Beautiful Art of Balance {with Shannon Ho}

After a very full week, I jumped in Chris’ truck and headed south for part of the weekend to a lake house filled with talented women. Granted – I believe we are all talented in different ways. One of the great things about the weekend was the women in attendance were embracing their talents and gifts, something we don’t always do. We had all gathered to be a part of Shannon Ho’s Beautiful Art of Balance photography workshop.  While most attended to learn from Shannon, a team of Shannon’s friends were also serving selflessly and lovingly all weekend. Along with Whitney English and Alissa Mazzenga of Feast Fine Art & Calligraphy, I attended as a Contributor.

We stayed in a gorgeous lake house. Gorgeous.

There was a private dock. Two-handed coffee on that dock.

Shannon’s friends prepared ‘lick-your-plate and get thirds’ meals. I might have slightly suggested (or begged) them to do a cooking workshop and let me come. Girls…seriously, I need to learn your ways.

Everything about the setting of the weekend felt like pampering – except the part where it was time for me to speak. That did not feel like pampering. That felt more like heartburn and nausea. Shannon asked me to share about my journey in photography, specifically ending my portrait and wedding business and starting SnapShops. I also shared a little bit about my approach to social media (this blog & instagram) and motherhood as those topics related to my small business journey. It was the first time I’ve shared my whole, long story in public. I was so nervous. Thankfully, the women smiled and no one left the room. Okay, a couple girls left the room but I think they had to fix lunch 🙂

Part of the weekend Shannon led in some hands-on teaching using an incredibly kind (and photogenic) family. I had fun shooting the bigger picture shots of the day.

Alissa taught us her approach to calligraphy. I don’t have very pretty handwriting, but it sure was fun trying it. I’m excited to practice…

Saturday night’s dinner on the patio…a dream for photographers.

There are so many things I walked away with this weekend. Practical challenges from others regarding my business. Personal challenges for me regarding my time. Spiritual challenges regarding my walk with Christ. Looking back at the weekend, I think one of my favorite things was watching Shannon and her friends. While Shannon poured into the women attending, her friends were serving and supporting Shannon. They were helping Shannon’s dreams come true. Julie Bennett led worship all weekend. She has an infectious smile and a welcoming laugh. On instagram, she wrote about the girls serving, “two words to describe these women. Dangerously selfless.”

Dangerously Selfless.

I can’t stop thinking about those two words.

I want to live dangerously like that….