A Royal Thank You and Announcements

Over thirty years ago, in a small Italian town, two boys met at catechism class, swooned over a gorgeous teacher, played pranks, tennis and music, predicted one another’s future vocations, studied English abroad, and developed a friendship that would carry them through every milestone of life. Alessandro and Nicola understand each other as only dear friends can.

And so when Nicola and his wife, Elisa, flew to San Francisco from London to spend ten days with us, we were more than excited. We had a lovely time together exploring the wine country, touring the city, and eating at our favorite restaurants.

Yesterday, just a week and a half since their return home, a royal package arrived in the mail and it was filled with amazing goodies like a Jo Malone candle, Penhaligon’s Bluebell talcum powder, Fortnum and Mason tea, Liberty London stationary, and Stuart Gardiner linens. I love how the postage on the package reads, “Royal Mail.” Now, if only the cyber world offered scratch and sniff, because the scents filling our home right now are amazing! I brewed a pot of tea immediately, and took these photos. THANK YOU, NICOLA AND ELISA! You are very thoughtful, indeed. It was such a pleasure to spend time with you.

Also, another sincere thanks to Luca and Brenda for sending the lucky bamboo plant! Luca is the equivalent to Nicola only pack that 30 + year friendship into ten years instead! : )

Now, for the exciting announcements!!! Here we go!

1. SFP has moved! My hubby accepted a new job, so we high tailed it out of the east bay and moved to Menlo Park to be closer to his new office in Palo Alto. I love it here. You may remember some agonizing I displayed over this pending change, and well, it feels good to be on the other side of it. Had I known the light in our new place would be this gorgeous, I would have been at ease a lot sooner!

2. Keep a look out for guest blogger posts coming soon! This is so exciting for me. A few people have commented that they like to pop over to the blog because they find it inspiring. Yikes, really? I would call myself anything but inspiring, but I realized the value in that feedback and wanted to add to it. So, from time to time, I will be conducting portrait sessions and posting the images along with a blurb from the subject on a topic of their choice. Can’t wait to see how this develops!

3. Lastly, the talented Alison Bank of First Comes Love Wedding Photography has taken me on as a 2^nd shooter! Our first gig together is this weekend. Who knows? She may fire me right away?! But this is exactly the kind of experience I’ve been aiming for… need to test the waters and gauge if wedding photography is my thang. And truth be told, I just l.o.v.e. her work. Can’t wait to learn from her!

Okay, happy weekend and enjoy the pix!