DESTINATIONS-NEW CATEGORY ON WEBSITE

   "Charmed by history while basking in luxury..."  If any of those words conjure up a desire to get away from it all,  then I am suggesting a wonderful place, the HOTEL GALVEZ  in Galveston. Full of warmth and friendliness, the staff caters to the guests with amazing skill and excellence! The beauty of the hotel is enhanced by making the guests feel at "home" while enjoying a place filled with historical significance. Built in 1911, the "White House of the South" as it was known by both Roosevelt Presidents, has hosted many U.S. Presidents and world famous entertainers.  It speaks of "days gone by" in every respect except for the addition of modern conveniences. The Big Band era brought the likes of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman.  Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and many of the stars from the 20th century were frequent entertainers. Retaining a place of honor is the original brass mailbox from 1911. It is still being used today.
   A small portion of the SUNDAY CHAMPAGNE BRUNCH is featured under "DESTINATIONS" on my website: http://www.kayturner.com/.  While looking at the pictures, enjoy a Mimosa or a glass of "Bubbly" that was poured for you. The PASTA AND OMELETTE stations are featured as some DESSERTS. (The brunch was in progress while I photographed so I danced around the guests, trying to stay out of everyone's way as I waited for an opportunity to get the shot.) I hope you enjoy listening to the lovely pianist while being nurtured by impeccable service.
   Much more in the hotel would have been the subjects of my lens had time permitted and access to some of the areas were on my "Bucket List" but this time my love for "story telling images" didn't get completed. Even so, I  hope you feel the waves lazily refresh you body and soul as you delight in a brief vacation that was captured for each of you.

KASSIE'S SEASON

My dear friend, Kassie, brings sunshine with her wherever she goes. When she enters a room, her smile, her radiance, her heart for others, her joy, her countenance fill up the space, taking my breath away. She also is full of life! (The giggles never stop when I am with her.) We both share a passion for photography. We also love weddings. Kassie has been a bridesmaid in numerous weddings. She has photographed hundreds of weddings. On May 8, Kassie will walk down the aisle. This time a group of beautiful bridesmaids will proceed her. On the arm of her dad, she is sure to take everyone's breath away when the doors open and she proceeds to meet her beloved at the altar. The man who has covered her heart with his love and immersed her in devotion will take Kassie to the place she has longed to go. Kassie and Brooks will travel life together, celebrating moments and milestones. Her loving mother and dad have given her a foundation unlike many see today. Lives based upon God and a faith so strong, Kassie will continue the rich legacy they have been instilling in her since birth. As this moment unfolds, there will be more than one with tears, smiles, and hearts overflowing with gratitude. Kassie's season has arrived! "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Eccl. 3:1

In The Air

I love laughter. I love the sound of individual laughs, from the soft chuckles to the "belly" laughs. I love images that make me laugh or grin from ear to ear.

Photographers are very honored by trusting clients. It is a privilege that I do not take lightly. Being allowed a peek into private moments between families, a bride and a groom, a newborn, an expectant mother and dad, a child's world is fascinating. Intoxicating images revealing authentic moments in life and relationships, laughter, giggles, tears, tenderness, draw me back to the camera repeatedly.

Here are some fun-filled shots at the wedding of Anna and Chris, who have been best friends since pre-kindergarden. It wasn't until 2 years ago that they realized they were meant to be together for life.

There were very few serious shots that day as the joy was palpable. Laughter rang out over the lake as the guests joined in the celebration when true best friends became man and wife. The bride, Anna Joy, lived up to her name as she radiantly committed to sharing her life with her best friend, her soulmate, Chris.

NICKI and JOSH'S WEDDING

After more than 6 years of dating, Nicki and Josh began a new life on October 24, 2009. The day was full of emotion. Nicki wept with joy as she embraced family and friends. Everyone, including the photographers, caught the same sentiment that was permeating the air and wept as well. As they were pronounced husband and wife, I felt as though Heavenly bells were ringing and a new, wonderful journey was beginning  that would take them into eternity.
Here are a few of my favorite glimpses of the day.

A few minutes prior to Nicki having a few minutes with her dad prior to the ceremony.

Tears and smiles, laughter and joy as Dad saw his beautiful daughter for the first time.

A radiant bride

A priceless moment captured during the cermony.

The groom relaxes.

Sharing their first meal as husband and wife, Josh offers thanks.

Mr. and Mrs. Josh Morgan

Nicki and Josh's Wedding

Beautiful images are coming to the website soon. They will be posted as soon as we have the opportunity to show them to Nicki and Josh.  My husband passed away 4 days following the wedding, so the procedures normally done, were stopped and will resume the week of Nov. 8. The wonderful story regarding this is, Ray knew how important this wedding was and even though he was so tired and ready to leave his physical body, he fought to stay with us one more day. After the wedding, his last hours began on Sunday. All was done. He was at peace for Galen, Jan, Nicki, Josh,and myself. God took him home.

RESIDING IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER

RAY TURNER

1928 - 2009

My beloved husband has a new address. While he will always be a part of our current home, Ray was given ownership of a beautiful mansion.  Wrapped in Jesus' arms, he was taken to see his new heavenly home on October 28.

For the last 3 days of life, his family gathered around him. Grandchildren read him letters they had written for him. Hugs, pats, kisses, and loving touches were given freely by everyone there.

Ray is and will always be, a very loved man. Not only by his family, but from the many lives he touched. It was an honor and a total joy to share 27 years with one of the finest, most wonderful men that God ever created.
As a warrior, he battled a long illness with courage and dignity. He touched all who came in his presence by his peacefulness, thoughtfulness, kindness, and his acceptance of the illness. He happily shared with everyone, the anticipation he had for Heaven, while expressing reluctance to leave his loved ones.  Torn between staying and leaving, he fought to be with us one more day, for years. Today he is travelling streets of gold, in a perfect, healthy body.
Ray fought the good fight, ran the race, and kept the faith. Now he wears a crown of righteousness that was laid up for him in Heaven.
Gone from our sight, Ray lives on in our beating hearts. Today, I am sure he is doing what 2 grandchildren asked of him. They made a specific request, to tell Jesus "hi". I have no doubt, that was one of the first things this loving man did.

RESERVATIONS NOT NEEDED

Sometimes, when meeting a person whom you have heard so much about, it takes a while to see all the facets your friends cherish. Sometimes you don't see those attributes in the same way. Sometimes you don't see them at all. 
Then life and circumstances present a surprise encounter. You find yourself in the presence of their very special friend. No introduction was needed. There was instant recognition.  It wasn't from their pictures.  It wasn't from what had been said, prior to the meeting.  Rather, one knows when they are being invited into the heart of a friend, a "home" where others have resided for years. You see it in their smile, their eyes veiling a mixture of joy and pain, their open arms. 
Quietly, I felt an empty chair being pulled up to the table. A feast of friendship was prepared. A silent invitation extended. New footprints graced the welcome mat. Oh, the joy that friends bring. 
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."- Anonymous

A Twenty Seven Year Love Story

Today Ray and I celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary. Our love story began at church. I was new to the area. He was well established, with a large circle of friends. It was that group of friends who brought Ray and I together.
One sweet friend, Bonnie, was working on getting us together by telling me how wonderful the man with the white hair was, and how I should meet him.  His best friend, Norm, was encouraging him to do the same.  More friends were in the cheering squad and standing on the sidelines, watching, hoping.  He and I were both very reluctant to meet, for different reasons. However, as fate would have it, (or the angels), one Sunday we were introduced. Five days later, he started talking marriage. 7 months later, he surprised me when he pulled out a ring and asked me to marry him, flying on a crowded plane to New York. By the time we landed, everyone on the plane was congratulating us. Two months later, we were married, surrounded by all the friends in the cheering section and our families. There was a round of spontaneous applause when we were pronounced man and wife. Norm officiated the ceremony. Bonnie was smiling in the audience, as if she had given birth. She had.

27 years later, a blended marriage with 5 children, 17 grandchildren, a life full of love, faith, family, friends, we continue to celebrate the moments, the hours, the years.  It is today, that I say thank you to that wonderful group of friends and to our families, to Bonnie and Norm for persevering, and to the man with whom I have shared a wonderful life. We have loved each other deeply. We have shared a deep love for our children together. Today he inspires all of us with his dignity, his spirit, his heart, his faith, facing each day against all odds, determined to stay with us one more day. And God has granted 2 reluctant people, a wonderful, fulfilling life together, and one more anniversary. Thank you, God!
"There is no surprise more magical than the surprise of being loved. It is God's finger on a man's shoulder. " Charles Morgan

The Warmth of Love

  I love photographing engaged couples. It is a new, exciting, and joyful beginning. A bright, and unexplored adventure is ahead. For those of us on the sidelines, their love and joy is infectious. We are happier and more joyful after being in their company.

   Elizabeth and Derrick were the epitome of a beautiful engaged couple, making my job as their photographer, so easy. Capturing the moments that will always be a reminder of their beginning, we observed how bonded, loving, and happy they were in each other's presence.
   In a few months, Elizabeth will leave Manhatten, where she now resides. They will be married in Wash. D.C., and both will return to Ft. Worth, where they will then be in the same state, same city, and same home.  We will be a better city, neighborhood, and community because of such a bright, loving couple in our presence.
   "True love stories never have endings. " - Richard Bach

A COKE AND COOKIE

   When entering Frost Bank this week, my nerves were frayed. I don't like the business part of life.  I like it even less, when it is unfamiliar, and worse when I am carrying my husband's power of attorney documents. This was not my day.

   A very friendly employee, Christina, greeted me. She asked if I would like a cookie. That sounded great. In a minute, she came back and asked if she could get me a drink.

Within a short time from entering, my stress level was reduced by 75%. I was enjoying a cookie and a coke, and thinking about how our lives are made up of  moments, these "life in between" moments.

   Businesses understand this. There is a thin line between customer service and gimmicks to get you to buy more. I saw this as excellent customer service, a way of showing their appreciation. Their atmosphere was friendly and hospitable, matching Christina's warmth and graciousness.

     I was sitting there, talking to the banker, having a "happy meal", a coke and a cookie, thinking "It's a good day!" All because of the treats? No, it was the combination of attitude,  thoughtfulness, and surprise. All were being served with a heaping dose of gratitude, just for being their customer.

   Relaxing and taking a deep breath, I de-stressed. While the transaction was being completed, I asked myself, "What can I do to extend the photography experience even further, making it even more personalized than it is now? What can I do as a business owner? What can I do as a mom, wife, grandmother? How can these "life in between" moments be extended to someone every day?

   Hoping to capture a few on camera, I will be showing more "Life in between" shots on the website, http://www.kayturner.com/ and in our blog.

   I hope you enjoy a random act of kindness today, both as the benefactor and the contributor. May we all seek to give someone the unexpected, allowing them to unwind, chill out, and for a moment, be a child holding a box of cracker jacks, filled with delight and wonder.

  

BOUND BY LOVE, FAITH, FAMILY AND FRIENDS

   We have been surrounded for many, many years by a wonderful, loving family. In that time, our family has grown to include a large group of dear friends and clients, who have become a part of this loving circle. You have been with us in spirit, in memory, in presence, in thought. Standing beside us, holding our hands, together, you have been there, to lean on, while we faced difficult and challenging situations.

    Many of you are new to our journey. You became a part of our lives through the photography. It was then you became a part of our lives, when we were capturing yours.  Others have been steadfastly marching with us, since the beginning.
   Now, it appears, we are nearing the end of a 12 year journey. Ray has fought with a loving army of family and friends by him, loving him.  He, in return, has been a tremendous fighting warrior, defeating leaving his loved ones, repeatedly, against all odds.  All who have come in contact with him,  have been inspired by his strength, his spirit, his anticipation of being in his Heavenly home. Each day on earth, his heart has beat for all of us, and Jesus.
   It is to all of you, dear friends and family, who have accepted us and loved us, that I want to say how much we are indebted to you.
  With you, words have become optional. With you, we feel safe. With you, we feel accepted unconditionally. With you, we have a shoulder to lean on. With you, we have a hand to hold. With you, there is laughter. With you, our tears flow and mingle together. We taste the salt of broken hearts.
  We put our hand in yours, comforted by knowing you have loved us through all of the up's and down's, the bad times and the good. You did not leave when it rained. Instead, you provided an umbrella of strength and love. You were there when the sun shone, when we could bask in your warmth. Now, as we walk the final steps of the journey together, we embrace your strength, your outpouring of love. We cherish every moment, every act, every smile you have brought, and will continue to bring. With you, there is only one heart beating. It beats with love. It will never stop.  Kay and Ray

Gifts of Love

   Our days are full of responsibilities and flying from one task to another, but there is one day that belongs to us. It is our birthday, our special day. Hopefully, we will be able to spend a part of it with ones whom we love and who love us. However, that isn't always the case.
   The military personnel overseas don't get to set aside a day to celebrate, as they are busy protecting their loved ones back home and our country. Loved ones in a hospital, clinging to life, rarely know what day it is. Birthdays can slip by unnoticed. Different situations present unusual ways to remember.
   Today is my birthday. Overwhelmed with gifts of love sent in phone calls, e-mails, e- cards, messages on facebook, a florist delivering flowers, and a dear friend bringing a birthday cake, along with delicious meals, I am brought to tears. All of the thoughtfulness is so humbling.
    After a year of forgetting birthdays, I see this incredible outpouring of love and thoughtfulness. Gifts of love so undeserving.
   I resolve to make this birthday a new beginning, a new year. Much like we do at the beginning of a new year, I cherish birthdays to be the beginning for my life. It is a time to renew the ties that mean so much. From being a better wife, friend, mother, grandmother, sister, photographer, it is all of you who send so much loving support and encouragement that I celebrate and thank today.
    Today, I think of all the gifts of love you have given me. My husband, who has courageously fought an illness each and every day, the friends who stop and encourage us with visits, calls, cards, e-mails, our wonderful children coming to love on us, grandchildren coming by with hugs and laughter, my sister's wonderful culinary skills , my dear friend, Shay, an angel of mercy, who supplies us with food, books, cards, and a generous amount of hugs and beautiful prayers, to friends/pastors coming by to uplift our spirits, to clients who have been so incredibly patient and loving, to those who are in front of my lens as strangers and who later become dear friends, a part of our extended family, to friends whom I have not seen since graduating high school, taking a minute to send delightful messages and reconnecting after all these years.  I am the richest woman in the world today.
   The handwritten note, in the foreground of the picture, is the paper that my husband jotted his birthday message to me on and then put on facebook. It is more beautiful than any of the elegant cards he bought each year. Is there a greater treasure than to see his scrawling penmanship, barely resembling his beautiful penmanship from before, saying he wishes for me to have many October 8's and to live them to the fullest? He knows he won't be here for the next one. I may not either. None of us are guaranteed that we will see another day.
   Today, I thank God for all of you, for your gifts of love and for giving/connecting in so many various ways. For the ability of capturing small moments in pictures, to treasure the rest of our lives, I am deeply grateful. Most of all, I am grateful for life and the ability to celebrate every moment, every breath, with people whom I love, doing what I love. It is from this well of thanksgiving that I photograph. It is from the heart that knows these moments will never be repeated, that I photograph. So it is with a photograph, I show you a glimpse of today.  You made it my day, my special day to reflect all you have given to me. Words can never express my gratitude to each of you.

"If I had a single flower for every time I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden." - C. Ghandi

An Ah-Ha Moment, As Oprah Would Say

    I carry my cell phone in my waistband when I am working at home. It's not an attractive look, and definitely not a fashion statement. I am usually alone when doing so. I wish for pockets. but very few of my clothes have them.

   Today when I sat down, I felt the cell phone cutting into my waist. I thought to myself, "What did I do differently? Did I put it in a different place? It has never felt like this before." I got up to get it out of my waistband, fearing it would leave a permanent cell phone image on my waist. When I reached for it, there was no cell phone. "What? Where is it? What made the waistband so tight?" Then the "ah ha moment" came.  The dialogue with myself follows:

K: I sit at the computer at all hours, both night and day. I am gaining weight!

Rational Self: No, it can't be that. You don't eat at the computer, just before, during and afterwards. Besides that, you are wearing the same clothes that you wore yesterday. They still fit.

K: I don't have to get up out of my chair, in order to use the phone. It is with me.

Self: Well, it surely isn't that! You get up many, many times during the day to check on your sick husband and to get him snacks.

K:I don't run up and down the stairs now, as I moved my office downstairs.

Self: But look at all the trips to the kitchen you make, in order to get his food trays.

K: I get it! It is all the delicious food people bring, so many wonderful treats.

Self: That's right, just blame them. That will work.

K: (Breathing a sigh of relief at the "Ah ha moment".) Finally. I have an excuse. It is the people's fault. All the wonderful, generous people who make delicious desserts, breads, meals for my husband. Some of those fall off his tray. The ones in my mouth? Oh, those. Well, my cell phone is glad to hear this, as I was about to trade it in for a newer model. 

Hmmm, That reminds me. I think I heard that same comment before.  Oh, that's right. I overheard a man saying he was thinking about trading his in for a newer model, and winking at the cute DQ waitress.  Do you think he was talking about cell phones?

   Well, I don't know, but Ray's Blizzard sure was good.  It would have been totally melted when I got home, if I hadn't been there to rescue it from dissolving into a puddle.

   Yessiree, I am sure glad that I had that "ah ha moment" earlier. I know that I had nothing to do with the waistband shrinking.  In addition, I got to surprise Ray with half of a snickers blizzard, his very favorite.

LIFE IN BETWEEN PHOTOS

  To view some of my favorite, fun images, a new category, "Life In Between" was added to our website, http://www.kayturner.com/ .
  The images are similar to outakes at the end of a movie. The children are not posed, even though it look as if they are in a few.  Capturing real "life in between" moments is one of my favorite things to do. A few turned out to be our most popular images. The other images have been waiting to be unveiled at the appropriate time.
  The "Life in Between" post was on Sept. 30, 2009, if you wish to read about the meaning of this new category. There are no words or captions. You can fill those in! Enjoy!

LIFE IN BETWEEN

   We all have days, weeks, hours, moments where we are pulled in different directions, away from where we wish to be. Parents are trying to coordinate work, school, activities for their children. Single parents, with hearts pulled to spend more time with their children, feel conflicted while trying to provide for their family. Volunteers, who spend countless hours serving, helping, nurturing, many in our hospitals, churches, shelters, across the city, state, nation, feel pulled between making the world a better place, and the sacrifice of time away from family. How can we resolve our conflicted hearts?
     "Life in between" is the authentic part of life, the place where we live. It is the seconds and moments that comprise our lives, the ones we overlook so many times. We shoot for the big picture, the grand moments, the promotions, the celebration, the wedding, the vacation, the awards. Life is being lived in between, in small glimpses. Sometimes, in trying for the big picture, we are missing the heart moments, where our souls are replinished. Sometimes, it is circumstances.which we have no control over, that cause us to miss so many heart moments! Hence, we feel like Lily, in the image.
  Realizing our pain of being absent from our family, our daughter recently surprised us with a priceless gift. She began to send early a.m. e-mails with a picture attached.  As she gets 3 children off to school, and before leaving for work, she sends a snapshot of our grandchildren. We are able to see our 7 yr. old grandson in his first football uniform. Another day, a shot of him sleeping, after he ran 250 yards during the game, (his caluculation.) We could see the granddaughters washing one another's hair, and all the other little things of life in between.
   We get to see a glimpse of what is going on 20 miles away. Hearts are attached, remaining connected in absence, fulfilling our deepest desires of giving and receiving love. It is a personal gift, no words needed. The shots are not going to hang on a wall or be posted for public consumption.  They are typical glances into a family's everyday life, the in between moments of ones we love so deeply.
  There is no better surprise for someone whom you love and loves you. Whether they are next door, down the street, across town, in another city, related, not related, why not surprise them with a personal shot of an "in between" moment in your life. They have "I love you" written all over them.
"Service that's fed by humility is the forgotten truth that reinvigorates life. Instead of taking from others, it gives. - Melvin Cheatham

Laughter

While sitting at my computer, alone, in a quiet room, at times I will hear laughter escape. I want to turn and see who entered the room. I feel as though an old friend just entered, one whose loud voice I had not heard in a long time.

I recognize the sound. It bursts out, without any forethought, popping onto the scene, stealing my attention. Oh, what a welcome visitor!!  Interrupting the silence and the mood, an indicator light goes on reminding me that laughter is still a part of life,  regardless of circumstances.

Many of you make me laugh. Your e-mails, your notes, your messages all bring that once very familiar sound back again, sprinkling my life with wonderful, happy moments. You give me the gift that this image portrays, 2 sisters, laughing uproariously, while trying to get composed for a shot. I am glad they didn't.

This was their parent's favorite image. It depicted their daughters truly and accurately. Capturing a brief moment in their childhood, they can look back upon these moments and savor them all over again.

We all need pictures of ourselves laughing, I have decided. Laughing with our spouses, our children, our grandchildren, our parents, our friends, our family, reminding us of the joy we share. Those are shots that I am going to be looking for more closely.  The unexpected moments, the between "takes", the intimate relationship shots of shared secrets, shared laughs, shared joy, shared tears during a session.

Clients don't normally buy these images. They don't view them as a portrait. Maybe I didn't either. I feel differently now. These are very valuable and treasured images, the kind I want to be able to hold onto, to cherish.

The girls' parents were so wise. They knew that this was their true reflection.  Thank you, to these adorable sisters, for reminding us that these moments are what comprise our tossed salad of  life. To the parents, Christy and Eric, for teaching a photographer, how priceless this shot is, for many reasons. Thank you!
" When the laughter is light and the memories are many, but the time is too short...you know you're with a friend."  - Anonymous

Charlie's Family

Nicki and Josh's engagement session was pure delight. Their love for one another has been growing since high school. Their dream to be married one day is about to become a reality! Today they got their marriage license. It has been six years in the making. With faith, love, and joy spilling onto all who come into their presence, the photo session was a celebration of their journey. What impressed me was their true, deep friendship. They know each other in the soul. They communicate from there, without words. Blessing the shoot further was Charlie, their precious dog who wanted to guard them from the papparazzi. He did so by stealing the show occassionally. All three shared a warm and wonderful way of making each other, and others feel loved. Thank you, Nicki, Josh and Charlie for blessing our lives so! We look forward to the wedding!

SPORTING NIKE'S THEORY!

Today was moving day. It was a big move, not physically, but mentally. Deciding to move my office from upstairs to downstairs presented all kinds of changes and challenges.  There were gigantic mental roadblocks to over come. However, as it were, the decision was made for me, more than my making it myself. And it feels perfect! That is why I know that I didn't arrange this. It feels so good, so right. I have been thinking about this for several weeks, yet I just wouldn't give in to the idea. I had a'lot of reasons why. Good ones, I thought. It was the wrong time, too much chaos would be created, too much time needed to do it, on and on. The internal debate continued week after week, day after day!  And in a matter of minutes today, I found my "new office" feeling like home. It is such an awesome feeling. No more trying to justify why I should or why I shouldn't. Done!

Don't you love it when you debate over doing something, dread the thought of doing it, then all of a sudden, it is the only thing to do? In fact, it is the right thing to do! It outweighs any of your options by a long shot, so you bite the bullet and just do it. Then you see, it was the perfect thing to do!
 
Whether it is a relationship, a weight loss, a health issue, a financial one,  or a block keeping you from trying something new,  something that you have always wanted to do, I have to agree with Nike! Just Do It! Maybe you will be amazed as much as I have been today. I am hitting that Staples red button with "EASY" on the top, and that man's voice comes back every time saying, "That's Easy!".  Yes, it is now. Thank you, Lord, for providing such a wonderful change!

TRUST

The beautiful, loving, strong hands of a mother holding her 2 week old baby boy, a treasured moment, an unforgettable sight.  His brother, Landon, is seen below and all 3 of them are in "Angels Among Us", a piece of art created for the Ft. Worth Pregnancy Center., featured on the blog and the website.  Thank you, Cindy, for being such a wonderful, calm presence.  Hudson, Landon, and Cindy blessed our day and our hearts with images that we will enjoy for years to come.

Joyful Boy

A beautiful little boy, who is in the "Angels Among Us"image below, holding on to his mother's leg, is now feeling quite comfortable in the studio.  The camera captures what a little 3 year old is all about. He is happy, loving, joyful and absolutely adorable! What a gift you are! Thank you, Landon!