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Blog Children Family Rambling Travel

Disney World Magic

Magical family memories made with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.
Magical family memories made with Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse.

My family recently got back from a FANTASTICAL trip to Disney World.  We were able to enjoy seven magical days of Disney parks despite it being Florida’s rainiest month.  (About that… When the rains come, you can either get upset or you can act like a kid just playing in the rain and splashing in puddles.  We chose the latter.)

The few hours we slept were at one of Disney’s newest resorts “The Art of Animation” – (unbelievably awesome!).  We arrived at the parks early each morning and didn’t leave till close.  My daughters, ages 8, 5, and 2 were so hopped up on pixie dust, we were able to stay through the oh-so-fun magic hours.  This is when most of the crowd has gone home, and the park remains open only to those staying in a Disney resort.

From morning to midnight, magical memories made with great characters and castles.
From morning to midnight, magical memories made with great characters and castles.

During this two hour span, my girls and I went from ride to ride non-stop.  And when it was finally time to leave the Magic Kingdom, we would pause in front of Cinderella’s castle as she bid us good night, then sleepily stroll down Main Street, basking in the glow of lights and recalling the day’s adventures.

The memories my family made that week will forever be etched in my mind.  Too many memories to recount in a single sitting.  But just a close of my eyes, and I’m instantly transported back there riding Splash Mountain with my girls, hearing my oldest giggle about how she is always the one that gets soaked at the end of the ride; or I’m outside Gaston’s Tavern laughing at his hilarious mixture of comedic arrogance and charm; or I’m hearing my 2 year old’s sweet voice exclaim, “Mickey Mouse!” as she sees him for the very first time.

Magical family memories made at Disney's Magic Kingdom.
Magical family memories made at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.

Our children are young for such a short time.  I plan on making the most of these moments and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Have you created any special memories with your family lately?  I’d love to hear your family’s stories.

 

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Blog Tips & Tricks Travel

Stretching your LIFE

My Friday started with a visit to a physical therapist as I have been having pain in my right shoulder. Max, my PT described how a slight injury can result in so much pain and tightening of everything that is needed to make the shoulder work as it should. The process of getting it back into shape involves routine heating, stretching and cooling. If you have ever gone through this process, you know the stretching process can be quite uncomfortable and downright painful.

That got me to thinking about some of my recent conversations with our 13 year-old son on stepping out of our comfort zone. Talk about stress. How would you like to be 13 again? Not me!

No matter your age, have you ever been in a place in your life, relationship or job that you felt lack of movement and a tightening? Sometimes stretching is the answer. I have experienced this in my life many times, and the benefits are always worth the pain involved through the process.

Here are my top 3 tips to summarize stretching your LIFE

  1. When an opportunity arises or a door opens, don’t let yourSELF talk you out of it because you aren’t ….qualified, the right personality, smart enough, good looking, excuses, excuses, excuses!
  2. Realize that your attitude determines outcome! Check the attitude of your heart. Getting out of the doldrums has nothing to do with anyone other than YOU.
  3. Wake with purpose and passion and carry this throughout the day.

I hope you are stretched often as I am. I know its sometimes painful, but with passion, purpose, and a great attitude, you are sure to look forward to those opportunities when they arise.

I would love to hear how you have been stretched recently or your thoughts! 
 

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Blog Rambling

The Joys of Owning Your Own Business

Greg Patterson cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.

One of my absolute favorite aspects of our portrait garden and surrounding property is our GINORMOUS pecan tree.  Years ago, an arborist (a tree expert) visited and said that it was one of the largest and oldest pecan trees he had ever seen.  Pecan trees are familiar to everyone in the Nacogdoches area, but this one is special.  Every year it produces bucket loads of wonderful pecans, and it consistently provides a beautiful backdrop for outdoor photos.

The rub is that pecan trees are “self-pruning,” meaning they drop branches like crazy.  When the winds came through yesterday, it was just too much for one of the ol’ girl’s bigger branches.  So Greg and his father in law Harry have been dutifully chopping and hauling pecan branches all morning.

Nothing worth having comes easy.  The portrait garden and studio may need sweat and elbow grease from time to time, but the benefits are so worth it.

Greg Patterson gathers limbs as he cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson gathers limbs as he cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson hauls away limbs as he cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson hauls away limbs as he cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson smiles for the camera as he cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
Greg Patterson smiles for the camera as he cleans up a large fallen pecan branch at his portrait studio in Nacogdoches.
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Blog Family Portrait Sessions

Is there a better way to start your day?

The Middlebrook Family plays instruments for their family portraits by Greg Patterson.
The Middlebrook Family plays instruments for their family portraits by Greg Patterson.

Amy Middlebrook is sure to be one of the sweetest people you’ll ever meet.  Her nature is pure and genuine, and she is a delight to be near.  So when she called and asked Greg to capture photos of her family, we jumped at the opportunity.

Like with our other clients, we first asked Amy if there was something in particular she had in mind for the portrait.  She mentioned that her family was musical and enjoyed getting together from time to time to just strum a little.  Could we photograph something that captured this aspect of her family?  Of course the answer was “yes,” and the wheels in Greg’s imagination begin to turn.

The morning of her session, we gathered onto the porch of the Hardeman House, just around the corner from our studio, eager to see what musical moments we could create.  What followed was such an emotionally and spiritually stirring event.  George and Amy kicked it off, softly playing the guitar and mandolin and adding in some vocal harmony.  Their son delicately joined in on the ukulele.  Soon the street was echoing with their rising voices.  They were singing to God.  The sound was tender, yet powerful.  It was heartwarming to notice each of the little smiles, nods and quick glances they gave one another.  To hear this sweet family that morning was incredibly uplifting and wonderful to experience.  To see them relate to each other the way they did was quite moving.

Usually we are the ones trying to provide the memorable experience for our clients.  But on that day, we were treated.  Every time I see the beautiful portraits of Amy’s family, I will be reminded of how I felt that special morning.  It was only 30 minutes, but I will carry that memory with me for years… and I am thankful.

Categories
Blog Children Events Family

Nothin’ more East Texas than Watermelons

Kiddos eating watermelon is a great way to celebrate East Texas summertime.
Kiddos eating watermelon is a great way to celebrate East Texas summertime.

Summers in East Texas are typically hot and muggy, but you can’t stay cooped up inside all day.  There’s too much fun to be had outside.  Running through sprinklers, catching fireflies, going fishing, going swimming… And one other thing that comes to mind is eating watermelon!  It’s a true East Texan tradition.  I look forward to enjoying some sweet and juicy watermelon with my kiddos in the next few weeks.  And hey, we may even get into a good ol’ fashion watermelon seed spitting fight.

G. Patterson Studio is celebrating this East Texas tradition with our most popular Just 4 Fun Kid’s Series Special – WATERMELON BASH on July 1, 2, and 3.  If you’d like to have these sweet moments of your kiddos captured in a beautiful and timeless way, call the studio at (936) 569-7116.