Erica and I grew up together and have similar family backgrounds.  She was a soccer star in  Chatham, NJ – the only girl goalie on boys teams.  She was badass!     I’ll spare you the embarrassing childhood memories (like our detective agency and playing with Cabbage Patch Kids) and even more embarrassing early-teenage memories (one of them included sneaking out of her two story bedroom by shimmying down on a garden hose attached to her bed frame…all the while she’s making me go first and saying “Don’t worry!  I do this all of the time!” when she hadn’t.  Introducing me to Jack Daniels  – whom I have yet to meet since that experience. Your usual, run-of-the-mill adolescent stuff.

Erica was the first of my friends to get married, she met an amazing guy, Todd, while in College and they got engaged after graduation.  I flew out to Michigan to be her Maid of Honor.   Erica was one of my Maid of Honors (I had two) at my wedding, and agreed to wear – without complaint -  the big poofy tulle dress I put her in despite her being pregnant – and rocked it (as did all of my girls- really…they were fun dresses, so, props to all of my girls)!   She went to college in Michigan for something like physics but I’m pretty sure it’s more involved than that and is an  Engineering Manager for Qwest Communications but is seemingly as smart as a brain surgeon.  I’m pretty sure she’ll email me to correct me on her title or her major in college.  She exercises regularly, runs half marathons, marathons and triathlons and any other “thelons” you can think of.  She’s very book smart while also being extremely creative (makes her own tufted headboards and stuff…the ONLY thing I didn’t get a photo of).    We always go a long stretch of time without speaking – every 6 to 8 months seems the norm.  We aren’t on the phone wishing each other Merry Christmas/New Years/Birthdays/mushy type.  That’s just not our way – in fact, she’s probably pretty embarrassed that I’m bragging about her.  It never needs to be explained and the only drama in our relationship is my constant nagging for her to relocate back to NJ.  She has two amazing children, Conner & Allie.  The last visit to our home was I believe December of 2007.

It was a spring day – April, I received a phone call from Erica.  Actually – that’s not correct.  I called HER after receiving a text message – Erica “What’s up, how are ya?”   Me:  “Good, you?”  Erica:  “Just got through Breast Cancer Surgery, doing well”.     This is so Erica.  Of course immediately I called her – and found out that she had found out in February that she had a cancerous tumor in one of her breasts, (noticed a pea sized lump) about 2 weeks later had a double mastectomy.   Erica had no breast cancer in her family, and is 35 years of age and in perfect health.  Once I got over the fact that she had been through this ordeal and hadn’t even let me know it was going on, I quickly made travel plans to go visit her during another one of her surgeries to help out with the kids,  whatever I could do.    I was only there for a few short days  but I was so glad to be able to spend time with her and the family, and, especially – experience her children by spending the day with them.

She pumps gas too.

Erica & Todd’s house

I didn’t have the time to hike the Rockies, but I did get some quick opportunities to photograph them a little.

Different time of the day – the clouds are SO CLOSE you feel you could just reach up and touch them.  These are some angry Colorado skies ( not the same day).

I had the opportunity to chill with the kids.  Conner & Allie.  I love them!

Of course, kids will be kids!

Some Colorado Rock

Conner’s eyes are always smiling!

Are these prairie dogs? They’re so cute!

Being pretty much a city girl, it’s not everyday you see buffalo in people’s back yards like pets.

Such fun!   Then I let Conner drive home. (ha ha)

What a great lookin’ fam!

Some of my friends are going to be surprised that there’s actually an image without my zoolander face I do so well

I’m happy to say that Erica will be celebrating her 1 year of being cancer free this April.

Go Erica!
I was thrilled to hear that you’re already running marathons again.  I love you and I am so very proud of you!

]]> http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2010/01/09/my-colorado-trip-august-2009/feed/ 17 http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2009/12/24/happy-holidays-2008-service-announcement/ http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2009/12/24/happy-holidays-2008-service-announcement/#comments Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:55:13 +0000 laura bruen http://www.shoot-scoop.com/?p=4777 Merry Everything, Blog visitors.

It’s been a great and FAST year – I apologize that Shoot-Scoop has been lagging lately.  I miss blogging!    The great news is the staff is growing here. Yay!  Announcements and blog posts will be picking up in the new year.  As well as a refreshed look for my Website, Laura Bruen, Photographer and Shoot-Scoop will be following suit.  I need to post on Laura Bruen’s CATWALK Boudoir as well.

I was pretty upset that I didn’t get a chance to blog a Holiday House Tour like last year, we added some new decor and I know that Jimmy was pretty upset that I didn’t enter anywhere to win another fabulous frying pan.  Sigh.  No time this year.  It will just have to wait to Christmas 2010.

The Studio will be closed to take some time off to spend with family and catch my breath after another whirlwind year.   Studio hours will resume on January 5 @ 10 a.m.  Unless it’s an absolute photographic emergency, calls and emails will be returned at that time.  Galleries expiring during this period have been extended.   Order fulfillment will continue for orders that will be coming in – I will still be shipping.

I’m SO looking forward to 2010!  I wish you all nothing but the Happiest of Holidays and a Happy, Healthy PROSPEROUS 2010!

I leave you off with this year’s 2010 Bruen Holiday Card

See you in 2010!

All the Best,

Laura Bruen
Photographer

]]> http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2009/12/24/happy-holidays-2008-service-announcement/feed/ 4 http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2009/12/04/random-portrait-2/ http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2009/12/04/random-portrait-2/#comments Sat, 05 Dec 2009 04:16:35 +0000 laura bruen http://www.shoot-scoop.com/?p=4764 My very oldest and dearest friend Erica, who kicked the shit out of breast cancer this year – so proud of you girl!  More images coming soon of my trip in August (yeah, behind much?) to visit her in Colorado.

You’re an inspiration!

Snapped these while taking pictures of  Chris and Kayla this season

Kayla

Christopher was laughing SO HARD in this shot.  He’s such a cutie.

Love these kids.

]]> http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2009/12/04/random-portrait/feed/ 0 http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2009/12/02/happy-birthday-nana/ http://www.shoot-scoop.com/2009/12/02/happy-birthday-nana/#comments Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:16:06 +0000 laura bruen http://www.shoot-scoop.com/?p=4740 My Nana is 89 this December. Happy Birthday Nana. I love you!

Isn’t he AMAZING???!!

All clients -  thanks for your patience.  Help is on the way starting next week!