Photography is a business based primarily on connections:  our connection to our subjects, the connection within ourselves while we create, and connections in the industry and those involved in it.  I love witnessing so many connections within this amazing industry!  I wanted to share an image from a session that I am currently working on. The connection between Lawson and his little sister, Lexi, is so beautiful!  And to have the opportunity to witness relationships such as this is a privilege.

These days find me running and running, although not as much running as my children have been doing lately.  I love that fact that my job revolves around my family’s somewhat hectic schedule!  I would not miss these moments for anything.  Work will always be here, but these moments are fleeting.  I am enjoying every single minute!

How precious is this?  This little girl came in to celebrate her 6th birthday last week and we had a ball creating images to celebrate this occasion.  She already looked liked a princess, we just added the crown to complete the look!  So sweet!!!

Today, I worked for a couple of hours at the solo and ensemble music contests at our high school.  Listening to the music and observing the flurry of activity and excitement among the students took me back to the days that I was involved in these same contests.  The good feelings lasted throughout the day and I cannot wait to attend next year and listen to even more performances from our amazing, talented students!  By the way, my son’s men’s group got a I rating for their rendition of “What do you do with a Drunken Sailer.”  They were wonderful and it was so fun to watch!

I recently celebrated my 46th birthday, and for the first time since I can remember, I am starting to feel good.  Let me explain…

I have lived with chronic pain for many, many years.  I was diagnosed with cancer – Hodgkins Lymphoma – almost 17 years ago.  After radiation and chemo, I just figured that my body would never be the same and living with pain was something I was just going to have to deal with.  But looking back, I don’t ever really remember a time when I have not experienced, in my opinion, an abnormal amount of day-to-day pain.  I was constantly plagued with headaches, backaches, general body aches, etc.

Several months ago, I had my hormones tested.  I discovered that my hormones were severely imbalanced.  Cortisol, the hormone that helps us deal with stress, was almost non-existent.  I am sure that these imbalances became worse gradually over time.  They were not helped in any way by my cancer treatment, but they were also affected by a combination of things, including diet, exercise, and also my type A personality, which makes me a perfectionist and perhaps do not always deal with stress as I should.  The official diagnosis of this is called adrenal fatigue.

So, I began taking multiple supplements throughout the day to start countering the effects of my hormone imbalance.  I addition, I had my hair analyzed for toxins and found that my system had many metals (this is not normal) in it.  So, in addition to the supplements I am taking, I added even more supplements to counter these effects.

In the last month, I have added yoga to my routine 3 times/week.  Studies have showed that this tends to be the best  exercise choice for those suffering with adrenal fatigue.

So, the process of getting well has been time-consuming and expensive.  But, I can finally say that there are days when I am not experiencing pain.  I sat at a track meet this last Saturday for 3 hours and wasn’t crippled when getting up to walk afterwards.  My sleep patterns are getting better.  Even though I haven’t lost weight, I feel “lighter” and overall happier.  And as my husband recently said, “If you don’t have your health, then what do you have?”

Being as sick as I was took a long time.  And recovery will take a long time.  But seeing these little changes already has me so excited to see what my future will bring.  The goal is not to stay on all of these supplements forever.  I will need to continue to get tested every few months in the future, but I am so excited now to see what the future holds!

I had so much and the Professional Photographers of Iowa Winter Convention the beginning of the month!  Members have the opportunity to witness amazing speakers/photographers during this 5-day convention – the best in the country!  I was thrilled when I placed 3rd in the illustrative category!  This print placed a merit that will go towards earning my masters degree with the Professional Photographers of America.

Have you ever seen a more beautiful angel? 🙂  I had so much fun trying some new lighting techniques with this beautiful woman, today!  Cannot wait to work on more amazing images of this special lady!

A few years ago, I had the privilege of taking senior pictures of these 2 amazing students.  They possessed beautiful spirit about them.  They were happy, and kind, and just incredible individuals.  This beautiful couple just became engaged and I could not be happier for them and their families!  Blessings to you, Janice & Damian!  Wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

This darling lady is one of the busiest women I have ever met!  She volunteers at multiple venues, including the hospital.  She has a bubbly personality and keeps busy with her bridge friends, working at HyVee, working on her family’s geneology and helping whenever and wherever she is needed.   Happy 80th Birthday, Diane!  Wishing you many blessings in the coming year!  🙂

What a crazy time this has been!  Wrapping presents, finishing Christmas cards for others, as well as our own, completing last minute portrait gifts….  Whew!  in the midst of a busy season, I want to thank all of you for your interest and support of my business!  From our family to yours, have a most Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!