Tis the season
Pictured is Addy and Aly, sisters, set up amongst "Wintery" props. What makes this picture so special is not the lighting, the props, or the location, but what makes this photograph, like any great photograph is the story that goes with it. See, Jennifer, their mom, gave me free reign on how to place them, location and props, with one stipulation that their Christmas tradition was included in one of the pictures. So in about 45 minutes we did around 15 different poses and this one instantly was my favorite. Why? Memories make more memories and a picture that went from 2 sisters sitting on a blanket became another precious memory when I handed them the book they read every Christmas. I didn't ask them to snuggle. I didn't ask them to read...just handed the book to the oldest sister and told her to hold it so I could see both their faces. Once she started reading, I realized I was about to capture something special. This shot reiterated to me that tis the season for memories...new memories...old memories.
Tis the season...we hear this around this time of year... but what does that really mean? Tis the season for hustle and bustle...tis the season to stress over what is the perfect gift for your family and friends...tis the season to pick up that extra shift...for the extra money that you think you need to survive this season?
What if we went back to basics? What if we make " Tis the season." mean it's the time of year that we should slow down and use these holidays to focus on the time we invest in our friends and family? Ask your kids what they got for Christmas last year...better yet, ask them to locate 5 of the gifts they begged for last year...NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE! I am just as guilty in this area, but I vow this year to increase my time and lessen my stack of materials. For at the end of my days, do I want to be known as the mother, friend, family member who gave the best gifts or the person who left a plethora of memories to share and learn from...maybe even smile at?
So this season, instead of investing in material things, how about mixing in some investment in our children, family, friends and community. Stack up memories, not material things.
Classic Love
There is a song sang by the Judds that says, " Grandpa, tell me about the good ol' days. Do lovers really fall in love to stay?" In a world where everything seems to be slipping through our fingers it warms my heart to see a couple like this...still gazing in each other's eyes after so many years. Almost half a century of marriage! I can't think of many relationships that make it through half a decade these days! Meet Kathy & George, they have been married 49 years, have 3 children, 7 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.To see a love like this is not only rare, but inspiring. I have been blessed many times over more than I deserve in life and one of them is the opportunity to meet so many people and learn and be touched by their stories. Kathy & George give me something to look forward to and hopefully experience one day! Thanks for sharing your story!