Vienna Family Photographer - Your Legacy

There are times in our lives when so many things happen that just can't be explained in words. In the past week I have been around people who have experienced losses that I can hardly even comprehend. One the passing of a child and the other the passing of a mother. Although I am not directly involved in these events, I still cannot help but reflect on them deeply.

The mother who passed away last week was only 38 years old and died of complications from giving birth to her second son. (Yes, even with our modern medicine this still happens way to often.) So now there are two precious little boys who don't have a mom and a husband trying to make sense of it all. Tragic beyond words.

When I hear of things like this I cannot help but relate it to my own life. What would happen if I died today? What would happen to my family? What would my legacy be? Have I made a great enough impression on my daughter that she would remember me and tell her children about me? How would my husband carry on? (probably better than I would like :) Would I have just been a blip on the radar of life having made really no difference at all?

The answers to those questions really can't be answered. All I can do is make sure that I do my best to live a life that embodies the things that are most important to me. Faith: in a Savior whose love goes beyond all measure. Family: So glad that I am assured of seeing them again after my time here on earth is done. People: Treating all with respect, love and kindness. (I struggle with this sometimes, as I am sure we all do. I vow to do better)

How are you doing on your legacy? Are you living the life that shows what is most important to you? After you are gone, will people KNOW by how you lived your life what mattered most to you. If not, get on it! We are never promised tomorrow so don't waste today!

Fairfax Virginia Family Photographer - Back to School!

I am sure when you saw the title of this blog that you expected cute little pictures of my little one in her first day of school outfit ready to hit the books. Sadly, no, that will be next week. :) This post is about me. See to some of you I am a photographer of little people. To many others though who knew me before I picked up a camera, I am a singer.

I started singing at a very young age and have always been involved in some sort of production in one way or another for years. Before I had my daughter I was in school full time pursuing that elusive performance degree that I never bothered to get when I was younger. I really loved being in school the energy was great and being constantly pushed out of my comfort zone was something that I became used to. There is nothing like the pressure of being given a song in a language that you have never sung before and told that you will be singing it in front of your peers and instructors for a grade in a weeks time. As a singer, I put my emotions and talent out on the table every I sang. Talk about nerve wracking.

So when I got pregnant that goal was put on hold until my daughter started school of her own and I had time to get back to classes. Well, in the meantime I started this photography thing that has kept me more than busy. But it is time to get back to classes so I can finish what I started. SO does that mean I am giving up photography, NOT A CHANCE! But I will have one more ball to juggle in the air for the next year or so. I'm looking forward to the challenge, more sleepless nights and doing something for myself.

I go to George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. Here is George welcoming all who come to study there. Usually he is decorated in some fashion but today he was standing alone.

While I was on my leave a beautiful new wing of the performing arts department was built.

And here is me on my first day of school this semester. (No, not the angry looking soprano with her mouth gaping open, although I probably do look like that most of the time when I am in my lessons.)