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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Monday November 10th, 2008
We all have a big fat cyber-crush on photographer Jasmine Star. Reading her blog, you feel like you know her. Her writing style cuts right through to the heart of who she is and you can’t help but feel connected to her. That’s why it was so weird meeting her in person for the first time… I was ready to pick up a brush and start combing through her hair while gabbing about American Idol. I already adored her from our email exchanges, but I had no idea that I would adore her that much more in person.
Awhile ago, when we were writing emails back and forth, we came up with the grand idea to swap shoots and photograph each other with our husbands… um, yes please! I’m a strong believer that everyone should try to document those pre-baby years when it’s just the two of you, building your life together and understanding what it means to be married. And not only was I excited to turn my camera on the oh so photogenic Jasmine and JD, I was super excited to have her turn her camera on us. (I think I was more nervous about being photographed than I was about photographing them. I really feel bad for my clients now that I know what pre-session jitters feel like).
So when we were out in Los Angeles, David and I hooked up with them to swap shoots and have a good time. At dinner we sat around the table talking about business goals, personality types, quirky marital tendencies, and books we’ve read. I think the lights were going on for David and JD as they witnessed someone doing “photographer things” so similar to their own wife. Like when I got a shot I loved and started squealing and doing star jacks in the alley. =) It was so fun hanging out with another couple who is so similar to us in so many ways, and just feeling understood. I loved it, and I wanted to do it over and over and over. After we left I missed California and I missed gabbing with Jasmine, exploring the crazy streets of downtown LA, getting kicked off of private property (as all photographers do) and doing star jacks in the alley.
I just want to say to Jasmine and JD that it was seriously inspiring spending time with you guys. I love the shots I got of you and I hope you do too. I can’t wait to see the shots you got of us! I think next year we should swap shoots of Pegasus and Polo!! xoxoxoxo
(If you are new to my blog you can click the white button to see a gallery of tons more pictures from the shoot. It will automatically play them like a slide show or you can click through several rows of thumbnails at the bottom to view the photos).
Posted by Amy on November 10, 2008 at 05:27 PM |
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so I’m an official blog stalker! YAY! 
Comments
My coffee mug that holds almost 20 oz. of liquid. I can put 2 packages of hot chocolate and not feel guilty because it’s only one drink! Absolutely gorgeous photos! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
hmmm… maybe it really is the season, i just blogged about not letting things pass me by, in the same vain as your deep thoughts.
hey amy this girl is a natural. and she looks really good on point. i love how you got classic ballet to look urban. how much time did you guys spend? there’s a lot of outfit changes here. they look awesome!
My beautiful boy and the the fact that we found you to document his life… good stuff. =)
Wow… These are great! You captured her beauty perfectly.
omg you need to either tell us what actions you use or should sell some actions because girl I would love to love to buy some!
your colors look amazing!
You will laugh, but I am always thankful for clean sheets on a freshly made bed. No clue why that comes to mind, but it does.
Happy Turkey day.
beautifully written post…and i love the ballet pictures. goodness, there is so much to be thankful for….but i’m going to say my house….and not just bc it’s shelter (that too of course) but bc it’s the first place that feels like a home since i left for college….and bc everyone in our neighborhood is friends. it was built in 1900 and has retained all of it’s vintage charm. i love the natural light that fills it all through the day and the sound of my 2 year old pitter pattering across the wood floors. happy thanksgiving!
Every shot is breathtaking. I hope you never doubt that you are a true artist!! I’m having the same issue with time this year, why does it feel like we just had Christmas?
OMG, you just expressed so well how I feel sometimes. The struggle to live the moment, enjoy the important things, learn to not dwell on the trivia. Funny how we end up being thankful for the simplest details in life, things that are just so easy and natural. I am thankful for many things in my life, but mostly my children and husband. The love I have for them is so great, I know to enjoy and appreciate every day I have with them.
Your pictures from this session (and all others, I’m one of your blog stalker, groupie), are fabulous. Always so many different poses and looks. Have a happy thanks giving.
Great shoot!
Hi Amy!!! Besides the fact that we have the same name… We have a same love too! Photography! I have just stumbled on your website… and I am so thankful too!!!! I LOVE your photography and the life that explodes through your photos. Isn’t it so awesome to capture moments never lived again in all of life!!! I love it!
I just wanted to write you a comment, since you like them… ’cause I always do too when people write… so
“Felicitaciònes” for all that you have accomplished and THANK YOU for sharing it with us!!!
- Amy Molina
ps… i love fresh sheets on my bed too!
COLOR COLOR COLOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!
Anne of Green Gables? I LOVE that movie, and the books, and refuse to get rid of the VHS copy I have, even though we don’t have a VCR anymore! What can be better than a kindred spirit? Happy Turkey Day! K
What a beautiful entry, I love your honesty as it connects with so many people. I’m thankful that I read this entry today as it has left me with a sense of what’s important in life. I think often we just go about our days not really thinking about how important the little things are. Reading your entry has put a lot of things in perspective and a smile on my face, so thank you for this!
Oh my. These are SO AMAZING. WOW WOW WOW.
I espically LOVE the ballet images. ( they are all wonderful ) but those espically speak to me
So do you think I can rewind the day and start over because its late at night and I just read your post and am thinking I may have looked at the day alittle different … thank you for sharing this and being so honest! I love it that you don’t try to portray yourself as being perfect and never thinking stuff like this! Everyone does! You are definitely blessed with not only taking amazing pictures but putting your thoughts onto paper, or blog post … i have to say, I am thankful today for being able to sit on my parent’s sofa in my lounge clothes and watch my nephew starting to crawl. Something so low key, but really … it’s amazing!
Your post has put a great smile on my face today. Your writing is so heart felt I love to read your posts just because they make me laugh and smile. I am thankful for my family I know thats generic but they mean so much to me that I would be completly lost without them. Also your photos of this senior are absolutely stunning! Such a pretty ballerina!
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I am so thankful for my husband and his ability to put up with me no matter how crazy I am…..when I am distracted with running my business he makes sure there are always clean towels and clean dishes and he hardly complains about it….I love that about him! Great images by the way….you are amazing!
oh my word! this shoot is incredible! fabulous, fabulous posing!
you have such a beautiful way with words, I always love to read your posts, they always have so much depth.
I am so thankful for my 2 year old daughter who truly is my miracle child. She puts the wind in my sails each and everyday!
amy, I read your blog for some weeks. I love your pictures and your story how you got more into it ans started your new business. I am kind of on the same way ans trying to learn as much as I can. Thank you for the inspiration.
you.
this girl should be a model!
these shots are all beautiful!
great job!!!
love the lines in her body.
I am glad I am not alone with such thoughts! And when I look at my daughter who just turned 11, I really get scared of how fast times flies! I am thankfull that I have a wonderful healthy happy family!
I thanks for your thoughts Amy! Besides your wonderful photographs, I keep coming back to read your posts and they always touch me!
STUNNING!! How cool is the one of her sitting on the middle green chair, LOVE IT! Love the tutu images too
i’m thankful for my fiance listening even when i tell boring stories, for my two dachshund doggies, Fried & Walter, who are always excited to see me, i’m thankful for my sister who agrees to take funny pictures with me, and i’m thankful for friends who take me as i am!
lovely photos! your girl is totally rockin it!
I’ve been blog stalking for awhile (in the nice way, not the creepy way) and I have to say, this post AND this session have brought me out of hiding. I think these are my favorite pictures of yours I’ve seen so far! Although, that’s really hard to say…I like so much of what you do. And I TO.TAL.LY relate to EVERYTHING you just said. I felt like I was reading my own mind.
And here’s just a couple things I love about life…the thump thump thump sound as my sons scooch down the stairs on their bottoms after nap time, the sound of the doorknob turning when my husband gets home from work (and the resulting squeals and running to the door…yes, mine! lol), the smell of a soft clean towel on my face after a shower, and the really resolute sound of my 5D snapping.
These are amazing images, I like the posing and the post-processing. Great work and thanks for posting.
Just came across your blog and I LOVE IT. Great images.
It’s really disappointing how little you update your blog… I don’t know if I will continue to check back because of this. I love your work but you rarely update.
WOW she is amazingly bella! Look at those legs. Love these.
Hey Amy…
I just love your photos…you are amazing! What kind of actions do you use…they look so like paintings / magazine ads in one?
What a lovely post. So many things you said have been ringing through my head, I too love to hear stories about me that I don’t remember…it almost gives you some self understanding.
I think that if people stopped thinking they were entitled to anything, they would work harder to earn what they get. Seems like so many people are sitting on their hands and thinking they are entitled to success instead of working hard for it. So many people in my generation feel their parents owe them something. ( I get that’s not what you were saying)
Anyway good rant! Hope you have a Holiday Season filled with Love, Magic & Laughter
that 6th pic down is world class….wow
I’m so inspired by your work! I love these photos… especially the ones where she is in her ballet costume - stunning!
I am anxiously waiting for you to post another post!