Yes, Martha, I'm Awake Now!

Sorry it's such a long time between posts. I have just been sooo busy with life. I haven't learned how to balance it all just yet. hahaha!! So, a quick update...

Hmmm... where to begin....

I turned 40 back in September. I've been gearing up for a mid-life crisis. Trying to plan out some big, fun, crazy thing to *celebrate*... I'm afraid I didn't follow through cuz either it was too expensive (like getting a Mustang, or travelling the world!) or something I just didn't want (like a tattoo or a bellybutton piercing). Instead I went to the Olive Garden with some friends and my hubby. That was about it!

I've been attending some revival services that are being held in the area. They have been incredible as far as getting my focus back on the things that are truly important. And I feel like I'm finally being changed... my attitude, my outlook, etc... Something I have been wanting for years and yet... well, it just seemed like I constantly was battling the same things without any victory. My husband even said he sees changes in me. :)

I still haven't caught up with all of my work. Partly cuz of the revival services which have taken up so much of my time and partly cuz of regular life which seems to get in the way! I'm sooo thankful to have such wonderful and patient clients! :) But I am making progress... I've almost completed the wedding album for the August wedding. Then I have a few sessions that need a bit of editing, then another wedding (but I got smarter and will do things differently and speed the whole process up!).... Plus I *think* things will start to slow down. Senior pictures need to be turned in so no more senior pictures until next year probably! I've decided not to do weddings anymore. Though I love doing them... I have major stress about them! And also they are a ton of work and I then fall behind on my other sessions...

Hubby is all better. He had another scope which revealed that the ulcer was completely healed.

Oh, last night I went downtown with a couple of young people to minister on the streets. That was an adventure! They've been going out every Monday evening and have been trying to get me to go with them. I finally went in spite of all the work I felt like I was supposed to be doing! Let me tell you, it's a whole different life out there!! Many were drunk or high. Lots of homeless... So many teens just bored and looking for excitement. It was sad! One of the guys that I went with bought a bunch of candy bars from Walmart and when someone was hungry he'd give them several. Then we would pray with them and give them an encouraging word... I plan on going again next Monday.

I have a few more sessions lined up... But here's a few photos from previous sessions that I haven't posted yet...

I took Meg out yesterday - a BEAUTIFUL fall day for pictures!!! The first two pictures were taken at a nearby cemetery which is quickly becoming a favorite spot for me!

This is what I call my *tween* look. It's a photo that I converted to sepia (brown tones) and then added back a hint of color. For this photo I also brought back more color to her eyes.

These last two pictures were taken right in her backyard. They have a lovely backyard - perfect for photos!

A family session...

This is Krissy. She's hoping to break into modelling. We had a mini session and will be doing a regular session later....

I thought it was fun doing a photo of her in her winter coat with the beautiful summer flowers behind her. It actually was quite toasty out this day! Krissy did a great job pretending she was freezing! hahaha!!

The next pictures were my first attempt at a full fledged maternity session... It was a lot of fun and a great learning experience for me. I actually treated it more like an engagement session only was sure to include the belly! :) I wanted to capture the love between the couple as well as the excitement of becoming parents for the first time.

Another senior... This is Zoe! She actually was one of my Senior representatives. And she has been particularly patient with me! (THANK YOU ZOE!!!!)

Another at the cemetery. I just LOVE that door!!!!

That's all for now! I hope I didn't bore everyone!!!!