Passion

I used to write. A lot. It was one of those things that when I woke up in the morning, I thought about. When I went to bed at night, I would dream of writing. One of my goals, when I was in college was to write a book before I turned 30. I sure did have high hopes. I sure thought I would make it. Well, 30 came and went. I'm going on 32 now. I think back, to those years leading up to 30 - I always thought I'd make it. When I turned 29, I told myself, 'this is the year'. Well, needless to say - I let LIFE get in the way - I didn't put aside the time to make the 'dream' happen. I only blame myself.

If I'm being honest, I'd have to admit that writing was and still is my first passion. It makes me feel ALIVE and with words, I can express myself in a way that people, for the most part, understand. After I had my baby boy however, I've found that the words don't come out like they used to - my thoughts are a bit more jumbled and unclear. I find it hard sometimes to come up with the RIGHT thing to say. Not sure WHY this has happened - but I've realized that any passion - any dream - you've got to work EXTRA hard to make it a reality. And while I love to write - photography has become one of those things that I desire so strongly to 'make work'. It's a goal to become a full-time photographer in the next 10 years - and I'll tell you - as daunting as that sounds {the fact it will be 10 years}, I'm not going to fail at this, like I did with writing.

Passion is a funny thing. It moves you to ACT. It moves you to DREAM. It moves you to CHASE after the very things that sometimes, hold you back. While I'll admit, after having my son, my words don't come out so easily anymore - he ignited the passion inside of me, once again - to CHASE and FIGHT hard for the things I know I was meant for. He has made me a better woman, a better wife, sister, daughter, friend, and goal setter. I won't fail - and while I'm positive I'll make a few mistakes along the way - those mistakes will simply be stepping stones.

I love the idea that success is making your passion into something you can do daily. Whether it's writing, photography, painting, drawing, being a mom, making music - it's what you find JOY and FULFILLMENT in - and whatever it may be - it's doing it EVERYDAY, with passion and optimism.

I love this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: "To laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."

Success and Passion go hand in hand - do what you do because you want to - not because you have to. Be successful in those things that you're passionate about - because at the end of the day - YOU are the only one that is responsible for the choices you make. LIVE and BREATHE in every moment - LOVE what you do - and find that 'thing' that helps you become passionate about the days ahead.

Eli and his ukelele. Love.This.Kid.

His cutie pie face. :) He makes me SING with smiles.

Uh-OH! Already walking. Falling down. And getting right back up. :)

Beautiful, silly, sweet, funny boy!

Time Out

It's amazing how time goes at this warp speed. It's like you have these plans, and things you want to accomplish, but time some how, always interferes.

When I was 'growing up', the only thing I ever thought about was 'growing up'. Why at such a young age, do we want to 'grow up'? I ask myself that question - a lot. The days seem endless when we're young. Now, they pass by us, at lightning speed.

As I've lived - as I've learned - time is most certainly, so short these days; my desire is to cherish every moment - to never take ANYTHING for granted. After all, we're not promised tomorrow. And if it were my time to go today, I wouldn't want to look back on my life and see a sea of regrets.

I sit and think about all of the amazing blessings in my life. I watch my son Eli, growing up right before my eyes, and I'm simply amazed by him. I can't say it enough that he is the JOY of my life. I'm so lucky God thought enough of me to let me become a mom. WOW. What an amazing gift.

I marvel at this life - the people in it; the ups and downs - the sometimes daily struggle to just be the people we are. Life shouldn’t be about the things we don’t have, but about the things/people that are right in front of us. It’s a shame it takes us so long to figure that out. But, perhaps that’s why new beginnings and second chances are a part of it all - why we're given this precious gift of TIME - even when being a grown up is a little difficult some days - even when time goes by, at warp speed.

We will always dream of hope, of change…yet, there is so much struggle for meaning, for purpose, and only in the end do we find it in each other…in the fantastic, in the mundane, the simple human need to find a kindred, and to know in the end that we are not alone…and that all we need is each other.

My son Eli will be a year old, Dec. 12th. Amazed at how fast this first year has gone. So blessed to be his mom. Can't wait for the many more moments ahead. :)

A Bittersweet Change

Life is such a roller coaster sometimes. There are moments where you’re going up, up, up – and moments when you’re going down, down, down. I have to admit, I’m not fond of the ride at times. However, I’m grateful to be on it too.

This week my sister Erin leaves for Denver. For quite some time, she’s wanted to leave South Bend – pursue her goals, her dreams in a place where creativity seems to seep from every angle. Colorado is quite breathtakingly beautiful – there is inspiration EVERYWHERE you look. Therefore, I can understand why she must go – why she must leave this place to pursue those dreams she’s always had, deep down inside.

My selfish nature wishes for her to stay close. While she IS my business partner, she’s first and foremost, my sister, my friend, my confidant. And I think that’s the part that makes this so hard. However, I understand why she must go, too.

It’s strange how things change. Change happens so suddenly some times - Slips in, without you even knowing it. But, change is good. I think the ‘idea’ of change makes us recognize where we’ve been and where we’re going. It’s that roller coaster effect again – the ups, the downs, the changes of life – it’s all connected.

While I wish my sister didn’t have to leave, I understand this ‘change’ is needed – this roller coaster ride is going UP for her – and I’m confident that this new location on the map will bring her even more joy – and opportunity.

But just to make it clear – I’ll miss her more than words could EVER say.

This picture was taken by my dad, at the Battle Creek Air Show a few years ago - it's one of MANY memories that we'll treasure! LOVE my sister - so much!

A Little Self-Doubt - and Lady Gaga

There really are no guarantees in life. Sometimes, you just have to take those giant leaps of faith and HOPE and PRAY that they were the right ones. After all, you have this ONE life - this ONE chance to do something GREAT. While I must admit, those 'leaps' are sometimes the scariest moments in one's life, they can also be the most rewarding.

In recent days, I've been pondering this decision to continue my photography business. With so many AMAZING photographers in the area already, I often question if I'm really just setting myself up for failure. I wish it were easier some days - but I suppose anything that is worth fighting for, is often the most difficult. Plus, photography is a passion of mine - and honestly, I don't want to give up now.

Most days, I have to stop and tell myself to NOT compare myself to anyone. While that's difficult, and I'm sure we've ALL struggled with this at some point, it's truly a GIFT to realize what YOU have to offer this crazy world. And sure, I realize I'm not the best - but I'm ME. And that really should be enough. It's the 'believing it' that always gets me.

I love music. It lifts me up when I'm down - and there are songs out there that really speak to me in moments of self-doubt. One such song is a Lady Gaga song. I know, I know - she's a bit out there, maybe a little strange, but she took a dream she had and made it happen. She drowned out those that didn't believe in her music and she moved forward, making mistakes, I'm sure, along the way. You've probably heard her new tune out, Born this Way. It's one of those songs that makes you smile. It's incredibly catchy and the next time you hear it, listen to the words. They make the song even better.

It's a new day. It's a 'gift' to be able to be here and celebrate LIFE. So the next time you're feeling a little down - having a little self-doubt in fulfilling your dreams, look out the window, look up, say THANK YOU for this opportunity to live another day - and BELIEVE. Believe that you are a treasure - one of a kind - Believe that God absolutely and positively makes NO mistakes. You were 'Born this Way' for a purpose - HIS purpose. Be blessed! :-)

The Road Less Traveled

I remember, when I was a little girl, I often thought about the GREAT things that I wanted to do. For so long in my youth, I wanted to GET OUT of South Bend; I always thought that this place had nothing for me. I wanted to move to a BIG CITY somewhere, anywhere - any place but here.

However, as I grew up, got married, finished college, became a parent, and began my pursuit for these ‘GREAT’ things, the focus has shifted along the way. The ‘GREAT’ has taken on a new form – I am reminded that sometimes, the little things are what matter most. Sure, being in the spotlight might be appealing to many, because really, we just want someone to notice; notice what we do and NOT take it for granted.

But deep down, I think we all want to have made an impact on someone – to say someone else’s life is better because we took the time to LOVE them – to appreciate them – to help them see the best in themselves, even when sometimes they don't see the best in themselves!

I believe that no matter where we're at – whether in a BIG CITY, in a small town, or in South Bend – LOVING someone is the key to being 'GREAT', even when sometimes, you're the ONLY one who knows it.

The following is Robert Frost’s poem, ‘The Road Not Taken’; maybe you’ve read it, maybe not, but I must say, the words are poignant and give the sense that the ‘road less traveled’ does indeed, ‘make all the difference’. Believe in miracles ... and follow your dreams.

TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Balance - Motherhood - JOY

It's been a few weeks since I've blogged. A little behind - I'm sorry my friends!

With being a new mom and going back to my full-time job, things have been well, busy! However, I love life - and I simply LOVE being a mom. It's the GREATEST joy of my life. It's one of those things that I just cannot describe in words. I imagine all you moms out there feel the same way. :)

Anyway, it's a struggle sometimes, to find balance in everything. I think often times, in our country, the fast pace lifestyle is just NORMAL. We forget sometimes to take a breather from EVERYTHING because we're taught that if we're NOT busy, we're not productive, or we're not contributing. For me, this change in my life is a learning process. While I struggle to maintain some sense of balance, I desire SO STRONGLY to pursue my dreams - probably more so now, because I am a mom. I want my son to grow up knowing that despite the struggle it can be to chase your dreams, it's certainly worth it.

So here we are - trying to maintain some balance - all while trying to raise a kiddo and chasing the BIG dreams. While the road is long, and perhaps a little rough at times, it's the JOY of it all that makes it worth EVERY single moment.

Eli Joseph - 11 weeks - 15.9 pounds (he's going to be a big boy!)

Saying THANK YOU

There are often times, here in this great nation we call home, that we get to busy and forget about the men and women who have made it possible for us to live FREE, to live our dreams. We lose sight of the fact that not only are these men and women fighting on the front lines, but they've also had to leave behind their family and friends back home.

Military families are often forgotten about - we forget that the wives, husbands, mothers, fathers, sons, daughters are NOT in uniform - therefore, we don't easily recognize who these brave people are. While their loved ones are on the battlefield, they are back home fighting a different fight. Their struggles are most likely never known, as they maintain the strength and courage of the men and women they sent off to war.

We want to say THANK YOU to these families in the BEST way we know how - snapping their picture! Do you know a military family or are you a member of the armed forces? We want to thank you for your service to this country and for providing a safe haven where we can live FREE.

Please contact us today for more details on how you can take advantage of a free photo shoot! Email us at emily@heysistersphotography.com or give us a ring at 574.386.3258. We'd be honored to take your picture!

Just Married! Alison and Adam

Love is lovely. That’s all there is to it. It’s an amazing feeling to love and to be loved – and one can only know those feelings if they choose to give love and then love in return.

Last Saturday, we were able to celebrate with a beautiful pair, who you could definitely tell shared equal admiration for each other.

We met Alison and Adam back in March. And they were one of those couples that you KNEW were in love.

Their dreams of beginning their lives together came true on a beautiful fall day. They were married in the same church where Alison's grandmother was married - it was only fitting to Alison that she share her special day there as well. It was a beautiful ceremony - and the fun followed. It was a blast to be a part of it all.

It’s amazing when a bride decides you should be the one to document visually, the most important day of her life. It’s quite an honor, really. Thank you for letting us be a part of your special day Alison and Adam. We're excited for your life long journey together! Congratulations!

Don't Stop, Believing!

I was thinking about the road ahead today. Sometimes there is so much uncertainty – so many ‘unanswered’ questions that constantly race through our minds. I wish there was an OFF button – but perhaps that would lend us to NOT dream the dreams that make life worth living. I think EVERYONE has a dream; that ‘thing’ inside of them that keeps them going – that keeps them waking up each day and saying ‘I can do this’.

I know the road is never easy – it’s downright difficult some days. But in the end, I think it’s really all worth it. While I can’t say I’ve reached the end – there is that light that I can see; the light that makes the chase to get there that much more exciting – and the anticipation is intoxicating.

I think we dream our dreams out of pure desire – desires of our hearts, really. Despite all the rockiness on the road to achieve them, the road less traveled seems to be how you can actually get three. After all, when you put your mind, heart, and soul into something, you might fail – but that becomes the catalyst into pushing yourself that much harder – making you stronger, making you believe once again that the sky really is the limit. So keep chasing - and like the popular 80s hit tell us, don't stop, believing, hold onto that feeling! Keep dreaming.

 

Inspired

It's amazing how a single moment can bring so much joy and inspiration. Sometimes those moments are hard to come by, but when they do, they completely knock your socks off!

Yesterday was one of those moments. My little sis and I had the privilege of attending the WPPI Road Tour in Chicago and got to hear and meet some amazing photographers.

The highlight of the day came at the end of the show, when Jasmine Star, international wedding photographer and all around rockstar got up on stage and began sharing her story. Maybe you know her, maybe not, but honestly, she has to be one of the most inspiring speakers we have ever had the privilege to hear. While successful and amazingly talented, she also is incredibly humble. She chose to take the road less traveled - and she followed her dreams. While the road always hasn't been easy, she's stayed true to herself and has become an inspiration to so many photographers around the globe.

After hearing her speak, my sister and I were excited about the future. While it's been daunting at times, and failure has loomed, we realized there isn't anything we can't overcome.

After all, following your dreams is never easy - but taking that leap of faith is sometimes all you need to turn those failures into successes - and turn a single moment for someone else into inspiration for them to chase their own dreams.

Reaching the Dream

It's been a few weeks. We are sorry about that. With our other jobs and the craziness of life, sometimes we tend to forget about the things that really make us happy. Like writing and photographing! :-)

Anyway, my most amazing, talented husband Jason is building his own recording studio in downtown South Bend. While there is still much work to do, it's getting closer and closer to being done - which is just one of the MANY exciting things happening at this moment in time.

It's funny how chasing a dream can turn into reality - if we just push hard enough and take leaps of faith. While the road sometimes isn't easy, it's amazing to think that if we just trust in the things that are instilled in us, we can actually achieve the very things we never thought were possible.

I was recently down at the studio, just taking a few photos, capturing all of the amazing progress he and his mates have made - and again, while it's not all finished just yet - it's rather remarkable what they've accomplished already!

Check them out online and enjoy the photos! http://peak-audio.com/

Dreaming ...

An idea? Hmm … what is it really? Is it only a thought? Personally, I think 'raw ideas' are essentially, dreams that are resurfacing ... it's kinda' like when in our youth, we have these profound ideas, an epiphany if you will, of our lives when we are ‘all grown up’.

We dream big when we are younger … when we have NO idea whatsoever of what it will take to make that dream come true … yet, as we get older and life complicates things, those ‘dreams’ or ‘epiphanies’ seem to resurface because someway, somehow, they make life worth living … they make mornings worth waking up to … and they surely make for something to fight for … to hope for … so come on already! Stare up at the vast sky, and start dreaming again! Who knows … that ‘idea’ could just turn into what you’ve always ‘dreamed’ for!