In the past two weeks I think I must have been asked at least five or six times about what inspires me. When I look over this blog, it seems so terribly obvious that I am amazed that I forget so easily. For me, it is undoubtably nature. I come alive when I am outside. I perk up, think I can take on the world and walk around in awe, and physically stop to take in all that surrounds me. It frees up my heart and I reconnect to what I value. I actually get overwhelmed by the beauty of it. I come away refreshed and more alive than when I came. It rights me with the world. I become flooded with creativity and ambition for my life to make a difference for others. It changes me and rejuvenates the dreams and aspirations I have from just being me.
On Saturday Eric and I went to Starved Rock State Park for a day together in the newly warm air and sunshine. I can not remember the last time I was outside for four hours consecutively. We hiked and wandered around the woods through canyons and trails. I don’t know if I’ve ever spent significant time in the woods during the early Spring. We were surrounded with tiny new leaves popping out , and little cheerful flowers popping up on the forest floor yet the large canopy trees were still bare. Everything was brand new and waking. It was breath taking. We came around the bend in the trail to this breathtaking spot of sunlight through the trees with dreamy light and took time out of our hike to enjoy it and capture one another. All the other hikers passed on by but we lingered here.
Take some time with the ones you love and to really commit to living inspired whatever that may be for you. Believe in the power of its transformation both in your personal and professional life.
I’m a better wife, entrepreneur and photographer for my four hours in the woods.
My motto. “Let us come alive to the splendor that is all around us, and see the beauty in ordinary things” [ Thomas Merton]
P.S. Any fab couple want to drive 2 hours out of Chicago, hike 2 miles into the woods for a unique unbelievable love shoot?!! Seriously it was some of the most incredible light e.v.e.r.
Had a lovely time celebrating the beautiful Emily and Paul this past weekend. The wedding took place on a quaint inn on a river. Here is one frame with more to come in the next few days! Can’t hide happiness!
Jenna and Nick have been dear friends of ours for years. It is always a special privilege to get those you love in front of the lens and capture the love and warmth they are giving to the world. We are so delighted to be living near these two again and are looking forward to many new … Continue reading
To celebrate our 2,000 mile move , we are having a moving sale! And not just any moving sale but 20% off of all wedding packages for those within 120 miles of San Francisco! Spread the word! It is first come, first serve and need to book by May 15! Email jessie@simplyjessie.com for all the … Continue reading
Kristine and Nathan’s day was an amazing Spring day in the Midwest The trees were full of colorful blossoms, warm temperatures and the leaves were the brilliant green of new life. Thank you to Jaclyn Simpson for being my wingman!
Forgive the silence of the last few weeks. It is hard to describe in words what these days have been…. a journey is the best way to describe this process. So many things have happened , our feet have been in so many places, our eyes taking in gorgeous landscapes and the expanse of our beautiful country. … Continue reading
As this blog posts, Eric and I have loaded up our small car with our gear computers, two cats and 2 weeks of clothing. We have turned our car and hearts West. We are ready to document this new adventure armed with rolls of film, field cameras, medium format and digital cameras as well. As I … Continue reading
Absolutely beautiful. The pictures and words together make me feel like I visited the woods with you. I know what you mean. It happens to me….often on my own back deck!
Love you!
we do!!!
maybe we could do one after the wedding, and i could hike in my dress
I love the fern photo! It looks like they’re all stretching out their arms in a big yawn…
I see that Jill has preceded me in these comments, but yes, we would definitely like to go to Starved Rock! I have never been there, but I have been wanting to go for some time, and the pictures are beautiful. Are you going to teach a photgraphy course at the Chicago Botanic Garden again this summer?
Les, my spring class started on April 26th! So I’m gearing up in the next couple of weeks!