i thought of a few different ways to approach the open theme this week.  i finally decided on a play on the word rather than trying to be super creative with the shot.  today Ayden played in a March Madness game at school.  by choice.  he was given the option and decided to do it.  this is a big deal because my sweet child is not a team sports player.  he has played a bit of golf, i’ve tried (unsuccessfully) to get him to play tennis with me, but team sports have never appealed to him.  he is not aggressive by nature and i think having people depend on him scares him.  he is afraid of failure.  this is an awful fear to have at such a young age.  i try my darndest to help him get past this fear.  not so that he will join a team.  if he never plays a sport, that’s fine with me.  i just do not want him to go though life being afraid to put himself out there.  there is nothing that will hold you back more.

so today was a big deal because maybe that fear is fading a little.  maybe he is realizing that messing up isn’t the end of the world.  having fun is so much more important.  and normally, there is always a lesson to be learned from that mistake.

so this week my image is of Ayden…with his arms in the air clearly showing his teammate that he is open.  but more so, today he was open to having fun at something new without the fear of failure.  proud mom day for sure.

and nic’s image.  check out her story here.

next week’s theme is movement.

little late this week.  i blame nic:)  this week’s theme was missing.

the obvious thing missing in my image this week is the frame without a photo (which the nice UPS man delivered to me shortly after taking this picture).  however, what is really missing is my ability to leave this wall alone.  i have changed the arrangement countless times trying to get it right.  the nail holes are embarrassing.  chances are i will change it again today.

and nic’s image.  check out her sweet story behind it here.

next week’s theme is air.

this week’s theme was authentic.  i think…well, actually i know, that when i picked the theme i was a little POed.  i was in a bad mood.  i found myself so tired of seeing the same things from photographers.  reading the same words.  seeing the same props, same poses, generic ideas.  i was feeling totally uninspired with happy clouds and rainbows (even though i shoot plenty of happy clouds and rainbows for clients).  these photographers keep banging out client peeks and announcing sessions they are headed to.  and that day i am received one too many client inquiries who scoffed at my “high” prices.  i promise i won’t stand on my soap box and preach about how if you book a bargain photographer, you will get bargain products, not just prices.  that’s a whole ‘nother post that i will never publish.

anyway, all that said was just to give you a little story behind the word.  authentic.  at that moment i longed for something real, something original.  something true.  not even the most fantastic idea ever.  just something authentic.

well, the next day i realized, what the heck was i thinking.  what the heck am i going to show in one picture that represented the “authentic” that i was trying to accomplish.  so i decided just to keep it simple.  a little peek into my non glamorous world.  my little work station.  in the corner of my newlywed bedroom.  full of random notes and Lego mini figures.  that i have beyond outgrown.  but it works for now.  for me.  until mr. wilson gets so tired of it that we find another solution.

and yes, my calendar is flipped to February…of last year:)

nic will be a bit late today with her post.  but check in with her here.

next week’s theme is missing.

this week’s theme was yellow.  mustard yellow is currently my favorite color.  it just makes me feel all warm and happy.  my image is of the scarf that i wore for mr. wilson and i’s wedding a couple months ago.

and nicholle’s image…

next week’s theme is authentic.  hope it is fun and challenging!