Whenever I am feeling a little achy, coughy, germy, or just an unknown yucky, I seek out an appointment with my doctor’s office, but make attempts to see the nurse practitioner.  I would rather see her than the actual doctor and I don’t think this is weird.  She sits and listens to my moans and groans and sometimes just makes me feel better by telling me that I don’t have ebola, malaria, pregnant with octuplets,  or the swine flu  (okay I am a bit of a hypochondriac).  I love her for making me feel important each time I need someone to doctor up my boo-boo’s and woes.  

I sometimes wonder what nurses are made out of.  I know it must be something special.   I mean come on, to actually give meds, change diapers, wipe snot, deal with death, tolerate screams, dry tears, and have patience with someone you did not birth…geez…  Well that is what Misty is…she is compassionate, calm, and seems to take on the world in stride.  Misty is already a well sought out nurse but decided to continue her learning and is now a nurse practitioner (she graduated on Sunday).  Wow, I think that means that she can even write prescriptions and be my “doctor”, or perhaps even better than Dr. X.  Hummm…    We all need a “Misty” in the world, someone who makes us feel better when we have a boo-boo.

 Lots of fun at the photoshoot, Misty.  Thank you for letting me capture some memories for you.  Congratulations on your new journey!  

That is what Memorial Day is about, honoring those heros near and far who have provided us the freedom that is not free. 

My 7 year old was excited that there was no school today, but she asked, “Mommy, why do we not have school?”  She knew it was a holiday but not really sure what it was about.  Unfortunately, she was not even sure of the holiday name.  Daddy was in the car when she asked and he offered her the explanation, because he understands what it means to be willing to fight for freedom and peace and serve our country.   Alyssa still does not really understand what death is about and that everyone eventually dies, much less the willingness of soldiers to die for our country,  but Chad managed to explain to her that others have made sacrifices for our country and on this day we pay tribute and respect to them for their heroic deeds.  She got it.

 Some day she may remember some fallen heros ….  (US Department of Veteran Affairs) 

 Civil War……140,414 (Union)…..74,524 (Confederate)

World War I….. 53,402

World War II….291,557

Korean War…  33,741

Vietnam ….47,424

Desert Storm … 147

War on Terror…2333+

If you have never been to South Texas, you must take a trip.  The air is warm, the food is good, and the wedding venues are grand.  Feliece and Darrin chose to celebrate their love at the beautiful hotel  Westin La Cantera .  Endless expanses of Live Oak trees line the perimeter of this luxury hotel.  The view is breathtaking and my new found friends and Mr & Mrs. were equally as breaktaking-ly gorgeous-imous (not sure if that is a word, but it is my word).

I admire the couple for they are part of the heros who have signed up to fight for freedom, defend our country, and preserve peace.    Both are in the US Army and have a tough job as leaders  in the recruiting sector.   Many of you know from my previous posts that I know the hardships that families face when it comes to the valor of Army life.   Long days, long nights, and many miles apart … but true love is like Feliece and Darrin’s……their love continues to grow and they foster a stronger relationship than many.  I admire them.  Congratulations on such a special day and may you love continue to grow.    Oh, and by the way…the color scheme came from the Mister and a piece of fabric…. awesome…..

This past weekend I attended a wedding fair.  The wedding fair at Ratama Park in San Antonio.   I had never been to such a gala (not even when I got married some 14 years ago) but I sure do wish that I would have had that experience as a blushing bride to be.  It is an idea experience!  I went to the bridal show to deliver a “something nice for you” to my friends Nancy and Cesar at La Fontana Springs.  La Fontana participates in just about every bridal fair, always have a beautiful set up and greet each person, whether bride or not, with a smile, that is important to me and one of the reasons I think they are so successful in their business.  Sunday was no different.  The owners of  La Fontana are not only my friends, but also my cheerleaders…. and I love their place!  Each turn of a corner is gorgeous and perfect for a backdrop.  Prospecting brides need to witness the beauty of this place to truly appreciate.   I have taken hundreds of images at La Fontana and wanted to share a little of the love and share the promo cards I provided La Fontana at the bridal extravaganza.

Alyssa made me giggle because when we came back around, she said, “Mommy, all those girls are taking “YOUR” pictures from Ms. Nancy.”    I learned early on that it is so much better to give than receive in this business.  No strings attached, just appreciation for relationships built and a gesture of kindness.    Warms the soul.

And at the wedding fair I was able to also hear from a 3 of my of my upcoming brides -to-be…they had made the event an idea-fair…I love it, and I love them!   Here is one of the beautiful brides……. 2B…. and her fun hubby  2B….

Okay, last night I got this email from Kim at Kimtown and she said my blog proof was ready to look at.   She was my Santa no…better…she was my  Santa Claus and all of his reindeer.  When I first talked to Kim I had a vision of what I wanted, told her my favorite store was White House/Black Market, and told her that I am starting my branding campaign of providing fun photography for REAL PEOPLE.  REAL MOMENTS. REAL LIFE.  She took off with the idea and ran.  This morning when I “opened” my blog for the first time, it was better than the Christmas when I was 5 that I got my Easy Bake Oven….yes…that good!  I am so excited!  I know it is not the fanciest blog and I know there are photographers out there that have much better pictures that I do, but it is mine and MY opportunity to connect to my peeps.

I have been thinking about getting a new blog for some time now, but I have to tell you that when you first start a business each decision is quite thought provoking.  Should I do this…should I do that….is it worth this amount or that amount…. the questions never end and often times keep me up at night….contemplating rather than dreaming of sweet nothings.

So where do I find myself today….. well…..I swear, if I had it my way I would walk around with a camera in my hand 24/7.  Even though I launched my business over a year ago, I still am in love with the idea of capturing some images of strangers who later become friends.  One of my girlfriends once said to me, “Wow, do you realize that those portraits are going to hang on the wall of someone’s home and be in their family, possibly forever?”  The thought of my simple click of a button becoming a family treasure melts me.  I am humbled.

So I owe it to my family, my friends, my clients, and even the many unknown internet friends to share my journey of owning a photography business, sharing the message I learn from each photoshoot, and living life in a world that moves way to fast and makes me realize that life is not long enough to do everything I want to do.  I am a hard worker who loves to learn, reflect, and laugh.   This blog has given me the freedom to release my inner thoughts.  I won’t feel ashamed of my mistakes, but rather learn from them, and I will cherish the opportunity to share my life.

Thank you for riding with me on this journey and a special thanks to the many clients I had this past year who have been my cheerleaders and have taken my business to a whole new level that I never knew existed.  These special people trusted me with their precious memories and sometimes had a level of confidence for me that I was sometimes lacking.

And because every post is better with a picture, here is a beautiful bride whose wedding I photographed last night.  Sheri…. one word…. “Beautiful”.  I will be posting more fantastic memories of both George and Sheri this week!