Remember when you were like this?

It doesn't matter the language. It doesn't matter the economic situation. It doesn't matter where you live or how you live. At some point laughter was in you.

Many still live a life of laughter and joy. But many more may have drifted away from it for one reason or another. It's still there. We just have to remember it, then focus on getting it back. Even if just for a short moment each day.

Recent studies at the University of Maryland and the University of North Carolina show that laughing can help us live longer. They even suggest that laughing be part of your daily exercise routine.

So slow down. Just for a moment. Call a friend and chuckle a bit. You'll be glad you did.

Danielle & Josh ~wedding

Danielle and Josh were married a few weeks ago at Lake Caroline just outside Madison, Mississippi. The ceremony was very intimate and very beautiful. Even though the weather was quite treacherous the night before, Saturday turned out perfect and the sunset wedding was really, really nice.

Thank you Danielle and Josh for letting me be a part of your day. Best wishes to you both.


~wj

Inspiration ~a short film

I was surfing YouTube this morning and found this incredible piece of work by a Spanish photographer and film maker. His name is Carlos Loscano. What is so amazing to me, is that this entire film was created using nothing but still photographs. I can only imagine the time and patience it took to create this, and it is a great example of the combination of creative vision and technical expertise needed to create moving images.

Hope you like it.

~wj

just a quick note to everyone

I started my Monday by checking in with a few photographer forums. One of the photographers over at OSP created a thread about a friend that had recently passed away. In his post he included this quote from a message the friend had written him some time ago. I thought it was quite poignant and wanted to share it with all of you.

"I think there would be little point to life if it did not end in death. I do not give up on life simply because it ends in death. Rather, life is much more meaningful and important because of its perishable nature. I only have one life to live, and I want to make the most of it."

I think these are wonderful words for all of us to remember as we proceed through our daily checklists. It's too easy to wait just one more day, feel that a message you'd like to send someone is sappy and ridiculous, or slip into our own safe cocoon and watch as the world passes.

I urge you not to do so. Reach out. Embrace life and those that walk through it with you.

And take the time each morning to consider, "Am I making my life what I want it to be?"

Then do it.


blessings,

~wj

I'll be out of pocket tomorrow. . .

. . .because I have been summoned for JURY DUTY.

I have no idea how long I'll be tied up, but if am a bit late on returning calls or responding to emails this is why!
But I will get back to you, I promise. It just might not be until court let's out at the end of the day.

~wj

Danielle & Josh ~the night before

It's the night before Danielle and Josh's wedding. The video above pretty much shows what has gone on around Jackson today. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes rolled through the area, and over 92,000 homes are without power. Luckily I called ahead to get a hotel room, because this place is swarming with people that have lost power to their homes. Entergy reports that over 20% of ALL it's Mississippi clients are without power. Amazing. And many of them won't be getting power restored until Monday.

I haven't heard if anyone is injured or not. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everyone is safe here in Central Mississippi. I'll be glued to the news here shortly to get more reports. Prayers and warm thoughts to everyone affected by the brutal storms today.

More later.


Blessings,

~wj