Atlanta Baby Photographer | Atlanta Family Photographer | Newborn Photography

Another edition of Monday Love…

A quote:  ”Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing.”  Harriet Braiker

Something Personal:  So often in my life I have found myself waiting to do things until I can do them perfectly.  Even when I launched my photography business in 2007, I was so worried about what people would think of my work, my website, my talent (or lack thereof).  What would people think of ME?  It’s uncomfortable.  Terrifying actually.  There was another quote I came across by Rosalynn Carter, “Once you accept the fact that you aren’t perfect, then you develop some confidence.”  Right now, today, in this moment, I feel like I have finally accepted that I’m not perfect.  I have always known that I’m not perfect, but accepting that fact (and loving yourself anyway) is a much different feeling.  The most interesting part about this “awakening” is that I not only have a deeper love for myself, but also for my family and friends.  I find myself wanting to reach out to them and tell them how perfect they are in my eyes.

I see you.  I see how hard you are trying.  You are a good person, an AWESOME person.  You have a beautiful smile.  You are doing a great job at this thing called life.

That’s what I would say.   And hey, I just said it.  To you.  Believe it!

And so, in the spirit of imperfection, I wanted to share some photos that are far from perfect.  Taken with my iPhone, in those quick moments that would have been lost if not captured on camera.

HAPPY MONDAY!!!

Another edition of Monday Love…

A quote: “Today you are You, that is truer than true.  There is no one alive who is Youer than you.”  -Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday to you!

Something personal: Exactly one week has passed since I turned FORTY!  Say it with me…. FOR-TEEEEE!  It’s hard to believe because I remember being twenty-something, and forty sounded REALLY old.  But honestly, I don’t feel really old at all.  I feel great.  And like many forty-something people have told me, it’s the beginning of some of the best years of life.  It’s a time of confidence, wisdom, and living without so much worry about what everyone else thinks.   I think I’m beginning that part of my journey.  Accepting who I am.  Loving myself for all my strengths and weaknesses.   I’m trying to put myself back at the top (or at least somewhere NEAR the top) of the priority ladder.  I want my kids to see a woman (not just a mother) who lives life to the fullest, who loves her family and most of all her husband, who is strong but admits weakness, who can laugh at herself and admit wrongdoing.  A woman who is not perfect in any way, and yet still beautiful.   That is my goal for the next 10 years (or more)!  :)

I felt so unbelievably grateful for the company of friends and family at my birthday celebration, and most of all I felt loved.  There is no greater gift than that.  Thank you!  XOXOXOXO to my sweet husband, for giving me the gift of love every.single.day.

So, enough of the mushy stuff…..  It’s about a month overdue, but I wanted to write about my Kylie Bear’s 6th birthday.  A far cry from the Spa Princess Party last year!   After much deliberation, she decided on a Pirate theme, with a treasure hunt of course!  The second choice was a Star Wars party since, in Kylie’s words, she’s “into boys.”

Argggghhhh!  Every time I wanted to take a picture, Kylie gave me a really good pirate growl – but I convinced her that I needed at least ONE “nice” pirate picture too.

Jeff was in charge of the treasure hunt, and he did not disappoint.  He made a treasure maps for everyone (to scale, matching Taylor-Brawner Park of course!).  We told Kylie this would be the last year that she could have a BIG party so she got to invite all of her friends at school, plus all of her neighbor friends.  And then, there are all of the siblings as well.  Needless to say, there were A LOT of kids – close to 40.  And leading them on a treasure hunt was no small task.  I have to admit I was so proud watching Jeff entertain the kids for this fun event.  Love that guy – ahem, pirate!  :)

I loved this picture of the kids swarming down the hill to find the next treasure.  I’m sure the other people at the park were amused by the madness.  Or maybe not.

The Pirate family.  ARRRGGGHHH!

That’s it for today.  Happy Monday!!!