That’s right, I’m about to random your socks off.
First, here are some of the Anthropologie goodies I bought for my birthday. Brian and I headed into Chicago on February 5, BY OURSELVES, we went to Victoria Secret where I was fitted for REAL BRAS that actually lift. Wow, what a difference. (Of course, I still mostly wear my nursing bras because of Sir-Nurse-A-Lot but still, these new bras mean that 7% of the time, my boobs go upward and not down. It’s amazing, really. Then we hit Anthropologie on Chicago Ave, just off of Michigan. Twas beautiful.
my finds.
I believe my eye was leaning towards blue that day.
…we had dinner at The Italian Village and then headed to the Anthro on State Street. Twas amazing. I can’t get over how spoiled I was. Brian even insisted on carrying every single shopping bag the entire trip. He mentioned making this my birthday tradition and I was like “oh, geeze, no way, nuh-uh.”
yeah, right! I was too shocked and excited to respond, I think. Our final stop was at Panera to pick up goodies for the next morning.
Yesterday, Brian surprised me with an Anthropologie box with the rest of the coffee mugs to that set for Valentine’s day. (and maybe, JUST MAYBE a VS goodie but shhhh…my Mom reads this blog.)
Eli’s surgery was yesterday. I can’t believe I’m throwing this into a post about random things because there is so much detail that it may be just too much. I want to just focus on the fact that it’s done and this morning he was so happy. Oh and maybe that he and I had the best sleep last night that we’ve had EVER. The night before Brian and I hardly slept at all, like, literally. We had a perfect hotel room and Eli went to sleep like a perfect little baby, I laid down at 8:30 my time, maybe closer to 9 and woke up every hour or more. Then Brian got paged for work and did not go to bed until after one when we had to be up at three. ugh.
But Eli? He’s a champion and yes, we had some definite difficult moments yesterday but also some super sweet ones, too. We are so thankful to have this done. The surgery went perfectly, it was a bit more invasive than I thought it would be but that’s okay. He should be back to normal in 3-4 weeks. (I’m sorry I’m not sharing the details, I just want to protect the privacy of my little one!)
Here are some sweet photos of our brave guy:
I mentioned last week that I’ll be heading to a photography class next week in another part of the country. This is something that I registered for last August with very limited availability. The fact that A.) I am able to go and B.) that I got in and that C.) my husband is just as excited as I am, are all wonderful, amazing things. I will not be linking to this workshop because I’m finding that maybe some people don’t quite appreciate originality and authenticity as much as I do, or as much as they should, especially when starting a photography business and because this is a huge investment for us, I just want it to be something that I discovered and something is part of ME and Beth Fletcher Photography. (sorry for the longest sentence ever.) I just think it would be best to keep it within my walls. In other words, I’m finding others doing exactly what I’m doing with their photography business that live very close to me and that makes me uncomfortable and probably sad, so I must protect this business of mine and keep it me and keep others from becoming me, too. (does that make sense?)
This doesn’t mean I won’t be sharing with you guys, oh, please! How could I not? It’s just that some things, have to be mine. You know? (I’m totally cringing as I write this, I don’t want to come across as a jerk or as someone who thinks she’s better than she is because I do not, it’s just disappointing to see what I’ve seen lately because I’ve been so forthcoming and it scares me, I think.)
(and it’s not to say that I don’t get ideas from other photographers, in fact, I do! My favorite thing about the internet is that I can sit down and get a huge dose of inspiration from people sharing the creativity and their art, but it does just that, it inspires me to craft my own art.)
(and also, if you’ve emailed me with questions, asking for advice, etc. I am not talking about you. In fact, YOU are the real deal to me. I love that you are seeking help in a private forum and I am completely honored that you’ve come to me. I believe in mentoring and hope to some day be a very devoted mentor to others, when I feel good enough to be one, of course.)
(oh man, maybe this should have been a separate post.)
(sorry for all of the parenthesis.)
Anyway, Eli will be traveling with me, I think he’s super excited for his first plane ride. or would be if he knew what a plane was, of course.
Oh and I believe I promised you some newborn photos, yes? Here you go!
Can you even handle these cheeks?
I think its totally fine not to share a class you are going to, and its great you have them available in your area. On people in your area taking photos, i would just say oh well…you have your own eye and your own style and if people mimic you they will. If they are good great if they are cheaper fine, people will go for quality if they appreciate a shot. I have learned that no matter what I have to know my work is good and not care if people are copycats because in the end people will like me and copying always happens. Business is a bunch of people doing the same thing so its comes along with it but i fully think you will be able to set yourself apart from the rest.
cute pictures, i love Italian Village, and awesome stuff at anthro. I told my brian today I think i want to get a job at anthro just to look at the great stuff all the time. I dont care if i spend my whole paycheck at the place i love it!
I totally get what you are saying about the photography and I think it’s right and important and you don’t come across as a jerk at all.
TWO Athro stops in one day?! Soooo jealous. Happy belated birthday. That baby is scrumptious!
Totally get what you are saying! I feel the same way! (even though I am at your field minus one thousand percent, I am just thinking of beginning! but I totally get it!)
How wonderful to hear the surgery of your little one went well. I hope he will be on his feet again really soon!
Those pictures of that new born baby are so cute. And I wish you lots of fun with your photography class. You don’t come across like a jerk at all. I only think it’s sad that it’s neccessary to protect yourself this way.
xx
Beth- I totally understand where you are coming from. It’s like a food company that has to protect it’s secret ingredients or recipes. It’s part of what makes you special & sets you apart from the competition. Your class is part of growing your business. If others want to know how to do things- they can go take the class. Some things are okay to not be shared. Don’t feel bad about that.
I am happy to hear your little guy is doing well. I think it’s harder on the parents sometimes.
As for the shopping finds- LOVE THEM. That robin egg blue is amazing.
all kinds of yay!s on this post.
good for you for taking the initiative to improve on what you are already amazing at … AND for keeping it to yourself.
it’s funny how when we start a blog … we feel like we HAVE to share. and we don’t. but it sometimes feels funny not to.
it’s becoming this fine line between “stealing” ideas and using ideas as inspiration.
but it’s important to remember that you are you … and no one can ever take that.
i’m telling myself that in this business too.
i need to be who i am … which will in turn encourage people to want to come to me. not only because i give them a beautiful portrait of their baby/child/family … but because i gave them smiles and laughter …
enjoy!
SO glad that Eli is doing so well! Praying that he will continue to recover well!
Did you know that Antro started here in Philadelphia? Also, they just opened a garden store/nursery in my town which I am totally in love with! Makes me long for spring and all of the projects that I want to do in the yard of our new house!
Even better? The nursery has a restaurant which is my new favorite place ever – TK took me out to dinner there a few weeks ago. I can’t wait to go back sometime for brunch.
And I totally get not wanting to overshare. Some things belong to you and you only.
Hugs for Eli – and to mom too!!!! ♥
I’ve been to that 1st Anthopologie you mentioned – LOVE.
I could wander around that store for hours. Ikea, too.
Have fun at your class – I totally get what you’re saying.
You have the cutest itty bitty little man
And, the newborn pictures. GAH. They kill me.
So relieved that all is well with Eli! What a trooper. You too, mama.
And I’m seriously considering packing up the newborn (due to arrive in May) and flying to you for a session. Those shots are simply divine!
Glad to hear that all is well with Eli! I’m sure it’s nice to have that behind you! And I totally understand you not sharing the class…I’ve had a similar problem with someone local. We all get inspiration from other photographers, but I think if you find one you LOVE then you should think to yourself, “How do I recreate the feeling in this photo?” NOT “How do I recreate this photo?” It’s highly annoying! Have lots of fun at your class!!
I enjoyed your “random” post! I’m glad the surgery went well! I thought I would share my favorite local photographers site for some inspiration for you! http://www.studiorebekah.com/
Love your birthday finds! They are beautiful and I’m jealous. What a sweet hubby! Sounds like a pretty good birthday tradition to me.
Glad Eli’s surgery went well and I hope you have tons of fun at your class!!!
It’s OK to not share all the personal details of your life…with your kids or your business. If it chases readers away…that’s their loss. It’s admirable to protect what is yours and I for one love you for and despite that!
Um…that baby’s cheeks and lips are almost TOO much cuteness to handle!! Beautiful shots…again.
Uh yeah, those cheeks are completely out of control!!!
Glad to hear that Eli’s surgery went well and I’m so excited for you for your photography workshop! Enjoy and learn lots! xo
those cheeks! beyond cute.
what lovely anthro finds, loving that blue plate.
Im glad to hear that your sons surgery went well! all the best for a smooth recovery.
Love ALL the pictures and, of course, the good Eli news, hate that people are trying to copy and take shortcuts (but they’ll find out it’s not as easy as you make it look), and wondering what the heck VS goodies are.
Your baby photography is absolutely magnificent… you have a great eye for catching lil ones
Holy cow bless his soul! That is the cutest newborn EVER!
Glad Eli’s good and that you’re not sharing…not all needs to be shared. Good luck with your class! Excited for you!