Shutter Sisters

fulfilled

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“A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove…but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” – Forest E. Witcraft

One goal of our new homeschooling adventure with our youngest son was to cultivate his love of science.  Allowing him to guide the curriculum is proving to be exciting.  While working on mathematics, spelling, reading, we are also exploring microbiology, chemistry, geography, photography, roman numerals, and Latin… all chosen by him.

The result is bigger smiles, a soaring self-esteem, and an unstoppable desire to learn.  Think about how happy, content and fulfilled you would be if you had been able to pursue passions meaningful to you.

What would you choose to learn?

my word

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It’s here again.  That time of year when I ponder my word for the year. The one word that will define everything that I want to accomplish in the next 12 months.  

Last year, I selected the word PURPOSE.  I sit here and review my list of things that I wanted to accomplish. I feel so inadequate.  All the healthy meals that I planned on making, all the practice time at my harp that did not happen, the books that I wanted to read… 

Then I shake myself off and remember… The joy of helping our oldest sons complete home-schooling and start their new lives.  The excitement of building new communities with amazing women.  The quiet times in our “almost empty” nest with just one son still at home.  It was in these moments that I found my PURPOSE and more fulfillment than I ever expected.  

As I embark on a new adventure of home-schooling our youngest son and with the knowledge of what made me the happiest, I am selecting my new word for 2012… NURTURE [nur-cher] 1. to feed and protect   2. to support and encourage   3. to bring up; train; educate.  

I am inspired by my selection and look forward to helping those around me.  Have you selected your word or did it find you?  Share with me your thoughts for the upcoming year.

loved

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A bell is no bell ’til you ring it,

A song is no song ’til you sing it,

And love in your heart

Wasn’t put there to stay –

Love isn’t love

‘Til you give it away.

~Oscar Hammerstein

 

There is usually one holiday gift each year that speaks to my heart.  Sometimes it is a handmade card from one of the boys, a silly trinket in my stocking, or that perfect gift that only Santa knew I wanted.

This year,  love came to me in the mail from Camp Sister, Chelsea.  A tangible reminder that I can wrap my hands around, feel the warmth, and bask in the knowledge that I am important to others.  

Today, share with us a photo that reminds you that you too are loved.   It is such a wonderful feeling.

Holiday Memories

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When my brother and I were growing up, we would help my mother make desserts for the holidays.  She would dig out her favorite holiday recipes and we would bake dozens of sugar cookies with sprinkles, homemade fudge, Peanut Butter And Butterscotch Rice Krispies Treats, and milk chocolate marshmallow treats called Church Windows.  It was the one time of year when a silly contraption known as the Cookie Shooter came out of the pantry. 

It was always an afternoon filled with laughter, love, holiday music featuring Gene Autry on the record player, and mugs of hot cider with cinnamon.  Each year, the memory of this tradition brings me back to my parent’s kitchen and fills my heart with warmth. 

Today, I invite you to share a favorite recipe that fills your family with cheer, year after year.  

open

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through my lens i see

a beautiful world because

my heart is open

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Do you remember when you first fell in love?  Life and everyone around you became beautiful.  Each moment was precious.  Any differences were easily overlooked.  The silliest things made you feel like a kid again.  I have found that you can feel the same way when you open your heart to creativity, you will fall in love with the world around you.

Since returning from Camp Shutter Sisters, my passion for photography has been re-ignited.  Now, as I go about my day, I find that I view everything as a photo opportunity.   A simple raindrop, the little flower that is blooming, the tiny dew drop in the grass, the view that I have seen for years… all are now shiny and new as though seen through lovers’ eyes.   The true beauty in the simplicity of life is there and you will certainly find it… if you just open your heart to it.  

Today, I invite you to share an image, a poem, or a quote that has spoken to your heart recently.   Let us all bask in the glow.

 

Morning Light

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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

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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

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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

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“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

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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.