Whitney and Hannes

I was honored to photograph this beautiful wedding. Many blessings and love for your happy marriage! 

Empathy

Wow, it's been ages since I've written on this blog..... I guess time truly does speed by as you grow older.

Today, in therapy I spoke to my counselor about communication, being mindful of my thoughts, and empathy. Oddly, I couldn't exactly tell him what "empathy" truly was compared to "sympathy".  He explained that it was seeing the situation through another person's eyes.  You know... walking a mile in another's shoes. I told him that that's exactly what I want! Misunderstanding me, he said, "Well, that's what all women/ all people want in life.  People want to be understood from their viewpoint."  I then explained that, of course, I wanted to be understood but I want to be better at empathizing.  So much of my anger and irritation with people around me is not seeing their side of things.  I hate my judgmental side but it's not focusing on that that will change me.  It's letting those thoughts and feelings come in and then what I do with them that will help me grow. 

I have to say that I'm lucky to have found a partner in life who is so patient, not quick to react, and understanding.  I can't tell you out there how lucky I am. 

River Flows in You

Today this song is resonating in me 

Technology

I am currently waiting to take my STATS test and realized that I have the Blogger app an can blog at any time, anywhere. Isn't technology amazing. Ironically, I'm going to be giving up my smart phone for a non smart phone so I don't have to use pay $30 a month!!! Paying that and my Internet at home seems exorbitant. I think most lives are lived that way now a days. People cried and complained about the recession but I don't think most truly knew the real effects. So they didn't buy a coffee every morning or they couldn't buy the newer version of their already current car. Sheesh people! Anyways, this is what happens when people have too much time waiting for their test to start. They end up ranting and raving about life ;)

The pic has nothin to do with this update, only to say that cats are like rich people and dogs are like the poor. Dogs are happy with whatever they can get.

RIP Zach

Your time here on earth was too short.

One moment here and another gone.

You will forever be in our hearts.

Rest In Peace 

Zach

I think after this I again realize how much I want to be a positive person.  A person who doesn't put her total faith in anyone person.  I respect the freedom of speech and my friend's are allowed their own opinion.  However, today again reminds me how horrible people can be and how easy families can pit one against the other.  I will pray for my president because he has a hard job for the years ahead.  Someone people will hate and openly slander.  Our country is a country and he is our leader.  America isn't the promised land and he's not our savior.  And he's not who got us into this sticky mess, he's just the guy who got hired to get us out.  To all of you out there who think he's doing a lousy job, then do your small part and get out into your community and change things.  Get involved!  Don't just pretend to wash clean dishes at a soup kitchen.  Peace out!

To hate or not to hate

I love when people are disappointed in who wins an election and . . . BAM! Suddenly that person is the Anti-Christ. Either the president is the chosen one or the Anti-Christ. . . they are never just a human. Flawed, human, and trying the best they can. When good old George W was in office the Rep. were on cloud 9 while the Dem. were sure he was mentally handicap. And in 08' when Obamarama came into office he was the antichrist by the Rep view point (and yes, I LITERALLY heard people say this. The end was near.) and the Dem were jumping for joy because he was the Blue fairy who would turn America into a princess with a waive of his wand.

I've held my tongue on FB this whole year. I've had to hide friends who were too vocal because it was irritating to hear their complaints and honestly to see my friends who say, "love one another, don't speak wrongly of another person, be slow to speak and quick to listen, etc" act the complete opposite of their for mentioned ways.

A guy at work told me he said to his children, "no matter who wins, we will support and respect because he is our president. And the presidency is the hardest job in America." And the most hated. Don't put so much negativity into yourself or the world. Love one another, even your president.

Okay, I'm stepping down from my soap box.