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next steps

Nobody tells this to people who are beginners.

I wish someone told me. 

All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have   

good taste. 

But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. 

It’s trying to be good, it has potential, 

but it’s not. 

But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still  

killer.   

And your taste is why your work disappoints you. 

A lot of people never get past this phase,

they quit.

Most people I know who do interesting, creative
work went through years of this. 

We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have.  

We all go through this.
And if you are just starting out or you are still in this
phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important
thing you can do is do a lot of work.
Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one
story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. 

And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met.
It’s gonna take awhile.
It’s normal to take awhile.
You’ve just gotta fight your way through.
By Ira Glass

This says so much to me I had to share it.  I think I will frame it and hang it in my office as a reminder that I'm not the only one that's incredibly hard on themselves.  Chances are someone I admire probably thinks or has thought they suck too.  It's a process.  
         
When I started blogging I wanted to do it because I really wanted a place to capture memories like an electronic journal.  I thought it would be so great to have that to look back on.  I've never been good at keeping a journal, electronic or otherwise, so of course this was no different.  What I found my blog ending up to be was a platform for photography.  Testing the waters to help me get brave enough to figure out if I really am good enough to take pictures of other people.  And for that, it worked.

It started with a referral, then another...strangers that paid me even though I didn't ask to be paid, and they hugged me and called me a "photographer".  It was the best feeling ever.  That's how I knew it was time to take the leap.  No, I'm not quitting my day job (people actually asked me that!), but I am doing something that makes me so happy.  I'm experiencing what it's like to really be truly passionate about something and pushing myself into areas I never thought I would.  I am learning more than I knew there was to learn.  I am meeting great people and doing things I never thought I would or could do.  

I am thankful for my husband who bought me my 35mm film camera then my digital SLR and encouraged me through the classes, tutoring sessions, dark room and everything along the way.  I never knew how much that meant over the years, but I couldn't have done it without his push.  I am lucky for great family and friends who have been so supportive with kind words and referrals!  I'm thankful for the time of other photographers and business owners that I have bombarded with questions along the way.  You know who you are, thank you!

Who knows, I may be back blogging again someday.  But for now, please check out my new website when you have time www.floweringheatherphotography.com.  I'd love to hear from you and love it if you thought of me the next time you or someone you know needs pictures :)

XOXO ~ Heather

mikelle

Here's a weird thing that happened to me.  I got a call one day from a woman in Grand Forks, ND, a friend of a friend of mine, asking if I wold take her daughter's senior pictures.  I was completely floored but really honored and extremely freaked out.   I couldn't say no, but in the back of my head I was thinking, what the hell are you thinking?!  These people are driving like six hours for this.  I gave them the whole "I'm not a professional speech".  I almost said, "you know there are real photographers in ND, right?"  But I didn't, and I'm pretty proud about that, because here's what I learned; I work really well under pressure.  This forced me to take a step that I've been wanting to take for a long time.  I was pushed outside of my comfort zone. I learned a lot and had a great time doing it.  Bonus, Mikelle is a fun and beautiful girl, and her family was truly awesome (yes, the whole fam came on the shoot, even Dad).  It was so great doing something I love so much and having this family trust and appreciate me.

I've been looking at and futzing with these for two weeks now.  I know I still have a lot to learn and would love some constructive feedback.  What do you think?

rocky mountain high

A couple of weeks ago Joe completely surprised me with a trip to Breckenridge, CO.  He had everything arranged...travel, kids, lodging.  He even called my boss to make sure I could get the time off.  He employed the help of my friend Amy, and managed to keep it all top secret.  I was so impressed.  I love surprises!

We had so much fun.  I have been to Breckenridge before, but only in the winter.  I loved it just as much in the summer.  There is something about the mountains that is just so amazing.  We hiked a ton.  Hit the shops, great restaurants and the local brew pub.  The resort we stayed at was awesome, complete with a wood fireplace in our room and about 10 outdoor hot tubs on the property.  Heaven.  The only thing I was disappointed to miss was the concert with this guy doing all John Denver songs.  (I know Carrie can truly appreciate how sad I was about this).

This trip rocked!  Not only was it fun, but just plain relaxing.  We were active and lazy all in one trip.  We had uninterrupted conversations and time to just enjoy the silence.   He gets big points for planning such a great, for no apparent reason, surprise.  Thanks babe ;)

Gondola trip to Peak 8

Top of Peak 8 before the hike down



Midway up hike to Mohawk Lake.

Hiking with a torn meniscus. What a die hard.

It was so pretty at the top.  I want to go back!  Like now.  Right now!

just 'cuz

Just because I haven't picked up my camera in months. Just because it was a warm summer night. Just because Ava and I were home alone and needed something to do after our grilled cheese dinner. Just because I can't believe how much my baby has grown. Just because seeing pictures of her takes my breath away and makes my heart happy. And just because she happily agreed to model IF she could choose her own outfit including crazy high shoes from my closet that she has declared hers once she grows into them. Just because, we took some pictures.





Oh how I love her :)

simple joys

This beautiful lake is literally almost right out my back door. Even though I curse it on a regular basis for the cold temperatures it too often brings us, I do feel lucky to live and work next to one of the Great Lakes. It seems like there's never enough time in the summer. We really don't venture to the beach to play often enough. Sunday evening at the beach was the perfect way to wrap up the weekend. Ah summer...

13 years

I don’t really do much by way of “I have such an awesome husband” or “my marriage rocks” type of posts. For one, Joe never reads my blog. Two, it just seems too oddly personal for me throw a bunch of stuff out there about us and our relationship. And really, I wonder, does anyone care? I mean, by nature I’m a pretty humble person, so rattling on about how awesome things are just seems weird. Plus I would probably feel compelled to post when it sucks too because I’m just honest that way, and who wants to read that? Let’s just say this is way out of my comfort zone.

However…13 years ago on 6/27 we got married. I do believe there’s some truth to being older and wiser. I’ve learned a lot about myself and my marriage these last 13 years (more in the last 5 than the first 8). I wouldn’t trade what I’ve got for anything. There are times I look back and cringe. We are both strong willed, I wear my emotions on my sleeve and I have spent a lot of time wanting to always be right (need I say more?). What I've learned though is recognizing your faults is more than half the battle. Then working on you and taking ownership of your emotions and feelings and recognizing that nobody can "make you feel" a certain way is the rest of the battle.

Even though it’s against my nature, I feel a little compelled to proclaim our success. We have worked super hard at our marriage. Now that we’re putting in the effort though, reaping the rewards is the best thing. Today I’m really happy. Not everyday is perfect, but I know I'm truly a better me, and I feel more secure and at peace with myself and my relationship with my husband than I ever have. I feel blessed to have such wonderful kids and family and awesome friends.

So, happy anniversary to my husband that will probably never read this, and if he does, he’ll think I’m a huge dork for posting it. I am lucky and love him so much because he encourages me, makes me laugh, builds me cool stuff, never thinks anything is impossible, dreams big, is an awesome dad, kicks my ass when I need it, takes care of me when I need it, thinks of others before himself…because he’s just genuinely a good person. And for that, and about 1000 other reasons, I am thankful.

progress

Last July I posted the beginning of our remodel project as a 'one of many' post. HAHAHAHA Doing a project of this magnitude has put a whole new perspective on blogging for me. Clearly if I'm blogging, I have way too much time on my hands. I did take some pictures on my phone however, and I have about 2 extra minutes to post them. The photo quality is not great, but you get the idea. We are not done, but we're making progress.

Yes, I do now have 4 bathrooms to attempt to keep clean. Pure craziness since I never kept the first two clean.

Mud room lockers...my dream come true!

View of foyer from upstairs (sure I really call it a foyer, why not?!)


TA DA! This is truly where all our heart, soul, sweat and tears went. Agonizing over the layout of the kitchen, finding the 'right' cabinet maker, deciding on the wood, the color, the hardware, researching appliances and sinks and don't get me started on the counter tops (yes, they are concrete, yes Joe poured them himself, yes I spent hours sealing, waxing and buffing them and yes, they are gorgeous)

If things ever slow down I'll get back to blogging and post some better pictures of the completed project. But this is all I've got for now.

family picture accomplished

I have a lot of pictures. Mostly pictures without me in them. Something Gina said on her website got me to finally quit making excuses and get our family picture taken: "I believe that moms are not in pictures enough and that babies grow up way too fast. " My kids are 9 & 7. Before long they will quit changing so dramatically from year to year, and they will roll their eyes rather than laugh a lot during a photo shoot. We finally found a sort of warm May day where we could carve out a couple hours in our busy schedules to just be together. To laugh at and enjoy each other while Gina snapped away. We had so much fun, and I'm even a little inspired to get my camera out again. Thank you Gina, I'm so happy with the results!

Flying Wild Alaska

There is a new reality series on the Discovery Channel called Flying Wild Alaska. The cool thing about this show is that I've not only met, but spent a fair amount of time with the main players, the Tweto's. Jim Tweto is Joe's best friend's brother. Jim and Fern have been to our house for dinner, and I had the opportunity to hang out with many of the Tweto's including Jim, Fern, Ayla and Aerial while in Belize a couple years ago. Cooler yet, Joe has had many great times flying and hanging out in the areas that are highlighted on the show. He's known Ayla and Aerial since they were babies. I think watching the show brings back lots of good memories for him. And for me, well what more could a reality show junkie ask for?!

Jim and Fern in Belize.

Joe and Fern sharing some laughs.




Tweto girls at the beach.

I'm quite sure this is about as close as I'll ever get to fame.

Family Picture Attempt

This year Joe and I took a majority of the week between Christmas and New Years off. Typically the kids split their break time between us and daycare, but this year we were with them everyday. It was a great combination of relaxing, playing hard and getting things done.

I had a pretty specific list of things I wanted to try to do while I was off. Set up my new computer (which arrived Christmas Eve!) was number one. I have wanted/needed this for so long, but the whole getting it set up part is about the furthest thing from fun for me. I work for a software company. When I get a new computer, someone else sets it up for me. Despite my dread, it was quick and painless. Of course I haven't actually transferred any files from my old PC yet...

Running a close 2nd on the to do list was to take a picture of the four of us. I was dreading this almost as much as setting up the computer. The thought of trying to get us all looking decent, finding good light and background, dealing with the tripod (which I hate) and actually locating the remote for my camera were just a few of the reasons I found for why this wouldn't work. And here's just one reason my husband is awesome; he knew I wanted to do this, and he encouraged and helped me make it happen. We were nearly late for Christmas Eve dinner because he insisted I continue to try to get 'the shot'. Which I never actually got. While I was hoping for something amazingly perfect, the light was challenging and cutting off my own head was a recurring theme (it's really hard to compose a picture with an imaginary person in it). But, it was fun. I love Joe for pushing me to do the things I love.

Ava's forever the helper. Here's my test shot. Probably my favorite picture out of all 61 that I took.

New #1 on my to do...get someone else to take our picture.

tagged

For the love of God, apparently I was “tagged” by Gina a couple weeks ago. I just now noticed. It’s like getting a chain letter…what if I break the chain and wreck the game?! So here it goes.

RULE #1 : People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blogs and replace any question that they dislike with a new question formulated by themselves.

RULE #2 : Tag 4 people to do this quiz and they cannot refuse. These people must state who they were tagged by and cannot tag the person whom they were tagged by. Continue this game by sending it to other people.

1. If you have pets, do you see them as merely animals, or are they members of your family?
I love them but they drive me nuts…I guess that means family.

2. If you can have a dream to come true, what would it be?
Have enough money to end all worries and travel.

3. What is the one thing most hated by you?
Compulsive liars. That’s actually Gina’s answer, but I’ll go with it. I tend to get irritated a lot but not truly hate all that much. I can’t really list off many people I know who fit the “compulsive liar” mold, but I do hate being taken advantage of, had, sold, mislead for the purpose of other’s gain, etc.

4. What would you do with a billion dollars?
Spend more time with my family and give them things they want, travel more to more exciting places, pursue more hobbies, maybe even further my education just for fun – ha!

5. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood?
Talking it out. I can’t keep anything to myself. I rarely hold a grudge unless I’m darn good and mad. Usually Joe or Carrie get the brunt of it, and they are both very good listeners.

6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone?
Being loved.

7. What is your bedtime routine?
The usual…brush, maybe floss, wash face, blah, blah, blah

8. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner?
We met at the Superior Airport (yes, there is an airport in Superior!). Joe had a plane at the time that he kept there. I lived in the apartment above the hanger.

9. If you could watch a creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be?
An artist, a photographer or maybe a writer. I would love to learn more about how to pursue passions like that.

10. What kinds of books do you buy?
I rarely buy books. I’m more of an exchange kind of person. Hence the reason I’m passing on the free Kindle from work (gasp!)

11. How would you see yourself in ten years time?
OMG! My oldest child will be graduating. Let’s just not talk about that right now.

12. What’s your fear?
Wasting time. Not seizing the moment or appreciating the little things quite enough. There is so much good around me. I am afraid I may have already wasted time not making the most of it.

13. Would you give up all junk food for the rest of your life for the opportunity to visit outer space?
Are you flippin’ crazy?!?

14. Would you rather be single and rich or married, but poor?
Marriage is hard work, but I’m happily finding it is so worth it. Married, but poor it is.

15. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?
Hit the snooze, about 5 times. Unless it’s a weekend, then tell my kids to go watch TV.

16. If you could change one thing about your spouse/partner what would it be?
There are actually a lot of really awesome things about my husband. His ability to live in chaos, while truly a gift, drives me up the wall.

17. If you could pick a new name for yourself, what would it be?
Seriously? I’m good with my name. Thanks Mom.

18. Would you forgive and forget no matter how horrible a thing that special someone has done?
Yes. Time heals all wounds.

19. If you could only eat one thing for the next 6 months, what would it be?
I can’t think of anything I wouldn’t be sick of after 6 months. Maybe chips & salsa.

I tag Carla, Amy, my niece Anna…this is so sad, I don’t know anyone else with a blog that hasn’t already been tagged.

spooktacular!

We went to my parent's for Halloween weekend. Which meant I got out of attending sugar infused carnivals and kid parties at home. There was a downtown business trick-or-treat in my hometown. A perfect Saturday afternoon outing. Gabe chose to recycle his storm trooper costume from last year, minus the missing mask (which of course I found bright and early the day AFTER Halloween). Ava went as an witch. She was a witch 2 years ago and, thanks to a new Old Navy witch skirt ($2.98), she was set!


We managed to get back in time for local trick-or-treating, joining Carla and company. It was a lovely evening to stroll the neighborhood. Ah...on to the next holiday.

my girls

A couple weekends ago I met up with my college roommates for a wonderful weekend in Bayfield. We get together each fall. No matter where it is we meet, we always manage to have a great time. Lezlie invited us to stay at her brother-in-law's lake cottage. It was so gorgeous...4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a beautiful view of the lake, complete with spectacular sunrise each morning. We went to Madeline Island for lunch, enjoyed the scenery and met some interesting locals. Back in Bayfield, somehow we talked right through the dinner hour...well Lez napped a little too (she doesn't do well when we feed her vodka before noon).

We stayed up late, talked non-stop and Sunday morning enjoyed our books in the cozy living room. I love these girls so much. Love that we can pick right up where we left off the last time without hesitation. Love that we can practically predict each other's behavior and typically finish each other's sentences. Love that they are so easy to be around. I am so blessed to have these beautiful, sweet, funny, caring, humble, thoughtful, crazy, charismatic women in my life. Thanks for a lovely weekend girls. One that was so good for my spirit and my soul. I love you all and can't wait for the next one!