Breaking the Cycle
It seems like for the past several years I've started off with tremendous motivation in January and I've lost that motivation - all that fresh energy that you have at the start of the year - by the middle of February. I feel like that is starting to happen again. And, I realize it's when I start feeling like I don't have things to say here in this space that that dip in motivation starts. So, facing a pretty daunting day tomorrow I'm resolved to write here tonight before I get an early night's sleep as I have to get up at 4:00 tomorrow morning! Ugh! I won't promise this is going to be good writing, but I have some special memories to capture and share.
So, what's going on around here? First, I'm so proud of my big sis - she's now officially a blogger. And the name of her blog couldn't be more perfect - http://idontliketositstill.blogspot.com/. Trust me - she doesn't like to sit still.
Second, I'm trying to focus on the fact I've taken a photo every single day so far this year and it's felt so easy - even when other creative endeavors are getting pushed aside for all the work that's reigning down right now. MOST are cell phone photos - and most are posted on my Instagram feed. That remains my favorite social media outlet. Things I'm taking photos of regularly - the orchid my assistant Becky has loved over six months to produce these beautiful results...
And, of course, loads of photos of snow - usually starring Lindsay. I'm SICK of winter. But, I'm glad my furnace seems to be back in full working order! We've had four snow days, although my team is considered "essential", so while we don't have to physically report, they are still full workdays. It's still nice not to have to venture out in this horrible weather.
Of course, I'm also really excited about the Olympics starting. I'm a HUGE Olympics fan. I'll especially be rooting for Hoosier Nick Goepper who has a strong change for gold in the new olympic sport, Slopestyle. I'll be rooting for all of Team USA - and crying through medal ceremonies (I'm a sap!) - but I'll be especially thrilled if a local guy wins gold! Go Nick and all of Team USA! I pray that everyone taking part in the Olympics remains safe.
But, the best part of my week this week was a photo shoot last Sunday with the sweetest little man I know - Lucas!
He had some pro photos taken on the day after his birthday party, but they just didn't seem to hit the mark. His nana asked me if I would help reshoot them. I tried not to squeal when I said yes! (Luckily, it was by text so I didn't deafen her).
His mommy and nana hung the sheet in the background and I brought the other sheet for the floor. The banner behind him was a decoration from his birthday party. The chair in a couple of shots is one from Lucas's Great Grandma and Grandpa's house that happened to be the perfect height for a one year old boy. The fur blanky on the chair was a huge hit - he loved petting it!
We did several other set ups - some with is "I'm One" shirt and his Mickey balloons, some with just Great Grandpa's Mickey neck ties and then, of course, the cake smash photos. I took about 280 shots and was really pleased with about 60 of them. I delivered a disk of just over 100 to his Mommy and Nana.
It was such a fun afternoon. This little man was awesome. He gave me so many fantastic smiles and adorably impish grins. He went through four clothing and background changes without a single fuss. We shot for an entire hour. He was AMAZING - especially given that his mommy reported later that night that he had a 102 fever since he was cutting some new teeth.
I loved when he'd come over to see the camera and I could steal a kiss. Taking photos of my family is so much fun. I can't wait to take more! I find myself looking through these as well as Ashley and Matt's engagement photos at least once a day - just to get the opportunity to smile.
Okay - I'm off to bed. I have an early start tomorrow. I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday. Do you have big plans for the weekend? What's your favorite Olympic sport to watch?