currents: my truth.

I've been feeling some what distant in the social networking dept. This post by Tara W pretty much sums up how I've been feeling. Not that I'm anywhere near her status of popularity. I won't ever not blog but I do feel as though I'm masking myself some what now that it's connected to my "professional" photography site. I'm sure I've said this before but I absolutely hate Facebook. Twitters ok but it seriously overwhelms me. I love Instagram and I really love Pinterest. Do those count as social networking? Ha.

I'm in a huge transition right now. Re-evaluting. Revolving. Recharging. I'll be open about it all. Because I'm sure this will resignate with some of you, especially those who have started a photography business or crafty business or a new mom trying to juggle it all. I believe that when something is not working, you've got to change that something. Otherwise you'll just be stuck, moaning about the same sh*t no one wants to hear. You'll fall more into debt because you're spending more and making less. You'll come to the realization that doing what you love doesn't neccesarily translate into dollar signs. This is not me quitting my photography business. This is my re-evaluting and revolving. That said, I will only be taking on 1-2 clients a month...if that. Truth is, I hate the business of photography. I really do. Does that make me less passionate about photography? I don't think so. In fact, I know so. I was way more passionate about this before I did this for profit. The whole aspect of selling, working my butt off and hardly getting anything in return sucks. I did have a month where I was busy with several clients which I suppose is the ideal situation for a budding pro photog but I hated it. I hated that it took away from time with Tyler and Jeff. I would be sitting on the couch editing photos while Tyler would be tugging at my pant leg wanting to play. Jeff would ask if I wanted to watch a movie and I would say "can't...I have to finish editing so and so's photos. And you want to know the kicker? I hardly made anything that month. Not what I should have based on what all the books, dvds and blogs have told me. Whatever I'm doing is not working. It's simply not me. There is a bright shining light at the end of the tunnel though. I really think it takes a bit of faliure to get you on the right track. ( forgive me....I'm just full of inspirational quotes tonight. thank you pinterest) I am really looking forward to my next few shoots. My friend's newborn and a fall inspired senior session. Love this time of year. Anyway, the shining light is an idea I've kicked around for several years now. I've already made quite a few sales and I'm in the process of putting together a sell sheet to present to a few local boutiques. What the heck am I talking about? Handmade baby burps + bibs. I'm looking more into selling locally but I will have an Etsy shop set up soon. My other venture? Not quite ready to divulge but I'll give a hint. Screenprint. Another hint? It will all be for baby. I'm really excited about this.

What are your thoughts on all of this (photog business wise) Are you a professional who has seen success or faliure? Nows the time to be honest. I know the blogworld is full of photographers who are always busy and shoot only the coolest people. But let's get real. xot.

(print)

currents

drinking: diet rootbeer eating: nothing listening: nirvana/faith no more reading: blog (loving this post by The Shultzes. the video of their son is so enduring) wishing: I would have taken more video on Tyler thinking: of way too many things at once wanting: more time to sew my things that will soon be ready to sell (lifelovebaby coming soon!) needing: food (my stomach is talking to me)

this boy is quite a handful these days. never in one spot for very long. he's been standing up with the help of whatever is near by but last night I witnessed him trying to just stand up with no help. this just completely amazes me. another amazement? he actually says mamma and dadda. not just babbling it but actually associating the two. he gets more attached to the dog everyday. they are seriously buddies. I never doubted Butters would not do well around Tyler but I never expected them to have such a tight bond. it's so cute to witness.

before I sign off, I wanted to let those of you who have contacted me about the 2012 Polaroid calendar that the eta is mid-October.

happy wednesday! xot

current life cycle

Another work week down. Another goal accomplished. Several more to go. ETA on the launch of LifeLovePaper + LifeLoveBaby Etsy shop should be sometime next week. Still taking pre-orders on 2012 Girl Loves Polaroid calendars!

Happy Weekend! xot.

(Studio Calico Boardwalk give away is still live! Please post your comment below.)

Boardwalk Giveaway.

for reals.another giveaway. this time it's for the current kit, Boardwalk.

 

My favorite part of this kit is the stamp. I love the vintage look . I also mixed in some other Studio Calico items from Statefair and the new Hero Arts stamp set, Silhouettes. A few other products I used...

This is a great adhesive tool and I'm so happy it's now available in the shop.

And then this little guy who can't seem to stay out from underneath my desk or my Grandmother's vintage aprons I had folded neatly on a chair. Boy, does he love to unfold a stack of laundry.

Here are the details. Please read carefully! I will choose a random winner on Sunday night and post it here on Monday. Please, please, please be sure to come back to see if you have been chosen. If I do not hear back from the winner by Wednesday, I will choose another person. Sound good? Leave me a comment on this blog post....tell me what one scrap item you cannot create without. Thanks and good luck! xot.

milestones via polaroid

I've been sifting through my Polaroids taken from the past few years. My mind is flooded with memories. These photos are more treasured than all my digital photos combined. The Polaroids I take are special because the 600 film I use to use and love no longer exists. Yes, I know you can still purchase it on Ebay for nothing less than a mortgage payment. Maybe slightly less but still. I find it ridiculous and it takes away my love of the whole instant photo experience. I have yet to try the newer versions of Polaroid film. Not sure why I haven't...I'm on my very last pack of 600. Guess I should order some soon.  Or maybe I'll just retire my SX-70. Who knows. But for now, I'm enjoying these.  1. I really love my old cameras and the history they hold. Some are from family members, some picked up from garage sales. 2. I use to buy myself a lot of flowers. I loved having them every where in my home. In the kitchen, next to my bed. I love waking up to fresh flowers simply arranged in a pretty vase on a clean vanity.  It was one of those things I did for myself when I was going through the whole infertility thing. Helped a lot. 3. This was a good birthday. I can't remember which one...I think it was my 30th. or 31st. One of those. 4. I love this one. My first few things I had gotten when I was pregnant with Tyler. The quilt is used quite often. The elephant he cannot sleep without. 5. This was a tough day. I remember it clearly. 6. My old sweet bear. Her soul still lingers in our home.

And this one...this one hurts. This was taken near her passing. She spent the last few months in our bedroom where she would lay on the floor next to the french doors. The sun pours through the windows most of the day. She soaked in the warmth while lying on a massive dog pillow and a comforter for added softness. Miss my girl.

xot.

this + that giveaway

  This & That. 

Haven’t scrapbooked in awhile? Feeling uninspired with your current supplies and same old photos? Want to try scrap booking or art journaling but don’t where to start? This & That is a three week online class jam-packed with challenges, journaling prompts, and techniques designed to get you scrapbooking again. Mix and match and use this and that to create thirty plus pages! Choose one journaling prompt and one technique idea from the pool and combining ideas to get excited about creating again.

Price: $35 USD

Dates: August 15th-September 2nd

Included:

  • Access to private blog
  • 30 journaling prompts
  • 30 technique prompts and ideas
  • Tutorial for creating vintage handkerchief albums
  • Printable embellishment sheet
  • 2 instructor videos
  • Email access to Kara
  • Giveaways!
  • PDF of the entirety of the class
Want a chance to win a spot in Kara's class? Here's how...post a comment here. I want to know how you gear up for the Fall season whether it's buying a new pair of boots (on my list) or buying school supplies. Let me know and I'll choose a winner Sunday afternoon.
Here's what I'm working on with the prompts I chose...
Happy Saturday! xot.

current life cycle.

Starting a new blog feature (for myself and for any of you who want to play along) Goes with the whole "currents" them. With Instagram all the rage these days, it's easy to track you life cycle during the week. My current cycle consist of the usual but capturing it on Instagram and my new favorite app, CrossProcess makes it more fun. happy weekend! xot.

Nina + Aaron

So happy for my friend Nina and her sweet man Aaron. These two are so cute together. Although I don't generally shoot weddings, I was happy to be a part of theirs. They were married in a small courthouse ceremony surrounded by close friends and family. One of my favorite moments of a wedding is watching the parents come in to welcome their new son and daughter. Makes me happy to see families joining together. xot.

cousins.

Tyler's funny to watch around his cousins. He's interested but still not too sure about all these mini persons wanting to love on him.  Makes my heart swell.xot.

currents

Listening: The Faint Eating: chewing a piece of Shawn White Stride gum. Minty. Drinking: h2o Feeling: tired. Blaming the gloomy weather & teething baby. Wondering: if I've been complaining too much. Thinking: I need to get over it and move forward. Loving: my sunny yellow Be Optimistic postcard from Jed. Needing: a haircut. Thinking of something drastic.

Also on my mind: this post. I pretty much cried into my salad this afternoon when I read this. Incredibly heartbreaking. I had to donate. It was small but I hope that it'll help them out. I will b keeping them in my prayers. It's such a great loss of joy and love to a mother. I hope they find peace soon.

XOT

8

He's a total ham. He knows exactly when I'm photographing him either with my Canon or my Iphone.He's got 4 teeth. The top ones are throwing him for a loop. He lives to play. He loves his toys. He cannot sit still for a moment and is always on the go. He always seems to have some kind of scratch or nick on his face. He's crawling. He loves to stand. He's really long and lean and solid. His favorite food is all food. Still prefers to be in the buff. He loves to dance. Not a fan of being confined to the bouncy or the playpen. Loves the grocery store and grabs at everything. Still have not turned him into a lover of Target. ( I think this is because their shopping carts are as comfy) Currently being quite clingy towards me. Mimicks me clicking my tongue. Is learning to wake hello. Instantly rolls over when the diaper comes off. Makes changing a lot harder these days.

XOT.

**digital elements by Paislee Press, Montage.

girl loves friday.

Weeks have just flown by. Months actually. Tomorrow the boy will be 8 months. Where did the past 7 go? One part of me wants things to slow down...for him to say this cute, stout cuddly little being. The other cannot wait to see him grow into the great man he is destined to be. Sigh.

Onto girl loves.

I think I've mentioned this before as a love but I'm still enjoying the whole "balance of work/life/baby" series over at A Cup of Jo. It's nice to read about other mothers who have so much on their plates yet still remain a mom first. Not that every mom in the world has their plates full. Overflowing may be a better word. I'm at the point of wondering if it would make me a better mom to cut some of the things I enjoy and that I'm trying to attain out of my life. This was the one thing I feared when I was pregnant with Tyler. I didn't want to give up aspirations and goals only to regret them later in life when Tyler is grown and on his way to college. With his arrival, there were many other things set into motion. Things that I feel would give us a better life in terms of being able to spend more time with him and just being a better person myself. Because I would be doing the things that I've aspired to do my whole life.

These goals I speak of have not been met but they are in the works. That seems to be the hardest part for now. I'm sure this is really only the tip of the iceberg though. I foresee much more labor but it's really all good. It's all a labor of love and I hope to be able to share what I'm working on soon!

Next week I'm going to be re-opening the Life.Love.Paper Etsy shop. You'll see past prints as well as some newer ones. 2012 Polaroid calendar is also in the works and should be available by August 31st. Stay tuned! If you're interested in pre-ordering one as this will be a limited edition, email me at lifelovepaper@gmail.com

BTW...if you're in the same position as me with starting your ventures in a creative business, I found a great resource I'm just tapping into called Scoutiegirl.com. Really motivating and informative stuff.

This weekend to do list: maternity shoot with the beautifully pregnant Nina. family bbq (Tyler meets his great-grandmother on Jeff's side) finish editing Meghan boudoir shoot. complete a project for the lovely Kara. (loving her new site. she is just so beautiful) play with the massive package of goods Jamaica sent me. (aka awesome fabrics and a pinhole Polaroid camera.) clean office/creative/Tyler's play space. laundry. always laundry.

Happy Weekend friends! xot.

Oh, one last bit. I've got several questions I need to attend to and plan on a Q&A blog post next week so if you have anything to add, please feel free to email me or post your question here. :)

Currents: I am. I want. I'm not.

I'm not a hipster. I can't pull off vintage. I'm not always crafting cool stuff. I'm not a stay at home mom. I misspell words. I judge a book by it's cover. I don't always speak up. I often want what I can't have. I dream more than take action. I hate talking on the phone. I don't blog everyday. I'm not an artist. I dislike Facebook. I don't feel cool enough to Tweet. I pop my gum. I'm a smartass.

************************************************ I love more than I ever have. I appreciate the smallest gestures. I am passionate about photography. I'm a camera geek. I'm awkward. I own a fake Gucci bag. I want to be an entrepenuer. I want to be a stay at home mom. I know when to pick my battles. I shop the clearance rack. I scrapbook for myself. I'm a night owl. I'm honest with myself and with others. I want to be the best Tina I can be.

"If you're your authentic self, you have no competition. Focus on your strengths"

Scott Statten

Just sayin. XOT.

a note about the photo. i picked up this lomo 35mm film @ urban outfitters while in seattle. i've been wanting to put my pentax honeywell film camera into use since i purchased it several years ago from a gentlemen's garage sale. he said he use to be a photographer back in the day. well, i don't really think he "use to be". once you're a photographer, you're always a photographer. he also kept his equiptment prestine which you don't always see at garage sales. that's how i know he still had an appreciation for photography. i told him the camera would be appreciated and put into good use which in turn gave me a good price. i'm holding my end of the bargain. an old camera in such good condition should not be a decorative item on a shelf.  anyhow, i'm anxious to finish off the roll i quickly loaded once i returned home. hope to share those soon and give my reviews on the film.-tina

Dare gone digital.

Jessica Sprague knows how to teach a class.She hosted our Dare this week and I now feel better acquainted with digital scrapbooking. I opted to take the more advanced class, Digi in Deeper. Awesome, awesome, awesome. Learned some cool new tricks and I'm only in the first 2 lessons. There's 12 in all. If you ever wanted to learn, I would highly recommend starting here. This is coming from some one who doesn't normally lean towards classes. I'm more of a learn on my own by way of googling, how to books and good ol' trial & error. Here's the layout I created inspired by the first lesson using digital brushes.

Items used: Spendid Fiins Evidence Paislee Press Montage & Hello, Love

I would highly recommend playing along this week for your chance to win an online class with Jessica. Winner will be chosen August 10th. XOT.

blog blitz

 

(the book above will be a feature on the Studio Calico blog soon!)

The team is sharing their creations using the new Studio Calico lines over the next few days. AND each are hosting their own giveaway of their favorite item. Trying to choose one item as an absolute fave is like favoring one of your children more than the other. The standout line for me personally is Autumn Press. The standout item? Wood.Grain.Asterisks. The asterisk for me is like the ampersand for some. I use it a lot in my layouts. Most of my alphabets are missing the asterisk. This is the item I would like to giveaway. I'm also going to make this super easy for you as well. I want you to leave a comment here using just one word. JUST ONE. Something that pertains to you as of this very moment. I'll choose a winner at random winner and announce here on Wednesday. Good Luck! XOT