Maria - 60th Birthday Celebration

Where to start with this blog! I have known Maria for over 25 years. We have been through everything together - bringing up our children, partying, shopping trips, laughter, loss. I feel like I couldn't have managed without her. Despite everything we have been through, she has managed to evade my camera for so long. Then finally, FINALLY she said she was ready. She had never felt good enough before, but now at 60, she really wasn't so worried about all the "things" women feel - too this, too that.... age brings such a freedom from doing what you think you should do, allowing you to accept and celebrate all that you have become.

This woman is beyond beautiful, she is loved by everyone she knows and nothing is ever too much trouble for her. If you know Maria you are blessed. She will climb mountains for you, run to your aid in the middle of the night. Make you Greek soup. Pray for you. Her love for her family is fierce. You can feel her power when you are in a room with her. She is direct and oh so wise. There are so many times I wished I had listened to her.

Spending a few hours in the studio with her was a memory I will treasure forever. We cut the shoot short and went for cake and coffee. Coffee can be from 2-5 hours, because we never stop talking!

Here are just a few of her images. As her friend I am not sure I have done her justice, quite captured her resilience, her brightness. Fingers crossed we make this an annual event. 

Looking forward to celebrating 61 together!