I’ve been sitting on these sweet pics for awhile now and now that the lovely Kayley is a MRS. I can officially show you! We had so much fun meeting in Lubbock and driving around to several beautiful spots. It was a treat for my Amarillo eyes to capture her in locations new-to-me….always challenging and inspiring. Kayley was (and is!) a gorgeous bride with a sweet spirit and is so much fun to boot! Wedding pics are upcoming! Enjoy the slideshow!
Clouds present make my home dark and cool. The rains drops form ringlets on the pavement, overlapping, creating small waves. Steady. The trees are drooping in the rain, there heads are bowed in thanks. The roses are glistening. The dog is sleeping. The cat is probably huddled somewhere warm and dry.
My home is still and I am breathing in and out. Heart rate slow. Mind clear. Eyes open. Such a glorious feeling! To be present, to be focused on what is happening now. Something I am trying to learn and capture in my being more and more.
Focusing on what is important. Really, really important. Not wealth or fortune, not fame or success, not accolades or reward, not blogging or tweeting. But praise of my Father, love of my family. My health. Contentement of where I am. Being able to be still and praise and lift my hands in song.
And say Thank You.
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I love reading your blog, Bethany. 
Thanks for sharing your moment of calmness.
I woke up early, put the monkey bread in the oven. Benjamin snuck into the kitchen, spied the pink balloons and asked where Daddy was. I told him he was working out and would be back in just a second. We waited for a bit, woke up Colin (I gotta give him creds for waking up right away and hopping out of bed sans grumblings), and crawled into her room.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
She was all tired and snoozy. Warm and toasty. Curlers in her hair and drool on her cheeks. Clutching her baby doll and wrapped up in her quilt. She is five today!
Yesterday I cried while shopping at Target. Today I am so happy and thankful for my sweet girl. She makes life funny and beautiful, joyful and silly, artistic and loving, determined and courageous. When trying to wrap my head around her specific traits, my mind mushes together and I can’t think of any. Because she is all of them.
Our quick photo shoot (a little chilly!) this morning. I love her mop of curls and her silly, precocious self. ”Mama, can I make a silly face?”
Yes. Yes you can.
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Yes I am here. I am probably more here than I’ve been in a while and I think that has alot to do with stepping back and away from all things “business.” I’ve been painting furniture, planting flowers, cooking yummy food, going on spontaneous road trips, curling my daughter’s hair, washing muddy feet, playing board games, reading good books, drinking wonderful coffee, spending time in the Word, meeting with fun friends….and on and on and on. I’ve relaxed and had mornings to myself instead of dedicated to shoots…or to editing. I put down my camera and looked life in the face. I wanted to see what it looked like.
It is beautiful…..did you know?
My business has turned itself inside out and upside down. I used to constantly compare myself, never measuring up to the competition. They were busier, had better clients, made more money, and did it in cuter shoes. And they didn’t seem to fall, or stumble, or even trip. They seemed so happy in this world of look at me and how busy I am! Look at how well I can handle all of it. Look at my trendy and cool vibe! My togetherness! Even if none of those things were true, I realized I was miserable and so I must be missing something…surely? I wasn’t happy competing and I definitely wasn’t handling it. I had no balance, not even a smidge.
So. Less busy. That’s what I did. I stepped away from everything for almost three months. I haven’t blogged (obviously), I haven’t posted many sessions, I haven’t even looked at Pinterest. (well…..not really…) I have been living more. Period.
I’m less busy by choice, but more grateful as a result. I discovered that I cannot capture life if I do not seek it for myself. And that’s kind of amazing, ya know?
“But seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” ~ Matthew 6:33
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I so know what you mean. I stepped away to live a year ago, and I have never been happier. Its awesome. I’m glad you got to stop and enjoy life a little bit. (Hugs)
Color and pattern and texture. Three of my design loves and elements that constantly inspire me. I’m loving Springtime and all it brings. Rain (hopefully to our dry land here in Texas) is on the top of the “want” list. Also looking forward to wearing cute dresses and sandals. I like to shop but am not a big shopper, if that makes sense. Internet to the rescue!! Hoorah!!!
Some of my faves:
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