1,000 Words Photography

I apologize for the delay in posting! I’ve been a little under the weather for a week or so, but I’m hoping that will ease up soon and I’m trying to get all caught up on my weddings/emails/orders/etc

We also went on a road trip adventure to Tulsa this past weekend to visit with Steven’s mom (affectionately known as LaLa) — the kids had a blast but I am bummed that I did not feel up to taking pictures However, I had to snap this one: Emma (who knows I have a fascination with sharks) did her best to make her mom feel better by seeking out the only shark I’ve ever seen on a carousel! I thought that was too sweet

As part of my re-organizing/re-energizing kick, I am taking some time to read a few books that have been recommended to me on how to get it all together and make it all happen (my paraphrasing!). I have noticed a common thread amongst several different articles, and that is the miracle and power of gratitude.

While I hope that I have lived a thankful life thus far, I am going make it a habit to intentionally take time daily to consider all that I have to be so grateful for…by doing this, I will get the focus off of what I do not have or need (or think I need) and soak up all of the goodness that is right in front of me!!!

A few on today’s list…

- I am thankful that my husband was not hurt when he smacked my less-than-a-year-old car (that I love) into a wall on Tuesday…it is something we will laugh about in the years to come

- I am SO thankful for my two little monsters children…my life would be empty (and painfully quiet) without them.

- I am thankful for the opportunity to make a living doing what I love — even though being a photographer may not be the most glamorous career, I feel there is real value in being able to capture precious, once-in-a-lifetime memories for my clients, and there isn’t anything else I would want to do with all of my “leisure” time! (Except maybe enjoy some leisure!)

- I am thankful for a wonderful business partner/life supporter/all-around encourager all wrapped into one: my mom!

- I am thankful that my sister and her husband are already on their way here from Austin and should make it in time for us to all eat dinner together!

- And I am thankful that all of my studio prints that just arrived turned out great — and that we get to go frame them and hang them in the studio tonight (the gallery will finally be complete)!!!

I have to confess…some days, when the kids are tucked into bed and I’ve finally collapsed on the couch to watch one (or two!) mindless shows with Steven before sleep overwhelms me, I think back over the day…and I wonder what in the world I actually accomplished! I know I did half a load of laundry, got the dishes in the dishwasher (but forgot to start it!), played a vicious game of cards with Emma (her rules, not mine — so somehow, she always wins!), edited a million or so images, and made dinner (delivery counts, right?)…but throughout the whole day, no matter what I was working on at the time, I was thinking about the hundred or so other things that needed to get done. It’s a constant state of discontent…and it’s been making me so frustrated! So, yesterday, I came up with this idea…I have made a list of things I need to accomplish each day that will make my day successful…so, if I am working on something that is on that list, I can relax and put myself fully into the task — knowing that I am one step closer to a victorious day! What do you think of this idea? I am going to give it a try for a week and see how it goes…Everything is mental with me, so if I THINK I am being productive (even when I am reading “Thomas the Tank Engine” to Logan for the fifth time), then I will feel productive! Sometimes the important things don’t “sound” important, but when it comes down to it, they are the things that matter most…

Here are a few things on my “successful day” list…

1 - Everyone brushes their teeth in the morning and at night before bed!

2 - I get at least 30 minutes of exercise.

3 - I play with my kids!

4 - I read to my kids!

5 - I accomplish the 2-4 “most important projects” for 1,000 Words Photography.

6 - I complete one FULL load of laundry (washed, dried, and put away). Why is that so hard for me?

7 - I document my kids (take a picture, shoot a video, or journal some of their funny sayings/stories).

8 - We end each night with a bedtime prayer and a story.

I won’t bore you with the whole list, but hopefully you get the idea! Have I missed anything?

We’ll see how this goes Here is my #7 for today…Logan, right after he woke up from his nap, bed-head and all!!!