really great.

I've been in Atlanta for the last few days at a PPA workshop.  I've been completely immersed in all kinds of indepth business and marketing and selling talk.  It's been amazing...and I've gotten to learn from two very successful women that I'm now just in awe of how they've managed to do so much.

Ann Monteith and Lori Nordstrom were so warm and approachable and funny and just...real.  They weren't afraid to say that they'd made mistakes...lots of them.  They weren't afraid to say that they worked hard and that what they were telling us was going to be hard work. These women are great teachers and share so graciously.  They are business people that run their business like women...passionately and with a gorgeous strength and confidence.  I love it!

If you've not been through the PPA Studio Management workshops I strongly reccommend it.

I'm at a place right now where I am about to start all over again...at least that's what it's felt like.  After taking a hiatus and being at the point where I'm looking forward to the fall and thinking..."what the heck am I doing?"  I knew I wanted some seasoned photographers to just give me the nudge that I needed and remind me that I'm really excited about the process of getting a studio up and running again.

The thing is, I've run a studio.  I loved it when I was doing it.  I've been on a break now and I've really loved the break.  I've loved the time with my kids and I've loved almost no worries about keeping a business afloat.  And you know how when you get out of the habit or routine of something...even like losing weight...you LOVE it when you're doing it.  And then life gets going and get away from it and you forget how much you love it and how great you felt and how you couldn't wait to get to your walking?  I've gotten comfortable with my life.

Now, it's getting time to get started again.  I know very well the amount of work and effort and time that goes into a studio...the amount of hours...and everything else that goes with it.  It's been almost paralyzing to consider.

After being here this week it's been a great reminder that I can totally run a studio and that I love working with clients and I LOVE the synergy that comes in collaborating with a couple or a family for an incredible shoot.  I've been filled with excitement about connecting with beautiful, amazing, artistic, and giving couples and  partnering with floral designers and wedding stylists that get as excited about all of these things as I do.  It sounds so FUN!

There's a long road ahead and it's going to be fabulous adventure.  Now, I'm so anxious and full of ideas that I can't wait to share and put into action.

Thank you so much Ann and Lori!!

And a big thanks to Beth...what a great job coordinating the event!  I'm looking forward to talking to you more...

PS I'll be here in Atlanta until the end of the week...

learning. LIFE.