Ten things...

Ok, I have never shared much about me...except for the fact I love photography...so, here goes...ten random facts:

1.  I love playing tennis, but it can stress me out.  I want to win and do well, if I am not doing well, I am stressed out.  Sigh.
2.  I love animals...we have an eleven year old black lab named Beaumont.  Also, two cats names Lola (10) and Jack almost (3).  They all get a long, pretty well.  I don't mind twisting and turning in my sleep to avoid to bother the kitties.  :)
3.  I wish my mom pushed me to stay in activities when I was younger.  I tried dance (ballet, jazz, tap), gymnastics, skating when I was younger.  My mom said I complained and she didn't sign me up again.  My kids complain and I still push them.  I wish she pushed me to stick with something!
4.  I had the highest IQ in my kindergarten class.  Not sure what it was, but they gave me books to read with another smart boy named Billy Mellhouse.  Wonder where he is now.
5.  I love cars, nice cars and am so lucky to have a nice car.  :)  Driving is fun in the right car.
6.  My feet are a size 11.  It stinks.  What really stinks is they used to be a size 10/10.5 until I had kids.  A whole new shoe wardrobe was in order, and I got some great deals and have awesome shoes.
7.  My first brand new car was a Honda Del Sol.  It was white.  It was named the Tic Tac.  I loved that car and it's removable roof and two seats.  I drove it for eight years and sold it for $6k in Seattle before buying my dream car.
8.  I am not a morning person.  Enough said.
9.  I avoid gluten.  Yes, no subway sandwhiches for me.  No pizza.  No wonder bread or pasta (unless it's rice pasta!).  My body just says "no thank you" in it's own way.
10.  I lived in Seattle for seven years.  I think everyone should live away from where they grew up.  It's awesome to move somewhere, start a new job and meet new people...creating a life!  I loved the life we had in Seattle; it just wasn't home.  I love and miss my friends there often.  It was an amazing experience.  Both of our girls and our dog and one of our cats were all born in Seattle!  And, yes, it does rain a lot...from November to April...but it is also 50 degrees almost every day of the year.  (even in the summer)  But, it is sure beautiful when the skies are clear...and it stays light until 10pm.  :)

Inspired.

Yesterday, I drove two hours to Connecticut to see Jasmine Star.  Since I began studying Photography, I have been reading about her and following her blog.  What an inspiration to listen to her story and meet her in person.

She hasn't been at her Photography career long (2006!), but has made a splash.  She had a couple of lucky breaks and encounters, but she has done so very well for herself and now is an A list Wedding Photographer.

Her focus is on doing good and helping others.  I agree with this wholeheartedly.  You get what you give.  And, that the tortoise does always win.  Little by little, I will get there!  Every day I am closer to my goals.  Whether it's advancing a rank in tennis or a certain earning level, with hard work and focus, I am on my way.  And, I will continue to give back along the way how ever I can!  

Work Hard, Play Hard

This has always been my philosophy.  Funny how my play is mirroring my work.

After 22 years, I picked up a tennis racquet again last summer. I wasn't sure how it would go, because, I wasn't even so fabulous the last time I played (in high school).  I took lessons, practiced and set a goal for myself...to achieve a certain level by the end of the summer.  I did it!  And then, got crazier and joined a team for winter play.  I kept practicing and taking lessons and hey, I was getting better.  The Captain asked me to play first doubles.  Wow, really?

First match, we win!  Second, we were slaughtered.  It was painful.  I wanted to cry.  (There were tears during one practice game, actually)  Who did I think I was thinking I could play tennis?  I was never the athletic type.  I should just go back to crafting and be done with it.  Nope.  Kept practicing and playing and realigned my thinking.  Played again in a match yesterday and we won.  Played at practice today, and didn't do very well.  Must keep practicing and learning to move forward!  It's a lifetime sport, right?

Anyhow, I share this story because it has hit me recently Tennis is like Photography.  I have studied and practiced and taken a zillion lessons (seminars, classes, etc).  Some days I feel like the best Photographer on the planet (well, not really, just making a point) and the next day, I am frustrated.  But, I know this is my path and I continue on learning, practicing and realigning my goals.

Professional Photographers aren't born when they are handed a nice camera.  They grow from the time invested in the craft and in learning...and the learning never stops.

Life can be like a roller coaster or like a merry go round.  I have always chosen the roller coaster.  It's a wild ride, but worth at the end when you get off and are so exhilarated, you can't wait to get on again!

Are you a roller coaster lifer or a merry go round?

Life, here it is, catch it! :)  He may only get snow, but he's going for it.  There just might be a treat in it.