After days and days of rain and gray, there was a break in the clouds and a spot of sun.
"Let's go for a walk!" I exclaimed as I snatched my camera.
We all went out for our short loop around the lake, dog included. Lucas brought his hiking stick, Emily wore her winter coat (in the middle of summer...she said it was in case of rain:) and Clara brought a bucket that she's been carrying around lately. All was great and it felt good to be in the sun. We mostly ignored the wicked looking black clouds moving in. When we were 3/4 of the way home, the sky opened up on us. We were under this canopy of trees which acted like a shelter and I dramatically screamed to Michael, "Go get the car." He ran home and did that and I snapped some photos of the kids playing in the rain. I also shot this line of fences, but thought that it needed some models in the shot.
So these are my 3, one with a stick, one with a jacket and one with a bucket and all with the grins. Us in the rain. It was fun.
Oh and as we got in the car, Em says, "It's a good thing I had my jacket!!"
And here is to today being a new start for me. Trying to take back my life again and have a better perspective about what is important. I will probably be less active on here, so kindly forgive my lack of comments.
Such a lovely shot - and a great story behind it! Love the framing and the perspective of the fence. Fantastic grins - and love that Em was right about her coat!!)
If I remember correctly I was supposed to be encourage you about that. It seems like we had that exchange back in January because I struggle there too. You can do it and this is precious!!!!
Brilliant shot Amanda! They look like they enjoyed the rain adventure and it sounds as though you did too! Yep, I'm struggling with the balance act too, I've survived a full work day and busy evening after 4 hrs sleep last night. And why did I get so little sleep you may ask, catching up on 365 of course after being away on the weekend! My hubby I gonna lose his patience soon! My 1 yr project is still going after 18mths with no end in sight! Hope you are able to be more disciplined than me! xx
@aleksandra The longer I go, the worse I stink at the balance. It's this guilt thing that is driving me. That and wanting to get lots of comments and feedback. It's a sickness. The other day somehow I spent 7 flippin' hours on here. I have no idea how that is even possible because I did a lot of other things, too. I was catching up from my trip as well. Sheesh, though, kinda ridiculous! I need to be a more present mama and wife.
That's a very nice shot and story. Finding your balance will not be easy at first but remember family comes before all others. Not to mention all the memories you will make. Those kids grow up really fast.
Please don't feel guilty. Family must come first so just do what you can. This is a lovely shot of your children by the way. They look like they're having a great time despite the rain.
Don't feel guilty - life happens and family must come first. I'm struggling and I'm only 6 months in. Btw this is a great story and photo reminiscent of our three - they would all carry odd things on our many walks and adventures :)
great shot.....you're so right, it is so hard not to get over addicted!! I keep wishing I didn't have to work, so I can 365 all day.......no, no, no....must work, need to buy camera stuff!!! (kids left home now, need to fill evenings!)
Beautifully sweet capture - summer has arrived here too, but wouldn't be the same without a shower! Having to cut down on the time I spend here too -I think I used to have a life before 365!!! LOL : ))
A wonderful photo. The are all very cute. Emily is a very smart cookie :)
You know I am struggling with the same issues but enjoying being more present. I feel my photos are not of the same standard as before but that is ok. Enjoy the time with your beautiful children.
Amanda, this is a perfect shot of them. I love that each one has something so special and unique about them and that you were all able to make the most of your sudden storm. Good luck moving forward. Focus on yourself, your family, and what you want your photography to be. Don't worry about the opinions of others.
this is adorable! i've told you a few times before that ya gotta ask yourself what is gonna matter in the long run.. "comments and favs" or memories and time spent with your children and hubs? i wasted so much time on here when i could have been playing with mandy and i will never have that chance again. it doesnt mean you stop photography or stop your hobby. just focus your energy on what is going to last more than a temporary fix. my mom was always working, always doing something else and that ruined her relationship with my sister. your kids are gonna remember how much time you spend with them
such cute kids....can't wait to meet you all...the area looks great! Sounds like you are trying to change your focus to family....that's good. But a snapshot of them and posting for your own journal is good too. See ya soon....
I love this photo and your writing. You and your camera sure are taking wonderful photos, Amanda. It is like we are standing there with you when you take shots like this. Now you know one of the reasons I am not on here like I used to be though was on here for a few hours last night and exhausted today due to it. Take time for your family as said above, you will never get that back again. I love talking to you and others but the time flies when we do. Nice to have a few connections on FB as we can keep in touch easily without spending a lot of time. As I have slowed down, I have a lot less people commenting on my photos and have lost track of a lot of people but it makes it a lot easier to manage. Darn, wish there were more hours in the day and I do not have kids like you do but I do rest and take it easy as I need to and slow at taking care of things here at home. You will find balance and this is your project and your family.
Sounds like Emily had the right idea. Enjoy your priorities, those kiddywinks of yours. These days fly by sooooo quickly and you can never get them back again. Take your time. I for one will still be here when you return xx Oh and adorable shot of your three little munchkins btw :o) xx
Wonderful shot and enjoyable story Amanda. Will be an adjustment not seeing/hearing from you as often. Completely understand. I've been fading a little bit myself. Best wishes and I look forward to our continuing conversations :)
@tbats22 Really appreciate your words of encouragement and truth that you shed. Thank you, my friend. It's so tough because I like and need my ME time, but I should spread out more what I spend it on and be more present for my kids in general. Thank you!!
@adamj Thank you, Adam. I just had a realization the other day that I was a bit off in my focus. I just need to probably set times that I am on here and forget about it the rest of the times. I'll still be around. It's so tough in that I thrive on affirmation and giving encouragement. That's my thing and 365 is giving me that. But, I just need way more balance and to be more present with my kiddos.
@psychographer I'm not leaving, lady, just trying to cut back and be more normal and better balanced. I just need to stick to set times on here or something rather than checking in all day long whenever I feel like it.
Thank you all so much for your lovely comments and encouragement. I just love being a part of this community so much. I'm still around, just trying to scale back the addiction a bit. Not doing so well so far. Baby steps...
@colie@deeganp@wenbow@snaggy I've loved this setting for a while (right by home and part of our normal walk) and have taken numerous photos here, but this is the best and most special of the bunch, I think. It was great timing for me, too. Thanks, kind friends! And they really are great kids:).
Don't waste your time with thanks to each individual comment - comment on the ones you feel a need to speak on - spend the time with your family and you'll get great "memories in the making" to share with us as well - we all win and this shot is a great example of that.
I just finally got this this picture of yours! I feel the same way as I attempt to do this thing a second time. I am not able to get on here everyday and I told myself to do it when I can and make sure it is balanced and isn't stressing me out OR preventing me from doing other things. Taking pictures of your kids and being with them is important--the rest of us can wait. :)
Thanks so much for your lovely comments. I am trying to cut back. Some days I am succeeding better than others. 365 is my social time with adults (as I am home with kids all day).
July 16th, 2013
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You know I am struggling with the same issues but enjoying being more present. I feel my photos are not of the same standard as before but that is ok. Enjoy the time with your beautiful children.
@adamj Thank you, Adam. I just had a realization the other day that I was a bit off in my focus. I just need to probably set times that I am on here and forget about it the rest of the times. I'll still be around. It's so tough in that I thrive on affirmation and giving encouragement. That's my thing and 365 is giving me that. But, I just need way more balance and to be more present with my kiddos.
@psychographer I'm not leaving, lady, just trying to cut back and be more normal and better balanced. I just need to stick to set times on here or something rather than checking in all day long whenever I feel like it.
Thank you all so much for your lovely comments and encouragement. I just love being a part of this community so much. I'm still around, just trying to scale back the addiction a bit. Not doing so well so far. Baby steps...
Thanks so much for your lovely comments. I am trying to cut back. Some days I am succeeding better than others. 365 is my social time with adults (as I am home with kids all day).