Why I Love Jasmine Star and My Husband

Ok, so almost anyone in the wedding photography industry knows who Jasmine Star is, and have I mentioned before how fabulous she is? Here are a few of the reasons I love her.
1. She is honest to God - real.
2. She admits her insecurities.
3. Jasmine tells her readers about her flaws and mistakes.
4. She knows how to incorporate beautiful light into her images.
5. She is so encouraging that every follower (sounds like a cult), feels like they know her on a personal level.
6. Jasmine talks really, really fast and so do I!!!
7. She is absolutely a space cadet and gets easily distracted in mid-sentence, much like myself:)

Reasons I love my husband:
1. He works so hard to provide for our family.
2. He makes me a better person.
3. I have never met anyone with a more tender and beautiful heart, even though you wouldn't know it by looking at him.

Funny Side Story: When I was teaching high school, I used to always tell my students that when we were in the kitchen to keep their eyes open on the back door. There are alot of reasons to be careful. So, one day, I knew my husband was stopping by, but forgot to tell my students. One of my students, looks at me and says, "Ahh, Mrs. Randall, there is a really scary guy at the back door." I still giggle about this every time I think of it.

4. He keeps his promises, even though I get impatient waiting for some of them to come to fruition.
5. He might get annoyed or irritated with me, but I never doubt his love. He loves me just the way I am.

Now that everyone feels all warm and fuzzy inside. Check ya later.

My Life Has Changed Dramatically

I have been debating whether or not to really post occurrences with my personal life. After reviewing some other photographer's blogs, I have realized how pertinent it is for me to share my life with others.

This is probably one of the most difficult posts that I will ever share. Although, I don't have a strong readership now, maybe at some point this blog will encourage others.

At times my sarcastic sense of humor can cover the deepest parts of my heart and core being. Those that know me on a very deep level, also know how compassionate and how much my heart breaks for children in horrific life situations. Today, I read a story on Steve Stanton's blog (http://stevestantonphotography.com/blog/?p=2505) that shared a documentary he did with Project Moses in Africa. He shared a story about a little girl (whom he photographed) that lost her fight for life.

My perspective of blog and my reaction:
Instantly, I burst into tears. Over the past several years, I have been involved with World Vision and also trying to save little one's lives. Steve's blog was an inspiration to me for more than one reason. It was affirming to see that higher end photographer's than myself care about children. My long term goal would be to go to remote areas and photograph the children to support awareness of what goes on in our country as well as others. Lastly, I have truly contemplated whether or not to announce that I would also like to give back on the business side. At the end of Steve's blog, he discusses a conversation he has with our Heavenly Father. He talks with God about how upsetting the situation of this loss of life is, and then he reveals God's response. God replies that if Steve could see this little girl now..she is resting in her Father's arms and laughing. No more pain.

For 2011, I will be partnering up with World Vision (provided they allow me). 10% of all profit will be given to support the need for medical care for children in other countries.


Side Note: Before reading Steve Stanton's blog, I was reading Jasmine Star's blog. Of course, she is phenomenal. The blog I just so happened to read was about giving thanks. Jasmine reflects on how, as a small child, her Dad would take she and her sister on mission's trips to Mexico. They would sleep on a dirt floor in a room with livestock. This instilled an attitude of thanks for all that Jasmine has and all that she has become.

I feel thankful and inspired. I am thankful for my husband and son. I am thankful that my house is too hot, because it means that I have heat. I am thankful that my dogs are annoying, because it means that I have furry friends that love me no matter what. I am thankful that I am here to mourn the loss of my husband's best friend, because it means that I am here to be with his family and mine...and it means that I am reminded of how many great friends I am surrounded by.

On October 8, 2010, my husband lost his best friend, Jimmy Davis, and another great friend, Chris Meier, to a tragic ATV accident. Yes, I have a tattoo in memory of the amazing person that Jimmy really was and how he still lives on in our hearts and memories. I am thankful for the opportunity to get to know Jimmy.

I am thankful for all of the challenges, because I know God uses them to make us stronger and more dependent on Him.

The New Year

Well, it is a brand new year full of heightened expectations and hope. Today, was quite educational for me as I spent the afternoon applying grundge layers to photos. These layers frame the photo and give it a more rustic look. You can purchase them, but it is way more exciting to build them. I am very excited for this new year and all of the wonderful people I will meet.

One More Thing

I promised to tell you, the reader, about my adventures in Colorado. Of course, I forgot to mention them in the previous post, so here goes.

I have lived in Colorado for four years now. In those four years, I have experienced some beautiful places, but with the help of my photography, the past year has proven to demonstrate more scenic Colorado locations than I ever thought I would visit. These locations include: Boulder Flatirons, Estes Park, Conifer, Red Rocks and Golden. This has definitely been an adventure worth undertaking.