August Photo Dump

Oh August, where did you go???

K & N Engagement Photos

I am always excited to practice my photography skills. Taking good photos is hard. Even with the perfect light, the perfect background, and gorgeous subjects, it is hard. But I do love it. It is great when you get pictures you love. Photography is like anything else, it's subjective, what I love, you may not love. Developing a style you love, takes time, it takes practice. So like I said, I am always excited to practice.

I was able to do just that recently, with Kimberlee and Nick. Here are some of my favorite shots-

Some times Life is Hard

I feel like I am a lover of life. I feel happy. I am excited to learn new things, I love creating new things and love to laugh. I feel like I live a blessed life. I have the things I need, probably more than I need. I have a wonderful family that I love. I have great friends. I have the opportunity to get an education essentially for free. I know why am here in this earthly life. I know where I want to go. I know the path to get where I want to be. I believe I can do it, that I will make it.

Don't get me wrong my life is not perfect. I am anything but perfect. But my life is good.

But some times it's hard. 

The last couple of weeks have been hard. I have had a cold for 3 weeks which decided to live in my chest and turn into bronchitis. I feel tired. I don't have time to be tired. I have life to accomplish. I had a terrible day in class (tears may have been involved). I was asked to speak in front of our Stake. I am honored but I am worried I won't do the Lord justice.

It's been hard. 

It's during the hard times that I realize how alone I am. I know I have people. I love my people.

But there is something different when you know there is-

Someone at home.

Someone curious about your day. 

Someone to lift you when you are down. 

Someone to listen. 

Someone who believes in you.

Someone who is there. 

On the hard days, I miss that.  

I am grateful the hard days don't last.

I am grateful that the good days far outweigh the hard. 

Interestingly we just conducted our dinner for the General Relief Society Broadcast, our theme was "We Can Do It! We Can Do Hard Things!" Fitting, no?

And you know what, I can DO hard things! 

July Photo Dump

July - fireworks, beautiful Temple, gorgeous sunsets, busted pipes, chocolate overdose, random road trip & workplace inspiration. 

Something to Think About...

We live in a world in which messages surround us, even bombard us. Our smartphones, our computers, and our tablets are constantly buzzing, beeping, and vibrating with every new text, social media update, email, and photograph. It really is instant and insistent messaging.

We must be selective in the messages we choose to receive. It is vital to our spiritual well-being that we not consume so much of our time receiving good messages that we make ourselves unavailable to receive the best messages.

                                                                                                                    -Elder Patrick Kearon

Family Photo Shoot

I was able to take some photos of my friend Mary's family. I love the way the pictures turned out. I am still learning SO much and there is SO much more to learn about the art of photography, but I love it. Practice makes perfect, right? If anyone in Arizona wants family pictures, portraits, or newborn photos take leave me a comment. My friend Ashleigh and I are both trying to build portfolios, so one of will be sure to fit you in. Plus, our prices are a DEAL, right now, aka FREE!

Favorite Find: Hugs via Hot Yoga University

I attend our local hot yoga studio, Hot Yoga University, as well as follow them on facebook. A couple of weeks ago Karin shared a post on hugs, I loved it, so I thought I'd share it with you.

Hugs

We need 4 hugs a day for survival.

We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance.

We need 12 hugs a day for growth.

Here's Why

1. The nurturing touch of a hug builds trust and a sense of safety. This helps with open and honest communication.

2. Hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger.

3. Holding a hug for an extended time lifts one's serotonin levels, elevating mood and creating happiness.

4. Hugs strengthen the immune system. The gentle pressure on the sternum and the emotional charge this creates activates the Solar Plexus Chakra. This stimulates the thymus gland, which regulates and balances the body's production of white blood cells, which keep you healthy and disease free.

5. Hugging boosts self-esteem. From the time we're born our family's touch shows us that we're loved and special. The associations of self-worth and tactile sensations from our early years are still embedded in our nervous system as adults. The cuddles we received from our Mom and Dad while growing up remain imprinted at a cellular level, and hugs remind us at a somatic level of that. Hugs, therefore, connect us to our ability to self love.

6. Hugging relaxes muscles. Hugs release tension in the body. Hugs can take away pain; they soothe aches by increasing circulation into the soft tissues.

7. Hugs balance out the nervous system. The galvanic skin response of someone receiving and giving a hug shows a change in skin conductance. The effect in moisture and electricity in the skin suggests a more balanced state in the nervous system - parasympathetic.

8. Hugs teach us how to give and receive. There is equal value in receiving and being receptive to warmth, as to giving and sharing. Hugs educate us how love flows both ways.

9. Hugs are so much like meditation and laughter. They teach us to let go and be present in the moment. They encourage us to flow with the energy of life. Hugs get you out of your circular thinking patterns and connect you with your heart and your feelings and your breath.

10. The energy exchange between the people hugging is an investment in the relationship. It encourages empathy and understanding. And, it's synergistic, which means the whole is more than the sum of its parts: 1 1 = 3 or more! This synergy is more likely to result in win-win outcomes.

Hug someone today and see for yourself!

Another Adventure...

My friend Ashleigh and I have started a little blog. We would love for you to stop by and check us out, let us know what you think.

Click the link below--
https://capturesunshine.wordpress.com/

Here Comes the Bride

Along with this past weekend being Mother's day it was also my soon to be sister-in-law's bridal shower.  I had a great time. We skipped the cheesy games and help Sarah finish some of her wedding favors, ate some delicious food, and preview Sarah's self-designed, handmade wedding dress.

The bride making favors and enjoying her guests.

The Dress: designed and sown by the bride.

Sarah's mom past away a couple of years ago, so she won't be able to be physically with us on the big day. We know she will be with us in spirit. Sarah's sister Beth gave Sarah the perfect gift, a photo of their mom from her wedding day, so she can be with Sarah on her big day.  (The far left is Sarah's mom and dad on their wedding day, Sarah's mom, and my parents on their wedding day).

Sarah, welcome to the family, we are so blessed to have you.

Black & White

Molly

Nurture Photography Challenge Spring 2013: Pink/Home

I loved the vibrancy of these flowers. I have no idea what they are but they are both amazingly beautiful. They just make me happy when I look at them. 

My Dad's hat on my parents table.

Fresh Strawberries grown by local little family farm. They are so sweet, juicy, and delcious. 

Stop over and check out the other photos at Bumble and light. 

Cinco de Mayo Favs

I had some friends over for a Cinco de Mayo inspired dinner. I used recipes from Skinnytaste. I discovered Skinnytaste a while back and have loved every recipe I have tried. All the picky palates at the dinner table love her recipes too. Here's my Cinco de Mayo menu breakdown (I didn't take any photos...I was too busy enjoying the food!).  I also made my own mango salsa and pico. I think my favorite was the Mexican "Unfried" Ice Cream. So good!

I love having my house full of friends. It may be one of my favorite ways to spend a Sunday evening.

Salsa Verde Chicken Tostadas

Creamy Cilantro Tomatillo Dressing

 

Chipotle's Cilantro Lime Rice

 

Warm Mexican Corn Salad

Santa Fe Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Mexican "Unfried" Ice Cream

*all photos are property of skinnytaste.com

Favorite Post of the Week

I have quite a few blogs that I follow that are so inspiring to read. I just love seeing the creativity of others. This world is full of so many talented people. I thought it would be fun to highlight my favorite post or project.


I loved this post from Lil Blue Boo on a happy marriage.

image source: www.lilblueboo.com

Where do you find your inspiration?

Nurture Photography Challenge Spring 2013: Ivory/Dream

This was a tough theme for me. Arizona weather has been down right HOT! With the high temps this last week, anything with blooms has been fried (insert sad face). Ivory flowers/plants are fairly limited in the Arizona landscape. Maybe I should have gone with dream?

I decided to stop by one of our local plant nursery's - Harper's in hopes of finding some blossoms still in bloom.

 And later stopped by the local Lowe's store.

This a moss. I loved the itty bitty miniature blossoms. They are about the size of a pencil eraser.

Stop over at Bumble and Light to check out the other submissions.