Friday, August 26, 2011

The Expose Yourself Project {Day 1 through Day 5}

I'm taking part in a project I just so happened to see on Facebook - I'm so happy I saw it.

It's a two-week project for photographers who are in need of desperate rejuvenation, and inspiration. It's the Expose Yourself Project and it's a series of thought-provoking challenges. While I wish I had more time to devote to it, I already feel inspired ... not only by the challenges, but also by the AMAZING photographers also taking part. It's amazing how just one small movement, can inspire so many.

Here's a glimpse at Day 1 through 5:

The Expose Project: Day 1 {My Best Trait} ... The ability to be a mother. Although I don't get it right most days, I feel lucky and privileged to be a mom to my little 8-month old Eli Joseph. :) He, along with my hubby, have helped me become a better person and both have brought so much joy into my life. Becoming a mother is such a special gift - and in the moments throughout his life thus far, I've realized the little things are what matter most. Life is PRECIOUS and enjoying it is such a beautiful way to live. While I'm not perfect, I don't think being perfect makes you a good parent. It's all about the LOVE.

The Expose Project: Day 2 {I am Influenced By ...} I am influenced by all of the amazing creative things around me. Whether it's a good book, a crafty potter, or a jewelry maker, there is beauty in everything. Our creativity and talents are what make this place called EARTH so wonderful to live in. I am amazed by other people's talents and creativity and I must say, that has a HUGE influence on me, daily. :)

The Expose Project: Day 3 {Me in One Object} My journal. Writing is such a HUGE part of my life. Ever since I was little, I wrote. I wrote down my frustrations, my fears, my failures, my dreams ... still today, I write ... while I wish I could write more frequently, it still remains the one thing that helps me process a long day, interpret my rambling thoughts ... and most importantly, appreciate where I've been and where I'm going. :)

The Expose Project: Day 4 {My Biggest Mistake} I have to admit, this one was tough. While I look at my life and think, to this point, I don't have any regrets, I do look back and realize I've had some pretty good screw ups. I think my biggest mistake was not speaking up when I should have. There are a few instances in particular that I can think of, but in general, not speaking up for what I believed in - what I believed to be RIGHT - what I believed to be TRUE. At this point in my life, I've learned that it doesn't matter what others think - I will stand up for what I believe in - and I will SPEAK truth, no matter what anyone says or thinks.

The Expose Project: Day 5 {The Apple of my Eye} It's my baby boy Eli. :) He brings so much joy, so much love, so many BLESSINGS into our lives. It's amazing being a parent. So happy and so thankful that God decided to bless us with this PRECIOUS gift.


Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Doorways and Stairways {to Somewhere}

I love doors - and stairways. I often wonder the 'story' behind them - not sure why - I've just been fascinated by them for years.

So, I figured I'd start a project 'featuring' them. Wherever, whenever - just simply the doors and stairs in everyday life.

While random, I know, I really believe every doorway, every stairway has a story - leading someone, somewhere.







Monday, August 15, 2011

Out of Control

Life is such a beautiful thing. I look around sometimes and marvel in the small things - the things I most often take for granted.

I feel so overwhelmingly blessed most days - but I'll admit, some days I'm overcome by the things out of my control. While I wish I could understand why things happen the way they do, sometimes there just aren't answers. Things just happen - we unfortunately have no control over them - over LIFE.

While there are things out of our control, we don't have to allow those things to dictate how we live our life. We can rise up from adversity - remember that we're not alone - and stare any failures in the face.

At our worst, there is love by our creator - and by HIS grace we can become who we were always MADE to become.

I recently heard a song by Jars of Clay that stirred my thoughts - my emotions. It's called Run in the Night. It's beautiful and poignant - there are a few lines in the song that STUNG:

"All my failures won't condemn me
Or leave me paralyzed and bound
And when I'm at my worst
Your love, it finds me first
By You I can run in the night
For by You I can run in the night"

I don't understand life - I don't understand why bad things happen to good people - I don't understand why we fail. But I'm reminded DAILY that while I don't understand and have to have the answers to everything, HIS love finds me FIRST when I'm at my WORST. And thank God for that ...


Sunday, August 7, 2011

FREE Family Portrait Session Winner [s]!

First and foremost, we would like to thank each and every one of you for entering our FREE Family Portrait Session Giveaway. We appreciate you submitting your family photos and your family fun times. It was really a joy to read about your precious moments!

As a ‘thank you’, to everyone who entered the giveaway, we’re offering you and your family 50% off our family sessions through the end of September! Yep - HALF OFF!

Our family sessions are fun and relaxed, and can include just two or three family members, or the whole gang! Whether you just need an updated photo for your walls, or capture a moment for this year's Christmas card, we'd love to spend time with you and your family for some wonderful memories.

Your family portrait session will include up to a two-hour session, at the location of your choice, an online gallery to share with friends and family, 20 high-resolution images from your session, with a copyright release and an 8x10 mounted print.

As another bonus, if you order prints from your session, we'll offer you and your family a 30% discount on those as well.

We simply want to THANK YOU for your continued support!

We decided to randomly select not just one winner, but TWO!

The winners are ...

The Hipskind Family


AND ...

The Tomczak Family


Again, thank you so much to each of you for sending us your photos and your family fun moments! Please contact us if you'd like to take advantage of the special offers, exclusively for those of you who entered. We would LOVE to share in your family time with each of you! :) Have a blessed day!