exploring at home

I have an ever-expanding list of online bookmarks called "Travel Ideas". When I read about an inspiring adventure, whether it was at a luxury resort in the Caribean, or a just a kid-friendly site about Galveston, the act of "saving" it makes me feel like I'm half way to actually being there.

So the other day I photographed one of my favorite families. They are originally from Texas, but have been living in Holland. With the idea that she'd like to do an urban session, Debbie suggested that we go down to this place called Mi Tierra. I've lived here for six years, and had never even heard of this long-time San Antonio landmark. It's a bakery/restaurant that stays open 24 hours a day. Plus there are beautiful vibrant walls and colorful banners everywhere around the area. It's now one of my favorite places to shoot. And it's also another reminder about how much we tend to ignore the treasures that exist in our own town or city. 

What local adventures have you found through your lens lately? 

boys

I think it would be much cooler to say that I grew up as a Tom Boy, that I climbed trees, and threw footballs. But the truth is that boys were something that usually disgusted or infatuated me. Either way, they were always a mystery. My dad was there when I locked my keys in my car, or when I needed a ride to the movies. I knew he loved me, but he was often absorbed by work. So by lack of exposure, I just turned into a girl's girl. My mom, my sister, and my grandmother had a very dominant influence. And it's probably because of them that I learned to understand and rely on groups of women.

Then when my son was born, I realized that I'd been kind of smug about being a girl. I started to notice the hoards of commercials on television that are terribly demeaning to men.And I hate that women are still underpaid, and that many are being severely persecuted around the world. But I don't think the answer is to let the pendulum swing so far that we depict men as idiots and imbicils who are too stupid to vaccuum a carpet "correctly". I feel a little embarrassed that it took me so long, but also grateful for my son who shows me every day that boys are equally as vulnerable and complex as women. They may communicate their needs differently and less often. But we shouldn't overlook their importance.

Today we'd love to see images of the amazing boys and men in your life. :)

rest

 

Most of us don't get enough rest. And we're secretly proud of it too, right? We tell each other about how we only slept two hours last night. And then we all nod approvingly as if to say, "Yep, it's so rough." But is it really a badge of honor to deprive yourself of something you need? If so, why don't we have the same conversations about how we've managed to not use the bathroom in days?! Or about how we held our  breath for so long that we passed out? I think it's often assumed that the less we rest, the more productive we are. Who made up that lie rule anyway?!

As a mom, I understand how fast the schedule fills up and the reality that there's always someone who needs something from you. But I've recently started to schedule downtime. And I'm finding that real words, on a real calendar translate into real changes. And I know it isn't a novel concept. Except that for me, it really was.

So the whirlwind of another school year about to come sweep us off our feet again. I wanted to offer the suggestion during this calm before the storm. Maybe this year it's time to put yourself on the calendar, too? 

What would that look like for you?

karen

Behind the lens, I noticed how much her son looked like mine. I couldn't help but wonder what it felt like to hug your child while you have cancer. I thought about my own son's eyes, his neck, how it gracefully slopes up to his little ears. I didn't want her to know I felt like crying. Because I didn't want her to feel like I thought cancer defined her. More accurately, she would be defined as strong and warm, with a certain kindness that develops only when you realize how much it matters. At the end of the shoot she hugged me. And I felt grateful, like my work had a purpose. I also felt like I would give anything for her to get better.  

If you'd like to help, Karen Hansel is fighting Stage 4 breast cancer, which has spread throughout her body and bones, most recently discovered in her liver and one lung. She's a single mother to Dominick, age 12. And we're reaching out to help offset the cost of her cancer treatments. Please consider purchasing a raffle ticket for $20 and/or sending a donation of unwanted, broken or mismatched gold. If you email me at admin@relishportraitstudio.com, I will get you in touch with the correct people. 

Raffle prizes: 

Grand Prize: 5 Day Caribbean Cruise for 2, Carnival Fun Ship, Windowed Cabin, Departs Galveston TX, Aug 17-22, 2009, Ports of Call Progresso & Cozumel, Mexico

First Prize: Jonas Brothers Concert - 2 tickets courtesy of Cardell Cabinetry - August 13, 2009, At& T Center, San Antonio

Second Prize: $200 Gift Card to Hyatt Hotels, 2 Sea World passes, $50 Gift Card from Rudy's BBQ

Third Prize: $200 Gift Card to Neiman Marcus

Thank you, thank you, thank you! xo

Update on Thursday, July 16, 2009 by Maile Wilson

I can't believe the response we've gotten already, you guys are amazing! I just wanted to post a follow up with more detailed info for anyone else who wants to help.

PURCHASE A RAFFLE TICKET by sending a check to 59 Inwood Heights Dr. N, San Antonio, TX 78248. Please make checks payable to "Karen Hansel Benefit Fund". Be sure to include your name, address, phone #, so they can contact you if you won. 

MAKE A DIRECT DONATION at any Frost Bank by asking for the "Karen Hansel Benefit Fund". Please include your name, so we know who to thank!

You can also find info on Facebook at "A Chance for Chance", or contact Tracy Kubinski at tracykubinski@sbcglobal.net. 

A million thank yous to everyone! xxoo

big life

Lately, with all the untimely deaths in the news, I've been feeling really aware of how fast everything goes by. It makes me sad. But it also makes me want to live boldly. To be brave and take more risks. To say the hard things, especially when it's to myself. To peacefully coexist with my imperfections, but also not become complacent about things I know I can change. Most of all, it makes me want to spend my time on what really matters the most. I found this a few days ago, and it's been with me ever since. It's by Dane Sanders, and it's called "Why Settle For A Little Life?" I hope you'll check it out, and please share with us today what inspires you to live a bigger life?