today was my last day of work. i skipped out of cubicle land and drove straight to yoga to celebrate. i have worked full time at a newspaper as a photographer while launching one love photo over the last three years. it's been a busy three, with little sleep and lots of caffeine. it's all been worth it. and today was the big pay off. i would have never survived without my husband jon's love and support. he has put in hours upon hours of editing and shooting, helping me make this happen. he's even bedazzled postcards for me in a pinch. now we have a busy summer ahead of us with so many amazing weddings. there is so much fun to come!
while clearing files off my work computer i couldn't seem to delete the photo below. i would delete it, but then it would pop up again somewhere else. at one point it was flashing as my screen saver. luckily my friend gil is a whiz and finally cleared all my personal photos off the machine. then the time was right for my exit. I was waving and giggling all the way out. am thinking this photo best represents how i felt today. been daydreaming about this for a long time......
today was a day of many goodbyes and even more hellos:
goodbye gray cubicle
goodbye to having a boss.
goodbye clocking in and out.
goodbye permission for a play day.
goodbye health benefits,matching 401k, and paid vacations.
goodbye refrigerator building and wearing a sweater in july.
goodbye to my creative girls and so many sweet people, take care my friends!
hello uncertainty.
hello to making it happen.
hello overpriced heath care.
hello 12:00 noon yoga class.
hello to working in my p.j.'s.
hello colorful, clean new studio.
hello budget and clipping coupons.
hello new passports and backpacks.
hello thursday farmer's market adventures.
hello jon's lovely guitar playing next to me while i edit.
hello to all my wonderful clients, prepare to get spoiled rotten!
Heather! I am so super excited for you to be committing your life to your passion. I wish I could be as brave and do the same full time...but unfortunately, until my business is booming...I have to stay with my crazy scheduled job, my salary, 401K and little time for yoga.
Hello to a great life for you! Keep up your amazing work...love all your images and your 'style'.
Cheers,
Jen
Posted by: Jen MacNiven | July 16, 2008 at 08:55 AM
I'm slightly delayed, in the chaos here we missed saying our "work" goodbye! But, somehow I know we will always stay in touch. Please, let's do lunch, and visit like we were in the studio...but way better! I know you will do wonderfully. Email or call when you have time.
Posted by: Patti | July 10, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Heather, you are my role model! Amazing, once again. You will do fantastic on your own.
Posted by: Laura Parker | July 07, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Thank you everyone! I can't explain how helpful your positive comments have been as I transition into a full time freelancer. Every so often my little doubting devil rears his ugly head, that's when I re-read these amazingly sweet and supportive comments!
All is going well, I am busy shooting since it's summer. And I am trying to catch up on editing all my other photos that need my love and attention.
Posted by: Heather-One Love Photo | July 07, 2008 at 02:44 AM
Congratulations! I just came across your blog! You've got some beautiful work and I am sure you will do great!!
Posted by: Holly Havenhill | July 06, 2008 at 02:31 PM
Hooray for you! That is so awesome, super duper congrats! That picture is too cute of you! Goodbye to mini at work massages hello to nice long one on your own time! Ok 12 o' clock yoga ... Totally jealous!
Posted by: Amanda Mays | July 01, 2008 at 01:04 AM
And now the flower will bloom!
Posted by: A. Friend | June 28, 2008 at 11:49 AM
To dreams and their beginnings - may they never end!!!
Posted by: Cory | June 27, 2008 at 07:44 AM
Congratulations, Heather! You are one of my all time favorite photographers. There's no question in my mind that you made the right decision. Happy Snappin' :-)
Posted by: Jamie | June 26, 2008 at 08:06 PM
yayyyy! that's amazing - congrats! (so jealous)
Posted by: Ami @ Elizabeth Anne Designs | June 26, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Congratulations! You are going to be wildly successful--much more than you can even imagine right now. I just know it!
Way to be courageous and bold, and model the way for those of us that are hesitating on our own big steps!
Posted by: Kathleen--Notes to Self | June 26, 2008 at 02:32 PM
ConGRATS! Love the pic ;)
Posted by: Lucky Red Hen | June 26, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Oh Heather! I had no idea you were working full time too. Congratulations. It's scary, but It's going to totally pay off, I'm sure of it.
Posted by: Meg @ A Practical Wedding | June 26, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Heather, that is FANTASTIC news -- I bet you're on Cloud 9 right now. :)
There is a line from a movie I totally dig ("Almost Famous") where Kate Hudson's character, 'Penny Lane' says with girlish glee, "It's ALLLLLLL happening!" Indeed, it is for you! Congratulations.
And enjoy the noon yoga sessions - sooo envious of those!
Posted by: april | June 26, 2008 at 11:37 AM
congratulations! you are going to love it! and even though it might seem scary, you'll be surprised how much you are going to be flooded with work when you can actually devote all of your attention to *your* business!!!
again, congratulations!
Posted by: chriselda | June 26, 2008 at 10:05 AM
You finally did it! So happy for you....more freedom to do what you love and enjoy daily life. Maybe I'll see you at farmer's market one of these Thursdays....
Posted by: Ella Blue Studio | June 26, 2008 at 09:21 AM
Congratulations!! That's so outrageously exciting and I wish you all the best. And I am not even a little jealous that you get to walk away from your cube...I swear...
Posted by: Darci | June 26, 2008 at 08:25 AM
That's fabulous! Best of luck to you- keep us posted on how it all goes. My husband and I are working towards the same goal with our new photography business as well.
Posted by: Elizabeth | June 26, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Congratulations! I'm so happy that you get to DO WHAT YOU LOVE! :)
Posted by: Kathryn | June 26, 2008 at 07:25 AM
Oh congrats! I raise my glass of coffee this morning to your new beginning!
Posted by: Alexa Johnson | June 26, 2008 at 06:33 AM
Congratulations Heather! What a big day - I am so happy for you!
Posted by: Martha | June 26, 2008 at 06:21 AM
Congratulations! What a wonderful feeling that must be!
Posted by: Caitlin Domanico Photography | June 26, 2008 at 04:44 AM