LA Continued...

Discovering LA...beyond Hollywood :)

I arrived early Thursday morning so I had the whole day to just roam around and relax. Without much of an agenda (besides relaxing, running a few errands and driving to Santa Monica) I enjoyed a simple drive and nice walk along the coast.Surprisingly ahead of schedule I arrived in Irvine with enough time for a nice shower and some quiet time. I sat down and reflected on the recent year. It was a little amazing to think how far the business has grown and the incredible friends that God has laid in my path that have no doubt had a hand in this journey.

Even, the morning that I arrived I encountered another one of those well placed individuals- on the flight to LA from Atlanta I met Winston. He was actually 9in my seat on the plane but I just assumed he was in the right row (27E), just wrong letter (C,D,E) so I did not care at all. I sat down and we just started talking. He was returning to San Diego from Europe. Although he was delayed leaving to come back home for 2 days in Paris, missing luggage, his passport taken and having to get a new one he was on such a high from a wonderful trip. As more and more people came on board I asked him what letter he was just so I could be sure to not surprise someone in their seat. When he checked he realized that he should be in 37E not 27E. So as he left I gave him my card. When he looked at it he excitedly said “you’re a photographer- I just got started” then walked back to his seat. That is when I realized that it was no mistake that I decided to go to LA and I knew it was the right decision. What in the world are the odds that he is delayed for 2 days, in my seat by mistake and just happens to be starting out in photography- wow! So, I waited for him when the plan landed to let him know about the SMUG meeting and get this…he uses SmugMug! Unfortunately, he could not make the meeting because of work, but I know he will definitely make the next one. Talk about in the right place at the right time!

I am so amazed and thankful to be able to see God’s hand in all of this and I have the reassurance of knowing that I am doing what I am supposed to do. Just before I left for the meeting I wrote down a list of 10 lessons that I had already learned on this short trip to LA:

1. God is ABSOLUTELY in control (follow his guidance, pray and trust him)
2. I am capable of doing things on my own so long as I let God take the lead.
3. It’s the little things that make it worth it!
4. I have to stay focused and committed to being a better person, wife, mother, Christian as MUCH as being a better photographer.
5. Friendship and Family IS the benchmark for success (money is last on the list)
6. I CAN drive in LA!
7. I need more quiet time for: God, Myself, My Husband and My Children
8. Everyone I meet is a connection (that has been placed in my path for a reason)
9. It’s feels good to wear a nice watch (Thanks Adam!)
10. Be thankful for where I am at NOW (at this point in time)

Considering this was my list even before I went to the meeting, I had already accomplished so much from this trip and so thankful for having the opportunity to be there!

...read about the AWESOME meeting here