Happy Thanksgiving!

Prismatic :: VT

(Above: One of my favorite photos taken last year, pre-covid, on a trip through VT to Montreal, CA)

Like most things American, this holiday comes with grim historical context. Colonization, at its core, is brutal and pretending otherwise does everyone a disservice. That said, I am not a historian and will not wax on about it, though I encourage you to research if you’re not familiar with the complexities of America’s past. However, what I can speak to is my experience with the holiday, and why it means so much to me.

I am not a “stuff” person, so holidays centered around capitalism are lost on me. I think commercialization takes away from the importance of what a holiday should be–a time to appreciate and celebrate your loved ones and a time to reflect on life. So Christmas is not my jam. (Sorrynotsorry!) But Thanksgiving?? Its a holiday where we are expected to EAT TOO MUCH and spend time with loved ones. And those are two things I excel at!

It’s also a time where people are encouraged to shift their perspective, and focus on the blessings in their lives, and I can definitely get behind that. 

So this year–despite it being 2020, the lost year–I would like to give thanks. My entire routine was upended and my anxiety, understandably, has been through the roof. But despite that, I find myself grateful. If I hadn’t been forced to stay home, I wouldn’t have learned to bake. I wouldn’t have worked with my brother to start a weekly video call for our extended family all over the country, and gotten to interact with my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandfather as much. I wouldn’t have taken up biking, which it turns out, is MUCH better for my knees than running. I wouldn’t have learned how much I enjoy photographing the birds at my bird feeder. I wouldn’t have focused on my garden, and in turn, realized how much better food can be when you start with fresh ingredients. In the grand scheme of things, these are little joys. But in a year with so much sadness, and anger, and fear, I’ll take what I can get.

This Thanksgiving is going to be different. We’re not having big family dinners, laughing all day together jammed into someone’s house–and that sucks. But I know I’m not alone in my situation. Many are sacrificing now to keep their loved ones safe, and I’m hopeful it pays off. Better days are on the horizon, and I’m looking forward to celebrating twice as hard together once its safe.

Many thanks to all of the people who have spared me a kind word and supported my creativity over the years. You’re the best. Stay safe and Happy Thanksgiving. ❤

A Million Thanks

My heart is full of gratitude today. I’m wrapping up the print sale shipping/delivery, and *we* raised over $730 for Liam. ❤️ I’m so proud of my tribe today. I’m so thankful for all of your help, and I know Liam’s family is too. Cancer is such a difficult thing to face, but truly, the support, the hugs and prayers helps. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart, and have a happy & healthy Thanksgiving. 😘

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

Attention to Detail

Connecticut Colors

Although I tend to love big sweeping landscapes, often, its the little details that make those scenes work.  Patterns, textures, colors, catching something at just the right moment…  They are just as important as a good sunset or a nice foreground.  Macros and details are an art form and skill set in their own right.

Peruvian Salt Harvest

A while back, I began putting together my “Free Banner Thank You’s”…just a little way to say I appreciate you guys.  My gift to you?  A spruced up FB page.  Now, when I go out on photo excursions, I try to keep a full eye our for nice landscape compositions, and half an eye out for “detail” shots.

Factory Folige Facebook Banner

I happened to be going through my “to-be-edited-still” photo folders, and it occurred to me that often, those very same “details taken with a purpose” shots are some of my favorite.  They’re not a big moody landscape or an emotional portrait…but they’re cozy, they’re interesting and they have a quiet confidence to them that I like.

West Coast Shamrock

For those of you who haven’t done so, check out my FB Page, like it, and then enjoy the banners folder.  For those of you who already have liked my page, you have my gratitude.  Word of mouth is my only form of marketing.  Your support is my inspiration…it helps me make time for just one more edit when I’m tired, and just one more photo-trip when I’m poor, and just one more sunrise when the warm bed is calling.  Your support helps me book weddings, and music promo gigs, and keep food on my table.  I couldn’t do this without you guys.  I’m so glad we’re taking this photo journey together. ❤

Sending gratitude your way.

XO

Shannon

Lessons 2012

There are few greater joys in life than:

– helping others
– laughter
– the love of family
– true friendship
– experiencing the world 

Not necessarily in that order.

Like most good things in life though, those joys won’t necessarily appear on your doorstep.  You have to be willing to go find them.  You have to be willing to put in the time and effort to make things happen for yourself…and generally, your goals won’t be met as quickly as you would like, but if you remember that progress is a form of success, it will help you stay motivated!

This year has been, on my end, a very busy but rewarding year.  Most people who know me would not call me lazy – I work three…yes…THREE jobs.  One full time, one part time and I run a photography business.  I don’t sleep enough.  There is always a to-do list. I feel like I never get enough done.  Oh, and did I mention I don’t sleep enough? Haha  But, the end of the day, I am so grateful that my hard work has been paying off and that I’ve been able to meet so many wonderful, creative supportive people.  (That’d be you!)

In 2012, I was able to see Toronto, New Orleans and Chicago for the first time.  I have had the pleasure of working with some phenomenal photo-friends, seen steady growth in my business and rubbed interview elbows with a few big names in the photo game (hint hint…check back on the first for an interview with Will Byington to start 2013 off right!).

Overall, the past year has been full of accomplishments, moments I will forever be proud of, new friends (I appreciate you all XOXO) and new experiences.  My goal for myself for 2013 is much of the same.

My goal for you, my reader-friends, is success in life, love and happiness.  Don’t be afraid to try new things, appreciate the good things in your life, remember…it can always be worse… and don’t be afraid to put in some hard work.  In the end, it will all be worth it. 🙂