Music Monday

Keeping things simple here today. I love music, but I just stumble on stuff and feel like I'm 'alternative' and 'trendy' when I like a band I've never heard of... even though it is probably totally famous without my being aware of it.

Luckily, I have some great friends who are more musically cool than I will ever be. Riding on their music-coattails is what I do best. Hence, Exhibit A:

My friend Luke. He posts Songs of the Day on FB for all of us... and has a really mellow groove to most of his choices. I'm currently obsessed with this one...

Steady as she goes... The Raconteurs

One Little Word

Last year when I first participated in One Little Word, my word essentially chose me. This year, it was much more difficult, and I don't have the same conviction that this is the RIGHT word... however, last year the process and result was so rewarding, that it seems like choosing a word and just rolling with it would have to yield some sort of positive result, right? Sure. I'm gonna go with that.

My One Little Word for this year is: CONNECT.


I have simple goals for this word, and I hope to achieve them. Last year, the word accomplish had impact on my life in ways I wasn't able to predict in January, and so I also have some hope that connect will provide insight and benefits beyond my simple goals.

Wish me luck.

12.11.2010 Through My Lens...

Right after Thanksgiving, I got the message from Cassie: “I’m contacting you on my first day home from the hospital with Lillian! When can we take her pictures???” I was honored to be her photographer of choice for her precious newborn. Once we had everyone gathered at her house, I planned a whole afternoon to meet, cuddle, sniff, and photograph Miss Lillian Remele Stoll.

I was so impressed with how relaxed Cassie was as a new mom, and how connected everyone was to each other and the new baby. Even Jack seemed to know what was going on ( and used the excuse to sneak away for a neighbor-dog visit! Smart dog, Jack! )

The day was snowy, yet warm, crisp and clear. Their home had a perfect spot near the glass doors to take advantage of some beautiful (and rare in November!) natural light. I’m thrilled to introduce Miss Lillian to all of you, and I hope you enjoy her slideshow!

Music by Renee & Jeremy

In The Works..

There is a project in the works that I am so excited about. It has always been a part of LHP to support different organizations. I've contributed to the Belle Valley PTA, twice to the Second Harvest Food Bank, twice to the Susan B. Komen for the Cure, and other organizations by giving away free portrait sessions in various Basket Raffles. All the families I've worked with (or will work with!) have been so amazing, and the experience so rewarding in a number of ways that I've spent several months considering, researching and thinking about ways to include more charitable giving in 2011.

As soon as I have more details, I'll share more here. For now, I'm just excited to think about the possibilities!

Possibilities

There are so many possibilities associated with a new year. I'm not a fan of resolutions, but I do enjoy dreaming at the beginning of this year. I'm taking a 'goals' class with the wonderful Aby Garvey over at Simplify 101, and one of her tasks includes a Dream List. Her goal for her students is a list of 101 dreams, which feels really extravagant to me. That's a whole lot of dreaming for someone who is usually far too practical. Wish me luck with that.

I'm also looking at different possibilities for LHP. Last year was a lot of figuring it out as I went along, and that helped me learn a TON about what to do, what to try next, and where I might like to take things. Lots and Lots and Lots of possibilities for LHP.

What are some of your current 2011 Dreams? I'd love for you to share some here...

One Little Word{s}

Ali's post that lists all the word choices her readers have made in 2011.

I'm still thinking about mine. It hasn't found me yet!

Digging out....

Today I've spent 2 hours digging my desk out of the humongous pile of miscellanea that has accumulated there in the past 10 weeks or so. Since we purchased the house I have noticed that it isn't possible for me to have every room clean. Everything in its place (because not everything has a place) and everything tidy. Apparently, I need a dump zone. At one point, it was the spare bedroom (now the boys bedroom). Then, it was the basement room (now toy storage and exercise equipment 'storage'). Now, it has morphed into the kitchen/office... and I don't like it. Everything that doesn't immediately have a home ends up in the Kitchen or the Office and I don't know how to stop the flood.

Trying to put a dent in the pile. At least (I think) things are getting sorted through and put away (or THROWN AWAY) more often since these piles are in spaces that should be functional. Previously... I could fill a whole room, and walk away, just closing the door behind me. Out of sight, out of mind. So, maybe this is better... but it's still a complete pain.

Once the desk is clear, maybe I can actually get some work done.

One Little Word:

So, last year I picked a word for the year, one that would help me focus on some of my goals, and make positive changes. I really feel like I was able to do that, even though about 6 months in I didn't think of it more than once every 8 weeks or so. But, to kick off the year on the right foot, I think it really helped keep me focused.

I wasn't going to do it again, I saw some bloggers started posting about it in early December, and I was so overwhelmed I couldn't think that far ahead, or focus on anything other than the few hours directly in front of me.

Now that the new year is here, and New Years Eve (an evil holiday for me ) is over, I'm really looking ahead, and I think I'm going to do this again.

Last year my word was ACCOMPLISH. I started the year with different goals for that word, but looking back, I can see how just the subconscious effort I put into that word in the the first half of the year totally set the tone for my whole year. When I stop to consider all the things I've really accomplished in the last 12 months, I'm completely overwhelmed, and amazed at myself.

I'll be thinking of a word that sums up my goals this year. I hope you'll think about joining me!