In 2007, in my pre-SLR days, a few friends, Tony, and I joined a few travelers from the U.K. in the back of a rattling van that wound its way slowly through a tiny mountain pass in Norway.  We were on our way to Nigardsbreen, a tiny arm of Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in Europe.  The road was sometimes so narrow that two cars couldn't pass through it, so oncoming traffic had to hug the side and wait for the other car to pass.

When we arrived it was a little surreal.  A boat docked at one end of the glacier-fed lake ferried us across, and Nigardsbreen, that seemingly tiny finger of the Jostedal Glacier, loomed over us, larger than life.

Being southern California bred, I wore practically all my clothes for this one, because despite the tiny glint of sunlight, it was cold.  Our host wore "knickers" (which looked sort of like capri pants to me), and seemed impervious to the temperature.  The two photos of us below were taken by my friend Shu Ping.  We fancied that we looked sort of like an REI ad (or maybe the Village people).

We drank the fresh water from one of the streams and on our hike back we got a little lost and encountered some errant sheep  (pictured above) that followed us partway back.  After climbing a few hills (crossing private property, no doubt) and meeting a few puzzled locals, we made it down just in time to meet our host, buy blueberries from a local farm, and return home.  

Huy told me that Liz loves flowers.  So it was doubly a pleasure seeing spring in full and gorgeous bloom on the day of their engagement shoot.  We headed down to San Juan Capistrano, where Huy and Liz proceeded to show me that all I really needed to do was point and shoot.  They are absolutely the perfect mix of sugar and spice.

We met the friendliest cat, who apparently wanted to be in the picture as well. 

I, however, do not believe for one minute that Huy really knows how to juggle.  I don't think that Liz believes it either.

Huy and Liz, it was a lot of fun.  I'm looking forward to shooting your wedding this summer. :)

The intention was just to post one or two favorite photos, but the Alhambra is just so physically stunning that it was impossible to do.  The day we arrived it was so hot that I was ready to call it quits when we repeatedly got lost navigating Granada's windy alleys.  I wouldn't have been able to retrace our steps if my life depended on it.  But the view of the Alhambra, commandingly situated over the rest of Granada, was worth it.

And another great idea is to follow up a trek in afternoon heat with tea and pastries in a quiet corner of the Arabian quarter.

The interior of the Alhambra is a rambling affair.  Both Islamic and Christian influences intertwine throughout the compound.  One trick to recognizing the differences is that Islamic architecture tends to have modest exteriors and intricate interiors.

My old coworker's boyfriend proposed to her at the Alhambra.  Who says romance is dead?  Oh yeah, Parkway Drive.

Within a few days of eyeing the fashionable ladies in Andalusia, I was convinced that I too could rock the harem pants.  Tony thankfully convinced me otherwise.  I was also amused to see that there's a male version of those pants, too.

And someday, if we ever return, I've got my eye on those Arabic baths.  Potentially touristy, but oh, definitely worth a soak or two...

I first "met" the lovely Rachel from That's Chic while shopping online, first as a featured blogger on Modcloth and later on on Coach as part of their holiday campaign.  I love that she and a hearty collection of fashionable bloggers (like Sartorialist and Glamourai just to name a few) constantly force you to rethink your notions on style.  Here are a few pics from a very quick session with her.

It all started with a mysterious box and a rather fantastical invitation.  Once I opened it and read the rather charmingly written invitation, I knew that Natalie's baby shower was going to be something rather special.  And like Alice in Wonderland, it started with a trip down the rabbit hole.

The glowing mother-to-be presided over the affair as the Queen of Hearts.  A fashion show, a baby guessing game, and a lavish spread was just the tip of the iceberg for this lovely shower.

Check out Natalie working the fashion show "runway"! :)

It was a lovely way to spend a sunny Saturday.  Congrats to the soon-to-be parents!