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Can I tell you something?

I don’t watch Game of Thrones. I probably shouldn’t admit it, but I just couldn’t get into it when it first aired. Maybe it’s because it came out when I was living in Israel before Netflix and Video Prime were a real thing. Maybe it’s because I have a hard time paying attention to anything (besides photography and my nieces and nephews, of course) for more than like ten minutes at a time. Or maybe it’s because I am fiercely loyal to the fanciful Harry Potter World and have no room in my heart for any other magical universe (which might actually make me a Hufflepuff).

Who really knows what the real reason is but what I do know is that Robert refuses to watch Game of Thrones with me. I don’t even begin to understand any of the references or MEMEs and I have received a ton of blank stares when I admit to others that “I actually don’t watch GOT.” I think I’ve turned on the first episode twenty times and have pretended to pay attention to at least a dozen other ones, but nothing sticks and you know what, I am totally ok with it.

According to The Times, Game of the Thrones is literally the most popular show in the world, EVER. I mean ever, and I am completely sure I couldn’t tell you the first thing about any of the characters.

Robert sometimes jokes around about how I am in a photography bubble and this might be his proof!

It’s like I am in my own little club. When all of my friends are watching Game of Thrones on Sunday night, I get an extra hour or two to read, listen to my podcasts or get some really great editing done. When everyone else talks about the latest episode the next day, I smile, nod and day dream about what productive thing I want to get done this week! I usually hate being clueless, but when it comes to this, I am totally ok with it.

I know it is supposed to be an amazing series. I know that the graphics are incredible and the storyline is on a whole other level. Yet, I am still one hundred percent fine with being in the dark with this one. Maybe that’s my true Hufflepuff colors showing, or maybe I am just the one of the few people in 170 countries who would rather work than watch Game of Thrones.

One thing is for sure, in a couple weeks when the series officially ends, I still will have no input. I still will smile and nod and I still will be very cool with it.

For all those lovely people out there who love their Game of Thrones, I hope the last two episodes are even better and unexpected as you want them to be. I apologize for not understanding the pain or excitement you feel, but this Sunday, I am super thrilled to finish editing my latest engagement session!

Happy watching my friends!

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Matzah Ball Soup.

Yes, that is right, Matzah Ball Soup will forever and always be my favorite comfort food.

Over the years, I have noticed that everything seems better after a big, steaming bowl of Matzah Ball Soup. I feel lighter, happier and relaxed each and every time. It is truly amazing. It can be in the middle of the summer,  100 degrees outside with the blazing sun beaming down or it can be in the dead of winter, -10 degrees with freezing rain falling from the sky. It has become my answer to just about any issue. From just a simple cold, to any kind of emotional exhaustion and all the way to the worst of mental blocks. No matter what is going on in my life, if I need a little push in the right direction, Matzah Ball Soup has always worked. It is truly magical.

What is so good about Matzah Ball Soup, you may ask?

Good question. I’ve thought about this long and hard. I mean seriously, how can one soup can consistently bring me this much peace and comfort.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that no matter what time of year it is,  Matzah Ball Soup is always an acceptable part of a Jewish meal.

Maybe it has to do with the fact that when I was growing up, we would gather around the table every Friday night over a nice bowl of soup, fluffy challah bread, and great conversation.

And maybe it has to do with the fact that Matzah Ball Soup has become such a big, yet subtle part of the Jewish Culture.  No matter what your Jewish affiliation is, where you live or how you vote, if you consider yourself Jewish, Matzah Ball Soup is a part of your life in one way or another. Jews of all generations, of all walks of life and of all situations have paused, sat down and enjoyed a big warm bowl of soup.  What better way to make you feel more relaxed than knowing you are not alone. You are connected to this huge network of people. You are one small (but important) part of this incredibly big and awesome world.

Whenever I am having a bad day and I need a little nudge; I make soup. It has become somewhat of a religious experience for me. Soup is no longer just soup but a friendly reminder that everything will be ok.  If I am sick, I will get better. If I am feeling anxious, things will get easier. If I am dealing with some sort of mental block, that too will pass.

With every ingredient I throw in, I feel the weight of my adversity lift off my shoulders. With every Matzah Ball I roll, I feel a calmness fall over me and with every twist of the wrist as I stir, I feel serenity set in. And then, when all is said and done, all that is left is a delicious bowl of soup.

 

Work With Yael

My mission is to not only craft images, but really celebrate the unique spirit of Jewish love. I'm here to honor our culture, capture the magic of your love, create family heirlooms for your future and do it all with a whole lot of heart and soul.