This Too Shall Pass ? - Grayslake Photographer and Writer

I am working on a really great Mother's Day blog for next week.  Some of my favorite Grayslake mama's allowed me to take some shots of them.  I can't wait to share.

I've decided to update my progress on my handstand.  I've got one leg up, whoot! whoot!  My girls helped me out with this shot and they encouraged me the whole time.  "Come on mommy, you can do it!"  I did it three times so that they could get this one shot for me. I feel so much stronger at Yoga class. I've been doing Yoga for three and a half months now.  I'm come to the point where I really enjoy it. :)

So why is this blog entitled, "this too shall pass ?"  I had a moment of clarity these last few weeks.  I've used the phrase, "this too shall pass"  numerous times to encourage myself and others during difficulties.  But really the happy times pass too, they come and go, just like the difficult times.  Life ebbs and flows it always has and it always will.  I thought my ultimate goal was this state of blissful, happiness on a daily basis but I've come to realize that is not my goal.  I sure can appreciate/enjoy the happy times. But if that is not the goal then what is? I'm not too sure yet and that's okay because I will continue my journey to discovering what the goal is.        

Over The Rainbow - Grayslake Photographer

Last week I was in the clouds and today I am over the rainbow. Well at least that's what I call this piece. I've learned photography through studying, a lot of trial and error, and putting forth a great amount of effort. It took me a while but I can say that I now provide my clients beautiful, professional images.  This isn't true inspiration or pure God given talent per say.  Posing, lighting, shutter speed and Photoshop can be learned. True inspiration comes from a much deeper place within.  It doesn't come by studying nor by trying really hard.  It just comes and I felt it come this day that I took this image.

My dear friend asked me if I would be willing to donate a framed image for a special event the Nine, Wine and Fine Arts event that Foundation 46 is hosting.  My initial plan was to do a local landscape image.  But after the one hundredth snow fall I decided that no one wants to see more snow in an image.  I had no idea what I was going to do.  One evening, I took my daughter to guitar lessons and distracted my little guy by playing super hero's with him.  There was a little dove statue on the end table that the hero's were asking for a ride from.  My little girl started strumming "Over the Rainbow" for the very first time.  I started to get teary eyed as I sat their, it is one of my favorite songs.  So much joy filled my heart, when I looked at the reflection in the lamp, there it was... a beautiful image.

 I think I had to be in that moment to actually see it even though it had been there many times before.  

This was the first time I've ever really felt this kind of pure inspiration, I can't wait till it happens again.

Grayslake - Photographer and Writer

When we moved here almost 3 years ago, I was sad and depressed.  We lived in Columbia, SC where I had a wonderful network of friends and the weather was perfect.  Although it was a decision that my husband and I made together I was resentful, unhappy and just stuck.  Then I heard it, I'm not sure where I heard it first but it has never left me since.  I hear it almost every day now. 

Bloom where you are planted. 

 

Not just geographically but in every way you can think of.  Bloom where you are planted.  In other words I had to make the choice to be happy with my life.  I do decide to be happy.  It's a choice that I consciously make every day until it becomes automatic.  Some days are easier than others.  We are in the depths of another cold spell.  Motherhood can be a thankless and lonely job, if I let it be.   

Bloom where you are planted.  

Bloom where you are planted. 
My friends help me bloom where I am planted.  It took me a while to open myself up to friends after leaving so many in Columbia.  Recently, I read how your social network can be more influential than your spouse.  Emphasizing how important it is to surround yourself with good people.  I like to think I help my friends bloom where they are planted too.

Grayslake is a great place to bloom where I am planted.  I encourage you to bloom where you are planted. 

*The beautiful pillow in these images are designed and created by my talented friend Kim Gaskill.  Visit her Etsy shop Pillow TalkCity where she has more designs or you can custom order.