A time for family and a time for photos…

These photos are some of a handful of “nature” photographs from the “raising family” years.  When I looked back recently at photos in order to share some from earlier years, I realized my priorities were very clear back then. As much as I love nature, being outdoors, and photography, I love my family even more.  Raising a family is such a busy season of life and it passes quickly.  One minute, you’re taking rainy day muddy puddle walks with happily splashing little ones… followed by endless loads of laundry. Then you turn around and your children are young adults building lives of their own!  How did it all go by so swiftly?

If my adult children didn’t mind me sharing photos of them, I have a lot of those from those past years. Yet even then, there aren’t as many photos as some might expect of a photographer.  Yes, I tried to commemorate moments, but the most important thing to me was to spend time interacting with my family. Rather than constantly standing behind the camera lens documenting every change, I wanted to share that life with my family.  Raking piles of leaves for the kids to jump in. Watching sports competitions. Seeing my husband act like a kid with his kids  on the Fourth of July. 

So you won’t see many “old” nature photos from me, but I have absolutely no regrets about that. I loved the “raising family” years with my husband and children. Even today, I still treasure time with family and friends, but now there is more free time to pursue other interests, including nature photography as well as this blog!

Whatever season of life you are in, make sure to live it fully. Appreciate it all, even the challenging parts.  Find joy in life!