True Love...

At the end of the photo shoot, I asked Mark to jump in for a shot with his "super model." He indulged. As a matter of fact, Val called the next day to tell us that she and Mark had made an entire day out of it, going to lunch together, and spending some time alone...so glad they did! This is how I want to remember her- so happy, so in love!

2008 May/June Cover

photo by skyy mckendry

Flower power...

I envisioned the cover featuring Val to include flowers, emphasizing our theme relating to "color" and because I knew Val loved to garden. So we played around with the different ways she could hold the flowers...I was a mediocre teacher, she was a valiant learner. Here you can see a few of the shots we got while Val showed off her sassy style - and the photo that led to our cover.

photos by skyy mckendry

Photo Shoot for May/June Cover

We shot our May/June cover in March at the Bramasole estate located in Washington, Utah. Val's husband, the darling Mark Imlay, had taken the day off so he could watch his high school sweetheart in front of the camera. Val was a natural...her stunning looks combined with vibrant smile inspired our photographer, Skyy McKendry, to shoot 499 pictures of Val that morning. For only two wardrobe changes, that's a lot of photos.
We even put Mark to work with us, holding reflectors and fanning his beauty. The smile in this shot of Val is as real as she was - she loved everyone. What a gift she has left us all!

Dr. Ellsworth, Val Imlay, and the staff from Red Canyon Aesthetics & Medical Spa

All of us at elan woman cannot begin to express our deepest sorrow in the loss of Dr. Ellsworth and the many staff members of Red Canyon Aesthetics & Medical Spa who were killed Friday night in a plane crash near Moab. Our precious cover girl from our May/June 2008 issue, Val Imay, was among those. I can't begin to see through the tears to type...but over the next few days I will post some of my favorite pictures of Val taken by Skyy McKendry capturing that electrifying warmth she was known for. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who lost their lives and the communities that will suffer from their passing. God be with you 'till we meet again... Dr. Lansing Ellsworth; David Goddard; Mandy Johnson; Marcie Tillery, 29; Valerie Imlay, 52; Keith Shumway, 29; Dallon Ellsworth, 24; Camie Vigil, 25; Cecilee Goddard, 25, David White.

Time to ESCAPE!

Calling all Dirt Diva's! It's time to "escape" with elan woman and Stephen Wade Power Sports. We're teaming up to ride for fun..and a cure! "Power in Pink" is coming, September 20th, St. George, Utah. Check out our website for the details. Don't miss out on this one...it's a half day of pure adventure!

Bliss...

Another deadline has come and gone - there is such a blissful feeling that comes with this. Each issue we at elan woman have the opportunity to connect with real women doing great things. When we send those files off to print, they go with our deepest of love and admiration for the contributor's who awaken our pages and enliven us with desire. Not necessarily to do more, but rather to reflect on our own journeys and whether or not we approach each day as a gift.

One of the other immense joys we have is working with our advertisers. These are people who really get the mission of elan woman and speak directly to our demographics with quality products and services. Our clients are committed to providing our reader's with the very best they have to offer. Combine their conscious efforts along with our dedicated contributor's and you truly have a magazine that is designed specifically for you.

Personally, the past three weeks have been emotional for this editor. My third child in a pecking order of four was married (a good thing...he married a wonderful girl); my youngest son is pursuing his off-road racing career and finishing his schooling through non-traditional means (a bit hard for me - with two college degrees and half way through my master's, how does one not love school? But, I get it - this is not about me!); and I had a biopsy come back positive which led to the slicing and dicing of a section of my chest. How in the world is it that amidst all this, I still feel peace? I'll attribute it to my relationship with the Lord, my family, my wonderful girlfriends, and you, the supporters of elan woman.

I really am in a blissful state of life, accepting that each of these emotions raise me to be my best self, to love unconditionally, and to not limit those I love to my own expectations. For this micro-managing, dust my house three times a week, tuck your shirt in with a belt, make your bed every day mother, wife, and entrepreneur, adjusting to acceptance of "what is" came about with some resistance. However, by doing so, I have discovered that center of peace that makes love and life feel so alive. The Sept/Oct issue of elan woman sums up these feelings - it's a beautiful issue full of exploration and understanding. Don't miss it on stands September 1st.
As for now, you know that my life is like many of yours...with trials and emotions. And today, it's without make-up! ;)