Looking Back and Giving Back

I'm loving my break from work deadlines to tackle some of the lingering projects I continue to push to the back of the list...you know...like taxes, backing up computer flies, packing the winter clothes and getting ready for spring.  Taxes have to be done this weekend.  Then, it's deciding which seeds to start planting for our garden. And after that...the project I'm the most excited to conquer is sifting through my digital photos and videos of the boys.

Here's my plan...  First, to organize my iPhoto library - clear out the old photos, organize the ones I'm keeping and back them up!  Then, I'm going to pick my favorites and make a photo book for each boy.  Then, I will go through all of our home videos and make DVD's so we can actually watch and enjoy them, and not let them get lost in computer-land.

I started organizing just a few photos this morning and I am so excited to dedicate some quality time to this project.  It could be daunting if I really take a look at just how many photos I have to go through, but I am enjoying moving at a slow pace.

And for some reason...this project is just a little more fun while wearing a cowboy hat.

I'm realizing that one of the reasons I am falling in love with photography is that it is giving me the visual tools to document my children's history.  Isn't that cool to think about?  Someday, they will look back on all of these memories and be reminded of the special times and love that they were surrounded by during these precious years.

As I look through my photos I've been reflecting a lot about what it means to be a mother. With all the devastation going on in the world, sometimes I question what life is all about. It makes me think about how I'm contributing to the world and how I can continue making it a better place.  A friend and past Inside Out participant reminded me yesterday that one way to give back to the world is to raise our children to be responsible, loving, and compassionate beings. 

And that is why I am passionate about creating the life I love, and inspiring others to do the same, because when our life-purpose is aligned with how we are living each day, then we have no other choice than to be joyous and happy.  And teaching our children that happiness comes from within, is a great, wonderful gift.  When we feel happy at our core we feel moved to share that happiness by being of service to the world.  

Growing, being, laughing, doing, documenting, sharing, giving, receiving...  That's what my photos remind me of, and that's why I am dedicated to being more present in my life...and going deeper along the way...

Your Personal Reflection:  What do your photos say about your history and how are you making the world a better place?

A Different Perspective

During the weeks before Ashton was born I made sure to spend tons of quality time with Kestan.  I knew we were all in for some big changes and I was kind of emotional about it.  I let go of work and made sure to be less distracted and more present so that he was getting my fullest attention.

We went on lots of "adventures" and took time for creative play.  Here's a fun activity we did that I think many of you will enjoy doing, too.

After reading this post on Aimee's Artsyville site I got the bug to drive to Lawrence. She lives in my college hometown, which happens to be about 45 minutes from where I live.  It's a really cool, creative, indie place and anytime I find myself craving inspiration I gotta make the drive there.  

So Kestan and I went on a short road trip for some spontaneous fun.  The only goal - to let Kestan lead the way with coffee and camera in hand.

I bought him a disposable camera, which for a two-year-old who can already operate an IPhone this was a lot like buying him something as archaic as a VHS tape.  He didn't get why you couldn't see the photos instantly and he really didn't get why he couldn't record video.

But once he got past the novelty of this old-fashioned thing he had a fabulous time getting to express himself through the lens.

And I just smiled as I waddled slowly behind him.  It was so adorable seeing what caught his eye.

He made sure to have his "hot coffee" (aka: water) with him, too, and stopped about every 20 feet to take a photo and grab a swig.

And here are just a few of his unedited, super-fab shots...

Isn't it cool to see from the perspective of a child?    

Another thing he didn't understand was - what happened to his camera?  Why in the world did we give it to the lady at the grocery store and instead of giving his camera back, he got an envelope of photos instead?

But he sure loved sharing his photos with us - and each one had their own special story.  I gave him an old photo album that I found from decluttering my art closet and now he has his own special book.  

This was such a fun experience and I can't wait to get him another camera!

Your Personal Reflection:  Get out and play with your camera today (and if you have kids - let them join in on the fun!)   Enjoy moving slower, being spontaneous and seeing things in a new way.