I know, I know...

...I took this week off. It was not planned so I didn't post it, but I needed time for me. I needed time to figure out some stuff in my head when it came to my future. I know what I love. I know that I am not one that is made for a traditional 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. I know that punching a clock and being bossed around by "the man"(thank you School of Rock) is not me. I know that when David and I decide to start a family I will be home with our children and I look forward to that. I also know that for me I need to have something that is mine. I cannot be one at the beck and call of children day in and day out. I know that I am an artist. With that I have been reflecting in what I am going to pursue in my "art". Photography. Duh...

I am in love with photography. I want to make it mine. I have found something that fills that longing to be something more than I am. I knew that there was something about me that I would be in some random place and say, "That would make a great picture". I would see someone doing something and just want to document it for them. Even though I know that they may not think it is anything, the subtle glace, the sweet touch of the hands of lovers in the park... photography brings tears to my eyes. I know that I have found that "thing" that is "me".

I have watched my parents grow their, now successful, businesses from scratch from as far back as I can remember and thinking when will I find my "thing". Everyone has been telling me that it is singing. I knew in my heart that it was not. No one could understand that just because I have perfect pitch and can sing and memorize arias in French, Spanish, Latin, German and English doesn't me that it is my "thing". That "thing" your soul needs to thrive.

This week I was validated. I heard someone who had, and acted on, the same longing that I have. It was almost what many people would call an out of body experience, but I was fully present. I was there. I heard every word. While I may not ever be "the best" photographer in the world. I can be GREAT and I can be GREAT with that.

On Monday evening I attended the Free to Succeed Tour. Two of my ALL TIME favorite photographers, Jasmine Star (yes, that is her real name) and David Jay were the speakers. In my mind they are by far the most awesome photographers at capturing the moment. I have followed their blogs (you could call me a blog stalker) for over a year. I knew that if I ever had the chance to see and meet either of them I would be there... no questions asked. When I heard that they were going to be here in Kansas I was there! *Plus, I knew that if the two of them ever met me they would beg for me to be their new BFF.* I cannot tell you just one thing they said that resonated with me. They said everything. I heard all of the things that I had been wondering. It was everything that I needed to hear. *Jasmine and David if you are reading this thanks for sharing with me so much valuable information. Thanks for sharing your passion with all of us! If you are actually reading this PLEASE leave a comment. PLEASE... for your new BFF!*

I do have to add that another one of my favorite photogs was here with the tour too. SHYLA. She was the cutest. She was totally what I expected. Shyla was up beat, had the best attitude she also had such and infectious personality and smile (What? I am a dentist's kid). Not to mention the fact that she gave me a rockin' t-shirt and posed with me for a picture. Thanks Shyla. *Shyla if you are reading this please leave a comment!*

A few questions have been asked this week while I have been out of the blogging world. Yes, David and I are going to Arizona next month for a photography workshop. Yes, we are going to Disneyland FOR SURE for Davids BIG 3-0. Yes, the puppies are still WILD (the long walks do help though). Last, but not least... I am still the prettiest! hahaha.

Before I go off to enjoy my weekend with David and the pups here are a few layouts I did this week for David and my scrapbook.

Have a great weekend everyone. Wish David and I luck. We are teaching the 6 year old primary class at Church this Sunday. Yikes! Please pray for us!

Here is also a totally funny site I found through another blog that I read.

Sometimes I do get to places just when God is ready to have somebody click the shutter.

-Ansel Adams

*For all 10 of you that read this please excuse any typos. My proof reader is asleep on the couch with a pup. Lucky.*