A View of Lisa's World

December 1

So I didn't complete 30 days of gratitude here, but I was grateful for 30 days...still am. I'm trying another photo-a-day project called picture the holidays. Today's prompt was "holding on to gratitude" so I get to be grateful for another day.

Dec 1- "Holding onto gratitude"- for a workout I love, this place where I feel strong, and this teacher who has taught me so much more than a right hook.

Gratitude: November 4th

Found this as I was going through the shots from my special needs school shoot yesterday. The owner of these chucks was one of the toughest kids to photograph this year. She is beautiful ...but she likes to be on the move...and while I don't think she is really sad...her face and her voice seemed pretty sad when it came time for photos. The first time in particular she seemed tortured to be there…and she was having none of it. We agreed to give her a break and try again. The second time, she seemed mildly less upset to be there, but hardly thrilled...we tried walking her around and trying to grab a shot as she crossed in front of the backdrop, but it didn't work out. So off they went again. The third time, the staff member with her brought many of her favorite things, and her favorite chair and she was the only one in the room...better yet, I had no one after her so we just let her "be" we didn't try to make her smile, we just hung out. She was amazing. Don’t get me wrong, she was still a mover and not at all interested in me or my stupid camera, but she was calm...and happy...and that made me calm and happy. I captured images of her beautiful face that are quite possibly some of my favorite photos I've ever taken. (I'm not going to share them here without permission from her parents). But while we were hanging out I couldn't help but grab a shot of those purple Chucks and her cute flower jeans. Today I am grateful those split second moments of connection and the power of photography to harness them.

Gratitude: November 3

 

Few things rival the feeling of getting into my car in the morning and finding a full gas tank. Knowing that my husband saw 1/4 tank and knew I would consider it empty makes me so very happy.

 

Today I am grateful for a husband that takes care of me even when I'm a little bit crazy.

Gratitude: Nov 2

 

Feeling grateful that my nephew loves to come to my house. I know all to well that there are few places in this world where he can just BE...where no one is trying to make him fit into any preconceived boxes. My house is one of those places...evidenced by his visit today, where he had been here 5 minutes and was suddenly missing. Upon a quick search we found clothes strewn from the guest bathroom to the master bath, and a happy boy lounging comfortably in the tub.

 

Today I'm grateful Alex feels safe and free at my house.

Gratitude Project: Nov 1

Yes...I'm participating in the 30 days of Gratitude thing...such a great reminder...and a good excuse to blog some again.

Today as I worked on shooting school photos for my nephew's special needs school, I looked over at the stage and a little girl that I had just photographed was dancing. I had already admired her outfit...but watching her twirl that skirt was such a beautiful thing....I had to sneak a quick photo. I knew immediately that it would be the perfect shot for this project today.  I am always and forever will be grateful for this school, where the staff is so amazing, and where kids that could be described as challenging, are loved and celebrated...and where a little girl who couldn't communicate with me in the usual ways, could twirl her cheetah skirt and giggle on a stage decorated with Popsicle stick flower art.

Today I am grateful for a special school filled with special people.