The Weaving of Life

I couldn't help but share, as I borrowed this poem from a friend.  It helps me cope with the current winter weather patterns, my current life status and those moments where I feel trapped.

Trapped inside my home
Trapped within my life's constraints
Trapped in a house full of kids.
Just plain trapped.

Yet each day I manage to pull thru 'surviving',  and as I go to bed I quietly remind myself, tomorrow is a new day, a new beginning, and something beautiful will happen tomorrow.

My life is but a weaving

Between my Lord and me,

I cannot choose the colors

He worketh steadily.

Oft times he weaveth sorrow,

And I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper

And I, the underside

Not till the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Shall God unroll the canvas

And explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the Weaver's skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

Author unknown

Although there may be a few dark threads I'm sifting thru.  
There is always a silver lining.
hugz & blessings
B

Traveling by Minutes.

WOW!  Time sure does fly.  

I had to leave the ole' blog dormant in effort to focus on myself and re-group as a mom-treprenuer.  

One day at a time, I'm regaining traction and a new understanding of what it takes to fly-solo; I'm ready to dive into 2014 wholeheartedly embrace the changes that are about to happen!!

This picture was the start of a whole new self-awareness.  THANK you to the amazing ATHENA.  for being you, an inspiration & for donating your time and talents so other women can see themselves for who they are.

As a photographer, I tend to spend all my time behind the lens.  Focusing on getting others comfortable with their own skin.  To put myself out there and on the other side meant showing my vulnerabilities.  **sigh**  this is me.  We all have insecurities, and it's those small pieces that make us unique.  I have come to acceptance and a new understanding.

On the Photography Spectrum; I have a few big announcements coming up-- shhhh.... they are currently under a little R&D ~ I will be posting the big news here, so please stay tuned!

My winter has been and will be filled with bridal shows, I'm REALLY looking forward to meeting new brides/grooms-to-be and hearing all the fun details that are transpiring.  There are SO many creative ways to make a wedding day truly your own!

The next stop is the River Falls Bridal Show, February 16.  drop in say "hi", I'll be there with a few special treats up my sleeve {figuratively}.  I'd love to hear what you're planning!  Check out the details here:

Fabulous 5

As promised a give away. WHY?? Because I appreciate you. My fans.
I wasn't sure exactly what to give, but I thought I'd share a few of my favorites. My go-to's, can't live without~It could spell a 'bad' day if I didn't have these simple necessities at my disposal 100% of the time~Even if I don't really need it~I better have it just in case kind of thing!! WHEW!

How it works: I will pick 5 random numbers assigned to each of you from my TellaStory Photography Fan Page. If you match the number selected, YOU WIN! No purchase necessary. Out of privacy & respect for everyone involved, I will not give full disclosure of the winners. I will notify my lucky 5 on an individual basis to set up delivery of their goods..

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for sticking it out and 'listening' to all my crazy post on FB! Rest assure it's been a great ride & I don't ever want to get off!

MY FABULOUS F-I-V-E
1. Oreo's -- for my midnight edit sessions & sweet tooth indulgence.~milk not included
2.  3M- Velcro strips.  These come in handy with my zany need to constantly change my wall collages.
3. Ghiradelli Chocolate Squares - w/caramel.  For those times when I need to 'disappear'-- even if it's short lived.
4. Melting Scent Pots.  A good smelling house is a 'happy' house!
5. Hot Tamales.  These are ALWAYS in my pocket.  I'm slightly addicted- all day long.

You caught me red-handed! Full disclosure of my top 5 ultra favorite super duper can't live with outs ~ Good Luck!

Reflections from Within

We are human.  There are constants in life, the Given's.  They keep us perpetually moving forward.  I have been this sprocket for a long while, until recently the unexpected.  I have a new lease on the importance of expecting the unexpected.  You never know when inspiration may strike, it happens at crazy hours & in all forms. 
What happens when inspiration falls into your lap?  It's like a bolt of lightening and a million shooting stars.  Unexplainable without sounding crazy.  I pulled it all together thru a release.  Creation.  I wanted to create a visual storyboard about my story.
Music is in my soul.  It reflects me in ways I can not describe.  An extension of myself.  When I heard this Song by Josh Garrels I turned into a puddle; maybe a lake by the end note.  As I laid back and closed my eyes; I let my thoughts drift away ~ It was amazing, Surreal.  To share this experience became a driving force which set the cogs in motion.  And with that, I set off to building my visual  story.  Who I am.  With all the images coming from my personal files.  They have a soft spot on my heart.  Please be kind, As I present to you;  Life from behind my Lens.


 

A birthday wish

Today We Celebrate!!

10 years ago I stumbled into Motherhood.  Literally stumbled.  It was a sink or swim moment at the Walstead household.  Somehow with the help of friends & family, we ALL miraculously survived the flips & adjustments to our new found world of parenthood.

I will openly admit my waterworks turn on when my children reach milestones.  This birthday is no exception, with a combination of sadness and a boat load of pride I am honored to stand on my soapbox to sing:

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to You

Happy Birthday Dearest Jamison,

Happy Birthday to you!

 

 

On the day you were born and every day after, you have .....
.........challenged us in ways we've never thought possible.
......... taught us how to love unconditionally.
..........remind us everyday to seek the silly side of life, it's way more interesting anyways!
..........been a wonderful role-model to your siblings & peers. 

We are forever grateful that our lives are blessed with your presence. 
We love you to the moon & back and so much more!!  Happy Birthday little buddy!

My birthday advice to a special young man::  time goes quickly, don't rush your childhood, there is plenty of time to grow up.  Slow down, live in the moment!  We are really looking for to what happens next!  You are growing into a fine young man Jamison Matthew Walstead!

Love Mom
{Dad, Josiah, Jasmyn & Josilyn
Buddy, RJ, Abbie & Figaro}

Big things Come in Small Packages

Meet R.J.  my fabulous guard kitty.  He is part of my quality control response team to ensure that your package arrival is a safe one! 

 

I'm sure by now, you may be asking yourself.... 

"What's inside the brown box?   ~ Why is it so heavily guarded?"

Let me show you, read on.

 

 

Inside the ugly brown box is an even prettier box!!  The secrets out.

Shall I say, the cat's out of the bag....?  {bad joke I know!}

 

 

This one of a kind book is all packaged up and ready to go to a new home. Very soon wedding guest will be reviewing and writing personalized messages to the bride and groom.  Notice how the pages "lay-flat";  this allows room for an extended personalized message.  With a wide range of Cover Options, it's an irresistible way to preserve those special memories, wouldn't you agree?

 

 

 

 

Engagement Sessions {What to Expect}

 

Engagement Sessions~ Your way, Your Style

 

These Sessions serve several purposes.  When booking us as your photographer, the e-session gives you a chance to ~ get to know, our style of shooting, become comfortable in front of the lens, & to get to know one another in a more intimate setting.  Added stress on your wedding {from your photographer} is the last thing you need.  Having already worked with us on your engagement photographs will help bring your nervousness down; at least a couple of notches on the big day.

 

Feel free to share with us how you met, what's special to you both, do you want to bring props to your shoot?  We take some time to plan it out, so that your session will be filled with meaning!  Plan to shoot early in your engagement to use some of your great images of the two of you on your

Save-the-Date announcements.

 

Not only are engagement photos a great way to personalize announcements, your personal wedding website, it's also fun to bring those photo's onto your table set ups, or with a custom guest book.  These sorts of details are great ways to get your guests up and mingling as they look at each photo.