Jen Lee, force of nature.
This year has been a whirlwind of adventures in a perfect flow, and I’ve felt the effects of the seasons on my body, mind and soul, more than ever before. I went from the dark, cold winter, of a lifestyle that was killing me, to a new life full of sunshine and possibility. It was hard at times, but it was not short of powerful moments either. My Spring was dynamic, magical and invigorating. I had tons of ideas, I started the Shining Star portrait sessions, I revamped my blog, I took a ton of gigs as Photo Assistant, I learned a lot, I felt connected, I made new friends and I made things happen. I fell in love with my life and (dare I say?) with myself! Then, Summertime came around, and the heat was on. I got some more lovely Photography clients and shot a ton, even though I continued to assist other photographers. I also had fun scouting for locations, shooting up and down the coast and in the countryside. I shot shot shot and I did not share that much, because that’s just how I rolled. I was out and about, I was having the time of my life and nothing else mattered except doing, learning, immersing myself in the experience. That was when I dived in deep and ended up finding my passion for Fashion Photography. The word I chose for my year was “Embrace” and it was through that “Embrace” that everything came together for me. Suddenly, all that nonsense of quitting my job and going through internal crises was validated, logic, perfectly done. When I was in action, shooting Fashion, I felt in a sort of trance as I combined my best skills as a producer, leader, artist and photographer. It felt right. I felt whole. Now, that is one scary thing to admit at midlife: to say that you found something that you want so badly, something you believe that you can do, yet something that seems so far out of reach. Why not something simpler, easier? Less competitive? I don’t know. I just know that I fell in love, madly in love, with how I feel when I am shooting Fashion, from beginning to end, from Prep to Shoot to Post. Love Love Love. Sigh… In that same breath, the support of a community and the best nurturing friends, helping me rise above those moments of doubt. So good. Then I blinked, and it was Fall. A season inviting me to slow down, to enjoy some quiet time and introspectiveness. A season of deep sensitivity, grounding and changing. A season of a bit of romance (husband shouts: finally!!) and also, blues (husband shouts: already?)… Ultimately, a season of nesting, collecting stories, storing inspiration for the winter, spending time with my girls, and finally, bidding farewells and letting go.
As we approach winter, friends, I’m feeling ready to let go of Gypsy Girl’s Guide. This doesn’t mean that I will stop blogging, it just means that I am ready to follow this new path that is calling me. I just don’t want to stay boxed inside a name anymore. (How gypsy of me, no?) There will be a new blog and a bit of change of pace. But still… It’s always going to be the way of the gypsy. Always a life filled with adventure. Always a colorful journey. Always wholehearted.
Stay tuned… I’m planning on a few surprises and I can’t wait to share them with you.
xo
Feeling the seasons
December 9, 2009
I will always just be so glad and grateful that I found you here so that we could walk the rest of our journeys together.
xx
You’ve had a full year! I look forward to seeing your new space. Enjoy the transition. :)
Thank you for continuing to inspire me!
Lead on, beautiful you…
xo
you are one of the most amazing women i am blessed to know. like Marianne, i am glad to have found you here so i can also share your journey
i adore you. that’s a fact.
thank you for this gypsy moment, this blog. it has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me…your stories and photos, your artistry and your personal journey (honest reflections on the turmoil, triumph and bliss of life). a soulful gracias. and my heartfelt best wishes for a beautiful new blossoming. abrazos.
in a way, this makes me sad. but good sad, if that makes sense, a little like setting free a bird into the sky. wishing you well on your continued beautiful journey – xo
oooh, i can’t wait to see what you come up with next. i’ll be here. have you chosen a new word for the year? i am still finding mine. xxoo
here’s the a bright and beautiful future. we will follow you anywhere and everywhere alex!
BRAVO lovely alex! here’s to a new year and new adventures – perhaps even some together! :)
hello and thank you for dropping by my place. nice to meet you.
your new adventures sound exciting and i hope you find many blessings as you explore them. i will follow here to see where your new joys take you.
you are on fire!!!!!!!!!
i love you.
always.
xoxoxo
can’t wait to see what new things you have brewing for the new year. blessings on your new journeys.
xo kristin
Very true, we will all follow you where ever you go.
The anticipation is killing me, can’t wait to hear more soon!
I look forward to seeing where your journey is taking you :-)
This blog has been so inspiring to me :) And this post was the cherry on a very sweet piece. Looking forward to what’s next…for all of us!
Wherever you go enjoy it! I bet you will be on to bigger and better things. Have so much fun doing it!!! xo
Well, I have only just found you! But I am intrigued and shall follow you wherever you next go.
~*~
i have love watching your blossom. you inspire me. xo
YOU’RE LOVELY! : )
Alex, you have inspired many and we will be here waiting for the new. I love the way of the Gypsy and will live my life so. God bless.
CigarPlayer :o)
Can’t wait to see where you bloom this Spring!
hello beautiful gypsy girl.
i will eagerly await the next great chapter in your lovely life!
xo
alex
So well written that I sped along with you with rapid flow into your year. All the best going forward into 2010…
I just clicked through many of your links and it sounds like I’m following in your footsteps. About a month and a half ago, I quit my job to pursue my passion for photography. I thought it would be scary, but like you wrote in January, it felt completely safe. I feel free and renewed for the first time in a LONG time. And just like you wrote in February, the doubts have set in now that I’m in my second month. I don’t have a degree. And the more I learn, the more I realize I have left to learn. It’s endless. Some days, I am overwhelmed and wondering if I should start looking for a J.O.B. and other days, I feel like I am doing exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your journey with us. It’s nice to know that I’m not alone on this path. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for you as you keep following your heart.
peace & love,
darrah
So beautiful. I can not wait to see your new blog, journey and inspirations! ;)