I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately. There are a lot of things in my life that are changing and require a great deal of time and effort and thinking.  It can be exhausting!

I’ve been driven recently to read more.  I’ve picked up a few of the books that I had started reading and then got too busy with school to finish, but the book I’ve received the most from has been the Bible.  The other night I opened up my Bible to Acts and just started reading.

Goodness!

These stories – this living word – makes me yearn for God more and more.  It saddens me so much how routine I can be.  How complacent I can be with my relationship with God.  Ugh.  I want to leave this behind and move forward in knowing my savior more!  Acts recounts stories of normal people living an extraordinary life.  Of being open to change.  Of pushing through their fears.  Of loving nothing more than God.

But most of all, it’s about God meeting us where we are at.

Listen, err… Read this!

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands.  And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything.  Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else…  God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.  For in him we live and move and have our being.  As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” (Acts 17: 24-25; 27-28)

I remember being in a group once and a woman talking about how the Bible to her was a love letter.  Something that she went back to time and time again because it changes as you read it.  Or perhaps you change as you read it!  A love letter changes it’s meaning as your love grows and deepens.  I desperately want that.

And because every post is better with a photograph, here is a photograph of one of the most inspiring women I know.  We went and did a night portrait session which I’ll be blogging about soon.

It was my first time to use my shnazzy reflector that Matt got me for Christmas!

So, I’m still alive.  I promise!  It’s been a little crazy with the holidays and all.  Remembering to take the time to write out my thoughts comes after trying to find a job.  Seriously guys, it’s a little hard!  But it’s all part of the journey and that journey is one that I am happy to take.

In other news, I sent out the CDs from my last photography sessions.  Matt helped me create a unique design for printing on the CDs.

Really, I don’t know what I’d do without him!  He’s also helping me do some rebranding.  Since I am changing my last name in the near future (don’t know when yet.  I’ll let ya know!) the name “Rachel Perry Photography” just won’t do anymore!  So expect some changes happenin’ real soon!

Oh man.  When Cody and Alissa asked if I would be available to do an engagement session, I was so excited!  I love hanging out with people and documenting their love and care for each other.  What I didn’t expect was the two hour long laughing session that ensued.  Who needs to work out when you have hilarious clients?  (I know… me.  Heehee) On to the photos!

They wanted one cheesy photo.  I think it works…

This one is my absolute FAV.  Like, when I saw it on the back of the camera, I did a little dance.  ‘Cause any session with me, you get a nice little dance.  Now don’t you want a session?  :-)

There’s this sweet old building that was open, so we went inside.  I loved these lights and asked them if they were okay going blind for a cool picture.  They were.  I’ve got cool clients.

Alissa, you are fierce.  Don’t ever tell yourself that you aren’t photogenic, silly!  Just look at this image!

And then, we’ll end with a sweet note.

Cody and Alissa, you are a whole lot of fun.  I think we should definitely hang out when you move to the Houston area!

Now, for my thankful list…  Remember, I’m trying to get to 1000.  Really finding joy in the little things is what I want to do through this, so read on.

0021.  The way that photography can move you.  I seriously wanted to weep after reading this about an aging father.  Go read it.  It’ll make you feel more human – http://www.dayswithmyfather.com/

0022.  Laughing.  It’s the bestest.

0023.  My stinkin’ amazing ring.  It’s what I never knew I wanted in a ring.  Matt knows me pretty well, I suppose!

0024.  Fuzzy socks when it’s cold.

0025.  New pajamas on Christmas Eve (it’s the coolest tradition ever!)

0026.  New books.  I just finished “What Difference Do It Make.”  Fantastic read.

0027.  Future parents-in-law who buy said book for a graduation present for me.

0028.  Oh yeah!  Graduating!  Woohoo!!!

0029.  Only having a two and a half hour ceremony because I graduated in December and not in May.  Sawweeet.

0030.  Family from NY who like to make fun of me and my sister’s joy over the snow we got here a few weeks ago.  Seriously guys, it’s Texas.  It doesn’t snow much.  Any snow is AMAZING.

0031.  My new camera.  It’s a used Nikon D300.  It is beautiful.  I’m trying to think of a name for it because I am that attached.

0032.  Random people who practically offer me jobs on the spot.  Too bad I’m pretty sure I don’t want to manage a new coffee shop…

0033.  My friend Stevo is back from South Dakota for a little while!  I am pretty happy to see him!

0034.  Creativity.

0035.  Blogs that make me laugh out loud like Jasmine Star’s.

I think it’s high time for a new blog post.

My dear,

It has been a crazy few weeks here where I am.  Getting engaged, about to graduate college, finals.  Oh my.  Finals.  And my 20-25 page paper.  You know, I am possibly on here just because I don’t want to get started on that paper, but shh…  You didn’t hear it from me!

In other way way way way way way exciting news, I got my camera!  Yahoo!  I have saved up my tips from Java Jacks, saved all of my money made on portrait sessions in the past little while, and have an amazing fiance who, for my birthday, got a bunch of people together to help me buy my beautiful Nikon D300!  Hip hip hooray!  Matt drove it up from Houston last night.  He asked which I was more excited to see, him or the camera.

I couldn’t choose.

Now, here are some pictures from the Simpson’s family portrait session in Missouri City.  If you’d like to know a little more about them, Jennie blogs here.

It’s the little moments that count, right?

Do you have a photograph that just makes your heart happy?  These next few images still get me to giggle everytime I look at them.  Look at their ears, their expressions…  Amazing.

Jennie and Jerl, you guys have an amazing family and I had so much fun exploring new places and getting to hang out with you!

Rachel

(The last three photographs were put together using a storyboard action from http://coffeeteaphotography.blogspot.com)

This will be a quick one, but this is just to say that I’m engaged!  Here’s the story…

On Friday, November 27, Matt and I went out with a local photographer (Matt Trevino) who was doing some free couple’s portrait sessions to build his portfolio.  I had seen his ad on Craigslist and thought that it would be fun!  You know, I could network with another photographer (who has an awesome personality) and get pictures with my man!

We met with the photographer (who we’ll call Matthew just to make it clear between my Matt and Matthew so no one gets confused) near downtown.  After a couple of different location shots, we ended up in the theater district.  Here we are, posing for photographs and then Matt starts acting weird.

I ask, “Why aren’t you looking at the camera?” as I nod to where he’s supposed to be looking.  Duh, I mean, we are in a photoshoot!

Then he starts talking about how much he loves me and how fun this is.  As I’m standing there, I’m wondering why he’s talking about this now.  Haahaa.  There are pictures to be taken.

Then suddenly.

It hits me.

Holy cow.  HO-LY COW.

My mind starts racing.  No way is this really happening.  OMG.

Then he got down on one knee.  And holds up this pretty stinkin’ amazing sparkly ring.

And I said yes.

So there you have it.  That’s the not so short story!

There were some funny moments like when Matt, after forgetting what he was going to say, said, “I forgot where I was going with this.  I mean, I know exactly where I’m going with this!” or fumbling to get my promise ring off of my finger so that I could put my new ring on.  He now wears my promise ring on a chain around his neck as a symbol of our love, but that there is still a promise that has been made for purity.

He’s a pretty cool guy.  ;-)

If you want to see pictures of the ring, they are on my Facebook page.  If you aren’t a friend, just add me!  The pictures from the actual photoshoot will be put up here at a later date when I have them.  I’m excited to see them!

And, as a sneak preview of the Simpson’s family portrait session which happened on Friday morning before all of the excitement, here’s one of my favorites from the day…

With Love,

Rachel Perry

I think that being grateful is a true measure of how much you enjoy life.  I’ve recently been contemplating doing an exercise in which you write down 1000 things you are grateful for.  That’s right.  You read 1000.  It’s a daunting task, but something I feel like I need to do because I take too much for granted.  So, here we go!

I’m thankful for…

0001.  My faith in God.

0002.  My family that I’ll be seeing in less than a week for Thanksgiving!

0003.  The beautiful colors that are in the trees right now.

0004.  Knowing that there are even better colors in terms of foliage up north.

0005.  That it is finally getting cool!

0006.  My wonderful boyfriend who teaches me knew things about myself all the time!

0007.  College.  I’ll miss ya, buddy!

0008.  My homegroup in Nac.  My goodness, you guys have made me a better person!

0009.  Hot tea (especially chai, peppermint, and green tea)

0010.  My cell phone.  What a wonderful way to keep in touch with people!

0011.  Communication.  Without it, life would be preeetty boring.

0012.  Painting.  I need to do this more.  It’s good for the soul.

0013.  Calendars and scheduling.  The more you get to know me, the more you’ll see how I like to plan.

0014.  My Grandma Lindsay’s peanut pralines and toffee.  A normal Christmas time occurrence.

0015.  Fans.  A must if you live anywhere where there is lots of warmth.  Plus, i now need mine to fall asleep!

0016.  Tips.  I currently work in a coffee shop.  Tips make my day so so so much better.  Plus, if you tip me, I might like ya better.  Just keep it in mind next time you are in a coffee place.

0017.  I’m thankful for the tips I made last year that let me go to Hawaii this past summer.

0018.  I’m thankful for the tips made this semester that are going to my new camera fund.

0019.  The Thai peanut noodles I’m eating right now with chicken.  I made it.  It is yummy!

0020.  The encouragement, support, and amazingness of my friends and family and clients who all believe in me.

With gratitude,

Rachel

Caitlin only lived in the same place as me for two semesters.  In those two semesters she challenged me to be a better person.  I’m proud to be her friend and wish I saw her more often.

 

Watch out!  She’s gonna be a world changer!

 

Two exciting tidbits:

• If you would like a session over the Thanksgiving break, I’ll be in Houston.  Spots are filling up, so let me know!
• If you haven’t voted for me (or if you have and are on a new computer) please vote here.  All the top ten finalist have already received a SmugMug site (which I totally wanted!  Amazing!), but having it customized to fit with my blog would be quite spectacular.  So please send a vote for me!

As always, thanks for reading!

Rachel

A few days ago I entered a contest at MCP Actions for a new web design and a year pro subscription to SmugMug.

Here’s what I wrote -

“My heart longs for creativity and learning and teaching. As I am nearing the end of my college career I want to find a way to merge my love for photography and the ingenuity that goes into it while serving others and helping. I want to make it so that a portion of my profits goes to charity. Each month I plan on highlighting a Non-Profit so I raise awareness. I feel that using my craft, which attracts attention, to show what is happening in our neighborhoods, our cities, and our world, could better those around me and myself.

I would love the help of fusing this into a cohesive and thoughtful website that would make it much more appealing so I can reach more people. Thank you for doing this giveaway and good luck everyone!”

Now, I need your help to win this!  I would greatly appreciate your vote at http://mcpactions.com/blog/2009/11/15/vote-for-the-most-deserving-of-a-custom-website-25-off-smugmug-pro/

And because every post (even if it is a shameless self plug) is better with some photos, here are my beautiful friends Hannah and Leah.  These were taken a little while back, but I love them.

 

Now, go vote!

With love,

Rachel

Yesterday, Matt and I went out with the Vahlkamps for the second time in the past month or so.  This time, we did not have a defunct battery to slow us down!  We went to the Houston Garden Center and walked around a park.  It was a lot of fun spending that time with them.  Erinn and Win, I’m so glad you trusted me with this opportunity.  You have an amazing family!

Now for some images.

 

You guys are awesome!  Thanks so much for the fun yesterday!

As always, vote for your favorite!  Let me know whatcha think.

This past weekend was a lovely and wonderful one.  First of all, one of my best friends in the whole world came to visit me!  Stephanie is awesome and beautiful and we had a lot of fun hanging out.  Second of all, a bunch of my friends and I went out to dinner on Friday night to celebrate my birthday (which is actually this week.  The 29th.  I love birthdays!) and did a few more things.  There will be a post.  Promise.  It involves a bonfire, a junk yard, and toilets.  It is something you won’t want to miss!

 

But on to Stephanie.  Recently she bought a DSLR camera and we went out and I gave her a little tutorial.  She caught on quick!  I think she’ll get the hang of it soon!  In the meantime, I took the opportunity to capture some photographs of her.

She was cool enough to lay on the ground for a few awesome shots!  You can ask her.  I freaked out when I started taking this group of shots.  It was just what I had wanted to add depth, texture, and fabulousness!  It doesn’t hurt that my subject is seriously gorgeous.

One last portrait of Steph…

 

Now, to showcase some of her work…  Remember, Stephanie is just learning!  You wouldn’t know it by these!  She caught on quick to things like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc.  She snapped a few of me and I love them!

 

I hope you guys enjoyed!  Leave a comment telling me which one is your fav!