Thursday December 11th, 2008
Well, it’s December. My month off. After working days, nights and weekends for a better portion of the year, David suggested I be exiled from the computer for the month. He even threatened to hide my keyboard and mouse in a remote place where I could never find them. I’m not really sure I’m supposed to be blogging right now. I’m sneaking. I have to admit, it feels really good when someone who loves you tell you to sloooooooow down. Although there was a part of me that resisted having free time and not “being productive”, I finally conceded that I better take my breaks while I actually have the chance. It has been amazing thus far. I took special pains to compile a stack of dvds and books to work my way through. That’s how I like them- in stacks. It sends the message that the fun is never ending! I’ve been so busy taking hot baths in the middle of the day and talking on the phone that I haven’t even started my Christmas shopping. I’m sure I’ll come to regret that later. We are hosting the festivities for my large family at our home this year. I’ll be massacring my first turkey, mutilating my first dish of stuffing, and burning my first pot of mashed potatoes. Heaven help us all.
Posted by Amy on December 11, 2008 at 03:49 PM |
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Wednesday November 26th, 2008
It’s truly hard to believe that Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Brace yourself cause I can tell I’m about to emotionally throw up on y’all. Sometimes I really feel scared because every year that passes goes faster than the year before. My life feels like it’s running on warp speed and I don’t know why. I don’t know how to slow it down. The days are passing without me even noticing, and before I know it the intoxicating summer heat has morphed into the icy, unshakable chill of winter. I never saw it happen. My mind still thinks it’s July.
I never wanted my life to pass by so fast. Some might say I’m young, but that’s not my concern. My concern is that I will wake up tomorrow and no longer be young because 40 years passed by in the blink of an eye. It’s something I think about a lot. The brevity of life. There are days when I wake up stressed out about things and all in a tizzy literally before my feet even hit the floor. Then during my day I’m reminded of someone else’s hardship and I realize that if something SERIOUS went wrong in my life I would feel silly that I was stressed out about such trivial matters in the grand scheme of things. I want to check myself, but sometimes I am left wondering how to do so. I’m terrified of having regrets, wasting my life, or living for things that don’t matter in the end. This is my constant struggle- to let go, pay attention to what matters, and be here right now in the moment, this very second. To feel the breath come in and out of my lungs, experience the gladness that each moment holds if you only stop to appreciate it, and to acknowledge that my life is a gift from God…not something to be taken for granted. It is a miracle that I exist. What can I do with my existence to honor that fact? I had a funny thought yesterday that if it wasn’t for my parents I would not exist. I felt a tinge of resistence and anger when thinking of it in those terms, like I wanted to feel entitled to my existence and not have to thank two humans for it. How’s that for honesty? Crazy I know, but I think it’s just part of the human condition…wanting to feel in control of our own self and our own destiny. If I’m making anyone’s brain hurt on a random Wednesday, I do apologize. I started off thinking I would share a few random things I am thankful for, but it quickly turned into a deep dish pizza of emotional philsophy. So I think I will list a few light hearted things that I enjoy about life, love and just existing in general.
1. The way Pegasus runs to the door to greet David when he comes home each night
2. The taste of homemade apple pie
3. The delicious feeling of clean white sheets on the bed at night
4. Wrapping my arms around nieces and nephews and squeezing them with all the love I have to give
5. Looking at David while he sleeps (in the nice way not the stalker way)
6. Getting a hand written letter or card in the mail
7. Reading my blog comments and loving the connectedness of how others share with me in return
8. Stumbling upon an old photograph in a drawer and being thrust unexpectedly down memory lane
9. Having a bonfire on the beach and laying on my back looking at the stars
10. Driving through neighborhoods at night admiring all the Christmas lights
11. Praying a heart felt prayer and feeling the peace of God wash over me in a tangible way
12. Watching the movie Anne of Green Gables all by myself and crying (guilty pleasure)
13. A hot, hot shower after a long car trip
14. Feeling someone’s arms around me and hearing them say I love you.
15. The relief of waking up from a nightmare and realizing it was JUST a nightmare
16. Waking up and looking outside my window to see a thick blanket of snow covering every inch of my world
17. Laughing so hard that I start to cry and convulse without making a sound
18. The thrill of accomplishing a goal I have set for myself
19. Hearing one of my siblings relay a memory involving me…something I have no recollection of myself
20. The smell of suntan lotion mixed with beachy skin
I would love to hear the random things you guys are thankful for! And don’t forget to click to see some more of this beautiful senior’s shoot!
Posted by Amy on November 26, 2008 at 05:23 PM |
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Friday November 21st, 2008
Well, it’s Friday night, and some of you may wonder what I am doing sitting at my computer when I should be out gallivanting around the town eating Kentucky Fried Chicken and bobbing for apples with my friends. I’m asking myself the same question, so I definitely need to close up shop and go have me some thrilling weekend entertainment. But before I go I wanted to post the photos of this adorable girl who wants to go into modeling or acting. She’s so full of personality and determination, I’m sure she’ll go very far in life! We had a great time shooting her head shots at this abandoned cement mixing factory. When me and my sisters were young, we were determined to be models or actresses, so we used to dress up in the most ridiculous gear and try to take modeling shots of each other with my parent’s camera. (I’ll have to post some of those sometime)! I can’t help but think of those funny moments when I am taking modeling shots “for real.”
Posted by Amy on November 21, 2008 at 07:49 PM |
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Saturday November 15th, 2008
Tonight we went to the Apple store at the mall because David’s lap top was giving him problems (the technology gods are very angry with our household currently). I was still in a horrid mood from yesterday, I’m not going to lie. But then, the heavens opened and a strange and magical thing happened. We walked smack dab into Santa kick-off at the mall! We were greeted by a full size marching band stomping through playing Christmas songs. Larger than life Frosty and Gingerbread Man mascott thingys were dancing behind them and Frosty waved at me. When we rounded the bend, there was Santa and his workshop in all its splendor. The Christmas joy was infectious. I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet, and believe me I didn’t go out looking for this, but it melted away all of my frustration and I just started smiling. Partly because the whole thing was so ridiculous, but partly because I knew deep down that I was actually enjoying the utterly too early festivity. I actually heard myself shouting, “Hey, there’s the Gingerbread Man!” with a little too much enthusiasm for a 29 year old. Sometimes I’m sure I make David want to duck and cover when he’s in public with me. What?? So I got excited about the Gingerbread Man!!
On a side note, I took some photos for Muse, one of Grand Rapids coolest clothing boutiques. I love shopping there and am a huge believer in supporting small local businesses. Being a small business owner myself, I really see the value in putting money back into the community. We love to eat at little dives and local cafes and rarely find ourselves at a chain restaurant. If possible I buy my hair products from my local salon instead of on the internet, or I shop from boutiques instead of at the mall. Lately we’ve even been getting some of our dinners from Making Thyme Kitchen, which I highly recommend! Basically I just try my best to support the things and businesses I believe in. What goes around comes around.
If you are local and haven’t stopped by yet to see their stuff you should definitely check them out. They are located at 924 Cherry St. NE.
Posted by Amy on November 15, 2008 at 12:15 AM |
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Thursday November 13th, 2008
I’ve had a rancid day. Horacious. (Not a word. I know. But you knew what I meant). David came home to find me with my head on my desk in a puddle of tears. I’m not a chronic weeper. It was just really that frustrating. Tonight we are going with a group of friends to catch the opening of the new 007. There’s nothing like a midnight movie to make you feel like a dapper young college kid again. James Bond may not be able to get my email up and running or force my Quick Books to open, but he certainly can shoot people and womanize pretty ladies. So maybe that will be enough to make me forget my woes. If all else fails there’s always the popcorn and peanut M&M’s.
Posted by Amy on November 13, 2008 at 08:29 PM |
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Thursday November 13th, 2008
I’m willing to admit that I have an addictive personality.
For a while it was cinnamon rolls from the local bakery. I had to go get one every single day. Then I started to get embarrassed when they knew my name and what I was coming in for, which apparently was enough of a reality check to make me get help for my problem. Help just meant switching to something else. Lately it has been the chicken salad sandwich from another local shop. Now they even recognize my phone number there when I call ahead my order. While some people might find that pleasing, I personally find it mortifying. I’m the chicken salad girl.
It doesn’t just stop with food, people! More often than not I find myself becoming addicted to a certain tv show. I’ll use it as in incentive for wrapping up my work day, or I’ll use it as an emotional pacifier when I’m feeling blue. And most importantly I’ll lay on the couch at midnight and watch it to help me calm down enough to go to sleep. Taping re-runs of a series on the DVR gets me into trouble because then I can watch the show every day. In the past I’ve even purchased entire seasons of shows which poses my next problem…I can’t control the impulse to watch the next episode, and the next one, and the next one. It’s a serious crack in my will power. After every episode I’ll say, “okay but just one more and then I’m done.” Before I know it I’ve polished off a box set.
This past week I’ve had tremendous trouble winding down to go to sleep at night. It’s like I’d rather wander aimlessly around the house like a zombie until 4am with blurry eyes shoving crackers in my mouth than surrender and allow my bed to steal my precious time (this coming from a self professed sleep-aholic). While previous show addictions have included Friends, Sex and the City, The OC, Battlestar Gallactica, and America’s Next Top Model, there is only one man now with the magic touch who can calm my spirits and draw me closer to the Land of Nod. His name, (insert dramatic pause) is Cesar Millan. That’s right, I shamefully admit that I have a thing for the Dog Whisperer. Maybe it’s his accent, the smile so white it looks like a mouth guard, or the way he can allegedly solve any problem. But every night I curl up on the couch and have a hearty dose of Cesar. I’m convinced that if he would hug me like he does all the clients he works with at the end of the show, that all my problems would disappear, just like theirs. Maybe he could start a new break-out series called The Photographer Whisperer. He could calm us all down, make us stop working so late at night and get our blog stalking under control. (Can I claim this series pitch as intellectual property?)
I wanted to blog this senior session. It’s one of my favorites from the year….
Posted by Amy on November 13, 2008 at 12:01 AM |
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Tuesday November 11th, 2008
Day 2 of the Jasmine Star / Amy Wenzel photo posting extravaganza is upon us. I blogged yesterday that I photographed her and her husband JD, well today she blogged the photos she took of me and David when we were out in LA!
I think the first 10 minutes of the shoot my upper lip was quivering like Elvis. I began to fear I was going to lose control over all my bodily functions and pee my pants or something. But after I got my embarrassing lip thing under control I was able to relax and enjoy watching Jasmine at work. It was entertaining being the guinea pig. I could see her mental wheels turning- cranking away at lightning speed like the funny Energizer bunny that she is, so full of vitality and life. After reading what she posted yesterday, I told her I’m going to be running to the mailbox every day, hoping with all my heart to receive my life size porcelain doll! I could definitely use some protection against Photoshop.
Here’s a sneak peek at her awesomeness. You can view more of the photos including a slide show on her blog!
Posted by Amy on November 11, 2008 at 04:09 PM |
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Comments
Why worry about cooking?! Just have it catered…take the food out of the containers…put it in your food platters…and just say you made everything yourself. I’m a genius. Holllllla!
YAY for you having the time off. So many people have holidays guilt free.. but.. self employed people often feel differently I have noticed. I am having 7 days + christmas and boxing day.. and it shall be bliss. 28th -2nd.. I was thinking I could steal a few more days and do some things in the studio i had been wanting to do but back to work shooting on the 3rd.
But those 7 days … seem SO full of promise.
Gorgeous pics!!! So adorable, looks like they are boarding the Polar Express or something, I wish it looked like that in CA
Wishing your luck with the bird, you are far braver than I, I stick with cupcakes, just different ones for each holiday :)I like making desserts more, they look cuter!
We’ve missed you but I’m glad you’ve got your chillaxin’ going on.
What a gorgeous family and stunning images…
My husband forced me to take a break this week too. I tend to work myself into sickness and that is not good. It is very nice to have a spouse who loves you enough to help you to rest. As hard as it is for me to stop and take time to breath, i always enjoy it after the fact.
I am going to sneek in a comment… these images are amazing.. now go get away from the computer
Love the hats. The kids are so cute. You have made the color just snap. Very cool (not cold), cool!
Oooooo! That hot pink coat! Do they make those in my size?
Love your blog.
Aww, These photographs are absolutely gorgeous! I love them. What a beautiful family!
Yea!!! It’s good to see/hear from you again, but believe that its absolutely fabulous that you are taking the time away to rest and be with your family. Love the pictures {as always}. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
That blonde hair! That blue coat! That pose! I want to put that little boy in my pocket and take him home with me. He is going to be a heartbreaker for sure…
that last shot is like CANDY.
love the blue eyes!
Your work is splendid. If anyone can take time off, it’s you!
Is this in Rockford? Only you…could take a rusty, rundown old train with a green garden hose attached and make it look like Candyland! Such talent! A beautiful family also - gorgeous eyes, darling children and a hot mom too, thanks for posting. I’ve been watching for updates ~ glad to see you back on the computer.
beautiful colors + beautiful people = beautiful images
Very nice Amy!
The last image is most definitely stunning.
such pretty pops of color! Love it! What camera do you use if you don’t mind me asking?
I love finding new amazing photographers.. like you! Wauv! your work is amazing and I love your editing