Hmm…

09Sep10

I have to say, I’m not so sure I can keep up with this blog thing. I finally have reached the point where Facebook has comfortably fit into my work flow, and I use it for all my preview galleries, brief updates, and event/contest announcements. The only thing that’s missing is a long paragraph with my thoughts and does anyone really want that? I don’t know. I honestly have a love/hate relationship with technology. On the one hand I love how easy it is to connect with people and it’s done wonders for my business and projects. On the other hand, it is overwhelming at times and hard for me to find a balance between my personal life and professional life when there is so much information overload available on the internet. One minute I’ll be responding to a friend’s post about their son’s first day of school and the next I’ll be surfing the web looking for a new preset in Lightroom. It’s crazy. And for a dreamer like me, who likes to imagine new things and then act on them on occasion, I find the day can go by without ever finding a true boundary. My son is growing rapidly before my eyes and when I’m with him I’m feeling guilty for not working and when I’m working I’m feeling guilty for not being with him. Is this just what motherhood feels like? Or what a home business does to me? Or is it the pressure of checking email, checking Facebook, texting so-and-so back, etc. I don’t know the answer. Yikes- that was a long rant about nothing. Maybe I do need to start blogging, or at least writing down stuff.

The last time I really blogged here was in January. We were just getting going with the World War II Veterans’ Project. That project consumed my time for almost six months and although it was a ton of work, and very time-consuming, I have to say it was the most amazing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. With Christina, my cousin-in-law, we interviewed forty-seven book participants, photographed them, collected their photos and mementos, transcribed (with lots of help), wrote, edited, and created a special book detailing personal stories from some amazing men and women. It was the project of a lifetime. You can certainly read more about it over at the War and Sacrifice page (link on my main page), but it was incredible. And what was even more incredible was the amazing expression of love and respect that was displayed to the veterans by their family members, community members, and even strangers. The book was dedicated to the Snohomish senior center on May 22nd, 2010. And on that day, each veteran was gifted with their own personal copy of the book made possible through generous contributions. It would be impossible to list all the people that were involved here without forgetting a few, but the list is also on the War and Sacrifice website and it made for an amazing event that celebrated the veterans. We were so grateful for all the people that participated to give the veterans something special. We were asked to speak at the Navy the following week for their Memorial Day service which was also an honor and a privilege. The Lynnwood library has asked us to come and speak about the project on November 10th and we are looking forward to that as well. We have some additional editing to do to the book and then we would like to submit it to the UW Press for it to be considered for actual publishing. We would love to see the book available at a considerably lower price, but we will wait and see.

My business has been going really well and I have been keeping busy. One thing the veteran’s project has taught me is it doesn’t hurt to try something and if it doesn’t work, oh well, but at least you gave it your all. I will be back at Bob’s Corn in Snohomish during the weekend afternoons in October- yay! Can I just say that I love that place? If you haven’t been to Bob’s Corn then you’re missing out. It’s run by a family and it feels like family when you go there. There is so much for kids to do- corn maze, pumpkin patch, cow train rides, country store, etc. (and this year free Facebook photos courtesy of yours truly!) but really it’s a great place to make a memory with your family. I can’t say enough good things about the place. I’ll be there Saturdays and Sundays in October from 1-5pm. On Sundays at 11am I will be scheduling special full-size basic portrait sessions at the farm (just in time for the holidays) so contact me if you’re interested in scheduling one! Mention “Bob’s Corn” and get $25 off the session fee. In November, Marizbeauty, Seattle hair artist Jodie Haug, and myself, will be holding the first “For His Eyes” event. Check out more details on my main page under “Events/Specials.” So a lot of things to look forward too! I may have some mini-holiday sessions coming up too, but for now am thinking about letting stuff unfold as it comes. It’s been a busy, wonderful year and I am very grateful. If you like my work, please fan me on Facebook, my husband entered me in the Best of Western Washington contest and I’d love to spread the word! Thanks!

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