the New Year - 2014

Whoa - 2014!!!  Slow down already!  

I have a head full of goals, a 'liked' bloglovin' page of inspiration and a schedule that is still spinning our heads! I think it may be time for a list.  I've been reading a lot of other lists lately and feel like it's about time to make my own.

Since we work in the entertainment and media industry - the holidays are almost always our busiest time of the year and 2013 was no exception.  After brainstorming this is what I would like to work on this year:

1. Read, READ, read.  I love to read, always have.  I now have a reminder on my phone to read for at least 30 minutes everyday.  Turns out I missed it more than I thought!  I've already crushed a couple books and started in on another.  Suggestions??

2. Learn ProTools - I mean really - learn ProTools.  I will be teaching a course at UC in the Summer and I am always looking for a quicker more efficient way to work.  This may be the ticket!

3. Work on developing my freelance business.

4. Finish my Doula certification and attend at least 4 more births before the end of the year.  This is trickier than you would think!

5. Be more patient.  Much, much more patient.  With myself, Soren and Rick.  We could use a more patient momma in our household.

6. Give myself permission for change.  Permissions to be different, do something different and follow new paths. 

This last one I have always struggled with.  I've become accustomed to setting goals, more like standards and sticking to them.  Not allowing myself to move outside of them - boldly.  I dream, think, aspire and even plan - but it's time to follow through.  

Soren is growing a mile a minute and starts pre-school this year.  Rick and I have loads of projects planned out for this year - 2014 will be a crazy, fun and wonderful year.

Cheers!

01/52

'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2014'   

And we are on to another year of portraits!  This year I want to really start digging into photoshop layers and using my camera in manual mode.  I suspect we will have MANY Magna-tile photos to come, these were an ultimate gift this year!  I must admit - they are pretty sweet!  

This 52 portrait idea was inspired by many mom-bloggers I follow.  I will hopefully be incorporating a tag into my side bar soon so you can get to them easily.  I am hoping to use this one from a mom's beautiful blog (thank you practicing simplicity for the beautiful tag!!) - her photos are stunning!  Cheers to 2014!

52/52

'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013'   

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It's a little late, but here it is!  I had a blast doing this project this year and can't believe just how fast it went.  I am hoping to do something similar this year - but with a different spin.  Any ideas?

Grandma came in town and brought Soren his very own Windmill.  He was ecstatic and we had a blast!  I think someone misses his Grandma already - and so do we.  

Goodbye 2013 - Hello 2014!  It's going to be a good year!

51/52

'A portrait a week of my children, once a week, every week, in 2013'   

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Only one more week!!!  Shall we continue in 2014??  

These eyes and that face are always up to something.  Love his spirit!

Holiday Blues

Do you experience the holiday blues?  I do.  And it feels liberating somehow to finally admit it. 

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The holidays have always been tricky for me - even before having a family or moving to Cincinnati.  Working in entertainment has always meant I was either playing or recording something.  Now that I have my own family - the guilt sets in amongst the busy.  The guilt of not relaxing and enjoying this time.  Of having to run off to a new event instead of really really enjoying the lights, wonder and warmth of the holidays.

To top it off - this is the THIRD year I am spending it away from MY family.  I haven't seen my newest niece in months and I am missing her first Christmas.  *sigh - that's so difficult to even type.  And Soren keeps telling me how he 'wants to see his cousin Avery' and 'give her, her presents.  I wrapped Emily's - I want to give it to her' and the hardest one to hear - 'I want to play trains with cousin Avery.  I want to say I love you and give hugs and kisses.'  That one just killed me last week after it was topped with a 'it's not fair momma!!!!'.  You're right buddy - it's not fair.

So - needless to say... I get lonely.  But instead of wallowing this year - I am going to pick myself up.  Make cookies out of my mother's old cook book every day, play in the snow, work when necessary and remember to take a deep breath and gaze in wonder at my beautiful family (including our sweet pitty *wink).  This article helped quite a bit, too.  AND my wonderful mother has graciously offered and is planning her post Xmas trip before the New Year.  She fearlessly (in awful weather EVERY year) brings all the love, smiles and comfort of St Louis with her every time.  I couldn't be more grateful.

Happy Holidays!!!