I have an incredible village of wonder women female friends. Male friends too, yes, but my heart truly lights up at the chance to spotlight my female friends. I have noticed among my friends- these amazing women- they tend not to see their own brilliance … their light shines so bright and I am just one of the many beneficiaries of their light and love- and yet they often cannot see it for themselves.

…as my wise coach Demi says, when it’s the water we swim in daily, we can’t see it for ourselves.

So, if nothing else, this new foray into photography is giving me a chance to capture the beauty and brilliance of my friends - and to show them just how wonderful and special they are.

…today I got to ride bikes with my friend Julie- a successful business owner and mom of two great kids.

She just started riding and racing bikes 6 years ago- when she was 40!

She is a natural; she’s gifted and she’s strong and she learns fast. She’s also usually smiling, she’s a wonderful listener, and she is so kind and supportive.

Today was #newbikeday on her new TREK, so I talked her into letting me photograph her new bike and first ride on it.

Really though, I couldn’t stop smiling each time I snapped shots of her riding. Thinking to myself- “ you are a beautiful badass, Julie!”

Here are my favorite images of her: