Let me repeat that.

In exactly 24 hours from now, I will be sitting down for breakfast with Jasmine Star, and my entire ReSTARt experience begins tomorrow. I should be freaking out right?! But I have to say, I’m not… well, yet. Maybe it’s because J* is so awesome at making you feel like you know her. Like, I MIGHT be gifting her with a friendship necklace because we’re BFFs and all. Or maybe I’m not freaking out because I haven’t even been able to wrap my brain around the entirety of awesomeness that ReSTARt is. Maybe it’s because my girls are screaming at each other over who gets to answer Dora’s question first, and being in Seattle focusing on photography never sounded soooo good. Or maybe I’m just in complete denial. Change is gonna come, oh yes it will.

So for right now, I’m excited!! I’m excited to learn!! I’m excited for the opportunity to focus on the business side of my business! I’m excited for the huge kick in the pants!! I’m excited to meet one of my photographer idols!! I’m excited to meet all of the other wonderful photographers who will be participating in reSTARt!!

My cup is full and my gratitude is immeasurable.

And for the love, internet. Please be kind.

Let me start at the beginning- I just got done skyping with Jasmine Star. Like, THE Jasmine Star. The photographer who I have idolized since day one of me building my business. And not only was she on my computer monitor, talking to me, but she was wearing the same  sequin shirt (HA! BONUS!). After a few weeks of emails and interviews,and my heart racing each time my email pinged or phone rang, she just invited me to join her in Seattle for three months so she can help me re-do my entire business. There are no words that come to mind to describe how I feel right now- pretty much like the luckiest girl in the world. 2013 is looking to be pretty freaking amazing and I can’t wait to grab it by the horns, buckle down, get serious, put my nose to the grindstone, jump in with both feet, go through fire and water, bring my A-game, and git er’ done. This whole experience will be the best thing since sliced bread. Excuse me while I try and wipe this permanent smile off my face…

Here is a little more about Jasmine Star’s reSTARt: :)

And do you want to see my RIDICULOUS entry? Here you go:

And her official announcement!! <Boo-yah- cute girl and my vibrato made the cut!>

And if you don’t know who Jasmine Star is- you better get on it. She’s awesome.
www.jasminestarblog.com
www.jasminestar.com

I have always struggled with this concept. Aren’t we artists? How can you compare one artist with another? Is Monet in direct competition with Degas? As a photographer, we all have our different techniques, styles, and point of views. We are all unique. About 3 months ago I discovered a group of photographers with this exact like-mindedness.

In my house, they are simply known as “the group”. To the rest of the world, they are known as Showiteers. It all started with a guy named David Jay who wanted to create a website design software for photographers that not only allowed them to control and customize their own website, but to showcase why they are unique. This software is awesome. I’ve been using it for a little over a year, and it has completely revolutionized my business. But not only is it website software, it comes with a world-wide community of thousands of photographers (and some designers) who are not only freaking amazing artists, but some of the nicest people you will ever find. We are connected through a facebook group-but it’s more then that. I have met local showiteers who have now become dear friends. I have talked to showiteers from all over the country on the phone. It is a group where photographers are there to lift and support eachother. It is a place to ask questions (even stupid ones), and receive a flood of answers. It has helped me in every aspect of my business, and there are no words to express the gratitude I feel for being a part of such an awesome community.

If you want more information about the Showit software or the Showiteer community, hit me up! I would love to tell you more about it! Or you can visit www.showitfast.com too.

‘UNIQUE • UNITED • FREE’

Just because you CREATE a beautiful new blog, doesn’t mean the time to blog will appear out of thin air.

I’m trying to be better, I promise!

Lesson #2

Some things never change. Summer just arrived in the Pacific Northwest, oh, about a week ago. To give my black thumb a chance to flourish, I only gave myself the responsibility of ONE tomato plant this year.  I had managed to keep it alive for months (oh my parents will be so proud)- until my sweet daughter (who’s thumb is apparently as green as mine) decided to lovingly water it. For hours. <Sigh> Maybe next year.

Lesson #3

I need to accept the feeling that I want to throw up. I’ve been super excited about all of my weddings this summer! For a long time I was hoping that at some point my nerves would calm down and I wouldn’t be so nervous before each weekend. But I have soon realized it means that I care. And I love my couples and want to give them the best, because that is what they deserve! So for now I’m trying to relish in the “I can’t sleep/don’t forget anything on the list/please don’t rain” feeling.

Lesson #4

Jobs are awesome! Since I started my business 2 years ago, I have been saving. Saving. And saving more. I’m definitely an instant gratification kind of gal- so this isn’t always the most fun route to go. Aside from exciting business expenses (paper, printer ink, website design, gear repair, the works), I have tried to put every thing else away under the mattress (I guess I’ll be changing my spot after I post this). But this week it finally paid off!!! I purchased myself a laptop!!! Oh.. and a few, ahem, other things. It was so fun to experience some of those job perks.

Lesson #5

I can pack away food like a bear preparing for winter. Really, it’s quite impressive. My hubby and I visited Portland for a few days this past week and we organized our day’s activities around what restaurants we wanted to visit. Portland has some incredible food choices and we ate at food trucks, diners, delicatessens, and beautiful over-the-tops restaurants. I may have left 5 pounds heavier, but it was the experience of a lifetime.

Lesson #6

This is probably one of the most exciting things I learned this week. I know, I may be slow on this one- so don’t judge. But Michael Kors and I have the same initials (TA-DA!) .Therefore, all of his beautiful purses and shoes are magically encrusted with MY initials (SO exciting, RIGHT?!?!). And because it totally goes with my business brand,  I’m pretty sure it’s a perfectly acceptable business expense. Can I get a HECK YA?!