Every year I keep a very simple book journal where I record every book (or almost every) I have read that year. I know there are cool online ways to do this, but for now I still like that my book is right next to my bed (where I normally finish books) and I like that I don’t have to sign on to anything to jot down the book I just finished. Mostly I just jot down the author and title, but this year I hope to write one or two things more—nothing about the book, but just a bit about what happened on the day I finished the book.

I like looking back at the end of the year and seeing what I read. Last year I also blogged about it here.

Looking back over my list this year it was not a great year in reading for me. More fluff books than not. I consider them fluff if I don’t remember anything about them. But, maybe fluff was what I needed. It was a busy year and honestly I am surprised that I got through as many books as I did. Some were book club picks, some just random picks from the library (the kind where the book cover catches your eye), and the rest were recommended to me. I’ve marked my favorites in case you are looking for something good to read this year.

I am really excited about my new stack of books to read for this year along with some books I have ready to go in the Kindle as soon as my husband hands it over.

Here are my 2010 books.

1. Happens Every Day: An All-Too-True Story by Isabel Gillies

This was the first book I read of 2010 and I still remember it. Read the first chapter and then try to put it down.

2. The Wednesday Letters by Jason Wright

3. Home by Marilynn Robinson

4. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski

I got a dog after reading this book. Very good.

5. Committed by Elizabeth Gilbert

6. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout

I don’t normally like the lots of little stories to make one book style, but I loved this book and the characters.

7.  A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick

Another page turner….finished this outside on a nice day.

8. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

could not get into this book…didn’t like it at all

9. Momzillas: It’s a jungle out there on Park Avenue, baby! by Jill Kargman

10. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

yup….as good as they say it is.

11. The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner : An Eclipse Novella (Twilight Saga) by Stephanie Meyer

12-17. Sookie Stackhouse Series  (Sookie Stackhouse/True Blood) by Charlaine Harris

Dead Until Dark
Living Dead in Dallas
Club Dead
Dead to the World
Dead as a Doornail
Definitely Dead

*okay who can I blame for getting me into these books?? Fess up!!

totally fun reads.

18. Time of My Life: A Novel by Allison Winn Scotch

19. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Echo got this book for her 10th birthday. She didn’t this she was ready for it, so I picked it up. This was the only book this year that made me cry.

20. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion

21. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

22. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

23. Three Wishes: A True Story of Good Friends, Crushing Heartbreak, and Astonishing Luck on Our Way to Love and Motherhood by Carey Goldberg, Beth Jones, Pamela Ferdinand

24. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

25. The Magicians: A Novel by Lev Grossman

This book sounded so good, like a grown up Harry Potter. Great idea, but I don’t think it achieved what it could have.

26. Deep Survival by Laurence Gonzales

Books with the kids

I read aloud to the kids quite a bit. I don’t always keep track of the books we read, but these were the ones that I remembered.

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester

The Fairy Rebel by Lynne Reid Banks

When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead

Blubber by Judy Blume

Finally if you just need a good laugh I got this book for Christmas from my Uncle and my ribs hurt really hard from laughing after I finished it.

Happy New Year everyone. Hope to see you all in 2011.

I hope that everyone enjoyed their holiday and made many happy memories. I had a wonderful time relaxing and eating, and playing with my girls.

*I think it is my husband’s expression here is what makes this shot one of my favorite shots of my family from this season.

Now, I am back to work—designing albums, and getting my end of year slideshow/newsletter post ready. My blog will be busy, busy and I hope you will stop by from time to time to check it out.

Merry Merry Everything.

I have a few album offerings that I have blogged about before. I’ve blogged about them here, here, and here.

I’m am trying out a few other options.

These two I especially think work well for maternity, newborn, or family sessions.

This fabric album fits 5×7 images and has really lovely fabric coverings.

Here is an inside spread.

The pages are thick, but not really thick if that makes sense.

And this is a simple black album that holds 5×7 images.

This album just showcases one image per spread.

The pages are also a bit thinner than the other album.

They both come with a nice case.

I’ll be showcasing some other album options soon.

I mentioned earlier that I am cleaning up my computer and moving files off of my hard drives. This means that I would really appreciate it if anyone who is still wishing to make orders from their 2009 sessions make them by the end of the month. I have reactivated all 2009 galleries that are on my updated ordering site and they will stay up until January 31st, 2010. http://clients.genandsteph.com/pickpic/gallery/jump.php

This might be a good time to consider getting a large print–something bigger than 8×10.

If you can’t find your password anymore or have any questions about ordering just send me an email and I’ll send along your information.

And, like many of you, I have been moved to help with the crisis in Haiti right now and decided to take 15% of all orders placed before the end of January and donate them to UNICEF’s efforts to help in Haiti.

It’s that time of year when you have family to your home, or you are traveling–and while I’m sure you will be busy cooking, cleaning, and hopefully enjoying the day you should also remember to grab that camera and document the day. These photographs will be the things that help you bring back the memories from that day years later.

This Thanksgiving we traveled  North to enjoy the holiday with Jason’s Professor and mentor from Bennington College.

Remember while photographing holiday events that can be stressful to not add to your stress by trying to take the perfect photo. Just keep your camera close while you are chatting and see what happens.

This dog had the longest tongue ever and was a joy to photograph.

When photographing kids make taking their picture a game and not forced. I think I was hiding behind something when I took this picture as part of a game of peek-a-boo.

Don’t forget to take self-portrait when you get the chance. I like how this one shows me as well as the setting.

Details. Details. Details. These were all taken outside the house. I love this backyard and really enjoyed wandering around to see what I could find that marked the day and the season.

And of course don’t forget the details of the actual meal, place setting, etc. If you have older kids you can put them in charge of taking the pictures as well.

Try to take pictures of any traditions or activities that are going on. And, notice how I didn’t stop the play here and make everyone turn and look at me.

Again, you don’t always need to have someones face in the image….

Finally, if you have an amazing  husband like I do–who actually does the dishes—put down your camera for a bit(but keep it close) and actually spend some time with him–at least that is my plan this holiday season.

My blog might not be as active between now and 2010 as I will be traveling and taking a little break. You can always reach me by email–or if you have joined twitter you can find me there as well under genphotos.

Have a great Christmas, Hanukkah, Holiday!!! My annual thank you so much slideshow will arrive soon in my much neglected newsletter–keep an eye out for it. Cheers.

I have avoided talking about this organization much on my blog because it is a very difficult thing to get a handle on, but I think it is important that people know about it. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep (NILMDTS) is a foundation that provides photography services to families who are suffering the unimaginable. I am having a hard time using my own words to describe the organization so I will use the words from their website.

Pregnancy and birth are miraculous journeys. This amazing time of life is full of mystery, anticipation, joy, hope, and wonder. Feeling the powerful energy of birth and new life, watching as a new family is born unto each other. These things humble and amaze. These are the things that we celebrate when a baby is born.

But there is another aspect of pregnancy and birth. There is an unexpected place in this journey where some families may find themselves. When a baby dies, a world is turned upside down. There is confusion, sadness, fear, and uncertainty that cannot be explained. There is sorrow where there should have been joy. During this time, it might be impossible for families to know what they might need in order to heal in the future.

This is the place where the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation gently provides a helping hand and a healing heart. For families overcome by grief and pain, the idea of photographing their baby may not immediately occur to them. Offering gentle and beautiful photography services in a compassionate and sensitive manner is the heart of this organization. The soft, gentle heirloom photographs of these beautiful babies are an important part of the healing process. They allow families to honor and cherish their babies, and share the spirits of their lives.

I am currently the volunteer coordinator of this program for Syracuse and have had to witness the grief that many of us can never image. When I first signed up to be a volunteer I honestly didn’t know if I could do it. What I have learned after doing these sessions is that while it certainly isn’t an easy task, it is much easier for me than for the families, and it is the least I can do. The families I have worked with have shown me so much strength and I am always amazed that they even have the energy to thank me, but they always do.

So, while I hope none of you ever have to use this organization I did want you to know that it exists. The families that have found me and needed my services often heard about it from a friend of family member. If you would like to learn more the website for NILMDTS is: http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

It is time for another interview on my blog. This time I sat down with Jen Comfort of She Takes The Cake.

Actually, I let her answer my questions over email, but I did force her to let me come over to her new shop to take her picture, and let me sample a little cake. I hope you enjoy these interviews as much as I have been enjoying the process. It has really been fun to meet some of the other wedding vendors out there as well as do some different types of photo sessions. If you missed the first interview I did check it out here: http://genphotos.com/blog/?p=1053

Now onto the interview!

Thanks for agreeing to be a guest on my blog. I’ve just spent a bunch of time looking over your website and my mouth is now watering–everything sounds and looks so good.  

Perhaps you could start off by telling everyone a little bit about your business.
I’ve always considered myself creative, even went to school for graphic design, but the business started really by accident.  Would I recommend doing it the way I did…no! But I love it and often wonder now what I would even do if I weren’t creating cakes.  I did a cake for my oldest daughter’s first birthday almost 10 years ago when I realized I wouldn’t be happy with a cake from someone else or the store.  So I jumped in with both feet and it was a hit.  Pretty soon, folks starting asking and it wasn’t long before I realized I was pretty good at it so I kept going, absorbing as much as I could from photos, websites, books, etc.  I haven’t taken any actual classes and have no culinary training except for having a mother who is a terrific cook and baker.  I have always been the type that learns by doing, so it was no surprise.  She Takes The Cake (TM) was born out of this.  It’s grown from a few cakes for friends into the business it is today.  I provide stylish and trendsetting cakes and desserts to clientele all over central New York. If you need a cake, you can go anywhere – but if you WANT a really different, delicious and unique cake, you come to me.  In addition to the cakes, I create cookies and I even create edible stationery with Erin from Bride Design.  You can’t get this unique product anywhere else in our area.  She Takes The Cake is a woman owned business and currently it is just me at work on the cakes.  I’ve had plenty a helping hand from family and friends, but I try to manage the business in a way that allows me to do the orders I love and still have some time to be with family.  It’s tough, but like I said, I have no idea what else I’d be doing!  It has grown to the point of needing a second showroom and soon I’m sure I’ll be taking on an intern or two.

What are you up to today? Today I’m in the showroom. Mondays from 9-2, clients can find me in the new space in Manlius where they can come in and browse photos and ideas and place their orders for their cakes.  While I’m here I usually catch up on paperwork and of course take emails and calls for  new and current orders.

What’s your favorite part of your job? Making people happy and the interaction I have with my clients really is very enjoyable for me.  Of course I love the artistic aspect of designing and decorating the cakes very much, but knowing someone will devour that cake when I’m done makes it worthwhile.  I especially love it when kids get that wide eyed look when they see their cake for the first time, or when a bride sees her cake and realizes it’s better than she ever imagined.  I wish I could be there for that part more often – seeing everyone enjoy the finished product.

Do you have a favorite wedding cake–flavor/design? Can you believe I don’t eat cake very often?  One flavor I will still eat for sure is my White Almond cake with a special Raspberry Citrus Schnapps’ Syrup I make to soak on the cake layers, then I fill it with homemade lemon curd and raspberry filling.  It’s one of the most popular flavors I make and I just love the tangy lemon curd.  As far as design goes, I like to do anything different, I don’t do your grandmother’s cake here.  I would have to say though, that designs with subtle carving on the tiers and decor that mimics textiles is my favorite design style.  A lot of my brides have me do a cake that is inspired by their gown.

What was your wedding cake like? I wasn’t making cakes then, but I did take some ideas to the baker when we ordered it.  It’s funny how styles and even my own preferences have changed since then.  My cake had pillars and I sort of stay away from pillard cakes now.  But it wasn’t traditional even though it was pillared.  A small tier with a topper (gasp) was set inside the pillars instead of on top of them.  And it had a little detail on the borders of the cake.  Gosh, if only I knew then what I know now.  I would have paid my baker a lot more for her time, and I would have done something a little more daring.  Cakes have come a long way!

Are there any trends this year in wedding cakes? This year, everyone seems to be downsizing.  Smaller cakes with more personal elements are being ordered.  I think there will be a continuation of couples wanting unique and spectacular cakes, but we have to find creative ways for them to be able to get what they want without breaking the bank.  That can be difficult, but once a client figures out their priorities, I just make it work for them.  Of course, now and then a big cake with tons of wow factor is required.  A big trend right now I’m seeing in color is black and white with an accent color that really pops.  And metallics; mostly silver.

I see that you also do birthday cakes–are these mostly for large parties or do you ever do kid birthday cakes? You can get any kind of cake you want from me.  Kids’ cakes are always fun to do, but usually it will be for larger party.  I also do cakes for corporate events like business anniversaries or grand openings.  You name it.  There’s always an occassion for cake!

What are your favorite online resources for brides? When I have a bride that needs actual planning info, I often will refer them to the website of a vendor I know personally, but for general planning questions, the site I send them to The Knot – I direct them to the message board area where they can ask other current brides for help.  I find that this type of word of mouth help is really great for them.  Other than that, you’ll hear me tell them to put a specific search string into Google to find the info they’re looking for.

What types of questions do you ask couples who are not sure what type of design they want for their cake? I like to have them show me at least 3 things they love and one they hate.  And it doesn’t even have to be about cake !  Inspiration comes from anywhere.  I like to get to know couples a little to see if we click before they order and usually this amount of time and chatting will give me a clue as to what they might like if they’re not sure.  I prefer to design for my couples.  We’re not picking a cake number out of a catalog here, the more personal the better.  When the couple and I click, they also get very comfortable and they’ll say they like something or a personal joke or story between them and there is always a way to incorporate that.  Like teddy bear pilot and copilot nick names for each other – a couple I’m working with now is having that incorporated into their cake; they weren’t sure how to add that in without the cake going in a juvenile direction; this is where I help them see their vision.  It will be a lot of fun to make that one!

Do you have a favorite photograph in your house— If so, what is it of? My favorite photos in my house are of my kids.  I have two daughters, both beautiful and both very talented in their own way.

Oh, and what is this open house I hear of? The open house is next week!  I’m launching the new showroom at 8195 Rt 92/Cazenovia Road in Manlius on March 30th through April 5th.  I’ll be here from about 9-4 or so each day.  If you call ahead that you can’t come until 5, I can stick around.  I’m making lots of my desserts and will have info on hand about what you can order, as well as info from some of my favorite event and wedding businesses in the area.  I hope that a few of my favorite vendors will stop by too to chat with people.  This showroom is a second location for me and I’m very excited to have a stylish location where clients and I can meet to discuss their cakes.  My licensed and inspected kitchen is still located out of town, so having the space in Manlius will make it really convenient for clients to come and meet with me or place and pick up their orders without having to drive out into the country where it can be easy to get lost if you’re not sure where you’re going.  We’ve been driving it for years of course, so it’s old hat now, but I love this new location.  And it’s cute too!

Finally, I just love those last page Proust questionnaires at the end of the Vanity Fair magazine. I won’t give you the whole interview, but here are a few final questions.

What is your greatest extravagance? Hmmm, that’s hard.  Honestly, I would say the gorgeous furnishings I just purchased for the showroom.

Which talent would you most like to have? I can without hesitation say that I wish I was more tech savvy.

Who are your favorite writers? I like John Grisham.  Sadly I don’t make time very often to sit with a good book.

What is your most treasured possession? I have no idea!  My most treasured anything is my family, but I don’t think that’s what you’re asking.  I do have a piece of furniture that my grandfather made, he made the most incredible things – both functional and for decor – and this piece was one of the first things he made.  So, while it’s not perfect, it’s perfect to me.  I can see the beauty in it even though he saw flaws.  He has lost most of his sight over the last few years so he’s not creating anymore.  I think I will never let go of that big, bulky piece of wood!

Thanks again Jen for agreeing to be on my blog and especially for being such a good sport that you let me drag you outside for a few pictures despite the fact that we almost got blown away by the wind. I ended up thinking this series was pretty cute–notice how she is holding on to her hair.

Find out more about She Takes The Cake at her website and blog–or just go on over and visit next week during the open house.

Just heard schools are shut down in NC–my old hometown. I did love the one or two days that it snowed in NC because things really did shut down. Not only was there no school, but most work places shut down as well–so you really did have the whole day to play with the kids and forget about running errands.

I think I heard you got about three inches. Hope all the kids enjoy it. No snow here today, but super cold.

My newsletter comes out this week with my NC visit date announced. If you haven’t signed up already to be on the list you can from this blog–just look above for the link.

Okay winter. I get you. I understand that I live in the snowiest city in the United States–and if you google it Syracuse is actually the snowiest US Metropolitan City. We have had lots of snow this year and it has been plenty cold.

But I am so tired right now if you. The worst part is that when I mentioned to someone that I was really done with winter right now they said, Oh no, it isn’t even March yet, and then you still have April. Please, winter. I’m begging you–let’s stop now.

You can be pretty.

And making snow angels is fun.

But, I’m weak this year. I haven’t gotten away from Syracuse this winter and don’t have any plans to. I’m cold, and even though I’m sure many in Syracuse are thrilled with the weather today (It is sunny and 45)–tomorrow’s forcast calls for rain and by Saturday a lovely high of 26.

I’m weak. I’m ready for sitting outside–without gear. Let’s hurry up and get over winter.

For now–more inside games.

Stay tuned later today for some adorable images from a baby session today. That should warm us all up.

Yes yes, I am still thinking about joining Facebook. I’m sure by the time I actually join there will be a new place to go to, but I came across this video called Facebook in Reality by idoitsofants.com and I think I get it even though I don’t have an account. So enjoy.