Last week was Fall Break for the kids. If you know much at all about our family, you know that means we will be traveling to Amelia Island for the week. I am not exaggerating in the least when I say that I look forward to that week all year long. This year I think I was looking forward to it more than ever. Things had been so hectic around here. It seemed it was non-stop, and I was just exhausted. Tired like I have never been tired before in my life. I kept pushing forward counting down the days until we would be leaving.
The week was wonderful. I needed it so much. We did nothing. Nothing. Nada. It was wonderful. Nothing that is except what we wanted to do. From my beach chair I watched a lot of this.
I didn't sit all the time. I went for a run just about every day. Mainly so I could eat what I wanted at night and have ice cream without feeling guilty about it. A fair trade off.
While we were there, we had family portraits done. Something that we have not done since before Stewart was born. What you say? Yes, we have family pictures, but those are ones where I set the timer and run to get into place. This year marks our 20th anniversary, and I told Chris that I wanted to have pictures done while we were at Amelia Island. This is my favorite place in the world. We have been going there since Elizabeth was three. It just so happens that one of my favorite photographers lives there, so I decided to give myself an early anniversary present. I booked Julie Paisley for a beach session. Our first two attempts failed on account of weather, but we finally had the perfect afternoon. I cannot wait to see them. The excitement that I felt when she arrived I now realize is the excitement my clients feel when I arrive for their session. At least I hope it is.
I've been thinking a lot lately about this business. Trying to figure out what is best for me. What is best for my family. There is so much that I love about it. I love sharing in special moments. I love when my eyes fill with tears as I edit an image that just steals my heart. I love getting notes from my clients telling me how much they love their images. I love all this. I wish it was all about that though. I get discouraged sometimes. I know I'm not the only one, but I have to think about what is best for my family.
Being with Julie that afternoon energized me. It made me think about why I chose to do what I do. It also made me think about what I need to do to be able to continue in this business. I'm thinking about what I need to do to improve my business model.
What am I saying? I'm not sure yet. I know I need to make some changes. I work hard. I think I just need to start working smarter. I feel refreshed. I'm excited about the fall and holiday season. I just now need to concentrate on renewing my business model and refocusing some of my energy and ideas.