Deep thoughts with Kathy-Handy

I thought I would start this post with a hysterical picture so that you would read this post with a smile of your face:) I am going to share some meaningful quotes that friends have shared with me recently and some thoughts that I have been having about life and photography.
I love photography for many reasons, but the main one is for the emotions they it envokes in me and others. This was a day that I spent with a childhood friend recently. We are all grown up now and in the middle of our adult lives with kids and life galore. The visit was going along just fine and perfect, but once these mustaches and the camera came out....it brought us back to those childhood moments in an instant....life back together got just a little bit sweeter through our laughter. All of the sudden our lives were connected through laughter, not the jobs, accomplishments and everything else that defines us as adults.
My passion for photography is only possible because of this guy that sparked passion in my life for the first time since my sixth grade addiction to everything teddy bear. He gave me a safe place to be in life where I could learn to believe in myself. He stares at me daily with the most confident eyes and forgiving smile that gives me the courage to persue challenges in life.
This young lady below was in my life for only a moment. I met her in an instant, had my camera out and just asked if I could take a couple shots of her. We had maybe a 15 minute conversation, and I took about 20 pictures. When I sent them to her she sent me this note back..." Hey. thank you sooo much. I love 'em! Meeting you was really the highlight of my summer so thanks, again." It was shocking to know that I could influence a 12 yr old in an instant and be the "highlight" of her whole summer. From a couple pictures that I took, she will probably gain a little more confidence, and a memory for a long time to come. This is a bit of an overwhelming thought because it makes very clear to me how much we are influenced by the people that come into our lives. How careful do we have to be with people that come into our lives? Should we search more carefully? Should we even be conscious? I know I am glad that her beautiful, sweet spirit came into mine for just a moment.
When I think about influencing people I get a little overwhelmed by the possibility. I could spark a passion that could last a lifetime in someone, and that feels like such a big deal. I don't underestimate the power of a picture by any means, it's just a lot to take in when it is you behind the camera. I guess I am just overwhelmed and humbled by how much my passion is contagious and I want to start sharing it more. Because I am passionate about my family and my life, I hope that others around me always keep their eyes and hearts open to the possibilities in their own life.
Another photographer that hung out with me for a couple hours....

"Oh Kathy, I've been on cloud nine!!! Seriously, my head is reeling with all the information you shared and the heart you allowed me to see. I was going to email you as soon as I got home but I delved into all these sources and started dreaming and thinking and figuring, lol. So thank you!!! I'm so motivated and inspired and wish tonight that I could shoot the entire world, lol.

I am so proud of you! And I loved the part on how you developed the name and about your company. You should thank God everyday you are really the happiest luckiest woman I know. Great husband, wonderful children, and you have a passion for something you are excellent in.

You really look like you have found your calling, I am completely jealous. I think too few of us (people) actually find their calling, and you have. Its pretty amazing that you are so passionate about it, yet only take on as much as your family can handle. It sound like your family has done really well for itself, congratulations!

When I read words like this, I smile. I don't over think it anymore and try to figure out how to help others find the same thing, because their happiness is going to come from within. I don't worry about being perceived as bragging because I know that I am not guaranteed all of this tomorrow. I have it now, I love my life and I hope to spread the passion to those around me. Today, I am thankful, happy, and humbled. Today, I am......