I had a long layover in Seattle on my way back home from Vegas.
I was pretty much running on fumes being that I only slept all of 2 hours in the last day. Yes, 2 whole hours.
That's just what you do when you have a few days to travel and, well...it's Vegas, the city that never sleeps.
Walking around the city perked me right up though.
That and finding Anthropologie.
Truly love at first site. I had never stepped foot or purchased anything from this store before this day.
I think I looked and touched everything they had in that building.
Man, is it beautifully decorated. I picked up a few pretties for my kitchen. They were gracious enough, granted I paid shipping, to package it up and mail it home to Anchorage. Was not about to chance it by taking it on the plane.
Directly next door was Urban Outfitters.
Falling more into my retail coma. Found lots of cool things there as well...all of which are in route as we speak.
I was good though. I only used the cash I had on hand which was not blown in Vegas.
Had a few more hours to spend in the city so I did the tourist thing and headed down to Pike's Place.
I don't think I've been here during peak tourist season and now I know why.
I walked through quickly, hoping to find something for my nephew with no luck.
Really, I wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible because 1. I was starving. STARVING. 2. having little sleep and empty tummy makes one very irritable when dodging and weaving through the masses of wide eyed, camera wielding tourists.
Finding a spot to sit, eat and people watch was not easy in that area. I walked in and out of a few places, finally finding some random half empty bagel shop to sit and relax. It was quite nice.
It gave me time to reflect on my trip to Vegas to see my grandmother.
That's really a whole other post which I plan on writing this week.
Without going into too much detail out of respect for my family, all I will say is that I left there with a whole new perspective on life and just how short it is.
I've never been more motivated into changing my own life and business goals.
"if you don't like it, change it"
It's so very simple and it's right there in front of me for the taking. It's not grasping the concept I find hard, it's the staying motivated that's the hurdle. And I'm not just speaking about my journey through the photography business. There are several other ventures I've had sketched out in my planner for quite some time now. Ones that I know are golden ideas. Ideas that are now being set into motion because of my new found appreciation for life.
Those of you who have your own small businesses...how do you stay on track? What keeps you motivated?
I'd love to hear your thoughts.
XOT.
(digital elements: Paislee Press Montage)
I'm back from a the quickest week of travel ever.Lot's of photos to share and thoughts to express.
Will be back tomorrow. Must. Get. Some. Rest.
xot.
PDF available 
In the process of switching my work space with Tyler's nursery.
His current room is bigger and contains more space than he needs.
I was inspired by the show Love 
haven't done girl loves in awhile.it got to be too iffy to post all those things from the web.
i've noticed a lot of blogs stating that permission is needed.
i've always 
this week's 
hoping your solstice is warm and sunny!xot.
I started currents last year as a way to get myself to blog more and I'm glad to see others using it as a prompt as well.
But in true Tina fashion, as soon as something becomes popular and seen everywhere, I let it go.
I sort of miss it though so I'll just revamp it in a way that's suitable for me now.
Check out the 
Yes, the Zing bandwagon.
I fought it for awhile.
It reminded too much of my "emboss everything" days as a rubberstamper.
I have inhaled a fair amount of fumes that come off the powder after heating it with a gun.
I love watching that moment where the tiny particulars all melt together to form one big blob of embossed goodness.
I'm finding it cool again.
xot.
(yet another typo. i do these things so quickly at night during quiet time before i hit the pillow. i will blame it on exhaustion. :) )
The boy and I drove out to the Valley last week to visit with my grandfather who flew up from Vegas. It was so great for Tyler to meet his great grandpa. We stopped at a few spots along the way to take a few photos and notes on locations for some upcoming photo sessions. My little helper. :) Even though his eyes are closed, I still love the photo. He looks just like me in an older baby photo of myself.
Tyler spitting up on his uncle. Pretty hilarious. 
I really can't believe there's still an 
xot.
eating: a bowl of cocoa krispies.
drinking: the chocolate milk from said cocoa krispies.
watching: Spouse vs. House and the baby monitor. Love seeing my booboo holding his elephant and sleeping peacefully.
wearing: my favorite billabong tee and shorts.
weather: a little windy and chilly.
thinking: about more than I care too. So many decisions to make and chances to take.
feeling: scared, overwhelmed, anxious, worried I'll make the wrong move.
loving: the warmth of my dog by my feet and clean sheets.
Happy Mothers Day.xot
listening: Kesha mix on Pandora. I'm really feeling pop music lately which is really out of the norm for me. eating: Emerald cocoa roasted almonds. Love these little gems.
drinking: water.
wearing: nothing special. jeans, black top, black flats.
feeling: neutral.
weather: dark and gloomy but the rain is needed.
needing: shoes. feeling 