Legacy Junction: SAIL AWAY WITH ME

A little girl's first love is so often her daddy. He watches over her, kisses her boo boos, picks her up when she falls, gently guides, safeguarding her heart along the way the best he can knowing full well one day he will have to release it. Whether he is aware of it or not -- it is her heart that is in his hands -- being moulded and sculpted in the very way God has done for all of His children (whether WE realize it or not.) We are intricately crafted, infused with the very best parts of Him, we ARE - we can't help but be. He has made us love, by being love. Light, by being light. When we are not living in harmony with either of those things, we are denying our own intended purpose, our reason for being here. When we ARE, it's exactly how it's supposed to be, not to mention what a daughter needs most from her daddy - LOVE. With her heart in his care she will become who she is meant to -- changing, growing, blossoming into herself. From time to time catching a glimpse of his reflection gazing back from the mirror she peers into. Other times oblivious, but reflecting just the same. Through his protective embrace she will learn how to trust. Through his unconditional adoration, she will learn how to love. Through his ceaseless encouragement, she will learn how to soar. This does not mean heartache will not find her - as it will. Trust will be broken, love will be lost, failure is imminent. If she is lucky she will learn how to encounter and surpass such events with integrity and grace. A father's role is indescribably important in the shaping of his treasure who will one day become a woman, and should never be taken lightly. I can say that it was a privilege to witness the love and affection between these two - it was palpable, undeniable, and heartwarming. Suffice it to say, I believe that Dean is well aware of his most important role and is a wonderful daddy to his sweet pea.

It's not every day you get to experience "Pure Freedom" like this (you see what I did there?) but when such an opportunity presents itself you don't dilly dally, you don't hummm and haww, for the love of Pete, YOU TAKE IT!! When Dean shared the concept for this shoot with his darling daughter on his beautiful sailboat -- there is no need for contemplation -- I went straight to the "heck yes!" I know I was technically "working", but on a day such as this it is hard not to feel tremendously blessed to be able to do this. Thank you Dean, for allowing me to capture your beautiful connection. (That's it! From here on out, sailboat sessions ONLY!) tee hee... do you think that would take off? From the moment our little Hostess with the Mostess showed us around "her boat" we knew we were in for a treat! She's done well in her few short years on the planet. My trusty assistant Mel and I both fell in love with her (okay, okay, so my "trusty assistant" did hold a reflector here and there and helped with the little one. But let's be honest. Dean let me bring a friend and of course, I took him up on the offer. Who wouldn't? How very junior high of me!) This little one had the sweetest, sunniest disposition and I was beyond impressed that she was such an angel the entire time. Finishing the night with a beautiful glass of vino, a succulent snack spread and a gorgeous super moon really put the icing on the cake. Sorry Dean, but I am going to go ahead and deem this a mandatory annual event! Just look what you've gotten yourself into. ;) Deep gratitude to you, my friend. Keep doing what you are doing. It's obviously working.