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Snow! The truth is, I love it.

The last big snow I remember disrupting our lives so much was the “Blizzard of ‘96.” And that was a long, long time ago. I always say I absolutely love living in Virginia because we get it all: snowy winters, green springs, too-hot summers, beautiful fall colors, the beach, the mountains, the valleys, the country and the city. It’s all here in our wonderful commonwealth. Except… lately we’ve been missing out on some snow. Lately, as in, a lot of years have passed since there was enough snow for me to build a snowman with and enjoy it for more than one day.

Well I am not sure if you got the memo - but we aren’t missing snow anymore!! :) I don’t know if I attribute my love for the snow to snowy traditions and excitement that I grew up with - or the cozyness of a snow day in the middle of adult life. Probably both. Gosh… it makes me giddy. So, this is what, the third snow of the year? The first snow I got caught in and was no where near a camera to capture it. The second snow, I was in FL far, far away from it. But this one? Oh I got it this time.

I’ve spent most of my time yesterday and today cozied up in my home, hot drink in hand, with snow falling outside of my window onto the white landscape. Romantic, isn’t it?  Today I finally went out and played with my camera. I pulled out my new film and dusted off my film camera and only had the guts to take about 5 frames. Hah. Ah there’s something about film that seems so permanent… and scary! And delayed - now I have to wait until I finish the roll (at this rate it could be a year before that happens) and have it developed to see those shots! Of course, I also had my DSLR with me that kept me plenty entertained while I was out there. Here are some of my favorite captures from today.

It’s days like today that I wish I lived on a farm with a long, dirt road surrounded by trees. What did you do during your snow day today?

Welcome to another weekly addition to my blog. Thursday Thirteen is simply a hodge-podge list of things. Things I love, things I don’t. Things that excite me, things I think may be exciting for you, too. Since Tommy has been gone I have not been able to get my daily quota of conversation and I think my poor friends are getting the brunt of it while on our coffee dates. I have been a rambling MACHINE lately… it’s kind of embarrassing! Luckily they totally understand. (Ahhh that’s what friends are for!) So it is my hope that Thursday Thirteen will help lessen the load for my sweet, patient girlfriends. Hah.

So, without further ado… things I love:

1. NOT being snowed in. Can I get an amen?!
2. My JUICER. I am so in love with this thing. (Although it’s not the easiest appliance to clean, which may or may not prevent me from using it 10x a day.) Stay tuned for some of my favorite juicing recipes. I have come a long way since trying a juice fast 3  years ago and having to hold my nose while I put down each drink.
3. Being able to make my own office hours. In the past seven days I have turned three different guest bedrooms into my personal office space. Having the flexibilty to do so is SUCH a blessing.
4. Booking my flight to visit Tommy in March!!
5. Getting my hopes up about Tommy being home earlier than expected. (You didn’t hear that from me.)
6. The Right Brain Business Plan. This thing is so fun… and I think most (creative) small business owners could use a little fun during their number-crunching hours.
7. Reorganizing and redecorating my office. Now that my business branding has been decided on and will be announced soon, I’m redecorating my office to match. It’s a good thing I LOVE the style, eh?
8. Soft lighting. I finally got some nice lamps here in my office and it has made the biggest difference in this room.
9. Tivo! After being gone for over a week I came home to lots of new shows ready to be watched at my convenience. So fun!
10. Neighbors that plow your driveway for you.  Our neighbor across the street plows my driveway every time it snows and he mows our lawn in the summer. True story. I can’t decide if he loves us that much or if he can’t stand to look at our unkempt lawn. Not sure (okay, I’m sure it’s the latter). Either way, he’s the best neighbor ever!
11. One on one time with some of my favorite little people in the world. My sister has four kids and all at once, they can be a handful. It is easy to forget all the little things I love about each and every one of them. But when we get 1 on 1 time, it all comes rushing back. So refreshing!
12. Pretty folders. Silly, but true. I love my pretty file folders with all my client information in them. Makes it not seem so… administrative and boring-like.
13. Twitter! Ahh I am obsessed with Twitter lately. Are you following me? Do it! And then I will follow you!

Okay that was fun! If anything, it just made me think super positively about my life and now I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. You should try making a list of things you love as well. Or better yet, leave a comment and tell me what you love!

And because no post is complete without a photo, here’s one last thing I love: a happy pup enjoying her kong.

I know! It’s been FOREVER since I have posted!

All I can say is… ya’ll are amazing. Phone calls, text messages, facebook comments and messages, emails! I have the best friends, family and clients in the WORLD. Thank you all so, SO very much for reaching out to us during this time of deployment/transition. Wow… I can’t believe it’s been over TWO weeks now since he left! But I hope the rest of the year flies by the way these past weeks have!

Guys, we FELT your prayers. I will say, the first day was the hardest. But after the first day, I have had my mind totally focused on a million other things (wait, is that total focus?) and have been able to shrug off the fact that my house is empty. And cold. And lonely. Okay… so I’m dramatic. Honestly, it hasn’t been too, too bad yet - mostly because he’s still in the US with his cell.

I did want to share with you all some photos from our week of Tommy’s departure. It was full of packing, errands, and trying to soak in as much possible time together. I also spent most of the departure ceremony taking photos instead of living in the moment, simply because I didn’t want to live in that moment. It was miserable! But you know what? It’s the sacrifice they all talk about. And of course we both agree that it’s worth it.

Check it out:

Alright, if that didn’t make you cry, then please keep reading.

So, I actually left town the same day Tommy did. I drove up to pick up my sister and then we road-tripped it to Nashville for the big Imaging USA photography trade show and convention.  We made it there Saturday night and were 100% “photography minded” the whole time. Like, our brains were fried when I pulled into my garage a few days later! It was awesome. There are some big things in the works behind the scenes here at Love & Laughter Photography. You are going to want to come back in just a few days for an exciting campaign kick-off! (Consider that your “sneak peek.”)

However, (yes, there’s more!) while we were in Nashville, the earthquake in Haiti happened. Guys… I cannot tell you how my heart has been broken for the people of Haiti. I have stayed up late reading the news articles and looking at the pictures. I wish I could go into Haiti today and just hold some of those women and babies… give them blankets and love. However, I’m not sure if you’ve noticed or not, but getting in and out of Haiti has not been the easiest thing for people right now. While brainstorming what I could possibly do to help (other than give $$) I came across a fellow photographer with an amazing idea. With the idea she is willing to share and another Virginia photog, we have got something in the works for you and Haiti, both.

Stay tuned!