This is What I Have Been Up To! (And Pictures)

I feel like an AWFUL blogger and online friend! I have been busy with Ava and getting into the groove of motherhood. I really need to write down a schedule:( Ex: 9AM:check email 0930: write blog, 1000: pick up house, etc). There is a BIG reason why I haven't been using my time wisely, other than Ava.

My Photography. It has kind of been going to the next level. I have been so busy shooting, editing, browsing for ideas and tutorials and other photogs' blogs and websites. I search and buy backdrops, and props, and fake floors, backdrop stands and lighting, lenses and even shopping for my second camera body (the Canon 5D Mark II) I use Pintrest for inspiration, and tips and tricks and suggestions for equipment from other professionals. . I use almost all of my computer time doing SOMETHING related to my photography.

I have to upkeep my Official Website, keeping up my facebook page and now just started scheduling regular posts for my Photography Blog. I am now trying to think of creative venues to market myself. I want to focus more on newborn and maternity, but shoot every category. Where should I even start marketing?!?! It is all overwhelming. However, I know once i figure it all out, it will come easier. I HAVE to get on a schedule though. I need to set aside time to edit and deal with the photography while still having a life...almost like a 9-5 job.

Ava makes it even more interesting balancing everything. And this is someone who once juggled work, school, non-profit, photography all at the same time! I hate sitting in front of the computer while she is awake..and that is becoming more and more. So I usually wait till Foster gets home to work on stuff. Like I said, it will all come together, and get easier the more comfortable I get, but in the mean time, things like this blog have taken the back seat, along with keeping up with others' blogs. Please forgive me!

Here are just a few of my recent pictures so you can see why blogs (mine and others') have been neglected lately. I promise I will figure it out:-)

Another Twist In The Road

I know the saying "everything happens for a resason" is so cliche, but I had something incredible happen this week that makes me stop and think if it holds some truth.

About five years ago I signed up to be a bone marrow donor. I donated a little bit of blood, and was placed in the registry. Up until this point I had yet to be called, however all that changed a few days ago. I noticed about four months ago that the registry still had my parent's address as my address, so I made sure to go in and update everything. Four months later, I am filling out an update on all my medical information because I may be a match for someone. One of the questions it asked was "Are you pregnant or could you become pregnant within the next six months?" Of course I answered yes, because lets face it, Foster and I have been trying VERY hard to get pregnant. However, I made sure to add in the notes that if they draw my blood for the more in depth testing, and find out that I am indeed a match, we will stop TTC immediately.
I would give up a few months of trying to start my family and giving Rosalynn a sibling in order to save some one's life. Can you imagine being responsible for saving some one's mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, or son? I help save lives in the ER every week, but this is a little different. I would have a single connection with one other person in this big world because MY marrow would be responsible for saving their life. If I can spare one family from the pain of losing a loved one, than I will gladly refrain from trying to get pregnant.

I will also endure the pain of a HUGE needle going into my hip, a few days of pain and recovery in order to save some one's life. It makes me wonder if maybe I was not meant to be pregnant yet because I was meant to help give a "new life" to a stranger. Makes you wonder doesn't it? Does everything happen for a reason?

I will keep you updated on the process. The next step is to stop by and give a little more blood for them to test it more closely, and then I should hear soon after that.

Here is a little treat. I have been practicing with photo shop and edited a few of the baby shoot pictures I took. I was playing around with the black and white with one singled out color effect. I think they came out pretty good for my first time!
Enjoy!

Before



After



Before



After




After (the before didn't want to download for some reason)

 I know they are not HUGE differences, but I like the effect, and can't wait to do more!!