While I’ve never read The Secret Garden myself, I do know that the story involves mystery, magic, and a beautiful garden.  This scenic spot called The Fabyan Forest Preserve is located in Geneva, and its no secret.  Its a favorite among runners, cyclists, fishermen and photographers.  I’m sure you can see why!  Every time I walk around the grounds and see its many old elements that are so special and unique, I am always reminded of The Secret Garden.  It truly is unlike any place I have ever been to.  When I walk through the grounds, I am surrounded by so much beauty, I almost feel like I’ve stepped into another time in history.

The Fabyan Forest Preserve was once a large estate owned by George and Nelle Fabyan.  They came to the area in the early 1900’s, bought a farmhouse, and over time acquired more than 300 more acres of land.  Situated along the Fox River, the Fabyans later referred to their land as the “Riverbank.”  By 1940, the Fabyans had passed away, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County purchased a majority of the land and turned it into a preserve.  It is now a showplace to a stunning Japanese koi garden, worn sculptures, stone and concrete foundations, and cages (yes cages!) for the various wild animals the Fabyans brought to the Riverbank (www.kaneforest.com).  If you haven’t been there, taking a trip there is something you should add to your summer wish list.  You can even have a family picnic; just be sure to bring some bug spray!

I really enjoyed getting to know this family.  The youngest of the crew feel asleep in the car on the way to the session, so he had to be woken up.  I thought, “Oh no.  This might be a rough one.”  However, it only took him a few minutes to get his barrings, and once he was fully awake he was ready to go.  Really, all three kids were a pleasure to work with. Photographing a beautiful family in a place that is equally as beautiful is a perfect summer night for me!

 

It hard to believe this beautiful young lady was in my classroom as a sixth grader many years ago.  She was a sweet and bright student with so much ahead of her.  Her uncanny ability to remember dates is something I’ll always remember about her.  For some crazy reason, she remembers my birthday and reminds her mother to text me a happy birthday each year.  It blows my mind every time!  I wish her all the best as she pursues her dream to become an elementary teacher at San Diego State.  Its serious business and I know she’ll be great!  Best wishes Lillie!  Your mom has already booked a date to have your college graduation pictures taken.  I’m thinking beaches with sunsets for your next session! 😉

Currently, approximately 400,000 Americans suffer from Multiple Sclerosis.  This summer Lens 2 Life Photography is partnering up with participating local businesses to raise awareness and money for MS research.  This project is inspired by Vanessa Haase, who was diagnosed with MS nearly two years ago.  A special education teacher in Crystal Lake, Vanessa spends countless hours creating ways to help her students overcome their individual struggles to reach their potential.  She is also the first person to jump in and help someone in need.  Whether its through organizing a group for a fundraiser or doing something to help her students, Vanessa is the type of person who goes above and beyond!

Vanessa’s Story

      Vanessa is a mother of three children, ages 7 and 4 (twins).  She began experiencing symptoms while on the way to pick her daughter up from daycare in late April, 2014.  As she was driving, she noticed her peripheral vision blurring.  Later, her blurred vision became double vision.  A few days passed and on Saturday morning when Vanessa woke up she was numb from the waist down.  She called her doctor and went through a series of tests.  An MRI showed abnormalities in her brain, indicating something was seriously wrong.

    Further testing was completed, including a spinal MRI and a spinal tap.  On May 15, 2014 Vanessa was diagnosed with RRMS or Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis.  RRMS is the most common of the four types of MS, characterized by “. . . clearly defined attacks of increasing new or neurologic symptoms.  These attacks – also called relapses or exacerbations – are followed by periods of partial or complete recovery (remissions).  During remissions, all symptoms may disappear, or some symptoms may continue and become permanent” (nationalmssociety.org).

    Vanessa does not take MS lightly.  With three young children to care for, she knows she needs to stay healthy and fit.  In order to manage her symptoms, she exercises regularly, manages her stress levels, eats healthy, and avoids processed foods as much as possible.  When Vanessa was diagnosed, a new tradition was born.  Each summer, since her diagnosis, Vanessa’s friends, coworkers and family participate in the MuckFest, which raises money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  This year we would like to do more than just participate!  With the help of participating local businesses we hope to raise money for MS research as well as awareness of the many symptoms of MS.

During the months of June, July and August in 2016 Lens 2 Life Photography will donate a set amount for each service rendered.

$25 for every Sweetie, Newborn and Mentoring session

$50 for every Premiere Session and Click Digital Photography Workshop

$75 for every Premiere Plus Session

$100 for each Commercial Project

Also during the months of June, July and August in 2016 Move! Chiropractic and Wellness will contribute $25 for each new patient.

Each session and new patient will go into a raffle to be drawn September 10th, the day of the MuckFest, for two rooms of carpet cleaning by American Carpet Cleaning and Restoration Services within a 20 mile radius of Palatine, IL.

Together we can make a difference.  Together we are Mud Strong!