IWSG: Photographs and Wisdom

Thanks to Alex and his co-hosts:
M Pax, Melissa Maygrove, and Karen Walker

I love to write; to lose myself in make-believe and happily ever-after.

So, when I first started writing, I never dreamed I'd ever hold one of my books in my hot sweaty little hands.

Never.

But I was content with writing stories for me. I figured I'd stack them in the closet in neat manilla envelopes...like the romance version of Emily Dickinson.

One night, my husband and I were out with friends, enjoying maybe one too many margaritas...I joked with my friend, Lora, that when I got a book published, she could take my author photograph. 

See, Lora is an uber talented photographer. She's been named West Virginia's Photographer of the year for 2013, 2011, 2010, and 2008. That's some serious talent! I had full faith in her, but not so much in myself. 

Then in February 2012, I signed a publishing contract! 

And sadly, Lora's son, Brock was diagnosed with leukemia. (Read post here.)

So, when "Past Due" and "Healing Summer" were released, the author pic was a shot taken by my son, Conner. I told Lora when Brock was well, I'd hit her up for the photo. 

Today...I am so HAPPY to say, Brock is well!!! A full recovery...he even has his hair back!!

and I have my official author photo...

What, you ask, does this have to do with insecurity? 

We may suffer from it, but we can't let it beat us.

We must have faith. 

Lora started taking photos at her day care, she polished her craft, and today she is the owner of her own business and has a cabinet full of awards that would make Oscar envious. All because she believed, worked hard, and never gave up.

By Lora
See More @
Memories By Lora Yeater

As she took my photos, I asked her...did she ever dream she'd do as well as she has?

 And in true winner fashion, she explained that she always believed she had some talent, but the greatest part of her success was loving what she does. Photography isn't work. It's part of who she is...an expression of her self. 

And it doesn't matter where an artist is right now. You keep working, you keep learning and your skills and reach grows. It doesn't happen by luck or even happen over night. 

Then she reminded me there was a time when she was just a gal with a camera taking pictures in her basement.   

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