Welcome to my blog
So this is a place I rant and rave, wear my heart on my sleeve, gush on my family, and most importantly share my art...the photo stories of wonderful couples and people I cross paths with. Don't be afraid to bookmark it, or leave a comment. I love hearing from everyone and anyone. Check back frequently...I will try to keep you updated.
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(the picture above is from Katie's wedding which will be a blog headliner very soon!!!)
I wanted to let everyone know about some news we recently received. Bill extended his enlistment, in an attempt to pass his G.I. benefits on to our kids, should they someday decide to go to college or trade school. In doing so, you have to have enough retain-ability, he did not, so he extended. My motto when I was in the military was always extend, never re-enlist if you have the opportunity. Keep the ball in your court, if you can.
Well the ball was in our court, because I thought Bill didn't have enough time left in service...guess this gave them just enough months. We were surprised with an assignment to San Antonio, Texas. Bill was given given two options...turn down the assignment and retire in July, or take it.
I have never really spent much time in Texas. Basic training wasn't really Texas, as it was like being in some weird nightmare where you could see a big city off in the distance, but you weren't sure how you got where you were. (that's how it was for me at least. I spent the first few years in the military wondering what I was doing there) That brings up a funny story/memory.
I joined the military with my bff at the time (i say she is my bff now, but i haven't seen her in AGES and you know, you just grow apart, but I love her just the same) Rachel. Rachel and I had a few options at the time, she 21 and me 20. We were going to go live on a barge in Mexico with her uncle- weird idea, but intriguing, I must admit. The other idea was joining the peace corp, which we were not eligible because neither one of us had a bachelor's degree. Then the last came so strangely...my uncle was in recruiting and he had always encouraged me about looking into the Air Force. I had a picture of jets flying over a castle in Germany taken by the late and fantastically awesome Mike Haggerty. I remember Rachel and I dreaming of touring the globe together and fantasizing of "that 'G.I. issue' purse". So we joined the Air Force together what seems like another lifetime- 13 years ago!!
Anyway, I went so far off track it surprises even me. Texas, here we come again, but this time I can be a part of the city rather than watch it from far away while being yelled at in formation ;)
I am ready for whatever comes. I am ready to thoroughly enjoy the rest of our time here in SC. Just as I was trying to be happy right here and just be content, we get orders; go figure.
I am finishing out my wedding season here. I will fly back for my last summer weddings and pray with all my might that we get an extension because they want us there by April, and that's just CAH-RAY-ZEE!! I will stay here with the kiddos so Wesley can finish 5k.
So before I wrap up this last blog post of 2011, (I have plenty to blog, just not today) I will list my resolutions for you, as I am a resolution person and I do fairly well at keeping them. I think this is important because people are here, friends are here to keep us accountable. I challenge you or encourage you to write down your resolutions on fb or email or on a piece of paper and share them with someone. Realistic stuff that you can do. I would love to hear your goals. You can comment below or fb me. I usually have mine written on a board in front of my monitor...sort of unrealistic cause they are staring at you everyday. My good friend and mentor Deborah said "put them away and re-evaluate from time to time", good advice.
1) Be a better Wife, Mom, bff to Jesus
--what does this entail? listening, being present, doing more listening, praying, reading the Bible and anything Ronnie suggests, teaching my children, feeding myself and my passions so I can be a better mom.
2) Getting inspired, learning even more about photography, doing things that are not normally 'comfortable' and Give Back!
3) Stop comparing myself to others---large sore-throat- swallow on that one. I just want to go a little easier on myself.
4) Get arms like Kelly Rippa ;)
5) Get quickbooks working again :( Maybe I will hire an accountant.
6) Be greener, healthier, happier, more positive, talk less about others, and more about what I can do better and wiser
7) Keep in touch with those that really matter to me, don't let them slip away as miles get between us, we are a military family after all, this is what we do; we move sometimes. It's just Texas for Pete's sake ;)
That's a start. Happy New Year. I hope 2011 comes with cheaper gasoline, cleaner water, deeper friendships, more beautiful pictures, warmer weather, longer summers, meaningful conversations, money saved, soul searching, a deeper relationship with Jesus and his Dad ;), more board games, quality time, and of course more romance ;)
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I have chosen some of my favorite pictures from 2009. The images may be my favorite because of the moment/expressions, the light, etc. Some of the sessions just seem to be exactly what I love...from dress (or clothes), to the light, to the makeup. Some of those sessions you may see more images from than others.
Last year was definitely a year for bridal portraits. I have come to realize they are what I love, what I am good at and what make me feel happy. I love creating images that women are proud of, that they feel beautiful in, and that we have a blast creating together. I love seeing everything come together from hair and makeup, accessories, to the shoes a bride chooses to walk down the aisle in. It is all fascinating to me and last year was full of bridal sessions, and ones that let me think and shoot out of the box just a little bit more. I can't wait to see what 2010 holds. I already have the most unique assortments of brides and locations. From mountainside weddings to Jewish weddings I am so excited I could scream. Is it that or the snow that is falling outside...well who knows. This is a year for firsts. A first to have Billy gone for 7 months...a first to have Wesley head off to Kindergarten...a first to be totally and unequivocally outnumbered by toddlers!
Here are MY FAVES
music available on ITUNES or Amazon.com
i am in no way selling music, trying to benefit from music or profiting from the slideshow presentation. I am only trying to set a mood and let the music and photos together tell a story of my utmost joy and satisfaction with what 2009 had to offer.
Last year was definitely a year for bridal portraits. I have come to realize they are what I love, what I am good at and what make me feel happy. I love creating images that women are proud of, that they feel beautiful in, and that we have a blast creating together. I love seeing everything come together from hair and makeup, accessories, to the shoes a bride chooses to walk down the aisle in. It is all fascinating to me and last year was full of bridal sessions, and ones that let me think and shoot out of the box just a little bit more. I can't wait to see what 2010 holds. I already have the most unique assortments of brides and locations. From mountainside weddings to Jewish weddings I am so excited I could scream. Is it that or the snow that is falling outside...well who knows. This is a year for firsts. A first to have Billy gone for 7 months...a first to have Wesley head off to Kindergarten...a first to be totally and unequivocally outnumbered by toddlers!
Here are MY FAVES
music available on ITUNES or Amazon.com
i am in no way selling music, trying to benefit from music or profiting from the slideshow presentation. I am only trying to set a mood and let the music and photos together tell a story of my utmost joy and satisfaction with what 2009 had to offer.
2 comments so far
Rebecca Daniels says:
Ash-I love your faves!!! A lot of yours are faves of mine - there is a girl that is always laughing in your pictures (I'm sure you know what I'm talking about) I wish I could hear her! LOVED that pick of Heath too!
(02.15.10 @ 11:43 AM)
Brenda says:
Thanks for including us in your favs, we had a blast with you and everyone loved the photos!
(02.20.10 @ 10:20 AM)
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The bridal fair last Sunday was a hit. I know that is what you are supposed to say, but it really was. I felt a different vibe this year...more alive, more modern and sassy. I am proud to welcome Blakely as one of my brides for 2010. She booked me on the spot Sunday. I felt an instant connection with a handful of girls and got to see some of my favorite vendors too. I love to chat, especially about photography and anything wedding related, so honestly I wish I could do it again this Sunday. Thanks to my fantastic sidekicks Stacy and Emily. They were there to help me answer questions and to pass out a pink pen or two...hundred.
So here's an update...my resolution was/is to keep you so updated that we are all like roommates without all the ugliness involved in cohabitation. I was having blog issues which seem to be resolved so I am about to get on it. I have to introduce my side kick...show you some recent Abby/Wesley/Betsy stuff...and pretty much open up my mind and my heart to you over the next few weeks.
Past brides will be doing something very interesting for you...keep posted, it's comin!
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