on being grateful

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."  ~Marcel Proust Lately I've been thinking a lot about gratefulness.  The importance of teaching my children to have a grateful heart and to be humble and kind to others.  It's so easy, in this convenient world we live in, to take our blessings for granted.  In our great country, we are blessed with so much but seem to never find the time to appreciate it, to stop and truly be thankful for it.

Enter the 365/Grateful Project.

I have begun my own gratefulness journey by using just my iPhone and some favorite photo apps, and I'm sharing them on Facebook each day.  Each month, I'll compile them and come share them here on the blog.  I would love it if you would join me and share your blessings with the world as well!

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In this moment, I'm grateful for the opportunity to raise our children near the sea.  And for a bit of one-on-one time with Daddy.

To learn more about the original 365/Grateful Project, head on over to The Creative Mama today.  You can read my full article there.  I'd love for you to join me, and so many photographers all over the world, so that we can teach our children to appreciate their blessings as well.  They watch us every day, you know.  As always, if you do decide to come along, leave your link here in the comments so we can share with each other.  I hope to meet many of you and am looking forward to spreading a little gratitude together!

Gratefully yours,

Stacey

the five on friday project

So I decided to do something a bit different around here, and have a little fun on Fridays.  I'm starting off with Five Things I'm Grateful For this week, but next week it might be five things to make or do with your kids.... five things that make me laugh... five pieces of baby gear that I'd love to recommend... five random facts about me...  five cool websites I've come across, or, if you're really lucky, five knock-knock jokes from Parker.  ;) You're welcome to join me!  I'd love to have some company, read your Five on Friday, and get to know you a little more too.  If you decide to play along, simply link us up in the comment section below!

FIVE ON FRIDAY  |  Grateful

1 |  I'm grateful for the rain we've had this week. Every. Single. Day.  The rain cools the Gulf waters down, and in terms of hurricanes, Warm Gulf of Mexico = Bad.  Cold Gulf of Mexico = Good.  Yay for rain!!

2 |  Grateful for a clean desk this morning.  Puts me in such a peaceful, productive mood.  I'm uncluttering for the next few weeks, in preparation for a busy fall photography season, and to purge some of the everyday things I've let back up over the summer.  Two bags of clothing were dropped off this morning, I have a clear desk on which to work, and I opened the door to a clean, pared-down closet with my all clothes organized by color.  Ahhh.  (No laughing, please.  Organization makes me happy beyond belief.)

3 |  I'm grateful for snuggly kids.  Parker and Lila have been sleeping in Parker's trundle bed this week (their choice) all cuddled up to each other as sweet as can be.  Well, Parker and Lila, plus 2 blankies and about 6 stuffed animals/dolls.  It's crowded in there but they love it.  My heart swells every night when I go check on them.

4 |  Grateful for this album.  The kids watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" the other night, and then chose this CD to fall asleep to.  And thank goodness.  I was getting tired of hearing the Veggie Tales over the monitor.  I could listen to Vince Guaraldi forever.

5 |  Grateful for our home.  So many people in Tampa Bay have lost their homes in the past few years, and even though my husband's industry (mortgages/finance) has suffered in a major way, we're still okay.  Our house is pretty tiny (it was our "starter home" almost 10 years ago), and we're crowded, yes.  But it's charming.  Full of memories, full of little quirks.  It's OURS.  It's where we brought our babies after they were born, where they've woken up every morning for their entire lives, our little space where we rest and work and play.  Where we can lie on a blanket in the backyard, under the palm trees and the blue sky.  And I'm grateful for it.

Yep, it's an iPhone photo today.  I think I'll finally start that 365/Grateful iPhone project I've been meaning to begin.  Can't wait to see your Five on Friday lists!!

xo,

Stacey

TINY HEARTBEAT

I recently spent a weekend morning with Kristine and Charles at the home of his aunt and uncle, Marilyn and John Connelly, in Belleair.  It was truly a gorgeous home: full of light and beautiful spaces, filled with years of memories and special touches.  It was absolutely perfect for our session! I've said it before, and I'll say it again: you just can't create custom photographs like these in a studio.  I will forever travel to clients' homes for their sessions because it means I have the opportunity to give them something even more exclusive and genuine... something that is theirs alone.  A custom photograph created in a private home cannot be recreated in duplicate for just anyone else.  These authentic, honest photographs will truly tell a story with their surroundings, the environment, the family history that lies within the walls.  Thank you, Marilyn and John, for opening your home to us for this session.

Kristine is expecting their first child, who will be born later this month, and I was blessed to be the one to document this amazing ~ and short-lived, in the grand scheme of things ~ time in their lives.  What a beautiful, welcoming family.  I couldn't have asked for a more amazing session!

I wish I'd looked this fabulous when I was carrying my own babies.  At the time of our session, Kristine was actually 36 weeks pregnant.  36 weeks glowing.  36 weeks radiant as can be.  And might I add, Charles could have been a bit on the radiant side as well, judging from the way he looked at his bride.

So grateful to Kristine and Charles for indulging me this beautiful morning.  I have so many more images to share with you, soon.  And I am eager to meet your darling boy in the coming weeks.

xo

SNOW WHITE

I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this session with Tammy, Bryan, Emilia and Auntie Beth.  Their family is precious, and I have looked forward to this session for months!  Actually, I photographed them just last fall during my holiday mini-sessions, and was so excited to have them book a full session with me this summer!  And this time I got to meet and photograph Beth as well.  So sweet to watch her with her niece, who she clearly adores.

In the above shot, Tammy and Beth's ancestors painted the watercolor above Emilia's chair.  I love incorporating precious things like that into sessions!

And from yesterday's post, by now we've gathered that Snow White didn't like to eat more than a single bite of her apple.... but she LOVED her grapes!

And she loved to read.  And call Mommy "Ariel" (she has beautiful auburn hair) as she read through her princess storybook.

After we read a little, snacked a little, and twirled a little..... we set off for the library to return a few books.

This is why I LOVE being an on-location photographer.  We're not limited to a studio with the same-old backgrounds and props... rather, we can meet at your home, play with your children's special and meaningful things, document your home and the way it looks while your children's belongings fill the rooms and line the walls (because they won't always), and then take off and enjoy a typical morning doing the things your child loves most.  And for me, it's so refreshing!!  And it keeps the kids moving, too, which is especially great for the two-and-under crowd.  ;)

And then we decided, why not just break ALL of the rules and have an ice cream sundae before lunch??

Of course, after the ice cream and strawberries, we certainly needed a bath.  ;)

I really hated to leave.  I could have stayed there all day long if I didn't have a sweet couple of kiddos waiting for me at home.  (And I treated them to ice cream next!)  I have said it before, and I feel it goes without saying, but again: I LOVE MY JOB.  :)  Thank you to the sweet families of Tampa Bay who open their homes and hearts to me and trust me with photographing their children over and over.  I SO appreciate you!!

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I'm starting to fill up for fall sessions, so if you'd like to have me photograph your family this autumn for Christmas and Holiday cards or for those special gifts, definitely give me a call soon to reserve your most convenient date.  I'm booking into October and November, and have a few September dates still open for those who need sessions right away.  Talk to you soon!

THE APPLE

Her breakfast was left unfinished.  Or maybe she had a taste of the fruit and then her attention fluttered elsewhere.  It's certainly easy for a two-year-old to do, isn't it?  But I can't help thinking that maybe, just maybe, sweet Emilia has read Snow White a few too many times, and so, for now, one bite is all she is willing to take of an apple.  ;)

THE DRESS. (AND A LITTLE PRESS.)

As some of you know I visited my family in Kentucky a couple of weeks ago (more images to come, a little later, from our time together).  While I was there, I seized the opportunity to photograph my daughter wearing a dress that was mine as a little girl, in a field in my hometown.

When I saw the field, I gasped.  It was filled with Queen Anne's Lace (can I get a nostalgic smile from the Anne of Green Gables readers/viewers out there?) and so beautiful.  It was perfect.

If you'd like to read a little more about my journey in getting this photograph, please hop on over to The Creative Mama:  my article is featured today, entitled "The Dress.  And Other Treasures." and gives you a little idea into why I ask my clients to bring those special loveys and heirloom items to your Stacey Woods Photography session.  Thank you for reading!!

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And a couple press announcements! I'm so pleased to find out that, through The Creative Mama, my photograph (and referencing article regarding hanging photographs in an artful way) was published over at Apartment Therapy recently.  Go check it out!!  And try not to get lost for hours over there... I love Apartment Therapy and their fantastic ideas for modern living.  I could easily spend hours browsing their ideas and inspirational articles for home decor and living more simply.  (Oh and yes, that is my son and I making silly faces in the photobooth strip.  That's my son in the Polaroid on the left, and my daughter in the right two Polaroids.)  :)

From that same TCM article on displaying photographs, my grandfather's circa-1960's Polaroid images (and my crafty display of them) was featured over at Creative Apples today as well, in her weekly "Crafty Connections" piece.  Go have a peek. What a fun day!!

THE MOST ENCOURAGING LOVE | tarpon springs newborn photos

I have begun these little Encouragement Books for my children, at the advice of a wonderful guest speaker who gave the message to my church last Sunday.  The sermon was titled, "The Gift", and it emphasized encouraging, listening to, and appreciating those around you.  Dr. Barry Banther suggested that we take a few minutes each day to write some encouraging words in a small notebook, to give as a gift to that person when they need it most.  I mean, honestly, how many times have you had a terrible day, and really just needed to know that someone really appreciated you and all your hard work? Well, Dr. Banther's message has stayed with me through last week and into this one.  But it wasn't until a few days ago that I started flipping through my calendar because I had just photographed little Olivia and her parents, whose last name was also Banther.  I wondered to myself if they might be related, but casually brushed it off.  After all, Pinellas County is so large and what are the chances, right?  ;)  Well, curiosity eventually got the better of me and I clicked on my client's website link in one of his emails to me.  And what do you know?  Little Olivia is Dr. Banther's granddaughter.

I can safely bet that this sweet little girl will have her very own Encouragement Book (or nine), judging from the adoring way her parents beheld her (and grandparents, too, I'm sure!).  This is often why I prefer holding newborn lifestyle photo sessions in the comfort of my clients' home ~ everyone is relaxed, they can truly be themselves, and life is real.  The photographs always reflect that, and I love the results.

Olivia has more love surrounding her than I can even describe, and it was a joy to listen to her parents softly whisper and sweet-talk into her ear as they fed her, held her, rocked her, and gazed into her eyes.

I am so happy I met this family (in more ways than one)!  And I cannot wait to watch Miss Olivia grow into a strong, confident, beautiful girl because of all the love and encouragement she will receive during her sweet lifetime.  We should all be so blessed. Love~

Stacey

IT'S HERE. THE CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER.

I know you've been waiting!  Head on over to THE CREATIVE MAMA for the  2 n d  A n n u a l  T h e   C r e a t i v e   P h o t o g r a p h e r s e r i e s.  It's a full TWO WEEKS packed full of interviews with amazing photographers, giveaways, contests, and inspiring articles, tips and resources for photographers, mothers, artists and any "creative mamas" out there.  You will not want to miss this, I promise!  In fact, so many people visited The Creative Mama blog today that it took a toll on her servers... over 6,000 people clicked over today alone!  :)

Angie Warren, the heart and soul behind this blog, has worked so very hard to organize this amazing feature for you, and I do hope that you'll click on over for a visit, leave a comment or three, enter a giveaway, and subscribe to the blog.  Even better, grab a The Creative Photographer button and paste it to your own blog, tweet about it, share it with your friends and colleagues.  We'd be so grateful for you spreading the word!  We're excited to invite you to be a part of this wonderful sharing community of women.

As you know, for Angie's For The Love of Photography series last year, I was humbled and honored to be asked to write a guest post, telling my little story and exactly why I do what I do.  Soon after, I joined Angie's newly formed group of regular contributors and have loved every minute of it!  I can't tell you how amazing it feels to be among such talented, strong, insightful artists, mothers and women.  These girls are pretty fabulous, and I'm humbled to be able to be a part of this team.

PS... if you want to catch up on a few of my latest articles on The Creative Mama, you can read them HERE, HERE, HERE and HERE.  And you won't want to miss THIS ONE either. ;)

SEE YOU SOON AT THE CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHER!

SACRIFICES AND BLESSINGS

I've had this post on my mind for several days now.  Trying to find the right words.  Thinking of the importance of this session, and really, of every session I am commissioned to shoot.  I will tell you that immediately upon meeting them, I could tell that this darling baby girl is loved beyond her wildest dreams, and by so many people.  Her Daddy is undoubtedly thinking of her while he's overseas fighting for our country and protecting our freedoms, his daughter's freedoms, on a daily basis.  Her Mama has strength like I've never seen, and she is to be thanked for her many sacrifices as well.  I know it isn't easy. But I will say that there aren't many things in this life more recognizable and powerful than a parent's love for his/her child.  It's a beautiful thing to see.  And let me tell you, this child is loved.  Truly adored.

We met at a natural spring in this area, and the entire park was beautiful.  I plan on going back just as soon as I can.  The fields were beautiful and the light was delicious.  Backlight is my soft spot, you know.   ;)  And so are snuggles with Mommy.  Watching them together was mesmerizing.  And I must confess that I just kept shooting, and smiling behind my camera, long after I'd gotten the images I'd intended on getting... they were just too sweet together and their connection was so obvious, their adoration so mutual.  It really was precious and hard to turn my eye away from.  Every child should be this blessed!

Daddy was only in for a short while, in fact he was leaving the next morning and would soon be on his way back overseas.  But watching him interact with his daughter was touching.  You see, he hadn't seen since she was just a few weeks old, and she had just turned one a few days before our session.  I imagine he'd had to get to know his daughter all over again as a toddler.  And that made me realize how lucky my children are to be able to see their Daddy at home every day.  It also reminded me to be extremely thankful for those who sacrifice that very precious thing for our sakes.  I don't think we could ever thank our servicemen and women enough.

Ami, Frank, I'm grateful that you were so willing to be in front of my lens.  Your daughter has such a sweet smile and personality.  You're doing a great job with her, and you are both such an inspiration of strength to me.  Thank you!

I have so many more images that I'd love to share, but I have to save some lovely surprises for their gallery.  Thank you everyone for stopping by the blog.  I appreciate you being here!  And I'll be back with more sessions to share soon.

xo,

Stacey

DOS. DEUX. TWO.

Our darling baby girl turned two last week.  We celebrated.  We sang.  We clapped.  I cried, as everyone expected.  And if you've been reading this blog for more than a minute, then you know that my crying over my children was never a question in the first place. So whether I want her to be or not, she is two.  :)  She is fiercely independent with bouts of "holdjuuu" mixed in.  She can carry on a conversation with an adult and they can understand almost every word.  She speaks in full, detailed sentences.  She blows us all away on a daily basis.  Intelligent beyond my wildest dreams (just watch her navigate an iPhone).  She's compassionate already, and so sweet to others.  Snuggly.  Loves her big brother.  Loves babies, whether they are real ones, "her" babies, or the children on my computer screen while I'm editing ("cuuuute bebee!").  She has the best laugh when she's tickled in just the right spot.  She loves music.  (Especially Justin Bieber.  Seriously.)  Loves to color, and always hands me the crayon and then asks me to "dwah a hawht."  (translation: draw a heart.  Or a silly face.)  She is full of light.  My Lila.

This isn't the birthday photo I'd envisioned including in this post.  In fact, we haven't even done her two year photos yet.  Those are planned for next week.  However, when I came across this image in my folder it would not let me leave it alone.  I decided that it is perfect to convey my feelings about her turning two.  About my secret wish to smooth right over her birthday and pretend it didn't happen.  That she's not growing up this fast.  That the past two years have not been such a blur.  Although I've hung onto every moment possible, there are some that still slipped through my fingers.  Things that I missed, laughs I didn't hear, naps I didn't see her take.  But that's alright.  She runs into my arms every afternoon.  She snuggles with me every night, and wakes up to me every morning.  She is joyful, and amazing, and perfect.  And now I can choose to wipe aside those tears that burn my throat and make my sight blurry, and recognize the raw beauty that lies within her.

My sweet girl.  I love you so.  xxoo  ~Mama