Happy Thursday Friends,

What I’m Doing

This week a  woman came into my studio. The sun was shining so I had my door open. She popped her head in and asked if I had a plug in. Her phone was dead and she needed to charge it. I will admit I was a bit uncomfortable. She seemed nice enough. I chided myself and thought of Bob Goff and “Love Does” and offered her an outlet.  But quickly things escalated to her sad story. She is homeless, her kids want money from her. She is diabetic, had 3 strokes and a heart attack and she is missing all of her bottom teeth.

My feelings get quickly confused. How do you show love and maintain boundaries? Is it my responsibility to solve her struggles? How do I show her love? Is she wanting me to give her a place to sleep? Money? We introduced ourselves to each other, she explained she works FT at a local business down the street and overall seemed to have a positive outlook.  When she mentioned food and I offered the food bank only a few blocks away – she explained how she had asked for crackers at the food bank but was denied.  She kept saying she just wanted a box of crackers. 

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So we walked down the street to the mini mart while her phone charged at the studio. I invited her to buy whatever she wanted. She only chose a box of crackers and some vitamin water.  We chatted about what her life was like in New Orleans, she was there during Hurricane Katrina and was working as an RN. She remembers evacuating the hospital during the storm. 

Brenda has 3 sons all in their 30s. They have nothing to do with her. It’s a sad story really. I feel so helpless. 

She is very warm and friendly with a sad long story. She is only 9 years older than me and has lived a million more years than I. Who’s fault is it? Who’s responsibility is it? What is my responsibility? All this all makes me feel very uncertain. 

What I’m Reading

I finished “The Huntress” by Kate Quinn – She also wrote “The Allison Network” which I didn’t realize until I had finished the book.  I have to say I am now a Kate Quinn fan. If you enjoy historical fiction with strong female characters you will enjoy her books. The time period for both of these books centers around events from WWII. Her writing style is that of someone who jumps back and forth. After the initial introductions of the characters you jump back in time to learn more of the back story as you continue to move forward with the current story. I can’t imagine how a writer keeps up with all of that!

What I’m Photographing

It has been a quiet week for me. The only photos I’ve been taking are those with my cell phone. I am itching to get out with my Nikon and capture some beautiful portraits of people surrounded by the stunning cherry trees that are beginning to blossom. Or the gorgeous daffodils.  Or a fun rain boots, umbrella shoot.  If you have an interest in a Spring session take advantage of my $100 off deal. It is good for any Spring Portrait Session through the end of March. 

Goal Check

I am getting super close to achieving one of my big business goals for the year.  I plan to launch my newsletter {SFP News – please send any ideas you have for a more interesting name!} April 1st!!! 

Click here if you would like to sign up to receive my monthly newsletter which will inform you of upcoming promotions and events at SFP    http://madmimi.com/signups/f92831e48f4c4758a38ad3779e2d9f9b/join

ALSO—

The Best of Clark County – Top 5 Baby!!!!  There were a total of 85 names listed in the Photography/Photo Studio category (yes I counted them) I am beyond thrilled to have been nominated as one of the top 5 in all of Clark County!!! Seriously people! My mind is blown! I was so scared to participate in this thing! It was one of my goals for the year.  Once I saw my name listed among the top 5 I could not stop smiling!!!  Thank you!!! Final voting begins April 7th and lasts for two weeks. There are many BG businesses nominated which I find very exciting. I will kindly remind you to vote when the time is right for all of your favorite businesses. 

My {current} favorite

Oh my goodness!!! Since moving into our new home I have been missing my porch swing.  In a bold move I offered our old table and chairs to the people who bought our home. They accepted and my husband was not pleased. He saw right through my plan!!! We have a very nice patio at our new home and now thanks to my “generosity” suddenly we didn’t have anything to sit on outside which meant we would need to go shopping. 

We now have a fabulous “fire table” It is so cool! I can’t wait to share it with friends and have our first meal out there!

I appreciate you taking the time to stop by my blog. If you feel so inclined sharing it is always appreciated.

Also don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter using the ling above. First issue will be sent April 1st – that’s no joke!

Shelly