Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Thankful, day 14. (overwhelmed)

Overwhelmed in the best way.  And that's what I'm thankful for today.

Being overwhelmed is usually a negative thing... but let me tell you, when it floods in with goodness, its an amazing, silly smile, glitter and skipping kind of a situation. 

Yesterday I got a letter that floored me.  I could probably go on about this letter forever.  The pure gratitude I feel... I am seriously speechless.


It was from my gymnastics coach in high school.  (and Jill I hope this is okay I'm blogging this)  In high school, Jill was the pretty gymnastics coach with the awesome dog that was often brought into practices (the reason I own Lola today...lol).  We've judged gymnastics here and there together, and I've always enjoyed her presence and sweet disposition.   I remember one night judging gymnastics at Jackson High... we talked and talked... and it was the first time I looked at her as more than my coach.  I left feeling inspired and told Ryan all about our conversation; feeling encouraged by her words.  (Jill do you remember this?? :)

Anyways.  This blog.  I don't know what it is to you.  Or anyone.  When I write it's with a bleeding honesty that I often regret the morning after. 

But to receive a letter from someone that you admire so much... its overwhelming.  In a good way.  And Jill I just can't say thank you enough.  To know you read what I have to say and it's impacted you... well... overwhelming.  Just thank you, thank you a million times over.

The second thing that knocked me off my feet this week was THIS.

When I first started in photography I lived on I Heart Faces.  It's like the cream of the crop.  Beauty seeps through the screen and makes me want to take out my camera to try and recreate it in my own world.  The photographers on there;  they're like...incredible.  I've submitted photos here and there when I feel like I've got a really good photo... but to be honest, I don't participate regularly in their challenges because of the sheer intimidation.  There are hundreds of entries and always fancy, schmancy guest judges.

A friend (thanks Amber!) tagged me in a post this morning; and it was my picture.  On I Heart Faces.  I had placed.  My picture had struck the eye of someone very talented and it placed.  And I'm still shaking my head in disbelief.  I'm feeling... you guessed it... overwhelmed ;)

God knows what He's doing.  I know I say that all the time.  But its so blatantly obvious at certain times and now is one of them.  These things; the letter from Jill;  the photo recognition... they came at times when I needed, CRAVED something positive. 

So Jill... I Heart Faces  you've overwhelmed me with positivity and goodness.

And for that, I am thankful.

Thanks to all of you guys who read this.  Thanks for all of the support with my photography. 

I wish I could sprinkle goodness and glitter over you all.  And I swear I'm not smoking anything.  I'm just....

Overwhelmed. :)



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PS- The Dream Jar  winner has been picked!  Special post about that tomorrow :) 






3 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh Ashley! Congratulations on placing with your beautiful photo! You deserve 1st place in my mind, but just to be recognized is incredible!

And I love that your friend and former coach reached out to you. Getting that feedback from someone who has touched your life is an amazing gift. It like God saying keep doing what you are doing, it matters.

I want to repeat that from my heart as well ..keep doing what you are doing because it really does matter. :-)

Unknown said...

Thank you :)

Jill said...

Ashley, I remember those days of bringing in Toby to gymnastics practice and you saying you are going to get a boxer someday!!
I also remember out night at Jackson high, like it was yesterday! That was a turning point in our relationship and in my life (believe it or not) Thank you for that!!
You and your family will always hold a special place in my heart!! My Henry and Lola are everyday reminders of you (and your Henry and Lola:)
Thank you for the blog filled with kind words, and everyday eye openers!!!
XOXO