...let freedom ring!

I had an unused airline ticket that would expire November 1st and so I decided to use it for a weekend getaway.  Probably because of the upcoming elections and my frustration with all of the contention that I witness on all fronts, I wanted and needed to feel patriotic.  In an effort to resurge my patriotism, I decided to take a trip to the roots of where I could honor our founding fathers of this great nation...Washington DC.  I was not disappointed.   As my husband and I walked the many miles around the monuments and read the inspiring words of our past great leaders, it was truly a much needed refreshment.

It is humbling to read the words on the inscriptions of these great monuments.  From Abraham Lincoln to Thomas Jefferson, to Martin Luther King, to Theodore Roosevelt.  I don't hear politicians speaking like they did...with great passion, love of county, love of fellow beings, and love of God.  Today, I'm sorry to say, they don't inspire, they seem only to attack.  Not until they break away from attacking and start dreaming, will they be able to inspire a nation to do great and mighty and even hard things.

My Father served in World War II.  I've always felt pride in his service for his country.  He quit high school after his junior year because he was drafted into the army.  In basic training he joined the paratroopers.  In 1945 he headed for the Pacific and was stationed in the Philippines where he was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division.  My Father ended up being injured in a parachuting accident and happened to be on a hospital boat in Tokyo Bay when the armistice was signed.  I'm grateful for the brave men and women who served our country to protect freedoms.

In Washington DC there is a new World War II memorial (actually it's 10 years old) that I had not seen before.  It was not only beautiful, but inspiring!!  I wish I could have taken my Father there before he passed away.  He would have loved it and felt so honored by the beauty of the architecture.  It truly honors those brave servicemen and women.

Reflection from the Vietnam War Memorial and a view of the Washington Monument from the Jefferson Memorial.

Another new (1995) Memorial in DC is the Korean War Memorial.  Very powerful.  

A place I had never visited before was the Washington National Cathedral.  Breathtaking and inspiring!!  The stained glass is some of my favorite I have ever seen...vibrant and rich!  A place where all are welcome to worship, reflect and be inspired by this beautiful cathedral of worship.  

It was a timely and wonderful getaway.  May we all turn our hearts to the visions of our founding fathers and carry within us the message for which they gave their lives....let freedom ring!

steve+laura=magical delight!

Laura is the youngest daughter in a family of girls.   If I could use one word to describe her it would be "delightful!"  She loves life and sees the joy in all that surrounds her -- maybe that is what happens when you're the youngest child.  In her Father's toast, he simple stated...."Laura makes me laugh!"  What a great attribute to have!  And now enters her prince charming, Steve, who has added even more joy to her life.  Their love for each other was captivating.  The two of them have so beautifully begun their life adventure...with magical delight!

 

mother's day ii

The morning of Mother's Day I woke up to find my sweet husband sneaking the most beautiful bouquet of flowers onto our bedroom dresser.  The thing that made it even more thoughtful, was that he had done the bouquet himself!! --as you can see, he is quite the artist!  When your day starts like this, how could Mother's Day be anything but perfect!?!

mother's day...

It's Mother's Day.  How do you begin to pay tribute to the most amazing woman you have every known in your life? Words pale when trying to communicate the type of woman she is, the kind of life she has lived and the richness and fullness of her soul.  You just have to know her and you would instantly believe that all I have said is true.  I've never met anyone who doesn't adore my Mother.  She turns 81 in a few weeks, but her heart and spirit are that of an 18 year old.  She is full of laughter, light and most of all...LOVE! 


I could write volumes on her strengths and could share delightful stories of my life growing up with this remarkable woman.  But, you'll just have to take my word for it.  She is AMAZING!  


One of my favorite quotes perfectly describes my Mom...

She walked not in the borrowed light of others,

but  faced the morning

unafraid and  invincible

--Joseph F. Smith

That's her!

Happy Mother's Day to all of the beautiful women in the world who mother and nurture those around them -- every single day!

new website!

I am happy (thrilled actually) to announce that I have just launched my new website.  Please check it out at

www.jenperkes.com

It has been quite the journey sorting through my favorite images that define my brand and reflect my style.  I'm very excited with the results.  I'd love any feedback.   Thanks for taking the time to visit!

merry christmas + giving back

I recently attended a OneLight Workshop with Zack Arias.  He is one of the great masters in understanding off camera lighting (I'll post more about that experience after the new year).  The workshop was amazing--Zack is a bit insane, but oh so inspiring!!   I got chatting with Mark Palmer, one of the other photographers, during one of the breaks and he shared with me that he did hospice photography as his way of giving back to his community.  He also connected me with a "give back" initiative that is sponsored by Jeremy Cowart called Help-Portrait where photographers around the world open up their studios or organize a location for a community photo shoot where they can give back by offering a free portrait.  Needless to say....I was inspired!!  I typically give service through my church, but this got me thinking of ways in which I could broaden my giving.  Who could I give my talent as a photographer to that might add to their joy this holiday season if they had a portrait of themselves to share with loved ones or family?   My answer came...inmates at the House of Corrections.   I cannot begin to explain the power of my time with the 16 inmates who signed up to receive one of my portraits.  I had a delightful afternoon as these individuals so generously shared with me their lives, their hearts, and most importantly, their light. 

A HUGE thank you to the staff, all of the guards, and especially the superintendent for his willingness to help me share what gift I had to offer this Christmas season.