Now, Go Out and Create Something

I’m getting ready for a journey of a thousand miles.  Well, actually, it’s more like 830 miles, or thereabouts.  Making lists (both mentally and physically), prepping to travel by myself to Nashville this Thursday for a long weekend.  I’m so excited for a new adventure.  I am trying to remember the last time I took a trip by myself — probably when I visited my sister and her family in the Miami area when they welcomed their second son more than 10 years ago.  Oi.  I am due!  

The ImagingUSA conference is happening at the Gaylord Opryland hotel beginning Sunday for 3 days of engaging speakers, invigorating classes, and information related to professionals in the photography industry, plus an expo filled with goodies to please every level of photo enthusiast.  Gah!  I am geeking out about all of the camera gear, gadgets, encouragement and new friends to meet.  I will be meeting up with a group of other professional women photographers from different parts of the country — who also happen to proudly shoot Sony!  Even better!!  My heart beats a bit faster just writing this — I’m ready to go! 

I’ll also be spending time with some of my dearest family members (including friends who are like family to me) who live in the Nashville area.  It couldn't have worked out better to be able to mix business with pleasure.  Score!  I am bringing some of my gear so I can chronicle and document my journey.  I’m super stoked, looking very much forward to seeing everyone!!  I'll write more next week when I get home and let you know all about my trip's highlights.  I won't be on social media over the next week and only occasionally checking in with email.  But I'm certain I'll make up for it!!  

This quote showed up in my inbox this morning.  It truly resonates with me, and I thought you all might find it inspiring, thought-provoking, and enjoyable, too.  

"You are the books you read, the films you watch, the music you listen to, the people you meet, the dreams you have, the conversations you engage in. You are what you take from these. You are the sound of the ocean, the breath of fresh air, the brightest light and the darkest corner. You are a collective of every experience you have had in your life. You are every single second of every single day. So drown yourself in a sea of knowledge and existence. Let the words run through your veins and let the colors fill your mind until there is nothing left to do but explode. There are no wrong answers. Inspiration is everything. Sit back, relax, and take it all in. Now, go out and create something." — Jac Vanek     

I’ll catch up with you all next week.  Onward and upward, my friends!  

Cheers, y’all!!! 

xoxo, 

Something New to Try

It’s a snow day and all the kiddos in the surrounding area are out of school on a “snowy holiday.”  This calls for much enthusiasm and jumps for joy!!  This is the first this year - I guess we should count ourselves as lucky!  As far as Pennsylvania winters go, this has been a relatively uneventful one … so far.  Although, we are facing blizzard warnings with more snow to come and gusts of wind upwards of 28 mph.  I need to write quickly before our power goes out!  Ack! 

I’ve been feeling a bit “stuck” lately; processing some things to come; and wondering what my next move should be.  I took some advice from a fellow Facebook friend and organic living enthusiast, Maria Rodale ( I’m still in shock that I have the privilege of her online friendship - she’s such an inspiration to me! ).  In her post, 10 New Things to Try This Year, she suggests having an "opposite day."  I gave it a go.  I cleaned out a back corner in our sunroom/porch this morning; organized the girls art supplies including their ever-expanding collection of markers, pencils and gel pens; their board games and puzzles.  I then cleaned off *my* art desk (the girls had overtaken it - with my loving consent) and moved my computer from my small corner office without much of a view (I won’t complain, I’m glad for the pretty space in which to call my own) out to the porch with a terrific view!  Here, I write.  

I’ve got a beautiful, snow covered view of our neighbor’s Christmas trees.  Baby conifers all wrapped in white.  There’s no sun, but I’ll take the view any day!  I watched a hawk chasing off some sort of large buzzard earlier and I can hear the birds at the feeders.  Ah, just what I needed - and I’m writing, too!  Thanks for the inspiration, Ms. Rodale!!  

~~~~~~~ Pay it Forward Update ~~~~~~~

As I prepare to trek off to Music City USA (aka Nashville, TN) this Thursday for a photography conference, Imaging USA, I thought to give everyone a quick update on my Pay-it-Forward initiative and hopefully spur some additional donations.  I am thrilled at how well this has been received, for all the donations in support of my crowd-funding idea.  You all should know how much this means to me - I am humbled and grateful to everyone who has contributed thus far.  My goal for donating $100 to 5 different charitable, non-profit organizations is in need of a few more helping hands, hearts and generous souls, please.  We have reached roughly $65 for each, however, I know we can increase that number!  I really want to make the $500 overall goal a reality.  If you are un-trusting of online donation forums, you may send a donation directly to me instead.  Simply send me an email (my3girlsphotography@gmail.com) and I'll let you know the details of where to send your contribution.  I will then submit your donation as an “offline donation" to keep track of on the fundraising page.  AND … I’ve decided in lieu of a random prize drawing, I’m putting together a luncheon at my home, in your honor.  It’s going to be a fun get-together for us; all my treat!  Bring your camera along.  If you have questions you’d like to ask, feel free to do so and we’ll make it a camera club style luncheon in appreciation for your support.  Or not.  If you'd just like to come and enjoy the fellowship, you are welcome!  All that’s needed to receive an invitation to this special party is a $5 Pay-it-Forward donation.  The deadline to make a contribution is Valentine's Day to receive a special invitation.  This party will be hosted in the springtime - mid to late April - when all the flowers are blooming and the trees are budding (think spring!).  More information and details will be forthcoming.  I hope this alternative idea helps to inspire us along and we make this goal, together.  I look forward to seeing you all this spring!  

As Robin Williams said, “Spring is nature's way of saying, Let's party!”  :) 

   

>Click Here to visit and make a donation to the Pay it Forward Initiative<

Five Birthdays for My 3 Girls

Five years.  Five.  My 3 Girls Photography is five years old and my, how we’ve grown together!  I stand back, like the proud momma that I am, cross my arms, make summations and notes of how much I have learned, expanded, empowered, and changed throughout this life as a business person, as an entrepreneur, as a woman with artistic vision and compassionate grit.  It has been quite the ride thus far and I get a thrill out of where I am yet to grow, go, create, and with whom.  That’s the stuff dreams are made of! 

In retrospect, I’ve felt overwhelmed, consumed, even unbalanced at times.  I’ve felt defeated at other times.  Sleepless nights of worry, sweat and a few tears (well, maybe more than a few) have been shed in the name of creating My 3 Girls Photography.  The creative ego can go through some tireless turbulence.  But, I have also witnessed true, heartfelt joy, inspired human connection, the flow of creative energy surging, and the sense of accomplishing something bigger than myself.  I’ve had the overall sense of spiritual fulfillment while creating a business that seeks to serve others.  Being in charge of my own business is something deep rooted within me.  I’ve had plenty of jobs working for others, and I never felt “at home,” or at ease.  I’m convinced that working for myself is what God has intended for me.  I get a positive charge, if you will, from the challenges I face as an entrepreneur; from the lessons learned, by stretching my limits, and taking risks.  I flourish in this way.  I do know this way of living isn’t for everyone and I certainly respect that.  Believe me, if anyone has questioned this fact it would be me and, I’d go so far as to venture, probably every other self-made business owner has too.  

Yet, another true confession to spill in this blog post. . .  I dream about creating a non-profit organization one day.  It’s something that meshes with my fabric - giving to those less fortunate, raising up humanity, offering hope.  It is what gives meaning to life when we are looking out for and serving one another.  I just may get the gumption to take this goal on one day.  Who knows.  But, until that day arrives, I’d like to offer another way for you and I to celebrate together.  Let’s have a Pay-it-Forward party!!!  I started a fundraising campaign in order to make contributions to five of my favorite non-profit organizations growing and thriving; serving the greater good.  They are doing great work and could use a boost in the name of celebration!  I know I have told you how much I love a great party and any excuse to throw a good one, I’m there!  So, why not?!  Let’s give this one a GO!!!  Five for Five!!!

Simply click on the link below to take you to the secure, online fundraising site to make your $5 donation.  
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me:  my3girlsphotography@gmail.com

and, Go!

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Donate $5 and Pay it Forward

Thank you for your gracious generosity, for your continued support, loving friendship, and for answering the call to Pay it Forward.

xoxo, 

P.s. Don’t miss another blog posting, be sure to get yourself subscribed by email:  Click Here to Subscribe by Email

Welcoming 2015

It’s a new year!!  And a new year is shiny, bright with possibility; full of potential, ready to be energized by positive thoughts and actions!  How I love a new year and new goals to set in motion.  

After my last post, reflecting on all the lessons, abundance, love and gratitude accumulated over the past year, I have been actively meditating on a new word for a new year.  I love this word business!  As I look ahead to the goals I have in mind for 2015, for there are many, and I take stock of my business and personal growth, one word keeps popping up - again and again.  It’s a lofty one, and I hesitate to speak it out loud since it comes with a certain amount of responsibility, holding me accountable and raising my bar ever so stately.  I made a list of possible words and take the time to discover my one word for a new year - saying it over and over; I imagine how it will play out in my life, both personally and professionally.  For that’s one thing I certainly have going for me - an active imagination.  I wonder and debate with myself if I will be able to live up to the word that has chosen me, whispered quietly to me in my dreams. 

I believe I have what it takes; the necessary spark to embolden my chosen word.  I will give this word a voice, a home, a life, with the hopes of living up to its high ideals.  My word for 2015 is … inspire.  

I will Inspire you.  I will Inspire myself.  I will Inspire inspiration.  So, as you can plainly see, these are grand statements with much weight attached.  I do not take this word lightly, not in the least.  Quite the opposite, really.  Am I ready to inspire?  Am I worthy of this word?  I say - yes!  Let's leap into the unknown and just go for it!  Let’s both be inspired!!  

Do you choose a word for each year?  If so, I hope you will share yours with me in the comments section below.  I would love to hear from you!   And if you choose to quietly proclaim your word to me, simply send me an email instead:  my3girlsphotography@gmail.com 

Next up - my photography business is having a 5th birthday this month!!  Five!!!!!  Five?!  Really?!  This gives us cause to celebrate!  And I plan to!!  Stay close by and check back later for the "party details."  Everyone is invited!!  You won’t want to miss out! 

~ - ~ - ~ Joyous, Peaceful, Prosperous, Healthful, Inspired 2015 to YOU ~ - ~ - ~