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

[Brittney S Holland]

Wow! This sounds like fun! Christmas is my favorite time of the year, and I've never taken a photo or e-photo class, which seems sad because I've always loved to take pictures.

[yvonne]

oh! pick me! pick me!

[Brittany M.]

How Fun!! Thanks so much for the opportunity. I think this is a great way to be intentional and present for the Holidays with all of the business that December inevitably brings.

[JoL]

thank you for the (always) thoughtful and thought provoking post

mu husband and I have already expressed the "UGH!" at the Christmas items up before Halloween was even over. however, after reading your post, I will challenge myself from now on to view it as an opportunity and appreciate the early reminder.

thank you for the new perspective =)

[Trude]

Would LOVE the chance to be able to take one of your classes Tracey! The holidays are my absolute favorite time of year, but I can definitely get caught up in all the preparation, so I'll keep your words in mind. Here's a shot of our Christmas table from last year, because I just love it: http://www.flickr.com/photos/trudem/4242757401/

[Alesa]

What a joy to focus on something I love during the holiday season!! I'll pray I win the free registration. :)

[Breanne]

I'd love to enter - but I must say I'm glad the class starts December 1 because I am of the thinking that Christmas should not begin until after Thanksgiving. I'm savoring my holidays one at a time. :)

[Danyelle]

It would tickle me pink to win registration to one of the classes.

[Cindy]

Here is a shot a took last year when I was experimenting with bokeh! I would love to attend one of your classes!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27848453@N06/5165657882/in/photostream/

[Bethany O'C]

Nice! My son is 18 months old...last year I did nothing to get into the holiday spirit, and I promised myself I would change that this year. Now, here I am, anticipating a holly jolly season, but I don't even know where to begin! "Picture the Holidays" sounds like it would be great inspiration, especially as I'm in the process of trying to learn the intricacies of my mother's Nikon D40...she's very generous in sharing it with me...perhaps she wants more pictures of her grandson! Haha.

[Emily]

Thanks for your post and the reminder to enjoy each and every moment of the holidays. I've always loved the holiday season but with a bunch of little kids it seems to get more and more stressful and not fun. I'm vowing NOW to enjoy this holiday season with my family.

[Gail]

I've registered already and can't wait to start! I found that the daily prompts in Picture Fall really inspired me to take more and varied photos. I loved it.

[Marina D-K]

Thanks for the opportunity to win a spot. I took Picture Summer but wasn't able to participate in Picture Fall. Your photos are always so inspiring!

[Shawna]

I'll throw my hat in that ring for sure! Thanks for the opportunity!

[monica]

I love how you reframed how we see the too-early arrival of christmas decorations. I always grumble when the christmas music starts at the hardware store in october. I like the idea of seeing it instead as a gentle reminder of the upcoming season, as an opportunity to take it in on my own time.

[Deirdre]

I would love to win a registration for the class! I'm so sorry I'm not going to be able to come into the city tomorrow. I really tried to figure out a way!

[Claire]

Thanks for the chance to win this inspirational prize to help me capture the festive season.

[Chanel]

http://www.gucci2handbags.com gucci

[jill conyers]

An opportunity to win a seat in your upcoming class is awesome. It's so easy to forget to be present during the hustle and bustle busyness of the holidays. Daily prompts would be the prefect little reminder.

[laurie hausler]

I would love a chance to participate! Thanks for the opportunity.

[Rachel]

I loved your words and insight into enjoying the season as it unfolds. I am trying this year to really be in the moment and focus on things as they are happeneing instead of worrying about all the things I have to get done. I love so many things about this season and I want to soak in the details.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/capturingthemomentphotography/4208952137/in/set-72157612117709700/

[Liz Cogswell]

This class is has been on my list for a few weeks. I'd love to win a spot!

[Phoe]

That's what I'm trying to do this year: enjoy the whole season and not feel rushed! I would love to join your class too.

[Katie]

This class would give me great motivation to use my camera daily and soak up all the holiday season has to offer. Very tempting :)

[Melissa]

I'd love the chance to win!

[ColleenNL]

Loving one little word - mine was for 2010 was learn. I'd love to extend that to the very end with the Picture the Holidays class!

[Chelsea]

Picture fall was such a wonderful experience, I am so excited for picture the holidays. Have not registered yet...maybe I will win a spot instead! :) I like the idea of embracing all of the earliness...not on my computer right now so I don't have any holiday photos. But I am looking forward to shooting some favorites in your class!

[Ellen]

Have the winners been chosen? Maybe I don't know where to look...

[Sheri Morrow]

I have signed up for the class and can't wait. So excited and intrigued. Thanks for doing this and putting your all in to it.

Sheri