New Year. New Resolutions. (Life)

As we get older, I think it become more and more apparent that life is funny, and God does indeed have a sense of humor.  This is I dig, but sometimes, I wish He wouldn't trust me so much. 

This past year has been anything but slow, dull, and boring.

Its been the COMPLETE opposite, and at this point, I'm pretty sure I'm not in Kansas anymore.

Wait. Let me check.

Okay. yeah. no.

Life has thrown me, personally, some nasty curve balls, but you know what?  I love it.

I love that God loves me enough, to put me through everything I have been through. I love how He has laid out my cards.  I love how He's never, not even once, left my side. I might have left his from time to time, but never. I repeat, NEVER, has He led me astray.  And this is why although life gets harder, it also just keeps getting better and better.

I'm stronger than I was yesterday, and the day before, and the day before.

As I type, yep, I'm breathing. 

God isn't done with me yet, and I know I say this A LOT, but I'm oodles and coodles excited about His plans for me.

I think the toughest part of this year has probably had to have been reminding myself that there is a greater plan and a much greater purpose; one that is far beyond anything I could possibly fathom.

Just thinking back on this year, I guess I kinda chuckle.  Thinking back on any particular situation and how miserable, hurt, angry, bitter, you name it... eventually, I did overcome it, and I moved on, and got through it. Okay, its more of a proud chuckle, I guess, but a chuckle nonetheless.  Okay, and possibly a tear or two.

I am blessed.

Simply blessed.

Beyond blessed.

Incredibly blessed.

And for this reason:

Jesus loves me.

This I know.

For the Bible tells me so.

And so does He...

every.

single.

day.

And because of his underlying, unconditional love, I wanna give this vessel a cleaning, and shine it up for a brand new spanking year.  For brand new opportunities. For brand new beginnings. For brand new endings.  Now, I'm not talking about squeaky clean, cause then I'd be starting from scratch, but instead, I want to be polished and look my best for Him.  I can at least do that much for that man that died for the world's sins.

I want to open my heart further.

And I want Him to continue to test me and my faith. 

I'm curious to see where it'll all take me.

I'm not going to write a list, cause well, I'd be here all.day.everyday. 

And well, that's the point of a blog isn't it. lol

So with that being said, I hope you'll join me in 2011.

Because yes, one of my resolutions is to blog more.

Happy 2011!

Many many blessings to you and your family!

HUGE LOVE!

XoXO

-Casey <3

New Year. New Resolutions. (Career)

2010. 

My first year in business. 

My first year of many...

laughs. 

bawl fests.

perfect smiles.

cheesy grins.

and beautiful souls.

I wouldn't have had it any other way.  Its been quite a journey, and I've taken some paths which were long, some fun, and some which ended too soon. Nonetheless, I've walked them, and haven't looked back.  Despite the doubts, I've kept my head up.  Despite the late late nights of editing and re-editing, I've eventually caught up.  Despite the loss of my lens cap a trillion and one times, my glass is as clean as it was on its birthday.

Despite everything. Despite it all, I am thankful.

Blessed.

Humbled.

Grateful.

To everyone.

Thank you for sharing your special moments with me. 

Thank you for inviting me into your home, into your lives, and into your heart.

Thank you for creating a spark in my creative being.

Thank you for inspiring that spark.

Thank you for keeping that spark alive.

Thank you!

[in no particular order]

#1. Shoot at least one picture (series) a day.

(and then blog it weekly)

#2.  Re-read my manual.

I need a re-freshen-upper.

#2.5.  Re-discover the HD video mode.

I wanna have some extra fun!

#3.  Build a studio.

From home, that is.  Its in the works, and I've been doing lots of research.

I'm excited!

#4. Dedicate more time to my Boudoir work.

I miss it.

#5. No scheduling on Sunday's before 1pm.

I've missed church for quite some time, now, and although, I'm grateful for being busy, priorities need to be in check.  I'm not here because of me and my D300s. I'm here because He put me here.

#6.  Go on a missionary trip.

My dream. I can't even begin to describe the feelings I anticipate on describing!

#7. Try some underwater goodness.

How fun. How creative. How excited. How about killing 2 birds with 1 stone?

"Working" and having fun! Oh wait, I do that already. haha

#8.  Attend a workshop.

Any workshop will do! I love to learn, and meet new people!

#9. Continue befriending some amazing local photographers.

They're inspiring, and a hoot to be around!

#10. Second-shoot @ a wedding.

Never done this, but I can imagine it would oh so fun!

Any takers willing to drag me along???

(being serious, here! I'd love to!)

And the lovely things I want/need/desire/drool over:

* Nikkor 70-200mm 2.8

* Nikkor 105mm Macro (extra droolage going on over here)

* Studio Lighting (I'll take some of those hawttt pink Alien Bee's please)

* Backdrops and props (I'm always on the hunt!)

*SD Card holder (I've been meaning to get one for quite some time, now.)

*A Fish Eye

*Nikkor 35mm 1.8

*A Kelly Moore Bag

* Nikon Coolpix s8100 12.1 megapixel

*Old cameras. I don't care if they work, but I plan on doing something fabulous with them when I've gathered enough.

*Photojojo (its an amazing book with amazing ideas, which I plan to implement in my new living space)

*A home filled with photos. Ev-er-y-where.

I can go on, but I won't bore you. haha

But basically I'm picky and dig a sexy piece of glass (ahem Nikon). =]

Thanks again everyone for making this first year the best year, yet!

Hugs and kisses to you all!

HUGE LOVE!

XoXo

-Casey <3