Well that lasted about 2 hours. I realized how much taking a single picture, every day, rain or shine, good or craptastic kind of day, well, it changed me. I made me see the beauty in something. Everyday. It also became a kind of discipline, like working out or running. The thought of not doing it made me a little sad. So I decided to jump back in and do it again this year, with a few changes. I most likely will take the pictures every day but will aim for posting them at least once per week. That way I can keep my sanity in check! At least what is left of it So here are the pictures from Week 1 of Pieces of Me 2012!

If you care to read the reason behind the pictures or see any of the pictures from Project 365 2011 they are all posted on my Facebook page. Come follow along with me!

I am not one to set resolutions. A few years back I started selecting a word and a verse as a theme for the coming year. Last year my word was “Intentional” and my verse was Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know that I am God”. My desire was to trust more in God’s presence in my life and to live intentionally out of His design for me. I wanted to be intentional about the choices I was making for a healthier lifestyle, in pursuing relationships and finding balance in all that I try to take on my plate. Talk about life changing. Being Intentional about my choices made me slow down and think through things before jumping in, which is something I have done in the past.

So this year, I have prayed and journaled waiting for my word. Several words and phrases bubbled up, but yesterday on my run it really became clear. My word for 2012. Courageous.

Eeek! Really? Courageous? I have never considered myself a person hampered by fear. I am a pretty outgoing, driven person who sets goals and puts my head down to do the work to meet them. But there is a difference between being driven and being Courageous. As I look back over 2011 I realize that I want to take the idea of living intentionally to a deeper level. I want to dive into the things that scare me. I want to be courageous in the direction I take my business this year, stepping out into creative areas that will stretch me. Living courageously is the difference between running a Half Marathon by myself and being willing to join a running a group that meets every week. It is realizing after 60 plus pounds of weight loss that I have been holding back on reaching my goal weight (another 10-20 pounds!) and being willing to work through those issues. It is what makes the difference between being Transparent and being Vulnerable, and really pursuing relationships that I long to be deeper and more true.

Courageous. Scares me already! So I will reflect on 2 Corinthians 5:7 “…for we walk by faith, not by sight.”

If I live my life always staying in my comfort zone, I will never see or experience the fullness of Gods design for me. But if I place my trust in His purpose for my life, I know there is so much more I can achieve than what I can do trusting on my own abilities. So here we go. Happy 2012! The Year of Living Courageously.

 
This trip was a little bit different for me. I very much wanted to be present for my kids, so I left my camera behind for most of the time we were there. It was a wonderful time and we played our hearts out. Looking forward to going back again next year!

And guess what today is? 100 days until Christmas! Are you like me and completely blown away by that? Where ever did this year go? Holiday Mini-Sessions are around the corner and I will be posting all the information here. SOON. I promise!

And if the saying is true, that time flies when you are having fun, then I must be wearing a great set of wings. I have been having a great time documenting my year in a Project 365 on my Facebook page. Click on over and take a look at my year in pictures so far. I will eventually post all the albums on here as well, but for now have fun browsing over on Facebook!

And since what blog post is good with out a picture, enjoy one of my favorites from this summers adventure in Colorado…

That’s all for now! Stay tuned for updated galleries and Holiday Session information, coming this week

This year I brought my camera along and had some fun capturing the light show. This is the first year I have tried to Photograph fireworks and I had so much fun playing with the settings and seeing what effects I could come up with. Here are a few of my favorites from the evening!

Hope everyone had a safe, fun filled day celebrating the amazing Freedom we have here in the U.S.! A huge thank you to all our troops who help keep it that way

It was great fun to be a part of this evening and celebration. So grateful for both John and Stacey and all they do!

So this was me and my husband  in November of 2009.

I honestly had to stop and take a deep breath right after I posted this. Wow, did I really just post those picture of me for the world to see? Well, yes. I guess I did. For a reason.

Moving on. And this is us as of last Thursday…

Hmmm. We seem to have lost a pound or two. More like almost 100 pounds between the two of us! So what did we do to get where we are today? I am so glad you asked. There are actually many parts to that story but for the sake of this blog post I will keep it simple and just tell you about one very important part of  the equation.

Meet my secret weapon.  This is my trainer, James “J.R.” Rosania and his instruments of torture Gym equipment. Ha!

He was probably thinking “Hey, go put down that camera and get on the treadmill!” Okay, maybe not exactly that. But close enough. There are a lot of things I can tell you about my trainer. And if you go on over to his Healthplex website, you can read about the numerous awards and achievements he has under his belt, such as being named one of AMERICA’S TOP TRAINERS by Men’s Journal and Vogue magazines. He offers a variety of programs for strength training and weight loss (including nutrition), Triathlon/Marathon training and Dryland Swimming. His clients range from beginners to lifelong athletes, including a sprinkling of both professional and Olympic athletes. My favorite part is that every program he offers is customized for each individual. No “one size fits all” mentality here! Which makes it perfectly do-able for me, the previous non-athlete,  to work out right along side someone who has years of training and experience. I just  go at my own pace and level.

Last year for Christmas I bought my husband, Mark, a Gift Certificate for three months of Personal Training with J.R. I have to come clean and admit I bought the package for him with the full intent of doing the same thing for me when spring rolled around. But big baby that I am, I first wanted to see what Mark thought of the whole experience before I jumped in. Well fast forward to now. I, Sandi Shipley, have become a total and complete convert. (I was going to say “addict” but that doesn’t sound quite as healthy, now does it?!) I have been training with J.R. since May. Definitely ranks high up there on my list of  Best Decisions I have ever made, both for myself and my husband. I workout with him 2 -3 times a week and love it!  I love that I now have time I set aside for myself where nothing else takes priority over me and I am doing something good for myself. All you Moms out there, I know you know what I am talking about. I can chat up with the girls if I want or just put on my headphones and lose myself in my play list and the rhythm of my workout. Is it hard? Yes, some days more than others. Is it worth it? Definitely! J.R. will push you. You will be sore. But you will be all the better for it and glad you showed up.

This was a gift that was life changing for our family. And I don’t use that term lightly. So if you have a loved one that could benefit from working with a Personal Trainer (or you want to drop a major hint for yourself!), get in touch with J.R. at jrhealthplex@aol.com or 602-295-0652. Look him up on his webpage or reach him on his Facebook page!

Okay, so now that we have a gift for Healthy bodies, lets move on to my favorite gift for a healthy state of mind. Hey, it’s all about balance!

There are days when I feel like Humpty Dumpty have fallen off my wall. That’s when I turn to the lovely and talented staff at Atmosphere Salon, who so kindly help me put it all back together!

Atmosphere, A Paul Mitchell Focus Salon,  is co-owned by sisters Danielle and Jamie. I have been a guest of this salon for three years now. And when I say “Guest” I mean “Guest”. There are salons on practically every corner here in Phoenix. Why choose this one?  Because every Stylist at Atmosphere, beyond being extremely talented in their own field,  is a student in the fine Art of Customer Service. From the moment you walk in to the time you sit your newly pampered self back in your car to leave, you will be treated with the utmost of care. Sip a Latte, Hot Cider or Ice Tea while your color is processing or your cut is taking shape. Browse the locally made jewelry before you check out. Enjoy the great music playing in the background and join in on what is most likely lively conversation going on between the stylists and other guests.

The salon itself is a beautiful wide open space with gorgeous natural lighting through out. (Which, as a photographer, I just love!!) And did I mention the Paul Mitchell part?  That translates into a consistent level of education on the newest techniques and excellent products for your hair and body. Care to try a styling tool before you buy? Step on over to the Tool Bar. I have had both Afton and Jaime walk me through different ways to use a Smoothing Iron. Hey, don’t laugh…it’s not as easy as it looks! Well, I could go on and on about this place. What can I say? I am a major fan!

Afton, Vera and Jaime are my Dream Team, although I would wholeheartedly recommend any of the stylists! Afton is my Color and Cut specialist, Vera works magic on my fingers and toes and Jaime tames those unruly eyebrows of mine.  And yes, before you ask, it does apparently take a village   I also bring all three of my kids in for their haircuts.   So drop on by and pick up a Gift Certificate for that special someone on your list.  Atmosphere Salon is located at 49 West Thomas Road here in Phoenix. You can call them at (602) 248-8300 to book your appointment or follow them on Facebook for daily specials!

Well that is all for today. We are almost home…only 7 more shopping days left.  Have a great weekend and see you here next Friday!

The first I would consider my favorite “Candy” Store. Although they don’t really sell candy. They sell Teas. Hundreds of loose leaf, delicious smelling, wonderful tasting Teas. Take a look inside Fleur de Teas…

Cozy welcoming tables and chairs, holiday decorations, Tea and treat samples…I just love this place! Rows and rows of exotic, soothing, yummy Teas. Under every bag is a little jar with a small amount of tea so you can see, touch and smell before you buy. How clever is that?!

Not to mention all the fun Tea related accessories you can buy from mugs to diffusers, hand poured Candles and even a line of luxury Bath products that smell heavenly!

And to top it all of, the owner Holly, is one of the nicest most knowledgeable people you could meet. She will gladly answer any questions and tell you all you want to know about a particular tea, or suggest one to your liking. My favorites are White Cloud, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Creme Brulle. So stop on by and buy some Tea or a Gift basket! Fleur de Teas is located at 5812 N 16th St. in Phoenix AZ. They are on the Southwest corner of 16th Street & Bethany Home Rd between the Phoenix City Grille & Salon Kismet. Find them online and like them on Facebook, too!

Continuing on our tour of Yumminess…do you know about Smeeks?? If you don’t, you should! Smeeks is a darling little one stop shop for all things sweet. I jokingly refer to Fleur de Teas as my favorite “candy store”, but Smeeks is my kids favorite, hands down!! I know they are dreaming of one or two of these treats in their stockings this year…

Smeeks also sells a nice assortment of sugar free and vegan candy as well as fun retro candy and candy from Asia and Canada. Besides the treats, you can pick up a fun gifts for all ages. They have some pretty unique items you won’t find any where else, guaranteed to put a huge smile on the face of the recipient. Plus, gotta love the little gnome!

So come, be a kid in a candy store, for real Indulge your sweet tooth and discover one of Phoenix’s best kept secrets. Smeeks is located at 14 W. Camelback Road in Phoenix, AZ. You will love them in person but you can also Like them on Facebook!!

Alas, our treat fest is over for the day. Just in time to head out and do some shopping for stocking stuffers! Hmmm, three guesses where you will be able to find me this weekend…

Next week…find out all about my three favorite places for a healthy body and mind. Until then, Happy Friday!

A father passing by his son’s bedroom was astonished to see that his bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an Envelope, propped up prominently on the pillow that was addressed to ‘Dad.’ With the worst premonition he opened the envelope with trembling hands and read the letter.

Dear Dad:

It is with great regret and sorrow that I’m writing you.

I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Mom and you.

I have been finding real passion with Stacy and she is so nice.

But I knew you would not approve of her because of all her piercing, tattoos, tight motorcycle clothes and the fact that she is much older than I am.

But it’ s not only the passion… Dad she’s pregnant.

Stacy said that we will be very happy. She owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter.

We share a dream of having many more children. Stacy has opened my eyes to the fact that marijuana doesn’t really hurt anyone.

We’ll be growing it for ourselves and trading it with the other people that live nearby for cocaine and ecstasy.

In the meantime we will pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Stacy can get better. She deserves it.

Don’t worry Dad. I’m 15 and I know how to take care of myself.

Someday I’m sure that we will be back to visit so that you can get to know your grandchildren.

Love, Your Son John

PS. Dad, none of the above is true. I’m over at Tommy’s house.

I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than the report card that’s in my center desk drawer.

I love you. Call me when it’s safe to come home.