The past 48 hours have been a doozy for America -- for all Americans. I have thought a lot about what to take from this election and people's reactions. My kids have watched me break down and I've had to find the words to explain why -- why people are angry and taking it out on people like me.
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Without getting into the ugly, sordid details of what brought on this post, here are the lessons that I would like to pass down to my own children during a time where our country feels divided.

There will always be people who have a different view and/or beliefs than you. That is okay. That is the great thing about our country. You don't have to agree with your neighbor to still be neighbors. Show everyone love, kindness, acceptance and respect (even if it doesn't feel deserved or is reciprocated).

You cannot fight everyone's fight. At times, what is most important to you, might conflict with that of another. This does not mean that you should never stand up for others. There are many voices that go unheard and need someone to speak up for them. Absolutely be that voice for them when possible. It means that you first and foremost stand up for yourself. When it comes to your health and wellbeing, you must make yourself a priority. Stand firm in your beliefs with dignity, but be humble and respect when others do the same -- even if it opposes (directly or indirectly) what you believe in.

Do not gloat when things go your way and do not criticize when they do not.

It is not your place to judge or make assumptions about people. A handful of "facts" and/or speculation won't take you very far. No one person has the same thought process and we all do things for a long list of reasons. Before you make accusations, ask questions. Look behind the scenes.

At some point in your life, a person/people may attack your character. Their words do not change who you truly are. They are theirs to own, not yours. You are in control of your choices and reactions. Make them with a good heart and intentions and a sound mind.

At times you will falter. That is okay. Forgive yourself and move forward. Understand the same will happen with others. They too deserve forgiveness and the chance to move forward.

You are strong, beautiful beings created by God. No one can change that or take it away from you.

When you are hurting look for the light. When others are hurting, be the light.

Most importantly, love is not based on race, religion, sexual orientation or politics. Meet Hate with love. Love one another fiercely and never stop spreading that love. 💛

Okay.  Not really my last day.  It was just one of those days.  You know, the ones where your years of experience are put to the test and you ask yourself, "Am I really cut out for this?" 

This past Saturday I put together some studio time at my friend's photography studio so I could take some one year portraits of my son, along with a few of all of my kiddos.  It was my first time shooting in the studio, but I had been in there several times and prepped ahead of time for the session.  I invited my brother's family to come along, too, hoping to get some images of them and all of my mom's grandkids together.

Things did NOT go as planned.

My one year old wanted to be anywhere, but where I wanted him to be.  And to be honest, can you blame him?  His #1 job in life right now is to explore, learn -- Be on the go on his chubby (newly) walking legs.  I wouldn't want to sit still on a chair and smile either.  Not to mention, the excitement of a mommy-son game of chase. That is  why we went to the studio, right?!

The older kids were a different story.  My two boys wanted to do one thing.  Play video games.  The end.  Any interruption to that resulted in "Buuuuut Moooooom!  I'm tired of you taking my picture!"  Yes, I take a lot of photos of my kids.  It's hard for me to not document every little thing about them.  After all, they ARE my greatest creations and I am fascinated with them.  I'm sure I'm not the only photographer with this problem...?? ;)   

My (only) daughter wanted to be in EVERY shot.  Or at least her legs, an arm, a swish of hair -- did.  Through out my attempts of capturing images of her little brother, she twirled, swirled, pranced and danced her way into my view finder.  Normally I would eat up those free spirited moments with my camera, but not that day.  I was on a narrow path of what I wanted out of our limited time there and my patience was wearing thin -- paper thin. 

By the time my brother and his family showed up, I had reached my limit.  I was over whelmed and feeling (very) defeated.  Upon opening the door, I replied, "Hello.  Welcome to my last day as a photographer."  (His response - "Good!"  He's not one for picture taking and I may or may not have been stalking him with a camera for the better part of his life.  I'm still convinced he'll thank me one day... ;) )

Setting up shots for my niece and nephew went better than with my own kids, but by that point I was mentally drained -- completely thrown off of my creative game -- and hardly up for the challenge of enticing a 3 year old and 17 month old to look at the camera AND smile -- at the same time.  A package of m&m's later, I called it good.  (Side note: I owe you a mini pack of m&m's Lisa and my eternal gratitude that you have that stash of candy!! ;) ).

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Having the opportunity to do something that I am so passionate about is amazing.  It's more than amazing.  Many go through life, never experiencing the happiness that comes from doing what you love.  That being said, my art is very important to me and not seeing a vision through is frustrating. 

To quote Peyton Sawyer, "...if I can't be great at it then I don't want to ruin it.  It's too important to me."  (Yes, I totally just threw in a One Tree Hill quote -- hahaha!)

So what can I take away from this experience? 

1) All bets are off with your own kids. They will always challenge you -- and that's not a bad thing.  Challenges create growth and growth gets us closer to our true potential. 

2) There will always be 'off' days.  If every day was an 'on' day, we wouldn't get anything out of it.  In the two hours that I was at the studio, I gained some much needed knowledge for future studio sessions. 

3) Perspective - It could have been worse - I could have been working with clients.  I'd much rather be off my game with my own family (as far as picture taking goes), then with a paying client.   After all, it's been my practice on them that has sharpened my skills within my profession.  (Not to mention, in all fairness, it was my first time shooting in the studio.  Clearly I needed the practice. )

4) When all else fails -- candy really can save the day, or at the very least, salvage it.

Here is a peak of some of my favorites - from my first studio shooting venture... (All props courtesy of Lisa Wise Photography Studio- Thank you Lisa!!).