I've been looking forward to getting to work on Garretts blog ever since I first downloaded and viewed his pictures on my computer. 

I'm going to take a moment and just be honest. I was having one of those days... you know, the one where you see "your worst self" on display...not just once, but several times throughout the day?  You see "her" coming. It's like slow motion. You try all you can to stop "her" from coming out, but it's just no use.  You just prepare yourself to pick up the pieces that will inevitably be all around you.  

If you know me, you know I'm crazy about my kids.  Love them with every fiber of my being, but this particular afternoon I just didn't wake up with the exact amount of patience that was needed for the day.  Calvin recently discovered ways to push my buttons, and I saw the delight on his face when he pulled the desired "crazy momma" reaction from me.... three different times.  I caught myself nearly breaking an armful of plates, slamming the car door, and throwing a basket of freshly folded laundry on the floor.  All reactions that visibly pleased my first born.  

My better half has been harvesting for several weeks by this point, so the hope of reinforcements or at least a few moments of peace to clear my head before my photo session that evening, was just not going to happen.  (To give myself a little break, I'm quite certain this was my last day of good health before the Cold of all Colds came crashing down,  my body knew I was about to break, so why not try to break the mind as well? )  

While driving to Garretts house, I had a serious "Come to Jesus" moment.  Asking...if there be any ounce of creative energy left in the tank, that it be multiplied.  That I would have the ability to connect and create a fun and easy session.  Pleading for a miracle, because on the inside I felt like I was about to shatter into a million pieces.  

And then this happened.

And this.

And this.

and a little bit of this. 

When I stepped out of the car to greet Garrett in his driveway, all the junk from my day took the backseat. Garrett's joy and ease were contagious and put my heart and creativity right back where it needed to be.  Garrett came ready to play.  His sense of calm took over and this shoot was not only a breeze, but sent me home with a bit of hope, a bit of grace for myself and my first born.  And thankful that my cry for help didn't fall on deaf ears. 

Garrett has plans of getting into politics.  I asked what he thought his first step after college would be, he responded with, getting a job in DC and start making those connections. 

Garrett.  I'm thankful to have connected with you.  

You will be a great asset in whichever area of politics you end up.  And if it happens to be the White House... you know where to find your photographer for all those political advertisements/billboards, pamphlets.  Really anything that gets your name and face out there.  :-)   Enjoy your last year of high school as a Wildcat.  And thanks for helping to create such a fun and encouraging evening for this photographer.