The good stuff in between

Since July 9, life has been different: dealing with the grief, the trauma and the terror of the attack, lots of doctor's visits, ultimately hand/wrist surgery, and nerve damage in my wrist (affecting my thumb and pointer finger the most). And yet, I can hold a camera and shoot as of Saturday, 8/22 when I got back to work. There are more things I can do, than things I can't do and I try to remember that when I get frustrated. I can type! I have a good left hand when the right one is needing help. Time is my friend. Wow, sounds depressing!! It has been a challenging time but I know I walk through this to become a better me. I guess I don't believe in bad things. I believe all things happen for my good...even less-than-ideal experiences such as this one. Historically, this has proven true and I hold onto the knowing that better times are on the way.

So...the good stuff in between.....I've worked with a dear friend and colleague to create her very own UNcorporated headshot. Her mother loved it so much, it made her cry! Said she's never seen her daughter in pictures like that before. Yeah....I love that kind of feedback! I assisted Mike Cowert of Myrick Studios photographing a beautiful wedding at Opryland Hotel. I donated my time and services to Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, taking pictures of pooches during their recent Animal Fest on September 12. (I just had to ask each owner to be sure their dog wouldn't bite me!!! and trust that to be the case). I finished shooting and designing my son's 50 pg football program, working all day and night to complete it the day before my surgery, since the surgery was suddenly scheduled with less than 24 hrs notice. My first post-surgery session was for a beautiful family, which was shot at Centennial Park in Nashville with 2 of the cutest kids I've ever seen. The flowers were just gorgeous and the children picked their own bouquet. (see photo)

I am a member of Ladies Who Launch, an organization dedicated to the success of entrepreneurial women. On August 29, Nashville hosted a regional LIVE event, which featured such speakers as the first female Congressman from Tennessee, Congressman Marsha Blackburn, radio and talk show host Debbie Allen, and Grammy & Dove award winning artist Reba Rambo-McGuire among many other inspirational women. I contributed my time and services as part of my LIVE event sponsorship and really enjoyed all the speakers and vendors who were present.

Last Wednesday, I photographed the Eating Disorder Coalition of Tennessee's Fall Fashion for EveryBODY Pre-Party at Aerial's which was co-hosted by Big Machine Records Recording artist Danielle Peck and Capital Record's Recording Artist Emily West (see photo). What a great location for an event!! I will also be shooting the Fashion for EveryBODY Show this Saturday, September 26 at the Vanderbilt Hotel. Big names, big clothes, bright lights...sounds like fun!!

What else?? My son and I attended the symphony to see Lang Lang on season-opening night, who was as incredible as they say he is and more! I really enjoyed the Mother/Son night out topped off with coffee and an amazing dessert at Amerigo's. I am continuing to develop my first fine art photography body of work, but that's the topic my other blog... http://angelahowell.blogspot.com/

Lastly, another birthday came to visit me, renewing the promise that time marches on and time heals everything. An added bonus: my husband actually took me shopping and bought me some fabulous new birthday outfits, predominantly at full price (the previous retail queen and consignment diva within me had to allow the indulgence for once in my life)!!

Now, Onward with this journey!