My genetic bestowal for shoes

My husband, family and dog always come first, but my heart reserves a special corner for my love of shoes. It's like love at first sight; you have to sequester it or kiss it good-bye. Also I've learned that this fancy I have with shoes existed in me before birth; it was genetically bestowed upon me. My grandma's shoe cumulation puts many to shame, and as a youngster I looked forward to every sleep over at grandma's house, just so I could drown myself in her epic collection.

Just recently I journeyed to Fashion Valley, mainly to check out the
latest arrivals from Steve Madden.
But three stores later I drove home empty handed. No one had a size six of Bersh (the name of the shoe) in stock. On the drive home I realized that those shoes were not meant to integrate my wardrobe.

A month later a brown box smiled at me from the front door step. Usually I know what's inside, but this time I couldn't fathom what occupied its dimensions? Then I remembered our two year wedding anniversary was approaching, although it was a month early. As I moved closer to the mystery box, I read the address label and stood frozen in complete zest. You can see below what hid behind the brown walls of the cube. Each surprise transcends the next when Brian contrives them. For me the little surprises make my day, like when he comes home early or when he makes coffee for me, but I don't mind the big surprises either!

For those of you befuddled by the background, I put these fabulously designed shoes in the oven for this shot. I couldn't resist; they're so hot! =)

My little bro is a big graduate!

At one time in his life, my brother relied on me to prepare an edible breakfast, lunch or dinner. During another period, he depended on me to be his chauffeur. Later when he was in high school, he asked me for my advice about certain teachers and what classes he should take. (We both went to Poway High School so many teachers that I had were still teaching when my brother attended five years later.)

Now he's a college graduate and he can do all those things on his own...thank goodness! Although the responsibility of being a cook, chauffeur and school counselor, trumped my own life at times, my existence as a big sister helped mold his childhood. And throughout the years I have realized that being a big sister harbors more meaning than my first intellection.

Scottie,

Take this counsel from me to you. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain

Love,

Jackie aka your big sis


Did I mention it rained at a Sonoma State University graduation? It doesn't happen often, but it did on May 24, 2008.

The other graduate you see is Scottie's roommate Collin.

Of course we toured wine country while we were visiting Sonoma!

Randi and Eric May 15, 2008

I've never met a couple more prepared for an engagement shoot than Randi and Eric! They showed up with a handful of collared shirts on hangers and a bag complete with multiple wardrobe changes. They couldn't have picked a better day for their engagement shoot in La Jolla! There were no clouds to speak of and the sun gave us a brilliant farewell as it fell into the horizon. I am sad to say Randi and Eric left San Diego for Boston two weeks after their shoot because I can totally see hanging out with them again.

It's About Time!

I, Jackie VanHatten, take you, Blog, to be my partner, personality and livelihood to VanHatten Photography from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in times of down servers and computer crashes and through day-to-day operational success. I promise to make updates at least twice a week, to be open and honest and to be myself for all the days of my blogging life. May we cultivate and shape our future together.

The Padre fan you are looking at is my amazing husband, Brian, and the fearless husky next to him is our dog, Miso, also know as Miso the destroyer. We like to say Miso is fearless because she looks like a wolf, but she's not as tough as she looks; she's a chicken.