Softly the evening came with the sunset.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
There are times when I absolutely love my job and this is one of them. To capture quiet moments of childhood, running in the setting sun, jumping for joy, laughing and enjoying a snack, this is what I love to do and I am so blessed to be able to do it.
“Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life.”
Rachel Carson
“A mother’s joy begins when new life is stirring inside… when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.”
~ Author Unknown
Come to me in my dreams, and then
By day I shall be well again!
For then the night will more than pay
The hopeless longing of the day.
~ Matthew Arnold
This image will be 25% off in my shop all week♥
I am so excited to start introducing some new ideas I have been working on for my shops. Today I will be sharing something fun for my fine art photography shop. Each Monday I will be showcasing one image from the shop as the Image Of The week. During that week the photo will be 25% off in the shop in whatever size you want.
I chose this week’s image while sitting next to the window looking out at the grey clouds and rain. I needed a little color and sunshine and think this image is the perfect pick me up on this dreary day.
I started a wonderful workshop today for creative businesses and this quote just sums up for me what I want to get out of it. It is what I strive to do in my life for myself, my God and everyone around me.
♥
With new years come new ideas, plans and expectations. Back in January I plotted out many for myself but sometimes life has other plans. After a much needed break where I spent lots of time curled up with good books, hanging with my family and well, not being very productive, I am ready to tackle those lists and feed my creative soul.
First up is a long delayed post of a few images I took of my son when he turned 8 back in December. This boy is my laughter. Goofy, sweet and sometimes (a lot of times) wild. He is so special to me.
This year one of my goals is to push my self creatively and to take more time to document moments in my own family. Along with my Year of Saturdays, I have joined up with a group of wonderful photographers for a 10 on 10 project. Each month on the 10th we will be sharing 10 photographs that give a glimpse into a day in our lives. This first 10 on 10 for me started with a pink sunrise. I thought that was the perfect start to a glimpse of my daughter♥
I hope you’ll follow the chain to Sarah Costa and see what my group has been up to so far this month.
I love the start of a new year like I love Mondays. There is just something so exciting about a fresh new year. 365 days spread before you do with whatever you choose. I have decided to make 2012 the best year yet! I’m not a big fan of resolutions. Resolving to NOT do something seems to set us all up to do just what we have resolved not to. I like to make a list of goals and clear plans how to achieve them.
I wanted to share some of my goals with you all because I plan to share my progress here on my blog throughout the year. Also, I feel like putting things out there makes me more accountable to actually do them;)
♥Quilts for my kids. I don’t actually know how to quilt but I plan to learn. I have made a few “cheat” quilts but I really want to spend time making something wonderful that will last for each of them. I hope that one day they will pull them out for their own kids.
♥A year of Saturdays. I will be capturing a glimpse into our life by taking photos each Saturday for the entire year. I hope to create an album for our family at the end of the year with all of the images.
♥A new house. This has been in the works for a long time and I am confident that the time is now. I am excited to start a new chapter in a new nest.
♥Write and photograph a book. I have been wanting to do this for a while and am finally going to get off my rear and do it. I have a few ideas fleshed out I just need to decide which to start with.
♥Disney world. We are planning on surprising the kids with a big trip to Disney this fall. It will be their first time and I am so excited. I think that they are at the perfect ages to really get the most out of the magic of Disney.
♥Lose xx pounds. Now I’m not going to say how many because I’m not certain that it needs to be a specific amount. I just know that I want to feel good about myself and be able to wear the kind of clothes that I love. I never had to worry about my weight until after I had kids like a lot of moms. I cheered and danced before I had my kids so I was always in shape. Traditional workouts are a bit foreign and not at all fun for me so I need to fidn something that works for me. Wish me luck!
♥Date Nights. My hubby and I need to start taking time out for ourselves again. Take the time to connect as husband and wife not just mom and dad.
♥Learn to play my guitar. I have had a gorgeous guitar for a year now and have not learned how to play anything. This year is going to be a musical year. I ended 2011 back in my choir at church(yay!) and plan to keep the music flowing in the new year.
What are your goals for 2012?
A new year brings with it a fresh perspective, a clean slate and is the time of year when people want to better themselves and try something new. What better time to explore your gifts and talents that you might not even know you possess. My beautifully talented friend Jeanne is offering a brand new e-course that I think is just perfect for this.
I am so excited to be a part of this course! I will be there talking about my creative journey and learning alongside everyone else. If there is one thing you do for yourself in the quest for a better you this year, I think this course should be it.
For more info please visit Jeanne Oliver Designs.
Here is a quick video Jeanne put together about the course, Creatively Made E-Course
I hope to see you there♥