i'm finally getting something so basic, i can't believe that it seems like such a new concept to me. i'm realizing that my sporatic workouts, my less than stellar eating habits, my good intentions about working through *an artist's way*...basically a whole lot of things that i haven't been disciplined about, are never going to happen, if i don't make a conscious choice and make them happen. i've been thinking, "as soon as i get caught up on this or that...." and i'll never be caught up. so i just need to make my priorities top priority, and not let other things distract me. i'm not talking about putting relationships off, i'm thinking more about using my time wisely as far as working, and internet time. plus, i think i put unrealistic pressure on myself to get my shoots edited super fast. and it's just not a speedy process. so pacing myself and realizing that this is my life now, and i don't have to work around the clock. i remember making a decision quite a few years ago, to start my day with coffee, Bible reading and prayer; and at the time, it was a huge commitment. now, i wouldn't think of starting my day any other way. it's become a way of life, so to speak. same thing with skin care. i used to be super lazy about taking my makeup off at night, and using moisturizer. then one day, i noticed that my skin was looking pretty abused....so i made the decision to be disciplined about taking care of my skin. so now, i'm recognizing that there are things that are important to me, and day after day is passing without getting around to them. so this weekend, i'm going to re-evaluate some things and have a fresh start on monday. i share this, because just typing it out, makes me more likely to follow through : )
last night, i had the pleasure of taking photos of one of the most inspiring families. i got a glimpse of what being a part of a military family is. just a glimpse. drew and sharon are friends of ryan and jennifer, and when i mentioned that i wanted to find a military family to photograph, jennifer suggested the gobers. the minute she suggested them, i knew they would be perfect. last july we met drew and the kiddos at ryan and jennifer's lake. sharon had been deployed to afghanistan. i already had an admiration for this family. drew, stepping it up and keeping the household going, the kids *sharing* their mom for the greater good. i have such respect for them. even more so, after last night.
my breath literally caught in my chest, when i saw this image. i don't know when i've had such a strong emotional reaction, to a photo that wasn't of one of my family members.
this is the location that i was dying to use. it's going to be developed soon, so i was super anxious to get these taken.
i asked sharon about their specific job titles etc...and i'm not knowledgable at all about military rank, but i do remember, that when asked, she said that drew is 05, a lt col, OSI (remember the 6 million dollar man?), working counterintelligence, and sharon is 04, a social worker/therapist and i forget her rank. after a shoot, i'm usually not very good about absorbing facts...i'm still thinking through the shots i took. another very refreshing thing was how unassuming they were. they thought there was probably another family more deserving-they had NO sense of entitlement. such an unselfish family-wholly, as a unit. i so appreciate the gobers and all the other military families who are making sacrifices daily for our freedom. thank you so much!
God bless each of you!
I LOVE this post and I LOVE your photos! Gorgeous! Have a great weekend!
Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | August 15, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Beautifully done. I know what you mean about the first picture. I had a similar reaction. It's an award-winner, for sure.
Posted by: Barb | August 15, 2008 at 12:37 PM
LOVE these images, what a beautiful family! tell them THANK YOU for serving our country from me. God bless them and you for doing this beautiful shoot of them! i so LOVE the image of their hands and the flag. amazing!
t
Posted by: tara pollard pakosta | August 15, 2008 at 12:43 PM
It is an amazing shot! Good eye, Beck.
Love to you.
Posted by: Auntie Jaynee | August 15, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Becky,
My heart aches to hear the diagnosis about your Mom. Please know that my thoughts and heart are with you as you face this together. Time is a gift, and you clearly know how best to spend that time. She is lucky to have you!
Posted by: JenGallacher | August 15, 2008 at 04:40 PM
First, I have to agree that these photos in their entirety are beyond the word "moving"...the first one esp. sets you up for the rest. They tell a story of real people, with adorable children, with families they love - people like you and me - who bless us with their sacrifices in order to provide the freedoms we so take for granted. A heartfelt thanks to them and all of our military families, past and present. And thank you Becky for using your gift behind the camera {and your sweet spirit} to share such a wonderful shoot with the rest of us.
Posted by: Sue | August 15, 2008 at 05:27 PM
Wow--these are wonderful! And so meaningful. Thank you so much for sharing them--I am continually thankful for the sacrifices of our military families.
oh, and 04 is a Major in the Air Force(and Army)
Posted by: Leigh Ann | August 15, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Great photos as always!!!
Posted by: Canidce | August 15, 2008 at 07:51 PM
AWESOME photos and family. Thanks for sharing their pics and story. God bless them for their service to our country.
Posted by: psmullican | August 15, 2008 at 08:56 PM
She is a Major, great photos they are truly amazing.
Posted by: Amy | August 15, 2008 at 09:46 PM
I love these photos! The first one is so poignant (and I love her nails - so feminine in this setting) and they look like such a happy family. Thanks for sharing your art again - I always love it!
Praying for you, your mom and your whole family as you deal with this turn in her health. May you be surrounded by God's love and His peace.
Posted by: Crystal | August 16, 2008 at 12:45 AM
God's richest blessing to this family. I feel blessed just reading about them and seeing their photos. So very thankful for our military and the sacrifices they make for us. Take care!
Posted by: tami | August 16, 2008 at 01:24 AM
A beautiful post, Becky! thank you for sharing those thoughts - I always leave your posts feeling inspired with my own life stuff.
I love all the shots, especially the one of them sitting on the stairs with the US flag hanging in the doorway - beautiful!!!
Chris
Posted by: Chris Dodaj | August 16, 2008 at 09:11 AM
Becky, I always love your photos, but these are exceptional photos of an exceptional family!! I cannot imagine the lives they lead.
p.s. I love the "Smile for our security cameras" sign!!
Posted by: keely | August 16, 2008 at 01:52 PM
becky - these are amazing. wow. you are so talented!
Posted by: Leslie | August 17, 2008 at 07:48 PM
It was nice getting to talk to you at Vicki's party. I am in love with your blog!!! You are so blessed with such great talent!
Posted by: amy stewart | August 17, 2008 at 11:04 PM
Those shots are amazing, Becky!!! What a great site!!! I'm so glad you found such a great family for the shots!
Posted by: holly k | August 17, 2008 at 11:26 PM
BECKY, being from a military family... and just saying goodbye to my brother in Seattle, literally yesterday, who is setting off for Iraq tomorrow, that first photo moved me to tears, not of sadness but of complete pride. Pride in the individuals and families who make up our Armed Forces. They are often overlooked and under appreciated.
That photo speaks volumes! I really think it needs to be seen by others, prayerfully consider allowing God to use it in whatever way He deems fit. (I know you would anyway :) ) But I have a hunch...
With love,
Kim
Posted by: Kim | August 18, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Love the pics .. sure wish you stayed close to me, I would pay you to take pics of hubby and I and our children in uniform, so they could have something to look back on .. these shots are beautiful .. WOW .. love the one with them holding hands .. Go Air Force.
Sasha
Posted by: Sasha | August 18, 2008 at 08:38 PM