October 2015 – True Life is Beautiful

cape elizabeth lifestyle photographer | the happiest witch of the east

Part II of this two part series 🙂 has no flying monkeys, no falling houses, no threats against little dogs and no hourglasses counting the minutes to doom. And much to my chagrin, no ruby slippers either.

However, in honor of Halloween — the spookiest and chilling holiday — we have the happiest witch of the east, and her name is Kristi! (If you missed part I, click here for a brief lesson in Wicca — the practice my friend loves and lives.)

I’ve been wanting to do this session with her for quite some time and when the moon and the stars finally aligned (well, actually, when our mutual schedules offered some free time….), we decided that we couldn’t wait any longer! A little background here …. a few weeks before, while covering the Laudholm Craft Fair for Maine Magazine, I came across the nicest ladies who were hand crafting — wait for it —- BROOMS!!!! Sweet, beautiful, hand crafted brooms, made by Haydenville Broomworks, and there was one that was just perfect for our witchy session!!!! (Housework? Don’t be silly…..)

Fast forward to early October, and we are at Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth. Having just finished observing and photographing Kristi’s Wicca practices, it was time to have a little fun! The sun was setting and the full moon was a-rising! Magic? Perhaps. I say bring it!

We should educate people that “Witch” is not evil but ancient and positive. The first time I called myself a “Witch” was the most magical moment of my life.

–Margot Addler, Wiccan Priestess

Have a spooktacular Halloween! And as Kristi often says … Blessed Be!

Jane is a lifestyle photographer, making the most of the seemingly mundane moments. Contact Jane at jane@janeberger.com for more information.

kettle cove, maine lifestyle photographer | part I — a brief lesson in Wicca

This fabulously gorgeous woman has been one of my closest friends for what has been almost forever! For more than thirty years, she’s been a pal, a compadre, a confidante, a co-worker, a co-conspirator, a buddy, an ally, an inspiration, a source of fun and laughter, and a shoulder on which to cry. We’ve hit the town together in Portland, Boston, Nantucket, New Orleans, Quebec, and lots of places in between. We’ve shared heartbreaks and heartaches, dreams and aspirations, roll-on-the-floor laughter and, like all great friendships, a few things that will never be shared beyond the two of us! Oh, the stories we could tell …. 😉

But something I didn’t know anything about in Kristi’s world was her practice of Wicca, and here’s what I’ve learned. Around the age of 30 and searching for something more, Kristi read a book called The Mists of Avalon (by Marion Zimmer Bradley) which led her to explore and embrace the world of Wicca — the old world of an ancient belief system and the pagan ways. The practice holds firm that the divine is present in nature and honors the environment — from animals and plants to trees and rocks — and should all be revered as elements of the sacred.

Oh, and wine. Yes, definitely wine. A few weeks ago, we decided to do a lifestyle session that shows her practices and her beliefs, and how she honors that of which she has come to honor, love and live. We found our perfect spot at Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth on a beautiful fall evening, and she set out to place her bounty of goodies and goodness — all in a strategic and meaningful way.

What I mostly learned is that this practice that is Kristi’s world is very spiritual, inclusive, honest and accepting. It honors all beings, promotes karma, accepts consequences, and encourages a responsible life. In essence, harm no one and no thing, and you will be rewarded with a full, happy life and afterlife.

I’m honored that Kristi invited me into this part of her world, of which I know very little, to share with my readers. She’s the real deal, she’s beautiful inside and out, and she has found something that not many people understand, but that feeds her soul and works for her — and that’s really all that matters!

Tomorrow: Part II of this blog depicts Kristi celebrating her pagan beliefs in a whole different — and fun– way. Preview below …. you won’t want to miss it!

Call upon the Goddess and God to protect you and teach you the secrets of magic. Ask stones and plants to reveal their powers …. and listen.

–Scott Cunningham

Jane specializes in capturing the real life moments in a real beautiful way. Contact jane at jane@janeberger.com for more information.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

It’s true.

There was a time when summer was my most favorite time of year. There was also a time when Christmas was tops on my list. And then, when spring arrives, I’m pretty sure that IT’S the most beautiful season of all … so fresh and new! But right now, with the chill in the air and the bright, beautiful and colorful leaves on the trees? Yes, right now … THIS is my favorite time of year!

A few years in a row I’ve headed south to Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge … such a beautiful place with big, gorgeous trees — to get my fill of fall, its colors and my photo fun. This year, I spent some time at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco. This place is not nearly as big, but it is every bit as lovely, peaceful, serene and picturesque.

Call me crazy, but I enjoy checking out the headstones. I figure out his or her age, who the person is buried next to, if they are family members and what their story might have been. Somewhere, there’s a descendent who can’t visit or may not even know that this person existed …. I like to think that I visit in their stead.