Moment of clarity

Sometimes clarity can be found in the most unlikely of places. My moment came while shooting the annual and often dreaded Christmas photo last year. My focus was on controlling the perfect shot, with the lighting just so, hair in place, soft smiles, straight postures, no blinking, etc. While taking a break to regroup and rethink of yet another naturally forced pose I caught this shot of my daughters quite by accident. It wasn't posed and it's slightly out of focus, therefore not making the cut for the desirable Christmas card but it is the shot I cherish the most. Not simply because it is of my daughters who bring me great joy everyday of my life but because it is a reminder to me that often times we stumble upon success. It can come at us sideways or we can back into it. We can pursue it with the best of intentions and yet not see what is right in front of us if only we were to change our focus.

With all my planning and hard work I think that I can safely say that this year I have stumbled upon success (convincing my accountant of this will be another story). My focus was constant, my steps were in flux. There is no way of knowing how to factor in the impact of the artists and collectors that I have encountered throughout the year but what I do know is that each and every one of you has inspired me to continue on this path and for that I am truly grateful. May all your small moments of success bring you peace and happiness now and always!

16 comments:

Christopher A. Klingler said...

Melissa! You not only stumbled into success you fell into it!

We can only go UP from here...our work is fabulous and people are starting to notice more and more each passing day! 2008 will be even BETTER...I know I consulted my crystal ball! '-)

Lovely picture too!

Happy Holidays! :)

Chris

Diane Irvine Armitage said...

The photo of your daughters is so precious! How fun that it was a happy accident :-) And I'm thrilled for your success this year - you are SO talented and just so nice too - how can you miss? Have a wonderful Christmas!!

Kim Hardt Originals said...

Melissa your girls are so beautiful! You should be so proud. It always seem to me that the best picture out of the bunch is the one that you least expect.

You are truly a really good artist. I love all the goodies that I bought. I am hoping to add to my collection next year. Chris is right for sure you guys are on your way up. And the skys the limit for you!!!

Kim

Emily said...

What a wonderful photo and the thoughts behind it make it even more so! I think this will be the start of many good things for all of us...just because it feels so good to be around such inspirations and positive vibes! :)

Thank you for commenting on my blog...The gingerbread come out pretty good (it's diabetic for my dad-in-law)...and now, I'm baking banana bread for some friends. :) Merry Christmas, dear! :)

Random York said...

Melissa! Your blog and your creations are so delightful!
Merry Christmas!
John

Random York said...

Melissa! Your blog and your creations are so delightful!
Merry Christmas!
John

Unknown said...

Happy Holidays to you too Melissa!

Your work is amazing and the possibilities in 2008 are truly limitless with your talents... wishing you every success!

Lovely pic of your beautiful daughters... may you all have a wonderful holiday together!

Lori

Carolee said...

What a gorgeous photo, Melissa, and a lovely post too. :)

Wishing you continued success and serendipity in 2008!

~ Carolee

Kristen Beason said...

Hi Melissa~
Your daughters are gorgeous! Great Chrismtas photo. So glad to have met you this year and it's a goal of mine to own one of your pieces in 2008. Your work is fantastic!!! Merry Christmas to you and your family.
~Kristen

Kim Hardt Originals said...

Merry Christmas Melissa! I hope you guys are having a wonderful Holiday!

Merry Christmas!!! Kim

vintagepaletteart said...

Melissa........your daughters are absolutely gorgeous! What a wonderful moment that you captured there!

I still want a crown! lol I need to send you a pic of the dolly that I need it for.

Hope you had a very merry christmas and a happy new year to come!

*Lori

Kim Hardt Originals said...

Hey Melissa, You would of gone nuts in that store. It's a good thing we don't live in the same town. Could you imagine. He! He! It would be like in the movies. Me tripping you and knocking you down. Just kidding.

Those snowman are Bethany Lowe stuff. I like alot of her stuff this year. And who says you can have enough bottle brush trees!!!!

Kim

Jo James said...

What a beautiful picture of your girls, Melisa. ANd a beautiful post too. Thanks!
I'm so glad our paths have crossed. :)
-Joee

Sylvia Anderson said...

What a lovely moment you captured...just perfect! I too am happy that our path's crossed in 2007. Wishing you all the best success for 2008! :)

Patty Benedict said...

Melissa

LOVE the photo of your daughters! Daughters ar very special...I have one daughter Annie and she is very special!I cheeish every moment I have with her!
Have a wonderful Creative 2008!!!
Bugs & Hisses
patty

Betzie said...

Such a beautiful moment in time of your daughters...
I feel the same about my two sons. I don't think I'd catch them in that position though. :)
I loved what you wrote..so very true.
Your creations are precious.
Glad I "stumbled" on you here...smiles...