making mistakes

*source*

I saw this today and it just hit me sideways.  I had an interesting weekend....huge 28 person (holy cow!!!) family photoshoot and once it was over I just felt like such a complete failure.  I felt like all I did was make mistakes.  I felt so full of doubt.

But after a good heartfelt talk with my husband about my goals and dreams for my photography, and then seeing this quote, things fell into place.  

I am really trying.  I am learning.  I am growing.  

I am taking pictures and that is what I love to do.  

things I learned

Today I turned 25...and in following tradition, I created my list of things I learned during the previous year.  (to see my list from the last two years click HERE)  Its a project that always makes me feel a little nostalgic, glad for the life I have, and grateful for the fact that I record so much of it here on my blog.  And so, here is my list for this year.

1. I am as strong as I remember. 
2. Surprises make the best memories. 
3. "You might not like where you are, but like where you're headed." -J*
4. Creativity helps me make sense of life.
5. Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. 
6. It is possible to overcome a great feeling of loss. 
7. There is nothing like falling more in love with the one who already holds your heart. 
8. I must never forget to make time for writing. 
9. There is a reason why the square peg doesn't fit in the round hole. 
10. My story is worth being told, through whatever medium my heart decides. 
11. The first step in reaching goals is setting them. 
12. It really never hurts to ask. 
13. It is important to savor the feeling of a completely project. 
14. Half-aversaries should be celebrated too! 
15. Be open to the possibility of new beginnings. 
16. Indulge in little things that make you happy...like sunflower seeds. 
17. The relief and responsibility that comes with being a homeowner. 
18. When you trust in God, give him control, and do what he asks he really does provide "all other things." 
19. I am passionate about design. 
20. Dry shampoo is magical, and so are purple streaks. 
21. I am a scanner...and its okay to not pick only one thing to do with my lfie. 
22. HULU is a wonderful invention. 
23. We really hsould go on vacation more than once every 4 years. 
24. Behind the camera will always be one of my favorite places. 

things i learned

today i turn 24 years old... and every year i do a list of the things i've learned during the previous year.  and this year the concept fit in perfectly with the theme of DISCOVERY over at Scrapbooking from the Inside Out.  so today i have a kit layout and a list to share.  how pretty are these papers??  i was so excited to use them when i pulled them out of the kit!  yum!

and here is my list:  23 things i learned at 23

1. sunflairs make any picture better. 
2. getting a puppy can teach you a lot about yourself. 
3. my mental and emotional energy is too precious to squander on negative pessimistic people.
4. an examined life is one worth leading...especially when examined through a viewfinder. 
5. Windows 7... it was my idea!! 
6. my hair is and always will be constantly changing. 
7. trauma may callous our hearts but it can also bring us closer to those that matter. 
8. karaoke is one of my most favorite things. 
9. courage doesn't always roar.  sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying "i will try again tomorrow"
10. i have a passion for photography and the editing process. 
11. having an online presence is important to me. 
12. the opposite of loneliness is not togetherness... its intimacy. 
13. it is an honor to work with the special team of ladies over at SFTIO.
14. nothing compares to the thrill of performing on stage. 
15. i love being involved in weddings, especially as a bridesmaid. 
16. my problem is with the setting of goals, not the reaching them. 
17. i should never stop writing poetry...my soul needs to write words. 
18. little things make me really happy.  like my Starbucks cup. 
19. a f/1.8 lens can help me make magic.
20. my piercing is a special part of who i am.  its staying!!
21. its the friends who see the pain behind the smile who really matter. 
22. thursdays will always be my favorite day. 
23. the hard times pass like the good ones do. 

 so here is to a new year of life.  a year that's going to be full of much happiness and even more lessons learned.  thank you to everyone who 'comes along' with me on my journey through reading my blog.  you make me smile. 

8-18

22 things i learned at 22

1. I love making coffe.
2. changing my hair color a lot is good for my soul.
3. There is nothing as powerful as true forgiveness.
4. With my photography I can capture my point of view as art.
5. There is magic in September sunsets.
6. There is nothing like the look your true love gives.
7. Being nice to people can sometimes lead to chocolate!
8. Getting older means that your younger siblings get married…but its okay cuz they ask you to take pictures for them!
9. Sometimes dreams really do come true: in the form of a brand new car.
10. The concept of “going to school” from home is really nice…but a lot harder to follow through with.
11. I love walking hand in hand with the love of my life through the fallen leaves.
12. Sometimes “stay”cations make the best vacations.
13. Even in the face of economic crisis true love can remain strong, and grow.
14. Apartments full of mold make for pretty lousy, sick filled winters.
15. There is nothing like Happy Mail!
16. Flickr is so full of inspiration.
17. My style of scrapping is uniquely my own…and that’s a good thing.
18. Alcohol poisoning is not fun.
19. Being a part of weddings brings me so much joy.
20. The blogging community is full of wonderful, supportive, kind and generous people. I have made many a friend.
21. If I can’t be a professional singer, I can at least belt it out every week at karaoke.
22. “Forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead.” –Phil 3:13