The Attitude of Gratitude

I was going through some old photos the other day, and came across this snapshot I took.  It was taken about 10 months ago.  And for me, it has such strong ties associated with it. 

It was taken on my son's first birthday as I had the day off of work and we were enjoying some time at the park in our neighborhood.  He had just learned to walk, and I was reminiscing on the journey of the last year that had taken him from birth to this day in the park.  I have always know that God has loved me, but when I became a mother and felt the love for my son, I understand God's love and plan for me so much more. 

And I remember thinking, "I wonder what the next year will hold for not only my son, but also for me."  I knew I needed to have a job that allowed me to have more time and energy for my son, and my current situation - although an incredible job - was just not fitting that puzzle of my life. 

So when I look at my life that day... less than one year ago - and look at my life today and the way that photography has become such a fun and exciting expression of my creativity, I am blown away. 

I think of all of the amazing families, babies, children, and couples that I have had the joy of serving with my photography, I cannot fight this feeling (and don't want to fight it!) of absolute gratitude. 

And a feeling of pure excitement for what is to come in the upcoming year. 

Thanks to all of my clients - past and future - for making me the luckiest girl in the world.  I truly have the attitude of gratitude.

30 Years Later...

I am a total fan of nostalgia.

When a client came to me and asked if I could recreate photos from 30 years ago of her and her father when she was about 2 years old, I said "ABSOLUTELY!"  This time, it would be her father and her daughter, who is almost 2. 

She wanted to give a photo session to her dad as a gift, and I couldn't wait to revisit the past, but also capture the very sweet present times as well.  What an incredible gift idea, and boy did he ever love the pictures!

Miss "E" and her "Pa" have a very special relationship, as I'm sure he had with his own daughter when she was 2.  They love to explore and just hang out, and they go to breakfast and get pancakes and grits every Tuesday morning.  It was very apparent from watching them (and Ma) interact that they share a very special love.

Here are a few shots from our day, as well as some of the original shots from 30 years ago.