when i first started my blog and was figuring out how things were going to flow, i knew that i couldn't commit to blogging about each and every client and therefore, decided my blog was going to be about things that touched my soul and hopefully, in doing so, i would inspire someone, somewhere, someday. well today, i feel it necessary to blog about one of my clients, as she has completely touched my soul. meet 10-year-old miss E.

photographing E and her family was my last and tenth session in san diego (in 3 1/2 days). E's mom was the winner of my donated photography package, for max's ring of fire auction.

i began the session photographing the kids -- E and her 12-year-old brother. E is a pretty girl and super sweet, but also quite shy and reserved. when we first met, i wondered how i was going to get her to relax with me. but it didn't take long for E to be completely comfortable with me and my camera. within about five minutes, it was as if it was just she and i -- no one else in the world mattered. during that time, E was the prettiest girl in the world and maybe even the most magical princess in the world. i just kept saying,

keep doing your thing; you are so beautiful...

...and kept clicking. i was in awe at her beauty and her willingness to openly and honestly share that beauty with me.

E has something special -- a magical beauty that shines from within. i can't stop thinking of E and the gift she left with me that day. she touched my soul and her beauty filled my heart.

when i got home (to KS), i shared with E's mom a bit about what i hoped to blog about E, while also asking her permission to do so. she said she would love that and also shared a bit of E's writings, from her home journal:

love. blossom. live in happiest, forever together. in peace and in bad, i will love you. in all my love for you. when you are mad, remember a new day is ahead of you. do not live in the past, live in the present. forgive and forget. live strong and in wisdom. remember to care about others and yourself. treat others the way you want to be treated. try to be nice to people as many times as possible and give in. remember forgive.

as i read E's words, tears filled my eyes and my thoughts of E's exceptional inner beauty were more than confirmed. E is one special child and i can't wait to see what she shares with and teaches this world. she has definitely touched me and taught me how truly powerful and magical inner beauty is.