Thanks for the Memories!

A quick post to let everyone know that this blog has lived it's days and is officialy retired. To visit the new home for "Shonda's Little World" click here.

Isn't She Lovely? | Calgary Maternity Photographer

A quick post to share a recent mat session, but before I do that, I just want to take the opportunity to say thanks a bunch for all of the response and lovely thoughts and messages from my last blog post. Much appreciated to all!

And now, speaking of lovely, check out this mommy to be. Isn't she? Enough said! Thanks so much for the great session "S" - I had a blast working with you and can't wait to meet your baby girl once she is welcomed to the world. I'll be in touch once I have your gallery ready next week.



Love these shoes! They belonged to her as a baby - so sweet!

A Little Something Personal | Calgary Photographer

First, Let me say that this blog update is a break away from the norm. I'm not going to share photos from any recent sessions or talk business. I am however going to share a personal story along with a personal photo that means the world to me. For all those friends and family who have been following all the recent events of our life - here is the story. For all those clients and blog followers who have no idea what I'm talking about, indulge me this once. I am choosing to share the story here, as I think it's a "feel good" success story, and in today's world we don't get to hear near enough of those.

First a Picture.
This is my husband as a baby boy in 1968 with his Mom & Dad.


And now a poem...

The Legacy of an Adopted Child
author: anonymous

Once there were two women
Who never knew each other.

One you do not remember -
The other you call Mother.

Two different lives shaped
to make yours.

One became your guiding star.
The other became your sun.

The first gave you life
and the second taught you to live it.

The first gave you a need for love
and the second was there to give it.

One gave you a nationality.
The other gave you a name.

One gave you the seed of talent.
The other gave you an aim.

One gave you emotions.
The other calmed your fears.

One saw your fist sweet smile.
The other dried your tears.

One gave you up -
That's all that she could do.

The other prayed for a child -
and God led her straight to you.

Now you ask through all your tears,
The age old question through the years -

Heredity or environment? Which are you
a product of?

Neither my darling neither -
just two different kinds of love.

This poem belonged to my husband and recently we have had the opportunity to share it with two very special women. The first being the woman in the poem who dried his tears and calmed his fears; the woman he calls Mother. The second sent him a letter this year right at his birthday to let him know that she had been looking for him. We just returned from a trip to Montreal where she lives, and at 41 years of age, my husband was reunited with his birth mother.

A picture of them together which is one of my new faves in my "personal portfolio"


Being a part of this entire process, has been an amazing experience that is really beyond words. For me it's right up there with having my daughters. As his wife, I have had the privilege of talking to both women and hearing their stories; where one's journey ended and how another one's began 41 years ago. And to see them both now as their journey has come full circle is really an amazing example of selfless love for their son and respect for each other's place in his life.

I think the story is an example of a great success. A woman took a leap of faith 41 years ago and prayed her son would have a good life. She trusted the system and it worked. He has amazing parents and has had a great life, and somewhere along the way I got a husband and two children out of the deal who are my whole life.

Murray and Vi - Your support through this process just proves that Grant has been exactly where he was meant to be his whole life. You are both very special people.

Lise - I'll be forever grateful for your sacrifice all those years ago and I'm so happy that you finally get to see how it all turned out. No More Endings, Only Beginnings.

The Gang in Montreal - The trip was one I will never ever forget. The way you all welcomed us into your hearts and homes was so amazing. The pictures, the home movies, the memories you shared! Not to mention the food - next time I'll be sure to bring the stretchy pants!! Merci and Amour!!(Next time my French will be better too!)

Grant - All my love - thanks for letting me share this and thanks for being you.

Another Sweet Baby Girl | Calgary Newborn Baby Photographer

After what seemed like a string of baby boys, the winds have changed and this month it's raining baby girls in Calgary. I have yet another brand new pumpkin to share who's daddy is away at work so I made it priority #1 to get a few sneak peeks up for him, as I'm sure he is missing her like crazy! Thanks for a the great session Mom - it was great to meet you and I'm looking forward to meeting Dad too. Little baby "H" was so awesome!!

I'll be in touch soon but for now...




Just a sample of some of the great faces this little monkey made for the camera - love it - so much personality already!!

Sweet Baby Girl - Calgary Newborn/Baby Photographer

Just a quick post to let everyone know that I will be away starting today, returning on February 17th. All emails, session inquires and orders will be returned when I get home. Here is wishing everyone a great long family day weekend and a very happy valentines day!

And now on to the good stuff - I can't do a post without pictures, so I'll leave you all with a sneak peek from my latest newborn session. Check out this sweet little girl - what a head of hair!! At 18 days old she was a perfect little charmer. Thanks for a great session Mom & Dad - I'll be in touch within a couple of weeks with all of your gallery info.

Family Is Everything - Calgary Family Photographer

I promised a blog preview today for this session so my promise I shall keep. This was the coolest family. They reminded me a lot of my own. A "tight" gang - and the fact that they all care about and love each other was pretty evident. I do have some colour shots from this session, but because I love how the black and whites caught the emotion, those are the ones I chose for this post. Enjoy your sneak peek everyone and thank you for an awesome, awesome session. It was so much fun working with you guys! I'll be in touch within the next day or two with all of your gallery info.

The whole bunch - Can you guess which two are brothers?


Grandpa and his Grandsons - They obviously adore him.


Ok.. I'll solve the riddle for you - This is brother #1 and his family.


The boys who are adorable.. I should probably say handsom at their age, but are they not just adorable kids?


And brother #2 with his wife.


And the best for last - 40+ years of marriage that started it all.

It's a New Year - Calgary Newborn Baby Photographer

Yes I know I'm a little late with the title, but in Moments By Shonda Land, we are starting 2009 in February. Since returning from our trip, I have spent a whole bunch of time living at my computer and what do I have to show for it? Lots of new stuff!Check out the website - there are a bunch of fresh faces in the galleries, and some new collections on the investment page. (Please note that all clients who booked prior to February 1st are locked into 2008 pricing, however also have access to the new collections.) To celebrate the new year there is also a special offer on the table for everyone.

Drum roll.... For every session order totaling $450.00 or more, you will receive a free - yes you read that right - free 4x6 brag booklet containing all of your session images. This is only valid through March 31st so book now - space is limited.

I am also very close to rolling out a brand new online viewing and ordering system any day now(maybe even today!) which is very cool and much more user friendly than the old. On that note, this little man's parents are patiently waiting for that to happen so they can see proofs of his awesome newborn session. He was such a good little sleeper and gave me the opportunity to capture a whole bunch of great images. I'll leave you with a few - Mom & Dad thanks for a great session - watch for my email, as I'll be in touch soon with gallery info.

Flying South - Calgary Photographer

Just a quick note to let everyone know that I will be away on vacation January 5th - January 13th. I'll respond to all emails, phone messages, as well as session and order requests when I return. I will also be gearing up to unveil some new collections and specials for 2009 that will begin on Feb 1st, so watch for the news in my next post.

For now, My family and I are off to escape the frozen north for some Mexico sunshine, and since I can't seem to do a blog post without a picture, I'll leave you with our official first vacation photo that I'm either calling "Organized" or "Way Too Excited". You decide and I'll be back in a couple of weeks.