Memory Maker

Do you have a room in your house that you practically live in? Our TV room happens to be it for us. I am sure it is the same for many. I would not say it's just because the tv lives here, or the sofa is the most comfortable even if he sheds feathers constantly, or the fact that its the room that leads to every other space in our home. These are the things it holds, but the memories that have been made here is what makes it my favorite. This room is where we have Friday family movie nights, this is where the neighborhood kids have all rallied around watching the Mr defeat Donkey Kong on the wii-u, this is where sister and brother will unite on rainy days playing some sort of Lego world. Homework is done here, art projects created here, reading time is conquered here. For 8 weeks I slept on this sofa after my burn. When the kiddos don't feel well this too is where they sleep so we can reach them at a moments notice. At night, after the kiddos are suppose to be in bed, this is where Ellie comes trotting down the stairs looks through the railing and tells us of something oh so pressing. These stairs have been stomped up when told to go clean their rooms and I have come crashing down them. Football games with friends have been watched here and it amazes me how many people we can fit into this tiny room. It holds the laughter and roars that I am sure all our neighbors can hear. This is where we stream our church's 21 days of prayer twice a year and this is where I have seen the kiddos and my faith grow leaps and bounds. This room brings comfort when we are hurt, sad, happy, or just need plain ole down time. It's where we unwind after busy days, and connect with the kiddos daily, it's our special place. Funny how a space even just a rented space can become so much to one family. When it becomes less about the stuff in the room and more about the feeling it brings and the people in it. It's where life happens, our life happens. Now to only figure out how to capture every memory made here, the good and the bad, and bottle it away for safe keeping. One day when the kiddos grow older and I need the rush of something oh so ordinary I will dislodge the top and let the emotions envelop me reminding me of the days spent here in this very place for I know these days are fleeting.

sources: sofa | pillows on sofa {custom} | pillow on black chair {bought at market, but similar here} | black chair | coffee table antique {similar} | kidschairs | bench bought at Scott's {fabric from here} | thick wood frame room & board | wooden antelope home goods | type box | big art over sofa West Elm {similar} | top art print by Clare Elsaesser| bottom done by the Mr's sister | tall lamp home goods {similar}  | danish chair home goods {similar} | pillow custom | throw target {similar} | wall paint talc by Martha Stewart for Home Depot

Every Ending...

“Every ending is a new beginning. Through the grace of God, we can always start again.”  - Marianne Williamson

Learning...

Earlier this year I attended a workshop given by Ginny Au a destination wedding designer, stylist and planner. She is one of the best in the business. She brings her work all over the world and I was so very grateful that she provided a one day workshop locally. It was held at one of my favorite Birmingham venues, The Nest.  Her aesthetic is primarily European with her being originally from the United Kingdom. Needless to say I adore her work and her english accent. I attended the workshop in order to expand and refresh my thinking on wedding photography, but in the end she helped me with Two Ellie the most. In a nut shell she spoke about pivoting your career. If you feel in need of a change or if your old work does not suit who you are today or want to become in the future then it is time to simply pivot in a new direction. She expressed how some people will love the change and some may not, but being true to who you are is the most important. It will bring your best work forward. In life, especially working in the creative field, a person should go through many pivots within their career life and that's okay. With fall here and the change of season I thought maybe this would be a good learning experience to share. I find for myself that the change of seasons is the greatest motivation for a refresh even more so than a new year. Maybe because it gives me more chances to actually accomplish and rework my goals during a single calendar year. I personally need all the chances one can get.

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... Ecclesiastes 3:1

photos by me | styling by Ginny Au | venue The Nest | ribbon frou frou chic | models top by Elizabeth Suzann | flowers by Holly Carlisle | model, designer and art director Kaela Rawson