Happiness

A month ago, a Marine vet in Illinois pulled a beautiful photo off my friend's Instagram and put it on a facebook site, ridiculing my friend's partner for being a gay 1stSgt. The post was quickly removed but as you can likely imagine, my friends had to work hard to brush off the negativity from that experience.

I just want to say, I am so proud that I live in such a open and wonderful community and it warms my heart to see more people be warm and welcoming, even when they personally disagree with another's lifestyle. Oh yes, we can always improve but at least here, we truly live the american dream, "...life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

See more of my photos here and here.

Wedding Photographer-To The Rescue

God works in mysterious ways

A friend of my Ex-husband referred a wedding client to me. After meeting with the couple and learning about their needs, I discovered that they only really wanted coverage of the ceremony because our mutual friend didn't mind covering the reception. In order to keep the price of my services within their budget, I offered to shoot at an hourly rate instead, really, that's almost unheard of and certainly not recommended to do for weddings as it takes away from your bottom line when calculating editing, gas, daycare and other such expenses. There was just something about this couple that spoke to me and I wanted to do this for them.

The rain held out for until after their outdoor ceremony and we got back to their reception venue to find that our mutual friend, who was going to shoot the reception, wasn't there. I was now off the clock, and they were not about to let a lack of reception photographer rain on their parade, BUT I didn't feel right about it. I told them I'd stay until after they cut their cake. I am so glad I did.

Those are some good lookin' blobs!

Something about letting strangers "borrow my camera (for a sec)" just makes me nervous. None the less, that's exactly what I let one of the amazingly fun guests at the wedding reception do last night. The gentleman who took these pictures isn't a photographer, and I ended up giving him (and the lady I'm talking to in these pictures) a quick rundown on how to use a camera. EXPENSIVE CAMERA TO LEARN ON GUYS!!! It was great fun.

Getting better

Hey, you've got the hang of it!

I enjoyed rubbing elbows last night. I genuinely enjoyed these people's company. One of my new acquaintances is a real sweetheart, even offered to bring Justin and I up to golf as his guests. After being seated at his table and getting to know him, and a few other business men and their wives, a few them mentioned they were in need Of photography for portraits, upcoming projects, and advertisements. One of my other new acquaintances runs a bachelor/bachelorette/private party service in San Diego and they were in the market for a promotional photographer. Don't mind if I do!

I'm thankful my ex's friend didn't choose sides and felt comfortable enough to refer me (he is a photographer who worked with other photographers, I wasn't his only choice). I am thankful that my clients were amazing souls. I am thankful that our mutual friend was unable to make it to the ceremony and that I chose to stay. Everything happens for a reason. I got some great images that my clients will treasure for the rest of their lives and I made some awesome new friends and contacts. You just can't put a price on that.

Dang, I'm a good teacher. ;-)

Exes and Ohs

This is a conversation my ex and I had a while ago. I'm sharing it today as I believe it's a good example how two people can still be friendly and lift each other up, even after they're no longer together.  It starts with his text:

My reply?

***,

I got your message today. I wanted to tell you... as the father of my children and my friend, I love you too. You have to know that you have driven me insane over the last eleven years together, but I am certain you feel the same about me! Those little quirks... the fights... the love... the most amazing kids in the world, have all combined to shape us into the people we are today, and you know what? I wouldn't change a thing.

You are a good guy and I wish you nothing but success in all you seek to accomplish, happiness and the ability to separate yourself from work to appreciate the finer things in life, and MOST importantly, I wish you Love. True, Your next girl won't be as awesome as I am ;) but I know, when you find one you want to be serious with, she'll (he?) be worth it.

Man... Divorce is tough. There aren't many rules and I feel like the California Legal system was designed by a blue falcon (if you know what I mean). None the less, we're creating a good path. There have been some bumps in the road and I anticipate more bumps in the future, however, we're connected by the amazing bond we created through our children... for the rest of our lives (or until one of us dies.. you're older, just sayin')

To some things up *** Elgie, I'll use the words of a wise man. "I have been, and always shall be, your friend." (Spock, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan)

………………………………………………………………………………

All good things come with love.  

1 Corinthians 13:4-7  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (NIV) 

Let's dive into this, shall we... Love is patient/it is not easily angered, I am not. I expect everything to be done in a timely manner and done right. However, Love is teaching me to be more patient.

Love is KIND/Love isn't rude. I know I have said things that have been unkind, even rude to others, even our mates. After having a heart to heart with J, I found out that I had unintentionally been rude to him by being overly honest in my opinion of his religion. Here all along I have been striving to be open minded and seeking equality for all beliefs and ways of life, and yet I was rude to the closest person to me. I know I've certainly said rude things to my ex, especially in his choice of sexual partners and parenting skills. Well, I now realize that his partners aren't my concern, in fact, only SOME of his choices regarding our children are of my concern. The hardest test will be coming next summer when he has the kids. I have to trust his parenting and not criticize his techniques or be so hard on him when he isn't a perfect parent. He hasn't been the primary parent in their lives so how can I expect him to know everything that took me until now to learn? I can't!

Love doesn't envy. Well now... My little green eyed monster used to raise it's head when my ex would get a night out and I'd be stuck with the kids all day.. Then my jealousy grew to him having a life and friends outside the house, his work was his escape. I wanted to work outside the home, but we could never afford daycare. I wanted a life and friends too. I had given up my life, my home, my family and friends when my ex joined the Marines four years into our marriage. That was his choice, and now I had to give up everything where I was alone... and HE got a break? I found it very difficult NOT to be jealous. Now, in my current relationship, I am only jealous that my partner's strengths are my weaknesses. He is "wicked smart" in areas I struggle to understand. He retains information, and sometimes... JUST sometimes, he takes better photos than I do. I am learning to let go of jealousy and be genuinely happy for my mate. Thankfully, I only have had jealousy issues with my mate, and very rarely towards anyone else. My parents raised me to be appreciative for what I have as well as the knowledge that What I have is a direct result of what I earned. I can't be upset that someone earned something that I want but haven't yet earned for myself. 

Love doesn't boast, it isn't proud, it is not self-seeking... Wow. Do you know what this means? It means when you're genuinely loving someone, you will not be thinking about yourself. You think about what's best for them. You do things for them to show them your love and you don't do it for recognition or praise.

I hope you choose to truly love the important people in your life. Tonight, I'm wishing you and yours a very merry Christmas! I am starting the New Year out with some exciting news and projects, so stick around if you want to follow me on a fabulous adventure!

One Love,

Heathery