Morning Light

Recently, I spent ten glorious days having a love affair... with the morning light.  

While watching a friend's house last month, I was very spoiled by the abundance of windows in her home.  I would open my eyes each day to see a delightful dance of dust particles in the streaming sunshine, the warm glow on her treasured antiques, and wee rainbows on the walls.  Even before my first sip of coffee, I knew there would be magic... if I just looked for it.

Share a bit of your morning light with me today, I am missing the way it warmed my heart.  

the lost years

 

After watching the Kelly Corrigan video about capturing life's everyday moments, I realized that digital photography has changed the way I document our lives.  I can scan through thousands of digital images of a freckly 12 year old, crazy dogs, and weekend adventures in Florida. 

But there is a glaring hole in the family story that makes me teary-eyed.  Like most of you, I missed capturing all these same activities with my older child.  We have an occasional photo from an old film camera or school photos but that is the extent of it.  No heartwarming shots of silly toothless grins, skateboarding with friends, or camping at the ranch.

I am now making it a point to seek out moments with my him before he heads off to college in January.  Quietly, I snap away as he strums his guitar, plays the piano, or falls asleep on the sofa.  I can not fill in all the lost years but as I hold these photos in my hands, I can see the little boy that he once was and the man he is becoming.

Take a few moments today to capture your loved ones as they go about their day.  Don't let even the simplest of moments pass you by.  You won't regret it.

We are giving away one $100 Paper Coterie gift card EVERY SINGLE DAY of September to one of YOU! All you have to do is share a comment each day before midnight EST for your chance to win that day's random drawing. Be sure to leave links to your story shots.

Day Off

This weekend, we ran away from home, if only for a day.  It was not a day to worry about what we were missing online, on television or what was still lingering on our to-do lists.  Rather, it was a day to give ourselves a break from responsibilities, spend time together as a family and indulge in our favorite activities.

Without the distractions, we focused on the simple joys of life.  And for our family, nothing soothes our tired spirits like visiting the ranch, playing with farm animals and walking the docks of the local fish camp.  We returned home relaxed and refocused.

Today, I invite you to share some images of your favorite activities. What do you like to do when you need to escape the day?

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We are giving away one $100 Paper Coterie gift card EVERY SINGLE DAY of September to one of YOU!  All you have to do is share a comment each day before midnight EST for your chance to Win that day's random drawing.  Be sure to leave links to your story shots.  

dreams

"It takes a lot of courage to show your dreams to someone else."  - Erma Bombeck

As a parent, I have observed many milestones but there is something extra heartwarming about witnessing a kindred spirit's dreams coming true.  

Recently, one of my dear friends launched a custom cake business.  Looking for focus and direction, at the end of a thirty year marriage, she asked herself "Okay, what's next?"  She pulled her dreams off the shelf, blew off the cobwebs, set her intentions, and never looked back.

A month later, I am right by her side clicking away, just like a proud mother, documenting all the firsts. The first business cards.  The first clients.  The first wedding cake.  I am so proud and inspired.

Capturing the special moments in the lives of our loved ones is the best part of being a photographer. Spend some time today looking for all the dreams, big and small, that are coming true around you.  I invite you to share your images with us.

morning message

The other day, I was lying in bed listening to the screech of my alarm clock and thinking, "Why do I subject myself to this sadistic morning ritual?".  It has to be the least peaceful way to start the day.  Add the mile long to-do list swirling in my head and it is no wonder that I am unmotivated each morning.

This is when I had one of those "light bulb" moments that I love so much.  I hopped out of bed and found my favorite book, Good Morning by Brook Noel.  For those unfamiliar with this book, it is a wonderful source of daily inspiration and affirmations.  Quickly creating a few of my own messages, I added one message to each day of the month in my iPhone calendar and set a wake up time and a monthly repeat pattern.

So on this beautiful morning, I greeted the day with a motivational message from myself and I am delighted.  It is the perfect compliment to morning coffee and puppy kisses.  I can't wait to see what I have to say to myself tomorrow morning.  Until then, please share with me what is motivating you on this perfect day.