filling the well...

anyone who is in a creative field of work or even as a hobby, knows that it is essential to fill the well. for me, it's typically just a matter of new visual stimulation. window shopping works. a pretty little cafe or walk among the trees changing. it really is so simple...but as a person gets more busy pursuing creative endeavors, it's easy to forget how important this is. i can work and work at a project, and struggle to get it to come together....and then i'll realize that if i take a little field trip downtown or take a walk, my project will usually come together effortlessly. i am always amazed at how that works. it feels counterproductive, when there is so much to accomplish and deadlines to meet...to stop and take a break. but it almost always works for me. yesterday was that kind of day for me. i took a break and went for a fun day with my auntie jaynee and mom. we went to a sweet knit shop, one of my favorite inspiration shops, lunch at a lovely locally owned cafe and then a stop at pottery barn. i even took my camera and asked the shop owners if i could take pics. i really bristle at doing this. i love taking the photos, but i usually prefer to be sort of invisible as i shop. pulling out my big ol' camera and asking if i can take photos, takes me out of my comfort zone. but i do actually enjoy it, once i get going. i plan to share the photos i took later this week. i still haven't shared my photos from french general. i'll share those later this week too.

we so enjoyed having dave and jaynee here. it's so quiet here this morning....i'm feeling sad that they're gone. it's hard having loved ones who mean so much, so far away. i am thankful whenever we can spend time together...and thank God for the internet. (did i really just type that?!) but seriously, it's so much easier to stay in touch via our puters. this morning it hit me that i took almost no pics of our time with them. i was so busy with shoots, that when we were hanging out, i just wanted to hang out. now i'm sad that i missed the opportunity. one of my favorite memories of their stay was sunday night. i had to work on a couple of projects in my studio, so jaynee sat on the floor(i offered her a chair) and worked on her knitting project. it was so relaxing and comfortable. i just enjoyed every moment we had together. now, it's back to reality. it's a good thing that i like my reality...or i would be really letdown right now.

friday night, i did a shoot with an awesome couple and their adorable dogs. i had a great time! the dogs were so fun and energetic. i loved that we didn't do standard portrait-ish shots. we just let the dogs explore and we tried to capture them as they really are. sort of like my approach to photographing children and their families. i love to capture *real* life. not so much the posed stuff.  so i have to say, these are some of favorite photos with people and dogs.

 

i adore animals....and especially dogs.  i get that they are like family. i loved photographing jacob and jana with their *girls*.

today, i am determined to get some balance back with my eating and exercise. i've gotten really out of balance in that area. isn't it crazy, when you are in a good place with almost every area of life, except one, and it tilts everything else? i'm not out for perfection. i just want to find balance. that's my word lately. i want to be well-rounded. passionate, sure. but not at the cost of health or relationships or whatever is out of balance. right now, for me, it's my eating habits and lack of exercise. but, my mindset is right, so i'll get on top of it. oh and i weighed myself for the first time is months this weekend....and it wasn't all that bad. so i know i can get where i need to be with just a bit of effort and awareness. i ate my yogurt and flaxseed for breakfast. now to stay on track. and hopefully get a workout in. no excuses. after all, i'm a firm believer in making time for what's important. so if you tell me you don't have time to scrapbook or read...i'm going to interpet it as, "that's not what's important to me". harsh? not really. it's okay. because typically someone who tells me that they don't have time to do those things, will, in the next breath, tell me about a tv program they've watched. humorous, but i know i do it too. i'll say i have no time to do *yada*(like working out!), but i make time to do other stuff. whatever. i think we are conditioned to think we need to make excuses. wow. this got off track. letting my mind wander as i type. not too smart. btw, this is NOT directed at anyone in particular. just an observation. i'm totally looking at myself as i write. i am just as guilty as anyone.

so, with that being said, have a great day! make time for what's really important...to YOU. and God bless you!

Comments

[Cami @ Heart-Shaped Rock Cottage]

I'm so making time! You have a lovely day too Becky.

[Vicki Chrisman]

Glad you had a great time out with you mom and aunt. You know I'm loving these photos with this couple and thier "girls". The one with the dogs and the stick is fantastic!

[psmulican]

Becky, If you get a chance would you say again where you have prints and especially canvases printed? Also, if you have a link for Kelly who did the aprons at the Affair Deaux event in Cali. Thanks! and thank you for always sharing so much good stuff!

[Kara Ward]

Okay, the couple is cute but the dogs are FABULOUS...now, I want you to take photos of Coco. Good luck, she is speedy. I am cleaning out my yucky basement. I sure wish I was window shopping with you! Kara

[JOAN]

this morning I wanted some good music..so I turned becky's blog on.. thank you my friend

[Gayle]

Ahhh...I needed to hear that about making time for what is important Becky. I've been thinking I've let myself go long enough, it is time to exercise and put first what is important.
I love the couple with the dogs. you captured who they are with the dogs, it made me smile.