Finding my rhythm

First it begins inside your heart.
Something moves.
Then opens.
Then frees itself.
And now you feel a rhythm breaking its long silence.
This is going to be good.

- Monique Duval

Sometimes I have a hard time putting into words the feelings that are dancing in my heart. Right now is one of those times. I feel so incredibly grateful for my life and for the wonderful things that are a part of it. I feel thankful for my journey and for the pieces of me that I feel coming to life. I do feel a bit as though I'm finding a rhythm I've longed for and somehow it's coming together. I feel freer to be myself. I find myself opening up...blooming.

A couple of weekends ago I had the amazing opportunity to have a mentoring session with one of my all-time favorite photographers, Deb Schwedhelm. I've followed her work and blog online for about 2 1/2 years and was thrilled when she decided to mentor. I've always been drawn to how soulful her art is. I've also been inspired by her kindness and giving in life.

It was a really wonderful experience. In addition to having a true, raw talent in photography, Deb is a natural teacher and such a lovely person. She was completely open about everything I wanted to learn and everything we talked about. I learned so much from her as a photographer and as a person. She opened my eyes up to a lot and I'm excited about the direction I am now taking with my photography. I really can't say enough good about her.

I don't know why I continue to be surprised at how my journey of self parallels my journey in photography. But in some crazy way it's all tied together. I keep finding that when I grow as a person, I grow as a photographer. I guess I feel like I'm coming to life in several ways.

Yeah, this is going to be good.