Oops - Update!

     I just realized it's been an entire year since I've posted a blog! To be fair, our life has been pretty crazy and most days just seem like we're trying to make it to bedtime! For sure I'll do better in 2023... maybe!

     First, I'll give a life update since the last post was about my husband's stage 3C Colon Cancer. He is still in remission and doing well! He's back to work and seems to be getting more of his energy back and trying to get back to "normal" life. The thing about cancer is there's some things that come from it that are life changing and you will never be the person you were before chemo/radiation - so we deal with those still, but all in all he's a walking miracle!

     The bad news is during my photography conference (which I will talk about next), I received a phone call that my mammogram was "bad". It was right before the last class that I was to attend, so I ended up pretty distracted at the end. I did go back for another mammogram Thursday and there is for sure a lump/knot. They will be doing a biopsy this Thursday - so prayers appreciated for that! Besides the fact that I'm still tired from my husband's cancer, both my mom and one of her sisters have had breast cancer - so it's a little scary. Of course, the waiting and not knowing is the worst!

     BUT - on to my conference recap! This was a great one for me because after having to stay in because of my husband's low immune system and just coming out of the covid/quarantine season - it was SO good to get out! Imaging USA is one of (if not THE biggest photography conference. Professional Photographers from all over the United States (and even the world) come together for fun, fellowship, and education. This year's opening speaker was Simon T. Bailey and he was amazing! He was funny and kept my attention the whole time! One of the reoccurring themes I noticed in the classes I attended (and his opening speech) was the topic of making people feel valued. It's actually something I'm trying to focus on even with my own self this year (self-love) and a lot of the speakers talked about how people just want to feel loved and valued. If you've ever had a session with me y'all already know I want to be your friend! I really do care about your family and want the pictures to be treasured and valued in your family for generations to come. I love capturing the different personalities and stages of life and truly do appreciate you trusting me to create those memories!

     This year's conference was held in Nashville, Tennesse at the Opryland Hotel. If you've never been, the hotel is like a city in itself. Once you check in, you don't have to leave to get anything you need. They have a ton of shops and restaurants in the hotel, and you don't even have to go outside. All of the pictures I've posted are of inside the hotel, but if you didn't know it you would think I was at a Botanical Garden somewhere. They have different walking paths and so many gorgeous waterfalls and you can even take a boat ride right inside the hotel. If you've never been I suggest you go!

     I guess if you've read this far you're eyes are tired (ha-ha) so I will stop writing for tonight and save something for the next blog post - which I promise won't be a year from now :)