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!

Happy New Year!

It's been an amazing year. One that we'll never forget. One with many moments and memories that we'll cherish for many years to come. {We'll soon have a 'Year in Review', so be on the lookout for that in the next week!} :-D

We can't wait for all of the exciting things we'll experience in 2012, yet we'll savor the moments of 2011, while we still can, in these last few hours of the year!

Many blessings to each of you on this New Year's Eve. We hope you're all celebrating with the people that mean the most to you.

Happy New Year!

"Life is not measured by the number of BREATHS we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." In 2012, cherish the MOMENTS of this beautiful LIFE.

You never know WHO you will INSPIRE by what YOU will do. In 2012, do something that you never thought you could do. INSPIRE someone to do the same.

Above all, LOVE one another. Outside of your dreams, imagination, brokenness and changes, LOVE each other and help change the world.

So Really - Why Am I Here?

Have you ever thought about the reason why you’re here? I mean really, honestly, sat down and thought about what it is you were put on this earth for? And, with that, have you thought about why you’re still here? I think about this a lot, all the time actually...

Some of you may know, my partner in business is my little sister. But I also have a twin sister too - along with another little sister! {I am so lucky to have 3 sisters!}

Anyway, when my sister Melissa and I were born, we were born two months premature. I was just under two pounds and my sister was 2.5 pounds when we entered this world. We were in an incubator for the first 6 months of our lives and I have to wonder what was so special about us that we made it? And then I realize, and remember, God knows so much more about why we're here then we do. He knows what we are meant to do - He knows why He breathed life into us and He knows when we fail or succeed.

After overcoming that obstacle of existing, even after doctors saying we just might not make it, I realize that His plans are so much greater then my own. And why not use the time that He’s given me to make something and be something, even if failing first is the actual first step.

Granted, at times, I sit back and think about what could have been, but then I realize what already is, which I am certain, is exactly what should be.

I love the sky. It's one of those many wonders that make me realize how small and somewhat minuscule I really am. However, when I look up and I see the beauty and the vastness of the sky, I'm reminded that I'm still here - privileged to see what I see - do what I do - and enjoy the wonders of this world. While I don't have all the answers, staring into the sky, at least for a moment, helps me see the big picture, helps me see how beautiful this life can be, and I realize, I just need to take my days, one at a time, enjoying all the moments in between.

Blessed + Thankful = An Amazing Year

It's amazing how time has flown by this year. So many ups and downs. Beautiful moments. Scary moments. Tears. Love. Failure. Success. Doubt. I play back the months, over and over sometimes. I think to myself, 'I could have done this better.' Or, 'I should have done this, and not that.' While I have no regrets, I think to myself sometimes, 'why couldn't I have done that differently?'

It's funny how time changes you. How life changes you. How specific moments in your life, define the moments that come after. I'm amazed at how my family has changed, my sisters, my parents, my son. It feels like he was just born yesterday, yet we're about to celebrate his 1st birthday in December. Hardly believable to me. He's transformed, right before our eyes. What a character too! Even in a day's time, he's changed - and sometimes, I notice after it's happened. Oh how I wish in moments like those, time could stand still and I could simply NOTICE.

My family is the most important aspect of my life. While I cannot pretend that the road hasn't been rocky along the way, I'm forever grateful for those moments - after all, we wouldn't be where we are without those moments. I think in times of uncertainty and frustration, we get a clearer picture of the kind of people we are. We identify our strengths - our weaknesses - our undying need to be LOVED and our desire to LOVE someone else. As human beings, that is a CORE ingredient to life - LOVE.

I'm so blessed that I have a family that loves me. I'm so blessed to have a son that is healthy and growing big and strong. I'm so incredibly thankful that I have sisters that are also my best friends. I'm so blessed to have a mom and dad, that despite our differences, still love me anyway. I'm so blessed that I can look up to the sky and remember in times of strife and struggle, there is a God that loves me, even when I'm not so lovable. There is a Swedish Proverb that I came across a few weeks back that I just absolutely love. It reads: “Love me when I least deserve it, because that's when I really need it.” I'm definitely NOT the easiest person to love. But I'm thankful that the most important people in my life, love me past all of that. They love me, even when I don't deserve their love. How thankful I am that God does the same.

My sister snapped some family photos of my husband and I, and our little Eli a few weeks ago. I'm so thankful that we STOPPED and took the time to do so. The photos she took are the first family photos we've gotten since Eli was born. Oh how thankful I am that she could do this for us. She is so amazing, and I must say, makes Eli smile like no other! Amazing how time flies - but so thankful we have the privilege to snap a photo, and STOP time in its tracks! What an amazing year - and it's not over yet! Many blessings to all of you reading.

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.