Give Thanks

Silk Ribbons :: Ricketts Glen, PA

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. -JFK

There is so much in our lives, both good and bad, that fill up our days that it can seem overwhelming.  I’ve found though, that a moment of gratitude can do wonders to give you perspective about what is important versus what is just “noise”.  It can drastically improve your mood and remind us to have some humility.

 

That being said, I want to take a moment to recognize the sources of joy in my life, and then encourage you to do the same. 🙂

 

Today, and every day, I am grateful for all of the blessings in my life.  I have my health, security, stability and opportunities to improve my life if I’m brave enough to reach for them.  I live in a place that recognizes my basic human rights.

The Hearts Overflows

I am surrounded by people who love and support me.  I was lucky enough to be born into a family that values things like compassion, kindness, and laughter.  I get to share my life with an incredible man who supports my dreams and enjoys making memories with me.  I literally have the best friends a girl could ask for.

Dreamsong

I’ve seen enough beauty in this world to make anyone’s heart overflow with joy.  The power of nature, the rain, the wind, the lightning, the cold, the feel of the setting sun on my skin on a summer day, the colors of a dramatic sky, the smell of new grass and lilies, the sound of the ocean, watching children play and people love…

In Wildness

Adventure fills my soul, leads me to exciting places, introduces me to new people and enriches my life in a way that words can only barely describe.  I’m grateful to have wanderlust in my blood, to have had a family that nurtured it, and to now have the resources to follow its call.

Hope Rises

The world is such a wonderful, frightening, beautiful place filled with an exquisite tapestry of human existence.  Every day I draw breath I am grateful that I get to be a part of it, grateful for the experiences that shaped me and the memories that sustain me.

We Are One :: California

Thank you to each and every one of you for being part of my life.  Your support, your kindness, your smiles (or emoticons as the case may be), your love fills my life with so much joy.  You’ve all had a hand in shaping my life and I’m grateful for your influence.  It’s always appreciated when you take a moment to send me a note or comments.  I love the discussions and friendships that can be built from a photo.  And most importantly, you are a huge source inspiration.  Your perception and appreciation of my work is a humbling thing.  It’s incredible to think that my images can brighten someone’s day and my experiences (mistakes) help teach someone on the other side of the world.

 

Now, I challenge all of you to think about the blessings in your own life.  We all have our struggles, but perhaps focusing on the positives will help the negatives seem that much more bearable. 🙂

 

For those of you in the USA, Happy Thanksgiving week!  For my international friends, happy regular week! haha  Hope it’s a good one!

 

xoxo

Shannon

Rapture in the Lonely Shore

Watch Hill Sunset

“There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is rapture in the lonely shore, there is society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in its roar…” -George Byron

Some things just stick with you, and this poem by GB…well, for me, that’s one of those things.  Ever since I was young, the words have resonated with me.  Nature never fails to inspire me, to awe me and to lift my spirits.  This view at Watch Hill Light in Rhode Island was no exception. 🙂

Two Questions

1) Do you Facebook?

2) Do you like free stuff?  (Like, legit free…not like…here’s the flu, hope you enjoy.)

If you answered yes to both, I highly recommend you hop on over to the Seeing Spots FB page for some gifties.  I started putting together free Timeline Banners as a way to show my appreciation for all of your continued support.

Mt. Washington Banner

You guys are amazing, you help keep me motivated to work harder, be better at what I do and are a solid reminder of why I love photography so dang much!

XOXO
Shannon

Mixed Bag

Today is a multiple photos in one post kind of day!

But first, I’m going to start with some exciting news.  A few weeks ago, I reached out to a well known landscape photographer and he agreed to an interview.  I admit, I squeeled like a little girl while doing a happy dance.  In the interview, he lays out his thoughts on what it takes to be a successful landscape and nature photographer.  I’m in the process of putting everything together for you guys, planning to post it on Tuesday.  Believe me, if you like beautiful photos, you will want to read this! =)

Next, I want to tell you a brief story.

The other day…which, if you know me, you know that means “sometime”, but I couldn’t give you a time frame, though it wasn’t so long ago that I’ve totally forgotten about it… haha  So, the other day I got a very sweet text from a friend who said she loved one of the images I had taken.  Obviously, that meant a lot to me.  As I’m sure most of us would agree, success as a photographer takes a lot of hard work and time invested so it really is nice to be appreciated.

She followed that up with asking if she could use the image as her computer wallpaper, which I agreed was a great idea.  I love seeing other people get something out of my art. =)

Wallpaper

And last but not least…  Over the past few weeks I’ve shared a few photos that showed the face behind the camera.  Today, I’m sharing a self-portrait that’s more my speed.  The abstract, Scavenger-Hunt-y kind!

Abstract Self-Portrait

Hope you are all having a lovely Saturday! =)