Fearless Creativity

We went round to our friends house for coffee on New Years Day and I bought Bleu the Beautiful Doodles book as a New Year present.

As we adults chatted away, I noticed Bleu was straight into the book. She simply grabbed a pen closest to her which happened to be a biro, and just started drawing. Just like that.

I was fascinated. She didn't pause. Or hesitate. She didn't even have to think too long about what she was going to draw. She didn't wait for 'inspiration' or even go looking for the 'right' equipment. She just started.

I loved it. I loved watching her, and I was inspired by her.
I took this picture to remind myself of the freedom fearless creativity brings with it.

May I carry that spirit into 2011 and beyond with me.

Lovebirds: Amanda & David

Our first scheduled pre-wedding shoot with Amanda and David had to be called off due to the snow dump that hit most of the UK, but we rescheduled just after Christmas, crossing our fingers there would still be a snowy landscape to shoot in.  On the day however, with the grey clouds above, and the once crisp white snow now looking more like brown sludge, I will admit I was a little worried.

When a text from Amanda and David said that the M25 was gridlocked and they would be late, I worked hard to stop the panic from setting in.  One shoot was already cancelled, and now that they were half way here, braving through the post-Christmas traffic, we have to make it work!  The pep talk worked so long as I didn't stare out of the pub window for too long watching the fading Winter light...

An hour after we had initially arranged to meet, Amanda and David pulled up.  Bless them; exhausted and hungry after the unexpected delays, there was no time for food or even a drink, but Amanda and David were real troopers.   And, despite losing a good hour of the light, their love managed to shine through and win the day ;)

As things stand at the moment, Amanda and David kick off our 2011 wedding season with their breakfast ceremony at Stonehenge; needless to say - we can't wait!

My one little word

I started this tradition back in 2007, when my chosen word was foundation*.  That was also the year I realised I was in love with my best friend, and needed to start taking this relationship a little more seriously. 

2008 saw me build* on the foundations of our original relationship, to see if we could grow from a friendship into something more.  Yet somewhere in those 12 months I lost my way a little, got lost in the relationship and found myself trying to become someone I wasn't. 

So in 2009 I decided to just be*.  We flirted with each other, but I kept my distance, wanting to be sure before I committed to anything.  Photography remained by my side, took me on dates, and waited for me patiently.   

By 2010 I was ready to take the plunge.  To take action*.   In June we took our vows, and this is it. 
This is our journey.

So today, on the first day of a new year, and a new decade - I declare I am (we are) ready to flourish*. 

* my annual one little word

Highlights of 2010

This is my first attempt at doing a photo slideshow, but I can see myself getting addicted to making more in 2011! In the meantime here are some of our personal and professional highlights in 2010.

It's been a fabulous year, and I am full of gratitude.

Happy New Year.

Sneaky Peek: Amanda & David

2 people in love + snow + heart-shaped red balloon = perfect ingredients for a pre-wedding shoot!

More to come soon!