a love letter | stanzi, holimama

This post has been on my mind for a while now, and I've written it about a million times in my head, but when it comes down to it, I'm just not just sure what to say. This, my readers, my clients, my community, is my dear friend Stanzi. You've likely seen her on my blog before, cause I've loved photographing her and her growing family over the years. She's the first mama I met when I moved to Cold Spring. I still remember her strolling down Main Street with her husband Paul, all tattooed and cool, and their son Lucian riding his shoulders. They were friendly, welcoming, introduced me to their crowd, and gave me comfort that there was some Brooklyn cool in my new hometown. (I was new, and still a little snobby.) Stanzi has taught me much in the past six years: How to blend a mean green smoothie, how to stop judging myself, the correct consistency of poop, among other things. She's loved me, called me out on my bull, and given me--and hundreds of others--the tools to a healthier life. When she was diagnosed with cancer last October, I believe we all assumed she'd win the fight. I mean, we were scared and all, but how could this amazing, vital, raw-food chef not win that battle? But this summer--after leading our entire broader community in a cleanse and feeding us all with her magic juices and elixirs--she was told that the cancer had returned and there wasn't a cure for her. It's been a rough couple of months. But as Stanzi finds herself under the care of hospice, she also finds a community that has come together in force to love her, love her family, and do whatever the heck we can to help. I say this because if you, or someone you know, has the ability to contribute, I welcome you to. There is an all-day fundraiser at SkyBaby Yoga on September 14th, with an auction that night at 7. There will be loads of donations, including a photo session from me. If you're not local, you can give online here. I love this woman. I love her family. I am not really able to communicate it any better than that, except maybe through the photos below. Take a long look.