can you see me?

if you look closely, you can see me...

life has been so busy...it seems like the last year has literally flown by at record speed.  thank goodness i have pics to document the visual "footprints" down life's path.  

an old adage says that children learn much more by what you model - what you do and how you do it - rather than what you say.  my hope is that my "busyness" translates into a work ethic that teaches my kids to persevere, to make some sacrifices for the greater good, to hold on because one day all the studying and hard work will pay off...not just financially, but inside.  it feels so good to work hard for what you love and what you care about as opposed to having the "good life" fall into your lap (or at least that is what i tell myself to cope with those really crappy days - especially since i know no other way ;) ).  when you are invested with your heart & soul - your blood, sweat, & tears - it shows, and gosh darnit, people respect that.  

i see you in me and i hope that you see me in you.  all my love <3...

peace & bliss,

amy 

catching up...

is it even possible to get all the way caught up?

i don't think it is for me...even if i finish all the tasks i have to do, there are 10 ideas floating around my head of things that i want to do?!  it just doesn't stop...

anyway - here are a few photos from the promotional DVD i made for The Cottage Counseling Center to use at our booth at the county fair.

i really wanted the photos to communicate the uniqueness of the The Cottage Counseling Center and the creative therapeutic approaches it has to offer to clients.  i am proud to be one of the therapists on this inspired team of professionals...
seeking help is hard.  we all would like to handle life's challenges on our own, but the reality is, we don't have to.
peace & bliss,
amy

i'm baaacckkkk...

i have a strange sort of logic...i believe each monday represents a new beginning.  mondays have become my universal "start" for whatever intentions i wholeheartedly plan to commit to - working out, eating healthy, organizing, reading, creating, relaxing...blogging.  i know that each new day is a new beginning, but by starting on a monday, i allow myself some wiggle room.  sometimes it benefits me, sometimes it permits me to procrastinate a little while longer...

and although i know that it is officially tuesday at this point, i wanted to get back to blogging so i am breaking free of the monday mindset...yes!! now i need to get a little exercise in too ;)
peace & bliss,
amy

from a recent photo walk downtown

the truth...

reblogged from here

the truth is... i have a hard time speaking the truth sometimes.  the last thing i want to do is say something that might hurt your feelings so instead, i keep it inside and hurt myself.  the truth is...nothing you say is as hurtful as the things i say to myself.  the truth is...i would give my right arm for you, take a bullet for you, step in front of moving train for you.  the truth is...my heart hurts because i love you and value your opinion.  the truth is...you and i are different, but that doesn't make one wrong or one right.   the truth is...my thoughts & feelings don't matter because you can justify everything you say and make no apologies for how you say it.  the truth is...i can't change anything, but i would still give my right arm for you, take a bullet for you, step in front of a moving train for you.  

the truth is...the truth is worth speaking even when your voice shakes.

searching for some peace & bliss today, 

amy

TGIF?

this week has been quite a week with several ups and downs.  today is a new day & i will make the most of it.
peace & bliss,
amy

...in other words, follow your b l i s s

"you don't have to get a job that makes others feel comfortable about what they perceive as your success. you don't have to explain what you plan to do with your life. you don't have to justify your education by demonstrating its financial rewards. you don't have to maintain an impeccable credit score.  anyone who expects you to do any of those things has no sense of history or economics or science or the arts.  you have to pay your own electric bill.  you have to be kind.  you have to give it all you got.  you have to find people who love you truly and love them back with the same truth.  but that's all."

via DEAR SUGAR, The Rumpus Advice Column #72: The Future Has An Ancient Heart

peace & bliss,
amy
p.s. happiest of birthdays to my grandma ruth! love you!

i get a lot of slack for lugging my camera around everywhere i go - if i don't feel like taking my big camera, i at least try and keep a little point and shoot handy.  i know it can be annoying to those around me to be photographed all the time or to have to wait on me while i snap a few pictures of something that caught my eye...BUT i cannot explain the innate need to photograph the world around me.  there are no words to describe the profound emotion i feel when i look back at pictures...photographs are visual footprints - they remind me where i've been, the people i have loved along the way, and inspire direction into the future.

photographs capture moments...memories that last well beyond the images in them.

so...in the end, i will take the slack.  it is totally worth it :)

here are just a few pics from recent shoots...

 

happiness hangover...

there is a quote that reads, "friends are God's way of apologizing for your family" - but no apologies necessary this way. i am incredibly blessed all the way around...

happy 4th o' july

the spread

food, family, & friendly competition

food that nurtures the soul :)

proud kickball champs

cha cha now y'all...

me & my jay
friends = family = best friends 

what a great 4th of july!
peace & bliss,
amy

happy 4th of july!

today is all about independence...but interestingly enough, i am stoked to spend the day with family and friends who i can depend on come hell or high water! wishing you the same sweet dichotomous balance.
peace & bliss,

amy