More and more, I crave that intimacy. The raw, the real, the unrehearsed. I know I’m not alone in that desire. We spend so much time trying to achieve, accomplish, amass. We’re striving to meet standards - set by ourselves or society - and this often results in negative feelings. We judge ourselves harshly, we feel rushed and overwhelmed by life, and are often disconnected to our sense of self. The real work, I believe, in this lifetime, is to reconnect with our soul. To live from a place of integrity and hope.

Sara was born in Calcutta, India and adopted at 6 weeks old by a family in Maine. That should have been the biggest change for her life, but it wasn't, by far. She faced alopecia as a child and then vitiligo too. Sara was super shy growing up and then found a way to deal with it. Recently she had a baby who also developed alopecia as well. All of these things taught Sara a lot. She shares her journey from India to America, sickness to health, and all sides of her personality with us along the way. Her story reminded me of that we all can learn from each other. Always. 

Love this podcast? Want to buy me a cup of coffee...figuratively? You can support Stephanie (my producer) and I here on Patreon:

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You can also advertise on the podcast now! Just head over here and send me a note!

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Britt's story is truly unlike any I have told here before (or ever heard for that matter). It is one of an early teen life full of sadness that ends up with her being kidnapped. And then it spirals out from there. I won't say more, but this is an episode you won't want to miss. Because like all the rest of the woman who have shared their stories Britt's life now is a wonderful happy success story that she is proud of. Often though when we look back we are embarrassed or ashamed of our story. More often those emotions come from things that were outside our control, but we still blame ourselves. And that is one reason why I share these stories. So we know that we aren’t alone. That we all feel the same.

Do you love the head shot you currently have? Does it feel like it really represents you? Or does it make you cringe to look at? 

Come update your head shot Thursday January 25th and Thursday February 15th.  Special bonus - An additional digital file with the package at no cost. 

Did you know that you can order a gift certificate and have it arrive at your home beautifully packaged in time for the Holiday!? Just use the link below to choose the type of gift certificate you would like to have. Then give us your shipping address and what you would like the card to say and we will take care of the rest!

This special holiday mini-session allows you and your family to update your album just in time for the season.  A quick and intimate shoot at my studio that will result in beautiful images of your littles perfect for holiday cards, updated prints for your portrait wall, a canvas for grandma - now's the perfect time to print your memories and share them with those you love!

As this story shows a lot of how things play out it life may depend on your heart. And your actions. And on the way you treat and respect others. 

Listen to Michelle's story for proof of just that. I love a story with a happy ending. And I am so excited to share this uplifting story as the start to our second season of storytelling!

Dance is the hidden language of the soul- Martha Graham. I work hard to really connect with the people I take portraits of and yet I immediately can see the soul of a dancer.  What truly drives a dancer is all on the outside, when they dance. It's why so many people around the world want to be dancers or go to watch dancers.

Maybe as you look at these images you will see snakes as just a little more beautiful than you thought of them before. I would love that.