OK, so..... I have tons of fears about this new journey.  I get to face them, seriously analyze them, and then conquer them. One at a time.  My wonderful sister paid for this e-course for me - on following your heart and dreams and starting  a business.  Keeping a journal is a great place to start identifying and eliminating fears, writing down goals, and recording  breakthroughs and ideas.  Cool, huh?  So, I'm writing in here as my journal.  I would love any ideas, comments, or feedback!

Today I'm starting out with some of my fears:

1.  That I'm too old to start out now
2.  That I won't be able to find clients to photograph!
3. That I will disappoint others
4. That I won't be able to run the business and still enjoy what I'm doing
5. That my photography isn't good enough to earn a living
6. That the slow economy will affect people spending the money for photos
7. That if I quit my day job and then fail at my new business, I won't be able to get a decent job again

There's lots more, but those are the main ones.  Even just writing these down helps a lot. Scary stuff!

Wish me luck!

loves.....

I have been struggling with myself to take a huge leap of faith to follow my lifelong dream to be a photographer - and quitting my day job in order to do it. The guilt of being selfish and irresponsible is intense.  The fear of failing is intense times a million. The encouragement of friends and family is priceless.  Thank you immensely to all of you for believing in me.... And telling me so. This is the first posting of the road I am embarking on to encourage me to be the me I want to be. I invite you to join me in my journey here. 

Sticks and Stones

Sticks and Stones Sticks and Stones can break my bones, and words really can hurt me. Can silence my voice, my opinions, my feelings, my free agency, and my will to live. Slowly becoming half a person, fading away, with no choices, feelings or opinions. Verbal Abuse is becoming more and more widespread, but still virtually un-noticeable. It leaves no physical marks, but damaging mental and emotional scars, and has the power to destroy lives. Verbal abuse has a high potential to evolve into physical abuse as well. I believe we could all use education on this subject so that we may recognize the signs and symptoms of verbal and emotional abuse and possibly prevent it from continuing with someone we know and love - and possibly save a life…… “Each time a person stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others, they send forth a tiny ripple of hope...these ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance”. Robert F. Kennedy

Hugs

I did this for a class once a few years ago, and it was a great experience!  Amazing how we, as our cultures have evolved, don't interact much anymore....   Here's how it all started...

Have a beautiful day!

Go hug someone!

My House

This is where I live now.  It's in a neighborhood with lots of kids and friendly neighbors. 

I live in the basement that has 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. My

roommate Cathy,  and her daughter Lucy, live upstairs. We share the kitchen and living room area. 

It's small, quaint, cozy, comfortable, clean, and I like it.

Thank you

Somebody delivered the most generous, exquisite gift I have ever received to my work, with the intent of staying anonymous. I sat on the floor and cried. Right there at work. Its something I have been wanting for a couple of years now, but could not afford. Who could have possibly done this? Whoever you are, thank you, thank you, thank you. I've not really even picked up a camera for the last two years because of how crazy mylife has been. This has renewed my excitement for photography and the urgency to get started with my passion again. Thank you. So very much. You're an angel, whoever you are!

I know, I know, another video - but this one is so powerful! I hope you can feel a connection.  (click here) Enjoy the Ride!  

A wonderful Message

Its FRIDAY! Don't have to go to work for a couple of days! Woo hoo!

One of the most inspiring talks I have ever heard, on a level that works for me, at a time when I need it most . . . . enjoy!

HAPPY SPRING! I just learned of Holi . People in India and other countries with large Hindu populations celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors. It is celebrated as a welcoming of Spring, and a celebration of the triumph of good over evil. Each year people come out into the streets and welcome spring with color and playfulness. Instead of coloring eggs, you color your family, friends, dogs and strangers until the entire community is a rainbow of celebration!

I am so way totally ready for SPRING! How about you? Say GOODBYE snow!

My latest Chrissy photo - no makeup

I ate 3 dozen of these by myself in the last 2 days ....... I don't feel any better...

Just had to share this . . .

His website

In coming up with more strategies for change and improvement for myself for this year, I've come up with one of the center-most things in most people's lives, and that is what they eat. I have found that when I don't eat right, I don't feel right. When I don't feel right, I don't act right, and when I don't act right I don't do things as well either. So, I am going to concentrate on eating better so that I can feel, do, act, and BE better! I TRUST myself to successfully follow through with this - not just for a little while, but from here forward!

Resolution Revolution

My sister showed me a neat site - One Word - that inspired me to do something different for New Years this year, and thought I would share it with you!

Pick a word for the year.

Just one word. That’s all.

Rock Band

After our Christmas dinner and gifts, we went over to Kevin and Becca's house to play with their new toy. It's where you can actually sing into the microphone or strum the guitar or play the drums along with the music and prompts. It like the real thing - you can sound really good or really stinky! We had a LOt of fun!

Merry Christmas!

I wish you all a peaceful Christmas filled with joy and love

Joy to You this Christmas