This past week was a pretty difficult one for me . I am relieved that it is finally coming to a close!

What I loved this week ~

• Realizing that there are few problems that are as big as they seem.
• So happy that my lensbaby arrived.  This recent post from Georgianna has really inspired me.  After we exchanged a couple of emails, I can’t wait to experiment! Thanks, G.
• I celebrated 500 fans on Facebook! Congrats to Maria for winning the print!  It was my first ever giveaway on Facebook, and I don’t think it will be my last.
• Loving the new Anthology magazine – have you discovered it yet?

What did you come across this week that you loved?  Please do share.

There is inside you all of the potential to be whatever you want to be, all of the energy to do whatever you want to do.

Imagine yourself as you would like to be, doing what you want to do.

And each day, take one step towards your dream.

And though at times it may seem too difficult to continue, hold on to your dream.

One morning you will awake to find that you are the person you dreamed of, doing what you wanted to do, simply because you had the courage to believe in your potential and hold on to your dream.

~ Donna Levine

I was born and raised in Southwest Louisiana, not far from the Gulf.  In fact, my parents and most of my family still live in there.  I attended college in New Orleans – the people, culture, and food are like no other place in the world.  Simply put, I am proud to call Louisiana home.

Louisiana has been through so much in recent years, and the recent oil spill is heartbreaking.  And seeing pictures of our beloved state bird, the brown pelican, covered in oil is unbearable.

So when I ran across Shannon’s recent post I was relieved to learn about Help the Gulf Coast – a shop dedicated to relief efforts for the Gulf Coast region.  Finally, there is something that I can directly contribute to!  There are a variety of sellers contributing to this cause – and I am proud to be one of them.  You can find my print above, “a time to reflect” listed in the shop.  100% of the proceeds are donated to charities helping with the Gulf Coast recovery effort.

Head over to the Help the Gulf Coast shop and pick up something for yourself and support a great cause at the same time.  And if you have your own etsy shop, consider donating an item!

I wanted to share the final version of the book cover with you (the graphic designer just sent me a copy)!  La verita di Corrag – “The truth of Corrag” – is written in Italian and will only be published in Italy.

I am truly honored – I *love* the way it turned out!

As I write this, my hands are trembling….. Yesterday, I scored my very first book cover deal with an Italian publisher for  this image, “single rose”.  I am so excited, and of course it almost feels like a dream.  How ironic that my trusty sidekick, my daughter, the catalyst for my love of photography, is included in my first book cover!

This journey with photography has taken me so many places, introduced me to so many people, and opened my eyes to so many opportunities.  I can’t imagine my life without my camera….

The book will only be published in Italy, but I will be sure to share the final cover with you!

Gabrielle presented me with this beautiful pink flower for Mother’s Day!  She decorated the pot with heart stickers, and I couldn’t have asked for a better gift.  She knows how much I love flowers!

I also received this beautiful, handmade vintage card from my mother:

She is so creative and talented – and I have fallen in love with her custom cards.  Thanks, Mom!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Spring blooms are quickly fading.  Many of the trees here in Georgia are trading their colorful blooms for new, green leaves.

I will definitely miss these beauties!  Until next year. . .

Welcome, April – I am so happy to great you!  Spring is truly in full bloom, and I feel like my entire mood has lifted.  We are spending more time outdoors soaking up the sun, and my beloved natural light extends long into the evening.

I am excited about this month!  Here are a few things I am looking forward to:

• A wonderful Easter weekend with my friends and family
• Being invited to be a guest blogger this month (more to come on that soon!)
• Participating in Ali’s A Week In the Life photography project from April 19 – 25.

Yes, April is shaping up to be a wonderful month – and I can’t wait capture it all and share my images in this space with you!  As always, thank you so much for all of your support, comments, and e-mails – they mean more to me than you know.

Here’s to a wonderful April!