Beth at I Should Be Folding Laundry gave us a more difficult topic this week for You Capture, which was “What inspires you?” You’ll have to forgive me for using an older photo. I’ve never used it for You Capture before but it’s been a crazy week and I wasn’t able to get a very good photo of any of these things…but my thoughts are what is probably more important. 🙂
My husband Stefan and my daughter, Mackenzie both inspire me almost daily. Stefan is my business partner as well as my best friend and we could not have gotten luckier to have found each other so early on in life. Yes, we want to kill each other at times but we also have the ability to spend 24 hours a day with each other and not be sick of the other’s presence. We bounce ideas off each other, we understand what each other is thinking without speaking, and he strives daily to exceed people’s expectations and be the best that he can at his job. We would both like him to be able to work from home or at least be at home more often (especially after the last couple weeks where he’s been traveling like a mad man) but he is one of the hardest workers I know and he’s always got new ideas brewing in his head. He pushes me to reach new highs in life, to make every project that I’m working on bigger and better, to set goals and excel past them, and to expand and use my mind.
Mackenzie, although not quite 2 years old yet, has inspired me to be a better person since she was in the womb. She’s encouraged me to be a better housekeeper, to cook healthier, to explore new recipes, to play like I’m a child again, to live days to their fullest, to find new things to be excited about every day, to love whole heartedly…all without even trying.
And although it may sound corny (like it could get any cornier, right?), Beth who organizes these challenges every week inspires me as well. She is not only an incredible photographer but she puts time aside to give us ideas AND she participates every week too. That in spite of the fact that she has 3 children at home (one of which is still an infant) and I know that some weeks she probably just doesn’t feel like doing this anymore. I am amazed by every mom of multiples and know without a doubt that I would be holding on to the slightest shred of sanity if we had more than Mack & Ayla. Yeah, I know a dog is not really a kid — but when the dog is 120 pounds, believe me, it’s more like a toddler than a cat. Participating in You Capture has helped me to grow as a photographer and to look at things differently in the world. I appreciate little things more, I notice more of what is around me, and I’m constantly knocking myself in the head because I didn’t bring my camera with me. Yes, I would still use my camera a lot without her challenges, but now I have extra reasons to go out and shoot things around me which makes it a lot more fun.
It’s closing in on Thanksgiving, I’m feeling a little sappy. So what inspires you in life?
This may be one of your best posts yet (at least since I’ve been reading!)! I feel the same way about Peter – we’re one of those couples who actually LIKE to spend all day every day together and we don’t need that time apart to stay sane. He is my sanity when the world turns upside down. I’m glad to know there is another couple who feels the same! I can’t speak for the kid part, but the dog made me laugh – it’s so true! When we had our 120 lb. Saint B. it WAS like having a giant kid! Blessings!
P.S. I feel the same way about You Capture as well – everywhere I look now it’s like I’m looking through the lense of a camera. Reminds me of that quote from the 90’s version of “Sabrina” where she says something like, “It’s like I’ve been taking pictures my whole life, long before I had a camera…” 🙂
Aww, thank you. I got a little carried away while writing it but it’s definitely how I feel. And I know us couples who want to spend time together all the time are look at as “weird” by a lot of people, but I really wouldn’t want it any other way. 🙂 When Stefan is of traveling some where, I kinda feel like part of me is missing and I don’t really function properly. It’s like part of my brain is just not with me or something. Some might say I need some help for that lol…but I think it’s a pretty good thing to miss someone even after being together for 10 years!
What a wonderful post and a beautiful photo. I feel the same way as you do about my husband and my son, Jack and photography. Take care!
Your grandfather,my dad, always inspired me to be all you can be at everything you do, and always love and praise God daily in all you do.Respect and love deeply for your family is paramount.
Happy Holidays…….
Just love and enjoy Mackenzie and Stefan as time flies so quickly. These are special times with Mackenzie.We miss you all so much……can’t wait to see you all.
What a beautifully written tribute to your husband and daughter and that is a lovely photo too.
I like your shout out to Beth too, she is an inspiration to all us would-be photographers (talking about myself here) and I love participating in You Capture
Love the photo and the post! Hubs and I are like that as well. We pray that one day he will be able to be at home with us and earn an income from here. We are steadily working on that!
Thank you for sharing your inspirations!
SO SWEET.
The challenges certainly have helped me become a better photographer.
Pure SWEETNESS!