Late Friday evening we returned to what really isn’t our home anymore from our almost finished home. After getting the kids to bed, I sat down at the computer to finish editing my last session and tie up a few loose ends on a few other projects. It was late and I was tired and I turned and looked at Chad who had collapsed on the couch after what had been a long week. A long year, really.
It has been about one year since we put the house up for sale. We know that we are in the homestretch of the craziness of constant running from here to there and everywhere. We are only weeks away from having life feel just a little more normal. (Whatever normal is.) It was also less than a year ago when we decided to take a chance and give SummerK Photography a go. Trying to sell a house, build a house and start a business all at the same time was probably not the best planning on our part. Some things, though, you just can’t plan.
As much as I wish I could say ‘I’ve taken it all in stride’. . . I can’t. Break down moments have happened more than I’d like to admit. My house (or the house we used to own) gets far more dusty than it did in the past. Okay, some days it’s downright filthy. Clean clothes sit in the dryer far too long and dirty clothes often sit unwashed in the washer when I forget to press the “Start” button on the machine. Far too often, I look at the clock and notice it’s nearly 5 and I should probably have some sort of decent meal on the table. Baby carrots and applesauce count as appropriate side dishes, right?
Friday night I looked at Chad sitting on the couch and had another minor break down. I feel like I’m loosing it, I told him. I can’t even slow down enough to think. I just need to think. (Seriously, I’d be great in a soap opera.) Do you want to know what Chad told me to do? He told me to blog. He said, put your editing aside and sit down and blog. You need to carve out the time, Summer.
He’s a good guy. . . I try to never take that for granted.
I am not successful at balancing yet. (Sidenote: “Learn to balance” is at the top of my to-do list when we move.) Truth is. . . when I come here I am able to drown out the noise and focus on what is important. If even for a moment, coming here allows me to push aside deadlines, insecurities and expectations and do what I love to do most. . . I get to celebrate life.
I know we all have different personalities and different ways of functioning. As the years move forward, I am beginning to understand how important it is for me to slow down and take in life. When things start moving too fast I lose focus and life feels out of control. However, when I slow down and drink in tiny moments–everything seems okay again. Even if the tiny moments are couched in a whole lot of chaos.
I think what I am learning is that just as brushing my teeth or locking my doors or running or saying prayers of thanks have become discipline. . . so has coming here. In a way, writing it down has become a declaration. . .
A declaration that says. . . life is beautiful.
I know I run the risk of over-simplifying. I know that life happens and often times really hard things happen. Like my Dad said to me just this weekend. . .”we don’t have problems.” I appreciate the perspective I get when I come here. Perspective that forces me to celebrate the tiny moments that make up what life is really all about. To some it might just be a walk through a park. . .
. . . but to me, these moments are life defining.
Writing, reflecting, thinking, and celebrating remind me that dust is just dust, business is just business, packing is just packing, moving is just moving. . .
. . . but these tiny snippets of time? This is what life is all about.
And you want to know something? When I began writing this post, my heart was heavy and my mind chaotic. But now? Now, I feel different. . .
. . . now I feel peace.
Thank you for stopping by for our 30-Minutes. I am so happy to be participating in the Thirty Minute Project with fellow photographer Friends. Please check out our blog for more Thirty Minute’s In The Life of some incredible photographers.
What beautiful images! I often find myself in the same situation as you…very overwhelmed with the things we take on (or that happen to us) in life and often it's so difficult to take time and take in the moment. I really love how you captured that through your images. Taking a step back and taking in what really matters to you. Looking through your images, I felt very peaceful and…happy. Thank you for sharing these struggles and how you have overcome them.
What beautiful images! I often find myself in the same situation as you…very overwhelmed with the things we take on (or that happen to us) in life and often it's so difficult to take time and take in the moment. I really love how you captured that through your images. Taking a step back and taking in what really matters to you. Looking through your images, I felt very peaceful and…happy. Thank you for sharing these struggles and how you have overcome them.
Summer, these are so beautiful! Your words along with them really make it so much more poignant. It's such a struggle to find balance. What a wonderful husband to know just what you need.
Summer, these are so beautiful! Your words along with them really make it so much more poignant. It's such a struggle to find balance. What a wonderful husband to know just what you need.
These photos are just so peaceful and calm; I'd never have known you were struggling to find balance in your day. I definitely have issues trying to find balance between all the different aspects of my life, but looking at your photos allowed me to take a few deep breaths and just "be." 🙂
These photos are just so peaceful and calm; I'd never have known you were struggling to find balance in your day. I definitely have issues trying to find balance between all the different aspects of my life, but looking at your photos allowed me to take a few deep breaths and just "be." 🙂
These photos are just so peaceful and calm; I'd never have known you were struggling to find balance in your day. I definitely have issues trying to find balance between all the different aspects of my life, but looking at your photos allowed me to take a few deep breaths and just "be." 🙂
These photos are just so peaceful and calm; I'd never have known you were struggling to find balance in your day. I definitely have issues trying to find balance between all the different aspects of my life, but looking at your photos allowed me to take a few deep breaths and just "be." 🙂
These are incredibly beautiful! It is so nice to let go and not think about the overwhelming things for a bit.
These are incredibly beautiful! It is so nice to let go and not think about the overwhelming things for a bit.
I can relate to SO much. It can be SO hard to balance being a mom, wife, cleaning woman, business owner, artist and so much more. I still have yet to learn how to balance my life…. and yes, baby carrots and applesauce absolutely count as side dishes! Your images are so calming. Your girls are precious. Loved these. Thank you for sharing with us the fact that you're normal too! I'm glad I am not the only one that has meltdowns because I'm not superwoman.
I can relate to SO much. It can be SO hard to balance being a mom, wife, cleaning woman, business owner, artist and so much more. I still have yet to learn how to balance my life…. and yes, baby carrots and applesauce absolutely count as side dishes! Your images are so calming. Your girls are precious. Loved these. Thank you for sharing with us the fact that you're normal too! I'm glad I am not the only one that has meltdowns because I'm not superwoman.
I think google messed with me because my comment is not here. Summer I love the first 4 pictures of your girls and the two with them running. Such fun. I is nice to be outside in nature and just relaxing. I don't know that the juggling gets any easier until they leave home, and even at university both mine still have needs :). Don't feel bad taking time for yourself every now and then – it is healthy to do so. Great pics.
I think google messed with me because my comment is not here. Summer I love the first 4 pictures of your girls and the two with them running. Such fun. I is nice to be outside in nature and just relaxing. I don't know that the juggling gets any easier until they leave home, and even at university both mine still have needs :). Don't feel bad taking time for yourself every now and then – it is healthy to do so. Great pics.
Summer, your girls look so angelic especially with those high contrast pics and their hair. Such a lovely family to photograph and you do such a stellar job (even with all the chaos)! So glad you were feeling better after writing this. You're a great writer as well as photographer. Hope things go well with the move and that you continue to find moments of peace life's pandemonium. xo
Summer, your girls look so angelic especially with those high contrast pics and their hair. Such a lovely family to photograph and you do such a stellar job (even with all the chaos)! So glad you were feeling better after writing this. You're a great writer as well as photographer. Hope things go well with the move and that you continue to find moments of peace life's pandemonium. xo
Summer, your girls look so angelic especially with those high contrast pics and their hair. Such a lovely family to photograph and you do such a stellar job (even with all the chaos)! So glad you were feeling better after writing this. You're a great writer as well as photographer. Hope things go well with the move and that you continue to find moments of peace life's pandemonium. xo
Summer, your girls look so angelic especially with those high contrast pics and their hair. Such a lovely family to photograph and you do such a stellar job (even with all the chaos)! So glad you were feeling better after writing this. You're a great writer as well as photographer. Hope things go well with the move and that you continue to find moments of peace life's pandemonium. xo
I'm so glad blogging works as therapy for you too, (I find it does too, it seems to collect thoughts in order).
You have 2 angelic daughters, they are beautiful and these shots are stunning! Such gorgeous light!
I hope things start to get easier xxx
I'm so glad blogging works as therapy for you too, (I find it does too, it seems to collect thoughts in order).
You have 2 angelic daughters, they are beautiful and these shots are stunning! Such gorgeous light!
I hope things start to get easier xxx