The First Gleam of Light

A few weeks ago I posted this to my personal IG:"Thoughts on this crisp, clear morning out on the water while my sweet family still sleeps:
This morning there was a woman in the gym who may be the strongest woman I've ever seen in my whole life. There's an all women's cross fit gym here in Rockport that I've been trying out and this is the first time I've seen her. This woman. She did all of her 400m in about 2 mins, all of her 20" box jumps landed awesome and took everything in her to do. When she did her wall climbs you could see how strong her core was, she was so in control. She would wipe the sweat out of her eyes and go back out for her 400s with this look like "just go. get it done." and she did. I went up to her after class and told her how much I admired her strength and how I want to be that strong one day.
I came out to Fulton Beach Road to watch the sunrise instead of heading home, where after 4 hrs of broken sleep, I'd be tempted to try and go back to sleep, which would only make me cranky. Do you know how you can tell the sun is coming? The light that comes before it. The little glows and rays praise "It's almost time! It's coming! You think I'm pretty? Wait til this big ball of fire comes. It's gonna take your breath away!"
I want to be like that woman. I want to be like those rays. I want this world to look at me and see the discipline I have for Him. Yes, the love and light I can shed can be pretty, but His Majesty is indescribable. He Is Coming, friends."

Funny thing is, that is no original revolution, y'all. It's Proverbs 4:18

Don't think that God has changed, Christian. He was and is and will be.

Beachside Bump

Kelly was a BLAST to work with. Planning sessions outdoors in the South Texas winter can be a tricky affair. Finding juuuuust the right window for sun/warmth in the middle of January is quite the feat.Luckily, Kelly, her sweet husband Charlie, and I got out to the Island and were able to photograph the beauty that is this first time mama. And only one of us is still picking cactus needles out of her behind!

Kelly sent me this sweet little something this morning to share with you all: "I will admit, I often have unattainable expectations – of myself and others. 

Yes, that’s how I’d like to open this gush session about Mae Burke. She didn’t ask me to write this – I just HAD to.  What an amazing experience and what a beautiful compilation of baby bump photos to keep forever – and show to my daughter one day. 

It’s rare to find someone like Mae to work with. She was a great listener and made the experience about what I wanted, but also took charge where she needed to – helping me chose what to wear before the shoot, pinning my hair back for me as we stood on the beach, requesting accessory/clothing changes as we ran around trying to catch the fleeting sun. She was an ultimate professional – always super responsive by phone, text and email, clearly laying out next steps and expectations and offering secret maternity photo tips and tricks to get the most flattering poses. She has an amazing talent and  a distinctive vision – that anyone can see from her work. She is doing what she was meant to in this life. 

But the thing about Mae that put her over the edge for me – is her ENERGY. During the shoot her positive energy overflows from her and it is infectious!  I actually had fun taking pictures – which never happens!  For all of these wonderful attributes squeezed into one tiny person – I am grateful and in absolute awe. 

Let’s just say, my unattainable expectations…have been blown away. 

Thank you, Mae for making this entire experience even more memorable.  xo"

Week 3 | My 365

There's a new Burke Lady Love that I haven't introduced you to...She's kinda hairy ;) Day 15 - Peakaboo with Norah Day 16 - Arabian Princess and Caterina Meow Meow feeding babies at lunch Day 17 - Morning After Date Night Day 18 - Adventure Is Out There Day 19 - Ferocious Abby on Guard Day 20 - Always Naked Day 21 - Abby's Favorite Play Thing