Blogging with a Purpose: A Letter to my 16 Year Old Self

Dear 16 Year Old Kaeley,

If you knew what your life is going to look like 10 years from now, I don't think that you would believe it.  It hasn't turned out quite the way you thought it would, but don't think that is a bad thing.  You have a wonderful man who loves you, and have met some amazing friends (once you learned to open up a bit and just be yourself).

You know what would have made your life much easier?  Just ignoring the opinions of others.  Don't be afraid of doing things because you want to, it is your life to live, not the people's who surround you.  It is okay to be selfish sometimes.  Stand up for yourself.  Be strong.

Take time to enjoy being young.  Do stupid things, act your age.  Being an "adult" is great, but you shouldn't be in a rush to get there.  When you do get there, you will wonder how you got there so quickly, wonder where the time went, wish you hadn't missed out on some of the experiences of high school.

Don't ignore the things you feel drawn to - especially photography.  You will wish you had spent more time studying the things that you are truly interested in.  You may have an opportunity one day to do something great with it!

Follow your heart.  If you do nothing else, follow your heart.  It will never let you down.

Growing Families

Yesterday I had the privilege of taking some maternity photos of a good friend of mine, along with her sweet 2 year old.  Daddy wasn't able to make it, but at least the weather cooperated . . . it WAS supposed to rain!

Here is a quick preview - I will share more later this week:

Linking up for Weekend in Black & White.

Don't forget about the Fall Ad Space Giveaway going on now!!  Click here to enter!

Fall GIVEAWAY!!

What better way to start off the weekend than with a Giveaway?!  Some of my September sponsors and I have come together to present a little giveaway.  Here in Oregon the weather is a little dreary this week, so I thought this might brighten everyone's day just a bit!

A quick intro, from left to right, top to bottom:

Holly from Back Home Again

Myself

Kelly from Today Was A Fairytale

Kelsey from Keeping Up With Kelsey

Susannah from Simple Moments Stick

These lovely ladies and I are offering up lots of ad space for one lucky winner.  Whether you are just starting out, or have been blogging for years, this is an opportunity to get a TON of exposure over the next couple of months.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor yourself, head over to my Sponsor Page to take a look at some of your options.  I would love to see you on my sidebar for a month!!