Little Surprises

When school started last month, I started a "Kindness Tree" at my son's school for the kids and staff alike.  At any time they can take a tag, write something kind on it then hang it on the tree.  I was thinking I would see tags that say things like "You're fun!" or "Have a great day!" and that would have been perfect.  However, the kids were writing things that were so sweet and special that they literally brought tears to my eyes.  This 7 yr. old girl was so excited to show me what she had written before hanging her tag on the tree.  What a wonderful surprise it was to see these words that resonate so much with me and probably everyone who happens across this beautiful little tree.  What a gift.

What little surprises have you come across lately? Do share.  We'd love to see them.

Simple Beauty

Soon the days will grow shorter and the air will grow cooler, but the weekend was perfectly warm and clear and I wanted to take advantage of it while I could.  I wanted to be somewhere surrounded by beauty so I grabbed my camera and headed to a local arboretum.  Most of the bright colors of summer have started to fade and the plant life wasn't as lush as it had been earlier in the season but that didn't matter.  You don't have to have bright, cheery colors to find the simple beauty in things and sure enough, I found plenty.  Yes, I know the picture above is technically a weed, but does that mean it's not beautiful? To me, it looks as if it's raising it's hands high in the air and saying, Look at me! 

I believe that even in the ugliest of places or things, beauty can always be found.  You just have to know where to look.  Have you found beauty in unexpected places or things?  If so, please share with us. We'd love to see the beauty, too.

The Kindness Camera.

 I believe kindness is an essential part of everyday life.  Kindness is a big deal in our home, too.  I do my best to lead by example and I think I've done a pretty good job of raising two kind and compassionate boys.  My 10 yr. old has wanted to do more so we've been doing random acts of kindness as well as letting others know that their kindness is appreciated.  It's been fun but more importantly my son is gaining something that will follow him throughout his life. 

I've said before that I believe we all bring our own medicine to this world and I believe that my medicine is my photography so when I received a phone call from a friend asking me if I would be willing to take some random photographs of the kids during a church sports camp, I accepted without hesitation.  She let me know that they didn't really have the budget to pay me but that I could charge those that wanted photos.  I told her I didn't want any payment and I would not be charging anyone but that this was my gift to them. 

How many times have we heard that giving is better than receiving?  It's true, you know.  Those three days at that camp with those kids showed me that, in more ways than one.  Had I not agreed to spend time at this camp with those kids I would have never met the gorgeous girl in the above photo.  Ann is four years old and is currently undergoing treatment for a brain tumor.  What a joy and honor it was to be in her company.  To see her smile was priceless.  Meeting Ann led me to Donna who was also at the camp.  She founded From Maddi's Closet, a nonprofit public charity for the benefit of children with cancer at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles after losing her 4 yr. old daughter to cancer in 2004.  Many times I have expressed my desire to become involved with a children's charity.  My desire is now a reality.

Mama, my son said, your camera should be called the Kindness Camera.  If taking pictures of my son doing acts of kindness or doing something kind for others with my camera makes it a Kindness Camera, then so be it.  It's gifts are endless.

How about you? Have you used your camera for kindness or photographed any acts of kindness? If so, we'd love to see them.  If not, that's okay.  Just remember to share a little kindness today.  You'll be glad you did.

(Imperfect)Self Kindness.

This is the first summer that I am allowing myself a little self kindness and and giving myself permission to relax and have fun and not be the perfect photographer. Normally during any summer activity or while on vacation I always had to make sure I had just the right shot or did my best to make sure I had the correct angle, lighting and settings. I even found myself stressing on occasion because I just knew that people would be expecting these fantastic vacation photos from me so they had to be perfect.  I mean, what would people think if I didn't show them these amazing vacation photos? Would they think less of me as a photographer?

My husband has pointed out on more than one occasion that it's okay to leave the camera at home (never will that happen) or if I insisted on bringing the camera (always), then I should just have fun, snap pictures here and there and not try to get that one perfect shot.  It doesn't matter what others think, he has said before, do it for yourself. This is a family vacation, not a photographic vacation.  I have to admit, it did get exhausting at times.  Now? I'm not over thinking my shots and just shooting from the hip, both literally and figuratively (hence the little sand man above). I'm showing myself a little self kindness and turning off those negative thoughts.  This is my imperfect summer and you know what? I'm okay with that. Giving myself permission to not be perfect with my photography feels pretty darned good.

Please, won't you share your imperfections of summer with us? We'd really love to see them.

Silliness Required

Two weeks ago I attended my high school reunion.  It's always akward at first, everyone looking at eachother, seeing if they can recognize faces without having to walk up and look at a person's name tag and high school picture.  Everyone was reserved at first and understandbly so, but then a photo booth appeared.  An annoucement was made. Be sure to stop by the photo booth!  There are a bunch of great props for you to choose from so just go have some fun!  People slowly began making their way over and before long, the laughter could be heard throughout the room and not long after that, there was a line a people waiting to take their picture, myself included. 

I take pictures of people all of the time.  I always sense nervousness any shyness a lot of times until I give them permission to be as silly or as funny as they want in their photos.  Once they make silly faces or I catch them laughing, it's smooth sailing from there. What are you tricks for getting that silly shot? Have any great shots? Please share.  We'd love to see them.