Archive for November, 2009
Thankful for writings on my heart
On my way to spend Thanksgiving with Jake and some friends last week, I drove along in my car singing and giggling to Leila, my always/all-the-time Westie-dog co-pilot. I had just wrapped a great session that reminded me yet again why I love my job. After that I met a dear friend for some Bob Evans and bonding. Halfway through our meal I ran outside to deliver prints to a client just in time for Thanksgiving sharing – who I knew would rave about her images and feel a bit sweeter about her beauty, because I felt that sweetness, even though they weren’t of me. I just loved those pictures.
I chose an old playlist that I always go to when I need to visit my happy place. And there I was, rolling down I-65 with my windows down and my puppy girl at my side. Happy and content. Optimistic and excited. My to-do list started to reel in my head, but this time it didn’t bother me. Because I was on my way to Thanksgiving land…where no one can touch me or take my turkey away.
I thought about the list and about this journal/blog. What to write for Thanksgiving?!? A list of thankfulness, a picture of my pup, of my new store – a rehash of all my sweet clients. Nothing was clear. Even Thanksgiving morning my mind was spinning as I read friends’ inspired posts so full of thankfulness and sincerity. I didn’t have that inspiration, I did have that thankfulness and sincerity. But it didn’t feel right…all my ideas didn’t feel just right. So I sat on it, and thought about it this weekend; on my drive home, while Christmas tree shopping with the family, while cleaning my car today…and until now, it never hit me. Until I was sitting here listening to a podcast of the post while I edit.
I’m thankful for those who have written on my heart. For those that wrote me an encouraging note that I reread (and believe me, if you ever wrote me a note, I’ve reread it 100x+), for those who have trusted me with the first day of their new lives. For those little Bears in Bowling Green who taught me so many life lessons and helped to uncover my giving insides. For my parents who loaned me money to buy my first real camera, and didn’t wince when I told them the price tag. For my friends who are sure to write and chat, especially when their own lives have taken them to South Korea. For my little girls in Bowling Green that were my babyGirl project – that educated me on the benefits of a backpack program and lit a fire in my heart to make sure I helped feed that in my own town. For Ms. McKinley who reminds me each time I need it, that this storefront, this little dream realized is my God place. For a heartfelt note that hangs on my refrigerator reminding me where my true beauty lies. For wonderful blessings, for great clients who have become my friends. For you and your stories, your adoption portfolios you email featuring my images. For family who grew my heart, giving and open to seeing these opportunities. For all of these writings and moldings. Thank you.
Please, remember the power you have to write on someone else’s heart. Incredible.
Since all posts become dull without pictures, I am quite thankful for my sweet girl who deals with this bow on her neck. And for the patience that keeps me from locking her up each time she unwraps those Christmas presents. :) And for you all who read my ramblings. Happy Thanksgiving!!
***Remember that each comment posted sends a canned good to Shelby County’s backpack program***
Jennifer + Eric I One Year of Married Love I Wedding Bowling Green, Kentucky
Last summer I fell in Love with Jennifer and Eric at their wedding – with them and with their families. Really, they are some of the sweetest, most in-love people I have ever met. And beyond that, they both have giving, genuinely loving hearts – so refreshing. To get to visit with them both a bit more one-year later and see their love have grown more comfortable and confident was so sweet. I could just look at these images all day long – a pure reflection of Eric’s love and support for Jen, her sincere love and strength and their happy, playful nature with one another. Enjoy these!!
The Brandts I Louisville Kentucky Family Photographer
Meet Colin the corn harvester. Really – when we pulled up to the farm plot, the first words his mother said were, ‘Colin has a slight obsession with corn,’ and let me tell you: It’s true!! He started collecting cobs and carrying them about, chitter chattering about who eats corn and how many he has. Really – it was too cute.
Anywho, I met Colin and his parents through Celebrating Adoption, and let me tell you the more and more families that I photograph through this initiative, the more I fall in love with their genuine connections and love. Sessions are done free-of-charge for families in their first year of adoption – and what a gift that seems to be. I have learned much about the costs and heartache of adoption, that this seems like such a small thing to do for their courage and experiences through the looonnnnggg process.
I am thankful for the kind families who have become more than clients – they are each a piece of my extended family. I get to watch them and be a part of constructing their adoption portfolios and reports as well as the most exciting honor of meeting their new family members. Enjoy these images of Colin and the parents who traveled to Russia to join him with their family.
Tiffany + Wesley I Family Portrait Photographer Shelbyville, Kentucky
Meet Tiffany and Wes – a brother and sister from SC. Tiffany won the raffle session from light up shelbyville – and I am so glad she did. Though they fight like typical siblings, they were quite a hoot and a pleasure to work with. Enjoy!
Wanderings : Cloverdale, Indiana
I was recently in Cloverdale, Indiana for a horse sale, and took off one evening to wander around. They boast a large collection of covered bridges – I could only find one, but it was in the same park as Indiana’s largest waterfall. It was a really beautiful place and a sweet fall drive. I ate the yummiest apple of my life and picked up a pumpkin.
When things get too crazy, the first thing I forget about is the value of silence. To be still and listen. I go to bed watching some sort of movie, I eat and shower listening to the radio and I for certain am always singing at my computer when I sit in front of it. And when none of these things are happening, I’m on the phone with a dear friend. Now that things are slowing, I am trying to make it a point to slow down, take an extra walk, find a place to just sit still, alone and be silent. To fill myself back up. No ipod this week when I run either….let me tell you, that’s been a challenge.
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven.
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to reap that which is planted.
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to to mourn, and a time to dance.
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.
A time to get and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
{Ecclesiastes 3:1}
Kelsey I Lizzie Loo Intern
I bet you haven’t met one of my new favorite people. Meet Kelsey – she’s just started to help out around the studio – packing orders, cleaning, filing papers….and let me tell you how much I LOVE her! For some time I have needed a right arm to help out a bit and here she is! Very soon you will learn more about her – she’s going to do a little blogging of her own here from time-to-time. You may recognize her from around town – she works at Smith McKenney in the pharmacy, too! She’s a busy lady, but she’s the perfect fit for Lizzie Loo. She’s organized, sweet and fun!
Kristen : Louisville, Kentucky Senior Photographer
Though it was rainy out for a bit of her session and cloudy for all of it, Kristen still rocked it out (it must be our sharing a birthday…we channeled the same happy when cloudy waves). I am super envious of her long lashes and blue eyes. And I loved having the weather as a little challenge. We found all sorts of way to be under cover, while being pretty. Thanks for inviting me to share in this part of your life! You look quite amazing, if I do say so myself. Enjoy!
The Andriots : Shelbyville, Kentucky Family Photography
I am most sure you have run into my next family if you’ve ever been to Shelbyville. Bob and Sue (they’re first) own and operate The Bell House Restaurant…you know, the pink one with the AHH-mazing chicken noodle. Bob was also the relator for my studio purchase. Bob and Sue are adorable – and they’re first in the lineup.
You may recognize the rest of the family from the paint store downtown, soccer games, visits to the bank, haircuts, school…..they’re everywhere. And I am quite glad they have chosen to be here for some time. They are a super-sweet family that gives lots to our community. Sue: thanks for purchasing this session at the A Loving Choice Pregnancy Center Silent Auction. It was my privilege to meet the rest of the family I didn’t know and document your sweet love. Enjoy!
The newest addition…I just love this one :-)
The Thompsons : Shelbyville, Ky. Family Photographer
I am so, very glad that I got to meet the Thompsons through their grandmother. They are just as kind as they are beautiful. Jared, Melissa, Logan, Colin and baby Ellen came to town to visit their grandmother for Halloween. Melissa is a Shelby County girl at heart – I’m sure you’ve met her parents, Neil and Sharon Hackworth at some point. After I left their home, I began to remember Mrs. Hackworth from my elementary school days…I think. Anywho, enjoy these!
Chloe + Tori : Louisville, Kentucky Dog Photography
Meet Chloe and Tori! Chloe is the cutest little Yorkie full of so much spunk. Now that I have my little Westie, Leila, I’ve been exploring the idea of photographing people and the pups. I was never a dog person until I got my Leila….and I’m not gonna lie – I’m quite obsessed! Enjoy these!
Hey Elizabeth! Just wanted to wish you a good holiday season and thanks for being such a great photographer! Everyone loves the pictures (: