I started keeping a gratitude journal late last year to remind myself of all the little things that happen everyday, no matter how small, that I am thankful for.  Some days are easier than others to find 3 things, but today, after having a great conversation with friends I quickly found my 3 gratitude items for the day...I could say I'm thankful for my friends, but I've already said that....no, today one thing I am thankful for is to have so many people around me to share ideas and thoughts with and just to be able to bounce dreams around.  You see, I'm quite proud of myself, as I child I did not like to share.  "Um, no you may not pick up my Barbie doll," and "Just what exactly do you think you are doing my touching my monopoly playing piece...it's my game!"  Fortunately, I kicked that bad habit to the curb and I love sharing my suggestions with others.

Speaking of sharing, my dear friends Alice and Kyu, the founders of NAPCP (National Association of Professional Child Photographers) have created a one-of-a-kind retreat for members and non-members in, wait for it, NAPA VALLEY!  The retreat will be held June 20-23 at the Meritage Resort and you guessed it, there will be lots of sharing and bonding and amazing speakers including Tamara Lackey and business expert Lisa MacKenzie!  To register for the retreat please click HERE!

And since y'all know how much I love wine...an ode to the grapevine...

Since we're I am still talking about sharing, Into the Darkroom recently put a cool widget on my blog (below near the comments section) where you can share my blog posts on Twitter, Digg or Technorati--have fun!

And here is a quick sneak peek of a recent shoot I captured for a local magazine...

Happy Hump Day!!!

This past weekend I joined my fellow Junior Leaguers for a big event that we put on and I showed up as the photographer!  The new members put together an amazing community event called Kids in the Kitchen.  It's purpose was to raise community awareness about obesity and there were several physical games and activities going on and there was a mini cooking class for the kids with a professional chef-the thought behind targeting children is that if we can get kids involved, maybe they will encourage their parents to cook more healthy meals and engage in outdoor family activities.

Look at her go!  My clumsy self would probably pull a geriatric stunt and break a hip...

Extreme relay races!

What is this little girl holding, you ask?  It was a slimy simulation of what 5 pounds of fat looks like in the body.  I was really looking forward to having a greasy, gooey grilled cheese sandwich for lunch that day, but begrudgingly ate a salad after seeing this!

Learning culinary skills

Happy Monday!

Vegas is a city that will suck you in, whirl you around like you're spinning through the rinse cycle in a washing machine and then spit you back out on the street with no money and a headache :)    Most of my friends agree, while we could go without the smoke filled hotel and money slurping slot machines lurking around every corner, it's a great excuse to hang out with friends, connect with other photographers and see the latest and greatest in the industry.

I really wanted to sleep in this morning, but I just couldn't resist the beautiful weather today...ok, ok, I'm lying...I really had to get up for an eye doctor appointment first thing this morning, but whatever!  All's well in the eye department and they let me take an extra jolly rancher, thank you very much!

In other random, unrelated news, I realized this morning thanks to Twitter that this weekend is Daylight Savings!!  This weekend just got interesting!  I love summer and dread the days in October when we have to flip the clocks back and slowly watch the sun sink into the horizon earlier and earlier each day.  Winter is sort of like Vegas...sucks the life out of you!

Speaking of Twitter, I noticed the other day that I do not have a link on this blog for my twitter account so feel free to follow along at www.twitter.com/whitneyelizabet and you can find my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/whitneyelizabeth (make sure you login and befriend me to see it :) )

While I was in Vegas, I planned on snapping some pictures with my point and shoot and I planned on blogging a few fun images, but I didn't even use it the entire time I was there!  Too much fun, I suppose :)  So here are a few pictures that Sara captured...

The NAPCP sushi dinner (if you're a photographer, you need to check out NAPCP and join-My favorite association in the industry!)

My roomies and myself and the PIF party :)

Happy Friday!

I am super excited/nervous/hopeful about this opportunity to give back to Haiti in any way that I can.  Visit www.haiti.whitneyelizabethphoto.com to learn more about what I'll be doing and all the details...thank you everyone for your support and encouragement thus far!!!

When I return from my trip, pictures and slideshows will be available to view at www.haiti.whitneyelizabethphoto.com.  

Happy Monday :)

 

                                  -Anais Nin