I’ll never forget the summer my mom took my sister Danielle and I on an Amtrak train ride— all the way from Pennsylvania to Florida! Together we spent two days on that passenger train, surrounded by total strangers. I was 8 years old and from a very young age, known for my outgoing personality. There wasn’t one human being I couldn’t talk to— no one I couldn’t strike up conversation with if given the opportunity
I remember sitting in that cramped dining car with a deck of cards, dealing Black Jack to grown adults, discussing everything under the sun. 
Unafraid,
Extroverted,
And completely comfortable meeting new people, asking questions and making new friends— regardless of age.
Little did I I know, 25 years later, I would meet my match
–A little girl whose personality reminded me so much of my own, I couldn’t help but grin.
7-year-old Scarlett hopped out of the car with curls a-bouncing, greeting me with self-assurance— introducing herself on the spot. Teeming with confidence, this sweet little gem asked me question after question, genuinely curious as to who I was and what I was like— “How many children do you have?”“Do you have a baby in your belly?!”
Very uncommon for a child her age to approach an adult in such a bold manner.
She was so inquisitive and reminded me of my own curiosity at that age.
The entire session she and her family were gushing with kindness, energy and joy. We were all doubled over in laughter and the minutes flew by as we were truly having fun, dancing & singing, chasing the sun and howling at the moon (yes, that actually happened).
This was a family who wasn’t shy— who were so comfortable in front of the camera— who didn’t mind being themselves.
And their little girl.. oh, I’ll never forget their little girl!
Such a sweetheart with such a precocious personality.
Flashbacks of own my childhood flood my mind when I meet little ones like her.
So thankful for the joys of this job— especially meeting such memorable families! Each one leaves an indelible mark on my soul
(6/11/20)
