life as of now.

So. 

I've had a lot of people send me Facebook messages, texts, phone calls and even stop me dead in the middle of isles in the super market recently to ask me how I'm doing. If you haven't noticed the change through my social media pages-well. My life's pretty different now than it was 8 weeks ago. It's actually slightly mind blowing how much your entire world can change in two months. One thing I have learned however, is that there's no going back. So, this post isn't about whats happened-just whats happening now. 

Sam and I are now living in my grandparents basement. Trust me. I know how that sounds, but I couldn't be more blessed to be here. If you ever get the privilege to meet my grandmother, you'll meet a short, sweet and amazingly loving woman with an overwhelming desire to provide and care for those who need it most. From stray dogs and ex-cons to road weary truckers and divorcees-she takes everyone as they come, breakfast included. Aside from my wonderful upstairs living mates, my basement is a cute, above ground apartment set back in hundreds of trees with a long creek in the back yard and more grass than you could ever need. Every little boys dream come true. I have big windows looking over an endless sea of green and a fenced yard for Hugo. It really doesn't get any better than that. 

Besides Sam, I would have to say that the other thing I am the absolute most passionate about in my life, is my work. I honestly ask myself almost every day how I got so lucky to do what I do, with the people I do it with. I never thought when I got my first camera in high school and fell in love with photography that I would end up making a living for my son and I doing it. Not only that, but I get to work with some of the most talented, driven and hard working people I know. It doesn't even feel real to think that in the last 9 months I have gone to the places I have, met the people I've met and grown as much as I have as a photographer-and I know it's because of the love and support of those around me, including my heavenly father. I know now more than ever how much he loves me. There is a plan for everyone and I'm just trying to figure mine out. 

I tell people all the time that the reason I have such a perfect child is because the good Lord knew I would have such a crazy life. He had to compensate for me somewhere. The more I look at it however, I realize that it's not just Sam He knew I needed to be blessed with. But my parents and friends as well. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be where I am today (or in one piece anyway) without my mother. As a teenager you never realize how amazing they are, till you become one yourself. A single one at that. She is my best friend, therapist, babysitter and the most amazing grandma anyone could ever ask for. Sam doesn't even know how lucky he is. We both are loved so much by so many, I honestly ask myself on a daily basis what I've ever done to deserve those around me. 

Aside from all that folks, I fill my days with shooting, ignoring my laundry, being with my amazing friends, eating chinese food, singing show tunes, ignoring my laundry some more and watching It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia. And I LOVE it. So, the next time you see me in the grocery store or feel the impulse to send me a Facebook message-just know this. Happiness is a choice and it's something every day that I'm choosing. Yes. Some days it's extremely hard to look at myself and my life and realize where I'm at and all the things that have lead me here. But I wouldn't change a single thing that's happened to me in my life, not for a second. Those who know and love me most know that it would seem unnatural for my life to be anything but crazy and unpredictable. So for now, we're a free bird and a boy. Taking everything day by day and loving every moment. 

-A