plans.

On Monday I went to my 28 week midwife appointment, took the glucose test (failed), and had another ultrasound. It was amazing to see Larken's little face and how much it has filled out. She has big lips, even though she only weighs 2 lbs. 12 oz. Precious little girl. It always floods me with relief and peace to hear that heartbeat, see her little body, and be told that everything is okay with her. 

I know I have been absent from blogging and I have missed it. Thanks so much to you loyal readers-- I know I don't post that often, but that's where I'm at right now and I am comfortable with it (I take it you are too if you're still reading here!). 

Piper has been sick, and we traveled with our sick girl to Charleston, SC for a wedding this past weekend. Our neighbors and good friends, John and Ginny, had a beautiful wedding... so perfect for them. The venue was gorgeous, the details were flawless, it truly was an amazing event. (Ginny is an event planner, btw.) Piper really had a hard time though, poor thing. She's so sweet, and loved on everyone at the wedding even though she was so sick. She brings so much joy to everyone she encounters. She shines so brightly. Also, fyi, she really doesn't like having her picture taken lately (thus the lack of recent pics of her). It's kind of a weird combination of being shy but also enjoying telling me 'no'. 

So I have been thinking about the direction our family is headed, and me personally as a woman/wife/mother, and about the fact that things are about to change in the best way when Larken arrives. I have been thinking about what to do with Lightnest, which direction to take it, how or if I could continue to work after we get settled into a routine. I love being a mother, and the joy of our family life. I love growing into this woman/mother person that God dreamed I would be. I love my work; I love living this life of creating and making and beautifying, bringing order, and doing this as a mother. I also sense that this lifestyle gives me purpose, and this purpose is healthy for me. Of course this depends on things being in the correct balance. Balance looks different depending on the season in our family's life, but balance keeps me happy. All this to say, I think I see wisdom in pursuing photography more seriously. I love to sew and will always sew, but the bags that I make are not enough to depend on as a second income, and I am unwilling at this point to simply design the pattern, outsource the sewing, and handle the PR. That is not something I want to do right now. But it would be really hard for me to grow Lightnest, the sewing part, as a mom of two young kids unless I outsourced the actual construction of the bags (I mean I know there are other women who can do it and do it well, but not me). Plus, I love the fact that I am selling something I made with my own two hands; I can't bear the thought of someone else making my bags (except Tyler of course). It just isn't sustainable for me in this phase of our family life. Photography, on the other hand, is something I love, and it pays well. I have a strong desire to improve and grow and change, and a vision for where I am headed. My plan is to work on bags and sewing through this holiday season, and then focus on growing my photography business. At least that is the plan for now :)

The past couple of days I have been dreaming of new equipment, a lovely website, adverts and business cards, and all the things that would catapult me to success. But I know it will be a journey. A slow journey. 

I took these pictures of some things from our house, just wanting to enjoy my camera and learn more about it. It is easy to get caught up in everything I don't have-- a full frame camera, a website, fancy photog gear. A fellow photographer and friend gave me some excellent advice this past summer-- she said to just be as creative as I can be with what I already have, and not feel rushed to buy the next thing. Equipment is a tool in the hands of an artist; it doesn't make you an artist. These are true words. 

Anyway, I want to keep growing into this life that God dreamed for me, as a mother, an artist, a wife. 

xo

PS-- I am having a little sale in my etsy shop, lightnest.etsy.com. Enter the coupon code 'thankful' while checking out in, and receive 30% off your order. Good through Friday. Also, there are more styles and fabric available if you are interested-- please email me.