Un bacio silenzioso tra gli alberi

Il silenzio di un bacio vale più di mille parole.

(An image I took one foggy day. See a larger version here.)

Ancora sete ho di te

Being an Italian brat, you might think I would have driven that boy crazy by now. No way! ;)

Stefan and I have been married for a while now and I could not be happier. I simply adore all that he is. And the way he makes love to me, holds my hand while we are walking, holds me close while watching a movie, cooks for me, smiles and/or anything else he does, leaves me breathless. He is beautiful and I am glad he is mine.

And I know it seems like forever since I have updated here, but we have been extremely busy. I have not had much time to take new photographs either, but plan to soon. We did get a lot of winter images in December, but you know me--I like about 3 out of the 300 I take and find it hard to decide which ones to post. ;)



(An image I took while Stefan and I were out on a walk together.)

I hope everyone has a beautiful Sunday!

Shanghai

The city:

* Population: 18,670,000
* Shanghai was the most vibrant and cosmopolitan city in China.
* It's a sophisticated and fashionable cultural center.
* It's relatively young city full of energy and glamour.
* Shanghai is becoming the dominant destination in Asia for business and leisure.
* Shanghai is the commercial center of China.
* It is a multi-cultural metropolis with both modern and traditional Chinese features.

Shanghai - "Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, Shanghai is the largest industrial city in China. Covering an area of 5,800 square kilometers and with a population of 18.7 million, it’s one of the most crowded urban areas of the world. Shanghai is a world attraction because it serves as the largest base of Chinese industrial technology, the important seaport and China’s largest commercial and financial center.



Previously known as the “Paris of the East” and now calls itself “the Pearl of the Orient”. Shanghai is the commercial center of China and has one of the most dynamic skylines in the world. It was the most vibrant and cosmopolitan city in China and today this international metropolis is undergoing an urban revival and regaining its status as a sophisticated and fashionable cultural center."


(The Bund - The Bund is the financial district of Shanghai. It’s made up of a number of older buildings constructed by foreigners between 1840 to 1930.)

Stefan and I are going to travel there. I feel the strong urge to bask in the city's smog, eat good food and simply enjoy the enormous city beside the sea (it is like San Francisco x'7).



(Above is an image of Chinese pizza.)

I have been reading a lot on Shanghai lately and I just know that it is somewhere I would love to visit. I would love to take my camera out and take photographs of all it has to offer. :)

Morning Stroll

(An image I shot while in Newport, Rhode Island.)

Happy Birthday, Baby!

A very special Happy Birthday to the one I love. May each day of your life be as beautiful as you are to me. I so love you!

p.s. I have a lot in store for this very special birthday boy. ;)

Past Winners - I am honored. :)

These three photographs of mine have won cash prizes and will always remain in my heart:

Insatiable USA101's Contest - $1000.00 1st place winner:



As Colors Unfold (Carmel-By-the-Sea) Category winner - $100.00:



As the Fog Rolled In $100.00 Category Winner:



If I can touch the heart of just one person with my poetry, in or outside of my career, or within a photograph that I have taken, I have accomplished what I have set out to do. I love it when people smile. :)

Have a beautiful week!

Cher

Photo of the Day and Photo of the week

PhotoArtz for models and photographers:







ViewBug (Cash Prize):





I am extremely honored to have had my photographs win at the these two wonderful websites.

Thank you,
Cher

(... a special "thank you" to my husband for being my biggest inspiration.) :)

Ferroggiaro - du Bois Galleries

Ferroggiaro - du Bois Galleries

My husband Stefan designed a beautiful website for my work. Please, if you have time, stop by and let me know what you think. :)

Thank you,
Cher

A Beautiful Heart

(Image taken while Stefan and I were out enjoying time together.)


"Cher,

Once in a lifetime something so majestic awes you, something so extraordinary it takes your breath away, this something renders you speechless, something like you comes into one's life, carries a heart in the breeze, across barren lands and salty seas into the sun.

You, yes you, my Sweet, my Cher, my breath... oh since I found you, I have discovered more about myself and the depths of soul in one month, than I knew about myself in all the days of this present existence.

I learn something wonderful about you and how we find the perfect way to love one another, each and every day. I am awe-struck as I stand in your light, unbridled passion untold, my heart is forever yours, from this life to the many others we will share.

I now know how awe-inspiring, joyful and wonderful love can be. You are truly the most sweetest and loving person I have had the honor to be in the presence of. When we spoke those words, "I do" and "I will" on that late evening August 30, I did not know how much more my heart could soar. I am lost in you, you are the honey on my tongue, the sweet of a kiss, the breath of life that fills me and makes me to live in a world of bliss.

I know that no matter what comes our way... together we will make it through and one hundred hundred years from now, our love will be discovered written on the tablets of time for all to read.

Kiss my breath with your heat, drip honey from your words, touch me in depths no person has ventured to reach, seek me in the sun, find me... together we will always shine.

I am so in love with you, immeasurably.

Your Man,

Stefan"

What wonderful words to wake to.... I had to place them here, so they remain alive in the one place I come to release my innermost thoughts. :)

I am so in love with my husband. Happy Saturday!

Happiness is,...

(Image is one I took on the Monterey Wharf in Monterey, California.)

... simplicity: living life with open arms, a hug from behind, the sunlight softly coming in through the window, the ability to be yourself, taking a drive on a quiet road, the sounds of a church bell in the distance, the sound of a train whistle in the distance, a fresh breeze coming into the window, early evening, a wonderful relationship between husband and wife, individuality, helping others,...

a good conversation, the sea, laughing at yourself, running through sprinklers, volunteering, the sound of an instrument playing softly, sailing, a walk in the rain, family, amore, holding hands, his smile, sharing an umbrella...

road trips, a simple flower, getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day, a good book, ...

a walk in the woods or along the beach, the rain, a good cup of cappuccino, nature, making a snowman, friendship, and peace.

-Cher

Friday thoughts

(Image is one I took while in a restaurant in Philadelphia.)

S. Rothe' Du Bois wrote on your Wall...‏
From: Facebook (wallmaster+m25eggrr@facebookmail.com)
Sent: Tue 8/26/08 2:34 AM
To: Cherilyn Ferroggiaro (cherilyn1120@hotmail.com)

S. Rothe' wrote on your Wall:

"By the time most of you read this Cher will be my wife and I love her eternally."

I just came across that in my "See-Saw" folder. It gave me such a big smile. I read it to Stefan and he smiled as well. From the looks of things, we are going to have a wonderful year and many more. I am indeed grateful for my blessings.

I have since deleted my facebook, Ipernity, Wordpress, Model Mayham, and some other web sites. I did so for many reasons, most of all, I just do not have the time for everything. I have kept my most favorite places like Flickr and Myspace, so I can stay in contact with most of you and continue to share my work as well as, follow yours. :)

In other news,... here is an image I took beside the sea.



As you know, the ocean is a great love of mine and I so wished to become an oceanographer prior to going into the medical field. Nonetheless, it has remained wedged within my heart. :)

Have a beautiful Friday,
Cher

After the movie,...

Tesoro mio,

Lying beside you as we watch a movie is a pastime I adore, and when you are close to me, my heart smiles in every color possible. When I place my head on your back and run fingers through your soft hair, I think of how much I am in love with you. When each strand of fresh-scented hair falls sweetly through my fingertips, I only want you closer, (sometimes you cannot get close enough and I wish you could pour yourself all over me, because I am so in love with all that you are).

And when I move away for a moment, you reach for me with love in your eyes. You are so beautiful.

It is you, my love. It will always be only you.




Being married to you is something I never imagined this time last year, and if I knew then what I know now, I would have ceased all just to be with you. Nonetheless, you were (and still are), my very best friend, and that is a gift beyond measure in itself.



Sometimes, all it takes is for me to glance over at you and see you smile and I am weak in the knees.
You could never know how much I love you. In fact, it is almost impossible for anyone to ever fathom such utter adulation, because only few and far between have ever experienced what true love really is. I say this and mean, you may see a deeper love within my eyes or with each warm touch I render, but I could never begin to elucidate just how deep my love for you really is.



-Cher

During our lives we believe we may have fallen in love a couple times here or there, but do we really? Was it love? I say, no. To truly feel utter love one must be willing to sacrifice everything and anything for the other. One must be able to do a few changes, to be able to carry the other in need, as that one would do for them. In order to really, really love,...



... one must believe.

There are many factors in a great relationship: respect, integrity, sacrifice, independence, tenderness, and authenticity, being there for one another, and knowing when to be a good listener without uttering, "I told you so". I trust you must stand beside that person whether they stand or fall. You must be willing to give them your hand and help them to their feet if they do in fact, fall, and brush them off with a heartfelt smile. There is such a great inner feeling in the awareness of knowing someone is there for you no matter what. That is what Stefan and I share.



Stefan and I spend a lot of time together and within each moment, I love him more and more. Most importantly, I believe in him. My confidence in him and all he does is something I treasure, because I know that no matter what happens, we will be a team. That is a gift that no amount of money could ever take away. There is no way to assess what that, (and what "he") means to my very heart.

I have only one more thing to add tonight... it is his smile that brings me the utmost delight--the very sweet curve of his lips that can bring a smile to my own lips.




And as I write these words, all I can do is smile. I so love him.

I wish you all the happiness we two share this year. I wish you all the best. Goodnight.

The joy in my life

This year has been beautiful as best friends, and now, as husband and wife. I feel so much love within for all that you are. Next year will be even more beautiful, because as it has been through the years, we will still be best friends, but will share our first 'entire' year as one.

My sweetness, you are love.

And with each moment we two share whether it be out shooting photographs, shopping, watching movies, cooking, laughing, tender moments and more, my heart glistens inside. I adore when you sing to me, or when you reach over just to touch my hand. I adore all that you are, my love, and would marry you a million times over without regret.

You are beautiful, sweet, sensual, brave, romantic, loving, intelligent, cultured, warm. funny, and you touch me in ways that no other has or ever could. ... you are a true man in each and every way. And I love how you sing to me, or sit me on your lap... how you always reach for my arm with your own when walking together and keep my hand warm within yours.

I love that cute little curl that sticks up in the mornings or the way the right corner of your mouth reveals a slight dimple when you smile. I adore your stories and laughter, the way you cook, and I adore the way we two make love... how you tell me how much you love me as you look into my eyes. I melt completely.

If I did anything right this year, I fell in love and married my very best friend. And to fall in real love is something we all dream of... I am one of the fortunate ones and am so grateful.

I had to experience falsehood, lies and sorrow to get to where I am with you. You were the one true thing in my life, because you always remained the same--standing beside me through all that, holding my hand, drying my tears and most importantly, never ceasing to love me with all your heart. Thank you for how you are, baby. Thank you for believing in me.

Ti amo!

Your wife, Cher

From my sweet husband before we married :) :

"Oh My Sweet, my Sweet,

I listened to sleep for awhile, oh you are my Heaven, my Hopes and My Dreams. Oh my Sweet, how I love so. I went to your Mojo and listened to your music. I see how we love the same variety of music, I see you in everything. I am sooooooo in love with you.

I smiled from inside to every pore of my flesh when I listened to your sleeping breathe and Secret Garden. We are so similar, and I know beyond a shadow of doubt we are twin souls, twin souls seeking all we are together. My Baby, I love you more than I love my breath.

Secret Garden is one of my all time faves, it reaches deep within me and pulls hard at my heart strings, oh Honey, thank you for letting me into your Secret Garden. I am feeling you so much right now. I imagine you sleeping and I looking down upon you as a wraith, watching over you, loving you with all I am, protecting your heart, living for the moment you awaken knowing I am with you there in heart. I feel your smile upon my soul, I feel your love across the abyss of time and oceans of space.

I only wish I could tell you in words not yet written how much I love you. You are permeating my space, my mind, my existence, I am surrounded by your heart and feel safe... I am loved by the most incredible woman breathing... how awesome is that?

I promise to love you as much as I do this moment, always. I want to build our lives together and to give my all to you. I promise to love you until my breath fades into the unknown. I must touch you... I so desire it, I so want you.

Cher, my Sweet Cher, my Love, my Breath, my Reason for tomorrow... I love you, Baby, Baby, Baby, oh my God, Baby... I am so in love, I am smitten, I am crazy for you, I want to wrap your presence around me and walk in the Light of Joy, the Joy I feel right now, every day, every moment....Every everything. Oh Baby...

Eternally,

Stefan"

:))))))))) He is all that I am and more.

Happy New Year!

May your new year be filled with joy and warmth.

Stefan & Cher

Merry Christmas!

Have such a wonderful holiday!

Stefan & Cher :)

ABC

I talked to the assistant executive producer of ABC the day before yesterday. He said, "Is Stefan there?" I said, "Sure, one moment, please." ;)

What? You thought it was something more exciting? My thought was, "Do you know who I am? Have you seen my work?" (... just kidding,... I would never say that to him!)

He did seem very sweet. Sadly, my husband gets all the good calls! ;)

Hugs! :)

He's bringin' sexy back

I am so bad right now, but I don't care. Why do I post these? Because I can? ;) Soooo, being the brat that I am, I made a song that makes me think of Stefan as my first song here on my play list. ... it is SO about him. ;)

Well, I just love my husband and no matter what he does or says, he will always be beautiful in my eyes.

Something he wrote to me:

My Sweetness,

In the cool of winter, brisk breeze upon my flesh, warmth floods from within.
Across the fields of white and frozen waters, standing focused through a lens,
a smile across a wintered face, contentment and joy withstanding.

I watch from across the lake of ice, watching, happy and loved. It is in these moments winter's chill fails it's mission, warmth from hearts full of love reigns supreme.

All that I am lies within your embrace, nurtured by gentle caresses from soul to soul, eternal and true.

Baby, spending time together capturing nature in its winter clothes yesterday meant more to me than one thousand thousand "I Love Yous"

Solid and unconditionally,

Stefan

Tonight has been a great night together and it can only get better. I wish you all such a warm weekend!

-Cher :)

If Tomorrow Never Comes

... at least we had today.















... and what a beautiful day it was together. Nothing can compare to the way he makes me feel. I am grateful to have a husband as sweet and as wonderful, as Stefan is.

Good night :)

You're in my heart

Today was a very long day, but time spent with you has and always will, make each moment worthwhile. I will never stop falling in love with you.

My dearest love,

I need you. It is the sort of need that does not come from a certain "wanting", but a deeper meaning inside. I suppose it is a need that runs through one's veins and into the soul. ... I will always need you. I need you near when times seem a bit too much. I need your kiss each night before sleep. I need your smile to brighten my day.

Most of all, I need you for life; you are not only my husband, but you are my best friend, and that is something I will cherish forevermore.

Your best friend and wife,
Cher

Together, we are beautiful

Here is the 1st photograph from our tree. :)

Luci e colori del Natale...

Stefan and I went out and bought some beautiful decorations and lights. We went to A.C. Moore and bought some Christmas ribbon, as well. I could not believe what beautiful glass ornaments we saw--some Waterford ones were absolutely precious.

Afterward, we came home and began stringing the lights... holiday music filling the air, kissing our cheeks with the joy of having each other. We sang, danced arm in arm and kissed. It took me back to something he said the other night, " Isn't is nice to spend the holidays with someone?" Yes, my love, it really is. I am not sure how I answered, but I recall feeling loved beyond measure.

(I think it was about 2 am when we finished all we needed to do.) :)

Stefan was so sweet as his eyes sparkled within our first Christmas together. They made my heart smile more than it ever has. His love for me is more than I could have ever dreamed,... it completes me.

After all was done, I fell asleep in his arms--the tree, lighting up the room softly.