Yesterday I was looking at some homework that my daughter had done for school. They are studying geography, and on this particular worksheet, they were learning about the different regions of the U.S.A. On one of the maps, she had drawn a heart in Illinois, where my parents live (and where she lived until she was 4). She also drew a heart in Iowa, where my brother lives with his family. From those two hearts, she drew lines across the country to Washington state, where we live now. Inside Washington, she drew a heart, broken in two pieces.
Having lived the first 31 years of my life in Illinois, I was quickly brought to tears by this image. I could deeply relate to the feeling of longing for those places, and the people who live there. While we have a nice home here, and we’ve made a lot of friends since we moved, there really is, as Dorothy would say, “no place like home.”
With Thanksgiving upon us, I began to wonder how I could look at this simple little drawing and be thankful for our life as it is today. It would be easy to get caught up in the sadness and the longing for something I can’t have. But this holiday is for being thankful. It is meant to bring joy as the weather turns cold and dark.
I’m thankful for our move to Seattle because it has helped me appreciate the true meaning of family. We all get frustrated with our families, and we often can’t help but take them for granted. I won’t be taking my family for granted any time soon.
I’m thankful that I get the opportunity to go to the Midwest often, so I can continue to know my family, as well as my true home.
I’m thankful that my children recognize the importance of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Being far away highlights that for them like nothing else can.
I’m thankful for my friends here in Seattle who acknowledge my longing for another place, and help me feel at home here anyway.
I’m thankful for our neighbors who are friendly and supportive.
Moving to Seattle has been a Grand Adventure. I never could have known what I would experience here. Whatever the future may bring for me and my family, one thing is for sure: I am grateful for my experience here in the beautiful Northwest. I have gained a new perspective on life and relationships, and found unexpected learning and growth. These lessons are uniquely credited to this crazy place we live in.
Why can’t there be a simple way for busy parents to give loving and meaningful gifts?
How many times have you planned to do everything just right for the holidays, and then ended up taking shortcuts to fit it all in? Perhaps you feel that family is all we can really count on, and the Holiday season is the time to show your love, affection, and appreciation. But how can you do that if you have a “to-do” list longer than Rapunzel’s hair? Things are already piling up, and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet!
Imagine if a few clicks of your mouse could make a box full of thoughtful gifts and holiday cards show up on your doorstep.
I’ve struggled with buying gifts every year since I can remember. Countless times, I’ve ventured off to the mall with the intent to complete all of my gift shopping that day. Inevitably I leave empty-handed, unable to find suitable gifts. Either I’m shopping for the person who has everything, or the things I find just aren’t very meaningful. It’s frustrating and time-consuming.
That’s why I’ve put together my 2011 Holiday Gift Store.
This fall, you can purchase personalized gifts and cards for the holidays using pictures that you’ve already had taken in 2011! Not only do you get to capitalize on work you’ve already done (no need to set up a fall portrait session), but you also get a serious print discount, and access to special gift items that aren’t normally offered. You will get:
· An online gallery of your 2011 portraits
· Discounted pricing of up to 40% off
· A rare opportunity to purchase several gift items
· Easy and safe shopping from your computer
· Meaningful gifts for your loved ones in time for your celebration
· Items delivered to your doorstep – or even right to the gift recipient’s home!
As a special bonus, if you purchase gifts from my store before December 1, 2011, you will receive a free DVD slideshow from your session!
Don’t want any photo gifts?
Of course, you don’t have to buy anything at all. You’re welcome to just log in and view your photos online again because you want to. Pictures are for looking at, after all!
A word about re-prints
The 2011 Holiday Gift Store will be your only opportunity to purchase prints from your 2011 session without a re-print fee. So if you’ve been wishing you had gotten one more 5×7 for your desk at work, or an extra 8×10 for Aunt Bessie, now is a great time to do it!
Get out from under the pressure
There’s no need for your “to-do” list to get out of control. You can get fun and thoughtful gifts without a single trip to the mall. Get your shopping done easily and early. Here’s what you need to do:
The 2011 Holiday Gift Store will expire at midnight on December 7, 2011. Wouldn’t it be great to avoid the feeling of overwhelm, and have so much of your Christmas shopping done with weeks to spare? Head over to your gallery now and start shopping.
Remember: if you make a purchase before December 1, 2011, you’ll receive a free DVD slideshow from your session!
On Saturday, March 12th from 3:00-6:00 pm, come on out to Shoreline for some awesome kids’ portraits and a FUN time! I’ll be doing short sessions and offering a variety of portrait packages in exchange for a donation to Room Nine Community School. If you’re interested in purchasing prints in addition to your FUNdraiser package, you may do so. 10% of your purchase will benefit RNCS. Location details will be given to those who reserve a time. Don’t miss your chance to get some great photos and support a great cause! You can find more details on my events page.
I find that photography opens my eyes to fun that I might not have found otherwise. Had I not gone and played in the snow with this family that morning, I probably would have wasted my time watching TV or something. I love winter, and Seattle pretty much didn’t have one this year. We saw a snowflake or two float down from the sky one evening, but that was the extent of it. I’m so glad I had the chance to romp around in the snow at least once this year.
I just finished working on this collage for my brother’s family. I love this collection so much because it really shows what it means to have fun! These images are so full of love and life, it makes me want to go back to Iowa City NOW so I can hang out with these guys again! If you’re looking for ways to brighten your mood, spend some time with this piece. These kids’ passion for living is contagious…
This little guy was dressed so well for portraits! He looks stylish, coordinated, and clean. But what I like most is that he’s comfortable so he can relax and focus on being himself. There’s enough distraction with a camera around; who needs uncomfortable clothes on top of it? I always aim to reflect the moment, and the subject for who/what it is. These parents knew that to have a comfortable portrait that reflects their son’s real essence, he needed to be relaxed and comfortable.
And while we’re here . . . there’s a lot to ponder about the composition in this photograph; especially the use of lines.
