Austin, Round Rock, and Georgetown, TX Premier Photographer – Blog- Pure Wonder Photography » The things in life that bring you nothing but Pure Wonder.

Every year, without fail, I sit down and write resolutions. It is a ritual for me that was inspired by my father. I remember growing up, he would religiously right down his resolutions and then would strategically find a place for them in his planner, so that they were more than a passing thought but rather guidelines to live by daily. There are many things I love about my father but his ability to write down his thoughts, goals and ambitions are awe inspiring.

So, every year, I take out my pen and paper and I think. I usually start this process in mid-November and finish around the middle of January. I want to make sure that these are not meaningless-spur-of-the-moment-goals. It is a process for me. I typically have 2 catagories; personal and professional. These ‘goals’ are really anything that I want to try to accomplish. Try being the key word because if they don’t happen, then they don’t happen. I am okay with that. Last year, one of my goals was to get my entire house re-painted. I made it half-way. Of course, all of them aren’t such ‘easy’ goals. I also made a goal to live the Dave Ramsey way of life. This was life-altering for us. Although, we aren’t always 100 percent, we have really made huge changes. I also had professional goals and this blog being one of them. Last year was a success, I quit teaching to stay home with my babies and start my own business. I gave birth to our daughter. We become a family of four. I watched my oldest transform into the best big brother. It was a year of many changes. It was a wonderful year.  But, how do you top a year like that?

Let’s see…

1. This is my year to simplify. I want to cut down. Cut down on the amount of paper and junk that is floating around my house. I want to organize, to streamline. Anything and everything from my pantry to my closet to my office. Yes, simplify. I feel liberated already.

2. I want to take more pictures. Obviously, I take a ton of pictures but I am referring to pictures of my family. I really want to focus on capturing documentary style pictures of my kiddos. The interactions that they have with each other and just the spirit of who they are. On top of that, I want to print these pictures once every quarter and put them into a cool image box or something.

3. I want to turn our backyard into a fun living space. We started on this last year but really didn’t get much beyond having sod laid. This year, I want lawn art, a cool eating area, a nice grilling spot and just a fun place for family and friends.

4. Tying into number 3, I want to plant a big, organic garden. Actually, more than just plant it, I want to actually have stuff grow. I want this to be a family project. I think my son will really enjoy it.

5. As far as my business, I want to take it to the next level. I want it to grow and thrive. I want to offer new, fun, innovative products. More than anything, I want you to love more than your pictures…I want you to love the experience.

6. I want to donate my time and talent to a great organization. This was actually my first goal and I have already gone and met with a great organization! I am so excited about this and will share more in the near future.

7. I want to use my blog to showcase other local/handmade products. I am excited about this. I am sure that you get tired of hearing about me and my life. So, every week, I am going to try and showcase other local businesses and/or handmade products. I believe wholehearteldy in buying local and handmade things whenever possible. I also have a fascination with hearing about others businesses and how they got started and what they do. So, if you know anybody who you think would be good to showcase then please let me know!

8. Every Monday through Thursday between the hours of 9-4, I am turning off my computer. Yes, you heard me right. No editing, no googling, no putting in orders. This is my family time. Time to spend with my children; laughing, playing, learning and engaging. I am setting office hours. Will this effect you? No, your orders will still be placed, your emails responded to and your pictures edited. But, it will give me more quality time with my family. Of course, there will be times when I do sessions during these hours but I am strictly referring to the computer. We have become way to close over the past year. We just need a little time apart each day.

9. To continue living the Dave Ramsey way of life.

So, I won’t bore you with anymore. But, I would love to hear any goals that you have or, if you don’t write goals, tell me about that…

In honor of my dad, who inspired all this…And, he would say, “that’s a nice artsy-fartsy picture Erin!”