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2010 ShootQ Grant Recipient
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I t is with much pride I make the following announcement. I was a small part of the judging process for the annual ShootQ Grant and I'm thrilled with the outcome of our decision. There were many amazing entries and the selection process was definitely an exercise in compromise and communication, but at the end of the day, I think we're all proud of the worthy recipient.
The 2010 ShootQ $10,000 Grant Winner is Annie O'Neill!
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| For more information on how to submit applications for future ShootQ grants, CLICK HERE to check out the website! |
    
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This Morning's Conversation on a Walk
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JD: Please don't do this to him...again...
J*: Polo loves this! Trust me!
JD: Jaz, look at his face. I doubt he's what I'd call Happy.
J*: Polo, you wub dis, don'cha boy? You wub all dis attenchon from me, don'cha boy?
JD: I don't think he likes when you talk to him in your puppy voice either...
J*: Of course he does! He told me. Last night, in fact! So, there.
JD: It's official. Our kids are going to hate you. |
| Polo wubs me werry much... |
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A Second Look : Magazine Publication
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I n the last few weeks I spent a lot of time combing through files from various weddings for a few things I'm working on. Namely, I'm submitting weddings for possible publication, and I really don't know what the heck I'm doing...or if I'm doing it right. It's a new chapter in my life, but I'm excited to do things on my own and work on relationships with magazines on my own.
I'll admit I'm scared out of my mind, but I plan on learning from every mistake I make along the way. I mean, isn't that how life usually works? Sure, I'd love for there to be some secret advice and/or document detailing how to do everything, but--ehh--I'll figure it out.
I ran across a few photos from weddings that have been submitted to various magazines and it wasn't until I looked at them a second time around that I appreciated the photo in an entirely different capacity than the original edit. Life is full of pleasant surprises...
Emily and DJ's Montage Laguna Beach Wedding...this shot is JD's |
| On different sidenote, I plan to announce my next workshop very soon, so to be the first to know, be sure to sign up for my newsletter! Happy Monday! |
I felt it crash over me like a wave of sudsy bath water. Warm, refreshing, clean. This morning my mind drifted to my childhood. A place of love, comfort, and joy...but also a place of sheer nothingness. Twenty-something years ago, my family refrigerator sat empty--with the exception of the Arm&Hammer baking soda nestled in the corner--and the pantry carried a few government-issued goods, like pinto beans, rice, and a silver tin of peanut butter. There were days when we had nothing to eat and then, randomly, a neighbor dropped by a box of lemon yogurt and a loaf of bread. Days when we wished to eat at McDonald's and dip fries in crimson ketchup, only to receive gift certificates from my father's boss. Days when a $4 allowance for thrift store shopping yielded a brand new Stussy shirt...and a Spud Mackenzie watch to boot! Daily miracles that would later shape my view of life.
I fought back tears because I've come so far. My refrigerator is fuller, I can order a side of fries, and I can choose to shop at thrift stores. I tried fighting the urge to forget. The urge to turn my head from a past I sometimes want to forget because of the memories of being made fun of for wearing the same clothes every week. I was reminded today of the beauty of remembering for by doing so, I know the person I want to become.
A person who lives simply. Because in simplicity there is excess.
I'm writing this today so that when I read this post five years from now, I never forget who I am, from where I've come, and where I want to go. I'm truly happy with my simple life...with my oddly decorated living room...with my mismatched chairs...with my generic toothpaste...owning a pantry with slightly more than pinto beans and peanut butter. When I focus everything I have, I hardly notice the things I want. And I couldn't think of a better way to appreciate my life and who I am.
A person who lives simply. Because in simplicity there is excess. |
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Michigan, In a Series of Squares
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T here are times when pictures say more than words. I plan to thoroughly blog about my trip to Michigan and the epic time we had with Amy and David Wenzel, but I didn't take my professional camera so I fear I don't have the fanciest of photos to display. I did, however, take my point and shoot camera to document our days in order to help me remember just how beautiful life is. Because it is. Beautiful.
JD teaching me how to play poker with pretzels on our way to Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids was heavenly.
I used the coster on the left, and David used the one on the right.
Experiencing David's new vegan and juicing lifestyle with a mix of beets, apples, carrots, and oranges.
Driving to Lansing, Michigan.
Presenting at MTPPA.
We're excited to visit Lake Michigan for the first time in our lives.
Amy and JD run toward the beach.
Beauty.
David documenting JD first experience with the icy water.
Blatant self promotion.
Amy doing what she does best.
Synchronized swimming. Sorta.
Happiness.
Trying--and failing--at a cooler version of happiness.
Jump David Jump.
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