hello, new year.

It's really quite cliche to post about the new year and your upcoming plans. But, it's a good thing to do. I'm a fan of New Year's Eve, it's one of my favorite holidays. Superficially, because I have an excuse to get dressed up, wear shimmery eye shadow, and drink too many Ketel One & tonics (with two lime wedges, please). On a real level, I love New Year's Eve because it's (duh) a new beginning. I believe that time is fluid and moves in a circular pattern more so than a linear one, but there's something about the bench mark of a year and realizing that you can start fresh that excites me.

And then, there's looking back. A year is such a digestible length of time that you can easily review and realize what you have (or haven't) accomplished. This year has been one of discovery for me. A lot of my old paradigms and patterns of thought have changed drastically. I've found an independence in me that I didn't know existed. I've missed my husband during his time of service, but we've had room to grow in our separation. For the first time in my life, I'm sure about who I want to become.

With that being said, some things that are in my mind for 2011 are immersing myself in photography. Shooting more. Producing more. Getting into the darkroom more, both the "digital darkroom" and the chemicals-on-your-hands-listening-to-your-ipod-living-under-safelights darkroom. Building my web presence. Establishing my business as a photographer. Shooting more weddings and making more money.

I also want to establish a community co-op darkroom somewhere in Cleveland. I don't know when or how yet, but I want to do it.

Niche Creative.

Beauty for Ashes.

Renting/selling our house. Moving to Cleveland, this quirky little city that I've grown to love.

On top of those dreams, I'm going back to school. Thankfully, I will be finishing somewhat soon. I love to learn and I love to meet like-minded people, but I've never been much for structured schooling. But to finish is a strong desire of mine, and that's what I am gonna do.

Speaking of like-minded people, I want to be surrounded with them this year. People with positive energy. Constructive criticism. Open minds. Big hearts. Great stories. Loads of passion.

I'll be closing a beautiful chapter in my life this January. I will be leaving my position as an Activities Director at a local nursing facility in order to pursue my goals. I've learned so much about myself and humanity in my two and a half years there, and I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. I've met so many kind and tender friends, most of which happen to be over the age of eighty. It's hard to leave, but in my heart I know that it's time.

I hope that you all have as much to look forward to in this new year as I do.

As my best friend said to me the other day, "2010 was 'You Only Live Once' and 2011 is 'We're Makin' Moves!'"
Haha.


Sweet blessings and peace.    

 

december weddin' part two.

Hi!

I trust that everyone had a lovely Christmas. Right? Well, I hope you did. Now that the holidays are over, I want to get back to posting a few more photos from the winter wedding I shot in early December. I hope you enjoy them!

By the way, as I'm posting these, I'm listening to the Avett Brothers. Specifically, the song "January Wedding." I just love it. So cute.

i've had a crush on sir ken robinson for quite some time.

Sir Ken Robinson: Bring on the learning revolution! | Video on TED.com

phoenix

I'll be posting more photos of the last wedding I shot soon, but for now, I wanted to post a few photos that I took in Phoenix last year at my aunt-in-law's house. There's something about thinking about Phoenix on a freezing winter morning that soothes my soul.

My aunt has the quirkiest house ever. It's up on a hill that overlooks the city. She has four amazing dogs that run around her property. She gets up every morning and feeds about two hundred pigeons. There is something really funny and full of character to look at everywhere you turn. Summer nights when its pitch black outside but still 85-90 degrees are amazing out on her deck - red wine, good books, and great conversation.

I think we need to visit this summer.

Luke

Phoenix Sky

The Phoenix Zoo lets you feed the giraffes.

Dog Mouth Bird House

Phoenix Highway

Add caption

Miata parts - everywhere

Palm Tree Skeleton

winter wedding.

On december 11th, I had the opportunity to photograph the wedding of a lovely couple. Want to see some of the photos?

One of my favorite parts of shooting a wedding is when the bride is getting ready. Not everyone knows what a process putting on a wedding gown is. Or how many people want to be involved in this process.

The photo below sums up a little bit why its great to be a girl.

More to come. 

everything is exhausted.

Good morning. I went to bed last night at nine pm, and fell asleep around midnignt. With my mind racing, I managed to lie there for three hours, wide awake.

We struggle daily with who we are, don't we? Sometimes it gets so damn depressing. Yet, I see this irrevocable glory and beauty in who I am as well. Sometimes I feel like my heart and soul are larger than life. Sometimes I feel like if given the chance to be anyone in the world, I would choose to be me. I know that may sound corny/cliche, or could be easily taken as arrogance.

I feel as if I'm my own worst enemy and biggest fan all at the same time. I judge myself critically and harshly and yet so often am so soft and easy on myself in other areas.

How does one deal with this? How do we love and respect ourselves but continue to push and motivate ourselves to grow and prosper?

Someone please, let me know.

i like this guy's skin