Sweeping away the cobwebs; stretching out my hands and fingers and getting familiar with my blog again on this sunny December morning. As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on all the abundance, the trials and triumphs this year has provided. I just finished up with my busiest fall photography schedule of shooting, editing, and graphic design season to date. To date, my friends! Gratitude ripples through my very core. My small photography business has taken flight and Soars to places I did not know I was capable of when I first began. On a personal level, I've also taken myself to a place I had not expected when first I started this year and a new journey with "grace" as my leader, teacher, focus and One Word for 2014.
That one small, yet mightily packed word: grace. How fitting as I look back at 2014 and here is why:
Shot more: I shot more weddings, families, charitable causes, business & professional head shots, corporate events, and, as a result, I made more friends who have touched my heart; had more interesting exchanges with new people; and had the opportunity to travel a bit more due to business. All in all, these experiences enrich and invigorate me. Grace taught me to slow down, listen and take cues in order to get the most out of each of my photography sessions. I could not be more grateful to all of my client-friends.
Conducted: I conducted my first dSLR workshop in my backyard. This was a definite exercise in grace, as I learned a LOT more about teaching photography than my friends who let me experiment on probably learned about photography. I can't thank them enough for their patience, trust and warm friendship. I promise you, my next workshop will be even better - I'll be more prepared and ready to lead a class on photography because of your grace, my friends. Gracious, humble thanks to you, Jen & Michele.
Joined: I joined Tiny Sparrow Foundation and had my first family session with an amazing 16-month-old "baby" girl who lost her twin sister not long after they were born. These charitable sessions with families in need teach me even more to listen, to constantly open myself to their needs, to offer hope and in the process they give me their loving appreciation and grace enters again and again. To see her picture, please visit my Flickr page: click here
Tried, without success: I was invited to join a board of members at the Eicher Arts Center in Ephrata last winter. I thought, "Oh, sure! I can do this! My plate is not full enough." It turns out, my plate overflows. It was too much for me. I set out with all the best intentions to serve the Arts Center and the board with much vigor, hungry dedication and optimism for the future. I have this tendency to take on too much and then crumble under the weight. Sort of reminds me of the brief time I tried waitressing -- imagine a loaded tray as I cleared a table of 6; and then carrying that tray to the kitchen. The tray slowly, ever so slowly fell forward as my arms could not bear the weight, and then crashed to the ground. Thankfully, the board members were graciously understanding when I decided to resign. Thank you, my Eicher Arts Center friends.
Tried, with success: Sobriety. Yes, you read that correctly. As of Easter day 2014, I have not had a drop of alcohol. I am thoroughly enjoying my sobriety, too. I still love a great party and can dance the night away. I have more confidence in myself because of my ability to flex my willpower muscle - hand me a microphone, I'm ready for karaoke now!!! As the wine is being passed around or champagne, I find that grace comforts me and I can easily say "no, thank you." I won't go into the multitude of reasons for my decision, especially since I may hurt those closest to me. I will say though, this was one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself and the ripple effects for my family will hopefully reap the rewards.
Favorite read of the year: By far was Elizabeth Gilbert's The Signature of All Things. Have you read it yet? I love the way Liz writes and the places she takes her reader to. It was one of those novels where I found myself dreading the end of the book, simply because I didn't want it to end! And when it did end, I cried. Such a great, mind-full read!! (must say, I'm not sure if this part was an exercise in grace or not, I just had to include this somewhere!).
Posting photos: I've been steadily posting more of my images on my Flickr photostream as opposed to Facebook. I've been invited by a team of Flickr curators to offer my images up for sale. I am still not quite sure how I feel about this, and I would never sell any of my client-friends images. With grace in mind, I'm not jumping into anything I don't feel wholly comfortable with. I may offer my nature, macro shots up for sale and see what transpires. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you're on Flickr, I hope you'll stop by and say "hi," and feel welcome to follow along with me. I utilize Flickr as a way of photo journaling my days. It's quieter over there, less distractions, and "noise," and some amazing photography, too! It's a nice break. :)
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And now, my dear friends, as I look ahead to a new year and a new word (yet to reveal itself), my heart is full of gratitude for all of the wonderful adventures I have had this past year; for all of the new friends I have made; for all the friends I have become closer to and had the chance to work with; for the strength in my convictions and for following my heart, always.
Did you, my reader, have any happy surprises in your own life? Will you choose a word for 2015? If so, have you chosen yours yet? Do share! I'd love to hear how your year has been, also. Be sure to post a comment and let me know. I'd be happy to hear from you!
Onward and upward, grace-filled towards more great things to come!!
P.s. If you aren't able to view this live music video by Patty Griffin, than you can go directly to this link: Patty Griffin - Up to the Mountain
and Enjoy. . .
