{ Inspiration }

~ Inspire ~

to motivate...to stimulate...to provoke...to influence...to encourage

Thoughts of inspiration have been twirling around in my mind the last few days. I've been trying to search for the answer to 'How do I inspire those around me?'. To answer that question I have to start with where my own personal inspiration comes from.

The source of my inspiration is God the Father. He is everything and without Him I am nothing. My belief in Jesus is the anchor of my soul and the rock of my life. He brings vibrant color to everything around me. Knowing Jesus is total inspiration and that spills out all over the place!

I am surrounded by so many wonderful, beautiful and inspiring people...my family, friends and some soon-to-be friends. They compel me to be a better person. And my fervent desire is that they are likewise inspired by me. I have lived a blessed life but not one without its sorrows or pain. God has allowed me to experience the death of a dream, hurtful betrayal, severe disappointment, the loss of reputation and the right to explain myself, starting life over from nothing and a parent's worst nightmare - the agony of watching my child suffer physically and emotionally.

How I long for people to be able to look at my life and see Jesus' fingerprints all over it. To know that after walking through dark times they can/will come out on the other side. There is reason to hope and to laugh. To inspire others to embrace and be confident of who they are created to be. To accept and glory in differences and uniqueness. To live life to the fullest...all in, 100%, holding nothing back. To smile more and frown less. To laugh more than they cry. To see beauty in the most unlikely places.

Photography is my outlet to express that hope and beauty and zest for life. It inspires me. I love the way once in a lifetime moments are preserved on film forever. The way a glance at a photograph can bring back all the memories of that time...the warmth of a touch, the smell on the air and the pure emotion that filled that space. The way something plain or common transforms into a work of art. The way beauty is captured and magnified for all to see. The way it allows us a taste of something special and amazing and it leaves you aching for more.

Honestly, my life is very full with being a wife and mama, with work and the daily grind. I am unable to enjoy photography as I wish. Often I feel constrained by time, finances and position. I don't want to let these things prevent me from dreaming. And I can't wait for the day I can devote more of my time and energy to photography.

So when I read about Amy Wenzel's workshop I got so excited!! Her story and spirit is enough to inspire the britches off ya, wow! This workshop is the very thing I've been needing and wanting. To be with others who share the same passion and to glean from those who are proficient in this field. To soak it all in and let it be a spring board for my journey. I know, it's a dream but it's my dream. And I hunger for it even though it seems so impossible. I want to go for it and I want those around me to feel the same way about their dreams. To not be afraid. To not give up. To not lose hope...

To be Inspired ~

American Idol Top 12

Rolling Stones Night

Michael Lynche - "Miss You" - He just looked like he was having a blast up there tonite! Wow! He brought some soul to the Rolling Stones, baby. It was just fun to watch. Good job.

Didi Benami - "Playing With Fire" - That was def one of her best performances! She came tonite ready to be in this competition. Great smile, great spirit. Here she is.

Casey James - "It's All Over Now" - Eh, I didn't really dig this performance. I mean it was ok. He's been so great the past couple of weeks. It did show that fun kind of rocker style he's got. Still a fan.

Lacey Brown - "Ruby Tuesday" - I really liked how she changed the song up and made it her own. Very cool. I actually thought this was one of her stronger performances. So I didn't really quite get what the judges were telling her. Oh well.

Andrew Garcia - "It's Just a Shot Away" - I actually really liked this. Not my fav song but I really think he's finding his way back to his zone. I've been a fan from the beginning of his and I'm still holding on.

Katie Stevens - "Wild Horses" - This was just ok. I think Katie just needs time to grow and develop her voice and style more.

Tim Urban - "Under My Thumb" - Hmm, a little reggae? Interesting. It was different but kinda boring. This poor guy.

Siobhan Magnus - "Paint It Black" - She almost sounded nasal or like she was singing in a fog. Ugh, I just don't like her style.

Lee Dewyze - "Beast of Burden" - FAV.OR.ITE. performance!!! WOW! I loved loved this, it's a downloadable for me. The range of this song is totally his golden zone. Nice very nice. Totally disagreed with Simon.

Paige Miles - "Honkey Tonk Woman" - I haven't been crazy about her but I liked this tonite. Didn't picture her as a country girl but heck, why not? This was fun and she was super comfortable up there.

Aaron Kelly - "Angie" - Something seemed a little off with this like he was too soft with the music too loud. I don't know. I did love the ballad style of this.

Crystal Bowersox - "You Can't Always Get What You Want" - I love this girl, love her love her love her. She's just so natural and I just expect when she comes out on stage...it's gonna be great! Awesome.

Sunday Grace

~ Rescue ~

"You are the Source of light

I can't be left behind

No one else will do

I will take hold of You

I need You, Jesus

Come to my rescue

Where else could I go?

There’s no other name by which I am saved

Capture me with grace

I will follow You

My heart is Yours for life

I need Your hand in mine

No one else will do

Lord, I put my trust in You

I need You Jesus

Come to my rescue

Where else could I go?

There’s no other name by which I am saved

Oh capture me with grace

I will follow You

This world has nothing for me

This world has nothing for me

This world has nothing for me

(I will follow You)

This world has nothing for me

I need You Jesus

Come to my rescue

Where else could I go?

There’s no other name by which I am saved

Capture me with grace

I will follow You

Oh I need You Jesus

To come to my rescue

Where else could I go?

There’s no other name by which I am saved

Capture me with grace

Won't You Capture me with grace

I will follow You

I will follow You

This world has nothing for me

This world has nothing for me"

Oooolala

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Can't breathe

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American Idol Top 8 Guys

Top 8 Guys

Lee Dewyze - "Fireflies" - Oooo, love this guy's voice! A few flat notes here and there but overall another enjoyable performance. Not a knockout but nice.

Alex Lambert - "Trouble" - Um, wait...has he played the guitar before? Cause, I don't know how I missed this but uh yah, work it boy!! I loved this, what a great vibe and fantastic tone. Sweet.

Tim Urban - "Hallelujah" - Hmm, I actually think this is the best he's sounded in this competition. Interesting. His voice sounded so pure and spot on, wow!

Andrew Garcia - "Genie in a Bottle" - I love it when this guy totally mixes it up and makes it his own. Not sure if it was the best song for him to do. It seems like he's stuck and is not progressing. But man, I still love this guy.

Casey James - "Think of Me" - YES YES YES YES YES. Ahem. This was perfect. It felt like a concert and not an Idol performance. WOW. Love the song, loved it. *lovin' the acoustic guitars tonight!!!*

Aaron Kelly - "I'm Already There" - I'm not really sure what happened with the front part of this performance. He started off really shaky and pitchy like he was nervous or something. I'm a big fan of his...so the beginning was rough but he finished great.

Todrick Hall - "Somebody to Love" - Just not into this guy. It was ok.

Michael Lynch - "Woman's World" - Oh yah, this was off the hook! He looked super fine in his suit and tie...what??!! His best yet. I can see his smiling face on a cd cover tomorrow...a natural.

American Idol Top 8 Girls

Top 8 Girls

Katie Stevens - "Breakaway" - This began on a waaay too low key for her and that made it really rough and pitchy. This still doesn't seem like the right fit for her age and vocal range. I don't know, it just wasn't good to me.

Siobhan Magnus - "House of the Rising Sun" - I struggle with what to say about this girl. This performance was more enjoyable for me than last week's. It was a little slow but I liked how she took this and put her mark on it.

Lacey Brown - "The Story" - That was a rather interesting start for her immediately after Siobaun. And weird green nail polish. But a great song choice for her voice. She looked like a natural tonite.

Katelyn Epperly - "I Feel the Earth Move" - Wow, now that was karoke for sure. Ugh with the whole keyboard thing...what year are we in??!!! Did not like this at all.

Didi Benami - "Taken By the Wind" - WOW. I loved loved loved her tonite! I'm a big fan of the acoustic guitar and this was a perfect fit for her beatiful voice. Lovely. This folksy bluesy sound of her is fab.

Paige Miles - "Smile" - Didn't care for the tempo change she made with this song. Honestly, I was kinda cringing through the whole thing. Sigh. It seemed soo pitchy, yikes.

Crystal Bowersox - "Gimme Just One Reason" - Um, YES. Now this girl is in the running for the next American Idol y'all. She rocked it tonight, this was SUHweet. Perfect. And she's so dang humble. Def. my FAV girl!!

Lily Scott - "I Fall to Pieces" - Does anyone else think she looks like 'Claire' from Lost?? Anyways. She just knows what to DO, what to sing. This was perky and upbeat but not necessarily a knock out. But I do think she will be here next week for sure!

American Idol Top 10 Girls

Top 10 Girls

Crystal Bowerox - "Long As I Can See Light" - Coming back from a hospital visit, Crystal takes the stage like a pro. She is earthy and just a natural. This had to be one of her best performances in my opinion...very glad she's in this competition!

Haeley Vaughn - "The Climb" - Whoot for the country girl!! She looked totally cute tonight and I love that she can't stop smiling. I get why she picked this song but this was a little rough, a bit flat/pitchy in a few places.

Lacey Brown - "Kiss Me" - Man, she's so sparkly and cute. This was a good song for her but it just was a bit flat in parts. She looked like she was a bit more comfortable and enjoyed herself. I'm hoping she locks in soon though.

Katie Stevens - "Put Your Records On" - This was a fun little song for her to sing. Not sure this was her sweet spot. But man, she's 17 and has loads of potential for sure.

Didi Benami - "Lean On Me" - Aw, I just love her. She's got such a sweet spirit and great personality. I thought this was a great effort but overall hmm... Poor thing.

Michelle Delamor - "Arms Wide Open" - I really really like this song but it did not work for her. Like I kept waiting for it to take off and really hit the mark but it never did. Ugh.

Lily Scott - "Change Is Gonna Come" - She is def one of the 'believable' Idols. I loved this performance, she sounded great with the guitar etc. Very nice. (hi, Vera Wang in the audience?!!)

Katelyn Epperly - "The Scientist" - Wow, this was my fav of her performances. Very sincere and personal. I loved her with the piano but it was kinda slow.

Paige Miles - "Walk Away" - Oh boy. I don't know what's up with the girls but yikes. I just didn't like this. Again, just didn't seem to hit the notes.

Siobhan Magnus - "Think" - What is this girl wearing?? Maybe it's the socks with the heels. Oi vey. This gave me a mixed feeling...like I didn't like it but then I did a bit. Weird. I wasn't like wow at the end.

American Idol Top 10 Guys

Top 10 Guys

Michael Lynche - "This is a Man's World" - He def came back with a vengeance tonight, it looked like he really took the judges critiques to heart. I never heard this song before but Wow, this is why I love this guy...he looked great and sounded awesome. Super smooth, super fine. Yes Yes Yes.

John Park - "Gravity" - While last week I was left wondering why this guy was on Idol, this week was a small improvement. I did like his chilled out vibe, sitting on stool thing. But I totally agreed with the judges - this guy is not connecting with the song or the audience. This was just average tonight.

Casey James - "I Don't Wanna Be" - Electric guitar, niiice you go boy! I love this song... He looked like a natural up there. For me the one thing he could have done would be to change it up a bit and make it his own. But I think he'll stick around.

Alex Lambert - "Everybody Knows" - Aww, this guy is wicked sweet!! I'm such a sucker for the acoustic guitar...oh hello. WOW. He knocked this one out of the park. The tone of his voice is AHmazing, love it. This was a huge improvement! He may very well be one of my favs, nice.

Todrick Hall - "What's Love Got to Do With It" - I actually kinda liked this performance. It was different and his own spin so I'm not sure why the judges praise someone for changing it up and then criticize this guy for doing the same thing? What bothers me is that Todrick tends to come off like he's God's gift to music and I don't dig that kind of attitude. So I am not a big fan, sorry.

Jermaine Sellers - "What's Going On" - What is on the top of his head??!! And a bow tie?!! Come stinkin' on dude. I didn't like this at all. The end.

Andrew Garcia - "You Give Me Something" - It's hard when you have no clue what the song is. I really really love this guy and he's still one of my favs...but I'm not crazy about this performance. He's got IT in there though!

Aaron Kelly - "My Girl" - Too stinkin' cute. I'm not totally sure why he'd pick this song, a little overused in my opinion. He tried his best to spin it a little, putting his own stamp on it. His vocals are pure and smooth, very nice. Next week, let's hope for some better song choices!

Tim Urban - "Come On Get Higher" - Hmm. Again, LOVE the guitar and love the song! This was much better than last week. He's got a nice voice but I just don't think he's Idol material. I feel kinda bad for him but he's struggling here.

Lee Dewyze - "Lips of an Angel" - This is totally his niche, perfect song choice for him. Yah, it was pitchy but I liked it. Waiting for this guy to bring it...own it.