PHOTOGRAPHYSUMMER KELLOGG

Thirty Minutes in the Life, October

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We’ve had a pretty crazy couple of months.  Really crazy, actually. 

We moved.  We photographed a couple of weddings.  It’s the busy season for photography.  We’re adjusting to life in a new community.  We’re trying to find our life buried in the bottom of boxes.  We have a seven year old.  And a six year old.  And a one year old.  To name a few.

Many people could go through much more and not be phased by it.  I admire those with “roll with the punches” personalities.  I look up to those who thrive on busy-go-go-go-what’s-next lifestyles. I wish I could be more like “those” people. 

But, I’m not.

Instead, I exist in survival mode and count the days, minutes, and hours until things slow down.  Until we can breathe. 

(Did I mention we have a one year old? Things aren’t likely to slow down anytime soon.)

However, there is one thing I have found that seems to remedy the chaos that often invades my mind.  One thing. . .

Taking one big, huge step away from everything. 

I’m not talking about traveling over oceans or through mountains to escape the reality that is before me.  And I’m not referring to a mental or emotional escape that requires extensive money or time or commitment.  I’m just talking about one step away. . . for thirty minutes.  (Give or take a few.)

We did that recently.  Just the five of us. 
A rainy afternoon had turned into a light evening drizzle.  The sky was thick with clouds and the chill of autumn was just beginning to settle in.  Boxes remained unpacked in every corner of the house and sessions sat waiting to be edited.  My head was swirling with the ‘need-to’s’, have-to’s’ and ‘musts’ and I knew something had to be done. 
I looked at Chad, can we go. . . just for a bit?

My ever supportive husband was quick to answer. . . let’s go. . .

So we went.  Chad, Charlie, Chanelle, Meadow and I loaded in the car and took a five minute drive to a place where we could feel the cool air against our faces and experience all the beauty that nature so graciously offers.

I am quite certain that there is a healing agent in fresh air.  Somehow, just stepping outside and breathing in the fumes and feeling the damp earth under my feet put everything into perspective.  What matters, what doesn’t.  What is really important and what is less so. 

I feel it in their laughter, their curiosity, their playfulness and their seriousness.  I feel the truth of life. . .

This moment.  These moments right here.  These moments that unfold right in front of me are the most important part of life.  This is it.  This is my one chance.  This simple moment of togetherness is really what life is all about.

And there you have it.  Thirty minutes buried deep in the darkness of the forest offers more light and perspective than the best medication on the market or even a week on a secluded beach.

And that’s all it takes.  An intentional getting away.  A small step that offers big rewards. 

Thirty minutes. . . that all it takes.

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I would love if you would take a moment to visit 30 minutes in the life of a most wonderful photographer, Kristi Burton.  She is a Bountiful, Utah  Photographer at  Kristi Burton Photography. 

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