in the meantime...

...I guess I'll just write.

Typepad reported tonight that it's having technical difficulties allowing uploads of photos...I had a whole blog entry ready to publish with the exception of uploading photos...and the photos are the whole point to the blog entry...

Had to put it on hold.

So...

Instead, I'll just blab tonight. Not sure what about yet...but can't wait to post my entry that's "on the shelf" until Typepad is fixed. They're pretty good about that stuff...so I'm sure it will be soon.

Today I was really inspired about...photography again. Again? Well, yes, again.

I've been so distracted with creating layouts and projects for various things lately. Besides the Tra-Digi book, I've had numerous assignment-deadlines. One of which was for Creating Keepsakes Magazine. Three very fun projects. :) All of which really got the creative juices flowing. I can't wait to share them soon. They're slated for an upcoming book-issue.

Other deadlines too...miscellaneous things here and there...plus, watch for my upcoming projects as a guest desinger for a few great sites!

And then...another distracting (from photography) self-induced deadline was the Basic Grey Contest. YES! I entered! I had decided months ago to enter because I had this very unique concept for one of the categories in mind. I really didn't think I'd end up doing it with all the projects I've had on my shelf, including a complete wedding album for my dear friend Jeana that I'm ALMOST DONE WITH (promise, Jeana!!! It's a wedding-gift-turned-into-Christmas-gift!) and my ATC cards for Alette  in the Netherlands(mailed them today, my friend!).

But, in the end, I did complete my Basic Grey album. And...I love it. I really love it. Because it's honestly something I never would have created without the inspiration of this contest. Never in a million years would I have taken the time to do this very specific project! And yes, I was bold. About...the subject I chose! Sorry! That's all I can say right now! I simply can't wait to share it here.

On November 29th---I'll either be super excited to be one of the 25 finalists, or I'll be super excited to finally be able to share it with you here on my blog! And honestly, either way, I'm super happy about it. It's not about winning...it's about this little album I never would have created otherwise. Amazing how you can feel so good when you create something from the heart. Something real. Something bold.

No...to win would be fabulous, but seriously, it became more than that during the process. So much more than that. It was about being honest and genuine about the subject and photos you are creating with. And the warm, cozy feeling you get when you look at the project after you've poured your entire heart and soul into it. Knowing that no matter how it ranks in a contest, in the end, you really only care about the fact that you actually created this little piece of you.

Dh was so good about this project. I said "okay. I've got one week to finish it. You're either with me our you're not. I can't do it without your support. If you're with me, it's gonna take every waking, breathing moment I have to complete it. Otherwise, I'll just not do it." He kept saying "Teri you have to finish this. It would be a shame for you not to complete it at this point. It's really good." THAT'S what kept me going. He simply doesn't say something's good unless he really, really means it. He kept spurring me on. Imagine that. Dh, telling me to scrapbook! :)

So...back to the subject at hand. Photography.

My friend Julie is on a roll. A photography roll. She's actually a...photographer. I say that because for 2 years now, I've been telling her that my ultimate goal and dream is to officially open "Teri Fode Photography". It's really been my life-long dream...having grown up with professional photographers for grandparents and practically living in the studio! :)

Julie's doing "sports photography" and has done a beautiful job creating some very awesome, lovely portraits of Volleyball and Cheerleading squads in the past 2 weeks!

So, this has inspired me to once again turn my attention to my true love in the artistic arena...photography. Thanks for the inspiration, Jules!

This is an official "photo-shoot" weekend. Bought some cute sweaters, mittens and scarves today. Brilliant colors. Fun colors. Dd is excited because she loves the colors! Imagine...my dks are excited for photos. Well, dt is anyway.

It's gonna be a seriously great weekend. :) :) :)

So...I'm focused again. Ready to spread my wings. And...take on some new subjects...besides my own fam. We'll see. Guess I can't complain that so many fabulous scrapbooking projects distract me from my love of photography...speaking of which, Heidi and I have some pretty serious deadlines coming up for yet another...

Project.

Sigh.

Happy Sigh.

:)

Comments

[Alette]

I can only say "You go girl" You are so good in photography. You are one of my inspirations. I always loved taking photos, but since I have been visiting your blog, among others, you have been inspiring me. I too want to go proffesional some day. Love to do photoshoots around here, well you know babies, children etc. Would be great. I just can't wait what you come up with this weekend :)
Then all your projects, you are such a busy girl, but then again you make such beautiful things :)and you have a wonderful hubbie who's very supportive.
Can't wait to see you BG album, I;m sure it is just awesome. I wanted to enter but it was just for USA residents only. So I will have to aahhhh en ohhhhh at otherones entries, but I don't mind :) I'm pretty sure you will be at the 25 finalists will keep my fingers crossed :)

I will let you know when the ATC cards arrive, and you are still in time so do not worrie :)

Have a nice day

hugs Alette

xoxox

[Maria]

Truly, you never cease to amaze me. This is exactly why I love your blog...always filled with inspiration and sharing of yourself. I've also been inspired into visiting other blogs thanks to you and have "met" amazing/talented/wonderful people like your friend Alette in the Netherlands. I love visiting her blog too and seeing her beautiful pictures as well as your sis Heidi's, which by the way, you got to tell her to update her blog soon, I miss her postings... :)
Have an amazing day and I'll be looking forward to your future posts....And like Alette I also know you will most definetely be one of the 25th finalists...you got to be! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you too!!
Maria

[Melissa.Runcie]

Teri!

What fun you are having! I love that you have vision. Passion. Ambition. I have no doubt that you will be able to move in the direction you want. Because at the end of the day, you can do all things through Christ. And that, my friend, is far beyond what any one of us is capable of. What's even more neat is to see when we plan our footsteps, God directs our path. We have plans and God has greater plans. Takes us to places we couldn't have even imagined. You have so many beautiful gifts and talents. It is a blessing that they can shared with all of us and used for God's glory. Awesome!

P.S. If you can share, I would LOVE to see some of the wedding album you created. I have a wedding show in late February and am working on all things wedding right now! Gotta get those creative juices flowing my way! ;)

Blessings,
Melissa.Runcie

[Lori]

oh for crying in the sink! If YOU entered BG, I have no hope of winning!

[Michele]

Oh Teri...I would be one of your first customers if you open up a photography studio. You know I want you to take pictures of my girls:) I can't wait to hear about BG and see this fab album!!!! Good luck!!!!! But i'm sure you won't need it!!! You are awesome:)

Michele

[Melissa]

Way to go on entering the contest! I can't wait to see your album, I bet it turned out amazing!
I am with ya on the photography thing. I have been trying to get my photog business going too, it just takes lots of time and money to do so I am taking baby steps.

[Tegan]

Good luck with your basic grey entry!! your work is so awesome Teri!!
And your photo shoot sounds like it's going to be a lot of fun!! I love the bright colors and it sounds like Tori is really excited about it!! make sure you post us with some of the end results so we can get some inspiration!! Even more from all the others you give to use already.

[Jen]

Don't you just love when the kids are excited for pictures? My son runs from me now- a quick picture I was able to grab of him and this fact are actually the theme of my newest lo. lol I love that my daughter doesn't really know what is going on yet- but I am so jealous that you have willing subjects that can do what you ask ;)
Make sure to share some pictures- I am sure they will be wonderful!