There are things you do because they feel right & they may make no sense & they may make no money & it may be the real reason we are here: to love each other & to live life together & say it was good. - adapted from Story People

"Whatever happens.

Whatever what is,

is what I want.

Only that. But that."

Galway Kinnell

An a-ha moment happened for me over these past few days because I have realized how rarely do I actually live in the moment I am living. I know that my love affair with photography started (and has continued) because when I have the camera in front of my face, the rest of the world falls away from me... nothing else invades my mind or my heart except what was right is front of me, and OH what an intoxicating thing it is to experience. I thank God for giving me this gift... this experience of true single-minded focus and joy.

But what about the rest of my life - am I really living in each moment or do I mostly live in a state of half-distraction and anticipation for the next best thing rather than simply enjoying and truly experience the NOW? I want to enjoy the richness of what is in front of me at any given moment. Whether I'm driving, eating, working, spending time with Ross, talking with a friend... I want to be doing JUST that.... to the fullest extent to which that is possible.
 
True happiness: Wanting only what is. May you find yourself wanting just that. Only that. But that.

I've got the joy, joy, joy down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart to stay....

Today has been a day of joy for me and Carter's little face from my session this evening reflects it perfectly. More to come from this little man!

The timing of this post actually works out perfectly since, as I type, the lovely ladies of Towne & Reese (Christi and Jessica) are setting up shop at the Atlanta market to show off and sell, sell, sell the new fall/holiday product line! We shot the lovely new goodies for the catalog back in May and it's so incredible to see how it all came together and shows off their pieces beautifully. I have to give a huge amount of credit to the catalog designer (Alex Cortani), stylist for the shoot (Melissa Lamkin) and the models who rocked it out.

So be on the lookout for this awesome jewelry in stores around Charlotte and all over the Southeast!

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you're faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you
My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold
- Rascal Flatts

Recently I re-listened to this song and it tugged on my heart as a sentiment that any parent would wish for their kids... especially the part about your wishes staying big and your worries small.