Before you know it, they're all grown up

This deviates a little bit from my usual post, but it really hits all my little heartstings. 

This is my little cousin, LilyGrace. She is 18 years old (I know, I'm in trouble) and about to graduate high school. 

This photography session was born from a dream I've been having over and over again, of this red flash swirling through the air. Like a dancer, or a shadow, or a whisper in the wind; just a red whip of smoke through the air. I kept having this feeling like " Man, I need to figure out what this is all about!" and "Seriously, why am I having these dreams?!?" Well, friends, that led to an idea. 

Red for me is bold. It's courageous, it's tempting, and inspiring, and empowering. It's something that blossoms, and creates, and self values. Red, for me, is strength. And then? Red became a dress, and an the idea became a photograph. 

It baffles me to think that this beautiful, classy, strong young woman in front of me was the same one year old baby I welcomed to the United States when she was adopted. This INDIVIDUAL in front of me has blossomed into a courageous, inspiring woman who is going boldly after her dreams. She is empowered, and she is incredible. 

Treasure your little ones. PHOTOGRAPH them. Before you know it, they do that terrible, horrible, and incredible thing called growing up. They blossom in front of you. They change. They evolve into these beautiful creatures that are greater than even you had dreamed. Just like that, they aren't the same baby you held for the first time 17 years ago. 

Red, for me, is beautiful.