100 days of summer — part 1
When I started this project, I set a goal to take a photo everyday, edit every chance I got to stay caught up, and blog 4 times. Well…it’s day 80 something and here’s my first blog. I’m reminding myself right now that personal projects are for growth and encouraging creativity – not for beating yourself up over missing personal deadlines. I have managed to take a photo everyday, and I’m very proud of that.
The long, crazy days of summer have a way of slipping away from you. I blinked and all of a sudden school starts up again next week. It still surprises me even though each year has gone by quicker than the last since becoming a parent. I remember wearing baby Charlie on my chest, walking our two dogs around town, and counting down the minutes until I would get to talk to other adult. The day crept by. Fast forward 7 years and the days are a blur of swimming, bike rides, ice cream, and traveling. I can barely keep up and I’m in love with it. I don’t want to forget how this feels. I wish I could keep them little forever, and in a way I can. When I look through these daily images, I am flooded with emotion. I remember the way each day felt. Photographs have a magical power like that.
I know we all have busy schedules squeezing all the fun into summer we can before school starts, then activities and fall fun takes over our free time. Please make time to photograph the little things, and hire a photographer to tell your story. Family photos may seem stressful – making the time, coordinating the family – but it’s an investment you’ll never regret. Photographs will be around and cherished much, much, longer than your furniture (because let’s be honest, your kids and pets are going to destroy it lol) and many other things we spend our money on. I have spent a lot of time on this project this summer, and I’m investing in prints and an album when it’s all said and done. 40 years from now, when I’m looking through the photos I won’t remember staying up late editing or how much the album cost. I’ll be remembering exactly what it felt like to be fully in love with life while raising my boys. Give the future you that gift.
Disclaimer: not every day of summer was magical at my house. We have sibling fights, grumpy attitudes, and bad days just like everyone else. Some days, I REALLY didn’t feel like taking a photo, but I did it anyway. Even on the bad days, be thankful and count your blessings…maybe even photograph them.
