I have been blogging for years and at different stages I have written more (and then less) from my heart. Mostly, depending on the business of life.

I’m in a great place right now. i have so much to be thankful for and today i decided to write out my thoughts on the blog instead of my journal…so here goes…brace yourself for random:

I miss my sisters. I have 2 and the live in Canada and England. Most times it’s fine but, lately it’s not. I miss them. I wish I could help them with their kids, let them go on date nights and sit down for a cup of tea…but I can’t. I see them 1-2 times a year and it’s hard.

I have incredible friends. Friends that are like sisters. I don’t deserve the amazing women that surround me. I could turn to them ANYTHING! For help, prayer, guidance, hugs and support…they would help me. These relationships have not come easy but they were definitely worth the fight.

I love the stage of life I’m moving into. I’m sleeping and so are my kids. Life is systematic and I love that. I’m at home learning my kids and trust me, that’s a full time job!

I feel settled in photography. I know who I am: a mentor, a visionary, a relator, and a business woman. When I went to WPPI with a couple of close photographer friends I came up with a way to describe my photography style. I am a romantic-comedy story teller. I have a little cinema drama in my images but the essence of my photography captures the love and joy of relationships. What do you think?

I love that we skipped winter this year. Can we do that again next year?

I married the most incredibly hard working man. He does well with…most things. And no matter what is thrown at him he is faithful to complete it. I’m so thankful to be his wife.

I’m so glad I bought a couple of plants this week. I love looking at green stuff in my house!

I love having a blog. A place where other women come to be encouraged and sometimes challenged. I’m not the greatest writer but I put my heart into everything I do! What are you putting your heart into right now? I’d love to hear.

Photography is not hard! Look for the right light in the right space and focus. Pick an open field and a pile of rocks, put the sun behind the family and expose for the faces of the family…shoot fast and do crazy things to make them laugh!

PS. The previous post I featured the youngest of this family and this was is all about their oldest! SHE IS SO FUN TO CAPTURE…the blowin’ curls in the open field totally suits her personality! I love my job. ENJOY!

wild Jane.

I love this picture...Sara, you are beautiful!

I couldn't resist turning this to B&W...it's such a perfect quiet moment!

Here's the color version for the Momma...she prefers color in pictures!

I watched this video last night and I was moved beyond words. A few weeks ago I shared how I’m starting to put the wheels in motion towards adding a second blog revolved around the issue of human trafficking. My heart for the children involved in this evil system of buying and selling growing daily.

I love this video for two reasons:
1. It does make a different when we stand up and say something!
2. People do care about the poor and broken.

We’re learning together. Click here to read more.

I was reflecting on everything that happened and how it effected me. I started to write and this is what came out.

Everyone is asking, “How are you really doing?”
My tiredness is slowly fading
My emotions aren’t ruling
And my thoughts are turning
Towards thankfulness.

In the midst of shaking i felt nothing,
Afterwards I’m still moving,
I keep going back re-living,
Stop second guessing,
And starting to listen.

I needed you more than anything
In the midst of pain I was floating
On the prayers of those caring
My burdens you were carrying
So I could rest and hope.

You were there in the shaking,
And now, I’m still standing,
My heart you were holding,
Keeping me, trusting
The one who held me through it all…is the one that holds tomorrow.

If you’ve been considering a canvas and haven’t ordered one…you have order before 5-m on Black Friday to take advantage of

the biggest canvas sale I’ve EVER had.

Yes. It’s a part of my AMERICAN THANKSGIVING tradition. Whew! Growing up in Canada did not prepare me for this but I have risen to the challenge and can shop with the best of them!

Any other questions about Black Friday?
AND YES, I come home after a long day of shopping and barely any sleeping the night before and I wrap every present. The tree is full for a whole month.

And yes, I do forget most of the presents by Christmas day! I’m presently surprised along with everyone else! LOL

Congrats Matt and Jackie! I can’t wait to capture your wedding!

Order now and get your holiday prints cheaper then ever! So excited for you! I ordered mine and can’t wait to get my Christmas cards in the mail.
ENJOY!

Can’t wait to have her again at the Roundtable FOCUSED Photography Workshop! It’s for anyone who has attended a FOCUSED Workshop in the past and wants to take their hobby/business to the next level! Only 2 spots left!

Here is the lovely couple!

"Do something crazy!" Usually means to the guy...grab something! I love those candid moments.

The Miller’s were my first of fourteen families that I shot for the Mini Sessions…hold on for an incredible ride cause I’ll be blogging up a storm for the next few weeks!

Enjoy!

I feel like I know this family but I don't...I guess that means I want to know them more! They seem so sweet!

This is for Jen. A picture of Justin looking "outdoor-sy" Something for your desk.

I know, we’re supposed to have lovely weather this week and I’m going to have the windows open every minute. (pause here to open yours too)

I’m cleaning and smiling -who does that? I hear my kids playing, birds singing, school buses driving by, and I’m organizing up the wazoo. (AND not cause I’m nesting!) weird.

I think we’re programed by our years of school to start over in September and it feels like everything is falling into place…happy home.

Here’s what I need to do this fall:

#1 Apple Orchard

#2 Corn Maze

#3 weekend away up North

#4 Get Organized – home, school, and life in general

#5 Create simple goals and achieve them.

Are you feeling the fever? What’s on your list to do this fall.

List of things not to do:

#1 Don’t complain about my short summer!

#2 Don’t miss the beauty of the fall by focusing on winter woes!

Help.

$20 off a Ammonia Free Color or Organic Custom Facial. (please tell them I sent you!)

Kasia Organic Salon provides beautifying services with a side of “Beautiful Health” awareness. Put your eco-conscience and its cranial encasement at ease during your services at Kasia

The former nurtures noggins with customized blends of essential oils, repairing damaged follicles while helping to prevent dandruff, some hair loss, and scalp irritation.
With the health of your head restored, a skilled scissor shaman will get to work on the style. We are devoted to designing looks that let each client’s personality shine through, so whether you are fun and flirty, serious and sophisticated, or enraged and enamored, you’ll leave the salon with a ‘do to match your personality.

Using their own specially developed organic products in combination with high-end natural goodies by other brands, Kasia performs a wide variety of eco-safe salon services that help clients look great without the unnecessary step of punching Mother Earth in her face. Call ahead to schedule your appointment, and escape to Kasia’s modern, urban-chic abode for a their specialty in Ammonia Free color and Medical Grade Facials!

Reach our Salon Team @ 612.824.7611

KasiaOrganicSalon.com
822 West 50th Street, Minneapolis MN 55419
Informed Beauty BLOG and Facebook Page!

Remember this face? The "I'm going to perm my hair no matter what you say?" face? Well, that was before!

This is the "happy permed me!"

The side view!

The back! Already I want to cut an inch off the length and get funky layers put in! The change of hair is SOOO FUN!

“LAURA KLEFFMAN – come on down!” (I’ve always to shout that!)

So, mark your calendar and come with your camera and smile!

For anyone else still considering coming to the Workshop we have a couple spots left!

Who should attend?

Aspiring and/or established photographers who want to freshen up their portfolios and learn new technical and creative photography techniques.

Cost Includes:

- Over 3 hours of hands-on training with Noemi Hedrick

- 2 groups of live styled models to add to your portfolio

- Signed model releases on file to ensure you have the rights to use the images you shoot

- Technical & Creative on the spot training

- Learn how to get consistently accurate exposures in changing lighting situations

- Interacting with models, natural posing techniques, capturing images with impact that will stand the test of time

- Q&A during and after shoot to discuss challenges

WHAT TO BRING?

Bring your digital SLR camera and a smile:)

Preferred lens is a 70-200mm to keep everyone at the same shooting distance so we don’t get in each other’s way. You can bring other lenses as long as you are considerate and avoid standing in front of other attendees during the shoot. All gear should be stored on your person to keep you mobile. Bring paper and pen for on-the-go note-taking.

• Date – Saturday, August 27th, 2011
• Time – 5:00p.m. – 8:30p.m.
• Location – Meeting Location will be emailed to attendees.

Register today!