing up for tomorrow. We are photographing Owl City and Rowan is running a Photo Journalism class over the event! IPS works with the Pulse Movement and we LOVE it. We have a team of 4 students working with us in the photo department! I am sure I will have some pretty fun phone photos for ya soon...just kidding they will so be SLR images. Well. Maybe.

Here is my thankful list today...

26. In-laws. They expand my world and I have RAD ones.
27. Fires, fires enhance cold days.
28. Gloves, there is something romantic about them.
29. Boots, they makes my legs look good.
30. My Wedding ring, it's my favorite thing in the world
31. Socks, new socks bring me a lot of joy. If I was rich I would get a new pair everyday.
32. Memory Foam pillows, those things are the best
33. Visiting a church, It reminds me how involved God is.
34. Talking to my baby sister on the phone, her squeaky voice is the best ever.
35. Cashmere, I am a addict, it's SO SOFT PEOPLE!
35. Scarves, fall clothing in general is cute I think.
36. The ability to drink tap water, not many people can do that.
37. Walking, I love walking and I am thankful I can walk.
38. Gum, I don't like bad breath.

Looking forward to a few relaxing, non working days with Rowan's family in MN after the weekend! Thanksgiving how did you get here so fast? I am glad you are here!

Happy, happy day!
-jocelyn

To be thankful

2011-11-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Hi,

We have been going way to fast the last 3 months. We have been all over the place teaching and photographing and doing our thing.

{Rowan and I outside my fav cafe we found in San Antonio TX}

We are not slowing down until next year. We love it...and hate it. It's a passionate mix that I never really know what to do with. I love eating out, but after 2 weeks I hate it. I love flying but after too many hours of recycled air and painful seats I hate it. I love seeing new places, I hate being away from home so much. I love meeting new friends, I hate leaving my comfortable old besties.

The state of our house when we are home for only 3 days...it's only clean when we are gone. We are always in the repacking phase it seems...

A few months back a dear friend of mine encouraged me to make a list of 1,000 things I am thankful for. I did. She gave me a little note book and I have tried to write in it {most} every evening. It has done incredible things for my heart and soul.

Thankfulness replaces selfishness, pride, greed and all sorts of other nasties I don't want in my heat or marriage. My soul has been soothed as I give thanks.

Here are a few from my list..

Thanks for...
1. Jesus. Cause he rescued me from myself
2. My husband, cause he loves me even though he knows me.
3. My family, cause they keep me real and laughing.
4. My best friend, cause she is the best ever.
5. Being barefoot, it makes me feel alive
6. The sea, it makes me feel small.
7. The sun, it warms me.
8. The wind, crisp on my face.
9. The United States of America, why did I get to be the 1%?
10.The Church, because it shows that God truly is gracious and does not give up.
11.Cell phones, I don't know how I would live without texting.
12.Sparkling water, I love that stuff
13.My husbands laugh, the joy it brings to my soul!
14.Driving with the windows down and singing a good tune.
15.Music, it's food for the soul
16.Shopping
17. Facebook, I would never be able to keep track of so many friends without it!
18.Doors, a lot of places don't have doors and I like them.
19.Snow, cause it contrast the Sun
20.The beach, I think God made it just for me {vain?}
21.Curling irons. Can you imagine life without those?
22. Nail polish, it brights my days
23. Mac, they made it simple to be a computer person
24. Tea, not as good as coffee but nice just the same
25. Cereal, I like it better then ice-cream.

Blessings and thankfulness,
-jocelyn

New Friends in a new city

2011-11-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

I am a lucky girl to get to travel as much as we do. We meet the most interesting people. I just met one I have wanted to meet for a while now. I friend of my husband and a super talented children's photographer. A.Ann of Resolved To Worship. She came into class to talk about her job as a fashion children's photographer. Lucky for her she has photogenic kids and a great eye. She works for a kids clothing company who ships her clothing which she styles and shoots. I know, rad huh? Do check out her blog, I think you may enjoy it...

The class and I loved hearing her tips and tricks for newborn posing and getting good shots of little kids...like make sure you have warm hands when posing a newborn!

We are back home for a few days then headed out agin to MN. I am excited because we are going to hang out with another cool person. Owl City. We are booked to Photograph him in concert next week. I am looking forward to it a lot {and making Rowan listen to his music}. AND being it's in the Twin cities we are able to spend Thanksgiving with Rowan's family! We are very much looking forward to and needing a break. We are been on a road a ton the last few weeks...well more like months.

I will be happy to share some snaps as our trip unfolds.

love,
-j

Cory in Italy

2011-11-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

I have been on an Italy kick. It was truly such a good time. I have not enjoyed a country more then Italy. I love it there. I want to go back.

Cory was on our Photo Ex trip. Italy and Cory are photogenic. Both are stylish and cool.

Way to be hot Cory ;)

j

Tolpins 2011

2011-11-09T05:00:00.000-08:00

Rowan and I spent a short week home and had a number of family sessions. It was a whirl wind of seeing family, grabbing coffee with friends and doing some really fun photographing.

Ah, my Toloins. They are well, really cool. I know I say that in pretty much every post. But I am serious. We have the coolest people in our lives. I try not to be vain but OUR friends are cool AND pretty!

The Tolpins are no exception.

They all have beautiful eyes and hair and teeth and smiles and skin and clothing. They are just pretty people that are well dressed. Does not get much better when you work as a photographer.

Thanks for letting us photograph you once again! It is always a pleasure!

love...the boys...the girls

Peace.
-j

My baby sister

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:00

I was 8 years old when my baby sister was born. Many people told me our age gab would be "too large". {The audacity of what some people say to children shocks me. I can still remember many of the scoffings because my mom was going to have her 3rd 8 years after her first.} And no it does not stop. My youngest sibling is 25 years younger then me. Now, being an adult I am able to banter back in a humorous {to me} way telling them to back off and mind their own stinking business.

Anyway...

When my sister was still a baby she fell in love with Italy. I think at the time it was because mom told her the country was shaped like a boot {true to family form, she became obsessed with shoes at a young age}. She kept a map of Italy and was obsessed with it for years.

I was VERy excited to take her there earlier this year.

Here is a snap of her in St Marks Square Venice. She is sipping one VERY expensive coffee {like $30} lovein from IPS ;)

But the inspiration for this post is this photo...I can't believe she is so pretty. I can't believe she is one of my best friends. I can't believe how cool she is. I am bursting with pride as she walks though life, she live well and is just plan rad. I love her so...

jocelyn

Make up for a photo shoot

2011-11-04T05:00:00.001-07:00

As a photographer I am often asked how one should do their make up for a session. If you don't have a make up artist {which is my first choice} there are some tips and tricks that will make you look your hottest.

In general you want to use your everyday make up only more of it. So double or triple coat it.

Your base....

Put foundation on, this will give you a smooth tone thought your face {even if you never wear make up it's helpful to put this on.}

Cover your foundation with a lose powder. This will help defuse shine.

Apply bronzer to your checks, four head, nose and chin, this will make you look sun kissed and fresh.

Apply a little blush over the bronzer to your cheeks.

Brows

Well shaped brows are important. Go to a salon to get them shaped.

Best time to pluck is after a shower, your pours are open and it does not hurt as much.

The eyes...

In general matte shadows are better for photos. Sometime shimmer can catch the light in you will have a light fart bursting from your face. Not pretty. However a light shimmer is ok, stay away from glitter.

If you are not sure what colors look best on you do some research, but in general...

Darker eyes look better in grays, blues, purples, and greens.Lighter eyes look better in brown, taupe, and bronze shades.

Put the darkest shade in the creese on of your eye, this will give depth and pop. Put a light shade right under your brow to highlight it.

Lashes...
Curl your lashes starting on the base of the lash and working your way up. Put on a thin coat of mascara again starting at the base. Let it dry for 20 seconds repeat 2-3 times.

The lips.

Do put something on your lips that has a bit of color. Gloss or dark shades, whatever is you.

San Antonio TX

2011-11-02T05:00:00.001-07:00

Rowan and I are in TX for the next 2 weeks teaching photography. I have really been enjoying San Antonio. The river walk is wonderful. Not to mention the sunshine! It's upwards of 70! Sweet bliss to my soul!

Texas is always an adventure. Everything is large or extra large, I think I could drowned in the water cups...well coke...no sweet tea. People wear hats and cow boy boots and {to me} have accents...I love it.

We had a really good time wandering the river walk, eating crazy good food, chatting and enjoying the culture of this fun city.

Here are some pics I took on my new iPhone4. I am seriously impressed with the camera! Pretty good quality isn't it? I think will be a little more happy snappy now! Well, I think I went a little snappy...so...sorry I am sure as time goes on I will not be posting a million shots. But for today I can't help it!

In the river walk...

Just like everything else the trees are huge...

Dinner...the food here is incredible.

There is freedom in love, have you noticed?

He lights up my life.

Awesome red on the walk by the river. I always take photos of red...seems I can't help it.

Hello sunshine, come shine on me!

My husband loves signs. I hate them so I take photos and he tells me the coolest stuff.

It's been so fun, I would recommend this city as a get away!

Stay awesome -j

His bus

2011-10-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

My husband can drive a bus. When we where dating I was shocked and am still impressed by this. I love it. He drives his IPS students all over the place, takes bus loads of campers to play volleyball. It's hot to me.

He is hot to me... :)

This is me riding "in the front seat" looking loving at my dear...

I love YOU!

-jocelyn

Ben and Jen

2011-10-28T03:00:00.000-07:00

Fun couples are always an adventure. Ben and Jen would be the couple you always want at your party. They are simply hilarious. I love being with them and I love photographing them! Ben is a photographer and IPS instructor so posing them was cake and loving them was even better!

Yes those are her real eyelashes...I try not to hate her for them. But sometime I need more of Jesus.

you guys are hotties, I love ya both!

jocelyn

She has curly hair

2011-10-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

She walked into the Romea airport, in a casual outfit with a backpackers backpack on. He hair was pilled onto her head with a smile on her face I was caught off guard by her beauty. I instantly wanted to photograph her. I instantly wanted to focus on those eyelashes and put some Italian sunshine in them. She is one of those people you kind of with you could take a little bit of style from. She can wear things I only dream of wearing, you know, like vintage stuff that really is vintage and not only from Anthropology. In Venice I found a spot with perfect sunshine to match her eyes, and in about 10 min I got some really fun stuff. I love these 3 the most.

Stephanie A

2011-10-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

Well I first saw Stephanie in a photo. I was honestly captivated at that moment. Then I met her in real life at one of our photo classes.I was quiet taken by her charm, quick whit, that she trips often and has a smile ready. She has gone from student to fellow photographer to friend.

She drives a big truck early in the morning full of fresh flowers to sell in markets. She teaches music and she is a pro new born photographer. I know right? Awesome and cool.

She did not even put up a fuss, even when I made her sit on a garbage can...

Life style...I'm in to that edge these days...

Hello cover girl...

Steph you are gorgeous, I will photograph you any day!

-joc

Allison in Garden of the Gods CO

2011-10-21T05:36:00.000-07:00

I met Allison in Wisconsin, A few weeks after I got married. At a summer camp we were working at. My new husband was the male staff director. It was long hours, intense work and there was not too much down time. I had never been a part of the camp but was staffing it also {In general a bad idea}. Poor Allison had to deal with my inexperience, newly marriedness and over all insanity and insecurity of a new phase of life {quite a bit of adjusting goes into being married--I was not graceful all the time}

Honestly I am a little shocked she is still my friend. But that is who she is. She loves people, she spoils those she loves, she invests.

She lives in CO and every time I am there she will whisk me away for a coffee chat at just the right moment. Rowan and I run photography school in CO and Allison was the model for the example shoot I did in front of the class. Lots of fun, lots of fun.

So not only is she cuteness in bodied, loveliness walking she is fun and honest and well... just awesome.

Thanks for being my friend Allison! I do love ya!

-jocelyn

Fall shopping:: Oxfords

2011-10-19T06:05:00.000-07:00

Fall is a favorite to shop for. Mainly because of boots. I have a serous weakness for them. I love the brown ones, the black ones, the tall ones, the short ones. However, I always try to push my poor little ballet flats too far into the wet portland winters and this year I have a different plan. Oxfords
I believe this to be a solid choice. A good in-between of boots and flats. Good with jeans or skirts, dress them up or down. They have been around awhile, and not to bring up my grandma again, but she has a pair {from back in the day}, they still look good and she still wears them well. Anything that my grandma has had for 20 years is something worth looking into. She is a hot grandma (I will post about her sometime}. She has helped me though the painful years of shopping and awkward phases we all go thought. I owe her a lot.

I think I may go with a cheap pair to see how I like the look then invest in a wear forever real pair.

I don't have these but I want them...

Well, that is what I think.

Jocelyn

2 years old.

2011-10-17T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is my little sister. She is getting close to her 2nd birthday. Photo time! Good thing she was looking photogenic in her little birthday/flower girl dress and with tomato soup in her nap hair. I was cracking up at her hilariousness. She insisted on wearing her 4 year old sisters cowboy boots for a while and would only give me a pouty look as she "posed" for me, it took some serious peek-a-booing to get a giggle.

Some things I love about her...

She thinks she is 20 years old and walks like it.

She talks a million miles an hour. Most the time you can only understand the tone.

She loves shoes, making her always invited to the big girl shopping trips.

She loves it when her big sisters do her hair.

She takes very tender care of her baby brother.

She loves to dip her food. One of my favorite pastimes at my parents house is sitter her on the kitchen counter and eating chips and salsa, carrots and hummus or anything you can dip. She takes it very seriously it’s hilarious.

That she comes bolting out of the front door when we arrive for a visit, barefoot and in some kind of awesome girlie outfit screaming arms wide for a hug.

That she has written “The sissy song” and sings it in the shower {and every time I am on the phone with my mom}.

That she is scared of the hair dryer. She cries if she looks at it.

She can take it to her big brothers.

That her hair is perfect and she never tires. I am sure I will hate her for that in a few years.

That her eyelashes touch her eyebrows. Another thing I will hate in a few years.

That she calls my mom “Awesome mom”

I love you baby girl, happy birthday thanks for hanging out with me and looking so pretty. Even you posing poutie face works.

-sissy

Getting ready in 10 minuets

2011-10-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

And I got ready in more then 10 min here...just for the record.

I think I learned how to get ready fast and in the dark when I played volleyball. Often I would need to be up and ready to go by 4.30am. Painful. Traumatizing. That being said my husband is consistently impressed at my speed in primping. As a disclaimer I LOVE getting ready for events slowly. It's relaxing to me. If I can, I love spending 2 hours showering, blow drying my hair, painting my nails, listening to music, all while drinking tea and perhaps watching a chick flick. And as much as I think I would liked to do that everyday, my newly wed life does not sustain such dreams. I have the quick primp down to a science. And I really can be out the door in 10 min. This is helpful when I need to be at the airport at ungodly hours. I don't want to look like I just rolld out of bed as I talk to the poor gate agent {I always feel sorry for them, for some reason} but I also don't want to invest time in waking up {hopefully I can fall back asleep on the plane}

Set out clothing the night before, socks, undies, shoes, earrings...everything. Pack what you need in your purse and any details you can get done the night before do.

Wake up. Turn on curling iron and hot water for tea.
1 min Brush teach and wash face {FAST}
30 sec tone
30 sec moisturizer
{Eyes should be adjusted now}
3 min Take 4-7 chunks of hair of the top and curl it. Pony it or leave it down for the bed head look {It's hot as long as it looks like you did it on purpose..it should not really look like you just got out of bed.} PS Curling irons are hot, even in the morning, so be careful in your half awake conciseness.
1 min foundation
30 second bronzer
30 second basic eye shadow
1 min mascara {Don't cut this step if you want to look awake}
2 min get dressed, grab stuff {and tea to go} and walk out the door.

Now I recommend only doing this when you NEED to. And plan on 15 min. {I always struggle walking before 7am so everything takes longer}

Having a good hot curling iron is the only way to be done in 3 min.This one is my fav it gets hot fast and curls great. I use this one and love it...

I loveBareMinerals It is all natural, wears well all day and the brush system makes it super fast to apply. Their starter kit is great and cheap on Amazon. Their brushes are really nice and apply well, I am seriously sold on this product.

May you fly on the wings of eagles...
jocelyn

Happy half birthday little man!

2011-10-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is my little brother. He is 6 months old. Yes people often think he my child. I hope my {future children...not prego, don't worry} are as fat and smilie as much he is. This kid is the most smilie person you have ever seen. I want to make people feel like a million bucks with my smile like he does.

We love him.

Happy half birthday little brother, I think you are awesome! Thanks for being born!

Crazy love

2011-10-10T01:00:00.000-07:00

She went to my church as I was growing up. She loved the middle east. Like, I mean really love. Crazy love. A few years ago she met a man with the same love for God and the middle east. Well, he fell in love with her crazy love. They got married, had a few kids and now their adventure has really begun.

They're moving to the Middle east, to love people.

Know we stand with you.

Jocelyn

The Behnke family 2011

2011-10-07T13:05:00.001-07:00

I first met them on a cold winter day last year. First impressions stick and the Behnke family have a great one. Even though it was {seriously} cold outside last year they trooped outside with giggles, smiles and hugs. Alice and Chris are still obviously in love after years of marriage. Their children have their incredible eyes, charm and adventurous side.

I have grown to love them. Our photo session are always hilarious, wonderful and the end results always stunning.

peace,
jocelyn

Josh and Maren got married!

2011-07-29T15:02:00.000-07:00

Andy, Abby and Anne

2011-07-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

On a vacation to S. CA we took an afternoon to take some photos of our dear friends Andy and Abby and their new addition Anne Elise. We feel forever bonded to them as they got married exactly a week after us! After our photo session Abby insisted we go to this incredible sandwich place for lunch. They not only got us a really good lunch with the biggest cinnamon rolls I've ever seen, they included a HUGE box in pastries and ymmies for us to take home. It was one of the coolest ending of a session we have ever had.

What do you think of the album look? We are testing it. I think I like it.

busting out the "Anne face" I think they have it nailed.

Thanks for making such a cute baby Mr and Mrs Friederich! We love you all!

-rojo

my husband

2011-05-25T07:43:00.000-07:00

How I love you. How you have blessed my life! Sometimes it's hard to remember what I did before you found me.

jocelyn

A mondern goast town in GA

2011-05-18T06:41:00.000-07:00

Trying to be a little bit like Sarah of Ampersandphoto

boys

2011-04-25T13:19:00.000-07:00

My friend Abby

2011-04-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

This is Abby. She is truly sweet. I loved photographing her and then we went to coffee! How fun is that anyway?

One of my very favorite parts of How God made Abby is her eyes, like you I love eyes but hers glow and and BLUE GREEN and compleatly wonderful don't you think?

Love you
jocelyn

The new girl

2011-04-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

This is my new baby sister. She came into my parents home at 2 weeks old. A year later she has been officially adopted, along with her older sister and brother. I am so amazed at my parents constant love for all their children, biological and adopted.

Christa

2011-04-03T16:35:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Christa, she and I have worked, played and traveled together. A lot over the years. Last week she stopped in for coffee and little biz chat...

But she was looking hot and it was not raining and I had not taken her photo in a long while. It was pretty fun and she is pretty pretty don't ya think?

I like these:

Peace!

Jocelyn

Long Awaited THE HAIR VIDEO. By IPS PhotoEX team NZ2010

2011-03-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

Last year a team of ips photographers went to New Zealand.

Really it is hard to explain what happened. ummm let me try... New Zealand forest, Camping, Sleeping bags, Mountains, deserts, rivers, lakes, dirty hair, drop pots, stars, P Butter & J, Tea with milk and 2 sugars, road trips everyday, rocking wake up calls,

And just to ad this side note {for Rowan} yes, there was a bathing "option". Glacier melt. Yes, that is right. Glacier Melt. As you may understand that was no real option to me or my girlies. Sorry honey.

So here it is. Our journey of the hair.

:)

jocelyn

Lunch time

2011-03-25T07:00:00.000-07:00

May you have a good lunch time today.

jocelyn

The dear Von Gunten family

2011-03-23T15:41:00.000-07:00

It was a v e r y fun session.

How beautiful are they?

Love you,

Jocelyn

kindess in her eyes

2011-03-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Kelsey is beautiful inside and out. Can't you tell by her eyes?

She has such lovely eyes.

trying to decide if the logo should always be on one side or the other...

jocelyn

Harlan and Hannah are getting married

2011-03-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Harlan is my little brother.

Harlan is getting married this year!

Crazy.

You know the dreams you dream up during those long summer days on the swings when you are 10 years old?

We are living them.

Congrats little brother! I love you guys.

my fav I think:

logo looks hot yes?

jocelyn

A Little Rojo has a New Logo!

2011-03-14T13:59:00.001-07:00

A Little Rojo has a New Logo!

It's true. It's new. It's awesome. Check out the new logo for A Little Rojo!!

Realizations

2011-03-03T22:35:00.000-08:00

Realizations

The gym Pulse will occupy tomorrow.

Today I realized two things that are ironically related. The first is that I haven't written a blog post since January 20th, when I posted about photographing the Pulse Movement event in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin.

The second is that I have arrived. I'm here in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin, photographing the largest student-led movement on an American university campus this year. But more than that, I set out many years ago, trippingly, falteringly, often blindly, to change the shape of Christian media.

Tonight I realize that I have arrived. Not in the sense of completion, or of complacency, but as I look around me tonight, I realize that I am on that leading edge, changing the way Christian ministries handle media.

In the van today I talked with the logistics coordinator for the US branch of the Lausanne Movement, who told me his media dreams for the upcoming conference in Orlando with the statement, "I don't even know if we can do this..." And we are doing it for him.

Tomorrow I will call the Rebelution Tour again to continue working out the details of the media presence for their upcoming tour this summer.

The task is massive. The tools are ever changing. I'm not rich. I'm not even famous. Tonight I am where I want to be, and I am doing what I want to be doing.

Check out what's going on. Follow the event at Pulse tomorrow by tracking the Twitter hash tag #pulseuwo. Look for images of the event on Facebook late tomorrow night or early Sunday morning. Then go do something yourself. The body of Christ isn't all hands and feet, some of us need to be the eyes and ears as well.

Ro

Beneath the Surface

2011-02-25T20:18:00.001-08:00

Tonight we're at New Life church in West Linn setting up for Beneath the Surface tomorrow. Jocelyn and Elizabeth have been doing girls conferences for 7 years, but this will be my first! Guess what? I get to speak on boys. Somehow it seemed like the topic I was most expert in. :)

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. I love conferences and ministry to people through them. I pray that many hearts will be touched with the love of Christ tomorrow!

Rowan Gillson

Institute of Photographic Studies
rowan@prizewinningphotography.com
www.prizewinningphotography.com
www.rowangillson.com

Happy Birthday Laura!

2011-02-23T20:27:00.000-08:00

Tonight we're celebrating the birthday of our honorary Portlander Laura Clawson. I don't think I know anyone who loves life half as much as Laura does. The world would be dark and cold tonight if Laura had not been born.

Happy birthday Laura!

Rowan Gillson

Institute of Photographic Studies
rowan@prizewinningphotography.com
www.prizewinningphotography.com
www.rowangillson.com

2011-02-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

I wanted to expand on our studio sessions. To you know, Think outside the box...but somehow that box just keeps on getting bigger and bigger...or smaller and smaller depending on how you look at it...

Lights.

Posing.

So sleepy of the boring stuff you see every day all day! EW. So 2004.

So inspired by some children clothing company {mainly J.Crew} Rowan and I had a great time with this perfectly adorable family!

peace!

jocelyn

At the beach...

2011-02-21T12:58:00.000-08:00

Last week we took a short family beach trip. And one day it did not even rain!

Happy Monday!

jocelyn

Engagement Party

2011-02-19T21:41:00.000-08:00

Tonight was a great engagement party for Hannah and Harlan at the Paul's house. Afterwards we sat around and sang and worshiped with Nathan and Harlan leading us.

Ro
Rowan Gillson

Institute of Photographic Studies
rowan@prizewinningphotography.com
www.prizewinningphotography.com
www.rowangillson.com

At the beach

2011-02-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

For a long weekend with my family.

A Year Ago

2011-02-12T14:28:00.000-08:00

One year ago today I moved to Oregon. My brother and I loaded up all mu stuff into my newly purchased 88 Honda Prelude and drove straight through from Manitou Springs, Colorado to Sandy, OR. We unloaded the car and then headed to Cape Meares on the Oregon coast with the Edlins and the Kirklands.

This weekend we're back in Cape Meares for a long Valentines weekend. I love looking back on the last year and thinking of how much has happened and how much God has done.

Ro
Rowan Gillson

Institute of Photographic Studies
rowan@prizewinningphotography.com
www.prizewinningphotography.com
www.rowangillson.com

Why do birds insist on pooping on my red car?

2011-02-11T13:17:00.000-08:00

Not on the car in front of me. Not on the car behind me. Just on my car. I come to get my car after it has been parked there for 1 day and it has more than 40 piles of bird poop all over it!

I knew cops liked fast red cars, but I didn't expect this!

Rowan Gillson

Institute of Photographic Studies
rowan@prizewinningphotography.com
www.prizewinningphotography.com
www.rowangillson.com

City living

2011-02-10T15:12:00.001-08:00

Flowers on the way to the store. Helps me remember Europe days!

2011-02-10T15:08:00.001-08:00

Jocelyn

Photographing Pulse

2011-01-20T15:47:00.001-08:00

Photographing Pulse

So, Jocelyn and I just confirmed a day photographing for Pulse Movement in Oshkosh, WI on March 4. Pulse is a pretty sweet organization, hosting student-led evangelistic concerts at college campuses all over the upper midwest. This event features evangelist Nick Hall and the bands Superchick and Skillet. It's going to be a crazy day, made even more awesome by the fact that we get to work with the illustrious Carl Larsen of Telescope Media Group.

We're looking for two photographers to come intern with us at the event. It means you'll get to work with us, and shoot on your own, get an all-access pass to the concerts, photograph student leaders as they work to spread the gospel on their campus, and study with me and Jocelyn for an awesome day!

Learn more about this sweet opportunity at: http://prizewinningphotography.com/pulse

Learn more about Pulse here: http://www.pulsemovement.com/events/oshkosh-pulse/

R

We're going to Italy!

2011-01-13T11:42:00.001-08:00

We're going to Italy!

Yup... it's official. Alittlerojo is going to Italy in June, 2011, and you're invited!! Check out the info at:

Hope to see you there!

RoJo

Steve and Anna in L o V e

2011-01-06T15:57:00.000-08:00

L o V e..

Steve and Anna are getting MARRIED!

xox
rojo

Photo Booth Craziness!

2010-12-18T16:59:00.001-08:00

Photo Booth Craziness!

Last night was crazy. alittlerojo was hired to photograph a corporate Christmas party for NorPac doing portraits of key people, general event coverage, video interviews, and a photo booth. The ensuing three hours of non-stop creative madness was pretty sweet, helped along of course by an absolutely fabulous spread of food and the amazing execs and managers of NorPac.

The photo booth was definitely the highlight for us, and probably for anyone who didn't make a Christmas bonus this year. We grabbed a white backdrop, put up a couple of flashes in soft boxes, and fired away with a 20mm lens for an hour of craziness. The best part though, was when 15 minutes later we showed off all the photos on a giant 65" TV while the party was still going on!

Everything else went along well too... Shooting rocking images of a great party, recording video interviews of people's dreams and goals for 2011, grabbing portraits of key individuals for upcoming publications went smoothly. We left the part around 11pm and had images done and online at 2pm. Everything was offloaded to a thumb-drive and left for NorPac before we left for the airport at 8am this morning. All in a night's work for these photographers...

Our fabulous party hosts, Isaac and Angie Tolpin!

Learn more about what alittlerojo can do for you at http://alittlerojo.com

Ro

Back to Portland and back to work

2010-12-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

We are back in good old Portland. We hit the ground running too. Booked out with Christmas Card shoots and parties. Tis the season!

The Behnkes. It was freezing. It was awesome.

Merry Christmas!

-joc

On Location Portraits: Franz Josef Glacier

2010-12-09T17:04:00.001-08:00

On Location Portraits: Franz Josef Glacier

I had an idea I wanted to try out... I wanted to combine a whole bunch of extremes and see what sort of a portrait I could pull out of a day on the West Coast of New Zealand.

After driving a couple hundred kilometers in our camper vans in November, 2010, we arrived at the trail head for Franz Josef Glacier in New Zealand. I pulled out the gear I needed, Canon EOS-1D MkIV, Canon TS-E 45mm lens, and 2 Canon 580EX2 speedlights, and tossed these in my sling pack with a couple of granola bars and a water bottle. We headed up a trail along a huge riverbed that in days gone by had been carved out by the massive glacier. A mile into our hike we arrived at the end of the trail, a view point just a couple hundred yards from the face of the glacier.

I pulled out my gear, setting the on camera flash to master mode and to not fire, just trigger the second, off-camera flash that was positioned about 45 degrees off to my right. Exposure was set manually for both the camera and the flash as the tilt-shift lens messes up all auto exposure modes. The flash was set to be about a stop more powerful than ambient light to create the darker effect on the background scenery and to show off the dimension in the face created by the shadows from the flash. The lens itself was set to allow my subject and the glacier in the background to be sharp, while blurring the background immediately behind my subject.

I had never tried a combination like this... off camera lighting, tilt-shift focusing, hard core glacier, and rather variable weather.

Once I was set, I waited for the sun to duck behind clouds before I took each shot. I eyeballed the ambient light and adjusted the aperture on the fly as each cloud blocked a different amount of sunlight. Some were a bit darker than others. As I changed the aperture, I had to keep moving my second flash closer or farther away because it was in manual mode as well. It helped to have a human light stand! I didn't modify the flash with a reflector or soft-box because I wanted to keep the harsher shadows to match the harsh conditions in the background.

I liked the results quite a bit, and so did my models. Hopefully you will too!

View the rest of the collection on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rowangillson/sets/72157625565895112/with/5247293895/

R

Christmas Book-list 2010

2010-12-02T14:24:00.000-08:00

Christmas Book-list 2010

This year's Christmas Book List for Photographers features the works of two master image makers: Michael Freeman and Scott Kelby.

Michael Freeman is a photographer extraordinaire. His approach to composition and exposure is masterful, and these books give you the inside track into how a top-notch photographer thinks about the world he is photographing.

Photographer's Eye

Photographer's Mind

Perfect Exposure

Photographer's Eye Field Guide

Scott Kelby has been a leader in the world of image post-processing for years, and his latest books on Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS5 show you why. In these titles he takes the approach of addressing specific tasks a photographer is likely to perform and showing you the step-by-step approach to accomplishing it with excellence.

Lightroom 3 by Kelby

Photoshop CS5 by Kelby

Lightroom 2 by Kelby

And I made it alive.

2010-11-17T21:56:00.000-08:00

I am not the rugged wife that everyone expected Rowan Gillson to marry. Every 2 years Rowan leads an IPS International Photo Experience, a hands on intensive mission photo j course along with landscape and cross culture communications. Training starts in New Zealand and lasts 3 weeks. The last week we put into practice the skills and work in Fiji. Part of the journey is a week of hard core camping in New Zealand...because you know that is the place you would find all the good landscapes. My job would be to hang out with the students, run my own camper of 7 girls and cook 2 meals a day for everyone (from campers to church kitchens and hostels). Frankly I hate camping. I am not a very good cook. I am very attached to my hair dryer, curling iron. I am not good at landscape photography and I don't like it all that much anyway. With all of these against me I thought this month would be a long one.

BUT. It was not. In fact it was pretty awesome. I lived though camping with the help of my teammates and rockin camper full of my girlies who made my laugh and smile every morning...even though I woke up to nature and porta potties. And of course Rowan. Rowan was always there to laugh with me (well more at me) and give me a hug when I felt like the worst wife ever.

Driving though NZ with Rowan was awesomeness too.Rowan LOVES this place. He also LOVES camping here. Hearing his stories about all that God did in his life here is inspiring.

We are sitting in the airport about to go to Fiji. The last leg of our trip. We are ready. We will be working in the prisons, villages, cities with kids and moms and men families and singles. God is going to grow us. God is going to do great things. We have been training for 3 weeks to work in a culture that is far from our own. To be effective, to show love, to inspire change but mostly to be changed.

I am thankful for the time we had in New Zealand. I would even go back.

And for those of you wondering how my landscape photos turned out here are a few I (almost) like.

-J

NZ2010 Fish 'n Chips

2010-11-07T01:25:00.000-07:00

NZ2010 Fish 'n Chips

Come experience Fish and Chips for the first time with the 2010 New Zealand Experience staff and students in Taupo, New Zealand.

Learn more about IPS or The New Zealand Experience at http://prizewinningphotography.com!

Jocelyn goes Landscapy!

2010-11-04T21:46:00.001-07:00

Jocelyn goes Landscapy!

If you know us, you know that I (Ro) am definitely the landscape photographer in the family. Then Jo got a tilt-shift lens and the whole world changed. At Wai-o-tapu, in New Zealand, she went crazy, shooting photos of the landscape right and left. Of course, I had to document it! These photos (except, of course, the self pics) are completely unstaged! This is what really happened...

Ro

NZ2010 Light Party

2010-10-31T16:36:00.000-07:00

NZ2010 Light Party

On October 31, 2010 the staff and students of the New Zealand Experience 2010 helped Beachlands Baptist Church with their Light Party. Hear from Mark Jackson the impact that photography and Light Parties can have on a church and see footage of IPS going about its work.

Follow the rest of our trip at http://prizewinningphotography.com or http://blog.rowangillson.com

Lausanne Final Day

2010-10-28T15:46:00.000-07:00

Lausanne Final Day

Last day in Cape Town

2010-10-25T11:35:00.001-07:00

I got to show Rowan a bit of Cape Town today! I was so much fun! I had the city pretty scouted out, Liz and I explored it from top to bottom. I chose the best of the best. We road on the top of a red double decker bus. We went to Table Mt. We walked on the beach. We got lunch on the water front docks. We got dinner at my favorite hole in the wall Indian restaurant. It was sunny, sunny and windy. Perfect.

On the bus at Table mountain.

More to come on the closing ceremonies of the conference and then ips PHOTOEX New Zealand!

-Jocelyn

Happy Birthday Jo!

2010-10-23T01:31:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday Jo!

Yes, today is your 25th birthday, and I know it makes you sad to be so old. (Just remember how you feel today so you can sympathize with me when I turn 30 next year!) Your 24th year was a good one... in it we fell in love, I gave you a ring, and we got married. We traveled together to Ireland, Hawaii, Minnesota, Colorado, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Texas, New York, and South Africa. You experienced Giordano's pizza, a Gatsby, fresh mozzarella, and real fish and chips. Your insurance claim finally came to trial and was completed. Did I mention we got married?

Year 25 is going to be even better. I cannot give you a picture of all the places we will go, the people we will meet, the new foods we will try, the coffee we will drink, or the friends we will make. But there are two things I can promise you for your 25th year: my love for you will continue to grow every hour, day, week, month of this year and that we will walk with God, wherever He is and whatever he does.

Your One True Love Forever.
Ro

Just be

2010-10-16T23:03:00.000-07:00

Cape Town, South Africa 8:06am

Jet lag. I am awake early in the morning and starving for dinner food. Yogurt will have to do. I'm sitting outside, 6 floors above the streets of Cape Town. Rowan is looking though a book of Cape Town attraction, Elizabeth is sleeping, and I ponder the things of culture, God and people, and what I get to eat for dinner. Then Rowan tells me I need to write a blog post.

Yesterday, as Rowan and I sat and ate a "Hamburger" (it was meatloaf) on the sidewalk outside of a restaurant I loved observing the people walking by. They loved observing us and sometimes would stop and stare openly. No matter how hard I try, that "American essence" never leaves. I've been told it's how I walk, my smile...all things I cannot really change even though I have attempted many times.

The locals mingled on the streets of the open air market. They sat, they chatted, they gathered around a rugby game playing on a tv inside the restaurant. Kids gathered in the street and started singing and dancing in a way you would guess you would see in Africa. It was loud...but quiet. Different. Why? Then I realized it. When the people here don't have anything to do, they don't do anything. No, seriously. They don't have internet on their cell phones, most of them don't have laptops, and internet is expensive. You never have full access to it (they charge you per megabite). They are not constantly checking their phones, or making calls or sending emails or updating their twitter or facebook. They just are.

Now, I am not sure that this life style would work so well for us in America. However, I don't always need to be pretending that what I "have" to do is so important. I do not want to be defined by my work or my phone or my tweet updates. Most of the time what I "have to do" is not that important anyway. There was a time, not so long ago that I did not have email on my phone, once upon a time I did not even HAVE a phone.

Now, my challenge when overseas is not to think their way is the best way, that America and Americans need to "learn their lesson!" Eat rice for a month! No, we are blessed to live in what I think to be the best country in the world. You know what? We do have everything. We are rich. We need to be thankful! We need to be gracious. We are not so important that our "things" cannot wait an hour, a day, a week for that matter.

I am kind of going though a test of this very thing right now. I don't have a phone. I will not have one for another 7 weeks. No texting, no calls, no looking though facebook when conversations lags or when I am on the bus or in the car. It is good for me. It is good for me to remember that I am not defined by these things.

Miss you all,

jocelyn

RoJo Travel to Africa

2010-10-16T09:34:00.001-07:00

RoJo Travel to Africa