Day 2: A Blank Canvas

A ray of light is easier to spot in a pitch black room,
A drop of water is more appreciated by one who is dying of thirst,
The value of freedom is truly comprehended by one who was bound, but is now free.
Sometimes emptiness is a great place to start, it is a space all of your own;  a blank canvas to create on...

Ralph Waldo Emerson is one of my favorite writers.  I choose the title "writer" because he seems to be more than just the author of books.  His heart comes out in his writing: be it a quote, story, poem, or book.  I have a book that I write the quotes I like down in.  It is great to review for inspiration, encouragement, laughter, etc  Within the last few months, I have realized that many of my quotes are in fact the words of Emerson.  I find myself writing more lately, something else that has been newly inspired.  I don't feel much like talking, but those that know me, know the words have to get out somehow :) so writing it is.  So with that said it is not what we say or do not say, it is the follow through that matters.  Something so simple as a promise kept, no matter its size is invaluable.  We are only as good as our word.  However, the value of our word is measured in our actions.  No matter how big or small.

A Personal Challenge

There are phases of life when things seem heavy, uninspiring, and that we just go through the day to day motions.  In the last few months, I have been giving serious consideration to "putting down my camera."  A lot of soul searching has been done.  I have not reached a conclusion as of yet, but decided not to sit idly by.  A personal challenge:  to shoot or revisit 3 pieces of my heart a week, for me.  Subject matter/Goal:  Find beauty in simplicity, pay more attention to what is around me, and to find the rays of sunlight in the clouds.  I truly believe if you can not appreciate the little things in life, you don't deserve the big things.  So my quest: "the little things, to become inspired and renewed, to find my heart again."

"Photographers shoot what they are or what they hope to be." -Rebecca Helms

Day 1: My Southern Belle: Life is Tough.  Smart Girls Carry Their Own Sword.

This little one is the sunshine in my life.  Her laugh and love of life brightens the lives of all she is around.  We think we are placed in children's lives to teach and guide them.  This much is true but, if that is all you think the relationship brings, then you have missed the bigger picture.  Children teach us so much more than we think:  To love unconditionally.  To find joy in the simplest things: bugs, flowers, goldfish crackers, nerf footballs etc.  It takes so little to bring a smile to their face.  They don't want you for what you can bring...they just want you, your time, and your attention.  This means put down your cell phone, ipad, get off of Facebook and PLAY!  

This little girl reminds me: my favorite things in life are pretty and useful.  Southern women like to be treated with love, respect, and chivalry.  But don't be fooled a true Southern Belle wears cute shoes and a tiara, all the while wielding her own sword.  She awaits her handsome prince, but he will not find her sitting on a soft fluffy couch, oh no she is a Princess from the South hear her roar!

Heather and Tatum

Heather and her baby girl, Tatum, were so fun to photograph.  This little darlin had just turned one year old recently.  Children grow up so fast.  It was a pleasure capturing Tatum at this time in her life and the special bond she shares with her mom.  

Fall in the South

Fall is my favorite time of year in the South.  The colors are breathtaking.  The pumpkins, trees, fields ready for the harvest are favorites for me.  But the best part is at any given time during the fall, if you close your eyes and deeply inhale ...you will smell warm pumpkin and pecan pies cooling in the breeze.

What do your shoes say about you?

One of my favorite couples:  my best friend, Devon and her husband, Ben.  Their hearts' roots run deep in Mt. Ulla, NC. 

Details are important

Harper is the newest edition to the Lucke Family.  Anna and Patrick I enjoyed meeting your little girl!  What a great team you guys are!  I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this happy girl.

"Aw Shucks!"

I photographed a local Corn Shuckin in Mt. Ulla, NC this past fall.  The host/farmer of this event and his family are very dear to my heart.  I had so much fun.  There was such a great sense of community. Not to mention the folks of this little hidden town pulled together and fed the 100 plus people in attendance.  Then once night fell, everyone headed into one of the larger barns where two steppin' and cloggin followed.  My one regret is that I have the photo posted below and can't remember whom these adorable twins belong so I could share the photo with the family.  I haven't given up.