seeing the signs

It's a funny thing when you're doing all in your power to be present while at the same time you're being asked to look ahead and focus on what's just around the bend. It's not always easy integrating the now with the later.

I'm fully aware that we've still got some time yet until the holiday season truly begins and yet my sights have been set on this soon-coming festive time of year for a while now. Between sharing images and photo tips for up and coming winter publications and writing the daily prompts for my photo e-class Picture the Holidays, I've been in my own little winter wonderland over here. And believe me, it has taken quite a bit of imagination on my part considering I live in sunny Southern California.

What I've come to find out is that there is great freedom in working ahead. Many of you might already know and embrace this truth, but, it's pretty new to me. And although I am still literally in catch up mode in many areas still, I'm ruminating on a lifestyle that keeps me a little more ahead, rather than a little more behind. Let's just say, it's a work in progress.

Here's what's awesome; even when you're planning the menu for Thanksgiving dinner, shooting your picture for your holiday card, or shopping for (or making) gifts waaaaay in advance, you can be fully present, in the moment and loving it. Without the overwhelming feeling of being rushed you can actually enjoy the moment even more. I'm finding the whole notion to be quite an eye opener and even though my One Little Wordfor last year was "deliberate" (which to me meant to make every moment count and hopefully be more productive by default), I feel like it's taken most of 2010 to really work it's magic on me.

So, why this holiday photo today? Because I want to encourage you to commit to being present throughout the holiday season this year. And yes, that might mean not being resentful when the holiday decorations are up at the mall. It might actually mean embracing the extra time you're being offered to get into the spirit of things! It's not such a bad thing if you look at it like that. You don't have to feel rushed;  just take your own sweet time and enjoy it, it on your terms. Imagine, by the time the holidays arrive, you may be totally ready and in a fantastic frame of mind to celebrate. Imagine!

If you're willing to give it a go with me and focus on the beauty, love and joy that the holidays are supposed to be about, I encourage you to join me for Picture the Holidays. I promise it will be just what your creative spirit needs to shine this season. Registration is open now and class begins Dec 1st and ends on Dec 31st. You're going to love it!

Just leave a comment here between now and Thursday 11/11 at midnight EST for your chance to win one of three class registrations I am giving away for Picture the Holidays. I'd love to hear your thoughts and see some festive photography too. My guess is you've got all kinds of sparkly shots to share!

Comments

[Marcie]

I never seem to be able to plan that far ahead..to be one step ahead of myself. Nothing sparkly today..but would love to be entered in the giveaway:
http://marciescudderphotography.com/index.php?showimage=1355

[Jan]

I would love to join this class since this is one of my favorite holidays.

[Sandi]

Your class sounds wonderful. Thank you for the opportunity to win. I recently purchased your new book and am loving it. A friend asked me to take pictures at her wedding in December so I am taking many photos right now for practice.
Sandi

[Rebecca]

Great thinking! Thank you for your insight! And thank you for the chance to join your class!!

[sherry mescher]

I didn't register for picture holiday. I am so far behind on my work and family obligations....

[melissa]

be present in the sparkle...thank you, tracey, for this post and all of your wise and artful offerings.

[Miss Giny / Au Pays des Merveilles]

Ah shame, I'm already registered ! :))
I can't wait ! ♥

[Chris]

I haven't registered yet...would like to win...good to have this kind of encouragement to be mindful when we usually rush though this month!

[Molly]

I decided three weeks ago that I would sign up for this class (the day I discovered the website). I would love to be entered in the give away, but I will definitely be a part of this holiday celebration whether I win or not :)

[Tammy Lee Bradley]

Yay! Great giveaway! I am so ready to capture the holidays with my camera.

[Alex]

I didn't register because I'm a broke 23 year old waiting for the next paycheck...and I've been horribly regretting not taking Picture Fall.

This past Christmas, I wasn't shooting manually yet, so I'm going to spare you those photos...
But here's a bit of sparkle from the season that's quickly leaving us. :)

http://wildfledged.tumblr.com/post/1533791441

I would be elated to be part of this class; hopefully I will anyway!

[ashley]

The holidays always seem to rush by when it is the time you really want to slow down...I would love to be part of your class and capture the beauty of the holiday- the magic, the sparkle.

[Ellen]

Oh I want to enter!

[marierush]

Sparkles are my favorite...bring on the holidays!

[karen]

Loved Picture Summer and Picture Fall and would like a chance to win this one!

[FireMom]

I would like to win. I failed at picture summer when we went out of Internet range for camping and I fell too far behind. I'd like to try again!

[christine]

Thank you for the opportunity. I haven't registered for the class, but was contemplating it. No doubt I'll be participating whether I win or not. I was curious, do you send out photo tips in the class? Or is it daily assignment of what to shoot? just curious.

[AnnGeeDee]

Here come the Christmas lights! (one of my favorite things about the holidays) - http://www.flickr.com/photos/anngeedee/5150328062/

[Marilyn Johnson]

I love this site and check it daily. There is always great inspiration. I would love to win a spot in your class!

[Beth]

I'm not going to lie - I heard Christmas music in Michael's for the first time last Friday and I got excited. I don't care if it's not even Thanksgiving yet. I love it. :)

puppy's first Christmas -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14632491@N07/3124444920/in/set-72157612219731008/

vs. her second -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14632491@N07/4132900676/in/set-72157612219731008/

Wheaten Terriers change so much in their first year.

[Beth B.]

I am new to photography and would love to take the class! Thanks!

[spread your wings]

i would love to win a spot in this class. capturing the memories of holidays is so important and i'm sure i have a lot to learn about it.
i started thinking about holidays this past weekend and i'm ready to start making some ornaments for my tree.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/autumnsun/4170410327/in/set-72157623019336832

[stacy a]

Would love to win a spot in the class!

[Sandy]

thanks for the opportunity to win a seat in this class!

[soupatraveler]

i think what i love most is making my home nice and cozy and full of fairy lights! looking forward to picture the holidays, would be great to win too!

[Amy P.]

I would love to *win* a spot in this class... It's sounds like it's going to be soooo magical... Thank you soooo much for the reminder.. So often we do rush things, when we really just need to stop and be fully in the moment... :0)

[BlessedMess]

"And yes, that might mean not being resentful when the holiday decorations are up at the mall." You totally nailed me.

I love the idea of being ahead and it allowing for a more mindful experience. I'm a natural procrastinator, but you have me a bit more motivated to change my ways. (and I would love to take the class!)

[Christa Allgood]

I love watching the Christmas decorations go up.....even if it is the day after Halloween!! Why shouldn't we have two full months to celebrate and have a little extra hope and joy in every day!

[megan]

i definitely need some inspiration to get out and shoot during december -- count me in!

[Corinna]

I am an incorrigible procrastinator. And also a holiday grinch. But when I took this photo after our first real snow last year, I knew it would be our Christmas card. I photoshopped the word "Joy." next to my son and husband, had it printed up as a postcard and sent it out to friends and family. Huge hit!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/birdwannawhistle/5164421656/

[DY]

I just found this blog and I'm lovin it.

[Cara]

I loved Picture Fall (& Picture Spring) I can just imagine how great Picture Holiday will be.

[DY]

I just found this blog the other day and I'm already lovin it. Great stuff.

[Angella]

Oh, I LOVE the holidays! I'd love to be a part of this. :)

[cheryl4art]

I would love to be registered for the give-away. I have recently discovered your great blog and Flickr groups, and since I have been unemployed this fall, I have been making photographs and sharing daily, meaning some days, well a lot of days, people barely get fed around here. There should be snow where I live sometime this season, so I would love to help give your imagination a boost add some northern sparkle to the mix. Congratulations on the book launch!!

[ktbuffy]

I love the idea of this class, and it'd be a perfect way for me to finish up by Year in Pictures project with a bang!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ktbuffy/2998106280/in/set-72157608609279403/

[Puna]

Thanks for asking Tracey. I was resisting the start of the season but this post just put me in the mood. So I'm re-posting something fun that I did last year.

http://lifesignatures.org/wordpress/2009/12/page/5/

[patricia]

The holidays are always my most favorite time of year. Taking photos everyday as I get ready and enjoy, is a great idea.

[hillary]

tracey,
i'm a bit of a grinch when i comes to christmas. was raised without that holiday, and i've always felt out of step with the rest of the world in december.
maybe participating in 'picture the holidays' would change all that. or maybe it would make it worse!
we'll see.
thanks for this giveaway!
xhillary

[Betsie]

Ooh, I'd love to win! We travel for Christmas since we live far from my family, so I get into the "spirit" early so the kids can experience Christmas at home as well. Our shelf elf is already flying back to the North Pole every night to report to Santa, shopping is almost done, and Christmas videos have replaced Elmo in the van. I *love* Christmas! :)

[Becky R.]

The holidays are so much fun. I'm one of those people that starts counting down on Jan. 25th. However, while taking pictures for the Christmas Cards, the car wanted to hurt me. http://www.flickr.com/photos/bass_clarinet_2000/5164106353/

And that class sounds like fun.

[Aloha]

It's my Birthday today, and that would be a wonderful Birthday surprise. Pick me, pick me!! I hope, I hope :) :)
PS Just got Expressive Photography, love it!!!

[AudreyV]

Oh, I would love to take this class. This season I would like to take more outdoor holiday photos.

[Jamie Solorio]

I would so love to win a spot in your awesome class! I missed Picutre Fall and each day kicked myself for not being part of the fun!

[Cheri A.]

I'll be participating in Picture the Holidays, but would love to win the seat and not have to pay! ;) Here's a little of my Christmas Goodness from last year: http://cheriandrews.blogspot.com/2010/01/christmas-journal-finished.html

[Wendy]

Love the holidays and love this site!! I have it set as my opening page when my computer comes on....it's like a little present every time I turn on the pc....love all the enthusiasm! Validates what I do on a daily basis!
:)

[Jessica]

Tagged our Christmas tree this weekend :)

http://picasaweb.google.com/goaliej54/Misc#5537998781532999682

Would love to join in a class, but funds are a bit tight. I absolutely loved Picture Fall.

[Jess]

I would love to participate in Picture the Holidays. It would give me an excuse to focus on something just for myself, instead of just running like crazy all the time.

[Rosie Grey]

Of course I'd be thrilled to win a registration for Picture Holiday! :-) At first I thought how stressful this would be to take pictures during that hectic time of the year but now I think that maybe that really helps to focus on the joy of it!

[Leslie]

Would love a chance to win. This is a cute photo from my families Thanksgiving table last year.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/thel-list/4137828156/