Amy's Table

This project was a long time in the talking... meaning my client and I have been discussing it for months. Colors, feels, ideas and then of course we had to convince her husband that I knew what I was doing. After passing his test one night (random questions and topics regarding the techniques) we shook on the deal.
My client wanted a table with an antique white pedestal and all different colored chairs. Husband wanted something else, so this is the compromise we came up with and I love it. I think compromises are always the best!!

We started with  this. Not the best picture I know. But we are moving and listing our house and I have projects going on with every day life. I like to do everything at once. Or at least I have to like it that way because that is how it always happens!

Then on Mother's Day I was able to work uninterrupted, so I sprayed the chairs red.

I haven't ever dry brushed anything before. And I thought that was the plan. She wanted red underneath and ASCP Florence on top. Then, when I sanded the red would show through. I tried dry brushing, realized I was going to sand anyway, so then I just painted like normal. It turned out better that way.

One down, six to go.

I stripped and stained the table top. Husband wanted it to match the floor and after mixing my own color, I was able to make this happen. Below is the table sanded and stained once (not the right color at all!) and the pedestal has the undercoat of red on it.

After staining, sealing, sanding and more painting, I delivered the table. Of course, once I got in the process I forgot to take more progress pictures. But here it is in all it glory in its place. I still have to two of the chairs at home and they need to be finished. I also have some accompanying detail pieces to do, but those will come later. My client didn't care, she was too busy jumping up and down when I delivered it. And she smiled all night long. That makes my heart happy.

Miss McKenna

I have been lucky to photograph some beautiful people. This session was no different. McKenna is such a beautiful person on the inside and out. She has a little edge to her and I think it shows perfectly in these photos she begrudgingly let me take at her momma's request. I am so glad she let me!!

A New Perspective

I just realized that I haven't posted in almost a month. That is embarrassing and not my intent at all. I look around at all the projects I am working on and have completed and can't believe I haven't shared any of them. I will get the projects up, but today is about a new perspective. Something that I have changed and I am proud of.
I arrive early everywhere I go. Maybe that is an exaggeration, but I wish it was the truth. So the other day I arrived early to a photo shoot. While waiting on my client, I was listening to the radio. This song used to be my anthem not too long ago. There is a line in the song that say " I am not sure what I stand for anymore ". This line spoke to me. It was if the songwriter could hear see the words written on my heart. Listening to it today, I don't have the same pull at my heart strings. I do know what I stand for. I am no longer fighting to be me. I have found the place for myself where I can be who I am, flaws and all. I have a huge heart, I have respect for human rights and I live in gray areas. I have friends and family that love me for this. I have found peace with who I am instead of being forced to change or be someone else. There is a part of me that is upset about all of this... knowing that others are in this same situation. If you are constantly fighting to be you, you need to decide what is more important to change yourself or your surroundings. Change is scary, but it was the best thing I have ever done. And the best part about all of the fear, is that while I was in it, I found myself.

The Girl Who Hates Bows

Of course sweet Hadlee Paige is not the only baby who does like bows... or hats... or anything extra on their body (like shoes or socks) but she is the one in my life! She is not mine, she actually belongs to a sweet friend, but I get to love on her almost daily and I am claim her as my own! Her little rolls are so adorable and I love how her emotions are expressed through her hands. I was able to capture a few personality shots during our shoot... because really, who can pose a 9 month old and make them do what they want? Truly, I wanted Hadlee to be herself and I wanted to capture those moments and expressions for her sweet Momma and Daddy. To me, those are things worth remembering.

Miss Erika

The quiet girl in the front of the room who had all the answers (if I called on her). That is what I thought about Erika the first day she walked into my English classroom. Little did I know what a determined and talented girl she was! She became a cheerleader in high school and was asked to be a cheerleader at South Plains College. She is now graduating from there and moving on to a four year school. The little girl from small town Amherst has big plans. I am so proud of her.

Surfer Girl in West Texas

McKaylee is a star swimmer at her school, devout Christian, misplaced surfer girl (no waves in West Texas!) and she just had a lump removed from her side. No news yet on what/if the lump is something to worry about. She pushed through a season of swimming and made it all the way to the State championships just to have it removed the next week. We decided to photograph her in all her glory. She is strong, tender-hearted and a survivor. And very loved by her momma!

Here are a few from our session.

Weight of Words

Today I arrived to pick up my girls from their Parent's Day Out program. I was so excited. The day was beautiful, we were going to play outside at the playground and I couldn't wait for the girls to show me their eggs from the hunts earlier that day. I walked into my oldest daughter's classroom and heard the five words no parent wants to hear from their child's teacher... "Emily got in trouble today". Apparently, my precocious daughter told her class during nap time to 'shut up'. I was instantly angry, disappointed and embarrassed... in myself. 
I quit my job and decided to be a stay-at-home mommy. I wanted to have a lot of influence in my daughters' lives. I wanted to be there for her when she needed me. I wanted to set a good example for her. I have not done these things as well as I wanted.
Am I being a little hard on myself ? Sure. I am. But why shouldn't I be? Being her mommy is my job. And she deserves to have the best example I can give her. If I was working for a business, they wouldn't let something like this slide.
I have said over and over again that I know the my 'attitude' and my 'sarcasm' are not attractive qualities on my daughter. She pays attention to everything I do. She watches and hears when I wish that she wouldn't. It is time for me to change my words and no just admitting my faults. Actually doing something is what counts.
I asked a very good friend today what she would do in this situation. She told me that she would redirect her child but not punish them because it's not right to punish her for something she picked up from someone else. That someone else was me. I was the negative influence
I was so mad at myself. But then in the same hour I watched this sassy little girl pat her little sister's head and sing her a song to calm her down. She loved on her little sister and put her to sleep. There was so much love in her touch and tenderness in her voice. I would also like to think she picked that up from me too. So I have not completely failed, but I have taken some missteps.
My daughters are wonderful daily reminders about so many things. Today, the reminded me of my faults and my shortcomings. It is what I do with this information that matters.