“The miracles of nature do not seem miracles because they are so common. If no one had ever seen a flower, even a dandelion would be the most startling event in the world.”

Dandelions are one of my favorites.  They are the first sign the doldrums of winter are really gone. They are the most beautiful yellow little flowers~when they carpet my lawn in the spring it is one of the prettiest things I have seen.  They are drought tolerant, have edible greens that are full of anti-oxidants, and are of course, the source of many childhood wishes! I remember blowing the seeds around and watching little wind currents float them off to their destiny. I truly believe because they refuse to be in a vase is what makes them a "nuisance."  I think they are strength, beauty, and perseverance.  Leaving the dandelions makes for a beautiful lawn in the spring, is more fun and safer for your little ones!

The Gift of Green

No photos today, just a few thoughts!  Just giving an update on giving.  The photo shoot fundraiser last month raised over $500 after expenses to donate.  Several of you donated $100, which was so wonderful and generous.  Where did the green go?  

Love a Child Disaster Recovery Center in Fond Parisien, Haiti is where half of the funds have gone. Operation Smile is the group stationed at a school-turned-hospital, supplying surgical nurses to maintain this center.  Many of the people server here are returning with problems related to infection or non-healing fractures.  The nurses with Operation Smile usually go for surgeries related to cleft palate, facial deformity, or burn repair.  I am planning a photo shoot fundraiser this summer to allow me to travel with this group.  They are a wonderful organization, and your donations make a difference for children that have no where else to turn.

And the other half....

Caty is a friend, colleague , and mother of three boys.  She recently had emergency surgery to relieve a brain bleed.  Her husband was in the construction business, and with the economy, well....The Green Tree Studio was able to make a donation to help with her large household expenses and make her sick leave a little easier to handle. 

Because things can change in an instant...hug those you love today!  I mean BIG hugs!

Erika

The Green Tree Studio

Kayla in The Studio@ The Green Tree

My friend Kayla is starting a modeling career and asked to do a session in The Studio. I was excited for the opportunity to do this type of work. I love to do photos on overcast days because the light is gentle and bright- the light in The Studio was great. The Oaks give a perfect background for a few of her images. This was easy work because she is so beautiful!
Thank you Kayla! Good luck for your future... the world is yours!

I can't wait to see you in Vogue!
Erika

What a great start to 2010!

The new year has already had a lot of changes for The Green Tree Studio! I have two new associates, a new website, and a fun and beautiful studio (thanks Mike!). I had the first photo shoot fundraiser of the year- many more to come!

The Green Tree Studio will be hosting several "mini-sessions" throughout the year. These will be a fun and budget-friendly way to get documentary-style photos. The Green Tree Studio will be at Milenium Park, various nature centers, and some fun festivals during the year. Each mini-session will also be a fundraiser~ always a great way to give back! This spring The Green Tree Studio will host a toy-drive photo session at The Studio@ The Green Tree for one of the area children's hospital "treasure chest" programs. Subscribe to The Green Tree Studio blog for upcoming details!

The Studio opened in December, and has already been filled with smiles almost every weekend!

Take a peek at some of the photos from The Studio@ The Green Tree...

Thank you for taking a few minutes to read the new blog! Health and happiness until next time!

Erika

The Green Tree Studio