Since we just had Father’s Day, I have been thinking a bit about my dad. As I sat in Church, I remembered how he loved to come to Church for those last months before his passing. How he loved to sing the hymns. Dad had a deep, resonating bass voice which, ever since I was a young child, I loved to listen to. Our Sunday School lesson had somewhat of a political tone to it and Dad was always very involved in the politics of our community and nation.

And this image is one that I think my dad would’ve loved. He always enjoyed the Aspens. I never see Aspens without thinking of my dad. One of my absolute favorite images that he took is of Aspens. So I always try to capture these trees in a way that my dad would appreciate. I hope there’s Aspens where he is!!

Well, I guess I was tagged by my good friend Teresa and I am suppose to write a memoir in six words or less.

I know this isn’t original, but here it is:

“Fake it ’til you make it!”

It all has to do with believing that you can make it though. If I didn’t do something because I thought I didn’t really know what I was doing, I would probably not be able to do anything! I have been involved with photography professionally since 1988. I was just home from spending nearly 2 years as a misssionary and had started back to school as a music major. I needed money and heard that JCPenney’s was hiring in their portrait studio. Knowing very little about photography, I jumped in for something like $5.00 an hour! It didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the art and actually become passionate about it. Now, 20 years later, I feel like I am finally no longer “faking” it! I have become a “real” photographer! It is such an incredible feeling to be able to envision what you want the final image to look like, set your camera up, push the shutter and have a hard copy of what exsisted first only in your mind! Truly satisfying!

I also find myself using this idea when it comes to my graphic designing. I am not an experienced graphic designer. But I know that I can get onto the computer what I see in my mind’s eye (or what my client sees in his/her mind’s eye). Once I’ve done that, it’s not hard to get it printed and out there!

I know that believing that I can do it is what is going to make me successful. There’s nothing stopping me! And one thing that I have come to recognize that when I believe in myself and go forward with confidence then other’s believe in me too. With so many cheering me on, how can I fail?!

Here’s a picture to enjoy (since I am suppose to post my images) : )

This is at The Garden of the Gods, in Colorado Springs. I love the contrast of the tree against rock behind it.

I know I haven’t blogged for a long time, but I am still determined to make this business work. In the last year since I decided to take the leap and go out on my own, I have learned so very much. If my bank account reflected the wealth of knowledge that I’ve gained, I’d be out of debt!!!! I know that will come.

I read a great quote today in a book that I’m reading. It is by a man named Hugh B. Brown. He said this:

“Every man is a diary in which he writes one story while intending to write another. His humblest moment is when he compares the two.”

I have been humbled many times over the past year. One thing I have come to know for certain is that I have it within me to succeed at anything I set my mind to!

Check out some new images under my wedding page. I had a wonderful time photographing a wedding a few weeks ago. The couple were so much fun and I had such a great time as I captured a lot of great moments on (digital) film!

So I have started photographing the Class of 2009 and am already having so much fun. Our first “model” is Erica (not to be confused with my daughter, Erika, who is a 2008 graduate). This Erica is a friend of the family and was absolutely a joy to work with. She has the best smiles, relaxed personality and was willing to do whatever I asked her! Here are some of our favorites (when I say “our” I mean mine and Carlie’s!)

 

“I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not
enough; we must apply. Being willing is not enough; we must do.”

-Leonardo Da Vinci

Sometimes I find myself needing a good motivational thought to keep me focused on my goals. I have always found a certain sense of fulfillment when I can find a good quote that just seems to be just “right”. As I am working on making my business a successful venture, I have come to recognize that applying and doing are necessary actions to become successful. I am doing a lot of research and studying and I find myself thinking a lot, “I can do that!” However, it isn’t until I actully start applying the things that I’m learning and doing the things that I know I can (and sometimes even doing things that I didn’t know I could and being so very pleasantly surprised) that I then find myself enjoying a measure of success!

Whatever it is that you want to accomplish. . .remember you must “do”, not just “know” to find success.

 There is a wonderful little song that says, “Teach me all that I must do. . .” It’s true!!!

 

When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is knowing that one of two things shall happen: Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.

-Edward Teller

I share this quote because I feel like my time has come to step into the darkness. I have been so afraid of just “going for it”, yet this past year has taught me that I can do whatever it is that I put my mind to! I have come to truly believe in myself when before I just didn’t think I had what it took to be successful in what I dreamed to do. I am so grateful to all who are standing by me, teaching me how to fly! There are so many people in my life right now who are teaching me so much. I know that God has brought me to this point and has put “you” in my life right now to be my mentors.

A note on the above photo. It was taken last summer when I went to the mountains for a weekend with my daughter, Carlie. The late afternoon sun illuminated the clouds in such a way that I was emotionally moved. This image is my computer’s screensaver. It has not been “Photoshopped”. . .it is nature’s pure beauty. . .God’s art. I love the peaceful, serene feelings it brings to me. And I LOVE that I “saw” it and captured it with my camera!

To view pictures taken at the Snowball Express Gymanstics Tournament at the Champs Gym on January 19th and 20th, go to:

www.shutterfly.com/pro/Merrill/SnowballExpress

The password is champion

 

‘Twas the day after Christmas in the Merrill household,

Puppies were running in from the cold.

Little children were happily playing on the living room floor

while the big kids were sleeping just a little bit more.

We hope that you all had a wonderful day

and that the joy of the season will linger and stay.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and all wonderful things to you!

My Dad is truly one of my heros. As I have taken the past 6 weeks or so and spent a lot of time contemplating his life and all that he did for me, I have come to know that without reservation. He taught me more than I could ever record here on this blog. He helped me and gently guided me over the 42 years that we had together to become who I am today. Although I am at peace with his passing, I also have times of great sadness. I long to hear his voice. . .telling me that he loves me. . .that he is proud of me. . .and that he believes in me! I have these words and many more wonderful, uplifting ones echoing in my memories. These carry me through the sad moments that come.

I have become well acquainted with grief over the years and death is no stranger to me and my family. But with each loss, the pain changes. It is no different this time around. I am profoundly grateful for my belief in our Heavenly Father and in His great Plan of Happiness. I know that my Dad believes in this also and that brings me a lot of peace.

I love my Dad. I am so grateful for all that he gave me. If you knew my Dad, I’m sure you love him too!