I crawled into bed and laid my head down on the pillow determined to sleep in and enjoy being home. Everything went well until I woke up the next morning three hours too early--my body was still on Eastern Standard Time. And so this has continued each and every day since then. Weirdly enough, I was excited to leave home again on Tuesday and embrace the motel black out curtains. This was just one of the many benefits to attending Dane Sanders' Fast Track Photographer Workshop.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I went (what's up with that lately?). I had read and loved his Fast Track Photographer book. All the free goodies I'd receive from going didn't hurt either. Now on the other side, I've come away with new friendships, confidence, and plans for the future. The interaction was a big help. Dane laughed because I kept coming up to him with questions, but I've learned that I need to seize the opportunities in front of me so that I don't regret missing them later. Dane was willing to give us the time and tools to have those big conversations--the ones that are going to lead to even bigger changes in our lives and businesses.
Since coming home I've made some big steps. No, I'm still having trouble sleeping, but the extra hours awake have been put to good use. I've set up and sent out two proposals using the more than handy dandy ShootQ. Clients are now able to purchase their prints online in my new gallery! There's more to come, but I think it's time for me to take a nap!
Picture by our awesome group leader, Jules Bianchi
Friday, May 29, 2009
Fast Track Workshop
Friday, May 22, 2009
Richmond
While the capital of Virginia, Richmond wasn't on my list of places to see until I heard that St. John's Church, where Patrick Henry gave his famous "give me liberty or give me death" speech, was located there. It turns out that the city has some neat things to offer. Their Virginia War Memorial that has the names of all the Virginians who have died serving our country from WWII to the Persian Gulf war and soon to be added Afghanistan and Iraq. There's also John Marshall's home and the capital building which Thomas Jefferson designed. Then there's the Old City Hall which is an interesting place in and of itself. Check out its interior design!
Roses outside of the Marshall house
Can you believe the detailing and colors?
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Red Hill
It was when I first started taking classes from Patrick Henry College that I heard the name Red Hill. All the dorms were named after famous homes, one of which was appropriately named after what Patrick Henry claimed was "one of the garden spots of Virginia." The last home and burial place of the "Trumpet of the Revolution" himself. It really was beautiful. All the red dirt makes me feel right at home! I can see why he picked it for his home. Take away the muggy weather, and Virginia might have its newest resident!
"His fame his best epitaph"
Monday, May 11, 2009
Graduation
When you've been waiting for something for years, sometimes it feels more like a dream than reality when it finally occurs. Looking back, that's how Saturday felt like to me. But it's true, I am now a graduate of Liberty University!
When it came down to the graduation itself, I didn't have too high expectations because I didn't want to be disappointed. But even if I had expectations, they wouldn't have come close to the real thing. I did know it would be big. With over 15,000 on campus and more than 36,000 online students, that was granted. My class was the largest ever to graduate from Liberty: 6,350 students. Of these, 3,390 attended graduation with more than 23,000 of our family and friends watching. The whole thing was also televised live for the rest of the world. I hope they didn't catch me doing something stupid! It was a big day for a lot of people!
I was excited to hear that our commencement speaker was Ben Stein. His amazing film, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, last year brought him great praise and also great condemnation. While he does not share all of Liberty's beliefs, he understands the importance of preserving freedom and passing on the Judeo-Christian values upon which our country was founded. His speech was good--very good. And it was all delivered while wearing sneakers!
All in all it was a beautiful day. The rain was held back, and we didn't have to wear the LU embossed ponchos we were given. Two dear friends from California along with my family were there to cheer me on and wave from the crowd. I couldn't have done it without them! Thank you guys for all your love and support!
Some of the professors (I think from the Youth Ministry division) sprayed silly string while processing down the aisle. The students created fun of their own by tossing frisbees and batting around a beach ball while waiting for the main event. (Taken by dad)
The Vines Center where my degree presentation ceremony was held.
(Taken by sister)
Yay, I'm graduated! (Taken by sister)
Celebrating at Cracker Barrel (we need one of these in California!). (Taken by sisters)
Friday, May 8, 2009
Setting Out From Home
Wednesday found me jumping on a jet plane. Some friends just happened to be on the same first leg of the trip.
Getting ready for the Fast Track Workshop by reading Dane Sanders' Fast Track Photographer.
This is what happens when we're stuck in a small area for a long amount of time.
Thursday was mostly spent sleeping in as the plane didn't land until that morning and driving towards Lynchburg.
I love their Barnes & Noble bookstore with the Starbucks inside!
Today I attended practice where we were informed they are expecting more than 23,000 people tomorrow--wow!
Mmm, pomegranate lemonade!
Tomorrow's the big day!
Almost all pictures taken with my new 28 1.8!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Self Absorbed
I've been working on a post for a week now that has had to be erased and rewritten each time I look at it. Hopefully this news won't be out of date by the time I get it posted!
April was a month of "to do" lists, time lines, and deadlines. I had to laugh when I saw the name of the shampoo and conditioner my aunt gave me: Self Absorbed. Besides smelling great and working well with my hair, it describes how life had been lately. I won't bore you with the details, but my list has kept me busy and barely keeping up with my chores! Now May is here, the time I've been looking forward to for years! I'll be recording what's happening to me in pictures to share it with you all and posting when I have internet!
