on the creative side

On The Beach

Originally uploaded by sheiladeeisme

A friend of mine has made comments for years about how she likes the fact that Evo and I make changes in our life when we aren’t happy with life or when we just need a change. She says that so many people complain about things in their life but never change anything.

Today, I read a blog from Chris Brogan about this very topic. His blog talks about risk more from a business stand point, however, I think this can be looked at from a personal point as well.

I think the biggest take-away from the blog post was to grow as a business (or person) you have to be willing to take risk. I have always used the old saying “change is good”.

When thinking about taking a risk you have to think about the pros and cons (the good and the bad). How will you deal with the success or the failure of the event? I mention the success because sometimes the success can be so overwhelming that you have not contemplated how to handle the positive things that can happen. For example, let’s say you create a web site which sells items. If you become successful overnight, do you have the items in stock and can your server handle the traffic?

Personally, think about your life and what you are happy with and what you are dissatisfied with. If you are dissatisfied then think of alternatives to your situation. Give yourself a list of three to six options. Look at your pros and cons. Then decide if it is worth making the change. Challenge yourself to take a small risk and later you can try bigger risks (like moving out of the country)!

What risks are you willing to take?

San Pedro Harbor at Night

Originally uploaded by sheiladeeisme

Summer has begun for me. I have been in the pool a couple times already and we are planning our summer trips. The first one is back to Southern California. We will be there for just a few days before coming back to finish up the final touches for the bachelorette party which will be held at my house. The Evo has a wedding to perform mid June and another at the end of June. July is still up in the air as far as travel goes. I am thinking we will need to make a trip back home to OK. We are looking to go to Rocky Point and Austin, TX. Usually, we travel to Canada in the summer for a hockey camp for NJ but we are trying one here in Phoenix this year.

So to all have a happy and safe summer.

Water Fountain

Originally uploaded by mrsonion42

Today and yesterday were bitter sweet! I have always taught because I of the kids. I kept it together pretty well until after the bell rang yesterday when four students gave me a hug and cried! I am excited about embarking on my new adventure but sad to know that come August I will not see the students!

I will see how I handle this come August!

JoCo Laughing

Originally uploaded by mrsonion42

Last Saturday night (May 10) I was on my way home from an enjoyable evening with friends when I almost had an accident! The cause of this was due to an ad on the local radio station (103.9 in Phoenx) for an upcoming concert. I am used to hearing Jonathan Coulton songs in my house and in my car but that is because I play them.

I promptly went home looked at my calendar and purchased tickets for the three of us. Several days later my son says, “Maybe you should see if one of your friends wants to go to the show?” He ended up going with us anyway and was so happy he did.

Paul & Storm opened for JoCo. I had heard of them from another set of friends who had seen them with JoCo last year. However, I had not personally heard any of their music. Amazing show!

The combination of the performers is incredible. You can tell that they all respect and enjoy each others company. They play off of each other quite well!

I would love to see either again in the future! Paul & Storm and JoCo come back to Phoenix!

You can see the rest of the images from the show on my flickr site.

It’s All Good

Originally uploaded by mrsonion42

If we could all be this happy! For the past two years, I have been thinking about doing more with my photography but have been a little nervous about stepping into that realm. Over the past two months, several photography contracts have come my way. Well, I made a decision recently to take a sabbatical and devote more time to my love (photography)!

I will keep you updated on the developments of this endeavor. Wish me luck!!!